Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-05-02
For the Journal.

MEssRs EDIToRs The pollcy OF nominating
candidates for Office by means of conventions, has
often been made the object of censure, especially by
those whose particular interests, for the time being
have led them TO oppose such nominations. This OPP
position has not however, been confined altogether
10 aspirants Office their friends Many patriot
ic and disinteresed persons have adopted similar
views but without thorough consideration of their
tendency and results. Allow me, Messrs. Editors.
TO present. as briefly practicable, some observa-
tons on this subject, which, in the present condi-
ton of affairs in this county, trust will not be
deemed unreasonable.
Convention nominations necessary 10 concerted
action Where anything like formidable opposi-
ton exists it necessary, in order to be successful
that the party encounterlng such opposition shoulo
be so organized as to ACT unitedty. why does mill
tary science require that the forces OF an army snail
be marshalled under single commander! In order
that the whole army may act with harmonious unity
If led by several commanders, possessing equal au-
thority, distractions mig arise the army might be
separated into divisions acting upon no concerted
plan, and these might be met by the enemy and beat
en- in detail, when, with united action, under SIN.
gle leader, victory would be an easy achlevement.-
1t is recorded of aged man of great wisdom that,
finding himself about to die. he called together his
several sons and told them that he wished 10 bequeah
to them legacy more valuable than silver or gold
Producing bundle of switches firmly bound togeth-
er he desired that they would break them altogether
This was found 10 be impossible. He then united
the bundle, and taking the switches one by one in
his trembling hands, snapped them. Now, my
sons" said the venerable man. you see that. though
the strength of a giant would not avail TO break
these small switches when firmly united, yet, when
separated, the feeble fingers of dying old man con
easily accomplish the task Be united, therefore,
and prosperous If you allow yourselves to be alien
ated from each other, you will foil an easy prey to
your enemies"
Concerted action cannot be obtained except by
consultation among the various branches of party.
Thele must be meeting together of the friends OF
different interests, to agree upon some plan OF opera
tons against the common enemy. This meeting to.
gether for consultation constitutes q conventions
1t is nothing more and nothing less 1t is based up
on the idea that ought to prefer the good OF
his party to the advantage of any mere individual
member of it, even though that member may happen
TO be himself. And when man is selfish enough
to desire his own advantage more than the welfare
of his party, he has n" business in q convention.
Conventions have been objected to on the ground
that they can be arranged to misrepresent the
wishes of the party whose organ they profess to be
because they can be 'packed" with men who
will strive to promote a particular interest rather
than the good of the whole. So may houses De OBJ
ieeted to on the ground that they may be consIruc
led of such materials to render them dangerous
habtations But this would be no argument against
the building OF houses. 1t might be argument
against the use of decayed wood for that purpose
Just so with the argument about conventions. The
possibility that they may be composed of corrupt ma
!eriaIs s argument against them. 1t only proves
that they may be abused, and furnishes strong
son why the people should to it that such dele
gates be appointed will reflect their wishes.
Ii has been objected to conventions that they take
from the people the free exercise of the right of suf
frage-ihat they dictate to the people the candidate
for whom they shall vote. So it light be said of our
State legislature that it tlkes from the people the
right of self government The people willing to
obey the laws made by their own representatives
because such laws are made BY the people themselves
using The convenient nstrumeniaIity of the egisa-
tive body Just so with conventions if the people
send delegates elected by themselves TO convention
the nominations made by such convention made
by the voters themselves, using the fundamentally
of delegates in order 10 consult togther with the least
inconvenience.
If every member of the Democratic party of New
Hanover county could be brought together at Long
Creek Bridge, on the 29h of May nex, and the wishes
OF every expressed and duly considered in relation
TO the nominations to be made then and there, that
would be perfect convention. But such assem-
blage would be impracticabIe. The next best plan
would be to have every voter IN the county repre-.
scented there by his agent delegate and that is the
object which the Democratic party proposes 10 &C.
complish Let it not be supposed that the Long
Creek convention will be self constituted arbitor
of the claims of different individuals No such de-
sign was entertained by the large democratic meeting
which recommended it, and no such purpose will be
accomplished Let the people take the matter into
composed of their delegates, appointed to carry ou
their wishes. In every district where meeting has
not been held already, there should be meeting OF
the Democratic UOterS after due notice, for the pur
pose of choosing delegates. In the choice Of these
every is entitled TO be consulted and the ma or
ity should rule. Every man will then know the
wishes of his district and will 20 prepared to carry
them out. The people being thus truly represented
by heir constituted agents, will feel bound to
tain the action of the convention. The Democratic
party being thus fully united need not fear to en-
coInler any opposition open or secret
| If any additional argument were needed in sup
port of these views, it would be found in the fac
that our opponents are now united by the most sol
emn guarantees against division, which can exist -
They oath, bound 10 support the regular nominee
of their councils. The Democrats need not oaths Il
make them do their duty. They require only tina
they shall understand their true policy and know
what course Of action will be best calculated to ad
vance tn ose great principles which they have mucl
at heart But the compact organization of our enc
my warns US to be on guard. That enemy i
not to be trifed with. Division in the Democrat
ranks would now be fatal Let all true democrat
therefore, in the ensuing present an undvi
ded front upon all qusttons By such course, an
such course alone, we shall accomplish complet
success. A FRIEND TO ORGANIZATION.
The Know Nothing City Councils have refuse
the use of independence Hail to the citizens of Phi
adeIphia, who desired to offer to Mr. Buchanan thei
their approval of his course as Minister to England
Such disrespect to distinguished citizen of the
own State is not only mark Of bigory and bitter
ness, but very foolish move in political point
view. Even the North American, the great organ
) the old wing and the coalition party in Penn
syvanla united 10 do honor to the able diplomats