The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-29
And Says 1t Could Not Have Gone
Wrong with the Material Il
Had to Select From.
PRAISE FOR COLONEL DURBIN
MAJOR STEELE THINKS HE WILL
REFLECT CREDIT ON THE STATE.
First Assistant Postmaster General
Heath Also of Opinion His Sc
lection Was Fortunate.
speeAl to ths 1naIanapolIs journal.

WASd1NGION, April zo--SendtOr arr
banks says he never saw more magnif-
cent enthusiasm than was witnessed at
Indianapolis this week and never knew
the party to be in better shape at the be-
ginning Of an important campaign than 1t
Is at the present time. He describes the
convention as having been characterized
by rare political good temper and noted
with intense qualification entire absence
Of rancorous feeling In the contests for
convention favors. The competition among
the candidates was eager and earnest, but
IN no single instance was there the slight
est indication of bad blood. Consequently
there are no breaches to heal; no wounds
to dress; no sores to cure. The ticket placed
I'm nomination is strong one, and will COM
mand the respect and consideration of the
voters Of the State to an extraordinary de-
gree. while the platform adopted is one
uron which every good citizen can stand
With the material offered the convention
could not have made a mistake I'm the con-
struction of a ticket Not an Objectionable
candidate was presented, and any number
of winning combinations could have been
made from the names before the conven-
ton The senator went through the list Of
names and made running comments on the
fitness Of every one who aspired TO pre-
ferment at the hands of the conven-
ton 1t was clearly his belief that the con-
vention would not have gone wrong II IL
had tried ever hard. The many candi-
dafssy without sxasptfon. were his friends
and any choice would have been accepta-
bic to him. He expressed the conviction
that Colonel Durbin will make splendid
executive and that Mr.. Gilbert will carry
courage and eminent fitness to the dis
charge OF the important duties of lieu
tenant governor. The party. he thinks,
enters on the campaign with wonderful
enthusiasm and determination to win. The
Republicans are proud of their State gov
ernment and full OF intense loyalty and af-
fectionate regard for the President. The
outlook is bright.
Representative Steele tells of the re-
markable convention in a manner that con-
vinces his fellow-members of Congress that
the Indiana Republicans gave a demon
stration. this week. the like of which was
never before seen in the State capital He
describes the proceedings as being singu-
lariy free from unpleasant features and in
cidents. and expresses entire satisfaction
with the result He complimented Colonel
best political organizers he ever encoun-
tered. thorough. alert and quick to turn
possibilities to his advantage. In his opin-
ion Colonel Durbin will organize the State
better than it has been organized in years
and viii lead the party TO a splendid VIC
tory at the polls. Representative Steele has
great faith in the efficacy of party organi-
xation-
Controller Tracewell thinks the state
ticket exceptionally strong and certain to
win.
First Assistant Postmaster General
Heath says: 'I have known Col. Winfield
Tayloc Durbin very intimately for twenty
years. In my opinion there is not a brighter
politician or more successful business man
In the State Coming out of the civil war
Of 1S61-65 a young mana boy, indeed
with only his hands and his brains as cap
ital, he has made fortune in business,
and honorably, too; has made brilliant
record as colonel of an Indiana regiment I'm
the Spanish war, and so much popularity
as citizen Of the State as TO easily win
the nomination for Governor over a field
OF opponents who were skillful and brainy
politicians and popular partisans. / believe
he will prove a strong and thoroughly sue
cessful candidate, and that his administra-
tion as Governor will be that of a thor
ough and honest business man and emf
nently successful. Colonel Durbin Is a very
strong man. in every way, and a steadfast
friend"