The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-09-21
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 81, 1866.
Do We Vote for Men or Principles 2

Do We Vote for Men or Principles9
THERE was time when, if bis satanic ma
iesty was nominated for any office by regular
Convention of the Democratic party, he would
have had no difficulty in securing an election,
did it happen that the party was in the as
cendancy. That day, we are glad to say, has
passed. The American people are daily be-
coming less party people, in the old meaning
of the word No man can be elected to local
office merely because a certain Convention
puts him in nomination. 1t requires some
thing more than the endorsement of a regular
body of elected delegates to command the
votes of the great mass of our citizens.
Whether we like the TACT or not, it still re-
mains the same, that in the city of Phiadel-
phia every day lessons the power OF party. so
far as local issues are concerned. A year
ago the system was fairly tested and fairly
settled, and the votes of 10000 Republican
citizens were withheld from certain nomi-
nee. Hereafter, it will compel the party
caucuses to be guided by something else
than personal friendship in their selections. We
are sincerely rejoced at this change in the
Forty years ago the system of "caucuses"
was denounced in Great Britain by all
writers who treated OF American politics, and
it is to the Rev. Sidney Smith that we must
give thanks for being the first to defend the
plan. He writes THAT the leading men OF
republic should meet together, compare
notes, and recommend certain parties to the
0c =
tural and proper" But when, as of
late years, this recommendation amounted to
a command, and any one who did not obey
was ruled out Of the party, petty system Of
oligarchy was established, and its defeat was
rendered merely matter of time. For
national offices we never believe in that
resort, and we can only recommend it under
the gravest circumstances in the case OF local
officers. In voting for all national politics,
and for all candidates for the national offices,
we advise every one of our Republican readers
to stand by the nominee, be he acceptable or
otherwise. The principle and not the man, is
the matter tor settlement. The ques.i ions
which will arise for decision before the Off
GERS for whom you are voting will be those
which affect the very groundwork OF our
Government; and in all cases we recommend
the sinking of all personality, and voting for
the platform. Especially is this true in the
case of members OF Congress. 1t matters not
how weak a man is personally; if you
favor his principles, vote his ticket. 1t
is small triumph for him to be elected, but
his vote may cause great triumph for an
idea which may affect the very life of our
republic. Fortunately, in our own city the
gentlemen selected are such as no one need
object to, be he ever so scrupulous They
are unimpeachable in their characters, and
all four of our Congressional nominees are
such as to meet support even on their indi-
vidual reputation. The grand question of
principle will cause a decision in favor of our
cause.
But in local politics the question of voting
for q man on principle does not apply. 1t
matters little, so far as a mans ability to de-
eide on mere local questions are con-
concerned, whether he be a friend or
an opponent of Congress and its policy
Hence, we are glad to see that the
best men are being selected. The defeat of
the Objectionable nominee last year has had
wonderfully beneficial effect on the Union Con-
ventions of this, and every man nominated is
eminently fitted for the post They are all
honest men, and proven to be reliable public
servants. Hence, our remarks do not AFFECT
this election, as the whole Republican ticket
can be voted for by the most fastidious mem
Der of the party. But in an abstract point of
view, and as a guide for our future selections
of local nominees, we lay down as our maxim
that no honest man is bound to vote for a
candidate if he be a bad man, because local
party Convention has placed him in nomina-
tion.