davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
kANDIYoH, COUNTY

WIlmar The general sentiment here
seems to be that the principle Of the law
is right and should be preserved. In
very few instances is the law denounced.
The main objection is the failure to COM
pei voters to adhere strictly to their party.
Another objection advanced is the great
expense to which candidates are put,
good men being prevented from what
might be termed a double campaign on
account Of the great expense involved:
Old party leaders are not pleased with
the system which prevents them from
gathering from each precinct in con-
vention and listening to the new party
doctrine each year. A. e. Rice, former
lieutenant governor is very emphatic in
his denuncia ton Of the law. and says that
he voices the sentiment Of a large number
Of voters. :
L. o. Thorpe, republican candidate for
state senator. says: "The large number
election are in favor Of retaining the law.
I think that with some changes as to time
of election, time for keeping the polls
open in the country, and some method by
which voters can be induced to vote their
own party ticket, that the law should
stand" ,- =. g 3. - =. 49,
DR.. G. Johnson-The principle Of the
law is right and should be preserved. OBJ
jectiOns to be removed by amendment are:
"First-That a voter must reveal his
political utilization in order to take part
HI the primary election =
"Second-That the nominee is as a rule
minority candidate and no second choice
possible. = 5l,lt,s 49, i. l.:Ge&slx.
| "ThirdLThat the convention is abol-
ished and with it all party organization
and principles. ',,. &,;-..--
''Fourth-That it practically prohibits
| independent candidates" a8,
A. O.. Forsberg, populist candidate fol-
| congress, says: II believe that the hes,
result Of the law will be that&tt will make
the people take more interest in politics
make them study up the men who look
for office, and make them more independ-
emit. The man elected to office will know
that the voters have their eyes on him
that he cannot trust to the bosses for a
l renomiratio and to party spirit for re-
election, and he will be mighty careful
what he does. It will give us better pub.
lie servants, men who feel that they are
accountable to the people for their do
| ings." 80 <'.: ~ sE"'s - e
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
REDWOOD COUNTY.

Redwood Falls-Sone Of the successful
candidates for county offices are in favor
of the. primary election law and some
are against it. Nearly all of the rank and
file declare it the most pernicious law ever
placed upon the statute books. Others
declare it a good thing and say that it has
come to stay. - -. =.
The most strenuous objection to it is the
immense expense to which the candidates
are obliged to enter into in their pursuit
for nominations. If the truth were
known, it is conceded by friends and OPP
ponents OF the measure, not one OF the
candidates for, congress in, this new
Seventh district passed through the cam
paign for less than $4,000. y -. " :.
In the county the expense to most of the
candidates has been far beyond the limit
fixed by the corrupt practice act.
In strong republican counties, like Red
wood, where there are no tickets Of OPP
posing parties, the laws working Is most
pernicious. a@
It is estimated here that between 400
and 600 democrats registered, called for
and voted the republican ballot at the
primary election for Redwood county
The vote Of Sthe country precincts, ex-
cept where candidates happened to be
located, fell short, and it is almost impos-
sible for a farmer candidate to receive a
nomination; for the reason that the city
and villages furnish the votes, and they
generally have candidates for the differ
ent places.
The old convention system resulted in
getting the leaders from the several pre-
cfncts together twice or three times each
year. and there listen to the new issues. Of
their party, get renewed enthusiasm with
| which to return home and work, and that
all this has been cut out by the primary
system.
The majority Of the people now seem to
be in favor Of applying the law to county
offices only, amending it, If possible, SO as
| to be more strict in the discrimination be-
tween the party voters, and giving it an
other trial.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
RICE COUNTY.

: FarIbauIt-The primary election law
gives quite general satisfaction in this
county, although criticized more or less by
nearly: everyone. The general opinion is
that the law should be made less cumber-
some, should be stripped Of some Of its
red tape and made less expensive in its
operations If possible. Some Of the other
objections are that it lengthens the cam
.paign to nearly three months instead of
about six weeks, it Is more expensive to
the candidates, and some maintain that
it will lead to the ultimate corruption of
voters throughout the country, instead of
being confined mostly to professional dsle-
gates and ward heelers, as formerly.
There is also danger, of splitting the par
ties into factions where. the primary con-
tests wage as fiercely as they did between
senatorial candidates in Rice county. The
objection that democrats vote the repub-
lican ticket will have less ground when
the democ1 ats get themselves together and
cult generally supporting republicans at
q general election.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
BLUE EARTH COUNTY.

5@Mankato-The new primary election law
has created very favorable impression
on the people of Blue Earth county, as a
whole, to judge from expressions heard
on the street. This does not refer to- all
Of the politicians. as there is class who
have experienced great personal gratifica
ton from year to year in being selected
from among their fellow citizens to at
tend the conventions as delegates, these,
Icing deprived Of this honor, would like
to see a return to the former plan. They
urge that the vote of the city, and vii
lagos controls the situation in this county,
as the proportion Of voters turning out to
the POLLS there is much heavier than in the
country. Still, larger vote turned out In
the country precincts Sept. 16 than usually
attend the caucuSeS.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
: WlNoNA COUNTY.

Winona-While few are found in WI
mona county who favor the new primary
election law, sentiment very generally is
opposed to 1t. Farmers object on the
ground that it causes loss Of time and
Inconvenience If they participate. There
is also objection by many voters who dis
like to declare their party affiliations
Politicians object to it as it conpels they
payment Of two fees, one to get. on the
primary election ticket and another tt
get on the regular election ballot, and also
necessitates the expense of conducting
two campaigns. It is also objected to by
politicians on the ground that it permits
members, of an opposing party to partici
pate in making the nominations of par
ty to which they do not belong. Another
objection urged by politicians here is ina
It makes the declaration of principles ant
platform individual utterances rather thai
Of the party, and would IN time lead tt
the wiping out of party organization.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

statesman who attempts its repeal will
never have another chance to do perni-
cious legislative act. The people want to
vote for their nominees. The large num-
Der who awaited themselves of the oppor-
tunity proves this. Two or three people
in each county did not do the nominating
Hastings Gazette-If the law Is to be e.
tanned it should include the entire state
ticket, with the date changed to four
weeks before the general election instead
Of seven. ~-... -... ....
LIE Roy Independent-We are convinced
that the primary election law now In
force is worse than the old system and
should either be repealed or mutilated to
such an extent that its own mother would
not know it. In counties where the
political balance is nearly equal it may
work satisfactorily, but In county like
Mower, where one party has SO large a
majority that the other party refratns
from entering the field, it opens the gate
for wholesale perjury
Winnebago City Press NeWs-Tne law
will not be repealed. The masses like it..
Experience has shown the need Of a few
minor amendments and the next legisla-
ture will make these changes. The large
vote shows that the primary system was
ticians, are now dominant. The doom of
the ward heller and the "political boss
has been sounded. No sore spots are left.
The new system of nominating has como
| to stay. 1t is the peoples inning.
Preston Times-The new primary law is
not wholly good, nor yet altogether bad.
If the custom of the office seeking the
man could become general. we should give
the law our unqualified approval. Unfor-
tunately the opposite is the case and aside
from the great hardshps imposed upon
the candidates, we do not believe that
the new system in the rural districts will
on the whole prove as satisfactory as
eaucuses and conventions.
Anoka Union-The repeal Of the pri-
! mary election law by the coming legisla-
ture would be a step backward.
Red Wing Argus Dem.)-Public opin-
7 ion runs chiefly to the conclusion that the
primary law will be retained. The one
feature that provoked the most opposi-
| ton was the declaration of Animation. I,
! is question whether 1t would not be bet
| ter to run all the candidates on a blanket
ballot and let the voters split their tickets
all they chose. even to nominating a weak
man purposeIy on the opposition ticket
| If they pleased. There cannot be any con-
siderable number Of voters who woul6
I think that was smart. Party spirit for
| bids smartness of that sort and political
. morality froWns on it. IF each voter was
allowed to pick his candidates from the
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
MOOSE JAW, ASA, CANADA.

whole bunch it is not likely the sinister
voting would be an appreciate factor.
Litchfeld News-Ledger-The new pri-,
mary law proved satisfactory at it's first
trial. There are some features that may
not be perfectly satisfactory, but they
will be remedied by amendment It is
probable that the primary law has come
to stay.
Sacred Heart JournaEThe result Is
causing much adverse criticism in some
quarters Of enarly every county, The law
itself Is coming in for severe condemna-
ton by many. It is a noticeable fact, how
ever, that those who find the most fault
are the ones who voted or attempted to
vote ticket other than the one they have
usually affiliated with. Voters who ara
willing to go on record as being either
republican or democrat, have little OF
no fault to find The chief objection Is
that the secrecy of the ballot is destroyed
That is exactly what the men who framed
the law evidently intended it should do.
No democrat should be allowed to help
name republican nominees and vice versa.
Kennedy Star.-Taken all in all we con-
slider the primary election law success.
In particularly every instance the ablest
men who were seeking nominations were
Inc SUCCESSFUL IL VI LIS
big men to the surface, and we predict
that no legislature will have the nerve
to repeal the law, although it should be
amended that the primary would be
held at time when the farmers are not
so busy. ..-4r E.. el.
Gary Graphic-The primary election ex-
pertinent has been tried and found want
ing, inasmuch as it has not met the re-
quirements it was intended for. The
original object was to BATTLE the plans OF
the slate maker and politician and give
every voter voice in the naming Of cam
didates. The principles were good, but
it's operations in the recent election were
widely astray from these original inten-
tons. Unless the new law IS amended or
it's provisions followed out to the letter it
will leave the nomination Of republican
candidates in the hands Of populists.
Willrnar Tribune (Pop)-The principle
of the primary election is in accord with
popular government, and we believe the
system has come to stay. The law needs
to be amended in certain particulars. A
man should be given a ballot Of the party
he claims to belong to at the time OF vot-
ing at the primaries without any refer
ence to past party affiliations There
should be blank spaces for writing in
names whenever the voter Is not In favor
of any candidate on the ticket for some
office. But the politician who uses the
small defects in the law as an argument
for repeating the whole thing will speedily
find that he is treading on dangerous
ground.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

primary ELECTION ~come to stay n
unanimous
by
requested by he
report how 1t
the
radio and complex system must
shades op'non
that as rule
retained >. Il
anendnents
o of feature
that the people gen
fixture
b.
popuhts
the in omna
voting
for voters OF that
wncne hoy
democrats popu's me
I.
than want
ono Will be Ia
Of holding primaries generally
a
least for the counties outside Hem
o nomIna TONS
this
n a
.I4.-
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
FREEBORN COUNTY,.

Albert Lea-The first primary election in
Freeborn county being past, there is OPP
portunity to get the opinions of people as
to the value Of the law, and almost with
one accord the sentiment seems favorable.
This conclusion is reached after inter-
views and hearing the expressions OF a
large number of people. A few of those
who are not republican complain slightly
because a voter must signify what party
ballot he desires when he goes to vote, but
there is little of that dissatisfaction. 1t is
seldom that a new law gives such univer-
sal satisfaction among merchants, pro-
fessional men and farmers as has this one,
and there seems no demand for any very
extensive amendments. ..s
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
MELLOW MEDICINE COUNTY.

Granite Fatls-Many business men and
politicians here have been asked as to
their view on the primary election law.
and three-fourths of them consider the
law far from what it ought to be- Many
are openly opposed to it. First, it is too
costly; second, 1t is not fair, because it
aIolw any man to vote for another OF an
opposite political faith, when the law dis
itinctly says he shall not. This bad fea-
5ture of the law could be remedied by pro-
lviding a primary ballot with the names
of all candidates thereon, so a voter would
not be obliged to lie about the party with
which he had affiliated, but could put a
cross after the man he wished to vote for.
The law as it stands is very tisfac-
tory, say the people.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
JAcksoNs COUNTY.

Jacksonville primary election which
was just held here does not seem to give
any satisfaction to the majority of the
people of this county. Both politicians
and the people at large object on account
of the heavy expense attached to it, which
appears to be as much as general cleo
ton. Then the barring out of a defeated
candidate does not seem just, as it might
easily happen that the peoples real choice
would be beaten in the primary by some
extra efforts Of his opponent, who might
have labored harder to get his men out
The intention Of the new law may be all
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
FARlBAULT COUNTY.

Blue EartF-As q whole, this communi-
ty and county are satisfied with the pri-
mary election law. Nearly all agree that
it is a great improvement on the system
displaced. But there are some objections.
One is that the rule governing the vote
by past party affiliations is hard to en-
force; another, that it is costly, both in
money and in time. Farmers complain
Of the latter. Held earlier, this objection
would be lessened. ...,ag..s %, -, -
The villages fear it may give the farm
ers more influence than heretofore. The
farmers believe it will. .- .,.r
One or two newspapers from commu-
mites whose candidates lost, complain be-
cause there is no opportunity for political
trading, but nearly all the country papers
commend it, as well as the candidates,
whether winners or losers, Is
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
ANOkA COUNTY,.

Anoka-The voter halls the advent Of
the primary election law as q good thing
while the ce-seeker looks upon it with
foreboding. Anoka> county cast a large
vote at the primaries. and it is crafty
ing to a majority Of the voters that they
were privileged to take an active hand
in the nomination Of candidates for the
general election. One opinion prevalent
here is that the fee for filing should be
higher that by this, the office seekers
would be fewer but of more desirable tim
Der. The law is considered imperfect yet,
but is considered by the majority as an
improvement on the former method Of
nominating by caucus.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
FILLMORE COUNTY.

Z Preston-There appears to be no pro-
nounced public sentiment for or against
the primary election law. In some quar-
ters it is heartily condemned. i'll others
much commended, but the general sent1-
b ent appears to be quite Indifferent, peo-
pie in this county having suffered no par
ticular injustice through the old conven-
ton system. There is considerable objec-
ton because of the expense. and with
others because Of the ease with which the
opposition can dictate republican: norni-
nations. All admit that it will practically
obliterate party lines. With few amend
ments and it's extension so as to include
the state officers, people generally will be
quite willing to give the law another trial.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
CROW WING COUNTY.

Brainerd-The sentiment among the
people of Grow Wing county and vicin-
fly regarding the new primary law is
largely of satisfactory nature, although
there are those who look upon the law
and its workings as very poor substitute
/ for the old-time convention. Those who
have any objections to offer to the law
claim that the vote at the election does
mot represent the sentiment of the people,
In that they deem 1t but a, trivial matter
and do not turn out To those who have
ibeen in the habit Of splitting their tick
i cts, the law here proved a great hin
drance. From q politicians standpoint
IN this county, the law. on its first trial.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
MCLEOD COUNTY.

GIencoe-The consensus Of opinion here
seems to be that the new primary election
law should be eliminated from the statute
books The people do not care to vote
twice Politicians would prefer to see
the law stricken out, as their working
power is completely annulled under the
present state of affairs .'.'
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

1t now The great majority of the people
are In favor of the law but all agree that
1t should be amended. The general con-
sensus here is to the effect that the law
should be so amended as to make 1t un-
necessary for a man to perjure himself or
to tell how he expects to vote at the next
election. Many think that all the, candi-
dates should be on one ballot. The cleo
ton could hardly be said to be fairly tried
in st. Peter. The democratic candidates
had no opposition whatever and hence
some democrats voted the republican
ticket. But the fact that 1000 votes were
cast In the county at the primary election
is evidence that the people manifested an
interest In the election. g
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
WABASHA COUNTY.

Wabasha - The primary law In this
county has proven satisfactory, generally
The only objections have come from the
alleged politicians, and their objection is
principally to the cost. In this county
ten times more voters participated in tho
nominations than ever did at the old
method of "Slecting candidates. With
some amendments the law would he salts
factory to the masses. The principal
complaint Is that the voter can only. choose
from those who have seen lit to, cause
their names to be printed on the ballot.
With space left at the bottom of each
group of candidates a large share Of the
objections would disappear.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
RENVILLE COUNTY.

RenvIIle-The first trial Of the primary
election law In this county has, on the
whole, been a success from the stand
point Of the voters. The size of the vote
In this county shows that the voters like
the new method. Mckinley received 2,813
votes in 1900 and 2,e75 republican votes
were polled Sept. 16, of this year. The
people almost generally express them
selves as approving of the principle Of
the law but have two objections to it as it
stands, the date Of the primaries which
brings them at the busiest time Of the
year for the farmers and the provision re-
quiring a declaration of party affiliation.
The republican politicians are as rule
opposed to the law, because Of the length
and expense of the campaign it makes
necessary and the party disorganization
caused by the bitterness engendered in
the contests for county offices. The dem
ocratic leaders having no contests > In
their own party are enthusiastic over the
law.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

right, but as the case was in this county,
there being no opposition on the demo-
cratic ticket, a number Of democrats voted
republican tickets .'y. p.
A big majority of the Jackson county
voters would like to see the law repealed.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
TODD COUNTY,.

Long PrairIe-Judging from the vote
cast in this county, the primary election
law was popular with the voters. There
were 1908 votes cast for senator on the
republican ticket at the primary election.
In 1900 Mckinley received 2;199 votes in
the county. About the only objection to
the primary law that is heard from the
people Is the expense. It generally sug
gested that the hours Of election should
be different, say from a. m. to 6 p. m,
or perhaps from a. m. to p. m. Some
say it makes too much politics. 1t would
seem the general opinion with the people
that the law. improved perhaps, in some
particulars, should stand.
On the part of the politicians, it is
claimed that 1t makes their campaign ex-
penses larger, their campaign longer
especially If they have another fight after
the primary election, and that it is to the
advantage Of the minority party. More
sore spots are left than after q conven-
ton, 1t is claimed.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
NIcoLLET COUNTY.

ST. Peter-The people of st, Peter hold
very different views as to the virtue Of the
primary election law. Some Of the people
who were most emphatic in its favor prior
to the election now favor the repeal Of the
law. Others who opposed 1t before favor
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

has proven very satisfactory. The vote
at the primaries in the city Of Brainerd
was very large, but in the country there
was a lack of interest and in one town
ship not a single vote was cast. This Is
the main objection to the. law here. -.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30
kITTsoN COUNTY

HaIIock-The primary election has to
a great extent in the villages proven
agreeable to the masses. To the farmers
it has met with considerable objection
principally for the reason that they could
not go to the polls and vote. They seem
to wish the primary election to be held
the first part of July. Many have objected
to the idea of announcing their party affil-
iations. The politicians as rule have
spoken. against 1t. It has been
been proven here that the dem
ocrats and populists have worked
and used great influence among the re.
publican voters. It is claimed that II
per cent Of the republican votes were cast
by democrats. L.
The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-09-30

parties much harm. Nearly every one
says the prtmciples is all right. but there
need to be so6se changes made" Few de-
sire the repeal Of the law In toto.