The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-19
POLITICS. new ASPECT
NEW SYSTEM MAKES INDIVIDUAL
VOTERS IMPORTANCE GREATER.
Mr.. M'Gregor and MIR. Bookwalter Ag-
Gressive and independents
Political News.

Until this summer the general plot OF the
biennial revivals OF the local political drama
has been changed little. but now the poll
ticians. as they take up the work prelim-
mary 10 the imminent campaign. are re-
marking that the aspect OF the affair is
new. The primary election law eoacted by
the last Legislature seems to have revo-
lutionized loctl politics. The greater i'm
portance of the individual voter is the most
apparent feature of the new condition.
The day-by-day work Of the two candi-
dates for the Republican nomination for
mayor shows that they have adopted an
attitude toward the public that differs in
terestingly from the attitude of candi-
dates of previous campaigns. Mr.. Book
walter and Mr.. McGregor each is working
out his own scheme for victory at the pri-
rnaries to be held on next Tuesday Lit
tie is known about the actions of the two
candidates at the headquarters Of the Re-
publican city committee. in the Law build
ing.
Mr. McGregor has headquarters in the
building on North Illinois street marked
by the exterior advertisement for recruits
for the United States army. He has three
rooms on the second floor back. In a corner
Of one room stands a Caledonian banner
and plano. the floors are carpeted and
the furniture is that OF CLUBS apart
ments. The place looks little like the tenn
porary headquarters of candidate for
political preference.
MGREGOR'S METHOD.
Mr.. McGregor had his coat and collar off
yesterday afternoon and was at work with
two or three assistants. II think that
reformation has occurred in local poll
tics" he said. II have been holding meet
ings-usually three a night-all over the
city and have sent out 10000 circulars. I
have an organization in every ward in the
city and in almost every precinct. 1 have
not held advertised meetings because 1
have adopted a different method Of cam
paign. Tomorrow night, however, at the
South Side Republican Club. at South anc
East streets, l will speak TO public meet
Eyes. believe am going to be nomi-
mated. Mr.. Bookwalter, of course, has an
organization that he has carried over from
his campaign two years ago, but the re-
ports that l have from my friends give
me confidence that l shall be successful
pie have elected me a county commissioner
twice and they are familiar with my rec
ord in that office. Mr.. Bookwalter and
are very good friends. / met him last
night and told him l would beat him and
he told me he would beat me. Ii hap
pens that l have not met him in my work,
out L unueTSldnu nc Is COHuut -lI6 al dS-
gressive campaign. | hope that the vote
at the primaries will be heavy, but 1 am
afraid IL will be light"
Mr.. Bookwalter directs his campaign
from the office of Hay & Bowlus. attor-
neys. the seventh floor of the Lemckc
building. He said yesterday afternoon that
he found the voters are taking a great in
terest in the campaign. Il believe the in
terest. which is much greater than IL was
two years ago, is due 10 a determination
of the people TO change the city admins
fraf on he oil rch i not
argue that the primary election law is not
responsible for a part of the increased in
terest of the Republicans in the new
method OF selecting candidates
PEOPLES AFFAIR ENTIRELY.
II am holding as many meetings as I
can get around to. 1 see at these meetings
men that have not taken an active interest
In politics before. Under the new system
candidates must talk to the individual vot-
ers, for they will nominate the candidates
directly and not through their leaders as
has been the case in the past"
Chairman Logsdon, of the Republican
city committee. is pleased with the new
scheme, and believes ii will prove an un-
qualified success The people are going to
get a square DEAL" he says. ut is their af-
fair entirely-the officials of the primaries
will not be paid and they will be men that
take legitimate interest In the campaign
The voters are taking an interest in the
matter. as is shown by the fact that we
every precinct in the city.
ANY man that hopes TO make money out
OF these primaries is fooled. There has been
an impression that the local conventions
in the past have been controlled by a gang
or ring. which dictated the nominations
There is no excuse for such charge now
for the voters will select their nominees
directly and their ballots will be cast
privately and without interference. The
men that the majority of the Republicans
of the city want TO represent them in the
campaign Will be nominated"