Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1843-08-18
HER AID.
ron DErE0ATK TO coxoREss,
AUGUSTUS C.. DODGE.

TINS CONVENTION SysrrM, &c.-ln concln-
ding an article on this subject in our last, we
promised 10 resume its consideration the pres.
en-, week. In advocating strict adherence
10 The convention system, we are well aware
tia, we are running counter to the wishes
Of many political friends who otter 10 oplo'
ion with US on this subject; and were we ac-
.aased by selfish mc,ives. we might. from the
position our name has been made to occupy.
BY the partially Of few political friends
choose 10 let the subject slumber; but a. We
have no ,hirs, for prescn, political aggrandize.
men,, q, the expense Of our principles hereaf-
ter, we shall continue to urge strie, adherence
to it, firmly impressed with the opinion that
NO had better sufIsr defeat at present BY il,
.han 10 conquer by its abandonment. There
may be times when eypediency would suggest
;,s abandonment, hut when once abandoned,
our party will at all future times, however
overpowe.ing may be its strength, liable to
defes, from divisions in our ranks.
We know that no little intefes, car be excl
led in favor Of those who aspire to Office, by
tho song Of /" Independence sung BY its vari-
ous mics,rels. He is certainly Independent
who comes before the people saying, 81 am
the candidate of no convention, no caucus, no
packed assembly, but come before you exerci-
sing rights guaranteed to every American ci,i-
zen." There is something in the language
calculated to operate upon the sympathetic Of
gan. But, is there nothing to recommend
these who come before the people, at the peo-
PIE 2 cuba The ssoni~ea Of convention en-.
tiers the field. not with self-assurance that he
is hes, qualified for the discharge Of the duties
of the office TO which he aspires. but a. the
one whom his impartial fellow.citizens feel
willing to con6de their interests.
The Convention System is not the inven-
ton Of cunning politicians Of late years. i
has long been in use by the Democratic party
throughout the United States, where defeat |
was likely TO occur from the multiplicity Of
asprants to the same Office. For years it was |
assailed BY the Wing party. denounced by all
the epi,hess that could be applied to it, but
=" expediency" suggested to them change Of
course. The Democracy un,errihed by all the
abuse it received, pursued the even tenor Of
their way, and the Wings became blind as to |
the evils Of Convention, and fell into the sys-
fem themselves, and continue its practice for
the selection of candidates from the Office Of
President of the United States down to a
township Office Of the least consideration, save
where our party are 30 divided as to make it ap'
pear "expedien." 10 abandonit.
AS every Democrat in the county. however
unassuming and humble he may consider him
self, has the same rights and the same powers
Of the assuming, We hope they will one and
all, attend their respective township meetings,
TO send delegates TO the County Convention.
If every one will resolve 10 do his part, but
little fault will be found, and when some neg
lect to perform this duty, they should be slow
TO find fault with the acts Of those who are
willing to bear their part Of the bur,hens.