Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-02-22
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WEDNESDAY MORNING., FEBRUART %, 1854.
TUE cAucrs SYSTEM.

''oNA"Sgs iHNlibS ~ ~ thc dttcHtiou Vi ouI
democratic friends, and particularly those who
assume the leadership of the party in this
County, as Democratic authority upon the
Caucus System, and referring them to the
fact that til, wholesome sentiments of the
communication, we're quite at variance with
the present creed Of the Democratic party
hcre--or, as we should have said, portion
Of it-while they accord with its former pro
frssed condemnation ofthc system of caucuscs
and conventions, as respects County affairs.
II has called forth plethoric reply from the
"Rcpublican showing very clearly its sem
sitivcDess upon the action Of its party as TO
the approaching election of Sheriff for the
County. Il takes especial pains to omit to
publish the Communication, or to inform its
readers that it was written for, and first APP
pcared in,--and was endorsed by the esprit
of Jefferson -having been also subsequent
" addressed to the Stree Press" This is
in accordance with that plan of suppression
of all facts, as far as possible, which might
initiate against the principles of its party,
and the supremacy of that leadership in
the County, whose overthrow is threatened,
for which tits Republican Press has ac-
CURED so high reputation.
We thought the Communication contained
views upon the general subject, which it is
high time should be weighed and probably
weighed by all parties, -views which are dali
ly obtaining favor in almost every section,-
il undertook 10 argue the question and to il
lus,rato the practical evils of the Caucus
System.
At would indicate much stupidity, and re-
quire no little brass to deny the existence of
those evils. The Republican" does not
take up the guautlet of argument, but true
to its irradicable instincts of viturera.ion,
breaks out in the torture Of its vexation into
the grosscst abuse and mputation-supply-
ing in Billingsgatc what it entirely lacks in
good sense, or good taste, acknowledging
is unconquerable cha mpionship in the lists
Of detraction,- abandon the field to its
undisputed possession.
There are two weapons which the Repub-
liean' is welding, to secure for its portion
of the Democratic party, the approaching
election, which it doubtless fancios will do
much execution-and knowing its party bet
ter tlan we do, it may perhaps be right.
One is, TIE former alleged tyranny of the
"Nd5ob FederalstS' of the County-the
court House Clique" and its argument, if
such it can be called, in favor of the adoption
of that system, which it formerly pretended
to condemn, is that of rereage. We have
on former occasions, met its charges against
the Wing party of the County. We have
here only to say that, even if the Wing par
ty did wrong, it is poor excuse, indeed, to
justify the same conduct in the Democratic
party,--and that party which cannot, when
there is growing indisposition to subject the
people any longer to the tyranny and intrigue
Of caucuscS, act upon any higher principle
than that Of rerense.. is truly in need. We
have no idea however, that such miserable
motive exists in the bosoms of many others
than those who deserved to be 'whipped and
lsshed' ard who belong to that delectaLle
class OF seltcreatcd leaders who care nothing
for the principles of a party, and use its or
eaaization only to promote their own selfish
interests. The immediate application, how
ever, Of The sentiments of the communication,
and Of the Republicans comments, is to a
narrower question than that of conventions
generally. This wiiter-none the worse for
being a Democrat, - advances objections
which have specially pertinent bearing, al
,hough not directly pointed that way, upon
the mischief Of allowing press service and
arty diilr' to force mere County officers
upon the people.
W. are aware, that, Will tn, ''Caucus
system" to nominate County officers is al
ost universally condemned in the State,
there are special interests at stake to main
tain it hereof which the urgent appeals
made by pro ninent Democr t, and official
parsonage at precinct meeting in this place,
may shadow forth the objects and induce
ments, in reference to the maintenance of the
unity" amid HARMONY of the party
His motives, time will more fully develop.
The other weapon of the "Republican" to
which we alluded, is to cry down all indie
pendent candidates as preSumptuouS and fac
tiouS. We deem it proper to bring the pub
lie judgement to bear upon the following
pointed allnsion in The comm nts of the Re-
putlican,--which it may attempt to disavow
in its application, but which its sweeping Ian
.ruage will not allow il to DO Read it Dem
ocrats and Wings, ana say who are they, and
what must their purposes be, who can utter