Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1894-11-29
Correspondence Of tie Beacon
ETyEReIuE. Nov. 81 1904

Wessrs. Editors II was rather surpriseA
TO note in your issue OF the 18th instant
your apDcsitiOn 20 the Crawford System.
and would not have commented on it had
you not IN your paper OF the 22nd again
alluded 70 tie subject As Democrat.
having the interest OF the party a heart,
would be truly sorry 70 see change. The
present system Ia certainly far better than
me Old Time nominating conventions, which
are generally controlled by one or two In.
divlduals from each district, who form
combination for self ACKNOWLEDGMENT and
make the welfare Of the party secondary
matter. These individuals, self constituted
though they are, pose as leaders. and al
though not entitled TO the honor, are often
rewarded for their supposed popularity.
when at the same time if left TO the people,
'hey would be relocated TO the shades Of
ooscurity, where they rightly belong
Neither system is perfect admit. bu, un.
der the Crawford less bitterness is encen-
dtred than by conventions. The former
gives us candidates who as general thing
are the choice of the people-the latter
very often forces upon US men who are
the choice Of the politicians. aud whether
justly or not the candidates 80 selected or
ten get the credit of being subservient TO
the men who were instrumental in secur.
ing their nominations, and the result e
that the people villa not vote for those who
are suspected OF having made pledges In
return for thsir nominations. OF course
there are exceptions. Every man has an
equal show under the present system.
Anyone who desires can become a candi.
date and take his chances for nomination,
and on the Gay Of the primary election
viii learn whether or not he is the choice
OF the people. Those who are defeated
should submit gracefully and do as they
would be done by" viz, help TO elect their
successful rivals To Office. Any man who
fails 10 do so is not fit TO remain in the par.
ty, and the sooner he is kicked out the
better, under the principle that a false
irienc IS worse than an open enemy.
The people have learned to think for
themselves, and will not be dictated 10;
therefore, il is better % let we'll enough
alone, for mark my word. just SO soon as
we reciCe the old system of conventions,
which are bound To be influenced and con
troled by few individuals, as in the past,
the candidates who are placed before the
people will on the day after the election
find plenty Of time to substract their votes
from their opponents.
| am willing for any change, however,
il | can be convinced that il is for the wei.
fare Of the party. As you say. "the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party are all
right" but it does net look as if ~ MAORI
ty of the people believe in them" Judging
from the recent election. The truth is, the
people have lost confidence Some of our
leaders have misrepresenied us. They
have failed to keep their pledges and carry
ont the doctrines OF their party, and the
party has been held resp nsible. Tie
people have become dissatisfied and dis.
trusiiul, both as to National and State af.
fairs, which accounts for the stay at home
SitHehb. oINc US men upon WDOm the
people can rely, like Rayner for instance,
and am sure that My Maryland" will be
redeemed One trouble with us is that we
are not aggressive enough. We allow the
other side 20 do most OF the talking, and as
their statements are not contradicted, many
voters imagine they cannot be refuted and
vote according 10 their convictions, which
a little argument might change. Let us
organize aud make a bold fight at the next
election and victory will be ours With
best wishes for the success of the party,
am, Yours truly,
GILES +. DYER
CCMMCNICATFD.