Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1908-10-24
UNFORTUNATE pRocRAsTINA-
TON.

UNI On ONAtE TnSSnHS fST-
w. TON.
Because a suit to test the validity
of certain featuresso of the primary law
mas been brought. some of the over
jealous newspaper champions of both
Marshall and Johnson, assume that it
Is an ACT of some deep-dyed treach-
cry on the part of old time enemies
of the primary system and that it is
a scheme to head off an expression
by the people on the senatorship.
The Tribune confessess that it has
no knowledge regarding the matter
no inside information sufficient for
either a serious article or a ghost
story. We might theorize, like the
Herald and other papers, but mere
speculation ON subject as serious
as the one now up TO the supreme
court is neither advisable or in good
taste. .2.~.s. ..5~ .>
The Tribune at the time of the pas
sage of the primary law, pointed out
some of the Objectionable and seem
ingIy unconstitutional and irrationh
al features of the measure that was
passed. The pledge clause was look
ed upon as especially doubtful and the
manner of submitting the selection
of party senatorial candidates in NO
yember in case no choice was regis
tered at the June primaries was
pointed out as a most serious pro-
cedure from a party standpoint be
cause it opened the way to just such
tactics as Mr.. Hildreth and other
Democratic speakers are now openly
advocating-the opportunity OF Dem
ocratic Influence III naming q sRepub-
Ican nominee. ri, 9#s2 r.
In the June primaries the Demo
Gratis named their candidate for Unit
ed States senator. The Republicans
did not name their candidate because
no aspirant received forty per cent
of the party vote Under the law
the two highest men--in the present,
case, Messrs. Marshall and Johnson
are to be again voted for, their names
only being on separate ballot to he
given the voter along with the regu-
aar Australian ballot in November
Now it is possible-and some Demo
cratic leaders so urge-for a Demo-
GRAFT to call for senatorial ballot
and thus participate in the naming
of a candidate who, under their
pledge, the Republicans of the legis-
lature will be expected to- elect to
the United States senate Proper
consideration OF, the measure by those
responsible for its enactment, would
have avoided this de1ema.
While it is the privilege of any
citizen at any time, to raise the ques-
ton OF the constitutionality OF a, law
it is to be regretted, from a party
standpoint and on general principles,
regardless of party, that the action
now before the court could not have
been presented earlier Right or
or wrong, it gives color of foun-
dalton to the charge that it is insti-
gated for some Interior purpose and
{ not in good faith-a charge we be-
neve that cannot be sustained.
Nor is it fair to the court that a
question Of such great Importance
should be presented under conditions
requiring hasty action.
The primary laws in other states
are also engaging the attention OF
i the courts and now that this action
mas been brought in North Dakota
the eyes of the courts in the other
states are upon us and naturally ou,
court will be Jealous of its reputa
ton and inject all the judicial wisdom
1t possesses in arriving at decision
Greater deIiberation and more care
In the preparation and passing Of i'm
s portant measures affecting the funda
mental principles of government
ought to be exercised by Legislators
and greater degree Of patriotism
and observance OF the true wishes o
the people, uninfiuenced by the us,
Of money and unbiased by the sprea,
& OF false doctrines ought to actuate ou
{ political leaders.
..-------------e.-----
The Valley City Patriot thinks ii
suspicious contemporary ought to- b,
relieved somewhat In its anxiety AMI