The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1910-04-29
Evils OF CONVENTION SYSTEM
objections to Present Method of Choosing State
Outlined by Judge E. W. Gibson.

few being those favorable to one candidate
raj The choice of candidates by conven-
tion system is choice by delegates sup
iect to their personal prejudices by when
they are ever controlled. They represent
the politicians responsible for, their re elee-
VOICE in the conven HGise as whole. fhe ha
politician so responsible. Thereby u Tile
of the politicians, and not rule OF the
people is encouraged.
az 1t is out of harmony with the base
principles of every representative govern
ment. 49,, ,
(5) 1t offers field for political fraud
and corruption. 1t offers the opportunity
for a control of the policy Of the state by
few men. 1t made possible and effectual
the control of the government OF TINS
state by one corporation for over thirty
years. 1t makes possible the rule OF the
machine. The machinery it provides Is
complex and requires the knowledge OF
an expert to run it. That expert IS the
local political boss"
(6) It has driven the people OF the
state to don't e--who-is-nomlnated
attitude, and it is by reason OF that tact
that the people have come to understand
that the slick gentlemen who know the
game of politics are able, under the caucus
system. to absolutely control the nomina-
tions Of candidates for public office. 1t Is
therefore dangerous in the extreme.
IN 1t is costly. The total expenses OF
delegates to conventions is enormous. The
amount paid by candidates for the trans
portation of delegates would surprise you.
Why should candidate have to pay the
expenses of men to do their plain duty!
The moor man is practically barred from
holding public Office because he cannot
nav the price which conditions demand,
in order to make a successful campaign.
The selection of candidates is limited to
those who are able to conduct such cam
paign, and transport delegates to the con-
vention. Is all virtue, all ability to gov,
ern centered in those who have amassed
wealth? The present system has made
grafters out Of good men. One would pc
surprised at the number of delegates elect
ed who demand that their expenses to
state and congressional conventions be
paid by the candidates. !,
(8) The convention which makes the
selection of candidates is not a delibera-
tive body, and it's work does not represent
the calm deliberation which it demands.
II does represent the superiority OF means,
the political sagacity of the victor and
the machine, and is testimonial to the
mower of organized politics in this state.
The work of the conventions is the work
Of delegates responsible to politicians
One important contest usually engages
their attention. The other positions are
handy and available for trades and combl-
nations.
Take typical state convention for illus.
tration. The night before, the lobby. OF
the popular hotel is filled to overfiowlng,
men crowding together, talking exeltedly,
. 20 plentiful. Faithful henchmen of the
candidates are circulating in the crowd,
and stream of delegates are by them
niloted to the headquarters of the candi-
dates in rooms above. In these various
h the delegate meets these can
ddats WIG him .srsi long i tssr eT 18th
est and regard, praised and compli-
m nnent until he begins to wonder why il is
that he had so long escaped being sent to
congress. He goes on from headquarters 70
cigars and cheap praise, until tired by
exertions. he seeks his rest.