Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-11-08
If Biennial Elections Amend
ment Fails, Several Undesir-
able Things Will Happen
CAMPAIGN WOULD START UP
Politics Will Break Out Afresh All
Over the State and Absorb Much
Attention During the Winter-Many
Names Of Probable Candidates For
Governor Already Suggested.
to rfmes-Republican

Special to Times Republican
Des Moines, Nov. 8.--Despite that
many have decried the attempts to
make an interesting question out Of the
biennial elections amendment there Is
no doubt that good deal Of nervous
ness exists in regard to the question.
A great many persons are watching
carefully for the returns on this
and unless the vote is ov-
erwhelming one way it may be some
time before the results are known. The
belief prevails here that the amend
ment will be carried. The fact Of the
endorsement of the measure by 10000
four years ago, is Of itself
a good starter. But that which causes
most concern is the fact that in case
the amendment fails then the campaign
for state and county offices will be-
gin Immediately for the next round.
II the amendment fails, here are some
Of the things that will happen:
The campaign of 1905 will open at
once in Iowa.
Planning for the start in the guber-
Material race will be under way as soon
as the result is announced.
Planning for the contest for the leg
islature will begin at the same time.
Politics will break out afresh all over
the state and absorb much attention
during the winter.
There Is no doubt that great many
are watching the vote on the amend
ment with this in view. Inside OF three
some of the conventions and
caucuses will be called and announce
mnts will have been made OF candi-
dacies. About dozen names have been
suggested OF probable candidates for
governor. The field Is sure to be large
1t will be to large extent the fight
over again of three years ago, with
some variations, but probably with
quite as much earnestness and zeal as
was manifested at that time.
One thing will be changed in state
elections If the amendment carries
which will have material effect upon
the supreme court. Instead of there
being one judge elected every year.
there will be two judges elected at each
election. The grouping will be that of
Sherwin and McClain. of Weaver and
Ladd and of Bishop and Deemer. The
terms of Judges Sherwin, Weaver and
Bishop will be extended each one year.
peculiar result might follow. The
law raising the salaries of the supreme
Judges provided that their salaries
shall not be increased until they are re-
elected. Bishop and Ladd now get the
higher pay. But the terms of sherwan
and Weaver would be extended a year,
thus making each one wait year long
ar for the increase Of pay desired.
The district judges are not affected by
The amendment.
good deal has been said about the
,noendment having nothing to do with
he senatorial situation In Iowa. some
might be worth wnile IN
his connection. With the amendment
1efeated and the regular order going
m the successor to Senator Dolliver
win be elected by the legislature which
s elected in 1905 and meets in Janu-
,rv. 1906. The term Of Mr.. Dolliver
,xnires March 4 1907. But ID the a.
rend1nent prevafls then the present
legislature meets In January, 1905. and
me vet to be elected meets in Janu-
,ry, 1907. The last named one would
,e in session when the senatorial term
expires. Now which one OF these
general assemblies would elect the
senator? What is to prevent the pres
mt general assembly from proceeding
n January, 1906, with the election of a
senator lust as have other legislatures
n the past in the even numbered
ears? The amendment does not 1nda-
ate anything to the contrary. Or
yo,lld the present general assembly re-
or that task to the legislature which !
meets less than so days before the end
# the natorial term? 1t Is also note |
worthy that the amendment extends
he terms Of all the members, both OF |
he house and senate one year each.
,he terms of those senators who were
elected last year will be by the amend
nent extended TO five years instead OF
our, and they Will be members OF the
General assembly which meets IN jan
'ary 1907, but will be succeeded by
.thers in January, 1909.
Will the fine weather make a heavy
ote or a light vote? Opinions differ.
good many farmers have been say
l.g that the weather in Iowa was too
arm for corn husking. 1t is charac-
.ristic of the average farmer that he
,es not want to get into his cornfields
ntil the cold weather comes Good
Gather is quite as apt to bring out
big vote as poor weather, and the
tay at home vote of the farm ele-
ert Will not be materially affected by
nshine.
John A Kasson, who has returned to
es Moines to vote for the first time |
many years is looking fine for man |
his age. He states that he still
a warm place in his heart for Iowa
= Fowa peoole. and he has always re-
,arded himself resident OF the state.