The state republican. (Jefferson City, Mo.) 1871-1896, 1895-07-04
canvsssing the policy, propriety and
wisdom Of committing the party by
its action to such an unusual and un-

It's action to such an unusual and un :
precedented project. Upon the as
sembling Of the full committee, the
general phase Of the subject was
considered and thoroughly canvass
ed, the arguments for and against
having been patiently heard and
carefully and dispsssionately weigh
ed. The judgment of the committee
was registered against the calling of
a convention by the decisive vote of
10 to s. 1t Is due, alike to this COM
mittee and to you, in behalf of the
good Of the party, to briefly outline
the reasons which Influenced. il in
deciding against such a convention,
as well as some OF the more import
ant views urged in its favor, which
were considered by saeseonnt see.''
The Chairman has given as the roa =
sons that to call convention for the
purpose of formulating declaration
OF beliefs solely upon single one of
the national issues might he Justly
construed as an abandonment of all
Others; that it would create schisms,
party ostracism and anarchy; that
neither tradition nor usage afforded
a precedent for a convention to pre-
declare upon any subject which must
be dealt with by a regular conven-
tion that puts forth a declaration Of
principles for its party candidates;
that the committee did not feel
clothed with the power to call such a
convention.
In closing, the address says: at
was argued that If such conven-
ton declared in favor of the free,
unlimited and unconditional coinage
of silver at 16 to l., it would give all
impetus to that sentiment in other
states and help on the cause. The
result OF the election following ad-
monishes us that we must be careful
to be strong at home before we lend
strength to our neighbors. 1t was
argued that by a timely declaration
upon the silver question and in the
right way, we might be able to re-
claim those who had strayed away
from the fold into the populist party.
1t was then answered that if we
commit the democratic party to this
single issue, the one very conspicu-
ous in the populist platform, might
not that party, without arrogance,
claim that it had been recruited by
the accession of the democratic
party Of this state? 1t is an argu-
ment that cuts two ways. And row,
witEstanding the previous decis-
ions of this committee, 7, as its exec
utive officer, will again convene it il
1t be the sense of the party expressed
through the members Of the county
committees that state convention
ought to be called to consider the
spe cial question before Indicated"
"Your committee at its formar
meeting was actuated by sense of
duty and devotion to the democratic
party, and here presents you-pos-
ses5ed OF the same sacred trust
some OF the reasons which Influenced
its decision not to call an extraordi-
nary convention.
"Its motives have been assailed
and impugned. 1t has been urged to
reconvene and reconsider its &C ion.
And now, Notwithstanding the pre-
vious decision of this committee, /,
as it's executive officer, will again
convene it II it be the sense of the
party expressed through the mem
bcrs of tho county committees that a
state convention ought to be called
to consider the special question be-
fore indicated. The sources de-
manding a convention insist that it
can only be regular through the call
of the state committee; and should
the state committee determine to
call convention upon again assem-
bling, impressed as 1t is SO strongly
with its want of authority to do so,
1t feels the necessity for the jastii-
cation of its action in the majority
vote of the regularly constituted off,
GERS of the party in each county of
the state. II, therefore, it is the de-
sire OF your committee that further
action be taken by the state central
committee, please have your COM
mittee indicate its pleasure and
transmit the same to this committee
on the inclosed blank in the man
ner therein specified"
The st. Louis Post Dispatch CORES
pondent called on Democratic Coun-
ty Chairman Farris, of Laclede
county, and inquired if he had re-
ceived State Chairman Maffitt's let
ter and blank return which he had
sent out to get an expression on the
question Of holding a state conven-
ton.
81 received the document this
morning." was the reply.
"What do you think of Mr.. Maffitt's 8
action2"
"As I do not desire to impute un-
fairness to any, cannot be honest to
myself and believe that Mr.. Maffitt
is candid or sincere. On Thursday
last Mr.. Msfiitt agreed with me and
made the same statement to others,