Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-08-29

excellent citizen, died on last Wednesday, of
typhoid fever, in the 26th year of his age.
His brother, Edward, is, at the present time,
extremely i'll from the same disease. The
friends of this afflicted family tender their
sympathies.
j. Patterson, Esq, and j. L. Harris,
Esq, attended the Sunday. y.School Convention
at Greenville.
Mr.. Green Gill, good and worthy citizen
of this county, died few days ago. QUI.
For the Yorkvile Enquirer
DELEGATES AS CANDIDATES FOR NOM
NATION.
Rock HILL, S. c., August "a, 1878.
Mr.. Editor: AS our county has concluded
to retain the old system of nominating candi.
dates by onvention-which, by the way, |
think is wise conclusion there is one thing
to which would like to call the attention of
the Democratic voters Of the county. The
subject to which I allude is the custom so fire.
ouently practiced by the different precincts
in their selection of delegates to the county
nominating convention. The voters OF the
various precincts in the different sections OF
the county, who feel that they are entitled to
a representative in the Legislature, or some
county officer, frequently send, as delegates
to the county nominating convention, the very
individuals whose names are put forward as
candidates for the respective Offices to be filled
and in this way it is often the case that con-
siderable number, if not the majority, of the
candidates for the different Offices, are selected
from among the delegates in the convention.
This should not be done, for reasons which L
shall endeavor, as briefly as possible, to state.
In the first place, we will suppose that
Messrs. A, B, G and D are all delegates from
the same or adjoining precincts, and are sent
to the convention unpledged, which is often
the case. A rises in the convention and nom.
iuates D for some office. Now, while B and
G are satisfied that there are objections to L,
and know some other gentleman from the
same community or section who would be
more acceptable to the people at large, yet
because D happens to be neghbor or &C
ouaintance, they feel delicacy in stating the
facts of the case and of opposing bis nomlna-
ton in his presence. And again, other mem
bers of the convention who would like to OBJ
tain information in regard to DIS qualitca-
tions and the probability of his being can.
ddate entirely acceptable to the people, find
it quite delicate matter to institute inquiries
and canvass the question of acceptability in
his presence. Consequently, A is enabled to
eng ineer D through and secure his nomina-
ton.
The convention adjourns, the delegates re-
turn to their homes, and the question is asked,
"Wby did you nominate D instead of T?
The delegates shrug their shoulders and sim.
ply reply, "because we could not help it,"
Therefore, under the circumstances, think it
would be advisable to leave out all probable
candidates as delegates to the nominating
convention. By so doing, l think we would
undoubtedly gain two points: First free
and open discussion in regard to an individu.
ais fitness, and the probability of his being a
candidate acceptable to the people at large,
when presented by bis friends. Secondly, we
could then avoid, in great measure, the I'M
putation which is so frequently hurled at
county conventions as being courthouse rings,
cliques, etc., and the charge that they are
manag ged and manipulated to the advantage
and in the interest of aspiring and ambitious
delegates. PROGRESS