The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1892-01-21
POPULAR ELECTION FOR SENATORS.

Since the election of Senator PALMER, of
Illinois, great deal of attention has been
given by public men to the choice of Sena-
tors by popular vote. We say since the
election of Senator PALMER. That gentle
man was elected by the legislature IN the
usual manner, but this act was mere re-
cording of the designated verdict of the
people when they cast their ballots for
state representatives and senators. Gen
eral PALMER had been chosen for the posi-
ton by q resolution of the Democracy of
illinois in convention, which resolution
was binding upon the Democratic mem
bers of both branches of the general as
sembly. The name of no other candidate
was presented, all aspirants regarding the
resolution of the convention as binding
upon them.
Theoretically, the United States Senate
represents the states in their organic capa-
city, whilst the House represents the peo-
pie directly. This is about the only reason
for adhering to the old and present method
of electing Senators by the joint vote of
both houses of the state general assemblies.
Againstit are number Of arguments of con-
siderable force, the first of which is that
the people could always be reasonably
sure of having their best men put forward
by both the Republican and Democratic
parties-men the least subject to criticism
and Of the best capacity for usefulness. 1t
would do away with that bane of our poll
tics, the compromise candidate, or the
Ozark horse" as be is called 1t
would make corruption and bribery
far more difficult, and, in a great
measure, do away with the incentive for
dishonest practices, since no man would
care to go before the people with charges
resting upon him of having unduly int1u-
enced convention, usually composed of a
great many more persons than leglsla-
ture. 1t would benefit state legislation by
removing opportunities to make up COM
mittees in the interest of this or that pend
ing measure at times Of senatorial con tests.
In these days, senatorial honors are
rarely or never conferred on gentlemen too
dignifed or too modest to ask for them by
themselves or through their friends. There
is no more improperly in candidate seek
ing the suffrages of the people on the
musings" than in opening headquarters
at state capitals and dividing up political
prizes for years to come with rural and
sometimes unsophisticated legislators, or in
trading with big n>onied corporations
which are too often a potent factor at such
times.
In the last Congress. Senator MITCHELL,
of Oregon, offered bill for constitutional
amendment permitting states to elect
Senators By direct vote. In the early par,
of the present session Senator TuRPIE, Of
Indiana, made an elaborate speech in favor
of such measure, and there are severa
members of the House now ready with
bills looking to the same end, notably
Representatives TOMBSTONE, of NORTH
Dakota, and BRYAN, of Nebraska. The
plan cannot be said to be new, since it was
proposed at Philadelphia in 17o7, when the
United States constitution was being con.
sIdered. 1t was then thoughtit would Civ,
, the people too much power, as the British
influence had not been entirely thrown off
and the present method was adopted as
compromise between elections by the PEG
pie, or pure democracy, and appointment
by the President, which savored too mucl
: of monarchy.
There are many who object to any tinker
ing with the constitution, believing 1t to b.
good enough as it stands; but it would b
strange if an organic law, made centur,
or more ago, were exactly adapted to tn
present needs of the country. Alread
5 there have been fifteen amendments, an
surely it cannot be expected that condition
will remain 50 as that it will not be desir
able to have more. 1t need not follow tina
it would be compulsory upon states t
: adopt the popular plan, though, we think
l the advantages and benefits would soon b
so apparent that all would quickly ava
themselves OF them.