Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1870-04-02
Democratic Territorial Convention.

The Demo cratc Committee for the Territory
Of Washington, assembled n, the Tacoma
House, in olympia. on the goth inst, and pro-
cccdcd to the consideration Of business per-
tanning to, the interests OF the Democratic
party, in the approaching canvass.
1t was ordered by the Committee that the
Democratic Territorial Convention, TO nomi-
nate Candi late for Delegate to Congress, to
serve in the 42d Congress, be held a, t.
Vancouver. Wednesday, the 9Th day Of April,
a, IL m The representation TO said Con-
veuiion will be as heretofore. two Delegates
10 each Representative in the Lower Branch OF
the Legislature. The Committee have had
ua6er consideration proposition to change
the basis Of representation, prrdicating 1t on
the Democratic vote cast ut the last Delegate
election, but as this Was proposed but by
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 tina; there
has been no general expression OF public scnti-
mcni On the proposed change decline to A.
sumo the responsibility, leaving 10 the Con-
vention to determine what shall constitute
the basis OF repre- in conventions here
after to De held. The Committee have had
presented to them for their consideration ALSO
o modification Of what's known as the - Craw-
ford County SYSTEM The COMMITTEE be-
lievc that the adoption Of such system by the
Convention would do much to purify party
politics aud give to the people the rcpresen a
lion thcv desire. Its adoption would also
leave to the party an efficient organization.
The Committee would therefore recommend to
the Convention the proprie.y of urging on the
counties the adoption Of some. such system,
and extend the same to the selection OF Dele
gate, MS well rs county officers. The chairman
Of each county commit e could thus he con-
stituted n return judge, carrying with him the
tally list and polbooks, the several chairnien g
meet in convection or certain d'y and make
general computation of the votes cast for
Delegate. This would relieve our conventions
Of all strife aud secure as the nominee the mar
who had received the greater number OF vote!
in the Territory. Rules and regulations could
be adopted with the view of securing uniform
itv Of action. The whole subject is respect
fully submitted to the consideration of tht
Convention. .. .,...' -
The Committee have also had presented fol
their consideration the question of genera
elections, under the act of Congress of Marcel
sd, 1863. This Is n question of grave impor
lance to the taxpayers Of the Territory. Tha
Congress did intend that the election Of gener
al county officers should take place concur
rently with that Of Delegate, we think i
clear; ami that the legislation referred to il
qualification ofthe statute isiegislation subse
uent, we think is equally clear. The Cam
mittee feel fortified in this construction OF th
Law OF Congress, as it harmonizes with the in
terests Of the people. Early measures shon
be taken for the determination Of this ques
ton. The Committee do not see they can d
more than refer the subject to the general Cor
vention. If the people are to be sadded wit
the expenses of an extra election, let the re
SnOpsbility rest vheresit belongs.
The time for holding county conventions
elect delegates to the Territorial Convention
was left by the Committee to the several con-
ty committees, whose duty it is 10 immediate
Typ royide therefore.
Let all strife cease. With union and harmt
ny in our ranks, and an earnest desire on tf
part of each individual for success, victor
will once more perch upon our banner, and OIL
fair Territory be redeemed from tie thraldo
OfRepnblicanism. o. Il. McFADDEN,
LEVI SHELTON, Chairman.
Secretary.