The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-12-15

Inc meeting OF the DehOcrauc state
committee yesterday at the Grand Hotel
was made the occasion for the gathering Of
prominent party workers from all parts of
Indiana, and for the exchange of an end
less amount of gossip anent candidates and
what the Democrats will do in the State
and Nation at the approaching election.
One or two new booms were launched, and
booms that have been in evidence for some
months were given renewed impetus.
Among the men here. in addition to the
officers and members of the committee.
were: Ben f. Shively. South Bend: Kirby
| Risk. Lafayette; former State Chairman
| Parks NJ Martin, Indie napols; Fabian
Gwin. Shoals; Senator w; II. Johnston,
Bartlett H. Campbell, Anderson: Judge
John L. Lamb, Terre Haute; Walter HUI
| lett. Charlottesville; Major G.. V. MenZies,
Mount Vernon; j. Il. Cox, Columbus An
drew M Sweeney, Indianap polls; John Rags
dale, Franklin; Joseph IL. Shea, Seymour;
L. Ert Slack, Franklin; Frank ID. Alder.
Greencastle; w. n. Shields, Columbus; w.
H. Hawkins. former secretary OF state COM
| mittee. Indianapolis; Nicholas Cornet, YER
sailles; George Bebee, Anderson; Henry
Spencer; Senator cyrus E Davis 0 BIoom
| field; Jerome Herff, Peru; s. III. Ralston,
Lebanon; w. H. Hedgecock. Frankfort; w.
| T.. Dupree, Franklin; II. A. Maker Carmel,
and Edgar L. Names, louisville, president
OF the Indiana jefferson League
Thomas Taggart, John w; Kern. Joseph
| Z. Bell, James l.. Reach, Charles Polster
and Mayor John w. Hoffman were other
| prominent Indianapolis Democrats who were
largely in evidence about the hotel during
| the day.
The Fleming-Taggart episode furnished
the sensation of the day and occasioned no
end of gossip. although the talk was car
ried on for the most part in hushed whis-
pers between groups of two or three. No
more disappearing bombshell could have
been dropped into the camp that was to
have been all harmony than Senator Flem-
ing $ refusal to vote for the Endorsement
Of Mr.. Taggart, for this action could be
taken as nothing short of a declaration or
war between the old factions. Mr.. Taggart
himself maintained his usual unruffied. i'm
perturable demeanor, but II was obvious
that his friends were greatly worried, While
the leaders who had hoped to get the party
in shape for long pull and a strong pull
altogether were displeased. to say the least
noteworthy in Senator Fleming's attitude.
and assumed that the Fort Wayne man
could yet be persuaded to see the disas-
trous effect on the party his action would
have and induced to '.get in line"
On the whole 1t was not Mr.. Taggart's
day, for two three other things oc-
Cured to disturb his peace Of mind and
mar the pleasure he might have had in the
Endorsement for national chairman and the
progress of his plans to become the donli-
nant factor in Indiana Democracy. For in
stance, James Leroy Reach, Democratic
city chairman, issued his formal declara-
ton of war against Mr. Taggart Mr.. Reach
took occasion to announce that he would
be against Joseph L; Tanning for district
chairman and brought out his candidate
in the person of Tom" Clarke. Democratic
city committeeman from the Eighth ward:
Mr.. Reach waited until he was assured
that Mr.. Tanning would be a candidate for
reelection and then declared himself. Il
shall be against Tanning for district chair
man." he said Il guess that is generally
the same reason / fought him for city
chairman-because do not think he is the
man to lead the party to success"
Are you fighting Taggart through Fan
ni ngiw,t,nv rass.rtr. rers.tsa x..on in
tones of affected surprise. why should
| fight Taggart? I'm not interested In Mr.
Taggart any more than 1 in any other
Democrat. / am Democrat, consequently
, am interested in the party's success and
want the best men in the organization anc
at the head of the organization
Mr.. Keach's taking unto himself of David
. b. Hills famous motto, Il am a Democrat,
was done ingenuousy, but effectively.
, When asked if Tom" Clarke was his can
didate against Mr.. Tanning Mr.. Reach
lodged by saying that Clarke was the only
candidate he had heard of against the pres
ent district chairman.
Charles Polster, the former Indiana-ave
I nue. saloon keeper. and Keach's stronges
: lieutenant, was around the hotel early il
the day, nursing his ambition to becom'
district chairman. or a candidate for TIL
place. He said that he expected to be
7 candidate. but was not ready to make
definite announcement Not until he reas
in the evening papers that Clarke would b
a Reach's candidate against Tanning di'
: | ment" had been made.
In the language of the street, Polster ha
been "trun down" by Reach. and "trul
chairman, according to the politicians. ans
has stood by him and fought for hin
tnroagn tack and tnp 5ut ,ne ai rsS tim
looked him over and announced coldly
E You're good as ward heller. Charley
chairman. Back to Indiana avenue!" Tha
Polster is aroused at the base ingratitud
of the man he has served is taken 70
granted and it was reported last night tina
he had decided revenge should be his an,
! had gone over bag and baggage to the Tag
CART camp: Polster was formerly goo'
friend Of the willy boss and IL would be al
| easy matter for him to go back to his oil,
= alliances
S With Polster lined up with Taggar
i against Reach the latter's finish is visibl
! to the naked eve at any distance, but tn
Il fight will undoubtedly be an interesting on
IS at every stage. Reach is a politician of re
J. source. is a splendid organizer and is al
e ready in control Of the city machine, henc
n he cannot be downed without a struggle.
a Joseph I. Fanning's announcement of hi
j. candidacy for reelection as district chair
8 man was not unexpected. There really Il
v no occasion for formal announcement from
me-" he said. 1T has been understood 70
IS some time that / would be a candidate.
s wish to say, however, that as a candidate
: I am not fighting anybody / shall worl
a for the election. but it will not be part o.
n my canvass to attack anyone who may no
: be for me-
: The appearance of Judge John E Lamb
= of Terre Haute, among the faithful wa