The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-11-23
LA TOILETTE
SCANS THE FUTURE
Presidential Candidates May One
Day Be Chosen by Direct
Vote Of People.
Special to The Journal.

Special to The Journal.
Madison, Wis, Nov. 2s-'tThe peo-
pie of the United States are not in the
habit Of choosing their candidates. for
election,' said Governor La Toilette, to-
H'You ask me whether I will be can
didate for president four years from
now. It is a subject that 1 had never
thought Of, and know the voters, the
rying with respect to events so far in
ADVANCE
"But, governor, you have. seen the
published statements and interviews
that you would make good presidential
timber four years hence9'
"Oh, yes; things similar to that are
said and published about every success
issue, and who has reputation Of fight
ing his own battles, but that does not
make him a candidate for president.
"There are many powerful influences
in this country which appear to think
they have more to say about the choice
the people themselves have. Perhaps
the candidate for president will some
day be chosen by some sort Of direct
vote of the people SO that manhood
suffrage will be a bigger factor in the
choice of the right man for candidate
TOT Cne presidency IMAM Lne 1nIeresCs
which have been known to influence
caucuses and conventions in the differ
ent states, sometimes, even contrary to
the will Of the very people who selected
the delegates. ii l14ra
1T have had troubles of my own in
trying to secure the adoption of the
Australian ballot system for all primary
nate improper, influences and practices
from the control of caucuses and con-
ventions under the old system. I am
not at present seeking further political
trouble, and four years is a long look
ahead; Suppose we let all the bridges
| 20 until we come to Them ,f.se >
| Future Of stalwartism.
>"Governor, what do you think will
become Of the, so!caned stalwart party
! in WiscOnsin9'
| cit looks to me as if the reason for
its existence had passed away. It was
organized, originally, solely as a per
sonal protest against me and the princi-
| pies Of reform that I represent by Ger.
tain so-cailed vested interests in Wis.
J consin. These interests were mainly
who receive RAILROAD favors and rebates
"They had been in the habit fol-
years Of controlling both by direct and
indirect means the party leaders in the
dominant party in Wisconsin, and thru
them, by the use of railroad passes an6
large campaign fund contributions, the
caucuses and conventions. Thus these
interests managed to secure their OWL
candidates for office and to run the
political machinery of the state.
"This condition of affairs now is hap
PLY ended. The primary election law
has been adopted by popular vote. The
only excuse remaining for the exist
ence Of stalwartism is a purely persona
dislike for me, one of the prime movers
for these reforms.
"The stalwarts have twice repudi
ated the commands laid down by repub
lican state platforms thru the power
they gained in controlling the state sen
ate. This time the republicans elected
a clear majority in both branches of the
legislature, and think this time the
republicans will elect United States
senator and carry thru the reform legis
lation called for in the state platform
His Mission to the Roads.
"Governor, what are your aims rela
tive to the railroads in your state9'
"Simply to eliminate them as cor
~ Gin An n