The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1874-08-18
binding Force of the Caucus.

The object of conventions is to mar
monize the views and consolidate in
final action at the polls, so far as posi-
BILE, all those who think so nearly alike
on the main questions of public policy
rs to be able TO associate in the relations
known as a political party. The theo-
Nv seems to be this: All thus united
get together and express in an informal
manner, their preferences, with an I'M
Outstanding that in the end the minorl-
ties are to surrender their wishes and
Join with the majority in support of
man who represents their principles,
though not perhaps their individual
preference, against the representative
of principles to which all are in COM
mon opposed. 1t is a question when
allows difference of opinion, how lar
the obligation is binding upon one who
Joins in the deliberations of Il caucus,
lo abide hy the decisions of majority
There are those of every grade OF opln-
ion from those who insist that he Is
morally bound to accept the result as
tn,l and let that result bind his action
At the polls, tosthose who assert That II
has no binding force whatever IN
Joubtedly both extremes are wrong.
There is at least an understanding
that those who participate i'll the ue-
alterations of Il caucus, are DONG So
for the purpose of securing UNITY OF
action, and that by surrendering II
need be, to some extent personal pref
erenccs. On the other hand we have
no right, and in the manner of inter
prctinc law, cannot so bind ourselves
rs TO prevent the full exercise OF oui
duty and previous obligation to vote
las in our consciences we shall Judge
vii! most conduce to the good oil the
state, without fear or favor OF any
man. We have no right to interpret
the action of any man under any cir
cumstances rs implying a promise tt
violate this oath. Hence it appears
- -,"rtv conventions cannot hinI
anyone Ia support an unworthy or III
competent candidate. And a every
one is sovereign TO the extent mat ht
must determine for himself the qualiii
cations of candidates we should mo-
lightly charge anyone with improper
disregard of the obligations implied il
Joining in the deliberations ola caucus
because lie does not in the end abid'
hy the result. lie may have good ant
substantial reasons for doing as he does
He nav have, or think he has, intor
nation of the candidate whom he op
poses which somebody else who sup
ports him has not. His Judgment o
what is desirable or necessary as prop
qualifications for candidacy and cleo
ton may honestly differ from the judg
ment of somebody else. And very like
~ the opposcr may be right. At leas
no other person can judge for him.
While boiling party nominations
a thing to be regretted and avoided ex
cept in extreme cases, because OF III
unfortunate circumstances of disunion
and the bitterness which is sure to b
aroused and perhaps danger to the chez
ished principles, there may he evel
worse calamities than those and w
believe the violation or smothering c
individual conscience, and the rockies
disregard of fitness in candidates for pc
stons of responsibility and trust ar
sufficient reasons for boiling. Part
ties even should not he so strong as on
sense of right, our appreciation of in
tegrity, our regard for fitness.