Coeur d'Alene evening press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1907-1929, 1908-09-02
IN
DORSE HEPBURN
senator Makes Speech Defining
His Beliefs.

publican state conventions CHIEF
business last evening was nomina-
ting Senator w. B. Hepburn for re-
election.
G. T. Mcdonald of Idaho was Sc
lected secretary and C. C. Dietrich
of Bannock, assistant. The usual
committees were named. Thomas r.
Hamer was made permanent chair
man by adoption of the report of
the committee on organization and
order of business.
Nomination of Hepburn.
Shortly before adjournment for the
day, nominations for United States
senator were called for. Although
John P. Gray of Shoshone had been
selected to place Senator Heyburn's
name before the convention, a dozen
men jumped up in various parts of
the ball and in the same breath pre-
sented the senator's name. There
was considerable confusion and the
chairman was unable to accord recog-
milton to Gray. Before the conven-
ton realized what had happened
Senator Hepburn had been nomi-
mated. He was escorted to the stage
and given rousing ovation. The
senator spoke at some length on
the platform, directing himself par
ticularly to the direct primary, which
he opposed.
Later on Gray was called on and
spokane against the direct primary.
The convention adjourned until 10
o'clock today in order to give the
platform committee time to complete
it's work.
Hepburn Opposes Instructions.
Senator Hepburn in his speech said
it was only right that he who fills
the position of United States sena-
tor have in mind the interests of
the state he represents, but that If
these interests were not in accord
with the welfare of the nation, then
it must become the ruty of the United
States senator to look first to the
interests of the nation.
The speaker referred to talk of
amending the constitution of the Uni
ted States. at should remain as
| se he L. ht1lx aYlr
behind which the people of the
nation stand against the whole world,
and ark of safety.
THE constitution should be better
studied by the people" he said.
Under it the people do not seem to
understand what rights they have
and they are very liable to go too
far in conventions of this character.
The constitution limits the power of
the people. Sometimes criticisms I'M
just to the United States senator
come because the people say to the
lawmakers, Give us this law, or give
us that law when they do not know
whether a legislator in doing so
would violate his oath under the con-
stitution.'
Should Not Pledge Nominees.
Senator Hepburn expressed the
view that conventions should make
recommendations to its nominees in
stead of pledging them to any particu-
lar reform. Il have always opposed,
as l do now" said the speaker, ANY
platform which may show any at
tempt to legislate for the people.
You are not empowered to make such
a platform. You may recommend,
and if the officers the people elect
find your recommendation sound and
a base for legislation, they will act
If they do not find your recommen-
dations sound you must not be
offended, for you may be wrong"
The writing of a platform was
taken up by the speaker. who urged
that the words. I'VE pledge the
Legislature" be avoided in the plat
form.
Your are here to recommend, not
to pledge. The more nearly we un-
derstand the relation between the
state and citizens the more likely
we are not TO make mistakes. Self
governing people are entitled to be
heard. The silly catchwOrds that
have been adopted by the democratic
party. THE people viii govern. will
CONTINUED on page four.)