The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1885-11-25

the RepuDlcaDS Vi tic Soui'yi "~
the effrontery TO assume soiiciiude
for the welfare of the party, whose
candidates it attempted to defeat,
declares that it is without organiza-
ton. advises that "a primary cleo
ton should be called for this year or
early in 1856" and announces that
sour Gts) columns are open for the
discussion of this important mat
ter"
As well might the Somerset DEM
ocrofn come to the front, and as
sumo to take charge of the interests
of the Republican party of the coun-
ty. and dictate its future policy, as
this double traitor to its principles
anj its candidates.
In the first place the editor OF the
Commercial has absolutely placed
himself outside the Republican or
ganization, and is not under rule ii,
even entitled 10 a vote at the
next primary election, because ne
supported the Democratic ticket al
the last general election. But wav-
/ ing this fact, the Commercial shows
such a woful ignorance of the rules
governing our Republican primary
elections, or wilfully so pervert5
them. as to make its suggestions
utterly ridiculous, and prove con-
clusively that Its sole object is to
continue its warfare against the par
ty, ana further attempt its over
throw through disorganizaton. 1t
is not true, as it asserts, that "the
party is now without Chairman,
and in few weeks will be without
committee" On the contrary, the
party is without committee, but
has chairman and a chairman pro
TEN. in full being.
The committeeman who were efec-
ted at the primary election In
June 1884, held their offices until
the Both day of June last, when their
time expired, and rule 8 forbidding
them to serve for two succeeding
wears, and no election having been
held in June last, there has been
therefore no county committeein ex-
istence since that date. But rule /
provides that the committee shall
elect a chairman and a chairman
pro tenn. whose term of office shall
last for one year. Under this rule
John r. Sect was elected chairman
and W. I. Hoblitzell chairman
lpro TEN. by the last committee, and
as they are not prohibited from serv-
ing more than one term consecu-
lively, they hold over until their
successors are duly elected.
But suppose, for sake of the ar
gument, that we have neither a COM
mittee nor a Chairman, what then ?
Is there any necessity for either un-
til the time for holding the next
primary in June, 1886? As no
election intervenes during that time,
there is absolutely nothing for them
to do. Rule XIX. provides
That the Republican party OF Somerset county
"bold It's primary election for the nomination Of
candidates on fbe fourth Saturday OF June Of
leach year.
When that day arrives the Repub-
lican voters assemble in their various
precincts and vote for candidates.
At the same time, under Rule 8, the
voters are authorized to elect judge
of election, who shall be a com.
mittee man for said precinct for the
ensuing year" These committe-
men will assemble at the Court
house on the regular return day.
there organize and elect their chair
man, as has been customary, and
the organization is complete for the
campaign and the entire party ma.
chinery is in motion. in exact con-
sonance with the rules. Tbs party
by its rules perpetuates itself. as
does the Government by its laws,
and he who attempts to overthrow
or override either is simply traitor
But it may be asked, there being nc
committeeman in existence whose
duty it is to hold the primary elec.
ton, what is to be done? Rule 10
is very clear on that subject. 1t is
as follows:
In c1ft Nt a vacancy OF IN luc AheeICe OF tie
committeeman at the hours O'Clock A. Non
"the day of the Priaqary election, the inspector
'.present who had the highest vote at the preeed-
ling primary election shall act rs committeeman.
" In case OF the absence Of the inspector the clerk
-kavng the highest vote nj the previous election
" shak act committeeman. In The GbseHof
"of oH me 0fheers Of the prcrivHs primary eieo-
" f0n al the fine fred for the opeAing Of fae polls,
the roiers present sheH elect judge Of eieciios
"irho shall then proceed sE directed BY Rule 5.
/ Nothing is simpler, nothing can
be palmer. These rules were devils
ed to perpetuste the party organiza-
ton, and they do 1t most efficiently.
and they moreover take by the
throat just such attempts as the
Commercial is laboring TO inaugu-
rate, for the purpose of dividing and
Gistrac1ng the party. In view of
these facts, what becomes of its base
less assertion that "tha Scull- Scott
gang intended to keep this power in
their own hands and run the party