The sun., 1891-06-17

As far as con be learned. Governor Gray is not
putting forth any effort In behalf Of his cand-
dacy. and 1t Is known that he has taken occa-
sion to restrain his friends when tho matter
was discussed in his presence saving that It
was too carly to act In 80 important matter,
and that whatever might be the individual am.
billions OF the citizen. 1t would be best to let
events shape the nomination. rather than to
attempt by systematic efforts to shape the
events themselves. He has thus met all solicit
tations on the subject with mild but firm re-
fusal to put forth efforts OF his own, and has
declared that he has the utmost confidence in
the wisdom Of the national Democracy. and
that their choice whatever 1t may b. should
be uninfluenced by personal ambition. the
chief consideration being to place before tho
people q man who ftly represents tho eenti-
ments and principles OF the party. who may
possess its confidence. and whose public record
is such that the Independent element will be
attracted to tho standard which he bears aloft.
The Indiana Democrats believe that Gray
possesses these qualities In an eminent de-
gree. and while they do nothing to detract from
the well-earned prestige which others have
obtained. they will be q unit In urging that In.
diana has the strongest and most available
candidate that the national Democracy could
name. There is . feeling that the electoral
vote OF Indiana will be absolutely necessary to
Democratic success In 1899. and this fact. as
we'll as decided admiration for Gray. impels
the State Democracy to a vigorous canvass in
his interest for tho first place upon the ticket.
Though the Governor is keeping his own
counsel, discouraRing rather than encouraging
his friends In tho matter Of opening syste-
mntio campaign In his interest, 1t is known
that he is receiving letters from prominent
Democrats In other States urging him to as
pire to tho nomination. Gentlemen who are
known to be In his confidence have received
similar letters. and inquiries are coming from
all sections regarding his purposes. In reius-
ing to declare them he has forced some OF bis
moro jealous. aud possibly less discreet. friends
to say that he will be . candidate. and 10 urge
members OF the party In other States to do
what they can In his interest Among tho let
ters which have been received from prominent
Democrats in other States are some which
speak freely Of the political outlook. and 10 the
most OF instances the writers say that the NOM
ination OF either Cleveland or Hill is political
impossibility and that the party must look
elsewhere for its candidate. Others coincide
in the Western view that the East has had
enough. and that the party would DO stronger
before the people with O Western man as its
standard bearer. especially as the Farmers
Alliance will place national ticket in the field.
No man acquainted with the record that Gov
ernor Gray has made as q public man will ques-
tion for moment his popularity with the peo-
pie or his complete removal from everything
that savors OF demagogism. His administra-
tlon in this state was democratic In Its sim plic-
ity and its honesty. and thoroughly business
like In all Its departments. He came into office
with majority that exceeded that Of Cleve-
land and Hendricks. who were voted for at the
same election. by nearly or quite thousand
votes, and before and after his election he WAS
the leader ofa State party that gave him O
measure OF affection second only to that which
was accorded to Hendricks. Though pursu-
Ing his profession in a quiet. unostentatious
way. he is still the favorite and leader OF his
party. the political oracle Of the State. and the
one whose nomination by the national Democ.
raoy would insure q sweeping triumph