The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-20

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
Ihere appears TO be great interest mani
rested In the proposed primary election law
The sentiment expressed by those having
the best interests of the people at heart is
largely in favor of the Minturn bill in the
shape II passed the House Of Representa-
tives, as it gives the people an opportunity
to name the candidates of the various
Z rites without the Intervention OF a dele
gate convention, and as the primary cleo
ton would b conducted under the general
election laws of the State there would be
slight opportunity for the "fixer'' TO get in
his work and defeat the will Of the people.
1 have read with much interest the ex-
PLANTATION made by Senator Joss. of the pro-
visions of his bill and of the citizens favor
ing his measure. The fear expressed by
them is that a minority might nominate
candidate for some office OF course, such
thing would be impossible in delegate
convention, at least that is the impression
the adherents Of the Joss bill endeavor TO
convey TO the minds of the people. In all
seriousness would like to ask the senator
why q plan that enables us TO eject all our
State, county, city and township officers
by plurality vote Is Objectionable In max
ing nominations for office? Is 1t not very
probable that minority candidate Will be
selected by convention, where there are
more than two candidates Sor the same Of
flee? In the opinion of the writer the Joss
mittee elections with recommendation
that the title be amended so as to read a
bill for an act TO perpetuate the political
boss boodler CRATER and leg-puller and
that it then be buried in the 6-ave OF in
definite postponement
What becomes of the majority when a
few self-constituted leaders get together in
| a ward and select a list of delegates to
represent the ward in county or city
convention? AT the hour designated for the
| holding OF the primary less than III per
cent. of the voters of the party in the
ward assemble in little room on a side
street, and, after going through the formal
| ity OF selecting chairman and secretary
| without giving the opposition to the gang
an opportunity to express a choice on said
offices, an order is made to lock the doors
and that none other be permitted to enter.
| i hus the 10 per cent select the delegates
and leave the 80 per cent. outside the door,
| and then say that it Is possible for minor
| ity to nominate a ticket under the pro-
posed primary election law. The above
| is no fairy tale, but an actual occurrence
| that has taken place in more than one
ward in this city during the last year.
| What the people want is an opportunity to
| make nominations without the aid of the
| professional fixer and boodler, and this
| can only be guaranteed by the enactment
| of a primary election law that will cause
| all nominations to be made at the same
| time and under the control OF the regular
election officers. In this state the lines
/ too small for the other fellow to interfere
with the candidates Of the opposition. He
| will be kept busy looking after his own
affairs.
| While the writer does not wholly approve
the Minnesota plan. which only applies to
/ Hennepin county, or the city of Minneap-
| oils, good citizens of that city inform him
| that the conditions had become such under
the old convention system that the bet
/ ter element of business men not only re-
/ Y aimed away from the primaries. but from
/ the elections. The result that at the
/ first primary election held under the law
| there were more voters participating than
| there were votes cast at the last preceding
general election. 1t Is, to say the least,
/ worthy OF trial. The only mistake In
| the Minturn bill as 1t now stands is that
| 1t only applies to Marion county. 1t should
reach the entire State. VOTER.
| Jndianapolis Feb, 10