History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 42

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104

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tinel refused to follow the custom ob- served for years of publishing gratui- tously from day to day the party ticket- National, State, county, etc. Eb. Hender- son was Chairman of the State commit- tee and came in for a share of Mr. Shoe- maker's displeasure. The result of the election in Indiana is told by these figures :

FOR PRESIDENT.

Grover Cleveland, Democrat. 244,990

James G. Blaine, Republican. .238,463

Benj. F. Butler, Greenbacker 8,293

FOR GOVERNOR.

Isaac P. Gray, Democrat. .245,140

William H. Calkins, Republican. . 237,748

Hiram Z. Leonard, Greenbacker. 8,338

Robert S. D. Wiggins, Prohibitionist. 3,868

FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR.

Mahlon D. Manson, Democrat. . 245,476

Eugene H. Bundy, Republican. .237,538

John B. Milroy, Greenbacker. 8,384

Elwood C. Silver, Prohibitionist. 3,689

The pluralities were: Cleveland for

President, 6,537; Gray for Governor, 7,392; Manson for Lieutenant-Governor, 7,938; Captain William R. Myers for Sec- retary of State, 7,097; James H. Rice for Auditor of State, 7,261; John J. Cooper for Treasurer of State, 9,903.

The General Assembly chosen at this election was politically divided as follows : Senate-36 Democrats, 14 Republicans. House-63 Democrats, 36 Republicans, 1 Greenbacker.

NINE DEMOCRATS, FOUR REPUB- LICANS SENT TO CONGRESS.

There is a remarkable similarity be- tween the result of the election for mem- bers of Congress in 1882 and 1884. On the Democratic side Kleiner, Cobb, Hol- man, Matson, Ward and Lowry were re- elected. Jonas G. Howard, Democrat, succeeded Strother M. Stockslager, Dem- ocrat, in the Third District; William D. Bynum succeeded Will E. English, both Democrats, in the Indianapolis District; James T. Johnson, Republican, succeeded John E. Lamb, Democrat, in the Terre Haute District. Two Republicans, Brown

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and Steele, were re-elected. George Ford was elected for the full term in the Thir- teenth, and Benjamin F. Shively for the unexpired term of Major Calkins.

FOR FIVE YEARS DEATH HOVERED OVER MR. HENDRICKS.

The active part taken by Mr. Hen- dricks in the 1884 campaign left every- body under the impression that he was in prime physical condition. Not a hint to the contrary was given from the opening to the close of the campaign. The real facts in the case became known only after his death, and then but vaguely. It devolved upon Senator Voorhees to reveal the well-kept secret. He did this in his masterly, eloquent and touching tribute to the departed statesman delivered in the Senate of the United States January 26, 1886:

"Five years ago the unremitting labors and the incessant strain of more than a third of a century caused the powerful and compact physical constitution of Governor Hendricks to put forth its first signals of distress, and to reel for a time like a dis- abled ship in the breakers. In the autumn of 1880, seeking for rest and surcease of toil, he visited that famous canyon of the Ozark mountains, in Arkansas, where magical springs pour forth their hot and healing waters. While there in repose and apparent security the icy finger of paraly- sis, sure precursor of skeleton death, touched him with its fatal premonition.

"The extent of his danger at that time was never known, except to her whose life was as his own, and to his physicians, who did not conceive it their duty to publish their patient's ailments in the newspapers. He came home, however, to his beloved State, and again took up his public and private duties with serenity and compo- sure, but he knew from that time forward that he walked in the constant shadow of an impending blow. Not a word ever escaped him on the subject outside of his domestic circle. No wail, nor murmur, nor lament ever shook his lofty fortitude or passed his lips. When, two years later, he was stricken with lameness in his foot, and informed that he could rise no more to take part in the affairs of life, he was the only party to the scene unmoved by the

great change then apparently so near. He spoke of his work as finished, and quietly waited for the curtains which divide time from eternity to be drawn aside. But medical opinion had erred, and it was re- served for him to receive one more promo- tion at the hands of his countrymen, to be crowned with another and higher honor, and to fall at last, when his hour did come, within a single step of the summit of hu- man greatness.

"At the Chicago convention, in 1884, Governor Hendricks made the only appear- ance of his life in such a body. The old familiar light was in his face, and his men- tal vision was as clear and penetrating as ever, but he was physically not strong, and the prompt alert movement and elastic tread which his friends knew so well were wanting. His presence in that convention was contagious, and the vast multitude shouted themselves hoarse and shook the mighty amphitheater with his name when- ever he appeared, but no exultation came for a moment into his look or manner. To those near him he simply appeared to en- joy in a quiet, silent way the popular ap- proval of his long and faithful services, under the weight of which he was then wearily walking in the rich and glowing sunset of a great and well-spent life. When he was nominated for Vice-President he was seeking repose and sleep on his bed at the hotel at the close of an exciting day. He did not hear the tender words and strains of 'Auld Lang Syne' break forth from ten thousand voices at the mention of his name, exclaiming :

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind ?

"The effect of the nomination on Gov- ernor Hendricks himself was immediate and remarkable. The position of Vice- President was one to which he had never aspired, nor were its duties congenial to his talents or tastes. He knew and accept- ed the fact that a dread specter was hover- ing near him and liable to cast its fatal dart at any moment, and more especially in the midst of labor and excitement. He had so often, however, led his party, and had always so fully met the expectations of his devoted friends in Indiana, that his iron will at once determined not to disap- point them on the last field where he was to appear. His resolution seemed to sum- mon up all the vigor of the best years of his manhood.

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

"The energy and activity he displayed were never surpassed in a political contest. He declared himself ready to answer for his State, as he did in 1876, and the re- sponse of the people justified his promise and his claim. The brilliant and gifted leader of the Republican party, known in the lists of the political tournament as the Plumed Knight, crossed the borders of In- diana, was welcomed with all the pomp and circumstance of a great party long ac- customed to national victories, made a tour of the State with his banner full high ad- vanced, inspiring the confidence and kind- ling into a flame the zeal and devotion of those who believed in his destiny and fol- lowed his star. As Mr. Blaine closed his engagements in Indiana and drew off to other fields, it was determined that his dramatic and dazzling expedition into the West should have its bold and effective counterpart.

"Governor Hendricks, upon brief an- nouncement, passed rapidly from point to point, and the people rose up to do him honor until the whole State seemed one vast continuous assemblage. It was his farewell engagement on the hustings, and he filled it like a master. Such an ovation was rarely ever given to hero or statesman in ancient or modern times, and the chil- dren of this generation will recall its scenes when they are old men and women in the distant future.

"But while he moved in the midst of these pageants, honors and allurements, it was known to a chosen and silent few that his mind and heart dwelt apart from them, and were engaged with matters of higher import than those of earth. Dur- ing the last two years of his life he se- lected and prepared the beautiful spot where he now reposes. He gave his close personal attention to the finish and erec- tion of the stately marble shaft which bears his name and marks his final abode. His only child died when but three years old, and for more than thirty years had rested at the old home at Shelbyville. As he felt the evening shadows coming on, the strong man, the able lawyer, the dis- tinguished senator, and governor, and vice-president, wished his long-lost little boy to sleep by his side. He tenderly transferred the sacred dust from Shelby- ville, and when he himself was by loving hands laid to rest, the grave of a child was observed close by covered with

flowers. At times he visited this hal- lowed spot and lingered there while his own name was ringing with applause or provoking fierce controversy. His thoughts were then far away, and with deep emotion he gathered up the broken links of the past, and by a faith that never faltered nor grew dim, reunited them in that high world beyond the sun and beyond the stars.

"Governor Hendricks was a believing and practical Christian all the days of his life. His duties to the church were no more neglected nor evaded than his duties to the State. He held official relations with both, but never mingled them. He bore open and public testimony on all proper occasions to his reliance upon the teach- ings of Christianity for the advancement of civilization and for the happiness of mankind. In his private life he exempli- fied the beautiful virtues of his religion. He was much given to charity, not merely in the bestowal of alms to the poor, but in the kindness of his heart and the tol- erance of his spirit toward all. He obeyed the apostolic injunction, and lived in peace with all men as far as it lay in his power to do so. He never gave the first blow in a personal controversy, and often forbore to return those he received. He loved his neighbors, and was by them be- loved.

"Sir, we shall see Thomas A. Hendricks no more with our mortal eyes. He is gone from the high place of earth to the higher realms of immortality. He is lost to the senate chamber, to the forum, and to home and friends. We will follow him; he will return no more to us. As long, however, as American history treasures up pure lives and faithful public services ; as long as public and private virtue, stain- less and without blemish, is revered, so long will his name be cherished by the American people as an example worthy the highest emulation. Monuments of brass and marble will lift their heads to- ward heaven in honor of his fame, but a monument more precious to his memory and more valuable to the world has al- ready been founded in the hearts of the people whom he served so long, so faith- fully. and with such signal ability. In the busy harvest time of death, in the year 1885, there was gathered into eter- nity no nobler spirit, no higher intelli- gence, no fairer soul."

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HISTORY INDIANA DEMOCRACY-1816-1916

(Mr. Hendricks died at his home in Indianapolis, November 25, 1885. He was born on a farm in Muskingum county, Ohio, September 7, 1819.)

At the memorial services of the Indian- apolis Bar Joseph E. McDonald spoke thus of Mr. Hendricks:

"The national flag at half-mast, the city draped in mourning, and the many sad faces that throng our streets, all attest the fact that one who has enshrined him- self in the hearts of the people of this State and had inscribed his name high up in the roll of the distinguished men of our country has closed his earthly career; and while we, his brothers of the bar, have met to pay to his memory that honor to which it is entitled, on account of the high rank he held in our profession, a nation bows its head in sorrow. Monu- ments may be erected to perpetuate his name, but none will be more enduring than the memorial you will this day en- roll upon the records of the courts. It is the lawyers' monument, and will remain when monuments of brass or stone have crumbled, and fallen, and mingled with the dust. The memorial and resolutions you are about to adopt speak of him, his char- acter and career, and render it unneces- sary for me to more than briefly allude to them."

MR. HENDRICKS' DEATH SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED.

As stated in his eloquent tribute to the departed, the Hon. William D. Bynum says on the evening prior to his death Mr. Hendricks

"Attended a reception at the residence of State Treasurer Cooper, and, though slightly complaining, was the recipient of many congratulations upon his healthful and robust appearance. On this occasion he was exceptionally affable, and partici- pated in the pleasures of the evening with rare grace and extreme joy. Upon his re- turn home he did not rest well, and the next morning the family physician was summoned, who, finding nothing serious the matter, administered an anodyne to re- lieve the pain of which he complained. No one but himself entertained any thoughts of approaching danger, and the only man- ifestation of fear upon his part was the gloom of doubt which seemed to be hover-

ing around his mind, causing him to crave the continued presence of Mrs. Hendricks by his side. She was constantly with him on the day of his death until late in the afternoon, when she left him alone, rest- ing comfortably and apparently safely, to receive some friends. She was absent only a few minutes, but when she returned his great spirit was gone.

"The news of his death flew fast and far, and 'ere the noon of night had passed a feeling of sorrow was in every heart and a shade of sadness upon every brow. Death had not stricken the first-born, yet there was mourning in every household. When the startling news of his death was first communicated to me I was reminded of the time when Burke was making a speech at the hustings in a race for the House of Commons news was brought him of the death of his competitor. Dropping the subject of his speech, he exclaimed, 'This teaches us what shadows we are and what shadows we pursue.'"

HENDRICKS' BROADMINDEDNESS.

A remark that Mr. Hendricks made in 1880 illustrates his conscientiousness and sincerity. He was walking toward the Wigwam one evening with his friend, William Wesley Woollen, to hear Hon. George W. Julian speak. It will be re- membered that Mr. Julian had been an Abolitionist before and during the war, noted on the stump and in Congress for the force of his argumentation and bit- terness of his invective. He came over to the Democrats with the Greeley move- ment and had been an able assailant of the Republican administration. Mr. Hen- dricks fell to commenting on Mr. Julian as a speaker and feared that his sharp- ness and vigor would not prove so ef- fective as a more winning and persuasive style. "But," he said, "what a fine cour- age Julian has shown throughout; and, Woollen, he was right in his abolition views and we were wrong." Then, after a moment's thought, he continued: "But if I had my life to go over, I could not do otherwise than I did. At each step I did what I thought right by the light I then had."

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[CHAPTER XLI.]

POLITICAL SEE-SAWING CONTINUES

FOUR YEARS OF DEMOCRATIC ASCENDENCY FOLLOWED BY FOUR YEARS OF REPUBLICAN SUPREMACY

F OR the first time after the Civil War the Democrats of Indiana scored a signal triumph in 1870. A Democratic Governor and a Democratic Superin- tendent of Public Instruction were chosen in 1872, but the remainder of the Republican State ticket squeezed in at the October election of that year. The country at large was swept by the Republicans under the leadership of Grant, owing to the adversities engendered by the ill-fated Greeley movement. Two years later victory was again inscribed on the Democratic banner. This was repeated in 1878. In 1880, Democracy discouraged and for a time dismayed, the Republicans emerged out of the contest victoriously, both State and Nation. A hocus-pocus game sought to be shrewdly played by the Republicans in 1882 was rebuked by a Democratic victory exceeding 10,000 votes. Nearly equally decisive was the Demo- cratic triumph in 1884. Democratic dis- content and apathy in 1886 caused the political pendulum again to swing in the Republican direction. Democratic apathy in that campaign was due to the reluctance with which the Cleveland administration recognized the just claims of the Demo- cratic "boys in the trenches." After hav- ing been out in the cold for so many years, "the boys in the trenches," who had bat- tled for so long a time to place the country under Democratic control, had become im- bued with the idea that some considera- tion should be shown them at the "pie counter," so greedily monopolized by Re- publican workers and partisans. Sore dis- appointment thus occasioned cropped out everywhere and had a depressing effect on both campaign and election.

By dint of persistent hammering away some recognition was accorded about a half-dozen more or less prominent Indiana Democrats. Colonel John S. Williams of Lafayette was made Third Auditor; S. M. Stockslager of Corydon became Assistant Commissioner of the Land Office, and Eb. Henderson landed a fairly good job in one of the numerous bureaus at Washington.

In the diplomatic service Indiana fared better. Two important positions were awarded to distinguished and deserving Indiana Democrats: Colonel Charles Denby of Evansville was made Ambassador to China and the Hon. Rufus Magee of Logansport was named as Minister to Nor- way and Sweden. Both were excellent selections. Both were credited to Joseph E. McDonald. Mr. Magee sustained very close relations to that gentleman. During the earlier part of Mr. Magee's career he was a member of the McDonald family. For some years Mr. Magee was connected with the Indianapolis Sentinel and served several terms as Secretary of the Demo- cratic State Committee. In these positions he developed unusual ability, that con- tributed largely to his subsequent advance- ment and well-deserved prominence in State affairs. As editor and proprietor of the Logansport Pharos, he wielded com- manding influence in State politics, and as State Senator he achieved fame and dis- tinction by virtue of the excellence of his legislative work. As Minister to Norway and Sweden he made a record to which his friends may well point with satisfaction and pride. That the appointment of Colonel Denby to the Chinese ambassador- ship was a wise one is attested by the fact that he was retained by the Harrison ad- ministration and that twelve years of the

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Colonel's life were devoted to straightening out the innumerable complications that arose during his long and useful diplomatic service.

Indiana having failed to gain recogni- tion in the formation of the Cleveland Cabinet-influences having been set at work to prevent Joseph E. McDonald from being made Attorney-General-intima- tions were thrown out that Indiana might be favored with the award of the public printership. Vice-President Hendricks and the solid Indiana delegation in Con- gress held a meeting and unanimously formally presented the name of John B. Stoll for that position. In course of time it leaked out that strong influences were at work to retain the then "present incum- bent," S. P. Rounds of Chicago. When- ever urged to come to some decision in the premises, President Cleveland bemoaned the tremendous pressure brought upon him from all directions and pleaded that more time be given him to reach a conclu- sion. Repeated month after month, this plea became monotonous, and about the middle of the Cleveland administration Mr. Stoll went to Washington to have a personal interview with the President on the subject.

With utmost frankness President Cleve- land was told that so much time having been consumed in determining the public printership, an appointment now would no longer serve as a gratification of ambition ; that public office had lost its charms so far as this applicant was concerned, and that rather than be further held in sus- pense he (Mr. Stoll) would prefer to with- draw his papers and forget all about having been a candidate for the position. The President earnestly objected to this being done, promising that in the near future he would take up this particular case and come to a decision. Shortly after this interview Stilson Hutchins, a former newspaper publisher at St. Louis and then in control of an administration organ at

Washington, sent word to Mr. Stoll by a trustworthy envoy that if he (Hutchins) were permitted to name the chief clerk of the Government Printing Office the ap- pointment of Mr. Stoll would soon be an- nounced. The reply to this overture was that Mr. Stoll would not place himself under any such obligation to any human being. Interest in the public printership had by this time been eliminated from Mr. Stoll's mind, he having reached the conclusion that henceforth his time and attention would be centered on his news- paper work. The effect of banishing political ambition and giving unre- mitting attention to business was

marvelous and resulted in such ad- vancement along material lines that the denial of an appointment at the hands of Mr. Cleveland partook of the na- ture of a blessing in disguise. Stilson Hutchins became a multi-millionaire. How much satisfaction and pleasure this afforded him is not a matter of record. It is a matter of record, however, that after having devoted a lifetime to the accumu- lation of millions he became involved in a legal squabble with his family and that he ended his career a mental as well as a physical wreck.

In an interview that the Hon. Eli W. Brown, for many years a prominent Demo- crat of Whitley county and at the time editor of the Frankfort Crescent, had with Senator McDonald, at the latter's law office in Indianapolis, soon after the inaugura- tion of the Cleveland administration, Mr. McDonald expressed himself quite freely with reference to his attitude toward Mr. Hendricks. "The time has come," Mr. Mc- Donald said to Mr. Brown, "when lines must be drawn sharply in this State. We have come to the crossing of the roads. The adherents of Mr. Hendricks will choose one; my friends will travel in the other direction." When the substance of this conversation was repeated to Mr. Hen- dricks he showed no signs of surprise,

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anger or fear. He simply listened, medi- tated and then maintained an ominous silence.

An unexpected complication arose in Indiana politics as a result of the appoint- ment of Lieutenant-Governor Mahlon D. Manson to the collectorship of internal revenue, headquarters at Terre Haute. By the acceptance of a Federal appointment General Manson vacated the office to which the people of Indiana had elected him in 1884. Being a man of wealth, his acceptance of an office such as the collector- ship created considerable surprise. After he had filed his letter of resignation as Lieutenant-Governor, the question as to filling the vacancy at the ensuing election was by Governor Gray officially referred to Attorney-General Francis T. Hord. Upon giving due consideration to the sub- ject the Attorney-General held that the vacancy must be filled by popular election. Governor Gray accepted this view of the case and in his official capacity announced that it would be in order for all political parties in the State to nominate a candi- date for the office of Lieutenant-Governor.

THE DEMOCRATIC STATE TICKET HEADED BY CAPTAIN JOHN C. NELSON.

When the Democratic State Convention assembled at Indianapolis, August 11, 1886, the Committee on Permanent Or- ganization, through its Chairman, W. Scott Ray, named Senator Voorhees for presiding officer and W. J. Craig as prin- cipal secretary. The convention ratified these nominations unanimously and en- thusiastically.

STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE.

1. E. P. Richardson, Pike county.

2. Thomas B. Buskirk, Orange.

3. S. H. Mitchell, Washington.

4. Judge F. S. Swift, Franklin.

5. Eb. Henderson, Morgan.

6. D. W. Chambers, Henry.

7. Joseph E. McDonald, Marion.

8. J. C. Sawyer, Vermilion.

9. Israel Curry, Boone.

10. J. C. Odell, Carroll.

11. W. H. Hawkins, Jay.

12. Judge Edward O'Rourke, Allen.

13. Daniel McDonald, Marshall.

THE PLATFORM OF 1886.

As compared with some other platform declarations that of 1886 may be pro- nounced a model of terseness. Its main planks read thus:

"Resolved, That the Democracy of In- diana, in convention assembled, cordially approves the administration of President Cleveland, for its ability, integrity and economy in the management of national affairs, and recognize in the President and members of his Cabinet faithful and pa- triotic servants.

"Resolved, That the Democrats of In- diana sincerely lament the loss of their honored and . trusted leader, the late Thomas A. Hendricks. By his wise coun- sel and superb leadership the Democracy of Indiana gained and enjoyed an enviable reputation for heroic and unselfish devo- tion to the principles of just government. The memory of our late beloved leader can not be better perpetuated than by a stead- fast observance of his conciliatory counsel and patriotic teachings, to the end that the efforts of all true Democratic citizens may be directed to the faithful application of those grand and ennobling principles that conduce to the welfare and happiness of a liberty-loving people.

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History of the Indiana democracy, 1816-1916, Part 42

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926 Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1104

Author: Stoll, John B., 1843-1926
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : Indiana Democratic Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1104