The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-07-16
REPUBLICAN REORGANIZATION.

k6tU6IlCAN dAQlLA
Circumstances have rendered neces-
sary a reorganization of the Republican
State central committee in this State.
The appointment of the chairman, the
treasurer and two members of the COM
mittee 10 important federal offices re-
moves them temporarily from participa-
ton in active political management. An
executive order, as well as the spirit of
civil service reform, requires this. In
1877 President Hayes issued the follow
ing circular:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, June %, 1877.
Sir-I desire to call your attention to the
by me to the Secretary of the Treasury on
the conduct to be observed by officers Of
the general government in relation to cleo
tions:
No officer shall be required or permitted to
take part in the management OF political organ
izati0ns, c%aucuses, conventions or election CAM
paigns. Their right to vote and to express their
through the press, Is not denied, provided 1t
does not interfere with the discharge of their
Official duties; NO assessment for political ,a Up pnr ar
lowed. This rule is applicable to every depart
ment of the civil service; 1t should be under,
that he is expected to conform his conduct TO Its
requirements
This order was issued six years before
the enactmento of the present civil-service
law. 1t continued in force during Re-
| publican administrations, and was con-
tinued, in a different form, by President
Cleveland. 1t was this order that for
babe "a display of obtrusive partisan
ship" and said: "The influence of fed
eral office-holders should not be felt in
the manipulation of political primary
meetings and nominating conventions.
The use by these officials of their posi-
tons to compass their selection as dele
| gates to political conventions is indecent
and unfair, and proper regard for
the proprieties and requirements
of official place will also prevent
their assuming the active con-
duct of political campaigns" These
orders show the action of former adj
illustrations President Harrison has
not yet issued any order on the subject,
but the spirit of previous ones is still in
force. 1t effectually debars federal Of
fice-hOlders from taking an active part
III tHC pdAty OlSduLLiOlOh VI ohC hldhdSO-
ment of political campaigns.
Thus, while Indiana Republicans have
reason to be gratified that several hon.
ored and popular party leaders have
been appointed to important positions
under the government, they must also
recognize the fact that such appoint
ment practically shuts these gentlemen
outof active participation in party man.
agement and deprives the party of their
valuable services. This makes neces-
sary a reorganization of the central COM
mittee, and some of the district and
county committees will have to be reor-
ganized for the same reason.
This reorganization should be COM
pleted at as early a date as practicable,
with a view to reforming the
party lines and preparing for
the campaign next year. At the meet
ing of the central committee in this
city, on the 10th inst, the chairman
and members who have been appointed
to Office will formally withdraw from the
committee, and their places will be filed
by persons eligible for active political
service. 1t hardly needs to be said that
these selections, both in the State and
district committees, should be made with
care and in full recognition of the mag
nitude and Importance of next years
work. 1t should be the aim to infuse
into the recognized committees as
much energy and aggressiveness as pos
sible. It should be distinctly under
stood in advance that the place of COM
mitteeman or chairman of a committee
is one of work and responsibility, and
that whoever takes the places must be
prepared to meet his duties more
than half way, and discharge them with
a will. This has been the custom of our
committees, and the record must be
maintained.
The election next year will be one of
great Importance in its bearing on State
affairs, and of special interest in its re-
lation to the national administration.
Without foreshadOwing the issues at
present, it is enough to say they will be
of o nature calculated to affect our State
politics for many years to come, and
bearing very closely on the fortunes of
the Republican party in the State and
Nation. 1t is time to begin to prepare
for this important struggle, and the first
step I'm order will be the effective reor-
ganization of the central committee.
The Journal hopes that Republicans
who come here on the 10Th inst. to par
ticipate in that reorganization will
come in a spirit of unselfsh devotion to
the interests of the party, and of earnest
determination to labor for it's continued