The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-05-19
SrOLEH-rHvNDEN.

MsJor Bonsail Ahead Some of the
Recent Primary Discussions.
Many readers OF the HERALD Esy re-
mem Der forcible article upon the cub
ject OF primaries aud conventions in the
Century Magazine by Major W. H. Bon
sail of this city, which appeared in May,
1892, under the caption, Shall Machine
Politics Rule.
In the course OF the article the major
outlined plans at that time which have
been under discussion recently, and some
extracts from it will be of interest.
Among other things he said:
I'm tho minds OF many intelligent
citizens it has come to be settled opin-
ion that most OF the ills that the body
polite is heir to come from the fact that
the best citizens do not attend the ward
primaries in sufficient numb ers to out
vote or neutralize the work of some un-
known boss, or the ward strikers es they
axe termed. This lie mistaken notion
and ii they were to attend would not
iorrect the evils spoken of, as will be
Ihown later OF.
"If we are to continue having nomin-
ating conventions. OF course all good
citizens Interested in the nomination OF
the strongest men as candidates, should
attend their ward primaries and en-
desvor to select the best men as dele
gates to their conventions. Their being
present at the primaries has the most
beneficial effect in many ways, but that
1t results in choice of the rank and file
of their party az to their preference of
candidates, Ia positively denied. In 9
cases out of 10 the good citizen is at
open sea and does not know what ticket
to vote or what to do when he does at
tend the primary. From the very nature
OF the case it cannot be otherwise. He
votes, say for 20 or 30 men that his ward
are entitled to, as delegates of the NOM
mating convention. He may possibly
know few of the delegates he voted
for, but suppose he knew all of them to
be honest men, anxious to make tbs
very beat nominations. How is it DOS.
sible for 30 different men to agree with
the voter ss to his personal choice for
sheriff, clerk, auditor, recorder, treasu-
rer and candidates for long list of
other Offices?
"Conventions, where there are mum.
erous officers to nominate. too often are
mere marta, where bargains and sslss
are effected. You tickle me and I'll
tickle you is prscticed in disregard CT
the popular wishes and often results iD
the nomination OF one or more objec.
tionable candidates.
The true method should be to have
the members of political party make
the nominations by direct vote at the
primaries. letting every individual
voter express his preference Of candi-
dates for every Office TO be voted for al
the next election.
1T is absolutely the only way of Civ
ing every voter an opportunity of assist
ing in making the nomination OF his
party. II is simple A, B. O PROPOSE
ton. The Republican and Democratic
committees can isaue their call for the
primary elections in the usual manner,
setting a day for each, but instssd OF
voting for delegates to nominating
convention. each voter 10 furnished
skeleton ticket somewhat after this
style:
Let the head of the ticket give par
ticulars "a to the date, state, county,
etc.; also as to ito being Republican or