Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-12-11
THE CAUCUS SYSTEM.

The New York Tribune notices at
length in an editorial our article in rela-
ton 10 the caucus, defining its use and
limitations. Re-stating our positions it
remarks that there is measure of truth
'.in this presentation of the argument in
flavor of the caucus" Farther on in the
article it says: GAS means of reaching
ian agreement upon matters wherein the
differences were minor and unmportant,
''in order to have organized and harmo-
.nious action with reference to the ques-
"tions which were engrossing and impor-
liant, it 1.-THE caucus] was useful. 1t an
''swered wise and convenient purpose
80 long as it was held within that limit
cation"
So far there is no difference then be-
tween ourselves and the Tribune. Con-
tinuing, however. the editor presents the
caucus in the aspect Of "a mere despo-
tsm," as an instrument which 'could be
"made in the hands of bad men tremen-
''dous engine of wrong to the country and
"people." Using the words the Tribune
above, we concede that there is ''meas-
ure of truth" in this. We have never de-
clared that the caucus system is perfect.
The limitations which we placed upon its
authority in our former article presup-
poses that abuses may arise under it. I'm
fair and corrupt means may be employed,
or nominations of unfit and corrupt men
may be made, but in either case there lies
open the right Of appeal to the broad I'M
Outstanding and love of right and justice
of the people, who may be trusted to APP
ply corrective. If the course of General
Butler, cited by the Tribune, furnishes an
example of the abuse of the caucus sys-
tenn, his defeat in the election this fall fur
nishes an instance of practical corrective
which even he will be obliged to respect.
But because the caucus system is not
perfect, because wrongs and abuses some
times are carried on under it, it does not
follow that it should be set aside. Under
the authority of law and in the name OF
justice monstrous evils are perpetrated,
but after all if our legal tribunals were
abolished, civilization would perish with
them, and so we keep the courts, though
they are not perfect. Our churches have
their imperfections, and yet we look to
them as the mariner to the light which
guides him past the dangers that lie in his
course. Caucuses had their origin before
the American Revolution. With their ear
ly history the names Of Samuel Adams
and John Adams are connected, names
certainly as distinguished for patriotism
and pure lives as those Of any Of their de-
scendants who regard in these times the
caucus with little favor. At first the eau
Gus was very limited in its operations, be-
ing confined mostly to local affairs, and
secret in its working. Gradually, how
ever, its field widened, the seal of secrecy
was taken from its proceedings, and at
last it became the established method by
which all the nominations Of all parties
were made. The caucus system has been
opposed, denounced, but not ovorthrown
The party which attacks it to-day will ac-
cept it tomorrow. The Tribune never
supported candidate for President who
was not nominated through caucus and
conventions; and oppose the system this
year as much as it may, lis candidate for
President in 1876 will be nominated with
all formalty in the regular and customary
manner. The caucus system will stand
until something better is found to take its
place. 1t is necessity in our politics foi
which no substitute has appeared. 1t has
its faults. but no plan yet invented for the
same purpose has shown less. We asked
the Tribune to show us better way OF
placing candidates before the people than
by the old fashioned ''free, fair and open
caucus" but we have no reply.
In regard to Mr.. Hamlin, the Tribune
saws 1t ..has been charged that he has
done or failed to do certain things at Wash,
ington. that his influence is bad there and