Arizona republican., 1908-01-30
WHAT ARIZONA MAY GAIN
 Al THE CONVENTION
The Views of Former Councilman kersting on Instructed Delegations.

| To the Editor of The Republican, Sir: To instruct or not to instruct: that is the question.
 l hear great deal about instructing the delegates to the National Republi- can Convention to be held at Chicago. Now why should they be instructed, and by whom instructed?
 The voter at the primaries votes for
 men or candidates who represent his views; the voter certainly does not in
 struct, and at elections the voter is
 governed by what the man represents
 and the platform; again no instruc-
 tions; If such were not the case we
 would not have any political parties,
 Cor factions in parties) and platforms
 would be superflUOus.
 How could a delegate be instructed
 by the sovereign under our system of representative government?
 It is reasonable to suppose, that the people of Arizona will elect delegates, whether to a county or territorial con- vention, who will represent their views, and the convention in turn will select delegates to the National convention who will reflect the wishes of the peo- IAts lul NlltN NFlt . tltNltb Dg lilt IfbHlt- and are a part of the people. Then why and by whom should delegates be instructed? It appears to me that to instruct a delegation is not the high est type of politics.
 l do not believe that Arizona was Treated right by the national commit tee in giving but two delegates but if it Of as formerly, six delegates, but if it is proper to instruct, they builded wis CT than they knew. They ought to have given us one delegate, for one could have carried the glad tidings as well as well as two, and showed where Ari- zona stood.
 Once every four years Arizona has something to say about national af- fairs and if the two delegates we send were branded 'Taft" and then by chance Taft was not it, where would we be, (why, We would wait four years mOre). We certainly want something or why all this activity
 It must be patent to all that a ter ritory is in d different position at d convention, from sovereign state. The one is a dictator; the other exist only by grace. But at each national convention a territory has a little pow CT. And the question should always be. how shall we use it for Arizona.
 We want single statehood. and if that is not obtainable, let us ask for home rule, not that we could have done better ourselves in the selection of our officers in this territory than Roose- welt has done by us, but will we always have Roosevelt? You see, he turned on the light: he was not responsible for what the light'showed. but he saw, and then reiterated his statement of three years ago, so We are going to lose him.
 And of what use would it be to exact promises from a losing candidate. How easy it is to dissipate your power in the convention.
 II has been stated that the result would be all over before Arizona was reached by roll call Arizona being near the foot of the list. But if we look at the modus operandi. of the conven- ton, we will find that in all cases, eX- cepting where there is a dead lock, that the slate" is made. AriZona's work has got to be done before the selection of a temporary chairman, which is the first and real test in all political con ventions, and as a rule it is all over. excepting, placing what has been done on record by roll call, and the vocal exercises.
 am for William Taft. provided he is for Arizona. I believe he would make a good president. I believe that he is as broad mentally as he is physically, and eminently fitted for the high office to which he aspires. by his past expe- rience and training; and what he has done for our country in his many travels, confirms, that he is more an Angel of Peace than a secretary of war I consider him the smOothest ar ticle in the land. but I fear for his and if nominated for his election. He is sorely handicapped He has Roosevelt with his so-called poli- cies on his hands, not that anyone fears that Taft will attempt to carry them out, if such a thing were possible. but the un-American manner in which the Big Stick attempts to dictate and himself and his policies is in bad taste, and I believe it comes with bad grace and bodes no good to use a high political office for the fur therance of his political friends. Talk about pernicious activity, yes, and then some.
 I believe the voters will rebuke such interference. The Amer ! can voter is fully capable of doing, l and will do his own thinking.
 Now what is best to do in regard to | he delegates to the convention at Chi 1 ago.
 Get men who are true Arizonians. ! who are conscious of the duty they | we to Arizona Who will not trade ! Arizona for their own political ag ! They must be men of | nigh honor, who are above a petty of |