The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-04-12

among those opposing the ring now
represented by the candidates OF the
republican party. / earnestly believe"
said he, that the democrats, were
they placed In control OF the county
government. could reduce the expenses
OF Clatsop county at least twenty per
cent. The sheriff should receive no
more than $1,000 per year. neither
should the county clerk. Besides,
there are too many deputies.
The reason why we cannot get men
TO accept nominations on the demo-
cratic ticket" continued Mr.. Noland
lis because we are seeking men Of the
very best qualifications. These are
unwilling to give up their positions to
enter into the field Of politics. We
want men who will sit down in their
office after they are elected and attend
to the business for which they are
being paid salaries by the county-not
/ 10 hob-nob with politicians and polit-
icai grafters to insure their renomlna-
tlon."
Chairman Utzinger then arose to ex-
press the sentiments OF the city dele
gates. Said he:
The country delegates win find US
here an open book. We are not pre-
pared today to nominate q ticket. We
want time to pick out our men-men
who Will command, not only the re-
spect of the voters at large. but men
who will get out and rustic in the
interests Of the ticket
Father Walker. the old war-horse Of
Nehalem, took the floor to council mod
Grafton among the young and ambi-
tious members Of the party. One fault
with the democratic party, in Father
Walkers opinion. was that the rank
and file OF the party placed too much
weight on principle and not enough
weight on policy" Good policy, in his
mind. dictated fusion with the citizens
and populists.
Il am interested in the county COM
missionship contest more than any
thing else" said Father Walker, in
conclusion. The people out my way
are anxious to have good county roads
to give them marketing facilities, and
our fight will be based chiefly upon the
standing OF the candidates on this
question:
A motion was then made to the ef-
feet that when the convention adjourn
ed. il be till April q at 1880 p. m.
Someone asked If the convention would
reconvene as a democratic body or
some other old thing. Chairman Ut
Finger expressed the opinion that the
body would meet as democrats, at the
same time placing a finger upon the
throbbing pulse of The public. A ques-
tion was also raised as to whether
or not citizens other than delegates
would be allowed a voice in the con-
vention. There was considerable dis
cusslOn on this point, but Father Wal
ker brought matters to focus by say
ing that. in his opinion, there could
be no objection to anyone being ad-
mitted into the convention. He be-
lieved the proposition partook much
of the position Of the man who was
seeking religion.
Let 'em come into the fold. said he.
I'VE surely will do the boys no harm.
In fact. believe 1t will be to their
interest. Wen convert them"
This expression brought gen.
eral remonstrance from the country
delegation who-frst, last and all the
time-wanted to stand pat" on a
straight democratic ticket. Mr.. Kelly
said he was sick and tired Of this
halfway business"
Lets stand on our own bottom" Z"
said he, 'and If we go to defeat, let's
go to defeat as democrats"
This idea, however, did hot appear
to be in line with the judgment of the
city delegates and the fusion forces
carried the day.
The convention will meet on the 21st
inst, at 1880 p. M, at the same hall.
but what win be done is purely con-
jectural.
The following resolution was intro
duced by DIR. Henderson and unani-
mously adopted:
BE it resolved by the democratic
county convention of Clatsop county,
That extravaganza in the management
of county affairs as now administered
demonstrates the necessity of electing
businessmen to office who win reduce
expenses in every branch Of county
government, and that to bring about
such reductions no man should be
nominated for county office by this
convention or a citizens convention
who will not pledge himself in writing
to administer the office for which he
may be nominated, II elected thereto,
at reduction OF at least 90 per cent
upon the expense Of the administration
Of the same office during the last two
years.
Resolved, That the agricultural in