Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1871-05-17

THE PRIMARY ELECTION QUESTION.
We last week gave our views upon the con,cm-
plated change Of our system Of making nomina-
tons In this county. This has involved us in
number Of criticisms ani questions which we
shall answer IN the best manner possible. To
those who, like oursclf, favor the present or
Crawford System" We need not reply at this
time, but will proceed to answer the following OBJ.
iections made against the system now in force.
lst. 81 would like to sec a change, so as to give
the small districts fair representation. There is
a growing feeling of dissatisfaction in those dis
triets against tho present system
This may be true, but what is the remedy :
Small districts under Democratic system Of
government, can never be as potent as large or
| populons ones. The Delegate or any other sys.
tcm could never cure these complaints Demo
Gratis never ask small man to carry as big load
as large bodied one, nor should it be asked
il the object Is equity and justice.
3D. have met a number Of Democrats who
arc anxious to know what change is contemplated -
So far as VIC understand it, We believe the Coun-
ty Committee design to submit tho present and
Delegate System to a vote at the approaching
Primary Election The Chairman of the Com
mittoe having been absent for some time We have
not been able to learn definitely in what way the
question will be put but presume that tickets will
be printed, labelled on the outside "Primary
Election and on the inside Crawford SYSTEM"
on some, while on Others "Delcgate System or
something Of this kind
Sd. al think the present system is becoming
little rotten and corrupt"
This may be true, but the system is not at fault.
The general corruption Of the age has produced
this result, and to our mind a change of system
will not cure the evils indicated.
4th, "The election is seldom held in accordance
with the rucs. In many cases minors and Re-
publicans are allowed to vote, and to some extent
control the result"
This is no doubt too true, and we arc sorry to
know tha, our rules are often violated but would
the rules under the Delegate System be observed
any better? Why, If half is true that is said
about the violations Of the election laws in our
large cities, while men arc under oath, VIC might
with equal propricty ask to have the election laws
repealed in order to prevent some men from com
mitiing fraud and perjury but we must take the
good with the evil and do the best We can.
5th. "The present system is too nrisiocratie.
/ II is almost impossible for a man Of moderate
means to obtain nomination for office. Unless
he spends thousand dollars he cannot get IT,
/ Why, it costs man as much under our present
system to get nomination as Grant charges for
an appointment Hence men Of moderate means
need ~ ny
There is more t.:,h thaa poetry in this objcc-
ton. But we .unhesitati7e.v say It would cost
more money under the D,.ogaie S,s'em' Now
VIC do not wish to convey the idea that either ''
the systems are Of a corrupting nature, but - do
affirm that the past ten years have corrupted eyo-
ry avenue 10 church, state ard social life. And
how can it be otherwise, when from the President
OF this great nation down to the lowest Official
position, even to the selling Of boys as caleis,
every position in the State is obtained by money
And while the ruling party Of this country con
tinucs to foster aud breed corruption by the whole
sale, It Is useless to seek for remedy through
change Of our Primary Election rules. The dis
ease is located at Washington, and until our rulers
show some respect for law and rules il will be ne
less for municipalities to begin to reform. II the
parent is vicious, tho ofspFing is very likely to
fall a prey TO similar habits.