Oroville Daily Butte Record

From the Daily Democratic State Journal
Office, or Opposition.

It is an unfortunate fact that too frequently in our primary political movements, personal considerations rule and control every other. Hundreds of men embark in a contest with a determination either to secure their own or the nomination of certain friends, or else to condemn and find fault with everything which may happen against their wishes. They care nothing for the interests of the country, nothing for the permanent and effective organization of the party, nor does the selection of good and efficient men satisfy them. They are content to abide by the will of the majority so long as that will is expressed in unison with their own opinions and desires; but the moment disappointment meets them in any of their cherished plans, that instant they are ready to "fly the track," and virtually assume the position of bolters. Such instances always have, and such always will be found at the termination of conventional duties. To satisfy all is impossible, and there must always more or less of disappointment arise. In most instances, however, the will of the majority is submitted to; and modesty, if not a sense of duty, prevents men from thrusting themselves forward to occupy positions against the expressed wish of those to whom their claims were once submitted. The strict rules adopted in all conventions must needs operate as a check to the wrangling which else might follow disappointment, and it generally happens that defeat is submitted to with a grace surprising even to the aspirant himself. The man is well aware that no other course can be made to square with the principles of true honor; and forced to submit, he makes, in very truth, a virtue of necessity. Before a single vote could be gained, the applicant must give the convention to understand that he is determined in his course as a true member of the party The convention system is one of the most honored of our party usages, and without any mental reservations, with no ifs or buts, but wholly, unreservedly, and beyond peradventure, he must consent to its requirements, or it would be worse than useless for him to present his name for the consideration of the members The rules adopted are simple, but none the less strict on account of their simplicity. They are intended to be understood, and it is also intended that they should be obeyed. No man would be so foolhardy as to expose himself to ridicule by attempting to bargain with a convention while an applicant for its favors. He would not dare to rise before his peers, and announcing himself as a candidate for the gifts intended for worthy members of the party, say, " Perhaps I will abide by your decision," or, " I will be true to my party, if the favors I ask be granted." He stands there pledged-bound by all that is honorable in man to sustain the action of the convention, whether he receives the nomination or not No after consideration can, by any possibility, come in. There is no alternative. And the party can always consider that action most fortunate which prevented any man from obtaining a leading position, who, failing to secure a nomination, proves recreant to the pledges made while he was endeavoring to obtain it. Such men are not fit to be entrusted with the responsibilities of an office-it would be an unlucky hour for the party when they chanced to obtain a position of power. Open enemies are much to be preferred to professed friends; and nothing is more dangerous than a trust bestowed upon men who for a slight pretence are willing to forget all obligations, and endeavor to defeat to-day the party at whose hands they were but yesterday seeking favors.