davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
COMMENT AND OPINION.

EVERY official position that has the re-
sponsibility of helping to insure the success
that is desired and expected should be
filled by Republican in entire sympathy
with the administration. Any so-calied
civil-service reform that would make such
a change impossible is humbug.-IOwa
State Register.
IT is going to be a good deal harder for
the Democracy to hold the SOLID South the
next time than for the North to hold the
new States and the reliably Republican old
States, if this administration proves to be
a wise one That is the most discouraging
feature of the Democratic outlOok.-Minne-
apOlis Journal.
WHEN the South suppresses the intimi-
datOr and bulldoZer, and gives the negro
voter AS full and fair opportunity to be
heard through the ballot-bOx as his white
competitor, then, and not till then. will the
South be able to take care of itself. As
things now are it is not doing so.-Sacra-
mento RecOrd-Union.
MEN of ability and capital will always
and everywhere shun localities in which
violence and intolerance are rife, and the
South must expect TO pay heavy penalty
in loss of business, in poverty, and in gen.
eral stagnation until its people clear them
selves of the reproach of lawlessness and
njustice.-Cleveland Leader.
THE Southern Democratic press is full OF
panicky appeals to the white voters to
stand together and permit no political diff
ferences to divide them. The Bourbon pa.
pers loudly assert that the South is going
to be kept solid four years longer, but they
are very plainly apprehensive that the
rapid growth of o protection sentiment
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

IT is very plain that Senator John
Sherman does not "hOne" for a place in
the Presidents Cabinet. Here is what
he said on the subject at the dinner
given to POstmaster-g general Wanamak-
er by Eliot Shepard the other night: eff
there is any set of men in the United
States who deserve the sympathy of the
people, it is the officers of the Cabinet
and while I think that President Harri-
son has made good selections for his
councillors, / think that the councillors
will ere long wish that he had not chosen
them. feel very certain that General
Harrison's duty as the President of the
United States will be ably performed,
with patriotic intentions and successful
issues" Mr.. Sherman must have had
the Ohio office-seekers and their ways in
mind when he made these remarks.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE affected Democratic surprise over
the removal of Marshal Hawkins, and
the talk of disregard of civil-service
reform rules in his case is hypOcritical
nonsense. Every Democrat in Indiana
knows that Hawkins deserved removal
for his disgraceful course at the late
election, if for nothing else. Through
out his term he has proved him
self not only an offensive partisan where,
as an officer of the law, he should, above
all things, be impartial, but has shown
himself DWELLING tool of the more
intelligent, if not more INSCRIPTIONS
schemers of his party. There is no
doubt that if he had conducted himself
as an officer of the government, and not
of the Democratic party exclusively, he
might have held over until his commits
sion expired. AS it is, it is better for
the community that he should be out
than in.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
IRRESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT.

The extent to which the principle of
responsibility to the people is carried
in the Bigham bill is somewhat remark
able, though quite in keeping with other
acts of the Legislature. A body that
recognized no responsibility itself could
hardly be expected to exact it of others.
Probably the Legislature thought that,
once embarked in the work of confer
ring arbitrary power, it might as well 60
the whole length. 1t will hardly be de-
MED by the most ardent advocates of
the board system that direct response
bility to the people is the fundamental
principle of good government. 1t is, in
fact, the greatest protection and the
most salutary power possessed by the
people. 1t should prevail in all branches
of the government and in all offices. Its
value would become most conspicuous by
its abolition. We hardly appreciate its
Importance, because we have never ex-
perienced anything else. A few years of
responsibility would show the differ
ence. The elimination of the principle
of direct responsibility to the people
from all branches of government and all
Offices would make complete change in
our political system, and the change
would be wholly for the worse.
The Bigham bill legislates into execu-
tive offices three men whose CLAIMS or fit
ness for office have never been sub
mitted to a vote of the people.
One of them is to serve till January,
/, 1891, another till Jan. 1, 1892, and the
third till Jan. 1, 1893. The term of one
of them will run one year, and the term
ofanother will run two years, beyond the
life of the present Legislature. BY no
stretch of construction can the life of the
Legislature be held to run beyond the
election in November, 1890. Can a Legis-
lature confer life and power on officers
of its own creation for years beyond the
| period of its own existencef There is a
large element of responsibility here.
| The commissioners are given supreme
| power and control over the police and
fire departments, including nearly $780,
600 worth of property. They may in
crease the police force and the expense
of the fire department at pleasure and
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

Brooklyn Eagle.
The big United States cruiser Chicago is
in plight which suggests the humiliation
to which the Galena was subjected when
the tenacious mud in the channel Oft the
Cob dock at the navy yard held her in its
soft but strong embrace and delayed her
pilgrimage to Hayti several months ago.
The Chicago has been in the dry dock at
the yard for about month and half and
undergoing repainting and general over
hauling Meantime all her big new guns
have been put aboard and various mechan-
ical details of her interior arrangement
completed. The ship has been for the past
week ready to float out into the muddy wat
ers of the channel. but she cannot leave the
big blocks on which she rests in her couch
of masonry. This is owing To the fact that
it requires very high tide to take her out,
as it did when she entered the dock. She
is the biggest vessel that has ever been IN
Ii. The wind for a number of days has
been adverse to high tides, and every day
when the dock master put down his plumb
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
OLIGARCHIC DEMOCRACY.

The late Legislature demonstrated
how easily form of government, dem
ocratic in name, can be converted, tenn
pOrarily at least, into practical oil
garchy. To begin with, the Democratic
majOrities in the two houses represented
minority of the people. The funda-
mental principle OF democratic govern
ment is that the majority shall rule. In
the present case this was reversed. Then
these representatives of a minority meet
in caucus and compel a minority of their
own number to submit to the majority.
Then this majority of a minority is, in
turn, controlled and its action dictated
by small juntO of intelligent, agrees
sive, strong willed partisans, who have
no more regard for the rights of
the minority in their own caucus
than they have for the rights of those
opposed to them in politics. Finally, by
means of arbitrary rules, the gag law,
the previous question and an unscrupu-
lOus partisan Speaker, the will of the
few who constitute the juntO becomes
the decree of the caucus, the decision of
the majority, the action of the Legisla-
ture, and the law of the land. This
is democratic government in name con-
verted into Oligarchy in fact. The prac-
teal operation is that half dozen men
elected by small majorities in half a
dozen counties and representing in poll
tics considerably less than half the vot-
ers of the State, make and unmake laws
for the entire State. The people should
understand that, under this system,
their form of government is OligarchiC
6om0oraov
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Failure to Down Nye and Riley.

Jefferson City (No.) Special
The hairless humorist, Bill Nye, and the
poet j. Whitcomb Riley, were made the
subject of n resolution of inquiry intro
duced In the House this morning by DR..
Newberry of Madison. who stated that the
the Columbia Herald of recent date. in
which it was stated that Bill Nye and Riley
would appear in the chapel of the univer-
sity on March % He introduced the reso-
luton because he thought the curators of
the State University should not allow the
State buildings TO be used for such purposes.
Columbia had an opera-house, which was
the proper place for such theatricals Mr..
McGarr defended the truthful Nye and
said that his lectures were instructive and
could not come under the head of theatre
Gals. The House sustained Mr.. McGarr and
Mr. Nye can lecture in the State UNIVERSE
ty with impunity or anything else he
chOoses
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

without limit. The present police force
consists of eighty men, all told. The
new board is authorized to increase the
number of patrolmen to one for
each 1000 inhabitants. This would
make the number of patrolmen,
exclusive of officers, at least one
hundred. This increase, with the ac-
companying expense, may be ordered by
the board at any time without consult
ing the Council and without regard to
the city's finances. The expenses of the
fire department may be increased as ar
bitrarily. The Council is required by
the law to pay all bills and expenses
contracted by the board without reduc-
ton and without question. The board,
possessing these large powers, is abso-
lutely irresponsible so far as any legal
recourse is concerned They are not re-
sponsible to the people, to the Council,
to the Mayor nor to the Legislature.
They are not required to keep any
books, accounts or records. They are
not required to make any report, state
ment or exhibit of any kind at
any time. No person connected
with the city government and no
representative of the people has
authority to investigate or question their
proceedings. If they should prove
grossly incompetent or be guilty of fla
grant malfeasance in Office they could
only be removed by calling an extra ses-
sion of the Legislature.
This is personal government. 1t may
be good system, but it is not popular
government. The entire absence of re-
sponsibility to the people or to any body
representing the people, is remarkable.
Perhaps personal government, arbitrary
power and absolute responsibility are
good things, but we believe that in the
long run direct responsibility to the peo-
pie is better.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

WHATEVER criticism or censure the
Journal has passed on Postmaster Jones's
administration of the Office, there has been
no reflection on his personal integrity. His
character and standing in this regard are
of the highest. Mr.. Jones lacked the per-
sonal energy and executive ability neces-
sary for a vigorous administration of the
office, and was handicapped all the time by
his party and partisanism. His trouble was
Democracy of malignant type.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE petition asking the Board of Trade
to call public meeting to discuss ways
and means of supplying natural gas free
for manufacturing purposes bears the
signatures of large number of leading
business men and representative citi-
zens. 1t is a step in the right direction,
and if followed up may lead to great re-
suits. There is tide In the affairs of
cities, as of men, which, taken at the
food, leads on to fortune. This may be
the beginning of such tide. The prof.
ect is entirely feasible and should en-
list the immediate energy and co-opera-
ton of all who are interested in the city's
DrOsneritv
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
SEVERAL deaths from pneumonia ha

SEVERAL deaths from pneumonia have
occurred in Washington since the in
auguration, including some well-known
persons. Ex-Delegate Voorhees,, of
Washington Territory, is nowprostrated
with the disease; also, Sergeant alarms
Canaday of the Senate, who held an
umbrella over President Harrison while
the latter was reading his inaugural and
got drenched himself. The treacherOus
spring climate of Washington is pc
culiarly conducive to this disease, and it
is generally very malignant.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Captain Dawson as CleveIand's Friend.


1t is not generally known that Captain
Dawson was largely instrumental in turn
ing the tide in favor of Cleveland at the
chicago convention of 1884. When the
South Carolina delegation started for Chi
eago he was alone IN his position. Senator
hampton was pledged TO Bayard. and ex-
pected to carry. the delegation with him.
Dawson worked so effectively that when
the delegation reached Chicago all but two
members were for Cleveland; not only that,
but the South Carolina delegates worked
with the other Southern delegates to such
purpose that. when the convention met,
twO-thirds of the Southern delegates were
ready to vote for Cleveland. 1t was the
knowledge of this fact that caused John
Kelly to consent TO Cleveland's nomination.
When Captain Dawson was in New York
three years ago, he insured his life in the
Equitable Insurance Company. He did SO
at the request of some friends to whom he
said that it was absurd for him to insure
his life. as he could not afford to die and
had no intention of dying. Nevertheless
took the policy home with him.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE public has very little concern
IN the quarrel going on between the Har-
rison board and the Carson board of
trustees for the Insane Hospital. The
Harrison management has been proved
to be corrupt, but there is no assurance
that the proposed change will be an i'm
provement. The new board will be I'M
der control of the same ill-conditioned
element that is responsible for the other,
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
prosperity

WHEN Governor Hovey vetoed the bill
cutting down the fees of the Supreme
Court Reporter on the constitutional
ground that it imposed non-judicial
duties on the judges in requiring them
to prepare syllabi of their decisions,
able Democratic lawyers in the Legis-
lature laughed at the idea and passed
the bill over the Governors veto with a
whoOp and hurrah. Now the Supreme
Court, all the judges concurring, decides
it unconstitutional on the very ground
alleged by the Governor. Mr.. Griffiths
is to be congratulated on the decision,
which thus vindicates his rights and
nullifies dirty and contemplate act.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE appointment of a man to succeed
Marshal Hawkins is regarded by Demo-
Gratis as being in indecent haste. Why
sol Mr.. Hawkins is the person who, but
a few brief weeks ago, scorned the idea
of remaining in office under Republican
administration. Naturally, President
Harrison wanted to provide for the va
cancy likely to be occasioned any minute
by Hawkins's resignation.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

and has the same power for mischief.
1t is not to be trusted, and if it were
legally appointed body, would not have
more of public sympathy than now in its
effort to gain possession of the institu-
ton. Until the hospital is placed under
nOn-partisan management, the people
of the State will believe that it is i'm
properly conducted.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Office-Seekers Pulling OF Door-Bens.

At the residence of Senator Cameron. yes-
terday. there were ixty-four visitors await
ing him when he finished his breakfast,
ranking from applicants for Public Printer
down to wou1d-be messengers. Senator
visitors include not only those from his own
State, but large numbers of outsiders who
appeal to him as chairman of the national
committee. 1t is an actual fact that within
the past two days his door-bell has been
twice nnllad off
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE New York city postoffice does not
exactly 60 begging, but the fact that the
postmaster is required to give bond for
100000 makes some people little back
ward about applying for it.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

1T is a singular coincidence that an
epidemic of hydrophObia has developed
in the out-counties since the Democratic
legislative majority went home. 1t was
hardly supposed that they were so mad
as that over the discovery of the fatal
blunders in their partisan bills.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

YOUNG Mr.. Mason j. Niblack's bit of
spite work in the case of Reporter Grit
fiths proves less effective than he could
wish. This budding statesman should
learn a little law and get acquainted
with the State Constitution before he
tries it again.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

GENERAL BATCHELLER, recently ap-
pointed Assistant Secretary of the
Treasury, is member of the New York
Legislature, and says he will retain his
scat until about April in order to assist
in passing the highicense and electoral
reform bills. All right, General; you
can have leave of absence for that pur-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

washington Fost.
That gentleman who asked Senator
Edmunds: WHO notified General Harrison
that he had been elected President of the
United Statess" opened a subject for pro-
found, solicit0us, reflection. As matter
of fact nobody is authorized to notify
man that he has been elected President.
This is a very slipshod way TO run.a nation.
One of these days somebody will be elected
and won't find it out. Then where will this
glorious Republic BET
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

81 LOUIS GIQDe-DemOcrat.
Iowa has an exceptionally stringent pro-
hibtion law, and unusual energy has been
displayed in enforcing it. Yet the fifth
murder trial of the State this year has just
ended: and in each instance the intoxica-
tion of the prisoner was the mitigating cir
cumstance urged in his defense.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

Now that it has been decided that the
United States can be sued by a subject
it is to be hoped that $3.50 Ohioans out
of the 5000 who want diplomatic ap-
pointments will not bring suit against
the government for damages. The sur
plus can be disposed otto better advan-
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Premature Invitations.
Philadelphia Press.

Invitations to country fairs are already
pouring in upon President Harrison but SO
far he has not accepted one of them. Mr..
Harrison will not agree to attend any
squash exhibition until he has some as
surance that the seed of the squash has
been duly planted. The whole business is
premature.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Between Two Fires.

KANSAS CITY JOURNAL.
The judicious and fetching mean between
those two dangerous extremes, persistent
importantly and nocuous inactivity-that
is what the anxious office-seeker is en-
deavOring to attain. But in nine cases out
of ten he leans to persistent importantly.
1t is his nature to.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

LOOK out now for the Sentlners cele-
brated editorial on the souls of the
Supreme Court. The occasion is one Of
the sort that may naturally be expected
to call forth a repetition of this chaste
offnrf
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

line he shook his head saying. 81 don't
know when we'll get this monster out"
The Chicago draws about % feet of water.
The mud which is washed continually
against the dock. may, it is thought. ac-
emulate to such an extent as to obstruct
the vessels exitseven with high tide.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Woman Appreciated.
Troy Times.

Over three thousand women are now en-
plOyed in American postoffices. nearly all of
them holding responsible positions. Thisis
pretty good evidence that the government
appreciates woman's unquestionable capac-
ity for clerical work.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

THE party of the outs in Indianapolis
is trying so hard to get into the city
Offices that it is likely to break its neck
In the attempt.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Give the Old Man a Chance.

Wheeling Intelligence.
Don't crowd the President. He is think
ing it all over and will move as fast as he
can move wisely. Give the old man q
chance
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

ST.. PATRICK has several things more
than usual to rejoice over this year, and
indications are that he means to make
the most of his day.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Locking the Door After Burglar Has Gone.

chicago NEWS.
Now that the politicians have all deserted
indianapolis for Washington and the State
Legislature has adjourned, the Hoosier city
has provided itself with two police forces
This is clear case of locking the stable
door after the felonious removal of the
horse.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

CHICAGO is developing some uncommonly
slick rascals, even for that lively town.
The fact that the chief victims are mill
ionaire Board of Trade men and bankers,
instead of being, as usual, poor men strug-
Cling to get ahead. is mitigating circum-
stance in the villainous transactions of
that precious pair, Post and Davis.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Why They Are Singing Mud.

Albany journal.
In mud-throwing the advantage is al
ways with the man nearest the puddle.
This accounts for some of the things we read
In Democratic newspapers
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

cause of the annual increase of convictions
is the widespread drunkenness which now
obtains in the village communes, and is de-
moralizing and impoverishing the peas
apfrv
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

BISMARCK is at peace with all the
world-Bismarck, d. T., that is to say
since the right man was appointed for
Governor of the Territory.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
VIII Enjoy IL.
Philadelphia Press

Philadelphia Press.
Ex-President Cleveland will undoubted-
ly enjoy his voyage TO Cuba. Ii will afford
him a much-needed rest from the care and
worry of his law practice.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16

FREE natural gas for manufactures
would be great boon for the city as
well as q great boom.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
Riley and Nye i'm the Missouri Legislature.

The introduction of a resolution of in
quiry in the Legislature yesterday, relative
to the invasion of this State by Bill Nye
and James Whitcomb Riley will at least
give these gentlemen to understand that
Missouri is prepared to deal with alleged
humorists Kindly but firmly.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-03-16
A Good and Popular Name.
Boston Globe.

Boston OlODe.
Alas! the unfortunate boy babies. They
are being polled for Benjamin Harrison at
the baptismal fonts by the thousand, and
there is no Australian ballot to protect
them.