The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1902-01-24
ELECTION
SYSTEM ADVOCATED
For the Selection Of Can.
didateS From Delegate
Down TO Constable

County Attorney Edgar W. Jones,
whose name has beCn prominently
mentioned as candidate for the
nomination of delegate in congress,
has addressed a letter to each lndi-
vidual member Of the Democratic
Territorial Central committee advo
eating the selection of party candi
Gates. from delegate down to consta-
bic by the primary election system
The plan has been followed for sew
eral years in a number Of states and
ghe outcome of the movements in
Saugurated by Mr.. Jones will be watch
! cd with interest The letter is as
follows
Dear Sir: Oklahoma has unQues
tlonably an opposition majority to
Republlcanism estimated conserva-
lively at six thousand. and yet our
congressional candidate selected at
delegate conventions has gone down
to a sad but glorious defeat some
four out of Eve times, carrying with
him IS a rule many of our county
ticke.s that should have been saved,
as twenty out of twenty-six counties
in this territory have safe anti-Repub-
lican majorities.
"The victories recorded in favor Of
that party (the real and active min
ority party in the past have no par
ticular value or consequence now, ex-
cept to impress us with the absolute
necessity of maintaining our loyalty
to our country. ourselves and a true
allegiance to thu Damc ratio prln-
clples calculated best to maintain a
free government and its institutions
Gas handed down to us by our fathers.
THE question confronting us now
is, how shall our numerical majority
be converted into a triumphant ma
jority at the polls / think but few
will contend that Mr. Flynn is the
most popular man in Oklahoma. OF
that the greedy aims of the Republi
can party are best. especially as ap-
Piled in this territory, with their ex
treme nepotism. extravaganza and
total disregard to the interests of
others than members of their close
little financial corporation, but that
the defeats in the past for us are
largely due because the voice Of duty
has been hushed by the clamor of ac
tive factions and Of individual selfish
ness. very largely augmented by the
battle between self constituted party
bosses trying to control in delegate
conventions. and by the treachery OF
klsome assistant Republicans masquer
aiding in our own ranks.
Il, as a Democrat and resident ot
Oklahoma since April p, 1889 work
ing ali this time humbIy as a member
Of that great party, whose principles
\ are so near and dear 20 the whole
people, think a good plan would be tC
make the selection of candidates fol
congressman down to constable al
by the primary election system aRC
let the great mass OF voters them
selves take the responsibility Of Sc
Iecting and electing the persons thus
brought forward
eIn my estimation the territorial
committee should work in concer
with the various county central com
mittees and agree on an early day
say soon after the June and july
harvest. in which to select the con
gressional, legislative, county an'
township tickets, thus forming
strong line of political battle whicl
can now be scented not far off
"The voice of the people shall thel
:, echo and re-echo in the coming vic
tory thus assured. Delegate conven
tions in some states became 40 oh
noxious to the people at large who's
true sentiments were laid prostrat'
by party bosses and traders, tina
Legislative action was taken to enforc
j. nominations by the primary system
The eliminating bossism and prevent
ing men with no home following, ga
ing away to delegate conventions, an
securing nominations through trade
and combinations. they were not en-
titled to, and the people themselve
would have rejected,
please give these suggestions you
earnest consideration and / shal
thank you for the courtesy of you
views Very respectfully,
edgar W. jones"