Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1871-05-05
VOL. VI.

and so far as 1 have heard any express
sion on the subject, they were in ap-
probation of such policy, it becomes
now necessary to determine in what
manner it shall be determined who
shall be selected to represent the peo-
pie of Washington in the most popu-
lar branch of the Legislature.
County conventions as heretofore
managed, being conducted rather in
/ the interest of individuals than of the
masses of the people, that mode of Sc
/ lecting candidates has become very OBJ
/ jectionable to a majority of the voters
/ of the county.
A selection made by what is called
"a primary election" has much more
about it indicating a regard for the
peoples choice, than a convention
composed CT only one in fifty of the
voters, a bare majority Of which is on
| ly required to nominate. The prima-
ry election plan, if properly carried
out is just and fair in every sense of
the word, and almost always results
in good.
If that plan is not adopted however,
delegates might be chosen at the May
election to a county meeting to be held
about June or July court, say ten in
each Township, and when assembled,
make nominations, but requiring a
vote of two-thirds to nominate. This
plan ntight obviate the general ohjec-
ton to conventions, But after all,
the plan pursued in our earlier days;
before "rings" " were formed, or lobby
ing became fashionable, or bribery
was even thought of, much less prac-
tised, is the best plan.
Our Bill of Rights allows every man
however humble, to aspire to the high
est position within the gift of the peo-
pie, and no one is denied the right to
declare himself a candidate for any
public office. however honorable or
responsible. and our system being a
representative one-the representative
being chosen by the people at the
ballot-box-any plan or mode of selec-
ton that takes away from the people
free choice, or denies the right of any
one to be a candidate ifhe sees proper
is an invasion of the peoples rights,
a wrong against free government and
a long stride in the direction of a gov
ernment akin TO the mOnarchical
despotisms of the old world, in many
of which the people do not even have
a vote If it is right that all should
vote-why is it not right that every
voter. who chooses Shall cast his vote
for whom he pleases, rather than be
to vote for " ready cut and
dried" candidates or not vote at all?
1t would be just and proper however
that one from the upper and one from
the lower end should be elected. This
would prevent the possibility Of sec
tional feeling in the county. If by
general consent, suitable men IN each
end can be selected, well and good
let 1t be done. 1t docs not become
your correspondent to designate the
men. That is the province OF others.
Let the selections be made in the inte-
rest of the great mas5es-the whole
not in the interest OF
faction or of some individual or clique;
or of any PARTICULAR locality, or of any
public corporation. or private interest
whatsoever. Let the man be En01CR
to be opposed to HIGH TAXATION
as the one thing paramount above all
others, who will in the nails OF legisla-
ton stand up and vote e" no, ~ to every
proposition to impose unjust or un-
necessary pecuniary burtnens upon an
impoverished and greatly wronged
people; men who will set their faces
as a flint, against every style OF sub
sidy legislation and who wiH vote to
cat do3CR the public expenditures to
at least one-half of what they now are,
and thus relieve the people of cne-
half of the enormous load Of taxation
that is as a milestone about their nerEs
No policy but this will save us from
general ruin. Equal rights to all,
exc Iusive privileges to none" " Nc
more money to be raised by taxation
than is absolutely necessary to carry
on the government economically ad-
mjnjstered." 1.-The greatest good to
the greatest number" These are the
true principles of government.
WASHINGTON.