The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-08-26
THE NEW PRIMARY LAW.

The Record Union" presents this
morning, very nearly in fullness, the
new primary election law, an Act to
protect voters in expression of their
wishes in the party of their choice, and
to prevent frauds upon the elective
franchise, and corruption at elections.
It is a remarkable law-we apprehend
that its equal for detail, particularly
and positiveness, has not been placed
on any statute book in connection with
the subject of the elective franchise.
Any attempt to present a synopsis
of this law would rob it of much or
its essential emphasis and detail. We
have, therefore, eliminated from it only
legal verbiage, that which is not es-
sential for general reading. 1t will be
found not difficult to understand, and
TO be so specific and detailed, as to
leave apparently no hole uncovered, no
deceit unchecked. IT ought to be read
by all citizens who esteem it not only
a privilege but a solemn duty to take
active part in proceedings that culni-
nate in the selection of officers of adj
ministration and execution.
If this law, on trial. works as it is
held it viii, by those who caused it to
be drawn and secured its passage, it
Will accomplish a revolution in the
methods of nominating and expressing
party wishes Tt promises to put a biz
in the mouth of bossism, and an eff
fectual stop to the manipulation of pri-
maries and TO much modify meth
tions, provided the party voters mani
fest common concern in the prelimin-
airy steps leading up to nomination.
Under this law the excuse will be
no longer tolerable that 1T is useless
to go to the primary polls, since the
whole business has been cooked in adj
vance" Under this law it viii not be
possible for the strikers, and the hire
Hngs of party bosses to vote at any
and all primaries regardless of their
party profession and allegiance. AS
primary elections will be held en- masse
so to speak, and will be presided over
by men of all parties, chosen to the Of
flee by lot, and as men of all parties
will so to the primary polls together,
on the same day, and within the same
hours. and as they viii there find all
the ballot boxes for each party ina line.
but distinctively marked, and the bal
lots designated by color and markings
of paper so that one cannot mistake, IL
Will be seen that freedom of expression
will have the widest possible field for
its exercise.
Tt will be found also that the voter
is afforded every opportunity for voting
for whemsoever he chooses, and for
rejecting caucus states if he wishes.
The Act has many applications to can
didatcs, elections and voters reaching
beyond the primary and the nominating
convention. It also provides in a very
positive and carefully guarded manner
for nominations direct and without in
teryentfon of the convention.
However, no adequate idea of the
law can be formed without a careful
and full reading of it as we have pre-
scented it this morning. 1t will well
repay; indeed. it is the duty CT the
thoughtful citizen who has the best
good of his country at heart, to under
stand this and all similar Acts intend
ed to minimize evils. and give TO tbs
country the best possible results in
State, county and municipal admins
tration
The law in practice may not fulfill
the hopes of its friends. It may pos
sibly be found cumbersome and uneco-
nomic. It may not more induce po-
litical activity among citizens; but il
is the law. and it is 10 have its first
trial within a few weeks in several
cities of the State. 1t is, therefore wise
for the people TO read it carefully now
grasp its meaning and come to a clear
understanding of its details. That this
may he done by the readers Of the
Record Union" we present the law
very nearly in the words of the origi-
nal text of the Act.
Police COMMISSIONS Roosevelt 81