The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-09-26
TERMS,
Grrai,lg State Sanrnal.
THE STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE.

THE STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
Some difference of opinion seems to exist
as to the proper functions of the Republican
State Central Committee, both in that
body and among the people. The commit
tee is therefore expected to do many things
that ithas no power to accomplish, and 9TH
ers, that if done could only be mischievious
in their tendency.
1t is exceedingly important that the con-
vention which assemblies here, should fix
with some precision the functions which
that committee shall exercise. Without
some clear, distinct. understanding Of what
that committee is intended to accomplish
no intelligent selection of men to compose
it, is likely to take place. Unless its specific
work be defined it can neither be commend
ed for. its fidelity nor blamed for its neglect
of duty, and no responsibility can be fixed,
which is vital defect in any organization
that has work to do.
Without discussing details, there are two
points upon which our opinions are clear
and decided:
1st. The State Central Committee, in its
official character, should have nothing to do
with the distribution of the patronage
of the party. 1t should make no
recommendations of appointments or
removals. The moment that it at
tempts this, it opens the door
to endless quarrels and corruption,
and is degraded from its high and
sacred work. to tool of place-hunters.
Its power for good is lost with the respect
of the party which appointed it.
I'd. We conceive the proper function of
the State Central Committee to be: TO
thoroughly organize the party by putting
itself in ready communication with ali its
members; to distinctly define the work to
be done, assigning to each his appropriate
share to enlighten all as to the principles
and measures to be sustained /; TO infuse into
the whole body zeal, energy, and devotion,
and to maintain, at all times, unceasing
war upon the common enemy.
From the Central Committee should em-
anate the plan of organization, the schedule
of work, the assignment of duties, the mag
netic influences which arouse and stimulate
to duty. And chief among these influences
we may note an example of energy, fdeE-
ty, and self-sacrifcing devotion to the
cause, on the part of the Committee itself.
Such an example will inspire confidence,
and summon all to work with generous en-
ulation.
The qualities required in a committee
are talent for organization, energy and
zeal, with unselfish love of the cause, or,
at least, willingness to ignore personal
aims, till the cause succeeds.
For such committee we must take men
scto are not above dry details of business
nor afraid of hard work. Capacity to
make speeches or write leading articles
will not avail. These powers can be
used abroad i'll the State, but are of no
value in the committee room.
We earnestly commend these views to
the members of the Convention, and trust
that they will give us a Committee on organ
ization, Of earnest, n,etkodical, hard acoyhing
men, scl,o sc,ll meet together often, collect the
scattered forces of republicanism, compact
them into solid phalanx, rouse them to
burning enthusiasm, and direct them with
irresistible power upon the ranks of the foe,
Oh the day of battle. With such commit
tee to do the work of the party, we have
no objection to another, composed of gem
tlemen who are ambitious to establish their
claims to leadership, by figuring on a
State Committee. Furthermore: if our
delegations in Congress desire help IN
distributing the patronage of the gene
raj government, in this State, we
can see no objection to the appointment of
special committee upon appointments and
removals to advise with our delega.
tions, and share the responsibility of their
recommendations.
But we insist on this proper division Of
labor, and that no such considerations shall
embarrass this vitality important work Of
organization with their leaden weight. We
insist that the battle be fought before we
quarrel over the spois.
The splendid victories won in the North
and West have been achieved by organiza-
tons such as we have here Indicated.
We are sure that the idea of disseminate
ing patronage would be secuted by any Of
those committees, that have conducted great
campaigns to successful issue. We hope
to see their example emulated here, and
we are sure that it will be the first step to-
wards that unity and good will, essential to