Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-08-22
DAILY POST. INTELLIGENcER.
r1reEsESTATaes BY PRexT.

WHICH, E1Es OA&~--N~ -
sssi of its condemnation spon proxy
,soreasutation. Tns Chairman ruled
that no ether person bat delegate or
in bis absence, his alternate, could law
fuIly answer in roll call OF the conFen-
ton. The effect was. in the absence OF
both the delegate and alternate, to e1-
eluds the district by which they Sers
elected from representation. Ihls foi-
inc was only modified in the case OF
deleostss at large. In case such 1eie-
cate in absent the name Of bis alternate IL
6rst called, and, if he also De absent
the names of the three remaining alter
mates are called in their order. II none
answer. the State loses the vote OF the
missing delegate. This rule was also
rieidly enforced in the Republican Con-
yention last June. 1t ia obviousiy cor
rect.
Some months ago, shortly after the
meeting Of the Territorial Convention
At Dayton. we called attention TO the
fact that il was largely proxy esnvsn-
ton. and that IL was composed IN part
of man who NOT only had not been elect
cd delegates from the counties which
they assumed TO represent, bat had not
been elected as delegates from any
county; that they were simply PER
sons, not chosen by the people. bat BY
certain other persons who themselves
had been selected as delegates. We
claimed then, and nov insist, that no
elected delegate has the right to
substitute in bis place a person not
elected as a delegate 70 convention.
nor should he be allowed to empower
any delegate outside bis own county to
represent him In such body. More than
half the votes cast at the Dayton Con
vention last May we're controlled by
proxies. Men went into that conven-
ton With their pockets stuffed with
proxy credentials and voted them at
will, with little apparent regard TO the
sentiments or desires of the people
whom they assumed TO represent.
This practice should not be suffered
to oontinle. It may not be possible for
all the delegates elected TO the conven-
ton that will laeet here on the 4th prox-
limo 10 DO present. 1t is, however. prac
ticable for every county convention 10
select one or more men. who will be
present In person. and who can, il need
be, be intrusted with the proxies of
elected bat absent delegates. No man
not elected as delegate should hold
seat in the convention, nor should q
delegate from one county be permitted
10 represent by proxy delegate elected
TO represent ansther county. Let as
have a representative Republican Con-
vention, each county having IN person
one or more accredited agents who have
been selected by the citizens thereof.
In this manner and by this method only
can O full. free and authoritative ex-
preston of the views of the party In
this Territory be obtained. 1t will shut
out from the deliberations of that body
q good many men who can only obtain
admission through crooked methods
men who cannot secure election at the
hands Of the people.
How shall II be done There are two
methods, either of which would be Just
and effectual. The Committee on Gre
dentials. in its report, might refuse 10
include upon the roll OF delegates the
names Of those not entitled under the
above restrictions 10 seats in the Con-
veniion, or the Chairman of the Con
vention could rule, as did the Chairman
Of the National Convention in 1850. that
sueh persons were not properly upon
she rolls and their votes mus. not be
counted. Either method would be
proper. Il may. and probably will be.
objected that this ruling would deprive
some county Of its representation. This
10 possible. and although the rule was
made infexible in the National Con-
veHtion. IL might, perhaps. be advisable
on It's firss adoptioa in the Terri
tory 20 make exceptions of such
counties az. by It's enforcement, would
b left without any voice in
the proceedings Of the Convention.
With this modification, however, We
belisve that the adoption and enforce
ment Of the rule rs above stated, to-
VT. that no man not elected as dele
gate shall vote, aad that proxies shall
only be recognized as valid when held
BY Q delegate elected from the same
county a. the person whose proxy he
holds; will secure larger attendance
at conventions. and that their deliher-
atoms and selection Of candidates will
be more nearly in accord with the de.
sires OF. the body OF the party whom
they essay to represent. In our previous
article the attention of the Territorial
Central Committee vas directed TO this
subject and the suggestion made that il
Ia within the province of that body to
established the rule. This should have
been done before the selection of dele
gates by county conventions. The CON-
mitsee not having acted, the question
viii DOW come mp for decision by the
Convention, which is-suhject only 10
regulations laid down by the Central
Commitiee-to Judge Of the qualisica
items OF its members.
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MAKING MARTYRS o. TuEa.