Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-07-27
CONVENTIONS.

Whatever may be urged against the
system of holding conventions to nom
mate candidates, it is the best known
means of settling the claims of rival as
pirants, and thereby concentrating the
entire strength of the party on a given
individual. That it is liable to abuse,
and at times fails to express the popular
wish is certain, but these instances are
rare and should not to great extent
initiate against the entire system.
Means more practical and to the
purpose cannot be thought of, and
we are forced to adopt this as the only
relief from doom more to be regretted.
Now comes on the time for holding
district and county conventions, tcnoml-
nate legislators and members OF Con-
gress as well as g State convention to
Nominate a candidate for Governor,
whose term of service will commence q
wear from next November. We are to be
oyerrun this year with a great number
az elections, and it is TO be hoped the
patience Of the people will not become
worn out, and that their inteFsst
NAV increase with each succeeding
election to be held One difficulty arises,
and which was not unforeseen by a
few of our party, and that is properly
authorized committees TO call conyen-
tons and to designate the day on which
they should meet. We have private ia
formation TO the effect that the old State
Central Committee will act promptly in
calling a State Convention about the
first of September, which will be soon
enough for such body to meet. But
this will necessarily shorten the
time before the election of hold
ing our district conventions to
nominate candidates for Congress, as
it is presumable until after then we shall
not have the existence Of committee
for the Congressional District that will
take the proper steps in the case de-
manding attention. Shelby county is
ready. as she has been for long while, to
act at o moments warming bDt as to the
counties surrounding we are not pre-
pared 10 state. We should have a good
man sent to Congress from this District
at the next election. as a great deal will
depend upon the men who will compose
this new Congress which is to
relieve our people of their disabili-
ties and renew The hopes Of those who
still look with loving affection on the
form Of constitutional government in
augurated by the fathers Of the republic.
As TO the one who should be selected
from the Eighth District, we are not pre-
pared to say, and, indeed, it would be
presumptuous to express an opinion be-
fore the proper time-that is, when the
convention shall meet for the purpose. II
would be well, however, if the public mind
should be turned to the contemplation o
such men as would be suitable in elthel
representative capacity, whether that o.
Legislator or Congressman. We wan
men in the Legislature that shall assem-
bic on the first Mondayin October, 1871
TO be such as will be able to pass al
needful laws demanded by the people
and not Sc, of mutton-head fellows Of
npstarts who would be anxious to serve
merely for the momentary eciat it would
afford. and use such pry in elevatine
them from an obscurity in which they car
barely see the light of notOriety. The
eounsels Of our State demand men O.
information and common sense to create
wholesome enactmeuts which will be TO
she greatest good OF the whole people