The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1904-04-23
Repeal the Two-Thirds Rule.

One of the matters that should be given
serious consideration by the Democrats of
the country is the two thirds rule that
pertains to the nomination of candidates
for President and Vice President in Demo
cratic national conventions. The rule was
established many years ago, under the plea
that an aspirant who could command the votes
of two-thirds of the delegates would be more
acceptable to the mass of Democrats than
one who could poll only majority.
Rule of the majority is the cornerstone of
Democracy. aud in State, congressional and
county conventions throughout the entire
country the majority rule prevails in nominal
ing candidates. And we cannot see why
Presidential candidates should not also be
chosen by the majority rule.
The two thirds rule may at some time place
the naming of candidates in the power of one
third of the delegates. Being unable to name
their own favorite the oue-third may under
take to dictate candidates, and hold out until
their demand is acceded to. Then, instead
of nominations by a majority the party may
have to accept candidates dictated by one
third of the delegates.
The Democratic platform of 1896 was right
at the time of its adoption. The country was
suffering from contraction of the currency
and falling values in land and farm products,
as well as aggression upon the part Of federal
courts and the oppression of the trusts and
combines. The bold stand Of the Democratic
party upon the financial situation, government
by Injunction and the restraint of trusts, and
the tremendous poll of more than seven mil
lions of votes caused great change in public
policy. The discovery Of new gold fields, has
added largely to the volume of money, and
the financial issue of 1896 is not now live
question. Public sentiment against the in.
vasion of public rights through Federal courts
has had restraining influence, and combina-
tons to thwart competition has had set
back through decisions of the United States
Supreme Court.
But for the stand taken by the Democratic
party in 1896 the country would have exPe-
rieuced great financial calamity and a re-
publican form of government would have ex-
listed in form only.
This year the Democratic party must agsin
be bold, courageous and aggressive. The
Trusts have not been controlled. They must
be. The tariff needs revision, and II must be
revised. Corruption in the departments at
Washington must be investigated and a re-
organization effected. There viii be no IN
vestigation under Republican rule, for the
Republican majority in each house Of Con-
gress has virtually so declared.
To be powerful for good the Democratic
party must put forward platform appealing
to the honesty and patriotism of the people,
and nominate candidates whose records give
promise of vigorous carrying oIt Of The
platform. To avoid tedious delay in selecting
Presidential candidates and also avoid divi-
sion or detection in the party, the two-third
rule should be repealed by the national con
veotiou, and nominations made by majority
vote.
While some of the issues of 1896 are not
now living questions, there are still some
Democrats who believe 10 the reaffrlnation Of
the platform Of 1896 and are intent upon
nominating candidates who have not reeog.
nized changed conditions. How strong in
convention these may be, is uncertain. Pres
ent indications are that they will play an Tn
important part, but the two-thirds rule should
be abrogaied at the very beginning Of the
sessions Of the national convention, and no
opportunity be offered for minority to con
troll nominations.
Roosevelt viii be the Republican Presideu
tial candidate. The ofiee-holder and poll
tieiAns have settled upon him. The business
and conservative interests of the country DO
not trust him. he is too uncertain, too er-
ratio aud too imperialistic. Foreign compii
cations will ever be threatening so long as he
is at the head of government A united
Democracy, with conservative candidates and
an aggressive campaign, can defeat Roose-
welt, and the first step toward securing these
is to return 70 the old fashioned way Of ma
jority rule, and declaration of policy upon
the living issues of the fines