The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-12-16

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of the representative method OH nomin-
ating except these two evils.
What is the best available remedy
against these two evils, remedy that
will be better and not worse than the
disease?
In considering any change in our nom-
mating system, we must not lose sight Of
some of the fundamental principles. which
everyone must admit should be sacredly
safe-guarded and protected What are
they? -:
1st: That the nominee for any Office
should be the choice Of a majority and
not Of a mere plurality Of electors of the
party for which he stands.
illustrations: Suppose A, BIC and ID
are candidates for their party nomination
for the position OF County Auditor. A
has 1000 supporters, B, 800, c, 800 and
ID, 100, Total, -34O0 "A therefore,sis the
choice OF less than one third 'ofthe vot-
ers ofhis party. Now, it may be tina, the
24OO supporting B, e and D would not
under any circumstances support A; but
that the whole 34Oo supporters, If they
had an op. ortunity to express second
choice might unite on B, c or D, or even
upon new candidate. The nomination
Of A by only 1000 cut of 34OO electors,
migGt'insure defeat Of the party candi-
date, while the nomination OF one or
other person agreed upon, by exercis-
ing IA second choice. might assure abso-
lutte success. Would it not be polilic.-l
injustice therefore. to compel the party
to accept A as its candidate with only
1000 supporters, against the earnest wish
es of the Other 2iOO supporters of the
party? 1t must be conceded therefore.
that ANY primary election law which
makes the person having a mere plural
ity the nominee of Il party is not to be
desired. -
2nd; That the nomination of any pol.
itical candidate should be made exclus-
lively by the electors of that political par
ty.
Illustration: The very proposition
proves itself. Under the Constitution,
no man can be deprived of his right to
vote at Caucus or primary election and
to change his mind between that time
and the general election and vote against
the very party he assisted in nominating.
| l., therefore, one-third or any number OF
the Democrats in any county deem 1t ex-
pedient that they take part in assisting
the Republicans in making their nomin.
ations, there can be no law framed which
will prevent them from voting agains,
him at the election. The fact that this
rule would work both ways would bu,
aggrava e aad not remedy the wrong.
3rd: That the nomination of any can.
didate should represent the best judg.
,nent Of the party based upon a knowl.
edge of the qualifications and character
Of the several candidates.
1t may be stated as a rule, that the de.
lgree of honesty among people of all pro-
LESSONS, business and occupations is
about the same. That therefore. when
the electors nf any voting precinct elect
delegates to attend a county or other
convention, such de. egates represent the
average honesty. integrity and patriot.
! ism Of the people who elect them. We
i need go no further.
i So far, therefore, as their honesty OF
patriotism goes, we may cay that the
delegates are no better qualified to pass
Judgment Lpon candidates than the gen,
Ieral mass ofthe electors, themselves
And, if the extent and scope Of the
knowledge and acquaintance Of all eli
ecto's in q precinct or county or state
were exactly the same, or even neari,
the same, then there would be no neces
!, sity tor calling in representa,ives 10 MAKE
nomination, or even . necessity for {
primary election; Int all candidates
/, could te voted for at q siLgle election. !:
But conditions in this world ase such
that the extent, the scope Of knowledgs
and acquaintance Of people over grea
]. area VI country are not the same.
very large proportion otthe electors ID !.
voting precinct often have very little 8
4 mo acquaintance with the candidates "a
county Offices. owing "a lack Or oppostu