Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-03-24
E CONVENTION. FOR THE 9Th coNoREs
SIoNAL DISTRICT.

q CONVENTION, FOR THE srH CONGRESS
SIGNAL DISTRICT.
In former number of our paper, we have
slowed some reflections on the subject o.
inventions, and their value as means of
serving the harmony and union of the Dem
ratic party, aud contributing to its success.
g now propose to remark briefly on few of
. essential characteristics of these bodies, and
object of their creation. We are advocates
Conventions, but would have them always
med upon correct principles. Otherwise
y would be useless aud perniciOus.
Conventions are necessarily representative
their character. Their components are ex-
ded from acting in their personal character,
in primary assemblies. The object of their
alton is to empower, constitute and author
a few to reflect the known will of Coun-
District or State. The choice of a COM
nifty in the selection of suitable candidates
Office cannot otherwise be ascertained, ex-
by an election. The people cannot meet
heir aggregate capacity, to determine their
erences. and of necessity are driven to
'e useful expedients, selecting from their
Ks persons of known intelligence and dis
ion, who have the understanding to know
sentiments of their fellow citizens, in cases
re they haveformed opinions and preferences
men, and the honesty of purpose to regard
n. They arc in harmony with the genius
our government, which is representative
ughout. AS representative bodies, the
1bers of Conventions are bound, 1st, To
tue expressed will of their constituents;
End, To reflect their known sentiments
se we conceive to be plain and undeniable
ositicns, ever after all the elegant easuistry
has been expended on the question as to
.xtent that representative is obliged TO
the will of his constituents. AS to the
er proposition there is seldom any con-
,rsy. An honest man will prefer resigna-
rather than be found acting at variance
the known and declared will of these by
is he clothed with authority to act for.
he latter, there is more scope for shifting
evasion, and consequently more frequent
corded acts of disregard. The same prin-
ought to govern in both cases. 4 rep
tative to convention professedly created
allied together to collect and express the
sentiments and wishes of the constitu-
is not permitted to consult his own per-
whims and preferences any further than
personally concerned.
the Congressional Convention that is
to be held in this district it seems TO US
ure may be noted which, though not
ly novel, is absurd, and is well calculated
e to overthrow the whole theory of Con-
rs, and destroy their essential character
namely, their representative nature. Sew
ounties in the district, NOT regarding the
t usage of nominating and appointing
number of delegates, have by resolu-
npowered all their voters to appear and
their seats in the Convention. Others
recognizing this usage, have, in addi-
the appointment of certain delegates,
simiIarireso!ution authoris;ng all who
ish, to assume the same powers. Page
'arren, if we are rightly informed, have
d the former course, and Hampshire
organ, the latter. The action of these
S is unwarranted and wrong, and the
it points to is subversive of the repre-
re character of Conventions. Regular
mated and chosen delegates feel their
Utilities, know and recognize their pow
duties, and veryeeld9n disregard them:
sons assamt6 ,yeat in Convention
general reselayon, such as above in
may too easily evade their felt re-
ility by setting up the pretence that
d the right to express their individual
nal preference. We need net suspect
On the acts or motives of any one TO
1t grave objection to this course of
How easy would it be for meagre
of ten or twenty persons to misrepre-
entiro county? The activity and dill
few malcontents, or even loyal dem
fully in the interests of particular
e, might rush to a convention, and by
TO act for the masses, totally defeat
rposes and wishes. Would this be
Would it be democratic? Would it
consonant to to the aim and object of
3 pms? We think not, and opine we
response in the negative of all honest
Te protest then, against this inno
his inconsistent feature attempted to
led on. to the old fashioned mode o.