Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-06-08
THE wILLrAMspoRT CONVENTION

VIII ensure their triumph. WILLIAM L.
MoRRIsoN is man whose sterling integrity
has always commanded respect, and whose
practical knowledge will make him an ef-
6cient officer. He is comparatively un-
known in the political world, and until he
became member of the last legislature,
had never occupied public station. Never
having mixed in the strife Of party, he can
have emo friends to reward or enemies to
punish" His life has been passed in use
ful labor, and be will bring into the service
OF the Commonwealth the experience and
industry which his active business habits
have confirmed in him.
Mr.. BRAwLEY, is we'll known as demo-
crat. He has occupied seat in our leglS-
lative hall for number Of years, during
which he has been an attentive and useful
member. His acquaintance with all the
affairs of State, and thorough knowledge Of
all the duties of the office for which he has
been nominated give him advantages which
few possess.
Mr.. BANKS, has long been in public life.
In the convention which formed the new
Con stitution, he took an active and able
part. His speeches in that body display
learning and judgment. His private char
acter is without reproach, and his political
career has been one Of usefulness. No man
could have been elected who is better quali-
fled for that important station than Mr..
Banks.
As usual the Convention passed long
series OF resolutions which are intended and
expected to be recognised as the principles
of the democratic party. Where Conven-
tions called for the purpose of nominating
candidates derived the power to make a
platform for the party, we are not aware.
1t has been their custom for long time !;
but we beg leave to question their authority
for such proceedings. As far as the purposes
for which they assemble are concerned, we
hold their action binding; for in this they
represent the wishes of the majority. But
they are not called together 10 settle the
principles Of the party. They are not in
structed by their constituents that thus and
so is their opinion of measures. We know
that the representative from this county re-
ceived from the meeting by which he was
instructed, no expression of their will in re-
gard to any great question before the pub
lie, save for whom he should vote in Con-
vention. What may have been done in
other places we do not know but unless
delegates are instructed for or against a
particular doctrine, they have no authority
to build up platform and call upon those
whom they represent to mount it. Their
action in this respect has no binding force
upon the people. When they transcend
the duties imposed upon them and go be-
yond the purposes for which they are called
together, they are no longer executing the
trust reposed in them. They then usurp a
right which belongs to the sovereign people
alone. Their resolutions are then a mere
expression of oplnon and as such ought to
receive the consideration and respect due
the opinions of such ar assembly, but no.
thing more. Ofthe worth and weight oi
this opinion each individual is entitled tc
Judge, and if his views do not correspond
with those expressed by the Convention
he can not reasonably be askedto renounce
. them. When absolute and blind acquies-
7 cence is demanded, it amounts to arrogant
dictaton and deserves resistance. When.
ever the people express their opinion, we
shall bow without murmur TO their deci
: sion, but until then, with all respect to con-
+. ventons past and to come, we shall rely
upon our own judgment for the course We
shall pursue.