The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-03
A CAMPAIGN oF CALUMNY.
A Vile Conspiracy Engineered by the Demo
cratic National COMMITTEES.

A Vile Conspiracy Engineered by the Deme-
cratic National COMMITTEES.
New York Mail aud Express.
So far as the management of the Republican
campaign is concerned, there has been no
thought of diverting ppDlic attention from the
main issues before the people by any sort OF
war on Mr.. Cleveland that any fair-minaed
Democrat would call offensiveiy personal His
official acts and expressions alone are subjected
to Republican criticism. But there have been
well-defned rumors for soma time past that Mr..
w. FL. Barnum, chairman of the Democratic ma
tional committee, had been trying TO procure
from purchasable and irresponsible witnesses
statements es to alleged expressions by General
Harrison during the terrible railroad riots IN
Indianapolis in 1877, indicating a lack or sympa-
thy with laboring men. The outcome OF TINS
vile conspiracy was seen Ia the yoluminous re-
ports of Q campaign-meetipg held In lndianapo-
lis ON Wednesday evening, under the direction
of a federal cfhce-holder, or no standing or
character. We alluded to these reports yester-
day. They did not show any single authenti-
Gated fact that should put General Harrison on
tho defensive. Not a single witness entitled TO
credit was obtained by the conspirators and
calumpiators.
But the friends and neighbors of General Har-
rison, Of their own motion and in his absence,
have made short work with the feeble broad
side of inconsistent falsehoods that disgraced
the columns of our Democratic contemporaries,
East and West, North and South. The whole story
of General Harrison's conduct during the most
perilous episode In the history Of Indianapolis Is
told by a printed address to laboring men, signed
by eight well known and responsible railroad
employees who know whereof they speak. Their
statement gives a fcai, complete. consistent and
self -authenticating account of the manner in
which General Harrison stood up for law and
order on the one hand, when riot was rampant,
and for clemency to misled rioters and for the
interests Of the railroad employees, when his he
roism and that of other brave leaders, of both
norfsAc ho< MT fnnalarlah la danoorC
This authenticated and undoubtedly correct
story, signed by men familiar with all the facts
and under the sense of responsibility, not only
refutes and makes absurd every hostile state
mont and insinuation in the Democratic cam
paign documents. but brings into the clearsst
light the courage, frsnKness, humanity and
sagacity OF General Harrison, under pressure
Of circumstances amid which only high moral
heroism and unaffected humanity could suffice
to hold Q man up to bis full duty.
The record OF this splendid sud spotiess cpl
sode in General Harrisons career is signed by
j. O. Hicks, who was the yardmaster for The
l., c. e. L. r. r. ia Indianapolis. before, during
and after the strike, and its truthfulnees is at
tested by Joseph Avsrill, general ~yardmaster,
Vandalia line; Joseph Sanger, secretary Yard
masters Association; Alexander r. McAlpins,
superintendent Western Car Company. late
master mechanic Decline road; Augustus ID.
Shaw, assistant yardmaster, C., c., Z. a /. r.
R.; David S. Crawford, yard conductor, Van
dalia line; John Wethers, s~wltchman, Big -Four
road, corner Louisiana and Mississippi streets;
William p. Mcbride, engineer, C., ST l.. 81 P.
r. r.
These are responsible witnesses, with peculiar
opportunities for knowledge of all the facts.
Their testimony win not be doubted and cannot
be overcome. They show that General Harri-
trying emergencies. One part of this testimony
shows a phase of General Harrison's character
that will endear him to the people. There was
impatisnce manifested at the delay to dispense
the mob by a charge Of the militia. There
were," says the statement, loud words by
those favoring dispersion Of the mob, mingled
with insinuations that not TO march down and
compel order, now that they had the power. was
a policy of cowardice. In reply to this General
Harrison for once lost his usual calm demesnor,
and with the fercensss of q lion hurled back the
unworthy insinuation OF lack OF any ones
courage, intimating that the lack OF that
quality was rather with the parties who
insisted on going down, with now over
whelmine numbers, on to the strikers. One
OF the number in favor OF charging the mob
shouted out: III we wait another day they viii
all be gone Instantly General Harrison ex-
claimed: In Gods name, gentlemen, isn't that
and the threatened riot and bloodehed avertedT
This noble expression fell like q thunderbolt of
truth among them, and Joined to the impas-
stoned manner Of the speaker commanded she
judgment aud assent OF all. It was a dramatic
moment. As prophesied, another day saw peace
ana orders restored, and the wheels Of traffic
began to move again"
So far as General Harrison is concerned, we
are not sorry that a conspiracy Of calumny has
drawn out such a manifeetly truthful and glow
ing record Of his display of the highest and best
qualities. That riot episode will be familiar TO
every intelligent American. aud it will inspire
with a fresh enthusiasm the popular admiration
for q man whose record, from beginning 10 end.
can safely invite the most microscopic ana ma
lignant scrutiny. General Harrison is fortunate
in his enemies.
But will Mr.. Cleveland allow Mr.. Barnum, OF
Mr.. German, or Mr.. Brice TO encourage vicious
personalities in this csmpaien2
Let the President call off his dogs! re-