Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1885 — Welcome to Mr. Hendricks. [ARTICLE]

Welcome to Mr. Hendricks.

On bis return to Indianapolis Mr. Hendricks was accorded a welcome by his fellow-citizens and

neighbors, and in response to the remarks of Judge Buskirk said: It was always a pleasure for him to return home, and to the friends with whom he had been associated for so many years, for the pleasures of his past life were revived and many of the scenes of former days were thus brought to mind and they always give hnj j iness.— “On this occasion is added a welcome from you, my friends, for which I am indeed grateful, and which I fully appreciate and accept. With ah of you I have associated as a citizen; with some as jurors, with others as judges. You have known me. My sentiments, my emotions have not been concealed from you. What I favored and what 1 opposed you knew, for I have attempted to conceal nothing. Of course, I enjoy your welcome. I left here three months ago to discharge the duties of a very responsible position. I might have returned sooner, but such was not my desire. I remained in Washington to secure office, for those of Indiana whom I knew to be worthy and who wanted th*m. I had no other purpose in remaining away from my home. It might have been more pleasant to return here, but I did not regard my duty

to the people of the State as complete when they honored me with the office of Vice President. I believed when the battle was fought and the victory won that it was ordered by the people that changes should be made, and I knew that Indiana was entitled to consideration in these changes. You have been told in certain newspapers that I was a beggar for office; that such a course was inconsistent and unworthy of the position which I hold. Is it unbecoming for the Vice President to plead for the people who elect him to office ? Is it unbecoming for a man to ask for his people that which they have earned by their votes? Don’t you recollect that I asked during the campaign, that, if defeat should come to the ticket, it should not come in Indiana A certain gentleman calledme a mendicant because I asked this of the people. And, yet, I was in a convention with that man before which he was a candidate and he got but thirteen votes. I don’t think he was a mendicant and I doubt whether he knows the meaning of the term. I appealed to the people because I thought the time had come for a change, and I wanted the people to have it. When the fight was over the result was very gratifying to me. I got more than thirteen votes. Indeed, I didn’t know how many I did get. I asked the people f r their votes, and when they asked me for help I gave it. Wouldn’t I have been an ingrate not to have done so ? If I commit any fault in this matter I am determined that it shall be in asking and not in refusing to ask for what our people want. Many men come to Washington perfect strangers. From the President

down they know no'man connected with the administration. Must no one introduce these men? Must the offices all be parceled out to men who have influence ? and must those who are equally worthy get nothing, because no one will introduce them ? lam glad I stayed in Washington six weeks after the adjournment of the Senate. I was there working for my people, and in doing so I discharged as high a duty as presiding over the deliberations of the Senate. I had no purpose save the good of tne people. I did not do this for self, for I have no idea of being connected with any future ticket. I believe in those doctrines which teach that all the people should be represented, and upon them I based my acts. I think the administration will go on and make changes as rapidly as consistent with an impartial investigation of all matters connected therewith. It is twenty-five years since Democrats stood side in the offices of the Government, and I believe a change has been demanded by the people, and the sentiment is in accordance with true patriotism.