The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-05-15
A DEMOCRATIC STATE
CONVENTION.

our artcle II favor oil Gaming Demo-
cratic State Convc ton for the purpose
oforganiziDg preparatory TO the cam
paigu on the Convention gu stion,
seems to think that such step is un-
necessary that an organization can be
effected aud the campaign carried on
equally as we'll without it.
From this we dissent.
1t is well known to us. and we sup,
pose equally we'll known to the
editor Of the Register, that the
organization of the Democracy in
this State is not of the most thorough
or effective character. In fact, prac-
,ically, there is none; and it is ute y
useless fer US to attempt to conduct a
successful canvass, until some hing has
been done to harmonic the disco. dant
elements, and heal the feuds and dis
sessions which now exist among US rs
party.
The Flick Amendment has now been
adopted and whether it is to prove,
in the language of the Morgantown
Post, the first blow ct the Democratic
party, remains to be seen; and in our
opinion, that question will be settled,
as will the future success of our party
in the State, by the action of q State
Convention.
There is large and respectable mi
nority of the Democracy in the south
ern end of the State, opposed to the
call Of Constitutional Convention.
And in addition TO this, in other por-
tons Of the State there arc many good,
honest and influential Democrats OPP
posed to it; ard, unless this disatfec-
ton is healed, and this opposition
withdrawn, the Convention Bill will be
defeated before the people.
We know Of no way in which these
differences can be settled, except by a
Convention of the Democracy, and ii
settled at all they must be settled in
this way. The hitherto dishauchiscd
portion of our people could thus ex-
press their sentiments, all matters Of
differences could be arranged, and all
discussions, jealousies and discords
could be compromised, settled and
healed, and we could thus present an
united front to our common enemy.
1t is true that the reimbursement of
our fellow citizens, will add largely to
our voting strength, but swe doubt if
we can afford to dispense with the use
of those means which have ever proved
the precursor of success-consultation,
organization and work. The Dcmoc.
racy must be united. They must pull
together, a long and strong pull. and
victory will be the re5ult.
Many a battle he's been lost by too
great confidence, and more important
political contests have been lost by in
attention to the essential means of
success, than by any other cause, and
if we wish 10 make the victory Of last
fall the foundation Of future and contin-
ued success, we must make use of the
same means which enabled us to achieve
that triumph. We must perfect our
organization, and be active, energetic
aud united. No "Flick," no "anti
Flick" everything for the cause
nothing for men.
We cannot afford to be defeated.
If the Democracy joins issue on the
Convention Bill, and it is defeated, it
would be equivalent to political de-
struction, for the next ten yeers would
not see its restoration to power. We
won last year, not SO much by reason
Of our own ability and good manage
ment, as by reason Of the strength of
our cause, and the weakness of that of
our adyersaries, caused by oppression
and We cannot afford, in view of the
importance Of the objects to be attained,
as well as the future Of our party, to
disregard the teachings Of the past,
and 90 into this canvass without a
thorough and efficient organization;
and this, we think, can be best attained
by State Convention. Let us there
lay down our platform Of principles,
and come up to the wo.k like men in
earnest. Let US lay our principles
upon the altar of our common country,
and treat every one as a common enc
my who will not stand upon that plat
form, and maintain its principles.
We make these suggestions with all
Difference to the opinion of others; but
as one who feels deep interest in the
result Of the canvass, We can but think
that the intimatiOn Of the LEICESTER is
ill-advised, and hope that wiser cOun-
sci may prevail when the State Exec
utiye Committee meet.