The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-16
INVALID OR cANDIDATEs

FROM the beginning OF PUBIC discus
sion concerning the presidential cam
paign of 1896 speculation has been rife
as TO whether Mr.. Cleveland would be a
candidate or not. His previous record,
his personal characteristics and his per-
sistent silence have tended to keep the
speculation alive. In the case of an
other man people would say that three
nominations and two elections were
enough. But Mr.. Cleveland Is not an
other man. He is Grover Cleveland.
After declaring strongly against a Sec
ond term, as he did in his first letter Of
acceptance, and then seeking second
and third nomination, 1T is not surprising
that many persons should believe he de-
sires a fourth. Besides, he has shown in
many ways that he regards himself as
the only original Moses and consecrated
leader of his party, If not the constitu-
country. There has been no time during
the last year when word from him
would not have settled the question
whether he intended to be a candidate
or not, but he has not spoken the word.
II he had determined not to seek or ac-
cept a denomination he could have said
so without any surrender of dignity. and
thus put an end to idle conjecture. His
silence shows either that he intends to be
a candidate or that he wishes to prolong
the mystery and make his action SUBJ
ject of discussion and conjecture as long
as possible. Whatever he says or does
will be done in a dramatic way.
Postmaster Hesing gave out a state
ment a few days ago. purporting to be
authoritative. that under no circum-
stances would Mr.. Cleveland be in the
field again as a candidate. and that he
himself had said 1t. He stated that Mr..
Cleveland informed him not long ago
that in order to prolong his life it was
necessary for him to get rid of the re-
sponsibility and cares of office, and that
he longed to return to private life, where
he could be master Of his own time and
movements. If Mr.. Cleveland said any,
thing OF the kind to Mr.. Hesing he was
probably throwing out a feeler. His
habits do not bear out his alleged ankle
ty for fresh air and exercise. There is
nothing in his duties to prevent him
from going out doors now much more
than he does If he believes that his days
are being shortened by confinement IN
the White House. but he never goes out
except in a carriage or on g. steam tug.
At the unwilling of the Hancock statue
a few days ago he is said to have looked
remarkably well. His appearance wae
such as to indicate that if he is really
sacrificing himself on the altar of duty
he could stand the sacrifice several years
longer.
position soon The Democratic national
convention will meet in less than two
months. and his position mustbe known
at least little while before it assem-
bles. AS already stated, whatever he
does is pretty sure to be done in dra-
matte way at present he is deeply in
terested in the outcome of the free sill
yer fight. II he finds that the Chicago
convention is going to be controlled by
the free silver men, insuring free sill
yer platform and candidate. he may de-
eide to lead the sound-money wing Of his
party. In that case he might define his
position by a letter on the silver question
and follow it up with a proclamation on
the Cuban question adroitly timed to fire
the popular heart and make him the CEN
ter of interest, as his special message on
the Monroe doctrine did. Events are
eliminating in Cuba. and the first report
of Gen. Fftzhugh Lee, who goes there
with confidential instructions. will reach
here in time to enable the President to
issue a proclamation just before the Chi
cago convention that will make him, for
the time, very conspicuous figure. If
he had fully intended not to be candi-
date he would probably have said so be-
fore this. The fact that he has not In
dicates that he is playing a waiting game
and probably planning dramatic stroke
that will make him 1.-THE logical candi-
date of the sound-money Democracy.