The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-19
DOESN'T FULFILL PROMISES
An Indiana Democrat Finds that Sena-
tor Voorhees, Is Losing Influence.
Why He Has Not Procured the Appointment
of More 0ffice-Seekers-A New Phase
Of a Recent Incident.

from Washington credited Senator voorhees,
with praiseworthy utterances of Postmaster
general Dickinson. The Senator was quoted as
stating that Dickinson was the most thorough
bred and thoroughgoing Democrat IN the gov
eminent, and that he recognized the necessity
of rewarding party workers. that, upon the
recommendation of the Senator for an appoint
ment, the Postmaster general only inquired it
the applicant was a good Democrat and the man
TO be removed Republican. and, when answered
affirmativey in both instances, the remova, was
made instantly and the appointment promptly
followed Those who read Of this incident and
absorbed the quotations from the Senator were
impressed that the removal and appointment
cited were made at the suggestion of the Indi-
ana Senator. Such appears not to be the CASE
although Mr.. Voorhees, would have his constitu-
ents and the people of the country at large SO
believe.
An Indianian who has been absorbing affairs
At the national capital for some time, and pay
ing special attention to Indiana matters in
Washington, and who is known throughout the
State, was seen yesterday by a Journal reporter.
The gentleman is Democrat, and has been in
the counsels of the Democratic wing of the In
diana delegation in Congress for some time, and
his information is direct and fresh. Speaking
of the recent utterances of Senator Voorhees,
referred to above. he said: 81 happened to be
in the Postmaster generals Office few days
after the Voorhees, interview was published. and
heard some observations from one who knows all
about the facts in the case. They are altogether
uncomplimentary to the Hoosier Senator
will tell you the truth of the whole matter. W. V.
Lucas q one-legged Union soldier of Peru. this
State. applied a long time ago to voorhees, for
messeneershIp in one of the departments,
nv n
procured for him. The place was promised
him; but after writing of letters,
Lucas became very much discouraged, gsvo
up oil hope of the fulfllment Of promises by
Voorhees,, and addressed of the Democratic
Indiana members. Lucas in bis letter to the
member said that he had no hopes. whatever, of
appointment could not be procured without
him The member went to the Postoffice De-
partInent with the letter and saw the Post
master general, who, after considerable
search and little delay. said he would make q
place. Just after tie Postmaster general prom
ised remove a Republican and appoint Lucas,
Senator Voorhees, came into the room. The
Postmaster general asked HIM il he would in
dorse Lucass appointment, which there was
an affirmative reply. Then the question
asked il Lucas was good Democrat. and the
man to be removed Republican. 1t will be
that Voorhees, had nothing to do with the
matter further than to indorse Lucas. The re-
moval and appointment were arranged before
Voorhees, entered the room. and upon the
recommendation OF the Indiana Representative.
but when he saw that the appointment was to
bemads herushed out and into print praisng the
Postmaster general. and assuming all credit
for the work!
IT never heard of a man running down so rap
idly in an official position. and in politics. is
Senator Voorhees,. He has utterly failed to
fulfill his promises that very few Indiana Demo
Gratis apply to him now for appointments. He
has made thousands of promises and has not
kept per cent of them. Indiana Democrats
say he does not answer their letters, and when
they 60 to Washington to see him he gets as
cross as bear and abuses them roundly. 1
know q prominent Democrat in Delaware county
"A man who is known all over the State for his
vigor Democrat and ability a man-who
has been treated in the most outrageous man
ner by Voorhees,. This Democrat does not say
anything himself, but his friends are mad as
hornets. Voorhees, promised him and his friends
more than year ago that he should be given an
appointment, and he has failed in every par
ticular to do anything that he said he would
do. The hundreds of Democrats from the
State who have applied to Voorhees, for favors
beginning to learn whore the trouble rests
The Senator, in the first place. reserved his
strength and refused TO help men throughout
the State in their efforts to procure appoint
ments for the purpose of being stronger to
secure places for John Lamb, Tom Hanlon
Bert Kelley, and the gang at ferre Haute Then
followed long relapse during which voorhees,
continued TO reserve his strength and refused to
push good men for modest places they aspIred
to. They were unable to understand his mac
When the appointment of a United States dis
trict attorney for the District of Columbia
made the other day the object of the Senator
was made visible. He had been reservng his
strength with the administration to secure the
appointment OF his nephew. John Paul Jones.
The nephew was not appointed and now the
Senator is not only sour and sore headed at the
administration, but everybody who mentions
Office to him. In all candor and fairness, I
dons see where Voorhees, friends in In
diana"