The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1907-12-28
WHAT is THE MATTER WITH
THE OREGONIAN?

What is the matter with the Orego-
niah, is remark heard in many quar-
tiers since that paper announced that
it would no longer feel obliged to sup
port the republican party in Oregon
but that it would hold itself independ-
ent and be locker ion." This an
houncement, coming on the eve of a
campaign has considerable signifi-
canoe to those who have watched the
course of politics in the state of Ore
gon. The staunch old republican paper
has been commended by many for the
stand it has taken while others have
condemned it for what they call it's
pessimism. Many are wondering what
the announcement means and what is
going to happen.
The announcement of Senator c.. w.
Fulton as candidate to succeed nim-
self in the United States senate and
the withdrawal of several other cam
didates will, in the minds Of many,
help TO clear the atmosphere of mys-
terry surrounding the position taken by
the Oregonian, and it is predicted that
before many days the Oregonian will
be heard from again and ther. the rea-
son for its independent attitude will be
apparent.
1t is hardly to be presumed that the
Oregonian. under any circumstances.
would support Charlie Fulton, even if
he should secure the support of the
majority of republicans at the coming
primaries. With the Oregonian still
enlisted in the republican ranks and
Fulton nominated by the people for
the United States senate, the Portland
morning paper could hardly consist
emily fight the nominee of the party.
Then there are other politicians be-
longing to the same faction with which
Fulton is said TO have been identified,
who will probably be candidates and
may secure nominations. and it is a
safe bet that the Oregonian would not
care to support them as the party can
didates.
The Oregonian has taken the posi-
ton, with considerable justification.
that the nominees under the direct
primary are not the choice of the ma
Jorlty or tne party but may be mi
nority candidates in every particular.
1t holds that the direct primary has
practically done away with party poll
itics. Although ever advocating the
principles of the republican party the
Oregonian refuses to be tied to candi-
dates 1t does not consider the choice
of the party and that it does not con-
slider proper men to fill the offices they
are seeking.
With many there is a feeling that
the Oregonian is freeing itself from
the party lines in order to be in a po-
sition to do battle against the poll
ticians allied with the ring that con-
trolled the affairs of that state for
some time, and there is every reason
to believe that the senator from As
AZ AN - SlStNSO dS bciH2 one OF the
enemy
II will be remembered that when
Fulton was elected to the senate the
direct primary in Oregon was not in
effect in its present form However.
there was provision for the electors
expressing their choice by ballot. for
their preference fer United States
senator and Fulton was not in the
running. T. T. Geer. according to the
hHl'"-r cast h- the people. received the
domination but was turned down By
the legislature
At the same session Harvey W. Scott.
editor Of the Oregonian. was a can
didate for the senate and was pre-
snmed 10 have the support of the Multi
nomah crowd. However Charlie Full
ton entered the race in the legislature
and after the clock had been turned
back on the last night of the session.