The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1860-10-08

kEoKUK, IOWA, Oct. 81, lSDU.
To James L. Estes, Esq, Hon. i. w. Clagett,
COL VIM. Stotts, +. Jetford, +. Mills, s. b.
Ayres, Esqrs., and others
GENTLEMEN Your lines Of the lst inst,
calling my attention 10 the fact, that neither
of the political parties of our State has a reg
ularly nominated candidate for Judge of the
Supreme bench, and requesting the use of
my name as an independent candidate for
that position, is received. / feel highly hon
ored by the very friendly and complimentary
terms in which your lines are expressed
Because of my professional practice, and 9TH
er business engagements, | cannot accede to
your wishes except at "a pecuniary sacrifice;
but feel there is duty of apublic character
which should preclude me from denial.
Though neither party has regularly nom
mated candidate for the Judgeship, yet the
rights of one party have been grossly violated
and trampled upon by the action Of its State
Central Commute, or such Of its members as
concurred in the matter referred to. That
Committee whose duty it was, according to
party usage, to have called Convention to
nominate a candidate to fill the vacancy on
the Supreme bench, occasioned by the death
of Judge Stockton, saw fit 70 disregard that
usage, and pushed forward candidate Of
their own selection. The reason, or rattle
excuse they give for that assumption of pow
er, is that he is the choice Of the party in
the State. 1t is, generally, very hard to tell
who is the choice until the votes are counted;
but If the choice, why not let the people in
Convention say SO? Or why not let the mi
nority, at least, have hearing and trial
of strength? The trick Of a clique claiming
to think and act for the masses in 1850, lost
the first Congressional district of Iowa to
the old Wing party for three Congressic ma
terms, as all the people who werc in shi,
district will remember.
The caucus or Convention system is, ant
always has been, and ever will be. subiec
to abuse,and dangerous to the public welfare
but it is now so deeply. implanted in the DO
litical mind OF the country, that can Sc,
no reasonable hope of soon getting rid o
1T. But as it is one remove from the people
It's acts should be scrutinzed most careful
iy, ANA honest men will not even heed iii
mandates, when Il puts improper candidate
in nomination. But the Central Committee
appointed by the Convention, is still on
! further remove from popular liberty, AM
should not arrogate to themselves any au
thoritv which does MT belong to them, anC
the man or men who voluntarily submit t.
such assumptions are not friends of liberty
however munh they pirate about it.
feel, therefore, that it is my duty to &C
cede to your wishes, and do authorize 70,
to use my name as an independent candi
date for Judge of the Supreme bench 0
> Iowa.
Profoundly impressed with the RESPONSE
bilities Of n Judicial position, and the homo
! the public will have done me. by giving IN
!, their sutfrages, assure you, gentlemen, tina
: if elected, will endeavor to requite your an
their favor, by performing my official dutie
with the strictest fidelity and impartiality.
!. have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
] Yours, respectfully,
j. DANIEL Il. MILLER.