The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1906-10-18

SIlIuIlOndl amendment permitting the
election of senators by direct popular
vote. But there was no prospect that
the desired change would be brought
about in this way. Amending the
constitution in response to the reso-
lutions of state legislatures is a
clumsy and slow proceeding There
was an easier way to reach the end
which those legislatures sought. This
way has been found and used in more
than dozen states. Voters are en-
powered to name at their party pri-
maries their candidates for senate
vacancy soon to be filled, and then
the party majority in the legislature
obeys the mandate thus given at the
polls.
In Illinois, few weeks ago, the re-
publican voters of the state at their
primaries gave a majority of about
two to one for the reelection of Sen
ator Cullom, whose opponent was ex-
Governor Yates. The formal re-elec-
ton of Senator Cullom will follow. In
eleven southern states the same meth
cd has been used this year. At the
primaries in Alabama recently,
votes were cast not only for two
senators, but also for two alter
mates. Senators Pettus and Morgan
are to be reelected without opposi-
tion, but they are so old (the first be-
ing in his seth year, and the second
in his SOD that provision had to be
made for filling the place of either
if he should die or become disabled.
Mr.. Morgans term will expire in 1907;
Mr.. Pettus' in 1909. But the legisla
ture meets only once in four years,
and the people will determine now
who shall be appointed by the COVER
nor to fill any vacancy occurring when
the legislature is not in session.
At these primaries there was also
a vote for candidate for governor.
The successful man now knows whom
he must appoint if either Sena or
Morgan or Senator Pettus be removed
from his seat at Washington by dis
ability or death. In Oregon the people |
vote for senatorial candidates first |
at their party primaries, and then at
the regular state election.
While such an expression of prefer
ence is not legally binding upon a
there is no danger that |
it will be disregarded in any state
where these methods are used, for
candidates for the legislature are
pledged to carry out the wishes of !
the people as expressed at the pri- i
maries or polls
There are indications that several
other states will soon follow the ex-
ample set by those which now elect
senators in this way. We hazard the
prediction that in every state, twenty
years hence, senators (although for
Tally elected by legislatures) will
really be chosen by direct popular
vote; and it will all be done without |
the aid of constitutional amendment. |
The sooner the better. 1t is a |
change much to be desired. A can
didate for senator should go before
the people. They can not be con-
trolled by Objectionable influences to
which many legislative majority has
surrendered. Very rarely will SEN
ator chosen at the primaries repre-
sent great corporations when he is
elected, although he may enter their
service afterward A candidate ap-
pealing to the people, and not relying
upon the manipulation of few mem
bers of legislature, must commonly
stand for what he really is. and must
be publicly committed to policies which
he will not thereafter oppose. In
every way he will be closer to the
people, more in sympathy with them,
than the average senator selected by
an unrestrained legislature has been