Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-07
THE REPUBLICAN DELEGATES.
MIR. William A. Cooks Views as 10
the Plan of Election.


Mr. William A. Cooks Views as to
the Plan of Election.
To the Editor OF Tie Evening Star:
1t is to be regretted that the selection of
delegates to the next Republican national
| convention has become involved in COM
plcations and difficulties. These arose
largely from the interference of a few aspi-
rants for delegates. who got up and
transmitted an application to the national
committee for a change in the mode of Sc
| lecting delegates, and the substitution of
| what was called 1.-THE Crawford county
system" The application was received IA
vorably by the national committee but 1t
was afterward asserted that no such sys-
tenn as the Crawford county system exist
ed in Pennsylvania and that part of the
resolution n regard to 1.-THE Crawford coun-
~ system was stricken out
That such a system existed at one time
IN pennsylvania Is a matter within my own
knowledge and experience. 1t consisted of
selection of candidates by direct votes at
the election districts of the several coun-
les, and the aggregation of these votes by
return Judges" and whoever appeared TO
have received The majority of the votes for
particular office was declared the cam
didate OF the party. This was doubtless
the system contemplated in the application
to the national committee and substantial
ly adooted, however misconceived or mis-
understood.
After the somewhat hasty approval of
the petition sent to the national commit
tee 1t seems TO me that several unwise or
intudicious proceedings occurred.
First A motion was made by the Mis-
sissippi member to select one of the prom
inent candidates for delegate Perry H.
Carson. as a member of the board of cleo
ten, and thereafter a motion was made
by the Arkansas member that Andrew
Gleeson, also another prominent candidate,
a election r1 Rv
these proceedings, two of the candidates
Tor delegates were placed on the board, and
this being done, motion was offered and
carried that the chairman of the national
committee appoint a third member The
national committee having appointed two
candidates on the board of election the
chairman. Hon. Thomas H. Carter, pur-
suing apparently the authorized plan of the
national committee has appointed NJ. NJ
Parker, also a candidate for delegate, the
third member, thus making the entire board
OF election consist of interested members.
instead Of impartial and disinterested per-
sons
This doubtless, and Justly, has produced
great dissatisfaction, especially with the
other candidates and their friends.
The result. ii is feared, will be bitter DIS
cord, strife, and continued dissatisfaction.
ton"
to Mr.. NJ. M. Parker by the chairman CT
the committee seems TO increase the COM
plications and difficulties
In that letter the mode of election Of
delegates Is left uncertain and indefinite,
the chairman saying: Notwithstanding
the call for the national convention, If you
can by any means calculated TO bring about
the desired result and secure the election
OF the delegates direct at the primary cleo
ton, you are authorized by the resolution
to do SO. However, If you find that the
EFFORT to thus reach q definite result will
but lead to confusion, and defeat the pur-
mill he mr.
erty to provide for convention of dele
gates, as contemplated by the call for the
national committee"
II Is thus manifest that Ii is uncertain
whether delegates will be selected bv
direct vote" or whether a convention will
In the end be held and the delegates be Sc
lected by that convention.
II also seems to be uncertain and some
what obscure whether Mr.. NJ. NJ. Parker is
invested with the power to determine which
method shall be adopted, or whether il Is
intended that the entire board shall do so;
ana II the other members of the board
should differ, whether he, as the last ap-
pointed member, is frequently the case
In boards Of arbitration, should have the
controlling power Of determination as be-
tween the other two, or in other words act
as an umpire. These observations may be
regarded to some extent rejecting in
this instance upon the practical wisdom
and discretion OF the national committee
the members Of which are unquestionably
OF experienced political wisdom and effl-
cheney; but If the facts referred to or men,
toned Justify a ref1ection,it becomes proper
and perhaps inevitable. 1t may not be too
late for the national committee or its chair
man to correct existing errors and evils
and IL so, should II not be done? Perhaps
1t would not be difficult to invent or sup-
gest a suitable and satisfactory correction
Connected as 1 have been with the re-
publican party for over half a century,
and one Of the few survivors in the Dis
trict who early engaged in the organiza-
ton or consolidation of fits forces and
twice chairman of its campaign committee
etc, am exceedingly anxious that the selec-
lion of delegates in whatever form may
finally be adopted should be free as DOS
sible from unnecessary and unreasonable
strife and bitterness, and especially, be-
cause IL these continue, and the District of
columbia becomes too oppressive and bur-
densome to the national committee, it may
see hit to withdraw entirely the privilege Of
delegates and leave the District of Column
bia without representation in the national
convention" WILLIAM A. COOK.
Another Suggestion.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
Permit me to suggest to Messrs Parker,
Carson and Gleeson, that the only way for
them to give to the republicans a fair and
honest election will be for them to select the
judges of election as jurors are selected.
Put into box twenty names of good citi-
zens from each district (white and colored
equality and from this box have a boy
drawn for each district shall be the judges
for said district FAIR PLAY.