The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1907-04-12
NOMINATE GOOD MEN.


Two valuable lessons may be pro-
ftably learned by the Democracy of
Hartford from the late contest in Bal
timore: to have strong men from
whom to select, and a fair contest in
making that selection. In Baltimore
it was generally appreciated that
weak man would lead forlorn hope
if he were nominated, and so such
were fortunately conspicuous by
their absence from the contest. Fur
Their, each aspirant for Office went
before the people with a definite
policy to present; and, after a free
discussion before the electorate,
nominations were made by popular
vote, which left no room for future
treachery. The result is that with
out exception the defeated candi-
dates accept the situation and prom
Use their active support of the ticket.
1t is very different with their Repub-
lican opponents, who nominate by
convention; not only did the minority
delegates for Mr.. Wachter put
up a stiff fight in their conven-
ton, but already many of his ad
herents are openly proclaiming their
intention to vote for Mr.. Mahool.
No subject in popular government
is receiving more consideration from
statesmen than that of party nomi-
nations by the dominant party, since
in such primaries government is
practically determined,- hence the
modern primary election law, which
makes it possible for only registered
party voters to nominate candi-
dates, and precludes the possibility,
as has sometimes prevailed, of al
lowing minors, aliens and members
of the opposite party to put up cam
didates to be later defeated at the
general election.
The Democratic campaign is now
fully on in Hartford; already a large
proportion of the prospective candi-
dates have announced themselves
and are daily engaged in missionary
work. We therefore urge, first, that
electors demand strong candidates;
second, that they satisfy themselves
in advance for what these candidates
stand; and third, that they select
the best men and warmly support
the nominees.
First, it is not uncommon to hear
complaint that the "best men are
not brought out" To this we an
swer that people will be governed
by just as good men as they wish.
In olden times when few skillful
politicians could handle convention
to suit themselves, the number of as
pirants as we'll as the character of
nominees could belargely controlled;
but under the Crawford county sys-
TEN, where he who will may run for
Office, dictation and manipulation
cut little if any figure. 1t is we'll
recognized fact that the "best men"
are frequently so averse to holding
Office that they cannot be persuaded
to run, contenting themselves with
criticising nominees. We urge such
to lay aside their personal feelings,
and, if a public call is plain, to sur
render for a time their private COM
fort for the public good.
Let US in Hartford set a high stand
ard, selecting not only good men but
men especially equipped for the par
ticular Office they seek.
Second, such candidates can be best
determined by personal contact. 1t
is not we'll to vote for a man by
proxy-because your friend is going
to-but because, after having per-
sonally met him, you feel that he is
the one you want to voice your SEN
timents in the body polite. This
means a fairly thorough canvass
among electors, and the successful
candidate will be we'll paid for his
trouble since he will in this way
make warm supporters who will do
him good service in the coming gen
eral election.
Third, let us nominate ticket be-
hind which all Democrats may proud
ly stand; and having done so, let us
elect it. There are too many good
men available to make it worth
while to place on our ticket those for
whom we must apologize or whom
we must defend.
If we propose to be guided by the
first principles Of representative gov
eminent and fair dealing, having
submitted nominations to the people
at large, we will accept their action
and giveit the support implied when
we enter the primaries.
No one doubts that the majority
of Hartford electors prefer the princi-
pies of the Democratic party. This
being the case, let no one doubt after
the nominations have been made,
what the result will be at the general
election.
ARBOR DAY.
Responding to the call of Governor
Warfeld, probably over 8, 900 Mary