Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-10
Instruction by Primary.
The New York Evening Post says:

Senator Cullom's victory in the Illinois
primaries on Saturday has one special in
terest in connection with the direct nomina-
tons agitation. OF course. as regards the
senatorshtp. the vote was merely an 'ex-
preston of preference which the repub-
llcan members of the legislature may dis
regard If they choose. But Cullons return
helps to show the fallacy of the notion that
direct nominations necessarily bring to the
front candidates of a fiashy, inferior sort.
JEFF Davis of Arkansas and Fiddling Bob
Taylor, succeeding the ex-confederate SOL
der. Berry and the caustic debater, Car
mack, have been spoken of the type
which the direct primary brings into poll
ties Now, Gov. Yates may with no disre-
spect be said to be very much nearer that
kind than Senator Cullom. None could be
farther from it. In fact. than the latter.
Yet the republican voters of Illinois In
dorsed their venerable senator just as
heartily as would any state convention or
uninstructed legislature. Mr.. Cullom Is the
ninth senator of the 1918 class already NOM
mated by direct vote or by convention.
Bailey was the one before him. These two
can certainly endure comparison with most
of their colleagues chosen in the old way
and go far to offset the triumph of Davis
and Taylor"
The result as 1t affects the senatorship, Is
much more than IAN expression of prefer
ence." 1t operates as positive instruction.
and the republican members OF the legisla-
ture may not disregard 1t IL they
choose" A republican member who should
cast his vote against Mr.. Cullom would
stand disgraced before his constituency and
the country and might find 1t advisable not
to return home. His case would not diner
In character from that Of presidential
elector who should vote against his party's
candidate. The instruction In the one In
stance Is as positive as in the other. and in
both instances 1t Is absolutely binding. For
this reason those who favor the election of
senators by a direct vote feel that the ques-
ton has practically been solved without
changing the Constitution.
1t Is a mistake to class Mr.. Taylor with
Mr. Davis. The Tennesseean both wins and
loses by his joviality and comedy. He Is
more than a storytelier and fiddler He has
moments of seriousness. and possesses
much valuable information, and has &C.
quilted himself well In several high offices.
He should acquit himself well in the Senate.
His canvass against Mr.. Carmack was far
above the variety show stage. and IL his
discussion of public questions was not
soaked in acidity or decorated with cpl
grams 1t was yet not all honey and humor.
AS senators go, Mr.. Taylor should hold his
own with ease in the company he will
meet.
No means are available which would in
sure in every contest the best man for the
senatorial office. Local conditions must al
ways be taken into account. Sometimes
they favor. and sometimes not, wisdom in
the selection. What the primary plan in
sures is selection after the people have
heard directly from the aspirants by letters.
or interviews. speeches. The people rule,
or should rule. and If at any time for any
cause they put a commission into inferior
hands they in the end pay the penalty. The
Culloms and the Baileys. as the Evening
Post seems to feel. will always greatly out
number the Davises in popular contests
where the issues are we'll presented and the
people in a humor for intelligent decision.