Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1878-10-18
A Little Moro Definite.

becoming state as soon as she had
sufficient population, aud we're opposed
to the dismemberment OF the territory,
but they did not resolve what number
would constitute sufficient population.
Nor did they express any opinion up
on the Constitution submitted to the
people for the election in November
next. The republican convention
have resolved little more definitely.
They have said that their delegate 10
Congress shall work for the admission
Of the state 10 case the people adopt the
present constitution, and have further
said that in case the people reject the
present constitution, their delegate shall
use his endeavors to procure an enabling
act Of Congress for the state Of Wash.
ington. The following are among their
resolves:
Resolved, That we are unalterably
opposed to any ACKNOWLEDGMENT of this
territory.
Resolued, That if the people of this
territory shall vote in favor OF the con-
stitution at the coming election. our
delegate in congress is hereby instruct.
ed to use his best efforts in favor Of ad-
mission into the Union as a state and
if the constitution should be rejected he
is instructed to procure. if possible, the
passage by congress of an act enabling
this territory to form a state govern.
nent.
Neither of these conventions have
met the question that is prominent be
fore the people, nor made it an issue
between the parties, and so far perhaps
they are right. But the people will de-
mand of the candidates for delegate to
speak upon this question and express
their opinions upon the proposition to
60 into a state government under the
constitution to be before the people in
November. The report Of the speeches
Of Tom Cation that have come to US all
affirm that he goes for the adoption of
tic constitution now before the people,
and we hardly think Thos. II. Brents
will do less under the resolutions of the
republican convention which it is af.
frmed that he has heartily endorsed
Among the mere politicians who consti.
tuted the majority Of both conventions,
there seems to have been much policy
in shaping their platforms broad
enough so that their candidates could
stand upon them and not fall overheard
and after the people by their vote have
passed directly upon the constitution
whichever way they decide, these same
candidates will be ready to say thai
they both en- lorse the action of the
people, Politicians now days really
have no positive principles except such
as they toresee or foreimagine are suci
as will obtain the approval Of MAORI
ty Of the people, irrespective Of VIVA
may be their own private opinion in re
gard to them. 1t is very questionable
whether such class can ever work AM
reforms in government matters. Thi
state Of thines has in great measure
been brought about by means Of part,
: platforms, party drill, and the success
ses that have followed these organize
tions in electing candidates to Office
Men now who seek Office almost invar
iably seek it FIRST through one of thes
organizations and dare not to trus
themselves before the people upon thei
own merits. or upon the merit of an,
great principle of reform in tho govern
ment which they may desire to advo
cate. The individual and personal 10
dependence Of thought aud action is a
! i first surrendered to party and can onl
come before the people at large as
has been FIRST endorsed by th
party. This never did nor does nc
now meet our conception Of what be
longed to the character Of true Amer
lean citizen.