The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1907-01-19
SENATORS BY DIRECT VOTE.

In republican form of government. the neonla
are moro nearly masters of their own destin, than
under any other form When thp United States
government founded it was provided in the
constitution that the members of the upper branch
of congress should be selected bv the legislatures
OF the states and that the house of representatives
should be elected by the people Thus while the
people had direct control over the house the fonn
uerS or the government, realizing the experimental
nature of the democracy they were establishing.
placed the senate in position to check any sud
den or lmpulsive action by the representatives of
the people hundred and fifty years ago there
may have been good and logical reasons for this
difference In the methods of selecting the members
TO the two houses, but the people have grown in
Intelligence and capacity for self government: the
popular form of government is no longer an cv.
pertinent, and broadening of the popular control
Is but natural sequence of these things.
By usurpation and through its solidarity and
control of federal patronage the senate has at
tanned powers of legislation not contemplated by
the creators of the government Then too the
method of selecting senators by legislatures has
most pernicious effect the governments of the
states Through the control of well-paid govern
ment positions, senatorial machines arc built ND
IN the states, and members friendly to certain
mans senatorial candidacy rather than for their
worth and ability to take care of the states bns
ness are elected to the legislatures Defying the
powers of the senatorial machine, others with am
bition and money deliberately and disgracefully
misuse their means to accomplish their own cleo
ton or some others defeat, and campaigns whose
foundation rests on debauchery are fought. not ON
state issues, not on any administrative policy
but on who shall control the majority of votes for
United States senator. For years it has been rec
ognzed throughout the country that wealth has
become influential factor in the choosing of the
various states representatives in the senate
AS result of all this chicanery, the quality of
the craftsmanship in the senate has weofully de-
Perforated, while the delegated powers of that
branch of the government remote from direct con-
troll of the people, have increased 1t is situation
that every patriotic citizen should endeavor to nit
igate. Not only that may have state legisla-
lures elected to attend strictly state affairs not
only that the legislators may be saved the democrat
izing influence due to senatorial elections not only
that the 'highest legislative body in the world"
may be relieved of the odum attaching to some
of its members by reason Of their dishonest cleo
ton, but that the senate may become more respon-
sive to the demands of the people, the election of
United States senator's by direct vote is earnestly
advocated
The result of a constitutional amendment pro-
viding for this change might not be altogether as
satisfactory in its workings is anticipated but
the tendency of government not only in America.
but throughout the civilized world. is to get back
to the people. 1t is a natural tendency-an evil
dence of growth-and will sooner or later, result
i'll more perfect government of the people, by
the people and for the people.