Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 April 1887 — EX-SENATOR M’DONALD. [ARTICLE]

EX-SENATOR M’DONALD.

His Views on the Political Outlook—He Believes in “Turning the Bascals Out” Hon. Joseph E. McDonald, of Indiana, was recently interviewed by a reporter for a New York paper. . “What is the prospect for a Democratic victory in 1888?” wafl asked by the newspaper man. “Oh, first rate, I think. You see, the Democrats in my State refused to vote at the last election because they thought the administration had not divided the patronage sufficiently among them. I suppose 2u,iM)o at 1 ast refrained from voting on that account alone. I don't mean to sayby this that President Cleveland has not made good appointments in mv State, for he has, but in the Congressional districts there were a great many aspirants who failed to get office. These same men too will turn out in 1888 and vote for Air. Cleveland if he is nominated, because they know he is preferable to a Republican Presid nt, President Cleveland has ample time to strengthen himself wonderfully before his term expires. He came into office not knowing public men, and Las devoted his time mainly, almost exclusively, to routine work. He has made a fine administration and an excellent chief executive, there is no doubt about that, and has shown that he has a backbone and stamina. But if he would take some line of policy and shape it—a policy that would redound to his credit and the credit of the Democratic party—he would sweep the country with an irresistible impetus in 1888. It would add to his popularity, to his slreaglh, and to the cohesion of the Democratic party. President Cleveland is a conservative man, a safe man as chief executive. If Mr. Blaine is pitted against Air. Cleveland in 1888 I think it probable that Air. Cleveland will carry New York, though it will be close. Indiana will go for Cleveland, although it gave a majority for the Republican at the last State election. Do I thinlc Mr. Cleveland will be renominated? Yes, if he wants to be, but now I cannot tell you whether he wants to run again. If he does, and is elected, I think his experience will be such that he will not attend so exclusively to his mere duties as President, but turn his attention to a policy for his party. Many in his party think he should turn the Republicans out and put in Democrats. I do, too. I believe that the civilservice reform is a sham. That law iB not good for a republican form of government which makes a civil list and requires a tenure of office. It may do well enough for England, but we do not desire anything of the kind in the United States. Why, if the Republicans should go in to-morrow and take control of this government they would turn out immediately every Democrat in office. There would'be no dallying or weighing on the nice scales the delicacy of such action, but with stalwart promptness out would go every Democrat from even the smallest positions.”