The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-30
Like the French Revolutionists He
Declares .the People, Consti-
tute His Party.
HAS ISSUED AN OPEN LETTER
TO TEST POPULAR DEMAND FOR HIS
NAME ON THE TICKET.
Petitions to he Circulated and II the
"Can" Is Loud Enough He
Will Enter the Race.

TOLEDO, O., July 2e.-Mayor Jones to.
day gave the following open letter to the
people Of Ohio, explaining his position as an
independent candidate for Governor. The
following is the letter In part: II believe
in all Of the people, and am. therefore,
man without a party. ] believe In the peo-
pie as people. not as partisans, not as Dem
ocrats. not as Republicans, not Populists, or
Prohibitionists, or Union Reformers. but as
people-as men-asN brothers and sisters.
having common instincts. common interests
and common needs. This is what mean
when / declare for equal opportunities for
all.
Believing this to be a fundamental truth,
/ therefore declare that will never again
wear the label OF any party or claim polit-
ical loyalty to anything than all OF the peo-
pie. In this way / shall always be free TO
vote and act for principles. TIE whole peo-
pie shall always have the first claim on my
service and affection. rather than frag-
ment Of them named political party.
There are many indications that the
present is the time for an independent po-
litical campaign Of education In Ohio. On
June 10 the Republican convention met in
Columbus and named q ticket that many
thought was practically arranged by two
|
matter. On the same day a convention OF
workingmen representing all parts of Ohio.
was held in Columbus. These workingmen
formulated q platform setting forth the re-
lief they hope for and demand through po-
liticaI action. Every demand OF their plat
form is strictly in the line of progress. and
no candidate for office who does not believe
in the principles therein set forth should
lay any claim to the votes OF the working
men Of Ohio. The Republican convention
ignored the demands Of the convention OF
workingmen-ignored even their presence
in the city.
Not long after, the Democratic State
committee met to arrange the day of the
State convention, and its action WAS worse.
If possible, than that Of the Republicans.
Realizing that there was strong sentiment
in the State for independent political action.
they set the date OF the convention 80 late
that 1t would be impossible to sat an inde-
pendent ticket in the field after the Demo-
cratic convention. their purpose evidently
being to compel the people to choose between
the two old parties.
In view Of this situation, I announce that
for the purpose OF testing the quality and
extent OF the sentiment for an independent
candidate invite those who feel that such
a move should be made to write 10 me for
blank petitions Of correct legal form on
which to secure signatures. petitioning the
secretary Of state to place the name on the
ticket BY careful study OF the responses TO
this letter we shall be able to decide whether
the sentiment Is sufficiently pronounced 10
warrant so great an undertaking. II the de-
cision shall be affirmative, will enter on the
duties Of the campaign in the interests OF
larger humanity, wholly indifferent TO the
consequences to me personally.
SAMUEL NJ JONES'"