National Republican., 1880-06-26
NATIONAL CONVENTIONS.

Inc New 1Ork HeFMd pTOnOunceS NgalnSu
national conventions TO nominate candi-
dates for the presidency, and expresses the
belief that they ought to be abolished. The
New York Commercial AdUertiSer grasps the
same subject, but with different grip.
1t opposes the abolition of our conven-
tion system, but essays the opinion that
"our conventions are controlled by hates, dis
likes, iealousies enmities and prejudces,
"rather than by wise counsels and patriotic
motives" 1t cites the history Of the late
Chicago convention and the conduct of GER
tain partsans of some of the candidates in
justification Of its assumption. 1t further
declares that sit was envy, malice and un-
charitableness that nominated General
GARFIELD" If this remark is justified it
shows that there is a power which some-
times overrides evil influences with good re-
suits We adhere to the opinion that while
General GARFIELD's nomination was not
anticipated, it may prove the very best
result that could have been reached under
the circumstances We are of that class of
republicans who desire that to happen in
the conventions of the party which is most
likely to rebound to its unity, harmony
and success. We regard men and their per-
sonal ambitions of minor importance when
weighed in the scale against the success of
republican principles in the government
While we have never quarrcled with that
ambition which seeks the highest honor of
this world, we have been led TO criticise
some of the methods that have been resOrted
to to crafty that ambition. That Is our pre-
rogative and though it may displease, we
cannot forego its exercise without a surTen-
der of the dearest right of journalism.
While on the su bject of national conven-
tions we take the liberty of expressing the
opinion that our system of making national
nominations is susceptible of reform. In
the first place, the call should distinctly set
forth a uniform system of electing dele
gates, 50 that when the convention meets
that system may be regarded as the only
test by which the right of membership
shall be decided. This would be Just and
fair to all parties interested, and would
shut the door against any future instance
in which committee on credentials could
Ppoo4DiJ pAOfANC hSlNStEtNo lOl "a otstto III
violation of its expressed will to suit the
selfish purposes Of faction. This point
should be carefully guarded in the Ian
guage of the call, for the republican party
cannot stand many such strains as were
imposed upon it at Chicago with
out seriously impairing its unity and
strength. No room should be left for ca
post .facto rules and questionable action
and results Then again, while there is q
generous courtesy in permitting the terri.
tories and the District of Columbia to be
represented in national convention, there is
neither good sense nor marked propriety in
it, so long as neither have any voice in the
election which is to confirm or condemn the
nominations that are made. No injustice
is done by leaving them out of the conven
tion, while great injustice may be done
in close contest by their controlling
the result, be it good or bad, leaving the
states to suffer the consequences Of unfor-
tunate nominations. In view of these facts
we cannot abstain from expressing the hope
that the future national conventions of the
republican party may be left exclusively
with the states which are to do the voting
when election day comes.