Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1887 — THE CAMPAIGN IN INDIANA [ARTICLE]

THE CAMPAIGN IN INDIANA

In the campaign of 1886, ‘he “off year” in polities, the Republican party managed to elect their candidates for State officials, and came near having a majority in the Legislature This success has greatly emboldened the leaders of the party and they are counting upon avicto yin 1888 not an easy victo’y, but a victory after a hard fought battle. Let it be understood distinctly that the Republican leaders believe in close, thorough organization. They believe in counting noses—in organizing from precinct to State. They believe in using money—they manage to obtain it. They believe in lying — compact organization enables them to give a lie quick and wide circulation. In the manufacture of partisan lies the Republican party leaders have had no equals. In this regard the campaign of 1888 is to be like that of 1886, if possible more infamous.

In 1886 the Republican leaders attacked the State Treasury and the State Treasurer. Every charge was a he; every intimation was a lie. Republican press and speakers rep ated tbe lies. They knew they were lying. But the lies, though contradicted, found lodgment in the minds of many Democrats, who either voted for Republicans or remained away from t'..o po Is. When Hon. John J. Cooper’s term expired, then it was seen that the Republican press and leaders had studiously and persistently and maliciously lied; that they had secured votes by slander, defamation of character, and Democrats throughout the State are now satisfied that Republican gains were secured by lying about the safety of the State’s funds in the hands of a Democratic officer.

Again, the Republican leaders deliberately and maliciously concocted the most infamous lies relating to the management of the Insane Asylum. This gieat benevolent institution had never been managed more economically since it was built. Never in its history had the average of cures been higher, nor had the inmates received kinder attention. Even the malignant creature, Foulk, was willing, in the face of his monstrous exaggerations, to keep a fee--ble-minded old uncle in a place which nis vulgar mendacity, for partisan purposes, portrayed in colors suitable for a brothel. But the lies went forth on their mission, and like those circulated against the State Treasurer, had their effect and won some votes for the Republican party. Democrats in numerous instances believed the lies and either voted for the Republican candidates or remained away from the polls. We unhesitatingly aver that the lies circulated against the State Treasurer and the Insane Asylum were potent factors in securing the victory of the Republican party in Indiana in 1886. It is not to be presumed that the Democrats of Indiana can be caught again by Republican lies, Republican slanders, and the fact will lose them thousands of votes which they secured in 1886. But it must be understood that during the campaign of 1888 the Republican leaders will seek to impress upon the public mind that Robertson was legally elected Lieutenant Governor, m defiance of the letter and spirit l of the Constitution of the State, and the fact that Robertson was not permitted to trample upon the Constitution will be the prolific womb from which will go forth a ceaseless stream of lies c uring the campaign. To meet and defeat by an overwhelming majority such schemes all that is required is for the Democratic party of Indiana to organize; to organize in every precinct, township, ward and county, in every city, town and village, and victory is certain, is cofessedly a Democratic State, p nd in 1888 there will be no anti-Cleve-land sentiment in the Democratic ranks to help on a Republican victory. United and harmoniou s presenting a solid front to the ene_

my, the Demecret.c party of Indiana will prove invincible and triumphant.—lndianapolis Sentinel.