Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-06-15
WEDNESDAY MORNING, /: IUNE Is, 1870
4 SUGGESTTOV FOR THE DEM
OCRATTC PARTY.

ti1u is over. and the victory is assured
us. would il not be prudent to examine
why our victory was not greater, as we'll
rs TO guard against subsequent defeats.
We can do 50 now, without the danger of
iniuring nominees already in the field, or
OF dividing the strength Of the Demo-
cratic party. At present, IL is difficult to
dispense with conventions IN national,
and, We may 90 50 far as TO admit, in
State nominations. In these principles
are alone supposed to carry the day; and
the personal popularity OF the candidate
is Oflittle consequence. But in local city
elections the reason does not hold; for
often the personal popularity Of a eandi-
date viii avail more Than his political
utilization, and this will often elect men
in spite Of party malOrIties against them.
1t Is, therefore, the policy Of a party to
select the most popular Of its member to
be its candidates IN local elections, in
order not only 10 secure the control of
the offices, but to preserve its integrity
as a party, for elections Of a more ma
tiOuaI character. Beyond this, il is really
immateriaI TO the majority of our citi-
zeus, who are our judges, clerks, collect
ors and other county officers; OF their
political tendencies, provided, candidates
of equal honesty and ability are present
ed by the opposing political parties. Such
considerations, IN a healthy condition Of
society, viii have weight with the masses,
WIZ are ubA HDAAA4GAa41F Jul II OL4N
look in the selection amid aspirsnts for
local officers for the " Is he hOnest7 Is he
capable?"
The complaint is general, tina many
deeply interested will not attend ward
meetings. We do not discuss their rea-
sons, but only accept the fact as showing
the necessity of sUch change in the party
machinery, as will most certainly create
an interest with this large number of
good citizens, for the stability and tri-
umpn of the party. We do not propose
TO more than mention that the cry goes
abroad that ward meetings are easily
packed, and that an expression of the
wishes of the party, cannot be had by the
old way of ward meetings, and subse-
g8ent conventions Of ward delegates.
We hear Of ~swappings, lOg-rOllings and
the word clique word Of much potency
Tor the destruction Of any party TO which
il may be aUtached-fOr public. sympathy
will arise in favor Of the independent who
appeals against combinations, which his
limited purse cannot contend with in as
semolies TO be manipulated. The balance
Of power Is held by those who do not par
ticipate in ward meetings; who, conse-
quautly are not committed, or in any way
bound in their vote. Our late elections
ave shown that the party, under its
present system, has not been able to bring
out the majority, which of right belongs
To il; and that In a vote of several thou
sand, a few hundred majority places the
party in a most critical position for its
supremacy in future operations.
We repeat, how to kindle an interest in
every member Of the party, to increase
its strength as well as TO cement it for
national questions, is a subject of the
greatest Importance to all who wish its
success. And, we venture to suggest TO
this end, much could be done by the par
ty adopting the plan Of primary elections
in FHHE re- city and anunFE n1aaEfnna aau-
fined 70 the voters Of the party. Let all,
who wish, be candidates at these prima-
~ party elections, and every voter be-
longing TO the party have an equal voice.
The strongest man in the party will be
the party -andidate for the Office. and a
thousand to one, he will not only be the
strongest in the party, but will be the
strongest outside, for the same qualities
which have given him popularity with
the individuals Of the party, will also
render him popular with other citizens.
And when Once a man has voted for one
ofoUr candidates, he has made the first
step to evenUuate in voting the entire
ticket. Also tCithiH the party, every man
knowing that he has had an equal voice
In the nomination and has voted at the
primary election, will feel himself bound
TO accept the voice of the party, as ex-
pressed in its nominations, and will vote
the entire ticket. DEMOCRAT.
The main object Of our correspond
ent we understand to be more perfect
concert of action among Democrats
in order to the selection Of the best
and most acceptable men, and also to
assure control by the Democratic
party. That the strength Of that party
in perfect union is Overwhelming,
none can doubt. He therefore who
does most to promote unity does most
70 serve the party, which, in the pres
ent case, is to serve the country. We
are for the suppression of al COM
plants by the abolition Of all just rea-
sons for complaint. Whether hereto
fore such reasons have existed, it is
less material to inquire than as to the
question how what is 50 possible may
De best prevented. If, in making
nominations, a party vote could be
had which would combine the party.
IL would be no high price to paw for
the advantage, and the matter is
worthy of consideration. But in sucb
a race it might be questionable
whether any one would command
such a majority on the nominating
ballot as would give satisfaction. or
whether any one would receive a ma
jority at all. We give place to this
communication because Of its con-
sentative spirit, and in the hope
that it may lead to reflection.
and to such practicable measures as
tend to good results. We are, by no
means, disposed to -Ostracise all Dem
o%crats, who, in the late election, may
have scratched the straight ticket.
The circumstances in which they were
placed were in some respects novel,
and we have no doubt they acted in
accordance with their own convic-
tons of duty and right, perhaps as
fully as any Others. But what we
want is, not to ascertain who was in
tault, or whether any were so, but
how best to assure the unanimity for
action, which is essential to carry
elections in future. Let us say we
will have that by such means. such
provisions and such compromises as
are necessary.
THE infamous naturalization hin !