The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-24
SENATOR FAIRBANKS.


New York Mail and Express.
I'VE have had a good. spirited and in
general a wholesome contest throughout
the country for the control of the Fifty
eighth Congress-" said Senator Fairbanks,
in reply to a question as to his views upon
the recent campaign. 1.-The Republican
party presented its issues clearly before
the people, and upon those issues the party
has won. We reaffrmed our national plat
form and we asserted bravely and openly
our position upon every issue that has
arisen since the formal declaration of the
Philadelphia convention.
in that respect the Republican attitude
was in marked contrast to that of the DEM
ocrats, who strove constantly to evade
their Chicago and Kansas City platforms.
as dictated by Bryan. They CROPPED in vain
for a new issue, but they could find none.
They could not assail the United States
army before patriotic people. They had
to scuttle from their attempted policy OF
scuttle in the Philippines. They found that
anti-imperialism' was a boomerang. And
SO We Republicans have again won the
control of the next House of Representa-
tives, while We retain majority in the
Senate"
What is your general Interpretation OF
the result?" Senator Fairbanks was asked.
My Interpretation is serious, rather than
jubilant. The leaders of the Republican
ton ton this winter. viii doubtless have a very
sober realization of their great responsible
ity. The recent election means that the
great mass of the American people has ex-
| tended to the Republican party an invita-
| ton to prove that IL Is worthy of a con-
| tinued lease of power. The party al
ready In possession of both the executive
and the legislative branches of govern
ment The opportunity was presented to
the voters in every State of the Union TO
decide whether or not their direct repre-
/ sentatives in Congress should be for or
| against the policies of the Republican par
| ty. The verdict is one of renewed trust
and confidence; it also conveys a burden
| of serious responsibility"
What do you think about tariff re-
| vision?'
| 'The voters of Indiana returned a Re-
| publican majority. the largest but one.
| think, in the history OF the State. They
| elected an overwhelming Republican ma
| jority of the Legislature. That does not
look to me like a protest against the pro-
tective tariff. But that is question that is
| to be considered with the utmost care. |
think that we shall see public sentiment
| as to the tarif and as to the trusts, and
thoroughly manifested during the coming
What about Cuban reciprocity?''
THAT question Is now in the hands of
the state and the war Departments.
| have no doubt that pending negotiations
will result in the Presidents sending 10
to the people of Cuba and to the United
| States. 1 think that IL has been con-
vincingly demonstrated that public senti-
ment in the United States is overwhelm-
ingly in favor of treating Cuba patiently
| generously and yet with view to equity
do you expect any legislation affect
| ing the currency and the national bank
ing system during the coming session OF
| Congress?
"Ah, there is a question that involves
| perfect labyrinth of minor questions
What done by the convention OF
bankers in New Orleans last week?
do not discover that those expert gentle
men evolved any definite plan of legis-
lation. They did present an illuminating
and informatory series of papers 10 the
country. But when 1t comes TO Legislation
we must bear in mind that any proposition
touching the currency impinges upon tn,
very nerve center of our social. industrial
and commercial system. II is all very wei
to talk about asset currency and branch
banking and all the other phases of the cur.
rency and banking problem. But when II
comes TO doing things, 10 changing present
conditions, il is time to be careful and con-
sentative. But do think that this subject
with all the intricate and important ques
lions il involves invites exhaustive dis
| cussion in Congress-.