Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-01
BT DONALD A. CRAIG.

new ruler to preside over its destinies
for another four years, Until the United
States Of America came upon the stage
Of history such a spectacle, recurring s.
OFTEN, with the amiable acQuieScence Of
millions Of disappointed citizens in the
will OF the majority. was unknown
almost unbelievable.
The national conventions OF the Re-
publican and Democratic parties. held
this year at Kansas City and Houston
have been the first great step-and per-
haps the most important step-in this
process. These enormous gatherings are
unique IN history. Nothing approach
5n~ them III size. representative char
acter and dramatic quality can be
found anywhere else in the world today,
Tor al any period in the past,
Are Marvellous Development.
These national conventions are SO
important and marvellous a development
Of our democracy that they deserve
special attention from the student OF
American history and from the mil
lions Of men and women who will de-
eide hv their ballots on election day
next November which of two men is
better qualified to fill the office OF
President of the United States. uni
VerSaiiy recognized as the most power
1ul Office in the modern world.
Foreign observers and students Of the
American political system have fire.
Cuently expressed the greatest aStonlSh-
1uent that more than 1000 men and
wcmen. delegates and alternates, should
gather from the far corners Of vast
country TO tranSact-as James Bryce
expresses 1.-THE two most difficult
pieces OF business which an assembly
Ssn uniertake-the solemn conSidera-
Hal1 OF their principles and the selection
o. the person they wish to place at the
head Of the Nation" in the sight and
hearing of 10000 more men and wom-
r.. who shout their approval or dlsap-
rrovaI and resort to every sort of
means to add to the din.
The perfect acquiescence of these
great national conventions in the viii
Of the ma jority, and the similar aCquleS-
eence of millions of citizens in the cleo
tiDn which follows, exemplifies the
etrength Of popular government. To
find the origin of the most interesting
and exciting spectacle in American poll
tics. Of these mighty throngs, impetuouS,
noisy vet good hurnored and well disci-
plined in the school of democracy, one
must 60 far into our history. They
make one think back over the long
course Of Angio-Saxon development,
past Runnymede to the far earlier time
OF the foIkmotes held in the forests, the
primitive home Of our race.
Not always in American history have
nominations for the presidency and vice
presidency been made in national con-
yenfions. Before them was the party
caucus-King Caucus 1t came to be
called before It fell into diSfayor and at
length expired No nomination was
needed in the case Of our first Presi-
dent. George Washington was the
unanimous choice OF the electors chosen
BY the several States. and no other man
was even considered for the office. John
Adams likewise was chosen by the cleo
tors without a previous nomination. But
after that. when party dissensions arose,
Ii became necessary 10 devise some
means for placing in nomination men
representing opposing views or parties
for whom the electors might vote.
Early Ruling Class.
From colonial records the beginnings
OF the nominating caucus and conyen-
ton IN America have been traced back
as far as 1640. There was ruling
class IN early American society, especial
IL In Virginia and New England. This
class was made up of men who from
their character, wealth and social posi-
fion we're given the confidence OF their
fellow citizens. The leadership Of these
men was usually accepted without ques-
ton. II was customary for small groups
or coteries of these leading citizens
10 make nominations They held what
we're called ''parlor caucuSes" and put
forward candidates for the town or the
colony, and their candidates we're voted
for by the people. II was customary for
formal nominations TO be made In town
or country mass meetings, but these
meetings usually merely ratified the
selections already made in the ''parior
caucuseg It was not possible for all
citizens to take Part then in political
action. as they do today, for suffrage
Egas much more restricted than 1t is
today
When il was necessary to nominate
candidates for elective Offices which
vent beyond the limits Of county, tbs
s.e8s Of the people Of the various coun.
ties we're frequently asceTtained by
means Of correspondence. Circular
would be sent cut, replies received and
Lists Of candidates made up from thesf
replies by the "parlor caucuses." 4
lev photographed men usually mads
themselves committee Of correspond
ence for this work, and the public
ecQulesced readily This process con-
ssnued IN some places for consider.
axle time after the Constitution wa
adopted.
In addition 10 nominations by thess
ge!f-Selected caucuSes, candidates were
sometimes brought out by personal an
H@pncement and appeal for support
Once In awhile bodies Of delegates
would meet and name ticket. Du
these bodies we're regarded As irregular
an3 not much attention was paid tf
tA.m,
The next important step In the de.
Weeping % the American nominating
system IS seen ia the congressional
o&uc3Ses and the legislative caucuses
win The growth q the democratic
spirit the people would no longer &C
cept oelt-appoin1ed chiefs Party mem
beTg u Congress and of State Leg.sia'
fzree began 10 he recognized az tn'
rfeger persons 10 make nominations fol
tie national and State Offices.
u scon came 70 be the practice f0l
F4-tf4 parry I'd 4a]I0 q EOE}A tSsaAJl1d
caQcUs 10 nominate candidates foi
President &nd Wee President. fbA
seesnad 10 be a natural and proper dc.
gelopment The caucuseg were madr al
u party men who had been elected b.
me people They were already at tn
seat u Government. Travel in thoS'
carly days was arduous, and IT was no
practicable tor the people " send dele
gates 10 q meeting on short notice. Be
sides, it was felt that the party men a
she seat Of Government would know tn
best men for candidateB-tie men WIN
you'd attract the most votes.
Congressional Selections.
II was customary for the member
III thu House end Senate belonging Z
lhe same party 10 meet semi Officially
usually III the building Or hall whef'
Congress held It's sessions, and max
a.