The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-06-13
IEDIAHA AND IT'S CANDIDATE.

IEDIANA And ITS CANDIDATE.
A combination Of circumstances point to
the nomination of Western man at Chicago,
and to Indiana as the State from which the
candidate will he chosen. Indiana belongs to
the group of central Western States which ex-
srt controlling power in national politics.
The center of political power has moved
steadily westward with the center of popula-
ton. The latter, as shown by the census re-
ports, moved by decennial advances into Ohio,
across that State, and finally beyond its
the center of population was in Ohio the CEN
ter Of political influence seemed to be there.
and the political power of the State was at
its zenith. During the war, and for several
years afterwards, Ohio had a controlling infu-
ence In national affairs. Fora series of years she
furnished more prominent men in civil and
military life than any other State. including
two Presidents, and third who, born in
Ohio, was nominated from another State. But
the course of political empire moves with the
center of population, which, as already
stated, is now in Indiana. How long it will
remain within the borders of the State re-
mains to be seen. Enough for the present
that it is here now and that by the logic of
events it augurs q controlling power in ma
tional politics. The seat of political power
has passed from the East, and now rests in
Indiana.
1t happens, also, that at present the East is
not presenting any candidate for President
who combines the elements of character. fit
ness, availability and national reputation in
such degfee a. to give that section of the
country the commanding influence it has
sometimes welded. The Eastern States have
many bright and able Republicans but since the
withdrawal of Mr.. Blaine there is none whose
name overshadows all others, or whose nomi-
nation would, in itself, give assurance of sue
cess.
1t happens, also, that as political parties are
now divided and political power apportioned
the fifteen electoral votes of Indiana will almost
certainly decide the contest. Indiana, mid
way between the East and the West, also
holds the balance of political power. 1t offers
to the Republicans, if not the only prospect
brightest that appears in any quarter. The
logic of events indicates it is the battlefield
which, above all others, offers the most
chances Of victory. OF the five great States
of the Union it is the only one that is always
marked as doubtful in politics. In popular
vote of more than 500, 600, Indiana generally
gives but a meager plurality one way or the
other. The parties are so evenly divided
that it takes but very little to tutn the scale
either way.
1t happens, also, that Indiana is able to pre-
sent a candidate who meets every requirement
of the party. every demand Of the hour and
every condition which, by the force Of cir
cumstances and the logic of events, points to
this Is the pivotal State. With full appre-
citation of all the circumstances, and of the
responsibilities attaching to their action, the
Republicans Of Indiana present Gen. Benja-
min Harrison as . candidate who completely
fills the requirements of the situation. If In
diana had no claims on the convention she
would not present a candidate. Ii she had
no candidate she would not present her claims.
Her claim is that her fifteen electoral votes
are essential to Republican success, and her
candidate is the only one who can make them
sure beyond shadow Of doubt. General
Harrison is an ideal candidate. The Indiana
delegation which goes to Chicago to present
his name, and urge his nomination, will chal-
lsnge any State or any delegation to name a
candidate who possesses many elements of
political strength as General Harrison, and
who can, at the same time, give assurance of
carrying Indiana. As the logic of events
points to the nomination of Western man,
and to Indiana as the State which ought to
furnish the candidate, it is a fortunate omen
of success that she is able to offer one who so
completely meets the requirements of the sit.