Weekly Trinity Journal

Harmony of Parties.

We have heard a very consistent democrat express apprehension that over ambition of individuals may occasion party disruption. We think there is but little occasion for such apprehension. It is commendable for any citizen to desire preferment; ambition, submissive to popular will is always admirable. Let every individual desiring office, make known his wishes, modestly; at the convention his claims and fitness will be considered; if he is not the popular choice and yet a good democrat, he will retire and wait another occasion. This is the genius of democracy—submission to the will of the majority. People elect delegates; these delegates select from numerous candidates, and then the people ratify those selections. Could anything be fairer? It will not do to say that "wire pullers" control conventions; do not permit them to do so; attend the primary meetings; have a voice and assert your rights; choose men who will represent you properly; lay down your shovel and pick and for a little time attend to your duties as citizens. And having properly chosen delegates, abide by their decision; if you have selected wrong, the fault is your own; submit to the majority; this is democracy. If all your personal preferences are not satisfied, do not bolt, or you are a factionist, not a democrat.

We will assert that the complaint of prevailing "wire-pullers" is idle; prevent them from pulling; take an interest yourself, attend primary meetings, assert your rights, claim republican equality and speak your opinion. There if your preferences are not satisfied, you are in the minority, and if you bolt or encourage division you are no democrat at all—and "you won't do to bet on." We do not charge a cent for this advice, and if you do not adopt it, it will not cost us half the money.