The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-25
EDWARD INSLEY'S PARTIzAN.
The New indianapolis Political
Monthly Makes Its Appearance.


The first number Of the Partizan, ian
American journal devoted to the science
and art Of politics" established by Edward
Insley and to be published monthly in In
dianapolis. has just made it's appearance.
1t is well-printed. attractive-looking pub
LEGATION, and is likely to be of service in
promoting certain political reforms in
which it's editor is especially interested.
One Of these is the establishment OF the
primary election system, a subject to
which Mr.. Insley has given close study.
In this first issue he offers some informa-
ton on the matter, which has not ap-
peared elsewhere and may be regarded as
news. This is the record of the latest
legislation in regard to the movement. 1t
shows the stand taken this spring by
seven States on proposed primary election
reforms and the fate of direct primary
bills. In Ohio a moderate direct primary
bill was beaten; in Maryland a BILL ap-
pHcable only TO Baltimore. was passed;
in Iowa a bill was beaten; in Massachu-
sets it was radically amended; in New
York registration of party affiliation was
provided for; in New Jersey a primary
election law commission was appointed:
Mississippi passed a direct law applying
20 the whole State. Details are given of
the action in each State. In this cOnnec-
ton is given a letter 10 the editor written
by W. S. Dwinnell. author of the Mime
sofa primary law, which has curious
bearing on the movement, inasmuch as
the writer repudiateS the law. Mr.. OWN
''As you know. this act. as passed. re-
ferred only 10 the city of Minneapolis, and,
subsequently,. was extended TO the whole
State for all offices, except state offices.
II has been tried only in St Paul. Mime
apolis and a few of the smaller cities of
the State. In St. Paul and Minneapolis 1t
has given fair satisfaction. while in the
smaller cities there is considerable opposi-
ton 10 IL.
II. myself. have watched its operations.
and am very much in doubt in regard to
the ultimate worth OF direct primary
1t makes ii very difficult TO secure nOmi-
nations, cOmpelS candidate TO resort TO
the cheapest possible methods of adver-
Using, and, therefore, has a tendency to
keep our best men from seeking Office.
Ion the other hand. il is difficult to Sc
cure united action on the part of the peO-
pie, and results often in nominations by a
very small minority. which is apt TO con-
SiSt of undesirable citizens.
II am not a believer in a pure demOC-
racy, nor the initiative and referendum.
and for that reason am, therefore, natural
" opposed TO any system which Will put
any party upon a purely democratic basis.
Il believe that representatives of the
people can secure better results than can
the people themselves. This applies not
only to LEGISLATION but TO the selection of
candidates. as well. The fault in the past
has been with our method of selecting our
representatives or convention delegates.
MY advice TO my Wisconsin friends has
been 10 refrain from enacting any direct
primary legislation until we have given II
a more thorough test From what l can
learn of the operations Of the law in Cleve-
land where II has been tried for quite a
long time IL is far from satisfactory.
My judgment is that a direct primary
IS not a great Improvement over the con-
yentfon system, as 1T has existed, and my
suggestion for the remedying of existing
evils is to improve and perfect the method
OF choosing delegates 10 conventions.
Theoretically. direct primaries are
ideal but in practice IL is possible TO find
many objections thereto. do not wish
20 be understood as saying that a direct
primary is not preferable 10 the cOnven-
zion system. but my opinion Is that II is
advisable to move slowly In this matter
20 the end that the very best results may
he obtained You will find II very dill
cult 10 rid yourselves Of a primary law
after if Is once enacted"
Mr.. InsIey. who is an enthusiast. Is de-
voting energetic effort TO his unique pub
ucatfon and the furtherance OF the re-
forms il outlines-energy that VIII uouDl-
less show definite results