The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-26
CAMPAIGN of 1886.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis journal:
| firmly believe the Republican party should
achieve and will deserve a victory at the
next State election. AS a partisan, have in
past campaigns devoted somewhat of my time,
given honest thought and patiently labored for
Republican success.
The party leaders should listen to the still
small, yet potent voice of the "wheelers." The
time for action has come. The most available
and effective means should be pursued to prove
by precept as we'll as example that party is
more worthy of Endorsement by the people than
the adversary party.
The floating and quiet voters control results
either before after the platform and ticket are
announced In selecting our delegates would it
not be well to allow each constituency
the full and perfect right to make a free selec-
ton on its own ground! I concede that one
delegate fairly selected from each precinct ought
to constitute fair Republican parliament The
manner provided for the selection of these dele
gates as announced by the State central COM
mittee. is, however, open to practical and funda-
mental objection.
A State mass convention would scarcely
assume the power to nominate district and
county officers. A county mass convention can
not in accordance with Republican doctrines
and convenience of the frank and file' are
thus ignored and denied Each voter
should have free. easy and equal
chance to do his share of the initial as well as
our party is the single voter. To that voter we
must appeal Our party rites should tally with
individual rights if party action would merit
popular favor. claim, as Republican. that a
county convention per Sc has no right to select
precinct delegates or officers The evils which
have followed and will follow such a course are
of two classes--real, or fundamental. and ideal,
or inferential
First-A party whose methods in the construc-
ton and conduct of its conventions does not
illustrate its doctrines, must create dstrust of
its sincerity.
Second-It is unfair to the voters who may
live in remote precincts to be compelled to travel
a long distance III inclement weather or take no
part in convention.
Third-If every delegate be selected by a bare
majority, those present from the precinct in
which the county mass convention may be held,
can dictatate the choice of every delegate in the
county. and thus the seeds of discord may be
planted and jealousies between communities
fostered.
Fourth-One man and his friends may be able
to influence by appointment of committees or
otherwise, the selection of all the delegates. thus
creating just cause of complaint on the part of
other men and their friends.
The remedy is simple one. Let the State
central cornmitte appoint uniform hour
for separate mass convention in every
precinct in the State, to select one dele
gate and transact such other partisan business
as may beproper. Such an announcement would,
in my judgment be hailed by the voting
strength of the party as step in the right direc
ton. Each delegate would thus receive the in
d0rsement of his own separate constituency and
would try to deserve the good opinions of those
who trusted him. Politics would thus secure
home in business, social and neighborhood fami-
ly life. Let us reason Of these matters and not
bindly follow the effete, secession landmarks of
the country's enemies in the formal work of our
own conventions. S. P. THOMPSON.
RENSSELAER,, Dec. 81.