Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1847-12-08
A National Convention.


We have received several letters Of
enquiry from our friends in different por-
tions Of the State, particularly the central
counties or Linn, Scott. Muscatine and
Washington, relative to the appointment
ofdelegates from Iowato the national dem
ocxatic convention, which will be held,
probably at Baltimore, in the early part Of
next summer-say the fourth Of July, at
the latest. This shows wholesome in
tcrest in the great national contest upon
the principles dividing The two great par
ties of the day, IS hich is to come off in
less than twelve months from this date.
and v eich will be the first opportunity
ever enjoyed by the people OF Iowa TO
participate in the choice ola Chief Magis-
trate Of the Union.
We take this method Of replying at once
10 al those correspondents, and Of briefly
giving our views upon the proper policy
10 be pursued. An esteemed friend writ
ing from Scott county, says:
awhile writing, thought strikes me
with regard to the next democratic Ma
tional conv ention. Is it not time tina. the
democracy Of Iowa were moving in the
matter? So far, have not seen word
said in any Of the democratic papers Of this
State on the subject Of appointing dele.
gates 10 the National Convention. Shall
the delegates be appointed by State, or
district conventions? If by district. l
would suggest Davenport as the most suit
able place for meeting in the End district"
In reply to our friends suggestion as TO
the place, if the district system be adopt
ed, we believe that resolution was aGop-
ted at the Bloomington convention in June,
indicating Davenport as the place Of hold
ing tie next Congressional district con-
>ention. This would probably govern the
matter, though more particular reference
was had TO convention TO nominate can
didate for Congress. A corresponding
committee was also appointed for the pur-
pose Of arranging such preliminaries, Of
which we have the honor of being one;
end as similar committee was, we be.
lieve, appointed in the first district, per-
haps the readiest method for uniting upon
ageneral plan, would be ageneral cores
pondence between the members Of those
committees respectively, 10 be followed by
a correspondence between the two com.
mi,tees, through their chairlnen or sec.e-
taries.
We have thought much upon this inn
portsnt subject, and were at one time in
clined to propose convention Of the de-
mocracy Of the State on the 9Th Of Janua-
ry. But, while we are decidedly in favor
Of democratic jubilee on that day, sacred
to the memory Of tie venera'ed Jackson,
iii. con be brough. about, we are BY no
means certain that it would be the true
policy then and there 10 appoint OH: dele
gates 10 the national convention.
Though we may anticipate pretty
large attendance on the session of the Leg
islature, yet it will be composed TO bu, a
very small extent Of the masses Of our
party, the bone and sinew of democratic
strength. Various motives will call men
here at that time, and the political waters
will be in full motion, agitated by various
influences not generally calculated to pro-
mote the harmony Of the party. 1t being
Of the very first importance to secure per-
feet harmony and unison among the de
mocracy Of The State in the great struggle
Of next year. our preliminary measures
looking 10 the selection Of our national
standard bearers should be kept as free as
possible from all undue influences which
may have tendency to engsnder jealous
les or heart burnings.
Should the Legislature be convened,
we think that the democratic members
may be safely entrusted with the recon.
mendation Of a plan, TO be adopted by the
corresponding committees Of the districts
and the State central committee, ifapprov-
ed. The main question will be between
state and district conventions. While
a state convention possesses some advan-
tsges, the district conventions would come
home nearer to the masses of the people
and give them a better opportunity Of
full aud fair representation.
Polk IcE.-Much has been said in the
wing prints about "Polk stalks" in the
Mississippi. When we were down the
river the other day, We found it brim full
Of Polk ice, TO which Polk stalks are moth
ing in comparison. BY this time we dare
ssy the navigation is completely obstruct-