Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 May 1902 — FROM THE CAPITAL [ARTICLE]

FROM THE CAPITAL

Democratic State Convention the Next Political Event of Importance at Indianapolis. NO PRESS FOR PLACE ON TICKET Republican State Convention Struck a Keynote for the Country—Busy Days for the Labor Commission— Dedication of the Soldiers’ Monu ment. Indianapolis, May 6. —The Democratic state convention will be held in Tomlinson Hall on June 4 and 5. If the party leadership is hopeful as to the outcome of the campaign of 1902 in Indiana, their optimism is not reflected in the push tor place on the state ticket. A few men are avowed candidates, a few others are “prominently mentioned,” but there is no such systematic and strenuous campaigning as went on within the Republican ranks for several months prior to the recent convention. With that great gathering, by the way, the Republicans of the state, judging from the comments of the state press and local party leadership, are better satisfied than with any off year state convention of recent years. It would have been impossible to select a poor ticket from a field of candidates so uniformly excellent. The platfonn pronouncements of the convention have attracted favorable comment all over the country, as did the speech of Senator Beveridge. It was the first Republican state convention of the Twentieth century, as Senator Beveridge said in his address, and Sounded the keynote for its first general campaign. The comment of the independent Washington Post Is indicative of the spirit in which the work of the convention has been received throughout the country. The Post says of Senator Beveridge’s speech: “It was on a high plane, broadly patriotic. His vindication of the policy of protection was superb. Object lessons in the shape of great manufacturing industries were at hand —and he had but to name them in order to justify his party.* * * All the surface indications point to a Republican victory in Indiana, and that means the re turn of Mr. Fairbanks without opposition to the position which he fills with exceptional ability, usefulness and honor to the state and country.” Information For Politicians. Three publications of special value to Indianiaus Who take an interest in politics, and this includes about all of them, have recently been issued—one is an abstract of the vote of the state at the November election, 1900, by precincts, compiled by Upion B. Hunt, secretary oi state; another is a political .feand-book of Indiana for the campaign of 1902, prepared under the direction of the Republican State committe by Archibald C. Millikan. Both these books are marked impiovements on former volumes of similar character, Mr. Hunt’s book because of its handy form, and Mr. Millikan’s on account of its completeness. .The hand-book includes a directory of the Republican state committee and the Lincoln League, a digest about the election laws of the state, maps of the congressional, senatorial and representative districts, a roster of state officials and members of the general assembly, an abstract of the vote of Indiana, and a great deal of other information of value. These hand-books are not distributed gratuitously by the committee, fiut are placed on sale at a nominal price intended to meet the cost of publication. The third is a complete and satisfactory compilation of the platforms of political parties in Indiana throughout the history of the state. The author of this book is State Librarian W. E. Henry. This book contains a very satisfactory index.

The Labor Commission at Work. These are busy days for the state labor commission, and Mr. McCormack, who represents the interests of labor on the board, has on several occasions tried to solve the problem of how to he at three or four points at once. On the whole there are fewer labor troubles in the state now than is ordinary at this time of the year, but the practice of calling upon the state commission is growing, so effective have been its efforts in bringing about, the peaceful settlement of strikes. One encouraging fact is that Buch lftbor difficulties as do occur at present are not on account of threatened reductions of wages, but because of the desire of wage-earners for better compensation or conditions of labor. There are more than 3,000 centers of industry in the state, employing nearly 225,000 workmen. As the commercial interests of the state expand the vital concern of the public in industrial peace is increased, and, happily, the spirit of voluntary conciliation and arbitration grows, largely through the agency of the labor commission. Dedicating the Monument. Senator Tillman said in a speech in the senate some months ago that haying some time in Indianapolis between trains early one morning in the fall of 1900, he walked up town until he came within sight ,of the. Circle. There he saw the most beautiful soldiers’ monument he had ever looked upon. Most of all, he said, he was impressed with the figures showing the gr«at part which Indiana played in

’ , } » t \ the war for the preservation of the Union, when Senator Tillman was a soldier on the other side. On that simple entablature lingers a story of patriotic sacrifice unsurpassed in all the history of the states. Senator Tillman is not the only vis itor who has been, surprised by the beauty of the splendid monument which is the central and commanding feature of the Indiana capital. There is no more beautiful or more significant memorial structure in the country. The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 22, 1889, by President Harrison, and while in Indianapolis to attend the funeral of that great Indianian, President McKinley promised that he would attend the dedication, now set for May 15th. The exercises will include addresses by General Lew Wallace, Governor Durbin, Major G. V. Menzies, General John W. Foster and General Ell Torrance, commander-in-chief of the G. A. R., who will be here to attend the state encampment of the G. A. R. the same week. James Whitcomb Riley will read a poem. Governor Durbin has proclaimed May 15th a holiday throughout the state, and it is expected that the occasion will be observed throughout Indiana in a manner befitting the realization of a patriotic project which represents agitation and effort extending over a period of 27 years.