The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-15
THE DRIFT OF POLITICS.

II at any time since it was sprung upon
an unsuspecting public there has been any
doubt as to the real purpose of the Indiana
Jefferson League, all such doubt will be
disslpated by the perusal of the letter which
was sent out inviting the select few who
were in on the ground floor to attend the
meeting on July at the Grand Hotel The
Journal has been fortunate in securing a
copy Of the letter. which is one of the most
interesting political documents that has
come to light in Indiana in many moons.
The letter is dated louisville, Ind, June &c.
1903. and is signed by Edgar L. Names. who
was elected the first president of the
League. AT the top of the letterhead appears
the word CONFIDENTIAL heavily under
scored and many of the words and phrases
In the letter are similarly emphasized. The
body OF the letter reads as follows:
MY Dear SRA movement has RECENTLY
been started by a few young Democrats
having for its purpose the organization of
all Democrats in this State who believe in
democratic principles and who are opposed
to the experimentation of the Democratic
party. 1t has been suggested that this pro-
posed organization shall be known as the
Indiana JEFFERSON League and have for it's
purpose the defense of Democratic princi-
pies. 1t is not intended that this proposed
political organization shall be q mere cam
paIgn Club, but permanent organization
which is to be made power in Democrats
politics in Indiana. 1t Is the intention that
this proposed organization shall not be
prostituted to the use of any mans adj
Vancement al the detriment of the Demo-
cratic party: II is to be an Organization of
Democrats having in view Democratic pur-
poses. This movement has the sympathy
and support OF such men as Hon. John Gil
bert Shanklin. Hon. John w Kern and
Hon. cyrus II. Davis. short time since
l wrote William Jennings Bryan. and in
detail laid before him the object of this
movement, and asked him to offer criticism
and suggestions. Last Wednesday / had a
letter from him in which he gave his hearty
Endorsement of the movement.
AT 10 o'clock on the morning of Julv 4
next four or five representative Democrats.
coming from every congressional district in
Indiana. will meet in conference in one of
the parlors of the Grand Hotel in Indian
apolis for the purpose of discussing the adj
visibility of organizing this proposed polit-
teal league. At that meeting the Indiana
Jefferson League viii probably be organ
Blank l write you this letter for the pur-
pose of eliciting your opinions upon this
matter. II you feel that you are in sympa-
thy with this movement We would be more
than pleased 10 have you meet with us July
and take part in the deliberations of that
conference.
The real animus of the league becomes
even more apparent when it is known that
one of these invitations was not sent to
w. III. O'Brien. OF Lawrenceburg, the chair
man of the Democratic state committee.
and hence the man OF all in Indiana who
1t would naturally be expected. would be
informed of a movement toward the organ
ization OF club for the defense of Demo
cratic principles" that is Ito be made n
power In Democratic politics In Indiana. .
Nor was Chairman . Brien the only Demo
cratic leader that was left out, as has been
pointed out heretofore. In fact, none but
Bryan Democrats were invited. the Ieague
has Bryan's hearty indorsemept' and il Is
Bryan creature from inception TO promul-
| cation.
There was a gathering of Democrats al
the Grand last evening that was extremely