The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1884-06-05
Relation of Government and Party

Il
all of whom, by virtue of the unre-
stricted ballot, have equal power and
influence in the adoption of measures
and the selection of men to occupy
positions. 1t holds out the promise
that the persons most competent to
fill every responsible position viii be
selected. It suggests that wise states
men will be chosen to make laws,
skilled fnanciers to handle public
money, and persons of excellent bust
ness ability to fill positions requiring
executive talent.
Practice aud experience have so
amply demonstrated the fact that it
may be accepted as an axiom of gov
eminent, or any government depend
ent at all for policy upon the will of
the people, at least, two large parties
are likely to exist, and may be con-
sidered political necessity. These
parties must have certain defined rules
by which its ideas and proposed
measures for the public good can be
properly and successfully formulated.
The theory of the caucus and con-
ventions as adopted in this country is
in admirable contrast with the theory
of our government. It presupposes
the formation of parties for the exc
cution of certain principles. 1t as
sumes that after party has been
formed its members will meet and
choose candidates for all the positions
to be filed by men who are not only
the best opponents of these principles,
but those who have gained a reputa-
ton for integrity, morality, wisdom
and ability. The plan of selecting
delegates is admirable, and when Sc
lected it is presumed that the dele
gates will employ wisdom and DELHI
GRAFTON in finding the most suitable
candidates for all the positions.
Unorganized effort goes for little in
the battle of the worlds life. Con-
denim and deplore as we may the acts
of party and violent partisanship,
moralize as we may over the heroism
of personal independence and solitary
endeavor, we must still acknowledge
that ultimate success in any public
measure or policy can be attained
only by concentrated action either
under the guise of a party or a mere
temporary organization. 'Many men
of many minds" zealons in the prin-
ciples of a question at issue, must
mould their kindred ideas into a CO.
hesive mass, sacrificing or reserving
their figures and prejudices, if they
expect to produce effect. The battles
of the moral and physical forces must
be fought by the practical application
of the same laws which govern the
battles of physical forces.
Approaching, as we must, the bless
ings of civil government, recognizing,
as we must, the absolute necessity OF
party organization we cannot be too
careful in the selection of delegates.
The very idea of a form of govern
ment that shall secure the best men
for all public positions inspires enthu-
siasm wherever civilization extends,
and since in the operations of our
government, the men selected come
through the workings of caucusses
and conventions, the actions of our
public men should bear the impress
and spirit of the conventions, in
which it is supposed that ideas have
been crystalized into lasting princi.
pies.
So far as relates to our own party,
which was organized for the execu-
ton of certain principles, which ii
was supposed would best promote the
public good, the period has arrived
when, if we desire to win, all attempt
at compromising any fixed principle
or pandering to the taste of any poll
tician or any section or class of poIti-