New-York tribune., 1909-03-22
DIRECT PRIMARY FIGHT.
Both Sides in Republican Camp
Hating for Copies Of Bill.

Persons who are interested in the direct primary
nominations bill. introduced at Albany by Senator
Hinman last week. anxIousIy waiting receive
copies Of the measure BY the end Of the week the
fight for and against will be in full swing
President Parsons OF the Republican County
Committee has already placed himself record
in opposition. A special committee Of the organi-
zation, of which Collin H Woodward is chairman,
appointed TO consider and report on the sub
ject- II held public session and or two
executive sessions and then adjourned TO see what
sort OF a bill the Governor would favor. 1T has
been asleep at the switch" is the way one member
of the committee expressed its recent attitude.
Now. however, it will be expected to take soune
action. In view OF the attitude Of President Par
the Legislature will be indorsed- 1t Is more than
likely that entirely bill will he favored. al
though some Of the members of the committee will
unquestionaby make fight for the Governors bill.
Various members Of the county committee are
critcfsing different parts of the bill Harry ".
Mack. Republican leader Of the 18th District said
last night he did not put himself on record
in regard to the bill a whole until he had had
chance Of going over a complete copy. From the
synopsis Of the bill that have seen in the papers
I should saw there number of defects in the
measure he declared.
ITO my mind. serious defect IS the fact that
nonnina tions may he made by plurality vote he
continued. Il think perfect system should pro
vide for majority nominations This bill would
make 1t possible for a candidate to he nominated
by a small plurality II ten candidates were nom
mated. Il per cent OF the total vote would be
enough nominate.
Then again the number Of signatures needed
20 nlace : man in nomination IS so small that It
would invite large number OF candidates. This
would make unnecessary confusion. think there
should be some provision limiting the number OF
candidates for any one office.
Another serious objection to the measure. as !
understand it. is that it would prevent successful
fusion with anti-Tammany forces This is a con
side in 1Or TO he sight Of in this city
In Kings County the situation IS somewhat the
same as here State Chairman Woodruff. the Writ
uaI leader Of the organization there, had 2 COM
r1ittee appointed 10 consider the question and
operate with the Brooklyn Young Republican club
IN dra wing I'd a bill. The committee agreed with
the club committee certain essentials OF the bill
The organization committee SAYS that the bl!l as
introduced does not include some OF the features
agreed upon and they DO not purpose to indorse IL
The club members declare that the fundamentals
upon which en agreement was reached are all in
cIuded in the bill and that the committee will have
70 favor the bill. II II keeps its agreement
The situation there has been further compli-
Gated by the fact that State Chairman Woodruff
has come out in open opposition TO the bin
whole Some OF the members Of the organization
committee probably wish to yield TO his opinions.
on the other hand, other members OF the commit
tee believe that the organization has been com
nitted direct primary nominations In some form.
and they viii vigorously oppose complete rever-
sal OF attitude.
As soon the committee receives copy o, the
bill It will meet consider whether It will recon-
mend certain amendments the bill or draw up
an entirely new bill
The organization committee favors a preferential
place on the ballot for candidates for party
nittees as we'll for party committee candidates
for nomination to public Office. Objection IS made
nv the committee the provisions for nominating
state ticket The members believe the direct
nomination OF state officers throughout the state
would bring crop OF candidates. that would
enEender enough bitter feeling TO imperI the
supremacy Of the Republican party in the state
They also say the selecting Of party nominees by
small state committee would not work satsfac-
toriy.
Meanwhile preparations are being made hy both
the advocates and the opponents Of the measure TO
present their case TO the people in this city Al
ready various organizations are planning 10 hear
arguments on both sides and the subject Will share
the centre Of the controversial stage With the pro-
rosed new charter for weeks to come.