The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-07-24
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It is evident that the democracy in most
parts Of the State have been waiting for the
call Of a State Convention, fixing the time
and place, before taking any active steps in
the way Of county organizations. The un-
certainty about this was serious drawback
TO exertions in this regard, though, in spite
Of this, in some localities, their inipatience
urged them to county action, and, perhaps,
in some counties, meetings have already
been held and delegates to the State Con-
yention appointed. Now that the Chairman
Of the State Executive Committee has is
sued the call and fixed the time and place
for the holding Of the Convention,
there is no excuse for further delay.
It is now incumbent on the democ-
racy in every county of the State
to hold conventions for tie pur-
pose of appointing delegates to the State
Convention, and doing whatever else may
be necessary for thorough organization Of
the democratic party. In what manner
these county conventions should be gotten
up, it is for the democracy of each county
to determine. No State Convention of the
party has ever undertaken TO lay down any
party rule of action in this respect, but we
deem it not improper for us to make some
suggestions as to the best manner of inaug-
urating them, so as to give the most general
satisfaction. 1t is known that complaints
are often made about the way conventions
are gotten up, and managed, when assem-
bled, for the benefit of particular parties.
One of the most common complaints
is, that the people about the county
seats get up the meetings, and ap-
point the delegates without prop
or regard to the wishes and views Of
the country people. We fear this has often
been done, and this should be specially
guarded against hereafter. Our advice is
to have precinct action, wherever it can be
had. Let the chairman of each county
committee fix the time for holding the
county convention, and then let meetings be
called in each precinct for the appoint
ment of delegates to the county CON
vention. The number of delegates can be
fixed orleft for each precinct to determine as
may be thought best. Ifprimary elections are
deemed best, and can be held conveniently,
why, let them be held-there can be no OBJ
lection to them except the time and trouble
of holding them But this is matter for
the people of each county to determine for
themselves. When the county convention
meets, thus fairly representing the
whole democracy, let it appoint the
delegates to the State Convention, adopt
ing such resolutions as win be expressive
of the peoples will, and taking all such ac-
ton as may be thought conducive to the
success of the democratic party. The
county conventions, when assembled for the
purpose of appointing delegates to the State
Convention, can then select the democratic
candidates for the several county offices, or
they may order another convention held for
that special purpose. Their own conven-
fence and belief of what may be right will
determine this matter. At the several
county conventions, steps may be taken for
the holding of District Copxentions, by the
appointment of delegates thereto. The dis
trict conventions will be called, of course,
by the chairmen of the district committees.
In this respect the party is already organ
lied, committees having been appointed by
the last Democratic State Convention, who
viii hold their respective positions until
another State Convention shall be held.
It will be noted that this plan of opera
tions contemplates the holding of primary
meetings and conventions everywhere; and
we here repeat our deliberate conviction
that they viii be necessary. Numerous
candidates are already springing up in
every county and district in the State, and,
without conventions to settle their respect
i've claims, the result viii be the election Of
radical officials in fearful numbers. Con-
ventions must be held, and independent
candidates must be put down by the con-
centrated voice and will of the democracy.
The men, who counsel otherwise, cannot be
true to the party. The country is to be
purified and saved by the democracy, and
the democratic party can only be kept up
and made triumphant by strict organiza-
ton, and by willingness on the part Of
every democrat to submit to the determine
tions of his party, and to support and vote
for its candidates, whoever they may be.