Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1860-08-03
sor.rcirn,r Of the Psonle.

One OF the great causes which broke
down the old democratic party, was the Of.
heious interference Of the politicians with
the rights and prcrosa,ives OF the people.
Among these rights, which were ,amPCrcd
with by the politicians, was tina, Of making
nominations. IL is true the people went
through ,Ao ceremonies incidentally connec.
ted with caucus nominations IN, the wires
were all laid by intriguing dsmagcgucs and
sprung upon the people with all the adroii'
nc-s that an old hunter would trapa beav-
~. What in common parlAneo was called
tie voice Of the people. was really nothing
bu, the voicc Of dishones, Office hunters. To
use plain language the people were cheated,
deceived, their rights u'urped and bar,ercd
away. BY intriguing, designing men.
IL i,usclcss for US to shut our eyes TO the
fact tina, the same causes would produce in
the end like results in the republican party.
The only proper course in selecting eandi-
dates is TO leave the matter TO the unbiased
action Of the people thems'lvc, And in
orlcr to DO this. every attemp, to foi',upon
the masses nomination which does no, 70.
il-ct their will and opinions, should b, at
once dlscouu,cnanccd and frowued down.
We DO not intend to stop here; we will be
more specific and say jos: what We mean.
IN the selection II candidates, whether high
or low. whether for Na,ional, State, or
County Offices, politicians should no, assume
o. lead or direct ,hc action OF the people.
There is no necessity Ter this in tho fact that
the people themselves. an overwhelming ma
i1rity oC them are reading, thinking, intel.
li-cnt men. They understand just what
and who they want TO represent them {;
hence attempts 10 lead them often reacts
a-lin., the men who have the harlihood 90
engage in such business. There are many
reason. why the policy we are now advoca.
tn. should be adopted and honestly lived
up %. \ nomination which springs lesltl.
ma,ely from tie source Of all political pow
CT. the people, is generally respected and
evcniuaic- ia an election. There may te
exception. growing out of this rule recu.
liar circumstances, may have "a controlling
influence. sometimes, but all such case. are
exception. to the general rule.
We would .ay 10 all our Republican
friend. who desire promotion. lst the
p-or', ruir. In selecting delegates TO our
n1miratirg conventions, encourage all hands
90 tom out 10 the caucus'., and then act
according % their honest convictions Of
r..h; and duty Mud there j. also a solemn
duty ur tho people to di'ch,rcc ia these
matters. They never should leave their
rights Q, be exercised hy designing few.
I, B. rover a'i 20 leave tie primary meet.
ing, NJ the people {, Do managed and CON.
tra.'.i hy men who have selfish ends to ac-
coupIl.h. independent OF the public vel.
fare. The harmony Il the Republican par.
" can b, greatly promoted by allowing tie
real sentiments Of the MAJORITY % BE- rraec
ted .n our nominating conventions. L'tus
not De- mi,and,r,,o5d, while We would have
the people and no, tie politicians make
their own choice Of standard hcar'r', yet
W. believe in a irys and foil discussion, con.
4pr,rf Upon high and h77oraV, gr1u7i,, u
,hs merit. Of opposing candidate. Thus i
often necessary 10 secure RICH, action.
l,i' the very time To discuss matters Of
,hi. .1rt i.forr conventions but whom con.
a,,iir. opinion. about men are fairly settled
hy legally expressed malri,i,', then nomi.
nations should be sustained hy the entire
party. I, b, only BY a rigid adherence 20
these well settled doctrines OF party policy,
that success and Termancncy are secured to
any political organization.