Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1899-07-14
HE PEOPLE SHOULD KuLE.

One Of the signs of the times, here
III Shenandoah, is the passing of the
convention system as a feature of or
ganized politics. There seems TO be
a universal desire on the part of the
masses that the delegated convention,
as means of nominating candidates
for office, should he abolished at once.
So mote it be The people are right
in being shy Of the convention sys-
tenn. In the future they certainly
will take little interest in party az
fairs ifthe convention is not substtu-
ted by 4 more democratic plan for
naming candidates. Ifthe democrat
ic party in this county desires to en-
list the support of the people putting
forth candidates for office it will be
fine piece of political diplomacy for
the leaders to say that no more con-
ventions will be held, but that IN
stead thereof the individual voter
shall he given the democratic priyi-
lege of casting his ballot at the pr
marics for his choice of candidates for
the nomination to any particular of
flee. 1t should be 50. The masses
have the inalienable right to say who
shall be nominees for office. The
people now say that the convention
system Is dead. We hope it is. for
they certainly do not give satisiac-
tion--neither to candidatesinor to the
public. Let the democratic party
now get into shape to adopt the pri-
mary plan of nominating candidates.
1t will be- heartily indorsed by the
masses Candidates can be named at
the primaries, il The people are given
the opportunity to vote by ballot for
their choice A majority vote over
the county would thus determine who
is the party nominee tor the office in
question.
We hope this line of policy will be
at once adopted by the democracy OF
Shenandoah, for ii is also principle as
well as tue best policy to insure uni
ted support for the man or men
whom the people themselves have
determined by their free ballots to
be the strongest candidates III the
party. Let the people rule by pri-
mary nominations. Give them nomi-
mating elections; hen they will take
renewed interest in political affairs,
the game Of "bosses" having been
played out; there will be no "pick.
ers," for who would condemn the
people?
And on the same principle, as
above argued, why not let the people
vote on the question as to who shall
be Virgima's next United States Sen
ator? GIVE old Shenandoah the
Senatorial primary. Ii thin is a GOV
eminent by the people, let them
speak by ter votes. II they ar,
capable to vote for and elect govern
ors, congressman, etc, then they can
be trustel with the ballot to deter
mine tie choice Of the State for |.
>. Senator. The legislature mus,
elect |. ). Senators until the nation
al constitution is amended, yet the
people have the inalienaLle right to
nominate some statesman for the
Legislature to vote for and elect --
We hope the people will claim then
own---Jcmand their rights. In con.
clusion, we wish TO repeat The con-
venIion system is \ thing Of the past
in Shenandoah, if the party leaders
take cognizance Of the sentiment OF
the people. 1t has practically "gonc
to seed" and literally has the 'dry
rot" Only is carcass remains rs a
recent memory. 1t is therefore de-
funcl-dead. We hope there are
none who would attempt TO resurrect
IT, to do it honor. 1t died becaUse il
had become undemOcralio. peace
to its ashes " Now let the people
rule j. LUTHER KILLER.