The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1904-09-30

not the slightest obligation to any
man, or to any combination of men
In this state, to do other than that
which i shall decide to be right and
for the best interests of our state.
Wants Fullest Discussion.
Some OF the questions now being dis
cussed in political way have created
differences of opinion even among the
members OF my own party. However,
l do not regardSthis fact as misfor-
tune. l have always esteemed the Re-
publican party most because 1t con-
talns men strong in their convictions
OF right and aggressive in their efforts
10 urge such convictions upon others.
Inc radical man is of more value to
the community and state than one who
is ukewarm and Indifferent. 1t has
not been possible for me to view all
public questions through the eyes of
others, and l would scorn to make use
OF sentiments as bid for popularity
winch did not fully accept.
Stands Squarely for True Primary Re-
form.
No question has ever arisen in Mich
lgan with which / have more sincere
sympathy than the demand for honest
SAcHo anu PiOptlly COuuuCItu PR
mares. | regard the vote-buyer and
the man whose vote is brought as
even worse than other types of pub
lie criminals. Our institutions are in
danger when nominations are secured
through the expenditures of money
and when our elections are sought to
be controlled by utilization and mis-
representation. l can sincerely say
that | wish Godspeed to every man
IN our state and to every newspaper
that is sincerely endeavoring to cor
rect the abuses which have existed in
connection with primaries and cleo
lions in Michigan and elsewhere.
Though some may be moro radical
than myself in their desire for the
adoption of new methods, | am sure
that none are more earnest in rneir
Willingness to favor reforms which
will prove Of practical value and to
approve of changes which we are
convinced will be in the right direc.
ton. My party is pledged to pass
primary election law at the coming
session of the legislature and | will
do my best to see to 1t that that
pledge is fulfilled. l have made the
statement many times and wish to
primary election law it seems best to
the representatives selected by the
people OF Michigan to pass at their
next session will receive my sigma
ture. l have given the subject of
primary election laws as much con.
sideration perhaps as any other man
in the state, and through such con.
sideration | have become convinced
Z would 40 ie
to sweep from our statute books all
laws now in existence providing for
political conventions. I am told, my
conviction. will cause me the loss of
votes at the coming election, but |
would not deserve the vote Of any
honest man if | did not frankly ex.
press my sincere belief on this and
every other subject. am sure il
those who are most radical on this
subject would give to it the time and
investigation which | have sought to
give, If they would inform themselves
as to the experiences of other states,
IL they would study the practical as
we'll as the ideal possibilities of the
change they invoke, even though they
might not fully agree with me, they
would become convinced as to the
sincerity of my positionN but l fully
agree with the demand for change and
improvement and even should the
change go so far as to leave no
vestige Of present methods, l would
still deem it my duty to meet the
of my party as indicated
in the action of the peoples represent
tatives and to assist by my signature
the enactment into law of whatever
legislation concerning primary cleo
tons the next legislature shall see fit
to pass.
Servant of the People, Not a Boss.
L desire, and expect, to be the ser.
want OF the people, not political boss
Or a party dictator. l have my per.
sonal convictions on public affairs and
shall endeavor to intellige1tly adj
vance them. The several years of my
political experience have given me in
formation as to our state institutions
and the general course of state affairs
which l believe can be made valuable
to the state and its people, In the
past nave sought to be economical in
the expenditure of public funds and |
shall be even more so If given higher
power and greater authority to urge
ouCn VIEWS.
Honest, Sincere Service as Governor.
AS ! said little while ago. am
sorry 1t Is not In my power to make an
,ration, to charm you with graceful
public speaking. l have tried, however.
IN these plain words to let you know
as to the kind of favor | most seek
and as to the influences | will be most
,bedient to. The Fred Warner Won
have known and have befriended all
-hese years will be the Fred Warner
who is governor of Michigan, if the
people of this state see fit to elect me.
md | promise to you and to all whose
,avor | seek and expect, that the
power behind me as governor of Mich.
gan. which will hold as most worthy
If attention and respect, will be the
good will and esteem of not only NV
political friends but of our political on.
,onents as well, to be gained and held
through honest, sincere service rem.
Tered in behalf of all the people of
,ur state. l am proud of Michigan
proud of its history and proud of its
present, and IL elected governor of
Michigan, as fully expect to be. will
sndeavor to see to it that no act of
nine shall lessen that pride which ex.
SITS In the minds of all our states true
'ons and daughters.