Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-08-11
REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTION.

REPUBLICAN, COUNTY CONpENTlVN.
The call of the County Committee for
Republican Convention, and the Committees
of Vigilance for the election districts. are Civ
en- this week We propose to embrace the
present opportunity by throwing out some Sug-
gcstions, (in accordance with promise made
soon after the last Conventon) which we be-
lieve it would be of advantage to the Repub
licau party to adopt.
The Delegate system, practiccd by all
parties in this County, for years past, seems to
be the only feasible method of making party
nominations 1t is open, no doubt, TO many
serious objections, and liable to gross abuse,
but on the whole, after long trial, proves to
be as practicable as any which has been sug-
gested. The manner of holding County Con-
ventiOns, might, however, be improved by a
little more care and system We suggest that
the Republicans of the County, consider the
following suggestions, and SO instruct their
delegates to the coming Convention, that they
may be prepared TO act, if thought advisable.
|. The Tine Of Hol6ing the COnrention.-
Heretofore our Conventions have met in the
evening, and olteutimeS have not adjourned
until midnight; as consequence, the business
has been despatched in great haste, aud with
out that deliberation which it should receive
Many of the members are anxious not TO be
detained overnight, and it is not unusual for
large number TO leave as soon as the nomi-
nees for the more important Offices are select
ed. When there are contested seats and a
large number of Offices to be filled there is
not time enough in a single short evening to
do the business properly. But if the Conycn-
tion could be called in the afternoon, say at 8
or o'clock, allowing time for organization
and the transaction of any preliminary bust
ness, then adjournlDg, to meet in the evening
for the purpose of making nominations, ample
time would be had for care and deIiberation.
III. Manner Of Iransacting Bus1nesS-The
experience of the last Convention must have
satisfied every one who has given it thought,
that the manner in which the business of the
Convention is conducted is calculated to give
rise to mistakes and to serious difficulty
More system should be used, and more care,
to avoid the danger Of dissatisfaction. 1t has
been the custom in making nominations, TO
take the election districts alphabetically, and
call the names of delegates. Their votes are
then scored opposite the name of the candidate
voted for. If mistake occurs in tallying
there is no way to correct it, except by calling
the roll anew, as it is impossible to tell how
each delegate voted. Iu the case Of a tie rotc
as occurred last fall, when the clerks did not
agree in their tally, it gives an opportunity for
much dissatisfaction. This might all be obvi
ated, if there could be printed lists of the dele
gates, alphabetically arranged, which, would
show how every one voted, and by which any
mistake Oh the part of the clerks could lie
detected and corrected. If the Convention
was called at the hour we have suggested,
such lists might be provided. This is the
manner of voting in State Conventions Every
one will see the convenience and safety of this
method.
This slight change in the time and manner
of conducting the business of Conventions,
would obviate many difficulties which have
hitherto been in the way. If the suggestions
we have made are thought of sufficient import
ance to merit notice. the coming Convention
could take such action as would authorize the
next County Committee to call the Convention
in the afternoon