The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1848-01-21
s,s,e Cenvcniion---s;a,c Register.

Oitd,ea, Dec. 81. 1871 w. ooHfN'
stnfe Convcniion---s;atr Register.
The State Register speaks unad,ise's'.
when il says that the Free Trader is the
only paper that takes ground against the
appointment Of the delegates to the national
convention by the proposed democratic
state convention. The same ground was
taken several months ago by the Chicago
Democrat, and, if we recollect rightly, blythe
Jeffersonian at Galcna. Indeed, we believe
Is many papers north Of Springfield have
expressed themselves in favor Of the dis
trict system as against il. Among Inc ma
nv uapers that have spoken out on the sub
;ect Of state convention there have been
very few that have alluded at all TO the APP
nointment Of delegates TO the national con-
veution, and we are Of opinion, if the naked
question Of the manner of appointing the
delegates were presented, the general eX-
preston would be as likely TO favor as OPP
pose the district system. So far as the
north Is concerned, at least we believe there
are no two opinions on the subject, and if
the mi,l.lia districts and the south should
speak out more fully, we doubt whether
there wonll he as much unanimity on the
other side as the Register represents.
We prefer the district system, because II
Is best calculated to elicit an expression ct
the real sentiments Of the people. y state
convention, made up as these bodies gener-
ally are in this state, is too easily managed
by fow ingenious political r.anGuvrers. 1t
would be no trick TO get delegation from
such body, who would no: express the
wishes Of 1.-THE Of the party in the state.
But il the selection Is left TO districts. it is
next to impossible to get delegation who
do not express the real wishes of The party.
II, in the national convention, it should be
thought best, that the whole state should
vote in the same way, the delcgatescan ca.
sily get together aud agree on supporting
one man. But ifa man is proposed who is
not, and cannot be made, acceptable TO the
democracy Of the whole state, and for whose
nomination they could not unanimously
vote, It would not DO fair that he should
have such vote. We would sooner see the
vote Of our state divided, than to have our
every wish and sense of right and duty out
ragged by united vote.
In reference to state officers the case is
different. There is no parity in the cases
OF state officers and delegates to the national
convention. The Register might as well
contend for the nomination Of the candidates
for congress by state convention. II
would be carrying ont its doctrine exactly.
We have interests and feelings at the north
that are moi common with those Of egypt"
as the Register is pleased to cali southern
Illinois, and we are as little DESTROYS Of hav.
ing these misreprcsented in the national
convention, as we would to have them mis-.
represented in congress. If it is more dc.
mocratic to nominate by state ticket than
BY the district system, then is the theory
Of our national congress q gross blunder.
Instead Of the house Of representatives be.
ing tho democratic body, tho senate is, and
the house becomes wha, the senate was in.
tended to be, the conservative and more
sristocratic body. If the question Of the
manner OF appointing these delegates is to
be decided in accordance with the princi.
pies Of our party, we can see no room for
doubt or hesitancy on the subject, and this
we contend is the only proper test that
should be applied to the matter.
We subjoin a paragraph from an article
Of the Joliet Signal on this subject, which
accords with onr views exactly, and which,
we hope, will satisfy the Register as to the
position Of the nor 'hon this question:
The State Register and most of the other
democratic journals Of the State, that have
expressed al opinion upon the subject, are
IN favor oil choosing our delegates to the Ma.
tionnl Convention, also, BY the State con.
vehtlon: we are aware that there are ma.
ny Considerations in favor Of having our del.
egases in the National Convention, act to.
Gether, but we are somewhat inclined to be-
heve that the manner y which they were
CHOSEN IN lSA was the correct way-that
was by districts. We see no reason why
mey cannot be selected atthe same time and
~ inc same manner the Electors will be
Mewl'i OF alnajority Of the democracy could
oes. 90 attained thereby. The expenses Of
suenuihg The convention from the extreme
ssc'ons Of the State, would be considerable;
consequently th,re would not be as full at
.enoance Of delegates from such portions, a,
there woulabe from The vicinity where The
convention might be held. These. and 9th.
OF considerations, which might be urged.
!mpe' US TO the conclusion that the voice Of
the entire party can best DO attained by
ehoosing our delegates to the National Con.
campaign. "e"'''
Inr Wirtos AND rna WAR.--wc canuo,
cay that we npproye nj, tho ,,,ow. ~ A.,