Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1904-09-30

Some OF the questions now being dis
cussed In political way have created
differences OF opinion even among the
members or my own party. However,
| do not regard this fact as misfor'
tune. | have always esteemed the lie
publican party most because IL con
tains men strong in their convictions
of right and aggressive in their efforts
To urge such convictions upon others.
The radical man is of more value IL
the community and state than one who
Is lukewarm and Indifferent. IL has
not been possible for me to view all
public questions through the eyes OF
others. and | would scorn TO make use
Of sentiments as bid for popularity
which ] did not fully accept.
Stands squareIy for True Primary Re
form.
No question has ever arisen in Mich
igan with which | have more sincere
sympathy than the demand for honest
elections and properly conducted prl'
maries. | regard the yote-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 %
be controlled by vilifcation and mis-
representation. | can sincerely say
that | wish Godspeed to every man
in our state and 10 every newspaper
that is sincerely endeavoTing to cor
rect the abuses which have existed in
connection with primaries and cleo
tons in Michigan and elsewhere.
Though some may be more radical
than myself in their desire for the
adoption of new methods, | am sure
that none are more earnest in their
Willingness TO favor reforms which
viii prove OF practical value and TO
approve of changes which we are
convinced Will be in the right direc.
zion. My pary is pledged TO pass a
primary election law at the coming
session OF the legislature and | will
do my best to see to II that that
pledge is fulfilled. | have made the
statement many times and wish TO
repeat il here. that whatever effective
primary election law IL seems best to
the representatives selected by the
people of Michigan to pass at their
next session will receive my sigma
tuie. ] have given the subject of
primary election laws as much con-
sideratiOn perhaps as any other man
in the state. and through such con.
sidCratiOn have become convinced
that il would be unwise, at this time
10 sweep from our statute books all
laws now in existence providing for
political conventions. am told my
friends, that the possession OF such a
conviction Will cause me the loss OF
votes al the coming election. but
would not deserve the vote Of any
. a
press my sincere belief on this and
every other subject. am sure il
those who are most radical on this
subject would give 10 IL the time and
investigation which | have sought to
give. il they would inform themselves
as TO the experiences of other states.
If 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 10 the
sincerity OF my position, but | fully
agree with the demand for change and
improvement and even should the
change 20 50 far ms 10 leave no
vestige OF present methods, | would
still deem il my duty 10 meet the
expectations of my party as indicated
in the action of the peoples represen.
tatiVes and to assist by my signature
the enactment into law of whatever
legislation concerning primary cleo
lions the next legislature shall see fit
10 pass.
Servant Of the People, Not Boss.
| desire, and expect, TO be the ser.
want of the people, not a political boss
/ or party dictator have my per
sonal convictions on public affairs and
shall ondcaVOr TO intelligently adj
vance them. The several years Of nv
political experience have given me in.
formation as 10 our state institutions
and the general course OF state affairs
which | believe can be made valuable
TO the state and its people In the
past have sought to be economical in
the expenditure OF public funds and |
shall be even more so il given higher
power and greater authority TO urge
such views.
Honest. Sincere Service as Governor.
AS | said a little while ago. | am
sorry II is not in my power TO make an
Grafton, 10 charm you with graceful
public speaking. | have tried. however.
in these plain words 10 let you know
as 10 the kind of favor | most seek
and as to the influences will be most
ODedlenf 10. ne Fred Warner Won
have known and have befriended ell
these years will be the Fred Warner
who is governor Of Michigan. if the
people Of this state see ft 10 elect me.
and | promise 10 you ana 10 all whose
favor | seek and expect, that the
power behind me as governor of Mich
igan. which will hold as most worthy
of attention and respect, will be the
good will and esteem of not only nv
political friends but OF our political op-
ponents as we'll to be gained and held
| through honest. sincere service rem
dered i'm behalf OF all the people of
our state. am proud OF Michigan.
proud of its history and proud OF its
present. and if elected governor OF
Michigan as I'fully expect 10 be. will
| endeavor to see TO il that no act OF
mine shall lessen that pride which ex.
lists i'm the minds of all our states true
sons and daughters.
HAVEN'T HEARD OF THESE.
In their jealous efforts TO seek ont