The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-27
POLITICAL GOSSIP
Missouri VIII Try the State
Primary, Too.
Held on the Same Day as in
Kansas.
ON A SIMILAR PLAN.
Has Secret Instead of Open Bal.
lot as Here.
Congressman Murdock's "Piece"
Is Out.
ON A SIMILAR PLAN.

August 4 make it's first trial of the
primary election law.
In spite Of the fact that both the
Kansas and Missouri laws were mod
elled on the plan of the Wisconsin
law. there is this vital difference be-
tween them:
Kansas has the open ballot; Mis-
souri, has the secret ballot. In other
words, when a man presents himself
at primary voting place in Kansas
he must declare his politics, and re-
ceive a ballot for his own party can
didates only. In Missouri, a man does
not declare his politics, but gets a
ballot which includes all parties. thus
allowing him to vote whatever party
ticket he pleases.
In Kansas Republican who calls
for Democratic primary ballot may
be challenged, and refused the right
to vote. In Missouri, there is nothing
to prevent man voting whatever
party ballot he pleases, regardless of
his politics.
The Kansas plan is calculated to
protect the majority party from in
reference by the minority. 1t often
happens, in fact 1t is usually the case,
that there Is a hot factional fight
within the majority party, and the
minority party voters might step in, If
given the opportunity, and practically
dictate the nominations of the ma
jority party by voting with one faction
or the other. The Kansas law tends to
strengthen party lines, by forcing vot-
ers to Zine up" with one party or an
other.
Another vital difference between
the Kansas and Missouri laws is that
in Missouri the United States senator
is nominated at the November cleo
ton; in Kansas he is nominated at the
primary.
Presidential electors are nominated
at the primary in Kansas; in Mis-
souri, they are nominated at a party
convention.
In Missouri candidates for members
Of party committees do not file their
names; but the voters write in the
names on the ballot. In Kansas, can
didates for party committeeman file
their petitions the same as any other
candidates.
Kansas and Missouri will be watched
with the greatest interest. The rela-
tive advantages of the different varia-
tions in the party plan will be studied
carefully Some think that the pri-
mary will eliminate the professional
politician to a great extent. Some
think 1t makes politics game to be
INDUCED in only by rich men. who can
afford to make two campaigns. Some
think it will tend to weaken the ma
jority party. because it will leave sore
spots not left by a convention system
of nominating.
Jake" Sheppard of FIT. Scott has
gone to Chicago, where he will attend
the convention of the new Independ-
ent party which William r. Hearst is
trying to organize. The FIT. Scott Re-
publican says:
"Mr. Sheppard is chairman of the
and was chairman of the recent Bry-
an ratification meeting. In an inter-
view here he praised Hearst as one
of the greatest men of the country,
but at the same time stated his pre-
ference for Bryan for the presidency.
within the next few days Mr..
Hearst sent his famous telegram to
Gompers, in which he did the neatest
Job Of skinning Bryan and the Demo-
cratic party that has been done. He
said he wanted the coming convention
of the Independent party to give him
a candidate for whom he could vote,
and a platform whose provisions he
could endorse.
NOW Chairman Sheppard has gone
to the convention and what his course
of action is there will be rather sig
nificant."
W. A. DeFord, formerly of Ottawa,
Kan, is to be temporary secretary OF
the convention 1t is said. DeFord lives
in New York and was formerly allied
with Kansas populism.
CONGRESSMAN Charles Scott of the
second district, whom w. r. Stubs
put into office, is for Long for United
States senator.
Sheffield ingalls, of Atchison. who is
boss bus<er" leader and great sup
porter of Stubs, is for Long.
C. p. Bolmar, former representative
from Shawnee county, who is a strong