P . .-.PERS 01~ )frRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR 153 party as the other; but the claim itself would be an outrage upon the understanding of the people, an insult to their independence, and an unwarrantable invasion of the elective privilege. The proceedings of each would be entitled fairly to that respectful consideration which is due to recommendations emanatin•g from gentlemen of unblemished characters and undoubted patriotism; but all beyond this would be arrogance and presumption and the most insufferable dictation. Any attempt to rule without authority, and by tbe terror of usurped power,.to extort homage and enforce unwilling obedience, would be a violation of the spirit of our government-an encroachment upon the principles of our free institutions, which ought to be met by the people with prompt and indignant repulsion. It falls not within the scope of. a short address like tltis, to discuss the policy of the Caucus system. l\luch might be said both for anrl against it. "When based upon proper principles, it is favorable to party organization and discipline, but not unmixed with the evil of occa- sionally placing too much power in the hands of a few. Every institu- tion is "defective and dangerous, in proportion as it diminishes the direct and immediate influence of the people upon the political con- cerns ·and movements of the country. A Caucus will be more or less objectionable, as it partakes of this tendency. Acting independently of the people, it would prove a bane to Liberty; but against one which speaks only t11e languag-e of the people I have no argument to urge. They have a right to make known their wishes through whatever med- ium they may prefer: and to their will,.distinctly communicated, eitller by Caucus or otherwise. it is the duty of every patriot to conform; and none, I am sure, will ever render more cheerful and willing oh,,,:i ience than myself. But because gentlemen fancy that they perceive great advantages in caucusing, they will not be justified in adopting the sys•em against the will of the people, and still less excusable in any endeavors to tie them down to a ticket that may not be acceptable to them. I apprehend that when the people become satisfied of the propriety,or policy of this system they will adopt it of their own ac- cord, without the necessity of being kicked into it by the gentle vio- lence of friendship. And whenever they shall think proper to go into it, I would advise it to be on a plan different from that recommended by the example of the late caucus. I would say that it ought to be so arranged, that the whole party might be fairly represented, their opinions consulted and their wishes obeyed. If, for example, the 'l'roup party should be desirous, by means of a caucus, to bring into public service, their ablest men, and to settle rival claims to favor, prior to going into election, let the members of the party in each county appoint delegates to convene at any designated place, and form a ticket in accordance with the known wishes of those they represent. If uninstructed in the matter by their constituents, they would of conrse be guided by their own jud!ITUent in making the selections. The trust would probably not often be abused, for aware of immediate accountability for their acts, they would be cautious in introducing on a ticket, names unacceptable to the party or odious to the public. They ~ould have no strong temptation to do this, but every inducement to secure the approbation of thefr peoµle by bringing forward the most
Powered by FlippingBook