The daily journal. (Salem, Or.) 1899-1903, 1902-01-30

lines:
New Factor in Politics. s.--Citizens
Movement Threatens TO Bob Up Again
Mr.. MacPherson, Of the Con mittee o
Two Years Ago, Has Designs Upon th'
Entire State.
The Macpherson Letter
PORTLAND Jan. % To the Editor. J.
As q member Of the executive COMMITTED
Of the citizens movement in Multnomai
County two years ago, which resulted il
the election OF the entire ticket az nom
mated, was brought into more or les
promineDce. Very recently /, az mem
Der Of that committee, have received :
considerable number Of injuries from
persons In Portland and in other parti
OF the state, making inquiries about the
Inauguration OF such a movement dur
ing the approaching campaign, that will
embrace the entire state. To reply u
these inquiries briefly, and for the in
formation OF others interested, ask q
small amount OF space. / would say
that other gentlemen OF the citizens
movement OF two years ago and are
now compilinga a method OF campaign
which will be sent 10 interested pariie'
by circular letter. II 10 proposed "a
nominate and elect the entire state
ticket and the members OF the Legia
lAture from the ranks Of the people
without regard 30 party affiliations. The
control OF the Legislature will insure the
election OF q United States Senator who
is not addicted 10 ring rule--aomethiuR
new for Oregon.
IL cannot be disputed that the citizens
campaign Of two years ago was success
Laws we're enacted which, had they
been enforced, would have made maay
reforms In the government Of the state.
The ecitlEenB-meaning men who place
country above party-now propose TO
control tbs executive as we'll as the
legislative branch OF the government, 10
Nat whatever laws may be enacted
shall be enforced. p. A. MAcPnERsoN.
The"Movsment"is sprung in the Tele.
gram, as follows; II now seems proba-
bic that an issue will enter the state po-
lItIcAl campaign that has been taken
Into consideration by neither the Re-
publicans or the Democrats. This Ia the
so-called citizens movement that had
more or lehs to do with the nomination
ana election OF the Multnomah deleRa-
ton in the Legislature two years ago.
Partisan politicians have been aware
all along that they will have to contend
with = movement Of some kind on the
part Of organized labor, and II is pre-
sumsd they are prepared to meet the
issue, but q revival and threatened OK.
pAnsion OF what Is known as the citi
sens movement comes somewhat nthe
nature Of q surprise.
The first public intimation Of an in.
tsntion on the part Of non.psrtisans TO
interfere with state politics Is contained
In published letter from p. A. Mac
Pherson, who was a member OF the ex-
scutivs committee OF the Citizens party
In Multnomah two years ago, and who
was prominent In the management o.
the movement.
To Cover the Whole State
Mr.. MaoPherson was asked this morn
ing TO outline the details OF the proposed
state movement. He was somewhat re.
tioent and left the matter still in vague
condition. Among other things he said; I;
"Our object is TO inaugurate u move
ment covering the whole ptats, similar
70 the proposition In this county two
years ago which resulted In victory. We
propose 10 org anime In every township,
precinct aud county, and in every city
ward In the state. Our idea is TO hold
township and ward oauouses, which will
elect delegates 10 county convent
tlons. These county conventions viii
sand delegates TO state convention in
she regulation way, aud the presump
tlon is that this convention will be- held
soon after those Of the two great polni
cal parties. The state convention will
name q ticket composed OF the strongest
and best men In the state regardless OF
party affiliations, and We will obtain the
beat brains and integrity Of both par
ues."
How are you going TO keep ring poll.
tcians lTom packing aud controlling
your ward and township meetings9" was
asked, MI. MaePherson evadod an.
sWsrlns this query directly, but inu
mated that the old leaders had way
out Of this dilemma.
Endorse tue Portland HoldOyers.
He then went ON 90 say, I'VE will
undoubtedly indorse candidates, nomi-
mated by the Democratic or Republic
eau conventions, aud perhaps, some on
both tickets, Should the Democrats
name candidate for Governor who is
above rePFOaeh, We will indorse him
should the Republican candidate for
Congress meet With our views, No will
support him. aud 90 ON all the way
dowh the line"
1--WE SHALL" said Mr.. Maepherson,
pay particular attention TO the I.egis.
lature. We inlend 10 control that body,
not only because much legislation Of
reform nature is needed bat because We
pFopose 30 elect q successor 10 United
States Senator simon, We have perfect
oOnndence In the hold.oyer Senators
from hnltn0mah COanty aud viii, We
believe. elect The representatives"
Lsaders oi both the Republican and
DemocIatie parties are inclined 10 smile
over the proposed Cillsens' movement,
and predict that the approaching cam.
paiGa uill b fought cut alOns suis,