Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-06-28
The Democracy Repudiates the Convention
System

The Democracy Regulates the Convention
System.
That the convention system of nominating
candidates is fraught with serious objections
is apparent but that better plan can be
substituted is by no means as yet demonstra-
ted. Conventions when composed of true and
honest men, are the most reliable assurance
we possess that honest men will fill the vari-
Gus places at the disposal Of the people; but
when, as has been shown by the Democratic
reign, party has had unlimited control for
scores of years, it is but natural to expect that
corrupt party leaders will strive to prolong
their sway by pGrty trckcry and subterfuges
! through the convention system. While we
must admire the foresight exhibited by the
Tumwa!er Convention OIL Saturday, in igno
ring party ties, and regulating convention
nominations, we cannot attribute the result of
their deliberations TO amy extraordinary oatr;
otic impulse, as was claimed ly the resolutions
adopted by them. Too much was said in
debate at that convention to further such an
idea. When men ostcnsibly declare by re-
solves that they are willing TO waive party.
and rally to the support Of the Union, and as
a matter of cxpcdieacy ignore all the iniqui-
ties of their party in the past and in the same
breath give as reasons for so doing that if they
did otherwise they would inevitably Re de-
frat,d, we can see 10 conlmendablc spirit man.
ifrstcd in the measure. 1t is merely done as
a measure Of eXpcdeney. Had cirtumstan
cos been different, other results might have
been expected.
We are therefore NOT convinced by this one
act of the Democracy Of 1hurson county,
that the convention system, if properly con.
Quoted, is insepcrably connected with the
"syvnn deadly SINS We believe that Union
men should consider it their duty to Select
men whose loyalty is beyond question, and
resolve to support them, although such action
may coincide with the now repu,lia.cd usage
Of the Democratic party. 1t is known be-
You'd dispute that we have in our mids; Il for
midablc clique of those who, to uss amid term,
sympathizc with the rebels in arms against
,ur Govcrnmcnt-thosc who po,lncc upon the
unconstitutional acts of TIE President, and
lay every means in their power render Il mega
tive aid to the rcb, lion. Il is also Known that
they, ii not bound by "midnight oahs" OF an
Infamous craft known to exist in other local.
ties, wW act IN concert. Their united support Ct
;,1.n.,1,,t c,n1i,',t., I,e, t.r h-c
been muzzled will effect his election. unless
a candidate of hnomn integrity and patriot
ism is supported by the. united efforts Of all
the Union men in the county While they
may not pretend to claim cxi%tenccas party,
circumstances demonstrate that they arc as
cifectuallv drilled and schoolrd in tho iaiam-
Gus part they will be called upont 10 enact, as it
their candidates had already been placed he.
fore the people, Should Union men be di,i-
ded. s~ch men wW certainly frinmph. There
will be multiplicity of candidates for each
position to be filed at the ensuing election.
Let Union Dacn he en- McU guard. Let every
man who desires the success of the Federal
arms unto upon Union candidates, and pre-
sent unhroken ranks in the coming contest.
We have TO fear of success if this is DONE
We care not whether we cast our vote for
Democrat or Republican SO that We know lie
is of u.liinching fidelity to the Government.
Let every loyal man be present at the con-
veniion to-day, and aid in the selection of a
Union ticke,--!et us select men who will not
hesitate to place themselves before the world
as loyal Americans, and who, when n rcrbal
or personal endorsement OF the Government is
asked of Them will not rack their brains to
concoct PLAUSIBLE prcteAis and substitutes by
which to cvade or dodge the issue. Let this
be done and the iron nerve will send patri-
otto thrill to the hearts of those engaged in the
defence Of our glorious heritage Let us send
TO them greeting, the cheering result that the
whole Pacific coast stands firm in the support
Of their holy cause.
The NEW CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE ACT-
An act has been passed by tho Legislature Of
California compelling parties before they shall
be Joined in marriage to obtain a license there
for, which shall authorize any Judge, Justice
OF the Peace, clergyman or preacher Of tho
Gospel to celebrate and certify such mar
riage. No license shall be granted to males
under 81 or females under IS years Of ego
without the consent Of his or her father, Or if
he be dead or incapable, his or her mother or