Williams news., 1909-01-30
BY DIRECT VOTE

One of the strongest arguments that is made for the plan of elect | ing senators to the United States senate by the direct vote of the people is the attitude of several of the senators gathered in Washing | ton during the short session of the legislative bodies in keeping from Arizona and New Mexico the cop- sderation of their claims for inn mediate statehood. Although both platforms of the two great parties had blanks pledging the immediate statehood of Arizona and New Mexico, some of our senatorial representatives set themselves above their constituents and the pledges of their parties and refuse to per init the statehood legislation to be considered. We have very often heard the expression that those whom the gods would destroy they
 first make mad, and it seems to many of us Arizonans who have worked hard and earnestly for the success of our ambitions, that the
 first in line to be destroyed is thai great Fl am," Jeremiah Beveridge We regret indeed that the voice of the people had not been heard in the recent selection of senators in the old state of Ohio, when tha' | standard bearer, Joseph Foraker, was relegated to private life to give way to Representative Burton it. the senate. We are acquainted some with the public lives of both these men, and while there is nothing that can be said against the senator-elect, his ability to fight and his disposition to take up the fights of the people Is not to be compared with the man whom he succeeds. The direct vote of the people would have sustained Sen. ator Foraker in his seat in the senate, and assured to Arizona a strong advocate in our fight for statehood.
 The direct vote for senators is gaining strength throughout the nation and within a few years it will not be possible for any man or clique of men to disregard their obligations towards the people who have placed them in power, but when they forget their duties punishment will be handed to them by taking from them the oppor- tunity to block the will of the peo pie. The promise of the party should be held sacred above every other consideration of personal in terest, and the confidence of the people sustained in the leaders who gave them utterance.
 While the short session does not give much opportunity for legisla- tion other than the pressing needs of the nation, some assurance should be given the friends of Ari- zona that the promises of the party will be made good and that imme diate admission be granted us into the congress of states. The direct | vote is something to consider and a weapon that should be handled | with care; keeping a full control of the elements that go to make up the party having the welfare of the country at heart. We are in favor of greater power being placed in ]! the hands of the people, and if this can be done by a direct vote. then 1 we trust that the movement will ! grow in Arizona until when our constitutional convention meets the election of the senators will be | directly in the hands off the voters and then when our servants fail | to do their duty a swift retribution will fall upon them and others of more worth will take their places -Tucsun Tribune.
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