The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-02-09
0vERSTREET AND HANNA.
Why the First Should Remain I'm Con-
sress and the Second Made Mayor.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
The Journal few weeks ago alluded to
the conspicuous part two of our towns
men have played and are yet playing in
the matter OF currency reform, compli-
menting each for the part he has taken
in the measure-H. II. Hanna as chief in
the suggestions of the line of reform and
in the preparation of the bill and Repre-
ity he displayed in its introduction and adj
vocacy. But does our duty to such men
end with words of commentator? First.
as to Representative Overstreet. II may
be somewhat to his interest to be con-
tinued in Congress, and he may even de-
sire 1t, but we are more interested in hav-
ing him there than he possibly can be.
The Commanding position which his abil-
ity and fidelity have secured for him is as
much our property as IL is his. and we
have right to command il even at a per-
sonal sacrifice to him. That some one else
in the district might have done as well as
he as a new beginner is possible. but
cannot name one who would probably have
done better, and certainly there is no one
who. as new man, can well meet our
wants as he can with his experience. Most
certainly the Office is not something that
is to be passed around as a reward for
party service; hence ii seems to me that
we not only have the right to insist that
he continue to serve as long as his health
will allow and he continues TO exhibit
such fidelity and ability. but it is our duty
to do it. Most certainly we should frown
down every suggestion of rotating him out
i,,cf IN ala For
ferior man. Let us continue him until ne
becomes gray in our service in spite of the
ambitious schemes Of less able men. This
is at once our duty and it is to our inter-
est
But we owe even more to Mr.. Hanna.
Every man is entitled to the place for
which he is eminently qualified and in
which he can serve his generation to the
best advantage and secure for himself the
best reward. L mean no disparagement to
Mr.. Hanna as a business man turning
aside occasionally TO instruct senators and
representatives in statecraft without COM
pensation except in the consciousness OF
rendering public service when / say that
at the head OF so large and successful a
business interest as his he is not in his
proper place. He belongs 10 a position
more honorable and much harder TO I'LL
than a seat in Congress, and we owe IL to
him that he be put into it. To be mayor
Of such a city as Indianapolis. with its
present demands and its future possibili-
ties demands not only the highest order
of business qualifications, but Of per-
sonal integrity well. The management
of corporation of $780, 600 capital, soon
to be 100000 900. requires nothing less than
first-class executive ability, and no man
should be intrusted with IL who could not,
with proper preliminary training, look after
the diverse interests of a railroad system
Ii Is suicidal to put such interests into the
hands OF mere ward politician, demand
ing that first OF all he look out for party
interests. Mr.. Hanna has shown himself
such man, and we owe IL 10 him that we
put him where he can do most for US and
the best for himself.
He is not seeking such place. A really
competent man never does-he Is already
employed. But his fellow-citizens have q
right to seek him for the place. and they
have as much right TO command his serv-
ices they have to draft him for military
duty. But Mr. Hanna would not accept the
Office as the nominee OF any political party,
any more than he would the presidency OF
the Big Four Railroad system, for the rea-
son that the Office of mayor has no more
legitimate connection with party politics
than the presidency OF a railroad has.
How then? Let the Board of Trade and
the Commercial Club. as SUCH or let such
men as constitute these bodies, individu-
ally. call upon him for his services. Let q
respectful memorial, signed by a thousand
taxpayers, including such men as compose
these organizations. be presented TO him,
asking him TO become the taxpayers candt-
date for mayer, and he would be incon-
sistent with his whole life not TO make
any personal sacrifice TO accept the invita-
ton. That he could be elected hardly adj
mits of a doubt. Though 60 per cent. OF
the voters of indianapolis pay no taxes.
and therefore care nothing about the ex-
penditure of money. it would be utterly i'm
possible TO rally them around any mere
party candidate. But there should be inn
piled. IL not expressed. wish that this
arrangement should continue from year 10
year. No competent man could AFFORD to
take the presidency of the Big Four Rail-
road for two years, and the road could not
afford to be changing president every
year or two.
Let us think about these things Mr..
Overstreet will not decline denomination
and Mr.. Hanna Will not seek the mayor
atty, but 1 have mistaken the man these
twenty years or more IL he Will uncondh
tionally decline IL appealed 10, as l have
suggested. and that appeal should be made
before those who presume TO run politics
assume the prerogatiye OF running the city
also. and their schemes crystalline about
some one or more OF their kith.
Indianapolis. Feb g. u. L. SEE.