The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-08-15
INDIANA DEMOCRATS.
Governor Matthews Was Made
the Temporary Chairman.
He Talks About Sturdy Blows"
Democracy Has Dealt
REPUBLICANS BLAMED
All Our Troubles Due to Them
He Says.
Democrats Have Done Noble
Work for Tariff Reform.

INDIANAPoL1s, Aug. 15.-The largest
convention IN the history of the Demo
cratic party in Indiana, convened at 10
o'clock in Tomlinson's hall this morning
There were LIZA accredited delegates
seated on the main floor. Although the
weather was intensely warm, the great
hall was filed with spectators who fan-
ned themselves into state Of compara-
tive comfort The hall was elaborateIy
decorated with bunting and American
flags The only pictures to be seen were
those OF Gov. Claude Matthews, Of In
diana. President Cleveland and the late
Thomas A. Hendricks
They were all steel engravings, and
the presidents, which was the largest Of
the three, hung Immediately above the
presiding officers head The large
Tag which was wrapped around
the Hendricks monument at its un-
veiiiug, hung from the center Of
the ceiling in tile middle of the hall. The
state band located in the rear gallery
played on the slightest provocation and
kept the audience in an enthusiastic
mood until the convention got down to
business
The committee on permanent organi-
cation reported and named Gov NJ at
thews for permanent chairman OF the con
vention, amid a great burst of applause
following the mention Of Gov. Matthews
name
In his opening remarks, Chairman
Taggart expressed confidence in a Dem
ocratic victory in November.
Chairman Taggert of the state central
committee. called the convention to order
and introduced Governor Matthew's, the
permanent Chairman who was received
with loud cheers.
GOV. Matthew Speech
Among other things Governor Mat
thews said:
"In assuming control of the govern
ment, no party ever encountered such
tremendous difficulties as met the Dem
ocratic party, and no greater struggle to
fulfill the promises and redeem the
pledges il had made in its declaration Of
principles of 1892, was ever made
"One by one these pledges are being
redeemed: through the heroic efforts Of
our representatives in congress, the
iniquitous and unjust federal cleo
ton law has fallen beneath our sturdy
blows; the promise to repeal the silver
purchasing clause Of the Sherman act
has been fulfilled, and the belief enacted
into law that no special privileged
class Of property shall escape its lust
share Of the burden of tax even though
il be the hitherto boarded and sacred
green back or national currency.
mo grander opportunity was ever pre-
sented 20 a political party than that
placed within the reach of the Demo
cratic party We shall earnestly oppose
and bravely meet an open, honest foe,
who by inheritance and teachings may
never have been with or for US. But
those. who marching under the banners
of Democracy. abandoning Democratic
principles and forgetting the sacred
cause of the people, would place OBJ
stacles IN the way of localzing great
national truths Of government. let them
beware that Indignation Of aroused
and outraged party.
"Where President Cleveland. trusted
leader, viii be true to lead, we shall be
brave enough to follow. The Demo-
cratic party has at times suffered defeat
IN the past and may meet tenn porary de-
feats IN the future, but it never surren-
ders. Surrender will only come when
the cause OF the people to which it has
ever been true, when representative gov
ernment, which It has faithfully defend
cd and the great principles it has advO-
Gated shall have been eternally lost
The line marked out by President
Cleveland in his message of 1897, his re-
cent letter to Congressman Wilson, the
platform Of 1892, will be strictly adhered
10 and followed until a complete revis-
ion and reform in national taxation is at
tanned
Through storm and through sun
shine, the Democratic party has been the
persistent friend, able advocate and
brave defender Of silver. l do not be-
lleve the day has come when we pro-
pose, or can afford in the interest Of tho
people, to turn our backs upon this met
a. 1t Is an important product Of the
country and from the days Of our fathers
down through all the wondrous aud
amazing growth of our country we have
found il useful, safe, valuable medium
Of circulation. y
The Platform.
At the conclusion of Gov Matthew'S
speech, the following platform was read
and adopted It endorses the record Of
the Democratic party in Indiana and con-
tinuss:
I'VE denounce tariff protection of
every kind fraud and robbery OF the
great American people for the benefit Of
a few.
I'VE approve the efforts of President
Cleveland and his administration and Of
the Democratic house Of reDresentatives
and of a large majority of the Democrat
lc senators and particularly our
distinguished senators from Indiana
hon. d. w. Voorhees, and Hon David
Aurpie, and our entire Democratic dele
CATION IN congress TO redeem the pIedg ges
made to the country by the last Demo
cratic convention and to execute the will
OF the American people as expressed at
the ballot box in 1892"
lt condemns the course of the Repub-
Alcan party and especially condemns -