Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-03-05

The Democratic Committee for the Territory
Of Washington, assembled at the Tacoma
House, in Olympia, on the 2cth inst. and pro-
ceeded to the consideration Of business per-
tanning to the interests Of the Democratic
party, in the approaching canvass.
Il was ordered by the Committee that the
Democratic Territorial Convention. to nomi-
nate a Candidate for Delegate to Congress, to
serve in the %2d Congress, be held at
vdacsaver, Wednesday, the 9Th day Of April,
at IL m. The representation to said Con-
veniion will be as heretofore, two Delegates
to each Representative in the Lower Branch OF
the Legislature. The Committee have had
under consideration a proposition to change
the basis Of representation, predicating it on
the Democratic vote cast at the last Delegate
election, hut as this was proposed but by a
single county, yet most earnestly by large
number Of our leading men, the Committee,
taking into consideration the circumstances
which surround them, and the fact that there
has been no general expression of public senti-
ment on the proposed change decline to as
sumo the responsibility, leaving to the Con-
vcn&ion to determine what shall constitute
the basis Of Misrepresentation in conventions here
after to sc held. The Committee have had
presented to them for their consideration also,
q modification of what's known as the . Craw-
ford County System The Committee be-
lieve that the adoption of such a system by the
Convention would do much to purify party
politics and give to the people the representa-
ton thew desire. Its adoption would also
leave to the party an efficient organization.
The Committee would therefore recommend to
the Convention the propricty Of urging on the
counties the adoption Of some such system,
and extend the Same to the selection of Dele
gate, as well as county officers. The chairman
of each county commit could thus be con.
etituted return Judge, carrying with him the
tally list and pollbooks. the several chairmtn 20
meet in convention on a certain day and make
general computation of the votes cast for
Delegate. This would relieve our conventions
of all strife and secure as the nominee the mar
who had received the greater number Of votes
in the Territory. Rules and regulations could
be adopted with the view of securing uniform
ity of action. The whole subject is respect
fully submitted to the consideration Of the
Convention.
The Committee have also had presented fol-
their consideration the question of general
elections, under the act Of Congress of March
3D., 1869. This is question Of grave impor
lance to the taxpayers ofthe Territory. THAI
Congress did intend that the election Of gener
al county officers should take place concur
rently with that Of Delegate, we think !.
clear; and that the legislation referred to II
qualification of the statute islegislation subse.
quent, We think is equally clear. The Com.
mittee feel fortified in this construction of the
law Of Congress, as it harmonzes with the in
terests Of the people. Early measures shoult
he taken for. the determination Of this ques
ton. The Committee do not sec they can d.
:. more than refer the subject to the general Con
vsntion. If the people are to be saddled Will
the expenses Of an extra election, let the re
sponsibility rest where it belongs.
The time for holding county conventions tt
elect delegates to the Territorial Convention
was left by the Committee to the several coun
~ committees, whose duty it is 10 immediate
~ provide therefore.
Let all strife cease With union and harmo
ny in our ranks, and an earnest desire on thu
part Of each individual for success, victory
will once more perch upon our banner, and on
fair Territory be redeemed from the thraldon
of Republicanism. 0. B. McFADDEN,
Lew SHELTON, Chairman.
Secretary