Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-06-06
WANTS A PRIMARY.
some Reasons why Conventions Should
BE Abandoned for primary Elections
7ohs EattOr Of he Rooster:

Some Reasons Why Conventions snOu'u
BE Abandoned for primary Elections
10 ne E1ttOr OF ths Rooster:
SIR: The outlook for Democratic
success ia this State, and especially IN
Lewis county, at the coming November
election is less assuring than have
ever known it 10 be. The unusual and
general depression from which the
country is suffering, Notwithstanding
that Democracy has uncontrolled sway
OF the government, has awakened dis
trust and discomfort in the minds OF
many good and honest Democrats, some
of whom ascrioe the present adverse
conditions to recent, and some TO pend
ing legislation. 1t is the part OF wisdom
TO look these threatening facts brayely
in the face and oppose them
By any practicable remedies we can
apply, and it would be contemplate
folly TO weakly and timidly shut our
eyes TO them or try 10 hide them. he
pnblicans In this county are jubiiant
and my numerous talks with Democrats
convince me that their eXultation is not
entirely groundless. A leading RepuO-
lican told me recently-not in ooasttu'
or party spirit, but Ia friendly inter
change OF ideas-that be expected the
county to 60 Republican by 300 to 400.
IL Is, therefore, more imperative than
ever before upon Democratic candidates
to 90 TO the polls next November under
conditions which will inspire the fullest
confidence and arouse the highest eE-
thusiasm in the rank and file Of the
party, and this introduces me TO the
pith OF the purpose of this communica-
tion.
There has been for years growing
and intensifying conviction among the
largest and purest element Of the party,
that is the element who desire to vote
disinterestedly and periodically, that
our nominating conventions nave not
been governed by that spirit OF purity,
freedom and fair play which should
characterize the proceedings OF such
bodies; in other words (et us call
spade "spade'0, Democrats freely al
firm among themselves that our nomi-
mating conventions are influenced by
'bossism" and ring rule. IL Is
asserted and generally believed
among the rank and file that no matter
how suitable a candidate may be, or
how acceptable 10 the mass OF the voters
he has no show in the convention unless
the ring smiles fayorably opon his asplr-
ations. This last sentence expresses
the sentiment declared TO me few days
ago by an intelligent farmer, aud is
the main instigation of this co,nmunica-
ton. With such ideas prevalent among
the voters in addition tie discomfort re-
suting from indust; lal and financial
stagnation, II bef0ov6s the Democratic
| Executive Committee OF this county,
if it is animated by the disin-
terested ardor for party success that
ought to inspire il, TO remove from the
minds OF the voters all cause or suspl-
cion or complaint. This can easily De
effected by nominating by primary
election instead Of by convention. by
this method, and assured that under
the new system of voting, the vote OF
the plain, honest citizen will be as po-
/ tent and as honestly counted as that OF
the ring "heeler," and, above all, con-
Hdent that the result of the primary
will express the honest choice Of the ma
iority, voters will become not only inter-
eSted but enthusiastic; Jealous candidates
will force the laggards and the inditfer-
ent to the polls; full vote will be
poIled at the primary; between then and
the November election voters will pull
of their coats and work vigorously for
their favorlte candidate; and at the lat
ter election they will see to it that their
votes at the primary will be backed up.
| There will be no soreheadS ready TO
knife" the nominee, because they i'm
agine that they themselves or their
favorite candidates did not receive fair
play; and in brief, nomiUation by pri-
mary election is not only the fairest
and the healthiest for all political par
ties at all times, but is now demanded
with special urgency in Lewis county.
1t would undoubtedly contribute to
Democratic success il the same mode Of
nomination were adopted all over the
| State.
I am 70 prospective candidate and
! have no personal interest in any one
hitherto suggested as possible candi-
date: nor have l any personal knowl-
! edge Of the alleged ring rule; speak
only for the good of the party.
WESTONIAN.