Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-05-06
Caucuses, Conventions, and Resolutions.

Caucuses, Conventions, and Resolutions.
The truths contained in the following remarks
from the Cincinnati Gazette are worthy the Sc
rious consideration of every American voter. Let
US know our parties, but let us not seek to know
the opinions Of its members upon essentials;
1.-TWO hundred and ninety gentlemen are as-
sembled Mt Washington in the character of II
national legislature In that character only have
they any weight or Importance beyond that of in
dividuals. The first section VI Inc first article Of
the constitution says All kegtsaatiUe power herein
granted shall DO vested in Congress, &C." Sub
sequently IS list of numerous specifications of
power herein granted
+" In mono OF these is any power granted to
bind the people by caucuses conventions or by
resolutions. TO Congress is given Legislative
power IN certain classes of public business, and
no more All beyond this is reserved to the peo-
pie. Now compare this with the actual dongs of
Congress. That body met on the 4th of Deem
ber II is now May, and it has been five montl
in session. during which three-fourths of the
time has been occupied by members in matters
wholly extranecus to the public business aud be-
longing to the people only. The result of this is,
that extraordinary Importance is given to eau
cnscs and resolutions-things foreign to egisa-
ton
Suppose that instead of any division of par
IlSSj vi Ill LOlSFeSS Dten
unanimous, and Mr.. Cabel and Mr. Giddings,
Mr. Cass and Mr. Seward, had all lovingly agreed
to pass a fnality on the American people, would
that bind the people to what the people did not
approve? Would the voice Of two hundred and
ninety citizens be so omnipotent that the voice
of four millions would be hushed to silence? Yet
this seems to DO the idea among many party poll
ticans.
!" 1t is entirely right that meeting Of certain
persons, for certain objects, should Wter their
sentiments in what mode they please. But who
supposes these resolutions to be binding on
others?
Mr., Jefferson, Mr.. Madison, and Mr.. Monroe
were nominated by caucuses, But in 1924 this
machinery of politics had become so disgusting
that only sixty-two members of Congress out OF
two hundred could he got into caucus. The
caucus system was then abandoned, and the con-
vention system was adopted But into the con-
ventions has crept new idea-that of making
| platforms for the people. One would think that
the people were able, to make their own plat
! forms. Neither the caucuses nor the conven-
tons originally made platforms. Their object
| was to unite parties i'll the nomination of candi-
dates--no more. As convenient mode of uni
ting in a common action, they were useful and
not in furious. But what has resulted from the
construction of platforms? Every man wants to
put in his own timber. The result is, that an in
terminable series of conflicting propositions must
be adopted, or some portion of the people must
be excluded and offended. Is it wise to force
even minorities into measures against their con
vctions' Is it prudent by subdiyiding parties
to throw the country into the hands Of tactions,
the triumph of any one of which will be disastrous
to the whole? ~