The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-08-04
THE SECOND PLACE.
Importance Of Making . Wise Nomination
for the vice-Presidential Once.
Phil adelphfa TelaUraph

Importance Of Making . Wise Nomination
for the vice-Presidential Once.
Philadelphia Telegraph
Referring to story recently published
that Vice president Morton ia said TO con-
template making an earnest effort to secure
suggests that 1t would be well for him be-
lore doing this to consult the record OF his
predecessors. 1t calls attention to the re-
markable fact that only one man holding
the second place in the federal government
during the past sixty years has been
selected second time as q can
didate by his party. This was the
famous Kentuckian, Richard NJ. johnson,
elected with Martin Van Buren,. In 1886.
and wao ran to defeat with him four years
later 1t Is another singular fact that dur
ing this period no defeated candidate for
the vice presidency has ever been noml-
mated for that office in the ensuing CAM
palgn. These certainly are facts worthy
the attention of any man. however eff
fective his means of political warfare are
in the accomplishment of his own purposes.
1t would look like flying in the face of fate
for Mr. Morton to try to held the chair he
now occupies after the 4t6 of March. 1893.
The Lincoln Hamlin-JOhnson discussion
has directed public attention especially to
the vice presidential question, and 1t may
be well for the country If some lessons grow
out OF this of an impressive and lasting
character. 1t has been too much the GUS
tom of national conventions to treat the
second place on the ticket as mere pollt-
ical make-weight. This was conspicuously
done by the Republicans. at Chicago, IN
1880. when General Arthur. of whom no
body had seriously thought in this connec-
ton heretofore, was taken up for the pur-
pose of helping the chief standard bearer
with the working politicians OF bis party
in New York. and also to placate the bit
terly disappointed aud sulking leader of the
1906" MIR. Conkling. after battling for
Grant as he never fought before. was beaten
at the game of political chess: but the
Republican party was compelled to carry q
candidate for vice-president who was al
most burden to il in every other State In
the Union. The Democratic party of the
same year put on it's ticket . man utterly
unit for the place. simply because he lived
In q doubtful state and was supposed to
have a "bar'p of money which would be
placed at the disposal of the campaign
committee. Again. in 1884. both parties
used the VICE presidential nominations
national contest the same course was pur-
sued by each convention, the Democracy
making an especial exhibition of selfish
disregard of the Importance OF the vice.
presidential chair. selecting therefor man
far past three score and ten.
Now is the time when this subject may be
profitab bly, discussed, with q view to secur-
ing wise action by the national conventions
of next year. The vice presidency. while
the President is alive and in full possession
VI OIL hio iaCuAeioo oho VIC pOiieiOoA poftfCs
in the Senate are not almost equally
divided. Is an office purely of honor. ItIsa
place where a man of real talent finds his
light under a busheL Its occupant Is not
allowed by the political practices of the
day TO exercise any important influence
upon public affairs. In this respect he 10
simply one who stands and waits for pos
sible opportunity to step into q higher
sphere of real power. But it onght TO be the
rule of the national conventions to select
for this place only men of national repute.
experience, and great ability in stateman.
ship, beyond reproach IN character, and en-
tirely qualified in every respect to I'LL the
chair of the chief magistrate. Chances
should not be taken merely for passing po-
litical effect. 1t would be wise, also. if
Pres dents themselves would give greater
and more generous recognition to the vice.
presidency. There 10 no reason why the
occupant of this office should not hold the
second place in the government in reality
as well rs in name-wield an influence In
the councils of the executive second to
none. The responsibilities of the presi-
deDcy increase with every term. and not
only should the standard for this Office be
kept to the highest point possible. but no
party should nominate for the second place
any man of whose abilities or character
there can be any doubt. The national con-
test of next year will be one of supreme im-
portance, and it Is to he hoped the candi-
dates of both the great parties for Vice.
president will at least be the equal of any
of those who have ever run for this high
0tfira