Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-05
PUBLIC LEDGER.
CoNyENTroN SYSTEM.

CONVENTION SYSTEM.
There are those who would discourage
the holding of conventions, in order to
defeat and break up the Democratic
party. They are well known disap-
pointed soreheads that, like well-spent
maidenhood, are in turn soured against
everything. Some Of these malcontents
have already proven their inability to
lead or to command the popular voice,
and now show disposition to vent their
unfortunate rage in snarling and snap
ping at the people who would take the
initiative in public matters, perchance
by the force of circumstances. We have
Just had pretty severe lesson taught us
in the last county campaign on the ne
cessty of party organization, which will
not soon be forgotten. Our enemy is
now rejoicing at the failure Of our plans,
which may well be set down for reason
Of disposition to act independently of
conventions and party nominations.
What our eyes behold must be believed,
although ii might be contrary to our past
reasoning. So with those who have OPP
posed county conventions, and persist IN
doing so right in the face of the last
defeat, when every one may read
the cause as he runs. We can account
for this want of apparent compre-
hension on no other ground than
sly and GINNING pretext to totally disor-
ganize the Democratic party because it
is the wish to do so, and the time looks
propitious for the consummation of the
desired purpose But the sensible por-
ton of the people will not permit this
and viii stand by the time-honored sys-
lem OF conventions that haze been tried
and found 10 be the only means by which
a political party can be made 10 accom-
plish great results 1t is charged that
these bodies are sometimes corrupt We
will grant it, but the evil does not lie in I
the system, and can be said to arise
from the general deprayed nature Of man,
that has been known to exist since 1
the subtle and insidious foe whispered /,
his story into Ewes ear and beguiled her |
into eating the forbidden fruit The (
masses are swayed by their general in I
ferest, as individuals are by selfshness. 4
To correct such errors is impossible, UNI
less we change the nature Of all man
kind The question comes up for solu-
ton: How can we. with the embarrass-
ments before us, group together the dis
cordant parts, and make of ii a harmo
Nous whole for grand purpose and de
sign? Can it be done by permitting
every man to act on his own judgment
without comparison and consultation
with those who are equally interested in
the turn of public affairs? For, after all,
a convention of the people is nothing /
more than body of men assembled for 4
the purpose Of comforting together about I
the general veal We are unable to dis
cover how any result can be attained un-
less By concert Of action on the part Of
those who are interested. When an in !
dividual is undetermined in his own /
mind about his private concerns. it is 4
only by accident he has BEEN known 10 suR- ]
coed How much more important then /
is il that CIR friends should have per- |
feet understanding as 10 who are the I
most competent to Gil the county Judge /
ships and move by well-conceiyed plan
to achieve our desire. Is It Tia wish of
any one who processes TO be a DenOeFei
to see on the bench Radical Judges, when I
it is in our power to elect men from our
own ranks? We hope not. Still to listen
to the insane idea OF permitting /
every candidate 20 run for these
places on his own hook with the
probability of the Radicals only
being elected, 70 say the least of
it il is suicidal TO the Democratic party, 4
and should not be entertained for one
single moment We presume there will
be convention to Hossinate candidates
for the various Judicial ef8eef Of this
county. as well as for that Of Attefxey
Genera! Of this District Every Judge
Of Circuit aud Chaneery Courts is re-
quirei by The new Constitution to be
fhiril,years Of age, aud shall, before his
election. have been resident Of the I
STATE for five years. and Of the circuit or
district one year. His term Of service
shall be eight years The Attorney Gen
.ra, + required 10 have been resident
# the State Eve years and Of the eireuii
,r di.uief one year preceding his eiee.
ion. and shsIi hold his Office eight years.
It would be vel for the people to look
round aud find oat Who are the proper
aen to FIJI these Offices. and on the day
f nomination act discreetly spe fear