The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1901-03-22
PASsA PRIMARY ELEc71oNLAW.

PASS A PRIMARY ELEcT1ONLAW.
Indications from Annapolis point
to the passage of the Primary
Election Bill although some of the
counties will probably ask to be ex-
empted from its provisions. There
can of course be no objection made
to this request as the Neutrality-suspicious.
are supposed to represent the wishes
of their constituents.
Two years ago THE KeIs, repre-
senting what was believed to bepub-
lie sentiment. advocated the passage
of such law and at the session of
1900 made an effort to bring the de-
sired legislation about. While in
dividual opinion favored the measure
it was impossible to bring concerted
action, so the matter had to be
abandoned. There was considerable
opposition at that time from a class
of persons who did not fully under
stand the legislation asked for but
since that time this has entirely dis
appeared; and so far as we can learn
our representatives will be upheld al
most as unit in their effort to pass
the law.
1t hardly seems necessary to go
into minute detail as to the many
arguments in favor of the measure
This has been fully explained. The
manifold advantages to be derived
from this measure cannot be over
estimated now that anew ballot law
is an assured fact. Theprovisions of
both.bills before the Legislature have
practically the same object in view.
1t would only seem like common sense
to allow none but those persons to
vote in the primaries who can cast
an intelligent vote at the general
election. This, however, is a small
matter to the Democrats as the pro-
visions of the new election law will
have very little effect on them. The
main point to be gained is prevent
any but those who profess to belong
to the party to vote. For years our
primaries have been over-run by a
class of people, who, protesting to be
strict party men, vote and very often
assist in nominating candidates who
will be weak at the general election.
This same class has afterwards been
known to revolt and aid in the defeat
of the very nominee whom they as
sisted in the primaries. Especially
will this be true now that the party
has gone back to the Crawford coun-
ty system. 1t will now require every
endeavor on the part of those who
care more for the success ofthe party
than for any individual, to nominate
a ticket that will possess both suit
ability and strength. The time is
now past when nomination is
equivalent to election. If the choice
of the party does not possess the
necessary qualifications or for some
other reason, there are now a sufh-
Gent number ofmen, who, while good
party men as a rule, will not observe
the fealty by voting the straight
ticket. Another thing to be remem-
bered is that the day of straight
tickets is passed. The new ballot
law requires the voter to pass upon
the merits of each individual candi-
date. The temptation will now be
stronger than ever to split the ticket
if the slightest pretense is given.
This is practically the beginning
of the campaign and it is only mat
ter of a short time before the candi-
dates will begin their canvass in
earnest. We earnestly urge upon the
voters to use their best Judgment in
their choice ofstandard bearers. We
have a system of election which is
new to us all and no one can actually
foretell the future. 1t is the duty of
the party to bring out the best men
for the different offices to be filled.
The best way to do this is to have a
primary election law which will al
low only party men to vote. There
choice cannot be but for our best in
terests. If, on the other hand, Re
publicans participate in the primaries
their interest will be to nominate a
weak ticket and then defeat it at the
election.
This is the golden opportunity for
the extra session to make a record
for themselves that will reflect not
only credit to themselves but to the
State III general. A radical step has
been taken in reforming and purify
ing The ballot laws. This, however,
will do but little general good unless
the dominant party shows their
sincerity by following up the good
work begun, with measure that
will strike at the root of all badpoli-