The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-31
District Conventions, Feb. 2, 1888.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis journal:
The district conventions, il the invited guests
all attend. will contain a Republican delegate
from each precinct in the State. The only mat
ter for discussion is the membership OF the
State committee for 1888 At these conventions
would not be inopportune occasions to discuss
the principles of practical party measures Does
our party simply exist as for bosses
and "office-seekers" to accomplish selfish pur-
posess Is it merely organized appetite for
the spoils of office? believe that in the alb
stract our Union party is infinitely better than
rites to the principles that candidates are serv-
ants OF the party, and, when elected, servants
of the whole people. Should candidates
for nomination dictate to the party the
manner of nomination, or should the nominal
ing methods be fair to the people who are ex-
pected to elect the nominees7 With a view of
keeping the matter before the people until the
plan of campaign is agreed upon, l formulate
proposition for township nominations, and ask
that it be given Republican consideration. The
township election will be held April 2. 1888 This
will determine choice of position for the No
vember battle l am partisan enough in a
presidential campaign to favor the support of
strictly Republican ticket in every township in
the State. A Republican convention should be
held and ticket nominated. L believe in De-
egare convention composed Of as many members
there are school-rooms IN the township. /
propose for discussion the following recommend
dalton:
A. That in each township primary contiguous
districts shall be defined by the committees
equal in number to the number of common
school rooms. and to include all the territory OF
the township.
B. That IN each contiguous district the Re-
ublicans residing therein should on March %.
1883, assemble at p. NJ. in a room to be
designated by the committee to transact the fol-
lowing business:
1. Make poll of the district for the use of the
committees
2. Make specific provisions for getting every Re-
publican voter to the polls on election day.
3. Elect by majority ballot of all Republicans
present delegate to the township convention.
L. Cast and count ballot of each Rep ublican pres
decision of majority.
elected as above provided assemble at l p. NJ.
on Saturday. March "a. 1888, for the purpose
1. To collate for the OF the committees, poll
lists reported by the primary assemblies.
z. To count .he vote for a township ticket
and announce those receiving majority nominees
by direct vote.
g. Fill all vacancies in the ticket by majority bal
lot of the delegates.
4. Arrange for the printing and distribution of
tickets on election day.
The committees need information that is relia-
Bile. Why not seek 1t from the people at home?
The voters like vote for preferences and
ballot is provided. The objection to a pure pri-
mary Is that bare plurality dominates This
is avoided. The objection to a pure delegate
convention is that some candidates exercise I'M
due influence in the selection of members or
manipulation of their proceedings This is
expect to vote a clean ticket. We should attract
and not repel support The recommendations are
Republican. and can work no harm to those who
in rerpret politics with common sense and in good
faith SIMON P. THOMPSON.
RENSSELAER,, Jasper County, Jan. 80.