Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial. (Wilmington, Del.) 1878-1928, 1920-07-27
Circulation Every 1000
Evening Yesterday i COOL
Democratic Nomination for Governor

Democratic Nomination for Governor.
Unusual importance attaches to the
Democratic campaign in Delaware, TINS
wear. especially in respect OF the noIniha-
tion for governor. For the first time IN
more than a quarter ia century, the
Democratic party of Delaware epters
upon political campaign with chances oi
success NJ least equal with these OF ITS
competitor. even though the latter shouid
cvade the troubles Of factionallsm that
NAV AZ any time divide it into two parties
each bitterly hostile 20 the other. WITH
an assuring probability that this year
Republican campaign Will not be one oi
the customary corruption campaigns SO
notoriously conducted by that party Tor
many wears. but will be free from the hor-
rid crime Of wholesale purchase OF VOTES
The Democratic party at least enters upon
= contest on all-fours with its chief OPP
ponent IN the important matter OF appeal
inc for the SURFACES of the people, while
tins wear the Democratic party Will nave
the powerful advantage Of enthusiasm and
unity. rcsultingfrum the satisfying results
az tho recent Democratic National Con-
vcntion az San Francisco.
This favoring situation makes all qhe
more interesting and also important. uhe
work that confronts the Democratic party
az Delaware. this year, in the selection OF
candidates 10 present for the consideration
~ the people. Now. more than ever be-
fore. IS the time for the party TO put ITS
best foot forward" in this respect, and
nominate its hest and strongest men fof
nubhc Office. from governor 10 the minor
nlaces. And especially should IT resolve
t. head lis ticket with its bcstand strong
cst candidate for the high and honorable
Office 81 governor Of the State.
The nomination for governor IS now the
subject of careful consideration and mu7h
visible speculation. Ply the unwrltten
rule OF rotation that has prevailed ~
the Democratic party organization Tor
nearly hall century, the nomination Tor
governor this year goes TO Sussex county,
but the contention has been raised that
representatives Of the party IN State con-
vention assembled are not bound by this
rule. but may take the nominationfor gov
ernor from any part of the State; that
the interests Of the whole party are para
mount TO the interests Of any county sec
tion thereof. and that it will be the duty
% the party's representatives, IN choosing
= nominee for governor, TO make a selec-
ton that viii best serve the Interests d
the party and promote its probabilities
for success at the election. regardless o.
which Of the three counties he might hal
from.
Against the logic and force Of this con
tention no sound argument may be ad
vanoed. As a political dictum 1t is sal,
and conclusive. Still, long-cont:nuedpart,
practice is something 10 be reckoned with
and also something to be adhered to a
long as all other Considerations are favor
able and promising Of satisfactory results
On the surface, there is not the shghtes
reason why the Democratic party of Della
ware. in this year campaign, should de
mart from this time honored and generall'
satisfactory procedure. 1t is apparent
however, that in the observance Of tn
rule Of rotation a great deal will depen'
upon county action in designating tn
favored countys selection Of the guberna
torial candidate it offers TO the State con
vention. No good party man will con
tend that the rule should operate 50 as t
compel acceptance by the State conventio
Of eounty-designated candidate fo
governor whose selection, by reason of IN
fitness, unpopularity, or other character
istios might seriously impair, not IstrengE
en-. the chances Of party victory. Such a
acluiescence in the rule by the State cor
vention would be suicidal.
This view OF the situation, and we be
heye il is q sane and reasonable view
places upon the party IN the county
which the nomination NAV be assigne
by the rule Of rotation grave respons
blity And that is. TO make thorough
capable and satisfactory selection as il
choice for governor one measuring up
every respect TO the dignity and demands
the Office. With this important duty pc
formed IN such manner, we take it ths
not the slightest objection would be raise
in the State convention against the choiC
Of the Democrats Of any county, in turl
for the Office Of governor.
Under the rule. therefore, it isincumber
upon the Democrats Of Sussex county. /
their State primaries, TO take action Of tn
character in respect Of the nomination f
governor. If. after fair contest and by
clear majority, they make a selection thu
meets all requirements. and represen
beyond doubt the Democratic sentimel