Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 June 1902 — PARAGRAPHIC POINTERS [ARTICLE]

PARAGRAPHIC POINTERS

It would take a double quartette to sound a key-note representing all the shades of opinion prevailing among Indiana Democrats this year. The determination of Democratic leadership to turn its back upon the past is to be commended, but It should not be forgotten that one cannot wipe out a past by turning his back upon 1L There are worse epidemics than smallpox. Governor Beckham. Goebelism is one of them, and It will take something more than a quarantine against a sister state to stamp It out. “Why should not the precedent of Cuba be foliowea in the Philippines?” Inquires the Indianapolis Sentinel. Well, for one thing because the Cubans were not shooting at the American flag when it was taken away, and that is reason enough. The Indiana Gold Democrats of 1896 and 1900 are being invited 10 return to their old-time political associations on condition that they humbly sit down in the rear of the house. This is a good deal like skimmed milk inviting cream to come back and sink to the bottom of the pan. "Savages” is the name which Congressman Vandiver of Missouri confers upon the boys who are fighting the battles of their country in the Philippines. If the dictionary holds out the Democratic minority in the house will ultimately get .on record its real opinion of the American soldier. Senator Hoar says we are sacrificing “the fiower of American youth” in the Philippines. But would “the flower of American youth” be engaging in the crimes against humanity of which Senator Hoar and his associates complain? The senior senator from Massachusetts should call his opinions into caucus and decide upon a consistent theory of the case. Henry Watterson of the Louisville Courier-Journal, in his message to the Indiana Democracy, which came through the lines before the quarantine was established, gives us the familiar assurance that only the Democratic party stands between the country and “the yawning abyss.” This being the case, the country will probably conclude to move in some other direction. As Senator Fairbanks said in a congressional debate the other day: “No matter what the future of Cuba may be, our record is above and beyond reproach. The congress meant what it said, and we have kept the faith. We went to Cuba to free her people from Spanish misrule, not to seize the islands. We declared war In the name of humanity and with no purpose of territorial aggrandizement nor with any ulterior designs. Our exalted , purpose was frankly proclaimed, and to It we have steadfastly adhered.” , The political leadership that has dealt justly with Cuba is not engaged in a conspiracy against human rights in the Philippines. It is hinted that it may be a part of the Democratic program in Indiana to discourage agitation over the stats ticket, and ignore state issues so far as this may be done, with a view to success in a "gum-shoe” campaign for members of the legislature and of con- 1 gress. However this may be, this is no time for apathy in the ranks of Indiana Republicanism. The state has taken a position in the forefront of Republican commonwealths. It would i be easier to take a backward step than to regain lost ground. The most spirited state convention in recent years 1 has given mometum to the Republican ' canvass. Interest and progress In organization should not be permitted to slacken. It is of the utmost Importance that the next Indiana legislature should be Republican—not only because a United States senator Is to be ! elected, but because the reduction of the state debt and the economical management of state Institutions and bureaus should be continued. Conditions in national and state affairs worth fighting to get are worth fight- j Ing to keep. And despite the apparent I somnolency of the Indiana Democracy, it Is to be remembered that General | Apathy does not win victories, even over an inactive opposition. Indiana Republicans must not and will not lose this year’s opportunity to round out a full decade of victory and make their state permanently Republican.