The weekly Columbian., 1857-03-14
Primary Conventions.

b1GN, we called attention TO the corrup-
ton existing in the organization of the
political parties Of the present day, as
well as to the manner by which such re-
suits were brought about. Among other
causes acting as powerful agents in po-
litical corruption, we alluded to the doc
trines taught by Gen. Jackson, that, "to
the victors belong the spoils"-a system
which in practice has. proven as pernic-
ious to the interests of America, as that
acknowledge by Monarchichal Govern
ments, that, the King can do no wrong"
clearly proving that there is no man so
perfect, not even excepting Gen. Jack
son-that he may not have his faults; or
so wise, that he may not err in Judge
ment. A proof of the rottenness of this
system, can readily be recognized in the
compacts for plunder, the bargaining for
office, and the promises of rewards which
are so readily entered into, in order to
secure the office which the success of
party guarantees to the faithful and
as means by which demagogues can
render their plans at once practical and
certain, primary conventions have been
adopted as one of the fixtures df party
creed.
Now, we would ask the candid reader
If, it is his belief that one half or one third
of the party to which he belongs, ever
have voice in the nomination of their
delegates, to County or State Conven-
tons? Are not the delegates of these
conventions placed in position and com
maitted to the interests Of special candi-
dates previous to their sitting as Nomi-
mating Convention? Are they not ap-
pointed without the knowledge of the
masses, and do not your nominations, as
a general thing, prove unsatisfactory p
and have you not frequently said, were
it not from the fact that am loyal
democrat or faithful whig. | would not
support this man or that" We pro-
pose as remedy to results like these
that, the people, who have right in tte
aominatioa OF their candidates as well
as their election, can remove all this
evil by calling party convention of the
people of the county, or if they wish to
nominate by districts, let each district
vote for its nominee, instead of voting for
a delegate, and when these votes are
collected either for county or State, let
him who has the highest number of votes
be the nominee of the party; or if this is
lot acceptable, destroy the convention
system altogether.
But no! say the demagogues of party,
" this procedure would strip us of our
power; it would prove an inroad upon
the time-honored usages of our party,
and as good democrats, or partizans OF
any other party, we must oppose it p
and they will oppose, and we sometimes
fear will defeat every effort which hon
est men may make to secure an impartial
election, or to effect political reforma-
ton.
Already have politicians commenced
the work of :" wire laying" preparatory
to the fall election, and already have we
heard it whispered of this man ana of
that, that he would be "a delegate to the
democratic convention and that he
would support this or that man for office
We appeal to the peoples it right
that the cards should again be "staked"
in the hands of skillful dealers, and the
people again disappointed in the nomi-
nation and election of suitable men?
The issues of the next campaign are not
national, but strictly local, let our citi-
zens therefore see to it, that none but
competent and good men be elected, to
effect the local reforms SO much needed.
RoBBED.-Donnell & Parsons store
was boldly entered by some one unknown,
on last Tuesday week, and during a mo-
mentary absence Of the clerks, was rob-
bed of their money drawer containing
about $40 in cash. This was bold and
reckless stroke, and should warn our