The Indianapolis journal., 1884-04-04
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Method of Choosing Candidates.

hAeUhOu OF Choosing
To the Editor of the indianapolis journal:
The independent masses of the Republican
party desire that the nominees composing the
ticket should be suggested by the silent ballot of
the rank-and-fle voters who are depended upon
to elect the same. An equal influence in choos-
ing nominee will strengthen our party and Sc
cure a Jealous and unanimous support. A strug
gle for nomination by Office seekers at the
hands of uninstructed delegates weakens the
party What rational criticism can be urged
against free, equal ballot and fair, open
count, by majorities? Let the voters freely pre-
fer, among their comrades, the most capable,
honest and faithful, and the councils of the
party will be marked with that unity and har.
mony so essential to a glorious and complete
victory.
The district conventions have been intrusted
with the power to name the time, place and
mode of nominating a Republican candidate for
Congress. These conventions. by and with the
advice of the district committee, ought to adopt
the best, unbiased by any custom or precedent.
1t may be conceded that the nominating assem-
bly, will be composed of delegates representing
an equal number of voters. Each of these dele
gates should be elected by the voters of sep
arate, well-defned precinct, Each voter ought
to have an equal and uniform opportunity to
assist in choosing and instructing one delegate;
Each delegate should do the will Of ninety and
nine constituents.
The delegate precincts being clearly bounded
and defined, a central and convenient place in
each should be selected, and a convention
called at a uniform time, throughout the con
gressional district few days prior TO the nomi
mating convention. The precinct mass conven-
tion may organize and cast direct, written bal
lot for candidate, which will be counted as a
direct choice. as well as an instruction to the
delegate. A delegate can then be chosen, by
majority ballot, who will carry to the district
convention d written account of the precinct
meeting as his credentials
The district convention shall estimate the
popular vote, and any candidate having clear
majority, will be the nominee by reclamation
If the masses have not directly chosen a nomi-
nee the convention should ascertain the lnstruc-
tions to the several delegates, and candidate
be nominated by INSTRUCTION" If no one be
nominated by exclamation or instruction"
each delegate cam by written ballot. choose
one of the three having the most direct votes
and when majority of the delegates vote for
one candidate he will be the nominee by ICON
vention.7
Why not trust the rank and file in the selec
ton of wise, honest, faithful and popular nomi-
nee2 Let an easy and equitable method be
adopted and the strongest possible assurances
of success must follow. The members of any
convention to be held April 10, 1884 have Il
right to specify how a nominee shall be chosen.
The present and future welfare of the party is
in their keeping. Subject the matter to popular
control by maiorities, and all will meekly bow to
the reign OF the ''sovereigns." The cherished
doctrine of Equality before the law will thus
be subserved among the brethren.
RENSSELAER,, April 3. s. 2. THOMPSON.