Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-03-15

The reactions Of Texas democrats to the recent
ruling Of Attorney General Claude Pollard TO the ef-
feet that the democratic state executive committee ex-
ceeded its powers when it sought to bind the demo-
cratic voters Of the state to support the nominee Of
the national convention are interesting. Many polit;-
cal leaders profess to see in the ruling the eventual
breaking up OF party lines in Texas, but the more
liberal view il rs strengthening the party, though they
admit it will probably lead to greater independence Of
political thought which will be exemplified in the fu-
ture elections in Texas.
That the party organization has the power to pledge
members Of the party to support the nominees for
state, county and precinct offices Is admitted BY the
attorney general. but he asserts that no state commit
tee has the power 10 pledge the members OF TIE party
in regard to national nominees. In his ruling, the at
torney general said.
"when national affairs are to be disposed Of. a
quite different situation is presented. Under such
resolutions as we are considering. a voter would be
denied the full and free participation in the nomina-
tion Of the candidates az his party for national offices
by reason or a discriminatory regulation Of the ssate
executive committee Of his own state.
Sat the coming national convention there probably
viii be 1900 delegates with Texas participating only to
the extent q being entitled to 40 delegates. This
pledge requires q voters, otherwise qualified 20 par
ficirate in the activities az ther party, to be bound by
the action OF the convention. over which they have no
control. and the limit OF whose right to participate
therein is small. The nominations Of this convention
Nit not ne ma4E oN the texas delegates. but by the
1900 or more. and il would require language much
clearer and more definite than is contained in IN.
statute to conclude that the bringing about Of such a
situation has been granted = the state executive com
mittce.
"Unless this committee could prescribe a uniform
test for democrats throughout the nation, it's action
in prescribing any test different from the test uni
formly prescribed throughout the nation would be a
discrimination against the members Of the party in
Texas"
The rank and file az Texas voters, having gained
Independence III the respect. should carry the fight IN
the next legislature to gain complete freedom from
party pledges. The mere fact that Texas IL over
wheiminely democratic in politics is the only reason
why such a pledge is permitted. II there was any ele-
ment e. competition ia politics the party would be
Eberalized TO The extent 81 at least giving the voters
the privilege Of occasionally voting for candidates Of
another party without relinquishing their right to par
ticipate in the councils 81 the democratic party.
In many states a voter who votes for the majority
CT candidates on the democratic ticket il rated as 4
democrat and is permitted to enter the democratic pri
maries; or likewise. a voter who votes for a majority
or republican candidates Is rated as a republican.
They do not seek to bind the voter 70 the party BY ties
which are contrary to every precept Of democracy.
No party can be infallihle in the selection Of can
didafcs or the issues it presents. The fact that errors
OF Judgment must Of necessity occasionally occur
ON the part Of . majority Of any party should be taken
into consideration. The voter who subscribes t. his
faith IN shs party and It's doctrines 70 the extent u