The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-19

Randolph Republicans Oppose Ready
Made and POstprandiaI Methods.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
A number of Republicans of this city,
including delegates TO the State conven-
ton, held melting looking to political
organization for the coming campaign.
Questions of local importance were dis
cussed, and incidentally the matter of a
State platform and chairman for the
State convention were alluded to. The
bare mention of the fact that certain In
dianapolis papers have from time to time
been announcing that 1.-The State central
committee had decided, was about to de-
eide or would decide that a certain dis
tinguished Republican would be the per-
manent chairman of the Republican State
convention. and that the committee had
about concluded, or was at work upon a
platform to be adopted by that conven-
tion.' brought out general discussion
from those present. which was entirely UNI
friendly to any frst-made chairman or
pcstprandial platform. Those present
did not doubt the ability of those who
were reported to be making chairman and
platform, but they thought it ought to be
conceded that the convention itself should
not only actually name the chairman. but
that its membership should, as well, make
the personnel of the committee and res
olutions. 1t was the general impression
of those present that. although a larger
part in number. of the delegates to the
convention would come from the out
counties and might bring with them some
lieved that, when they all get together,
about as good a platform could be made
by representatives of the ninety-two coun-
ties as would be made by the Self-con-
Sti nj ~
the time the delegates would get through
with the selection OF permanent chair
man for the convention 1t would not be
regarded as an Endorsement OF Porto
Rico or anti-Porto Rico.
This meeting and discussion have led
| the writer to wonder whether or not there
could not be found among ,he nonoffice-
holding class, Republican with sufficient
ability 10 preside over the deliberations
| of the coming State convention. and
whether not there could not be found
| enough Republicans OF distinction and
| ability TO go as delegates at large to the
| national convention at Philadelphia. who
| are not now drawing salary from the
national or State government. Ii would
seem that the whole trend of our politics
is toward Capitalization, and that ITO him
who hath shall more be given
After attending the above meeting and
| listening TO the discussion--and no doubt
| similar meetings and discussions are being
| quietly held all over the State-the writer
| came TO the conclusion that If he were
! making a president for the State conven-
| ton he would seek out a Republican who
| has shown his faith by his works. and who
| Is not now an office-hoder or an office
seeker and IL he were selecting the dele
gates for the national convention he would
confer that honor upon similar persons
after first rendering the same to the de-
| feated candidates for Governor at the State
conventions The Republican party is GER
| tainly not so hard pressed for material for
| a permanent chairman or delegates at
| large as 10 be compelled to literally thrust
| these honorable positions upon the chair
| man of the State central committee. the
| Governor of the State or our United States
| senator's Why should such men as Hon.
| Riley McKeen. OF Terre Haute; Hon. r.. 8.
| Taylor OF Fort Wayne: General William
A Ketcham. OF indianapolis and host OF