The Delta independent., 1906-10-19

date for the legislature, stands for
what the people want in legislation.
He made his views plain to the conven-
ton that nominated him. Onthe stump
he is also stating his position in PLAIN
English so that everybody knows where
he stands and what he stands for.
The Pueblo Chieftain recently sent
out lists of questions to legislative can
didates covering some important legisla-
ton that people want enacted by the
next legislature. We publish the ques-
tion's and Mr.. Vincent's reply below.
You will see that he neither dodges nor
squirms, but that he stands squarely
for needed reforms. The list of ques-
tions propounded is as follows:
First: Do you favor, and will you, II
elected, vote for a law to establish a
railway commission along the lines OF
the recently enacted federal railway
and rate regulation law!
second: Do YOU favor and will you,
IL elected, vote for direct primary law.
along the lines of the Wisconsin law.
bv which party conventions shall be
abolished and candidates for office shall
be nominated at the polls by direct vote
of the people under regulations as strict
as those applying to regular elections!
Third: Do you favor. and will you.
if elected, vote for the adoption OF the
genuine Australian ballot, by which
each voter is compelled to designate
each candidate for whom he wishes to
vote and which does away with voting
for groups of candidates under one title
party or otherwise and gets back to
the first principles Of the citizen voting
for the individual candidate?
Fourth: Do you favor, and Will you.
If elected. vote for law prohibiting:
under stringent penalties. the use oil
corporation funds in either primary or
general election and providing for the
Inspection Of all account books OF cor
porations by the attorney general OF
the state and grand juries sitting with
in the county where the principal place
of business of such corporation is To-
Gated?
Following is Mr.. Vincent's reply to
the above questions:
Paonia. Colo. Oct. 10, 1906.
Hon. |. n. Stevens, Editor Chieftain,
Pueblo. Colo:
Dear Sir:-I have yours of Sth inst.
and answer yes" to each question
asked without qualification. Your ques-
tions cover in substance the issues l
announced in the convention when
nominated.
Conditions in Colorado certainly de-
mand the establishment of a railway
commission patterned after the federal
railway commission. and direct pri-
mary election law. l believe the only
means by which the independence of
political parties in this state can be
made permanent is law under which
all nominations for state and county
offices shall be by direct vote of the
people. and nothing in my opinion will
contribute more toward raising the
efficiency and maintaining the integrity
Of public administration than the cleo
ton of men whose nominations come
direct from the people under such a
law. And will add that choice for
United States senators should be des-
ignated by direct vote. The adoption
Of ballot requiring voters to desig-
nate each candidate they desire to vote
for is of vital Importance if we desire
to substitute intelligence for blind
craftsmanship in selecting public officials.
as is also the need of a law prohibiting
the use of corporation funds in either
primary or general elections.
If am a member of the next general
assembly will vote for and use my in
fluence to obtain the enactment of laws
outlined in your letter. Yours very
truly.
MERLE ID VINCENT.