The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-09-09

night
MIR. Fairbanlxs's Speech.
Mr.. Fairbanks was introduced to
the audience by the Mayor In
prefacing his speech Mr. Fairbanks
thanked the Morton Club for its attention.
then eulogized the name of Morton and
paid glowing tribute to the city of Evans
vile. Mr.. Fairbanks spoke at length on
State and national issues Regarding State
affairs, he said:
While the unfortunate management Of
national affairs makes the overthrow OF
Democracy imperative. the conduct or
equally necessary. The creation OF a vast
debt that has for years sorely distressed
the people, the enormous increase of taxes
maintenance OF an obnoxious system OF
partisan boards, the shameless acts of the
Roby Legislature, the re-enactment of the
detestable gerrymander, render the over
throw Of Democracy in Indiana the duty
of the hour.
Among the misfortunes which the Demo
cratic party has lately inflicted upon the
country, not the least grievous was the last
Legislature The dominant element in the
General Assembly was guilty of acts OF
profiigacy and perfidy that have no coun.
terpart in the history OF legislation In the
State. Summoned in the name of economy;
expenses were incurred neediessiy and
recklessly. Unnecessary doorkeepers were
employed at large wages and in defiance OF
all respect for the interests OF the people.
and for the sole purpose of giving party
workers a chance at the treasury of the
State. The halls of the Legislature were
overrun with superfiuous doorkeepers that
it was uncertain for weeks whether the
Legislature had the doorlzeepers the
doorkeepers had the Legislature. The &C.
tion of the Legislature IN this respect was
nothing short of State scandal.
The unseemly wrang.e between the Gov
ernor and the Legislature over the ques-
tion. as to restoring the appointive power
memory of the people. A Democratic Leg
islature had taken the power from the
last Republican Governor. and the Demo-
cratic Governor wished the power restored
that he might reward his party servants.
The contest was long and bitter between
people was squandered in the contest, and
important and pressing public business
was neglected and necessary legislation
Legislature wrestled for the spoils. The
Indianapolis Sentinel, with characteristic
courage, sought to recall the Democrats
to their duty to the people. Referring to
the warning factions, IL said:
They snarl. and growl and threaten,
apparently care not whether they are right
or wrong so long as they carry their point
The spectacle is sickening. The peoples
ed legislation is neglected. and a frightful
example of incompetency is being estab-
lished TO rise up and torment the majority
This picture is true to nature. II neither
over nor understates the truth. Regardless
of this severe warning, the fight proceeded
with unrelenting viruience: the lobby OF
the Governor was poured in upon the Leg
islature. and his opponents were equally
aggressive. and the great public business
of the State waited while the ravenous
factions OF Democracy contested the prize.
amp05ns Of sPeS5sere ba awakenea
the people of the State, and their indig-
nant judgment is near at hand.
After wraIglfng over the offices tht
Legislature wrangled over the appropria,
lions. The various factions struggled fof
me mastery, Public good; public economy
10 vote the bounty OF the State upon theii
respective favorites: The scramble was
the people of the State which had been
gathered into the treasury. The. unseemly
contest aroused the attention Of the peo-
pie of all parties at the time.
DEMOCRATIC TESTIMONY.
The best representatives of Democracy
condemned il at the time sharply as IL
was rebuked by the Republicans The
Sentinel carmel the grateful recognition OF
the people by its sharp condemnation OF
the methods employed. All the time 10
graphically and truthfully said:
I'VE are weary of these hypocrites. We
are weary Of the men who make great
protestations of economy at country cross
roads and then come here TO load the
Democratic party with the odium of en-
ploying unnecessary doorkeepers. We are
weary of these pharisees who profess great
Opposition to increase OF salaries, and vet
increase the salaries Of their friends and
reduce those of the objects OF their dis
like. We are weary of these self-appoint-
ed representatives who bear the same rela-
ton to the agriculturist that the Colorado
potato bug does TO agriculture. There
is only one way of doing them exact and
even-handed justice, and that Is TO pin
them on the wall and let the public view
them in their true character"
Would that these words could sink into
the good memory OF every honest voter in
Indiana. They tell the story more truth
but recall the acknowledged history OF
the time. Such is the record the Demo-
cratic party presents for approval to-day:
for upon its deeds done IL asks retention
OF power. By its record IL must be judged.
How long will the indulgent people of tbs
est and best interests? Such a record is
travesty upon government; IL shocks all
sense Of economy. Such things are the le-
gitimate fruit of the gerrymander. Nc
upon power Is doubly strong would ever
dare to so set at defiance the better senu-
ment OF the people OF all parties.
The Legislature seemed 10 be inspired by
a purpose TO let nothing escape that would
rewards OF its favorites. II coveted a foot
hold I'm Republican cities, and. In disregard
OF the plainest principles OF local self
government, IL created metropolitan police
boards for cities that neither asked nor
diana that is not capable OF self-govern-
ment There is not cne that is not In
fnitely better governed than was the Leg
islature which sought 10 arrest a portion
auires the Governor 10 meddle With its
affairs by appointing police boards. and at
heavy expense. Let the State keep its
hands of, at least until its assistance II