The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-05-19
ability for Surrender


To the Editor CT the Indianapolis Journal:
1t does not always require the mystical
lore which is supposed to come with the
sunset of life to discern coming events by
the shadows they cast before. because they
sometimes almost get ahead of the shadows
and are upon us without warning. This is
the case with present politics so manifestly
that it is hardly proper to speak Of the out
look when speaking Of the campaign of
1904 While there seems to be practical
unanimity as to the candidacy of Mr..
Roosevelt, it is to be noted that it is more
upon what he is than upon what he be-
lieves; it is his wonderful personality, not
his politics. Not Republicans only, but
thinking men Of all parties. as parties have
heretofore been divided, seem willing to
trust his honesty and good sense in any
complication that can possibly arise; while,
on the other hand, the Democratic party
that was. and that yet is, in fragments,
seems utterly at sea for a man to lead
them, that while IL is almost certain
that Mr. Roosevelt will succeed himself and
as a Republican, there are local disturbing
forces that will make the success of either
party, parties have heretofore been or
gained, very uncertain.
The most conspicuous of these is the labor
question. Heretofore ii has figured in poll
tics quietly but effectively. For a decade or
more it has practically had its way. both in
lawmaking and law enforcing, but the
events of the past twelve months, and par
ticularly of the last ninety days. have de-
velOped an antagonism to much of its
policy which Is already crystallizing TO a
degree that indicates open hostility before
the elections of next year are over. The
attitude of Senator Hanna. of Ohio. in de-
claring in favor of organized labor and it's
demands. has thrust the question into local
politics In that State. and already IL is evil
dent that the complexion Of the next Legis-
lature will be affected by the labor agita-
ton more than by any national issue.
Which way this local question will work
cannot now be foreseen. Organized labor
Hanna candidates for the Legislature.
Whether there will be a sufficient consoli-
dalton OF the opposition to affect the cleo
ton, depends more upon the policy OF or
ganized labor than upon the instrinsic
merits of the abstract question involved. II
the policy of disturbing all industries con-
tinues as IL has been for three months the
nonunion millions will come together
through pressure from without more than
from adhesion within, and Indiana politics,
particularly TO the Legislature, must be
also seriously affected.
But We have In Indiana some local ques-
tons that threaten TO be even mors disturb
winter on the repeal Of the Nicholson law
developed the fact that 1t was not divided
by party lines, for IL Is not, and cannot be
a party question as parties have been d.
vided The distinct and defiant announce
ment by the champions of repeal that they
will appeal to the people at the next cleo
| they mean to elect men Of their sort to the
| next Legislature. Evidently they mean
business. On the other hand. the growing
| strength OF the anti-saloon element implies
| that the contest will not be one-sided. SO
| the probability Is that every candidate for
| the Legislature will be required to an
| nounce his choice between the saloon and
| the anti-saloon element. No man OF doubt
| full soundness on this issue Is likely to be
voted for by either side This viii be the
most serious disturbing element in Indiana
| politics. But II will not be alone Those
who were defeated last winter in their at
| tempt 10 legalize Sunday baseball also gave
| notice that they will appeal to the people
| at the next election. The opponents of the
| measure. whether right or wrong In their
| conviction. are terribly in earnest. and they
| win vote for no one for the Legislature who
IL In favor Of legalixing Sunday baseball
| and its companion sports. Thus IL is mani
| fest that there Will be 3erious disturbing
/ elements IN the elections of next year Per
| haps II Is we'll IL these several questions
| are TO be legislated upon let them be fairly
] discussed Beforehand l.. l. SEE
IndianaDolis. Nay IL