The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-19
Unit Rule in Conventions.

TO the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal
The delegates to the thirteen district con-
ventions TO be held in this State on Feb. 2,
1883, will be selected each from a separ-
ate precinct and at a uniform time. This is we'll
Could each have been chosen by the Republicans
of his own precinct in a uniform manner at
convenient place i'll such precinct this would
have been better. county convention
on Jan. q, 1888, or on any day of any year is a
mockery to the rank and Ale voter who dwells
remotely. No mass convention be Repub-
lican unless near enough to each voters home. so
that he can attend and not ''miss a meal or pay
a cent Let us be thankful that the confeder-
ate system is being measurably discarded.
When Republican conventions shall be COM
posed of delegates each elected at one time. in
one way, by separate constituency Informed by
ballot as to the wishes of such constituents, and
acting in convention upon his honor r. man,
''bolters," "kickers," and ''scratchers" will find
their occupation gone and anyone can see diff
ference between Union Repubicanism and con-
federate Democracy. In selecting party COM
mittees and candidates the wheelers ought to be
fairly consulted. The time and place for party
leaders to act is after their selections and when
the fight with the enemy is on. Every Repub-
ican voter who has an equal chance IN making
q ticket will a rule support that ticket.
The leaders can employ 1.-The magic of their
entertainments" in missionary work. We are in
the initial stages of a test campaign Harmony
in spirit and In fact is essential to win such
triumphs our party deserves / am impressed
with the Importance and influence of con-
crete politics. Our party is more largely judged
by its conventional methods than by its resou-
tons The common voter wants to see differ
ence Each district is an indiyisible geographical
unit for the purpose named in the call No
name of any county need appear in the proceed
ings With true Republican delegates the
silent, sacred ballot will best satisfy the soul.
In this campaign no local. sectional or faction
CfrrFn CIn13 ms 10 0$n frnvr nprE
Our recorded work should be picture of
doctrinal views. No social, personal local
concern should control any delegates actions.
Let the members meet as neighbors, compare
notes, exchange views and decide who shall be
State committeeman by the fair and repub-
lican ballot of majority of those in attendance.
Each delegate who devotes his time and pays
his expenses would thus act in convention las
an honest man for what he believes to be for
the good of the party. The present district
chairman should prepare printed list of dele
gates for the use of the members. Our party
would be stronger If it would separate itself
from confederate phrases and use language
appropriate to its own doctrines. Party rights
should tally with party precepts. The unit
rule in Democratic convention is consistently
applied to corporate entities. In Republican
conventions the unit rule can only be applied to
each member The Union Republican party
teaches that the Nation, State. district, county
and township in order of subordination is "of
the people, for the people and by the people,"
Each recorded act of the party should teach
this Concrete tuition sticks in the common
mind. The confederate Democratic party
teaches that the Nation exists 'of the States,
for the States and by the States" and on down
the line. The difference of PARTIES in the alb
stracs is antipodal, and in the concrete should
be made so plain that even a wayfaring man can
see it.
am glad precinct representation was agreed
upon. hope no backward step will be taken
in nominating township, county, State or
national candidates. Have nominating
mass conventions Give every Republican an
equal ballot to his delegate and also the can
didates. Thus will the pronoun we, take the
place of you. as to nominations.
SIMON P. THOMPSON.
RENssELAER, Ind. Jan. 16 1888.