The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-24
Mr.. Bryan ArranGes an Itinerary
Which includes a Visit to Indian-
apoIis, Thursday, Oct. 4.
HOT SHOT FROM MR.. HANNA
HE SAYS REPORTS OF HIS TRUST
SPEECH WE'RE GARBLED.
Tells Just What He Did say-Col.
Roosevelt Has a Quiet Sunday mt u
Big Ranch I'm wyoming.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
CHICAGO, Sept. 23-Eugene V. Debs Is
a 10,000-vote factor in the State OF Indiana
His Importance in the presidential equa-
ton has been understood for some time
past by insiders, but It is very doubtful II
the general public realizes it or has up to
this time the most shadowy idea that he is
Of the slightest consequence.
Debs is running for President on the
Social Democratic ticket. He is not put
forward by either of the great parties as
decoy or to drag votes from a rival. 1t so
happens that of his followers the greater
number will come from those who If he
were not in the field, would probably vote
the Democratic ticket. but 1t is not on mo-
ton of Mr.. Hanna or any Of the Republic
an leaders that he is in the race. He is
there of his own volition and to represent
the principles of small, but earnest ele-
ment in our population. He represents
ideas that are tenaciously advanced and
clung to by determined class of voters
who cannot be swerved from their alleg
lance by any Of the means usually en-
ployed to direct or control the movements
of little fellows who mix into large political
affairs.
Mr.. Debs has not been conspicuously un-
der the lime light for two or three years.
but during that time he has been energetic
ly engaged In the organization of the
American Railway Union, under which
name he is trying to combine in one as
ISOLATION, all the railway employees in the
United States. The great majority of them
are already enrolled in Debs's union, ex-
cepting locomotive engineers and firemen,
and it is more than probable these classes
will annex themselves before long. The
union is nonpolitical and it's purpose is to
cement the railway men in one federation
for their mutual benefit along social and in
surance lines. The real background object.
however, is to perfect an organization of
such singleness of purpose that it can be
employed as terrific weapon of offense
and defense should occasion arise for the
exercise of the giant power. Thus far there
has been no occasion for the union to show
its teeth, and there may never be. 1t is
not yet old enough to feel it's oats. and
there has not been the faintest suggestion
of aggressiveness or insolence.
ABSOLUTELY HONEST.
Debs is not the candidate of the railway
men and is not put forward by the organi-
zation he has been building up. His can
didacy has nothing whatever to do with
the union or any organization of railway
employees. 1t is a fact, however. that he
has a strong following among these men,
and also supporters among Socialists who
are not identified with that line of busi-
ness. Railway employees very generally
have the utmost confidence in Debs's per-
sonal honesty, and he is singularly free
from suspicion of taking part in political in
trigue from selfish motives. The taint of the
CRATER does not cling to his garments.
He may be fanatical and his judgment
may be poor, but he is unpurchasable.
This fact has been very clearly proved
within the past week. for he has been ap-
preached and the arguments usually potent
with minor party leaders used on him
in vain to secure his withdrawal from the
| field. I am not prepared to say that these
offers were authorized by the Bryan man.
ayers. but I am advised on the very best
authority that money was rendered him
in considerable amount by persons hav-
| ing the Bryan cause at heart, as an in
| ducement for him to efface himself as a
| candidate. The unpleasant discovery had
been made that Debs was hurting the Dem
| ocratic national and State ticket in Indiana
| and that he would have quite a respectable
| vote in Terre Haute, Brazil. Indianapolis.
| Anderson, Marion, Logansport, Fort
| Wayne. Lafayette and other railway and
| industrial communities. 1t was further
/ learned that he would draw more heavily
| on the Democratic than on the Republican
| parties. Such being the case, it was re-
| garded as good politics TO get him out of
| the way, and he has been approached
| from several quarters. the long green
| being finally suggested. other inducements
failing to make an impression. This ad-
vance was sternly turned down and in a
manner which forbade its repetition. The
result OF the various efforts was speedily
transmitted to the Taggart headquarters
in Indianapolis. and to the Jones head
| quarters in Chicago.
Estimates as to the number of votes
Debs will poll in Indiana range from 5.OOC
to $4,000 He is conducting a personal can
| vass and is scheduled for large number
| of speeches in localities where he has
| friends and followers He is saving wood
strictly on his own wood pile. and is hav.
| ing nothing whatever 10 do with either OF
the great parties. and is so conducting him.
| self that no one can impugn his personal
| or political honesty or question the integ-
| rity OF his motives. The worst that can be
| said about him by those who are most pur
| ont by his candidacy is that he is fanatical
and dangerous. That is something he does
| not care for, and. furthermore, expects
| Indications are that he will gain ir
| strength instead OF losing. and that he will
have about 10000 votes TO his credit election
| day I'm his own State. Debs still lives a,
| Terre Haute. He has made living since
his release from jail for the part he took ir
the great strike of 1894 by lecturing. a.
yam has done. He has not made a IA
thing OF 1t like Bryan. but has succeeded