Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1859-05-20
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10 WnOm all ohcers or agents engaged in the transaction
of public business ultimately responsible.
In face of this theory, the constant tendency of power
to steal from the many to the few, has been proved by
the experience of all past ages and that of our own time
furnishes no exception to the general rule Public
wants come to be regarded public masters-he dele
gates OF the people the repositories of original and
heent instead Of merely dervative powers and the peo
pie expected to reflect the views of those whom they
have chosen instead of the persons chosen rejecting the
views or studying the wishes of those by whom they have
been chosen
These remarks will apply to all parties, as being i'll
herent in the nature Of things, but present object is
to direct attention to growing error which we have no.
ced in party equally with the opposition in North
Carolina It is not our intention to extend survey
farther in this article at least unless ncideny perhaps
for the purpose Of Illustrating position enforcing
our arguments.
AT one time all parties bowed down to the authority
of Legislative or Congressional caucuses, until this die
tation became too oppressive, and resort had to
political conventions. Congressional caucus used to
select the Democratic candidate for the Presidency
that has passed away and can be revived although
it is fact too painfully apparent that at least
Congress in each term occupies itself more with the bu
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proper discharge of its legislative duties.
We have democratic delegation from this State
composed of gentlemen of ability who we believe have
been true to the principles of the Democratic party-to
the interests of the South and of the whole country
They have thus reflected the views and wishes Of tier
constituencies. Towards some Of these gentlemen
entertain feelings of rendship-towards all of respect
towards none Of opposition antagonism. What we
intend saying therefore, will not be directed against these
gentlemen for the mistaken views and practices to which
we wish to direct attention. have grown up mainly with
out their agency, and not unrequenty against their
wishes.
| So far all Federal appointments or patronage in
the State CO. from United States Judge to village
Postmaster the appointing power is virtually vested in
the Congressional delegation of the party which may be
dominant at Washington in this respect at least such
delegation constitutes olgarchy from which there is
virtually appeal This fact and the feelings it engen-
ders nsensbIv exerts its influence which becomes DIFF
fused and tends to subyert and change the relations
which ought to exist between public servants and their
masters the people, until indeed it would appear to
garded as nothing less than tacousness for Demo
cratic voer-a constituent to exert his right of choice
even prior to Conrenton Or other authoritative ac-
express it. We 60 for organization-we have always
gone for it. but organization to be worth anything must
be based upon the free action of the people, the masters,
not upon any feeling of subservency to their representa-
tiUeS-their servants.
We will illustrate what mean by reference to what
has come under our own eye within short space of
time
In the second district, we assume nothing suppose
in saying that Col. Rufin will be the choice of the
Democratic Convention as every indication shows that
he is of the great body Of the Democratic party, yet
Convention is held because it is felt that frequent ap
peal to the true Of power the people, is right and
desirable At the meeting held in Onslow County the
people of that County thought proper to bring
forward the name of their respected fellow
citizen Col Humphrey. On the very face of it this
allusion to Col Humphrey neither implied could be
tortured to any opposition to- attack upon or re-
Election against, COL Rulin. 1t was simply compli-
mentary vote-an honorable mention Of Col. Humph-
rev. and that was objected to by the Newbern Delta as
not quite up the prescribed line of devotion to the
incumbent.
In the Raleigh District Mr.. Branch is the incumbent
and nominee as no doubt he the choice of the party
That choice was plainly expressed in the proper
Mr. Branch or Mr.. Anybody else should be made the
test of Democratic fdety-the erperimentun cucis be
fore Convention had met yet that such feeling qra<
manifested is apparent, and the indignant denals
opposition on the Standard show the force and potency
of this feeling
In this the third district three counties at least have
already expressed their desire to have convention,
another has expressed its willingness to be represented il
such convention The object of conventions to concen
trate party action harmonic party divisions and
the fullest development of party strength by presenting
that candidate who the personal choice of the consti
tuencies of the district. Any respectable portion
of the party has right to be heard. The people
the masters have right to make then
own choice and to demand that opportunity be
afforded them of making it, in open and proper man
ner and the attempt to suppress refuse the opportun
ty of this right cannot but work evil while contrary
course would result in harmony, and be promotive O
good
We express these opinions because entertain them
and because think they right and proper to be
expressed. We have always done so. When our dele
cation voted for the miserable abortion known
as the deposit BILL spoke out-DemOcratc opinion
and experience have alike sustained US. When we ex
press true Democratic doctrines feel certain OF being
ultimately sustained.
= Granted that delegation in Congress have beer
true to Democracy, that foolish excepted
there only eight true Democrats in North Carolina, thai
private judgment should be personal choice
denounced? We think not Let us always act in such
to preserve the full supremacy Of the people
!" and the full accountability of their servants.
S Emglnnd's Preparations.
England proposes to increase her navy by the addition
of ten thousand mento embody her militia, and to car
ry on recruiting until she has regular force of 100000
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