The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-08-10
the Basis ON Which it Should be
Formed.


1t is a common idea that general ticket,
at State election, should be selected with
reference to the localities of the residence
of the gentlemen who are to compose it.
And it has been recognized as proper
rule of party action, with much show of
reason. 1t is desirable on most occasions,
because it gives greater satisfaction to the
masses of the party, aud brings to the whole
ticket additional strength, by reason of the
peculiar popularity which each candidate
upon it may have in that portion Of the
State where he is best known. So far as
it applies to candidates for State and rep
resentatative Offices, we regard it not only
as just, but desirable policy. But, in
the selection of candidates for Presidential
Electors, we think the rule may be very
properly suspended, if necessary to secure
snch men as have peculiar fitness for the
position. Candidates for such position are
not especially valuable to the campaign on
account of local popularity, for the reason
that the duty which devolves upon them,
if elected, is simply to recast the vote which
gives them their positions, or, in other
words, to turn over the votes which were
nominally given to them, to the Presiden-
tial candidate for whom they were really
given, and whose principles and popularity
secured them. And by the same reasoning
it will be observed that local feel~
ing can rarely, if ever, arise in
reference to the residences of electoral
candidates. But Notwithstanding the ap-
parently nominal duties which will devolve
upon the elector in his official capacity, it
is desirable that he should possess such
qualities as will render him most efficient in
the campaign. He should be distinguished
for tact, versatile talent for canvassing,
courage, energy, and enthusiasm, as well as
hearty devotion to the cause. And we hope
the candidates for Presidential electors, for
the ensuing campaign will be selected with
special reference to these qualities, without
any regard whatever to their local habita>
tons. The Democracy of Minnesota pro-
pose to carry the State for DOUGLAS and
JOHNSON. They will be recreant to their
own interests and obligations if they fail to
do so. And we trust that recreancy may
never happen through local prejudices, or
disregard of the qualities manifestly requisite
in the candidates for electors.
In addition to the four electors who are
to cast the vote of the State for DOUGLAS
and JOHNSON, it may be expedient to nomi-
hate an assistant electoral ticket to consist
of one candidate from each Judicial Dis
trict. This will furnish additional effective
workers. Let young men be selected who
might otherwise be timid about taking &C
tive lead in the strife, but who thus placed
forward by the party would return it the
most valuable service. 1t would be a pro-
per notice and compliment to the rising
element in the ranks, from whom the party
always derives important support. The
canvass must be thorough and brilliant. 1t
must be opened with candor and discretion,
and prosecuted with boldness, vigor and
determination. The people are impatient
for the bugle-blast which shall call them to
arms. Let their representatives give no
uncertain Sound