The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1906-10-18
Has Already Been Submitted.

"The Argus-Leader believes the
voters should pass upon the question. "
The kittredge mouth piece at Sioux
Falls is opposed to having the coming
state legislature pass primary cleo
ton law without first submitting the
question 10 the voters OF the common
wealth, but is the A-G sincere in the
matter?
First allow us 3, call attention to
the fact that two years ago the people
by petition, which was declared to be
in legal form and having the required
number OF signatures, asked the legis-
lature to submit this self same ques-
ton to the voters. The lower house
passed such bill as requested by the
petitioners, but when it came up in
the senate that body, being controlled
by Senator A. b. kittredge, killed the
measure, for had it passed and the
people sustained it at the election next
November, Mr.. kittredge was we'll
aware tUdt WHtu MS DhiIIc was pre-
scented for reelection to the position OF
l.. s. senator he would stand slim
show OF being endorsed, owing to his
recent unsavory record both in regard
to his manipulation of state politics,
warping the better efforts Of the state
educational institutions, and also his
opposition to the policy OF the presi-
dent OF the United States.
During the memorable session OF
the legislature OF two years ago the
Argus-L Leader was not in favor OF hav-
ing the primary bill submitted to the
people at all. According to that paper
the people didn't want such a law.
The A-G will have no difficulty in re-
calling the howl OF indignation that
went up when the voters OF this state
found that the senate had killed the
bill. During the spring campaign the
chief efforts OF the machine were
directed in the endeavor OF trying to
educate the people against the primary
law and in favor OF the miserable sub
stitute which had been given the
voters. 1t will also be remembered
that every inch OF ground was con-
tested over this one main question
which was particularly distasteful to
the Kittredge- Crane element and no
stone was left unturned in the attempt
to stay the onward march OF the voters
who were determined to have hand in
the election OF men who were to repre-
sent them in the U. s. senate as we'll
as to have first voice in the selection
OF all state and county officers. What
was the RESULT Was it not overwhelm-
ingly in favor OF the primary? In the
majority OF counties delegates to the
state convention were instructed to
vote for the adoption OF plank in the
state platform declaring in favor OF
the primary election law and this, it
would seem, ought to be sufficient
evidence that the people have already
decided the matter and that there is no
reason for making an additional ex-
pense by submitting the question to
another vote.
Pardon us, but we do not believe
that the Argus-Leader is sincere in the
matter. 1t openly declares that it is
opposed to the measure, what then
would be more natural than for it to
attempt to delay proceedings? The
fact OF the matter is that the A-G has
no interest in the primary law further
than its interest in the reelection OF
Senator Kittredge and we do not be-
lieve the people are so taken up with
him that they will sidetrack every
other interest in order to give him a
chance to get in his work on another
legislature. The Argus Leader might
better devote its energy in some other
direction as the primary bill will GER
tainly be passed this coming winter
and the voters will then decide for
themselves what the policy OF the par
ty shall be and not have to grovel at
the behest OF self-constituted boss
whose greatest aim is to perpetuate
himself in Office and to aid his bench
men in their efforts to belittle the rank
and file OF the party who do not coin
eide with their views.