The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-03-12
WHY Is 1T {?

A few years ago nomination for an office |
in this county by the Democratic party was |
almost certain election. There is no good |
reason why this should not continue to he
the case, but numerous causes can be found
that have helped to produce change in IT.
suits. II Democrats desire to continue their
old time maiorities in this county there are
several things that must be looked after
While Greenbackers are claiming that their
votes have brought about a change in the
political results, we deny that such is the
case. At the election last fall they poled
less than five hundred votes for their full
ticket, and though their candidate for Sher-
ih was elected, it was Democratic votes that
did it, because of the personal popularity
of Sheriff Ent, aud because he was suspected
of being good Democrat, notwithstanding
his nomination by that party.
However capable an officer the candidate
of any party may be, the Democratic party
cannot afford to permit its regularly nomi-
mated candidates to be defeated again, bu'
unless certain reforms are made it is likely
to occur.
In TIE first place. our candidates generally
have relied too much on the nomination.
While they work day and night before the
delegate election TO secure nomination, as
soon as they have received it they sit down
quietly at home and do nothing for them
selve, or the party, We have often called
attention to this fact, and urged upon our
candidates the necessity of unceasing efforts
not only for themselves but for the whole
ticket up to the day of election,
Another point Is this, that on the day of
delegate election many remain at home. 1t
is the duty of every true Democrat to attend
these elections and cast his vote tor the man
whom he wishes to see nominated, and after
he has done this, to stick to the nominee.
Too many remain at home, and then after
others have made nomination, they COM
plain that it is not their choice, and so are
induced by seditious leaders to vote for
some one else than the regular nominee.
Every fair man who votes for candidate at
delegate election, will continue to support
him after he has received the nomination,
and no true Democrat who does not take
the trouble to 90 to the polls at delegate
election will afterwards lend his aid in dis
organizing and demoralizing his party by
voting against men who are regularly named
by those who work actively to keep up the
organization.
It is true that at times charges of corrup'
lion have been made against candidates,
and delegates from certain quarters are al
legged to have been purchased. Whenever
such charges can be sustained the law al
foris adequate remedy. The proper cure
however is, not to vote for men at delegate
election, whose character is such as to lead
to the suspicion that they will stoop to such
things. Nominate honest and capable men
and then stick to them. A mere rumor ol
corruption, started perhaps by intrigui ne
Republicans, or disappointed opponents,
ought not to be sufficient to lead US after
strange gods.
There is, or ought to be il there is not,
some principle in political parties,
The fate Of the nation depends upon the
proper administration Of the government
If we would sustain the great principles oi
our party IN national affairs, we must use ouI
utmost efforts to keep up those principles in
our local elections. To split up into fac
tions, and refuse to maintain the party SUI
premacy in this county is simply striking a
blow at Democratic success in the national
elections. A house divided against itself
cannot stand.
There is just one question for our contem'
plation. and that is whether there shall still
continue to be a Democratic party. If not,
then let US follow the dictates of unscrupu-
lous men who have personal axes to grind
or prejudces to crafty; let us become the
dupes of Republican leaders, whose only
object is to break our ranks and reserve for
themselves the spoils of office. If so, then
battle for the right, and stand firmly on the
party platform, having only one object in
view and that the reestablishment Of a good
and honest government under the control
and management of the undivided Democ-
Tacy.