The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-20
PRIMARY ELECTION BILLS.
why the Mfnturn BiII Should BE Pre-
ferred to that of Mr.. Joss.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
Assuming that the Senate and House are
each DESTROYS of carrying out the wishes
of the people of Indiana as set forth in the
Platforms of the Republican and Demo-
cratic parties by the enactment of "such
a primary election law as will secure TO the
people a full and free expression in the Sc
lection of their candidates for Office" de-
sire to suggest that before each senator
and representative casts his vote for either
the Joss or Minturn bill he shall fully con-
slider ard answer to himself the questions
below. To understand the questions
quote from the platforms:
1--WE favor as supplement to our present
election law the enactment by the next
Legislature of such a primary election law
as will secure TO the people full and free
expression in the selection of their candi-
dates for Office. State Republican plat
form 1895.
1--WE are earnestly in favor of legislation
Cor the regulation and reform of primary
elections. State Democratic platform 1SS.
'The Republican party pledges itself to
tion of an adequate primary election law"
State Republican platform 1900.
In 1900 the Democratic platform is silent
on the subject.
So much for party attitude. Let each
member of the Legislature study these
questions:
First-Does not the Joss bill perpetuate
by law and so make absolute the evil or
bossism and so prevent "a fun and free ex-
preston % Read carefully Sections 2. 3
ind of the Joss bill.
Second-Does not the Joss bill open vide
the door to the unlimited use of money IL
the convention and thus Srevent such full
and free expression? Read Section ,, and
otto ths absencs of provisions, so far as
conventions are concerned in Sections l5
|
the corrupt purchaser. Also note no pro-
vision as TO size. color and description of
Third-Does not the Joss bill absolutely
prevent all participation in the primary
election of az persons who may have seen
At at the preceding election TO scratch
any candidate, however good his reasons
may have been? Would this not disfran-
chise over 2OO0 good citizens who voted at
the last Indianapolis election for mayor?
the required affidavit no matter how good
Democrat or Republican he may be at
heart? Will this not prevent the securing
expression? Read Sections 4 and 6.
Fourth-Does the Joss bill in providing
for a delegate convention and upon the de-
with the ideas OF the platforms OF the par
ties that the reform shall be in the enact
ment of a law for the primary election Of
candidates? Consult Democratic and Re-
publican platforms in legislative and state
manual, Pages COZ and e07. Section of Joss
bill. Does not the platforms of the Demo-
cratic and Republican parties demand a
primary election law only and indicate
desire 10 abolish the evils OF a delegate
convention? Read platform OF each party
Fifth-Does not the Joss bill put both
the Republican and Democratic parties un-
Ger obligations to individuals. corporations
trusts. combines, monopolies LOBBYISTS
etc, for "favors received In paying the
expenses OF the primary elections? Does II
rot further lower the dignity and self-re-
spect OF the people by Indirectly putting
them In the light OF "beggars" for money
which they in honor should pay out of their
own pockets and would gladly pay II given
the opportunity? Is IL fair to the Chairman
OF the committee 10 compel him to incur a
necessary legal financial liability. and n
he refuses TO do his duty 10 punish him by
fine and disfranchiseme and incarcera-
ton In the penitentiary? Read Sections 10.
2. 3. 6. Z, etc.
Sixth-If all expenses are to be paid bv
means of moneys raised by begging from
individuals. corporations. trusts. combines
etc. together with assessments on candi-
dates for Office. Will not the election of All
future members OF this General ASSEMBLY
be so affected as 10 impose on the elected
member at least a moral obligation 10 fhoes
who have kindly contributed To his elections
Read same Section 10.
The length OF the above precludes favor-
able comment on the hlinturn bill except