Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-08-25
THE CONVENTION AND CANDIDATES.

t0tOT cones 10 US as FeT' dP|op0SI as we were
preparing an article on the same subject The
sentiments accord so entirely with ours, and
are SO plainly and forcibly put, that we adopt
the article entire, asking our readers to make
the necessary changes of names to suit this To-
calty !
AS this number of the AGITAToR is probably
the last which will be read by the Republicans
in all parts of the County prior to the day for
holding the Convention at Tioga, we propose
to say few words in regard to the election of
delegates and their action as such in Conven-
ton.
We have noticed that several of the candi-
dates for Office have canvaSsed the different
townships with the view to prejudice voters in
their favor. These candidates may possibly
plead that the practice is sanctioned by Gus
tom and that therefore they are justified in
doing so. To say the least of it, we believe
that is very poor way-a way more calcu-
lated to defeat than to secure a popular express
sion of the opinions of the people most deeply
interested and concerned.
One of two things is undoubtedly true either
that this high pressure eectioneering is right,
or Conventions for free and unbiased expires
sion OF the popular wish of the people are
right. If the first be right, the last is certainly
unnecessary, as it seems to u.s. But we hold
that Conventions are necessary to any party
organization that without them there could
be no organized effort and speaking relatively,
no success. And We firmly believe that this
custom,-if this practice is old enough to be
dignifed by the name of custom will do more
to undermine the strength of a party than any
thing else Why We will try to tell you
When candidates go before the people with
q view to influence them in their action at the
primary meetings, they pervert the privileges of
the citizens intending to vote. by appealing to
their sympathes and by securing them by
pledges, thus limiting in some degree the Eber-
ty of free expression. Men become so intense
ly selfish when asking for office that principles
are left in the back ground and in some cases
entirely forgotten. If for instance, Republi-
can seeking for an Office meets in his travels a
halfway, weak backed Republican whose vote
may be needed in caucus, the Republican can
didate goes dOlcR to the level of Weak Back in
stead of bringing him up to his own level. In
this way principle is often inconvenient to the
| candidate, and the result is demoraizing alike
to the voter and to him who seeks the vote
If the people do not put stop to this kind of
thing, we will soon be, as a party, burdened
down with all that clap-trap which we so hear
ty despise in the party which now rules us
People do not like to be bored by Office seekers
nor ought they to be.
1t may be asked How are people going to
know who are candidates 2" Let the people
meet together in caucus and elect delegates
to country Convention, and let the names of
candidates be read from the county paper -
Let those present who know the men by reputa-
ton speak of them as they deserve The ca
pability, integrity Of character, and fidelity to
principle of each candidate ought to be dis
cusSed without fear and due weight ought to
given to the claims of locality. In cases where
little can be known of candidates, much should
be left to the discretion of delegates We be-
lieve this would be better. Will the people
try it?
In the selection of candidates to be present
ed TO the people for their suffrages, the county
Convention should regard no mans claims to
Office over any other man. The truth is, no
man has any claims to Office, except fitness
The fact that man is IA partizan ought not
to entitle him to superior consideration Let
the convention act as for the people instead of
the politicians and the Republican party of
Tioga will gather strength with each succeed
ing year. But just as soon as the interests of
the people are made secondary to the claims of
some wireworker because he has been such, the
party will lose strength as it certainly ought
to- We trust the approaching convention will
be governed by discretion and wisdom.