Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1878-08-17

subject that has for several years
past created more discOrd in the
ranks of the Democratic party, in
this county, as well as in many
other counties, than almost any
ether one question that has been
discussed among the Woodworking,
honest members of that party. Now
the matter referred to is this one of
County Conventions, and while is
readily admitted that they are
great convenience in the nOminat-
ing and electing of party candidates
indeed, they may be said to be an
essential feature in the successful
management of any political party
they are still liable to abuses, and
as their actions are nearly always
shaped by a few of the most prOmi-
nent men in the party, it is the
easiest matter in the world for them
to make the conventions subservient
to their wishes in nearly every par
ticular, and it is entirely too often
the case that they do not hesitate to
do so. Still, the modest members
of the party, men who dothe straight
voting and aspire to no place, do
not grumble much at this when it
is done openly and above board.
They cannot but feel a little sensi-
tive under the positive rule of few
who boldly and unblushingly take
the bit in their teeth and go their
own way, but when they find these
men manipulating the conventions,
having this or that action reported
as having been had by it, when in
fact the convention was entirely
ignorant of any such proceeding,
and it was only to crafty their per-
sonal preferences, or further their
own ambitious aims, then do they
become discOntented and distrustful,
they lose faith in their leaders, and
grow disguised with the sham of
conventions.
It cannot be denied that this has
been a great source of discomfort,
and has caused more disaffectiOn
among the notwithstanding ele-
ment of the party than any other
trouble the party has had to contend
with. The masses of the people are
rapidly losing all interest in these
conventions, and as it is in the
masses that the strength of the party
lies, does it not behoOve all those
who oppose this party domination
by the few to unite and see that
conventions shall be conducted fair
ly and squarely, and to warn those
who allow their own selfish purpO-
SEES to get the upper hand of them,
that they are daily losing votes from
the party.
1t is not necessary that a few
wOuld-be leaders should cOnfab to-
gether anG have so much secresy in
all they do, as if they were trying to
hide their actions from the rest OF
the members, and endeavOring to
! get some advantage over them ;
and yet this is done almost without
exception in every convention that
is held in this county. Why cannot
the body understand what is being
done? why hide all motives from
it? 1t would take a lively interest,
it is fully capable of understanding
any legitimate plan for the promo
ton Of the good of the party, and
everything should be clear and free
] from any suspicion Of trickery.
! There is never Il convention held
but the party loses strength by just
such chicanery. Yes, this may re-
fleet a little upon the convention
just held some tricks are small in
/ themselves, but you know how a
stone is worn away by a drop OF
water continually fallingj and it
does seem that some men will per
sist in their maneuvering and wire
pulling even though they are dam
aging the party they profess to
serve. Now, there is a remedy for
this, an easy and efficient remedy.
1t is simply for every man who
values his own self-respect to lend
no assistance whatever to any meas
ure, however small, that any politi-
clan chooses to ask sub rosa, or to
palm off as che action of a cOnven-
ton, when he knows it is only fol
his own or his friends individual
advancement. OF course no One
man can do anything in this matter
bv himself, but you Democrats, you
men who are the bone and sineW OF
the party, you can manage 1t with
perfect ease by simply making an
4 effort, ClNIS'
| I'VE have Inserted the above com
municatiOn of CfYis pot without
much consideration while we de-
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