The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-01-10
THE CAUCUS QUESTION AGAIN,
The exact point to be considered in

The exact point to be considered II
connection with the caucus question
cannot be too often or distinctly stated
IL is whether those members of the
Democratic party who were elected
uhder the name of Greenbackers or
Independents against the regular nom
mees OF the party, or under these
names in counties where there was no
regular nomination, and who declare
themselves adherents and supporters
OF the party in all State affairs, and
are willing to pledge themselves to
abide by the policy of the party as set
tied IN caucus, shall be denied partici-
patton in the party councils. The
question Is not one of strict principle.
and it may be admitted that logically
they should be excluded, without de-
stroying the force of the considerations
III favor of their admission. No argu-
gument has been offered against it
except that it would tend to dis
organization. A moments reflection
Will show that in the present instance
exactly the reverse is true.
The recent campaign i'm this State
was in many respects peculiar. 1t
was made, in the first place, without
any acknowledged party platform. In
many counties it was made without
any issue of general or commanding
interest. 1t was conducted practically q
by one party. Under these circum-
stances 1t was to be expected that local y
in some instances and di- Il
vergence of views on the financial d
questions in others, would give rise to y
5"o sets of candidates both really 81
democratic, but one of them assuming IL
mother name for the temporary exi- W
sency. These differences were of ca
emporary and in many cases an imar- su
nary character. In others they were &c
lothing more than a conservative vi
rotest against the fultraism of the CT
arty in certain localities. They have III
assed away with the election, and it ca
'ould be extreme folly to perpetuate pa
he temporary breach made by them. SET
has been asked what would be an
lought of an army which would a l
1T deserters into its ranks on the eve 1t
battle. With more propriety it he
light be asked what would be thought is t
family which would refuse appli- VIII
lion with an erring Or rebellious lik,
ember when confronted with COM goo
on danger? The whole question is tert
e OF policy, and where more is to be nis
vt than gained by rigid or, illiberal exp
tlon, 1t should not be adopted. tic
we have returned to the question ter.
ly because we regard it as really one tina
great moment to the future inter hea
$ OF the party. And we warn those jeet
10 Insist upon what is called strict an
'ty caucus that if that idea prevails mar
Will prove disastrous. Instead of hon'
pressing the tendencies to disinte- obi.
ito it will make them more acciye. I'll
mite and uncompromising. The CABLE
ached elements can now be brought whit
ssubjection and harmony, by a lit diff,
llberality, but will be permanentIv
arated and solidified by extreme deiln
on. The party will be looked upon Ge
machine which is run in the in reno
st OF class and not for the GOOD fouo,
he whole community; will incur ''''oi
e or less odium for its narrow and cha
sh course. and will excite a grow the s.