The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-01
THE DRIFT OF POLITICS.

Charles B. Lands. of Delphi, member of
Congress from the Ninth district. is not in
clined seriously TO regard the announcement
by Representative Robert w. Miers of the
Second district, that the Democrats expect
to find sufficient campaign material in the
alleged Irregularities in the conduct of the
departments at Washington to enable them
to carry the next election on a slogan of
Turn the rascals OUT
THE hue and cry which the Democrats
may be expected to raise about scandals in
departmental affairs is seriously weakened
by the fact that the two biggest alleged
rascals that have been unearthed in the
postofice investigation, Machen and briggs
are Democrats" said Mr.. Lands last even
ing at the Columbia Club. "Machen was
appointed to subordinate position in the
department under Cleveand's administra-
ton, while briggs was elected to Congress
as Democrat. But aside from this it is
foregone conclusion that the Democrats will
make no Roadway along that line because
the people of this country will not be fooled
by any hypercritical, hypocritical wall of
that kind. The people have tried Democ-
racy, and they have found it sadly wanting
THE Republicans will do their own house
cleaning. Some abuses may have crept into
| the management of some of the depart
ments, but the moment wrong has been
| discovered steps have been taken to right
| 1T, and the offenders are being promptly and
summarily dealt with. 1t would be sur
| prising if no irregularities were found in
any of the departments. Dishonest men
| sometimes get positions Of trust in the gov
| eminent employ just as they do in private
| employ. No honest, valid criticism can be
made OF the present administration so far
| ac x~~.k =
| departmental affairs is concerned. Wrongs
| were discovered in the Postoffice Depart
ment and the administration met the situa-
| ton Immediately and aggressively The
Democratic members of Congress may offer
| resolutions and crate until they are ex-
hausted during the next session so long
the majority will move right along, tran
| sacting the business Of the country, with
out paying any attention to them"
MI; lands made a trip to Washington
matters, and he was asked what he learned
concerning the extension of the service.
New routes will be established right
| along" he said, land the service will be
| largely extended. The routes will be
| ordered, however, where they are most
needed, and on the basis of an equitable
| congressional districts. 1t has been charged
| that favoritism has been shown in the
past in the establishment of rural routes,
| and that few members of Congress got
| everything they asked while others were
| turned down. AS a matter Of fact the mem
Der who has gone after the routes for his
| district and who has kept after them and
| worked hardest for them has been the
most successful, while the member who sat
back and waited for the routes to come to
| him is still waiting. 'Favoritism' has long
been a familiar cry behind which members
| have sought TO conceal their own laziness
| or indifference TO the interests of their con-
| stituents. The member who has been indus
| trious and on the alert at all times is never
| heard TO make that complaint"
Reference was made to William j. Bryan
and his peregrinaticns and oratorical gym.
nastics and Representative Lands made the
prediction that il the Nebraskan keeps ur
his attacks on Cleveland he will succeed in
| nominating the former President again next
year.
cleveland grows just in proportion az
Bryan attacks him., he said, ~and If Bryan
adheres TO the course he is following fully
believe he will bring about Cleveland's nom
nation next year. Cleveland has strors
hold on the Democrats of the country not