The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-14
GRAY PRAISES CLEVELAND
Indiana's Governor Does Some Talking
That May Be Helpful to Elm.
The Opening of the Hendricks Clubs New
Rooms Affords Capt. Myers a Chance
to Help Along His Candidacy.

The Hendricks Club has eight rooms on the
second floor Of the Gallup building. formerly oc-
cupied by the State Board of Agriculture, and
having furnished them at considerable expense
opened them last night with large amount of
oratory in lauding Democrats and Democracy.
The audience-room was crowded with members
of the club and their friends while many
more stood about tine walls and in
adjoining rooms. John W. Kern was the first
speaker. He served to set the enthusiasm go-
ing by extolling the party's principles. praising
its leaders and denouncing the Republicans. He
is always entertaining, but the new home of the
club gave him especial inspiration in predicting
great results In the fall which would add more
glories to the Democratic record. and in bring
ing abous which the Hendricks Club could in JUS
tice claim great share
Governor Gray contributed in making his
party friends feel joyful by congratuating the
club on the united front the party presented as
to a leader and platform. The frat was in the
person of Grover Cleveland and the second in
principles he had enunciated. which were
familiar to everyone in the United States.
Nothing more he thought was necessary to Sc
cure victory. IN contrast with the Demo
cratic unity and harmony was the chaotic condi-
ton of the Republicans, both as
to platform and candidates. His hear
ers were amused at the facetiousness
in which he INDUCED in describing the Republic
candidates. In his opinion all were like
Blaine who. he said, was afraid to make the
race. The Governor did not regard civil-servce
reform with any degree of liking, and he reiter-
ated the Hendricks doctrine that the service
should be composed of honest and efficient Off
GERS who should always be in sympathy with
the administration. For this his auditors
warmly applauded hin, which they did not fail
10 do whenever he mention ned the name Of
Cleveland.
Congressman Matson was expected to be
there but he failed to come. His chief competi-
tor for the gubernational nomination. Capt. W.
r.. Myers, made the most of the opportunity by
renewing allegiance to Democracy in extolling
the character and deeds of Hendricks, indorsing
inqualifedly the administration of Cleveland And
announcing that he favored Governor Gray for
the vice-presidency. He did this. it is pre-
sumed, to put himself squarely In the tide or
local Democratic sentiment relating to the Gov
errors candidacy. Matson, who is charged
with being supported by the Washington enc
mics of Gray, has. far public announce
ment is concerned, disregarded his sentiment.
leaving Captain Myers to take advantage of it.
John Keightley, of Memphis Tenn, told the
audience what he knew of Southern Democrats.
He once lived in Franklin county, and was q
delegate TO the first convention. back in the '50s,
that honored Thomas A. Hendricks with NOM
Vice president. and, coming into the present
said that Indiana had fine opportunity
of furnishing the next Vice-president. The
Democrats of the State ought to go to ST. Louis
eody for Gray. If this done Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Ten
nessee would support them. He was familiar
with the views of many leading Democrats in
those States and ne knew they preferred Gray.
The meeting had more of the character of
Gray about it than that of opening of the
new club rooms. John Ostermau, candidate for
county treasurer, by passing around two or
three boxes of cigars. was the only feature sug
gestve of dedicatory festivities. The clubs
eight rooms will answer all the needs of the
gaRization for years to come. The audiences
room fronts on Tennessee street. and is neatly
furnished. A bust OF Hendricks and picture
of Cleveland, the only noticeable decora-
tons. Back OF this room are two, one of which
is used by the directors. and the other is designed
for reception-rocm. On the opposite side of
the hall Is large room, which is to be open at
all times to the members, where they can find
papers on file. Back of this their committee
rooms The club only a short lease the
property, but it is proposed to extend it for five
years