The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-24
REPUBLICAN PROSPECTS.
Chairman Huston Gives Good Advice, and In
dicates Probabilities of the Campaign.

Gonnersviile Letter in Cincinnati Commercial Ga
zette.
..What do you think of the outlook politically,
in Indiana" asked him Hon. J. n Huston.
sWell, think indiana can be carried by the
Republicans in the coming contest, as it was in
the campaign of 1886. when we elected the en-
tire State ticket. or. course this opinion is
predicated upon the idea that wisdom and pru-
ton, and that our State will be considered in
the selection of a national ticket, and also that
we should act discreetly in the selection of
our State ticket From my experience
in the campaign of 1886 l fully realize the inn
portance and urgent necessity of the most thor
ough organization, and without such think
but little can be accomplished It is evident
that the Democracy preparing for the battle.
and will expend greater effort on their organiza-
ton than before. consequently it will be
required that do the same. l regard Indi-
ana as an essential factor for the success of
either party, consequently every inch OF ground
will be contested Indiana is, and has been for
many years, doubtful State. and 1t can only
be won by hard fighting, in which thorough Or
ganization is the potent element"
'To what do you attribute Republican sue
cess in 1882"
There are many causes 1 might assign, but
will only enumerate a few First. it was DIS
an avowed candidate to succeed himself IN the
United States Senate and it was known that he
would be the Republican caucus nominee for
that position. To prevent his return to the
Senate the Democrats had shamefuly gerry
wandered the State, and had SO made legislative
districts that, as they supposed, under the most
working majority on joint ballot By
the vote on which their gerrymander
was based they would have majority
of more than fifty. Such majority 1T was
thought lmDOeSjble overcome, but NJ. Harrl-
son entered the fight undismayed, and made a
brilliant canvass of the State The marvellous
gains made in members of the General As
sembly can be taken but as & measure OF his
personal popularity with his party in the State.
Recognizing that it dstinctveiy his fight,
the committee constantly kept him advised of
the situation. There also an evident desire
On the part of the people to rebuke the damna-
bic outrage perpetrated on them by the appor-
Torment bill of 1855. Again, the several Repub-
lican papers of the State did more effective work
than before: county organizations
were, as a rule, exceptionally good; our State
ticket was of frst-class material. all being
young, active. vigorous men and stalwart Repub-
publicanS. The party organization throughout
the State effected in February, thus giving
the committees an opportunity to do excellent
work in the April elections and to famlllarlZe
themselves with the conditions throughout the
State The failure of the Democrats to investi-
gate the condition of the State Treasury. tle
damaging reports against the management OF
the benevolent institutions, and many other
questions discussed curing the canvass,
and all mad their bearing"
How do you feel about taking the chairman
ship again?n
II have considered that matter somewhat. as
few of my friends have asked mo the same
question. AT this time hardly know how to
answer it. / have had no expression from the
Republicans at large throughout the State. and
in a campaign fraught with such Importance as
the pending one think the whole party should
be consulted. The chairman should be we'll
known. and man in whom the people have the
utmost confidence, one whom they would recog-
f0~ hall
would be met with immediate and
cheerful response. L appealed TO
our friends. and thirty days before
the election of 1856, made statement in writ
ing of what could be accomplished if the aid re-
quired to get out the voters was furnished, but
to no avail. No confidence WAS felt in my pre-
dictions. Hence l feel some one should DO in
charge this year who has had large experience
and years of service in the State work. Under
stand. am not saying whether would assume
the responsibilities or not l think that whoever
does take the craftsmanship, the party should
see that he had all the assistance required, and
instead of imposing SO heavy tasks upon him. it
cares and respon sibilities. think that
this year headquarters should be opened
at Indianapolis immediately after the organiza-
ton of the committee in February. This, il
should take the craftsmanship. would entail an
absence from my home and business for at least
nine months, sacrifice which but few would
contemplate for moment The district COM
mitteemen will be chosen the I'd of February,
and on the 10th will meet at Indianapolis and
organize. [ have no fears but wise and proper
selection will be made. and that the committee
will thoroughly consider the matter before max
ing choice. In 1856 was elected . member
from this district. and at the organization was
made chairman"
evil You be a candidate for membership Of
tho State committee from this dstrictf"
s'No, sir. We have many in the district OF
mgre experience in politics than myself. and
bslieve in dividing the honors and distributing
tan burdens. / will find some place where I can
ss all am able for the good of the party
could say right here that TOO much care cannot
be taken in selecting committee. for very much
depends upon the members. They should be
discreet men, who are able and willing to give
their time in effectng a thorough organization
A district committeeman must expect to be
called upon to go into each county of his district
and there advise with the party and fully post
may advise the full committee. 1 regard the
selection of good committee as the first great
step toward success"
What is your idea regarding the kind of q
campaign that will be most effectiye2 Would
you FAVOR still huut2
mo, sir. but the reverse / would favor an
active, vigorous, old-time Republican campaign.
Our platform should ring of the true metal. and
our principles be proclaimed from the house.
tops. | am in favor of q school-house campaign,
such we had in 1880.
You said while that much would de-
pend on whether Indiana should be considered
in making up national ticket. What did you
mean by that remsrkp'
Il meant this: Indiana ia, as / eaid q doubt
ful State, and it is necessary to Democratic
cess, consequently the Democrats will fight for
it with all their powers. 1t is equally necessary
to Republican success. The chances of our car
rying New York ten to against us.
Cleveland carried it in 1884. when had all
the machinery; now the machinery is in the
hands of his friends. Ee get as large a
majority in New York city will be necessary
to give him ths State He makes professions OF
reform. and all that, but he has friends who
will resort any means TO secure mis- success.
and they will to it that the majorities in
New York and Brooklyn large enough to
give him the State His free-trade message
was delivered alone TO catch the importers of
New York. The great importers of the country
naturally free traders, and New York is the
great importing center of the country. New
York being against us. it will be necessary to
have Indiana 1t is almost idle to talk of carry
ing any of the Southern States, not that they
are Democratic, but because a free ballot
and fair count will not be permitted.
Cleveland's free trade message has
stirred up opposition to him in that quarter.
/ have inst retnrned from a visit to Alabama.