The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1878-03-29


to morrow to represent their constitu-
eney in the County Convention viii be
men Of pure Democracy, sound judg-
msnt and patriotic views, and that their
paramount object is to carry out the
wishes of the people in the selection of
candidates. Hence, when they come to
the Convention, the first thing to be
considered is 10 devise and adopt the
most fair and equitable way Of getting
at the wishes of the people, so ex-
pressed as to leave ne room for com
plant by those who may not get their
first choice.
One of the strong points in our DEM
oclatie form of government is that
majority shall rule, and enc Of the
great principles that underly the very
foundation of our Democratic party is to
hold sacred this great doctrine. Then
let us all, with one mind, stand stead
faststo this great principle, so wisely es-
tablished by our forefathers as the basis
and bulwarkof civil and religious liberty.
Let neither friendships nor candidates.
turn usfrom thispatriotic course. Weap-
peal especially to candidates to stand
squarely by this doctrine. He who
now, to crafty personal ambition, would
depart from the great political prinei-
Piles enuneiated by Thomas Jefferson,
Patrick Henry, Andrew jackson, Dan
iel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Henry
Clay aud long list Of other good ahd
true patriots who always ehampioned
the doctrine of suberdinatiOn to the
majority-he who would now advise
departure from this sacred rule which is
the palladium Of Republican form Of
government-has mistaken his own
self or IS an enemy TO the best interests
of his party and Of his country, and
should not be trusted in public Offices.
Then let US agree ia the outset TO join
with our Reighbors and friends in try
ing TO select our purest and most cem-
petent men to fill the places of public
trust and honor, aud when a majority
of the delegates, in convention assem-
bled, decide in favor Of certain men as
candidates, let Us all, with one voice
and united effort, sustain and elect the
ones so chosen. You would expect
that if your cheice were successful !;
why not yield the same support to the
victorious opponent
And another word to the delegates
in the Convention. You cannot be too
careful in your eounsels and delibera-
tions. The present disturbed state of
public feeling demands judiclous, care
ful counsel and strong men as candi-
iates. Above all things let all discus
zion be full an! free, and let no parlia-
aentary tricks be praeticed upon our
'lAin country people who are unac-
laaintea with such rules, TO deprive
hem of any right or privilege, and
make them do by parliamentary con-
truetion the very opposite of what they |
lesire to do Such meetings should be
riendly consultations rather than semi
egal bodies governed by rigid technical
ales No fair man gets mad if he is
out-voted, but he is indignant
{ outwitted or tricked. The vast ma
Ority of our people live on their farms
nd follow the plow, AID whilst they
ave little knowledge of the technical
uIes which govern deliberativs bodies
hey have a keen sense Of straightfor-
hardness and fair dealing When they
ttend county meeting and find them-
elves, though in a majority, defeated
trough the shrewdness of some town
they naturally 60 away dis
atis6ed This Is so often done that it
J no wonder that county conventions
ave come to be unpopular with 30
many, And yet it is doubtful if any
'etter method for securing unanimity
nd giving effect to the popular viii can
'e substituted for 1t.
For our part we believe strictly in
he ri0a rOcs system of voting in con-
Tentions; for then every man is com
oelled to I" show his hand" and there is
40 chance for delegate to 90 back on
MS constituency without being q spot
ted The old Democratic practice of
the viUa UOee system of voting, although
abolished at the polls in aost States. is
still esed by all State Legislatures in
the election ef United States Senators.
and has always been used in our Demo
,ratis National and State Conventions,
md we see no reason why it should not
oe strictly adhered to in our County
The more open-handed
md above-board the deliberations are
conducted the better for the harmony
md success of the party, and just at
his time it is dangerous and may be
uicidal to take any new departures.
All candidates should be willing to sub
nit to the usual practices and castems-
# the party, and should feel alike in