The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1904-08-12
WARMERS POSITION
Stands for the Peoples Desires IN
Regard to Primary Reform.

Candidate Fred M. Warner has given
his announcement on the subject of
primary reform. In reply to letter
written by Roy S. Barnhart, president
of the State League of Republican
Clubs, Mr.. Warner declares that he
stands ready to aid in every possible
way to give effect to the public desire
for such changes in our caucus laws as
may be desired by the people. Mr.
Barnhart's letter expressed the complete
satisfaction of the State League of Re-
publican clubs with candidate and plat
form. Mr.. Warmers reply is as follows:
Pennington, Mich, July 1S.
Mr.. Roy S. Barnhart, President State
League of Republican Clubs, Grand
Rapids, Mich.
My Dear Sir-Your kind letter of
July Is has just been received and read
with much interest. While there has
been some difference of opinion among
my friends upon the question of the ex-
tent to which our party should be COM
mitted upon the subject of primary re-
form, there has never been any ques-
ton as to the advisability of enacting
such legislation as will prevent fraud
and unfairness in the preliminary cam
paign for the selection by the party or
ganization of candidates for public
office
I am in perfect sympathy and accord
with the desire to give to the people the
largest measure of responsibility in
public affairs. have unbounded faith
in the loyalty and patriotism of the
people of our state and shall always
stand ready, either in public or private
life, to aid in every possible way in Civ
ing effect to the public desire for such
changes in our caucus laws as may be
desired on the part of electors.
Should be elected governor of Mich
igan, shall go into that Office absolute
ly untrammeled, with no promises to
redeem except such as have been made
by my party in state convention and
contained in the platform upon which I
was nominated
1t will be a pleasure for me to use my
best efforts to the end that legislation
may be enacted, calculated in every
way to safeguard the public interest
and insure to the voter the enjoyment
of all the rights of citizenship; and l
should also consider it a privilege to
approve any legislation looking toward
the fulfillment of party promises along
the line of primary reform.
During the discussion by the commit
tee the proposition was made to embody
in the resolutions indorsing primary re-
form the following provision:
We further believe it wise and desir-
able that all caucuses and primaries re-
lating to the selection of delegates to
state conventions should be held upon
the same day, and recommend to the
incoming legislature the adoption of
such law with proper details for its
satisfactory enforcement.
At that time, as before, urged that
it was both wise and desirable that such
specific declaration should be made.
1 feel very grateful to the republicans
of Michigan for the evidence of their
regard manifested by my unanimous
nomination for governor and I shall
endeavor to reflect honor upon the COM
monwealth if the choice is ratified at
the polls. Such conversative, practical
and effective legislation as may be nee
essary to secure the absolute purity of
the ballot and maintaining the highest
honor in public affairs shall be my con-
slant aim. With great respect, am,
Yours very truly,
FRED M. WARNER,