New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-25
PRIMARY REFORMERS AGREE
BILL TO BE ENDORSED BY MACHINE
AND INDEPENDENTS.
CONFERENCE BETWEEN WILLIAM II.
HoTcHKIss AND LEMUEL r. oulGu-
PLAN FOR SECRET ENROLMENT.

.,h.,v Inn o4-Governor Roosevelt took
important steps to-day TO bring the mach'ne
Republicans and independent Republicans in'o
harmony as to some needed amendments 70 the
Primary Reform act. Lemuel T. Quigs came
here from New-York With the macnines pil'
and William II. Hotchkiss. OF Bunalo' arrived
here from New-York. where he had recentiF
held consultations with Paul d. Cravath ana
other independent Republicans. bringing an
other measure. The Governor stated AZ the con-
c,us,on OF his conference. with Mr.. Quigg and
Mr. Hotchkiss that he regarded the dinerenceS
between their bills immaterial. ard he was
determined that only one measure should De IN
PRODUCED which should represent the views or
both the Organization and the Independents
Mr.. Ougy and Mr. Hotchklss held confer
cree after hey lef. the Executive Chamber, at
which they COMPARED notes. Both were SUR
prised at the similarity OF their views and the
likeness between the two bills. although there
was, OF course. much difference OF detail In the
way IN which they had worked out their Ideas
In the main however. there was no practical
difference and II was clear at once that they
would be able to reach en- agreement that would
not be a compromise. They so Informed the
Governor They exchanged copies Of their bills,
and each will consult with the men whom he
represents later this week, and they Will meet
here on Monday morning next prepared TO draft
a new measure.
Mr. HOTCHKIss's MEASURE.
Mr.. Hotchkiss explained the provisions Of the
bills tonight. He said
IT called TO NewYork last Friday to con-
suit with the leaders OF the Independent Re-
publcans there. I had been preparing report
on the practical workings OF the primary law
OF last year AMI had also begun work on the
bill containing the proposed amendments l
saw Mr. Cravath on Saturday. and now have
completed my draft Of the bill. 1t adds moth
ing new TO the primary law II simply changes
the law where public opinion has seemed 10 de-
mand that 1t be changed.
with regard to enrolment my bill makes two
Important changes-it makes the enrolment at
the time of registration absolutely secret, and
extends the time for enrolling by providing that
a voter may file a declaration with the custodian
OF primary records excepting that no such dec
laration can be filed during period Of thirty
days Immediately preceding the annual primary
day. Both OF these changes are In the interest
OF simplicity and to avoid the expense Of the
December and May enrolments provided for in
the law as 1t stands at present
THE June primary day Is abolished by my
bill and the measure. II adopted. will compel
the choice Of all delegates, candidates and COM
mtteemen In September. The primary day Is
fixed for the seventh Tuesday before election.
which will fall between the 14th and the 10Th
Of September in every year. At this primary
are be chosen even the delegates TO the State
conventions. thus limiting the campaign by
legislation 10 a minimum OF Ave weeks W. had
a fve-weeks campaign last year. and we might
as well have one OF that length every year
The bill changes the hours OF the primaries.
Now they are held from a m TO 10 p. We
shorten tiiem making the primary hours from
noon TO .. m
SHORT CAMPAIGNS.
The only matter in which there was anything
at all like disagreement between Mr. ouiggs
bill and mine was with regard to the date OF the
annual primaries. Mr. Quigg wanted them held
on the eighth instead Of the seventh Tuesday
before election. not to force the holding Of
the county convention In New York I'm the same
week With the State Convention He yielded
this point. however. in the interest or snort
campaign.
MIR. Quigg suggested having two or three
specified months set apart for general enrol
ment. instead of extending the time throughout
the year in order that the party rolls may be
complete at specified times. He agreed, how
ever that the enrolment should be made IN the
office Of the County Clerk or other custodian or
the primaries Of blanket and individual pastors
] think Mr.. Qugg will agree to that. Mr.. Quigg
wishes increase the time in which the Gus
todian Of primary records may make returns to
conventions. which have agreed 10.
Mr. Quigg has several ideas Of new legisla-
ton which he wants added 10 the present law.
had not suggested any additions TO the law
but simply some amendments consider ms
ideas very good ones. however ana we VIII
raise no objection to their incorporation In the
law.
lone Of Mr. Quiggs plans il to provide tina
the operations Of the law may be extended 10
third class city or a village without action by
party organization. He provides that whenever
! per cent OF the registered voters In such
place memorable the local authorities for the
extension of the Primary law provisions to their
place the authorities must submit the question
10 the people al the next local election
Another idea Of Mr.. Quiegs is 10 have an
official primary day in April in Presidential years
to choose the delegates 70 the state convention
tina: selects the Presidential Electors and Dele
gates at large to the National conventions.
"Other ideas which Mr.. Qugg has suggested
and which will be incorporated IN the OIL are
reoulrements that all the members OF the Com
nittee on Contested Seats In any convention
shall be sworn. and empowering such commit
tees TO subpoena witnesses. th- certincatloh 10
the custodian Of primary records OF all changes
in the rules Of any party organization. and In
creasng the compensation 81 inspectors OF cleo
ton primary days 10 81 day
TIE SECRET ENROLMENT
The plan which has been substantially agreed
upon for occurring secret enrolment on regis
tration days is simple and inexpensive enough
as explained by Mr. Hotchkiss After voter
has registered the inspectors are required 10
write his name. address and registration num-
Der in the enrolment book and also on the face
of an envelope The registration number alone is
written on a card. which contains the party en-
blems with circles under them. on an official
ballot. and blank spaces for the signature of the
voter The voter takes the card and envelope |
into a compartment. makes cross in the cir |
Gle under the party emblem. signs his name or !
not he pleases. as the registration number |
Will identify him, places the card In the en- |
velope. seals II and deposits II in o ot-bos. |
which Is kept locked and sealed until week |
after election
At the close Of the registration the enrolment /