The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1906-11-01
The Removal of the Circle

The Circle was put upon the Aus
tralian ballot in Iowa for the purpose
OF encouraging the voting of the
straight ticket. The theory was that
after nominations were made the voter
would have the tickets of three or more
parties to choose from and could afford
To vote straight, thus reducing his own
labor and .the labor of the return
ing boards. Under the old law
80 per cent of all the ballots crst
were straight tickets for one party
or another. Inasmuch as it is conceded
that general primary election law will
be enacted, there is an additional
reason for voting the straight ticket
and for continuing the circle which
would enable that to be done. If
primary elections are not to decide any
thing. what would be the use in holding
them? With so per cent of the voters
voting the straight ticket there remain
ed but 20 per cent in doubt, thus
materially reducing the uncertainty of
the campaign. With the circle re-
moved it would appear to be unneces-
sary to have primary elections or
conventions, leaving every voter to
vote for individuals as may suit his
whim.
The circle was put upon the ballot in
the interest Of the republican party.
Its enactment was defended on the
ground that the triumph of the republi-
can party was absolutely necessary for
the welfare of the state and country
1t was also enacted that though a man
had half dozen nominations his name
could appear on the official ballot but
once. That enactment was in the
interest of the republican party and it
was made necessary by the fusion
between the democratic and populist
parties. While the circle was being
removed this other enactment might as
well have been repealed, thus giving
out another invitation for the destruct-
ion of the republican party.
The Circle" operated to help men
who had secured nominations after
bitter fights in their parties. The
circle enabled man to vote for some
one whom he did not like, without
seemingly taking affirmative action.
The circle made the voter forget his
enemies in the interest OF his party.
The circle pulled many county ticket
through. Eighty per cent of all the
county officers in the state are republi-
cans. Hundreds of county officers are
nominated for reelection, and they
must stand as individuals and answer
all the petty mean things that are said
against them. A county treasurer who
is renominated cannot go out and say
to republicans that you must help me
in order to help the party For the
Smith bill has made voting nonpar tisan.
No man can predict the result as
relates to any candidate since the re-
moval of the circle. Senator Smith and
his faction united with the democrats
and made this change in the ballot law
of the state. Thus was introduced
new element OF discord in our political
affairs. Senator Smith said that he
desired to promote Independent voting
for the good of the state, but republi-
cans formerly thought straight republic
can ballots were for the good Of the
state.-Des Moines Capital.
What comment on a free ballot.
The Capital editor seems to have a
contempt and distrust of the people,
hence he approves legislation that
would aid his party, and make elections
farce. Why have elections if voters
are only to register the will of the
bosses. The circle off the ballot means
that the voters will register their own
will. 1t means that the people, who
are the source of all power, will use
that power for the good Of all the
people.