The San Francisco call., 1898-07-24
OPEN PRIMARIES VS. BOSS RULE.

n CTION taken by the Republican State Central / \ Committee yesterday, when contrasted with the course pursued by the Democratic com mittee, affords the people striking object lesson, showing the wide divergence between the methods of the two organizations. The Democrats appointed committee of one hundred to usurp in San Fran cisco the rights of the rank and file of the party the choice of delegates to represent them in the State convention for the nomination of candidates. The Republicans, on the other hand have provided for open primaries at which every Republican will have
 full and equal opportunity for the expression of his choice
 This difference between the actions of the two State committees will be observed throughout the whole work done by the rival organizations in preparing for the campaign In the Republican camp there will be the free play of popular opinion. In the Democratic camp there will be boss rule. Among Republicans all loyal members will have the privilege Of voting primaries and determining the selection of the menfor whom they will be called upon to vote at the coming election in sustaining their party and its principles Among Democrats there will be cut and dried pro- granme by which the favorite of the bosses and the corporations will be nominated and the rank and file of the party will have no voice whatever any of the proceedings from first to last
 The tone and temper of the Republican committee was shown first by the cheering which greeted the declaration of the chairman that the party shall be free from the control of bosses corporations rupton, and second by the adoption of the rule call ing for open primaries in all counties having more than three Assembly Districts There was some oppo- sition to the requirement for primaries, but it was weak and came from suspicious source It is grat- lying to note that this opposition was just strong enough to give occasion for showing the virtual unanimty of the committee on the subject, and to make clear that the rule was not adopted without due consideration.
 Men who have guarded their independence in poi- tics will fail perceive the full significance of the action taken by the Republican committee. It the elimination from the party of all trace of boss corporation rule, and the exercise of the power in the party of the people at large No set of bosses will assume to dictate the Republicans of San Francisco or of the State what shall be nominated for office The appeal will be taken directly to the rank and file of the party. The delegates to the State convention will represent the true Republicanism of the State and not merely the mechanism managed by wire-puers
 It is not difficult to foretell the results that will fol- low the different tactics pursued by the Republican party and the Democracy. Repubcanism will pre- sent to the people this fall ticket nominated by open and honest means which will stand for popular gov ernment free from boss domination, corruption and the degrading influences of scheming corporations. Democracy, after ignoring the right of its members to hold primaries will present fusion candidate nominated by bosses to c-rry out bargain with Popusm in the interest of oflceseekers and of such corporations as have need of pant tools and pulous demagogues.
 The outcome on election day cannot be in the least doubtful. The action of the State Central Commit has virtually assured victory for the party and merits the commendation of all loyal Republicans throughout the State
 August would be foolish to surrender to the in head n1n