The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1876-05-31
The rxo-Thirds Rule.

Some Of our contemporaries seem not to
understand why or when the celebrated
two-thirds rule. in Democratic national
conventions, was adopted.
The first Democratic national convention
eyer held in the United States, was held
in Baltimore, in May 1892 Previous to
that time candidates were brought out by
Democratic congressional caucus. And
even in 1882 there would have been no
national convention, but for the necessity
Of deciding who should be the candidate
for vice president. There was no opposi-
ton in the party to Jackson for second.
term. but in order to decide between
Calhoun and Van Buren, convention was
called. Calhoun was then vice president,
but the north wanted Van Buren, in his
place.
Gen. Robert Lucas, of Ohio, presided,
and the regular proceedings commenced
by the passage of the following resolution:
THE TWO THIRDS RULE.
"RssolUsd, That each state be entitled, in the
nomination 10 be made for the vcepresidency, to a
number of votes equal to the number to which
thew will be entitled in the electoral colleges, under
the new apportionment, In voting for PRESIDENT and
vice president; and that two-thirds of the whole
number of the votes in the convention shall be
necessary to constitute choice"
This was the origin of the famous two
thirds" rule which has prevailed since that
time in all Democratic national conventions.
The convention proceeded to ballot for
a candidate for vice-president, with the
following result:
..For Martin Van Buren,: Connecticut, S;Illinols.
Georgia II; Louisiana, 5; Pennsylvania, 30; Mary
land I; New Jersey, 8; Mississippi, 4; Rhode
Island, 4 Maine, 10; Massachusetts,, "A; Delaware,
8; New Hampshire, z; New YORK, II; Vermont, Z;
Alabama, 1--Total 2S
For Richard M johnson: Illinois Q; Indiana, 9;
Kentucky, 15--Total, 26
ginia, % Maryland, 5; South Carolina, II; Ala
bama, 6-Total, 49,"
Mr.. Van Buren, having received more
than two thirds of all the votes cast, was
declared duly nominated as the candidate
for vice president.
This two thirds rule has been re-adopted
by every Democratic national convention
from that day to this-and it has produced
nothing but evil wherever it. has been en-
forced
1t defeated Cass in 1914, and nominated
Polk.
1t gave us Cass in lS4S and gave u.
defeat.
1t defeated Douglas in 1856, and ha(
Douglas insisted upon its enforcement i
would have defeated the party. Blu
Douglas showed his contempt for the rule
and his reverence for the majority, b.
telegraphing, as soon as he learned tina
Buchanan had received a majority
to withdraw his name and supper
Buchanan, because he had a majority
Well do we remember the excitement il
the rooms of the Illinois delegation in tn
Burnett House, when "Old Dick" Richard
son read the telegram from Douglas
Judge Douglas said Mr.. Buchanan hay
ing received majority is entitled to tn
nomination.
The rule defeated Douglas years late
at Charleston, and helped bring on wa
of sections and break down the party.
If the ST. Louis convention is wise, il
first act will be to repeal it. Unless
shall be Immediately repealed there
: great danger that it will produce feeling
r and results which will lead to defeat
D is not Democratic. 1t is contrary to Il
; spirit and principles of our government
, and we call upon the ST. Louis conventiC
J. to bury it with the dead rubbish of Il
k buried past,