Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-02-09
From the New York Times.
The PENNSYLVANIA Plan.

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The plan adopted by the Republican
Convention Of Pennsylvania Of pledging
the entire delegation Of the State to the
National Convention to an undivided sup
port Of particular candidate. and binding
II 70 set as unit on all questions that may
arise. Is calculated 10 strengthen the pow
er ot individual leaders, and TO increase the
influence Of the State in determining the
nomination; but it il open to objections
tor which these advantages afford no ade-
quate compensation. 1t can hardly be
desirable that Mr. Cameron, instead Of the
republican voters Of Pennsylvania. should
constitute the State Convention. and in
form with his single will the delegates
sent to represent them at Chicago. Nor
Is there any reason why the State should
constitute one great multiple unit in vot-
ing for acanddatc. instead OF allowing ex-
preston 10 difference of choice that I'M
questionably exists. not only among the
people. but among the delegates them
selves. 1t Is Il dcspotic suppression of the
minority. which is even more objection
able in the action OF party pre-
liminary to nomination. or in max
ing n nomination. than in the actual
choice Of popular representatives for leg
islative or administrative functions. II
may be that the preponderating sentiment
among the Republicans Of Pennsylvaniasis
In favor Of the nomination OF Gen. Grant,
and there is no reason for doubling that
Mr.. Cameron and his co-adintors were
animated by desire to adopt the course
that would give the best assurance Of sue
cess for the party. But it was quite ap-
parent In the convention that very large
minority preferred Mr. Blaine, and II had
perfect right TO n voice Tor the express
ion OF that preference. through the choice
Of delegates to the national gathering aud
through their action when it takes up the
task Of nominating candidates for the sui.
frages of the people As it is, nearly. il
not quite. one-half the Republicans of the
State are practically deprived of repre-
sentation at Chicago. They are power
less to express their choice and entirely
subject 10 the will of the majority OF the
delegation in all matters relating to the
ticket to be agreed upon and the policy to
be announced.
The importance Of cohesion and solidari-
tyinapolitical party is not to be denied. bu,
Il Is more than doubtful whether il is to be
secured by disregarding the wishes and
smothcring the voice Of the minority in
those preliminary movements in which
differences Of opinion are inevitable.
There IL no reason for supposing that the
republicans OF Pennsylvania or of any
other State would not chcerfully accept
the results Of National Convention in
which they had been fully and fairly rep
resented. Preferences and differences
Of opinion having been freely expressed
and submitted to y recognized arbi,rament
they would have no loyal course but to
accept the decision. IL there were to be
alienation and dissatisfaction to weaken
the party. il would be far more likely to
come when large part of its members
had been deprived in advance of the right
VI exercising choice. Such a proceed
ing Is likely to produce antagonsm which
would otherwise have had no provocation
or excuse, Mr.. Cameron may have
strengthened his hold upon the party ma
chiaery in his State. and he may he more
potent in the National Convention for the
action At Harrisburg. but it is not proba-
BILE that the cohesion of the party in the
coming canvass has been promoted.