Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1880-09-03
o PROXIES.
The system Condemned by a white
Pine Democrat.

HAMILTON, Sept. l, 1880.
EDITOR SENTINEL: While / am a Demo-
crat and desire the success Of the party,
believing that the principles Of Democ-
racy alone can perpetuate the glorious
heritage bequeathed by u fathers, there
is one thing in connection with our local
convention system that should be abolished
at once, as il is undemocratic, subversive
to the rights Of the people and dangerous
to the party. 1 allude to the pernicious
practice of voting by proxy. / am prompt
ed to make this suggestion from seeing
delegates go into our conventions with as
many as five and six proxies. Now it must
be apparent to the mind OF any candid,
thinking Democrat that while such prac-
tice is not calculated to promote harmony
and good feeling in the convention, dis
cord and disaffection is invariably the re-
suit. Then why persist in a practice the
effect Of which may result in the nomina-
ton Of men not only Objectionable to the
party but wholly unfit and incompetent to
fill the offices to which they aspire. There
are plentyof} good men in the rank and file
Of the Democratic party to fill the various
offices OF honor and trust in the country
with credit to the party and honor to them
selves; and all that is necessary to secure
them is a more general expression Of the
wish OF the people in our conventions.
While 1 deem it unnecessary to enter in
detail as to the disastrous results that may
follow from such vile practice, l suggest
as o remedy, that in the future, and before
delegates are chosen from the various pre-
cincts throughout the county, they be
made to pledge themselves to attend the
convention in person, and in case of failure
from sickness or otherwise, then the con
vention to exercise that prerogative by the
discontinuance Of further federation OF the
proxy system. Then let every good DEM
ocrat be on hand, and with shoulder to
the wheel, see that a strong ticket is put
in the field, one of worth and intelligence,
that will not only command the respect OF
the party but which alone can insure sue
cess in the coming campaign. I have heard
it intimated that there was dirty work 60
ing on between the wishy-washy, weak
kneed element Of the Democratic party and
certain Republicans to defeat some of our
worthiest men, who will be prominent be-
fore the convention. While / am inclined
to discredit the report, should such at
tempt be made the parties should be de-
nounced int kicked out as unworthy the
name of Democrats. I would further sug-
gest that more attention should be given
to the selection of our County Central and
Executive committees. They should be
composed Of the soundest men Of the
party; men Of experience, thorough or
ganizers, quick Of perception, and with
Judgment and discernment to iudicious
application of the moneys paid in for
campaign purposes. l have observed that
while our Republican friends go to battle
thoroughly organized and disciplined, we
go into the fight with our breeches down
no organization, no system, nc nothing.
This l fear is the result of not having the
right men in the right place. In conclu-
sion, I will say to my Democratic friends,
awake from your lethargy, shake off the
mould, and stand by your %colors, as q
glorious National victory awaits US in No
vember. DEMOCRAT.