The independent., 1907-01-31
MUCH DOUBT AS TO SCOPE
MEMBERS DECLARE SOME BILL
WILL BE PASSED, HOWEVER,.
Resolution Committing Them to
~ Statewide Proposition Not
Entertained by
ChNirma m.

There was some interesting direct pri-
mary talk Monday night before the joint
committee of the legislature appointed
to draft primary bill. Taking for
granted that the bill would be passed,
a number of prominent Nebraskans
addressed the legislators on the provi-
s1ons OF such q measure, bringing out
interesting repartee that may serve as
an indication as to how the members
stand. While there was an obvious de-
sire to avoid the question Of the scope
of the primary bill, this question
cropped out from time to time and fin
ally Representative McMullen, chair
man, addressed the committee on his
views which are not for the more pro-
gressive measure. Mr.. McMullen, how
ever, stated that he would vote for a
primary bill and If the legislature
should decide upon one Of statewide
effect, he would vote for it, AT the out
set of the meeting Mr.. McMullen ruled
out Of order q resolution that the COM
mittee draft a bill in accordance with
the platforms of the three leading po-
litical parties and an appeal from his
decision was not sustained by the COM
mittee.
Mr.. Browns Resolution.
Representative e. P. Brown of Ian
caster, moved the adoption Of the res
olution as follows
Whereas, The republican state plat
form Of 1906 declares:
owe demand that the next legisla-
ture enact direct primary law pro-
viding for the nomination of all state,
county and district officers, including
congressman and United States sena-
tors, by direct vote,' and
Whereas, The democratic state
platform of 1906 declares:
eve will pass comprehensive di-
rect primary law for the whole state
under which party candidates for all
offices shall be nominated by the direct
vote of the people, and.
Whereas, The populist state plat
form Of 1906 declares:
".We favor the enactment of pri-
mary law for the nomination of all
public officers be 1t
Resolved, That this committee
deems it it's duty to formulate bill
providing for statewide primary elec-
tions for all political parties to nomin-
ate state, county, district and munich
pal officers, including United states
senators, by direct vote"
Chairman McMullen ruled the reso-
luton out of order holding that the
meeting had been called for the pur-
pose of hearing expressions OF sentl-
ment from outsiders and that no ac-
ton Of the committee was contemplate
ed
Dodge of Douglas appealed from the
decision of the chair and he and Mr..
Brown were the only members who
voted not to sustain the chairs ruling.
Victor Rosewater of Omaha was
called for.
Views of Victor IrOsewater.
Mr.. Rosewater said he did not wish
to cover the entire primary question
: would give the result of the ex-
pertinent in Douglas county. He ad-
vised that the bill be simple In verb
iage. that the dates of party elections
be rixed, that provision for rapid can
yassing be made. that special pains
should be made not to tie up the re-
suit of the election though giving a
reasonable chance Of appeal
Mr.. Rosewater said it was easy to
secure petitions TO become a candi-
date. lie never had heard OF candl-
date who failed 10 get ON ticket bee
cause unable TO secure a petition lie
,sa- Inclined 10 favor "A small Zee.
Unqualified opposition was expressed
against the rotating ballot, favored by
Mr. Dodge. lie favored drawing NAMES
OF candidates by lot and placing thcm
on tho ballot in order drawn, number
Ing names Of candidates.
Penalties that now apply 70 regula'
tlon III elections. providing against pay
ing people tn run for office or TO get
OF the ticket, MIR Rose water favored,
Tho time for withdrawal from the
ticket should be carefully fixed, Rep
reaeutatlon for tho party organization
by senatorial districts. ho thought Was
reasonably fair with voting district
organization within the county,
Members Of the state central commit
tees should be voted for as Well IA deie-
Eatns fov national conventions whose
credentials are expected a month be-
fore The meeting.