The Dalles times-mountaineer. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1882-1904, 1898-03-19
PRIMARY ELECTION REFORMS

No effort for good government is
wholly lost. If the result on election
day is disastrous, the determination of
reformers and the growing enlighten-
ment of the people is certain to receive
some recognition from the ruling politi-
clans. And may even force from them
some approach to the remedial meas
ures contended for, says the Oregonian.
A fresh illustration of this truth is
found in the state of New York today.
, Notwithstanding the perpetuation of
Platt in the state, and enthronemeut
of Tammany in the city, the advocates
of election reform are moving un-
daunted on the legislature. apparently
in good hope of wrestling from that
boss-ridden body some act that will en-
able the voters to have their say be-
fore the nominating conventions.
An ideal primary law is not to be
expected; if for no other reason that
none is in existence. Probably it
would be hard to improve on the pres
ent Oregon primary law; but as every
body in Oregon knows, the law itself
is powerless to accomplish good results
unless it is honestly and intelligently
used by the voters. The most that can
be expected in New York is begin
ming; and this beginning is statu-
tory recognition of the right of the
state to control the primary elections
of parties. All the drafts of primary
reform bills at Albany recognize this
principle, but differ materially in de.
tails. A radical measure is that Of
fered by the Union League Club. 1t
proposes to put the primary elections
of all parties in cities of the first and
second class under primary law. 1t
provides that any voter, on any of the
four days set apart for registration
preceding an election, shall be given
an opportunity to enroll himself as a
member of political organization.
After he had registered his name as a
voter he will be asked by the registra-
the purpose of participating in prim-
ary election. In case he does he will
name the political party with which
he expects to act, and his name will be
placed upon its rolls. In case his right
to enroll with party is challenged,
he must sign declaration or answer
certain questions to show that he is in
general sympathy with the principles
of the party which he has named, and
it is his present intention to vote with
it at the ensuing election. The de-
claration is in the most liberal terms,
and affords ample opportunity for any
voter VINO wishes to have political
affiliations to ally himself with one
party or another. In case voter who |
for any reason has failed to enroll him
self during the four days ofregistration
desires to do so, he can do so subse'
quently at any time, except the period
of thirty days Immediately proceeding
the official primary days, by fling
with the proper custodian of the rolls !,
a written statement embodying the
declaration required in case OF chal-
lenge, ON regular registration days.
Some of the details of the Union
League bill have already been changed,
and other changes are being made al
most daily. The republican majority
at Albany seems inclined to agree upon
some form of primary law, as political
measure which will retain for the party
members who are on the point of leay-
ing it through disgust with machine
methods. The primaries in New
York have been heretofore moth
ing but forms, used by the party boss
to name the delegates he has already
selected for conventions. The bill
that will be passed will almost certainly
provide moderately free opportunity
for enrolment and a secret ballot.
The details will probably involve
very little concession from the
machine to the independent voter.
This will have to come later. A view
of New York politics is wholesome for
sometimes by way of show
Ing them how great are the political
they already enjoy.