The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-01
INDIANA POLITICS.,

The reports from the Democratic mass %
conventions held over the State Saturday are
anything but reassuring to the politicians
who congregate about Democratic head
quarters. Said a prominent manipulation of
the Democratic machine last evening":
Il have yet to hear of a single. meeting
in the State where the least spark Of en-
thusiasm cropped out, or where a corporaPs
guard representation of the county Democ-
racy showed up. In most cases there were
not enough of the faithful present from
which to select even a delegate representa-
ton to the district conventions to be held
Jan. 8. The outlook is not only discourage
ing, 1t is practically hopeless. We cannot
expect to recover the losses sustained at
the late elections, under existing conditions,
between now and November. Our only hopes
for success two years hence rest entirely
with the present Congress. If the Wilson
bill passes both houses of Congress in time
TO become operative in June as designated
in the bill, the disorganiZed Democracy may
recover sufficiently to make a fight, other
wise defeat is certain"
1t is now stated on high Democratic au-
t,ority that the delegates selected in this
congressional district will re-elect Tom Tag
CART as the member of the State central
committee, and that he has been prevailed
upon TO accept the place. He will not, how
ever, accept the craftsmanship of the COM
mittee, If there be any loophole whereby he
can get out. There is a disposition on the
part of Charles Jewett and other State poll
ticianS whose stewardship in manipulating
the machine in years past, was not signal
lZed with that degree OF success which has
crowned Taggart's efforts, to force the
Craftsmanship of the State committee on him
again, knowing full we'll the disastrous de-
feat in store for the party. AS the situation
now stands Taggart is placed in a dilemma.
He plainly sees the hand writing on the
wall" and is striving TO prevent mis- being
buried in the avalanche of Republican votes
which are 6IIa In NOVQr1hpr npxt FroTn
present indications his appeals to be allowed
to retire will go UNDECIDED, and he will be
language of one on the inside tom will be
led like a lamb to the slaughter"
Joseph Reilly's candidacy for the pension
| agency has apparently 'died a bomin'"
Late news from Washington has put a
damper on the efforts that were being made
in his behalf. 1t appears that Daniel w.
Voorhees, has taken a hand in this fight as
he has in all others where patronage has
been dispensed in this State, and has con-
ceded the appointment of pension agent to
Congressman McNagny. This has appar-
emily settled the matter and 1t is accepted
as a foregone conclusion that the position
will go to the Fort Wayne district. 1t is
understood that Martin Van Buren, Spencer,
of Fort Wayne, has been named for the
place although DR.. Norman Teal, Of Noble
| county, an ex-member OF the Legislature,
is strongly recommended from the same
congressional district by others on the con-
gressional delegation. DR.. Teal has been in
this CITY ever since the death of Colonel
! Zollineer pressing his claims for recognition.
The turning down of Reilly, ostensibly on
| account Of the geographical location OF his
residence in the State. is another slap at
the State central committee. which he has
served in the capacity OF secretary for fifteen
wears. Jerome Herff, another member OF
the state committee. has been an applicant
for a consulship ever since the inaugura-
ton of Cleveland, and Ii was given out
many months, ago that he would be pro-
yided for. He recently returned home, after
hanging on at Washington for several
months and exhausting all of his available
1esources thoroughly Disguised with the
rCleyeiand method of dispensing patronage.
I'd TO date the State committee has received
no recognition at the hands or the dnsinis
tration.