The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-08-14
SENATORIAL PRIMARIES.


two instances during the session of the
late Democratic State convention by the
influence of the politicians and wire
workers, and that the results may vet be
more or less disastrous to the long con-
tinued success of the party in State mat
tiers it requires not extraordinary polit-
ical foresight to determine.
The first case was when, gulled by the
diplomacy and political legerdemain of
the Ellysou faction, the convention Gag
erly fell into the trap set for it, re-elect-
ing the State chairman, and soon after
wards nominating for lieutenant governor
Senator Echols, of Staunton.
The second instance was in the debate
on that portion OF the platform recon-
mending primaries in the selection of
candidates for the position of United
States Senator.
This plan in brief is to hold primary
elections to determine the choice of the
majority of Democratic voters for United
States Senator on the day set for ele.ti
members of the general assembly, on
whom will devolve the duty of electing
some one to that high and honorable posi-
ton, with the understanding that the
Democrats elected ITO that body. shall
support for the Senatorship the person
receiving majority of all the votes cast
at said primaries.
1t further provides in the plan that if
no person voted for receives a majority of
all the votes cast second primery shall
be held upon day fiXed by the State cen
trail committee at a perio not later than
80 days from the first primary, and that
at such second primary the choice shall
he between the two candidates who receiy
ed the most votes ut the first one.
The State central committee according
to the plan, is instructed and required to
take the necessary steps to arrange all
proper details for carrying into effect this
policy of the Democratic party of Vr-
ginia, so that the majority of the party
voters, each voting directly in the party
primary election for his choice according
to his own free will and judgment, shall
in reality and in truth select Virginia
Senators in the Congress of the United
States.
When the question of adopting the
platform was before the convention this
provision evoked a lively and spirited
discussion between Congressman Jones,
OF the First district. the originator and
strongest advocate OF the plan, and Sena.
tor Daniel. who strenuously opposed it.
IL was evident to those who heard the
debate that the advocates of this method
of selecting senatorial candidates had the
best OF the argument; but the personal in
fluence of Senator Daniel prevailed, aul
the measure was defeated by vote of $50
to 60D
1t is, however, a question that will not
be downed, and the fact that such large
affirmative vote was given, although the
measure was comparatively new one to
most of the members of the cor vention,
is strong proof of the hold which the idea
has taken upon the minds of the masses
of the party. 1t will he observed that the
Democratic members of the legislature.
when thus made aware of the choice of
the majority of the party, aIe not legally
compelled to vote for said candi-
date; but they are nevertheless ex-
pected to do so, and 70 all intents and
purposes are rs much bound to carry out
the will of the majority as they would
he if II law to that effect had been en-
acted.
1T is an eminently wise and Just meas
ure, and thoroughly in accord with the
republican institutions and the tradi.
lions and principles of the Democratic
party 1t gives to the peop,e the privi-
lege OF directly determining who shall
serve them in the Senate of the United
States, and thus avoiding all the dangers
of trickery and corruption which accom-
pany the present plan Of election by the
State Legislature. Many exam Piles of the
triumph of political manipulations in
contests before State legislatures for the
position of United States Senator have
occurred i'll the various States of the
Union since the republic was founded.
and even Virginia Is believed to be no ex |
ception In this respect.
The primary plan prevents men from
using the machinery of party rs means |
OF prefcrment to the position of United
States Senator. and it should by all |
means have received the endorsement of |
the late Democratic State convention. In