Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1909-07-16
THE PEOPLE AND THE PRIMARY

publican machine TO defeat the sdl {
vine purposes of the direct primary. {
1t has penetrated the inner workings t
of the machine and has discovered !,
that it is thoroughly matured (
plan to hold conventions in the sew d
eral counties and nominate candi- Il
dates to be voted for at the direct
primaries. Of course this sanity
sheet is up In arms against this I'm
holy plan and proposes TO proceed
at once to unmask the dark and
damnable conspiracy and conspira-
tors.
We never heard of the plan un-
til it was revealed through the
Statesman. and as Its revelations
generally come from Democratic
sources, we are not disposed to give
much credence TO this one. How
eyer, it would not be strange if the
republicans did devise some plan
with the view of protecting their
primary against being packed by
Democratic votes. In this they
would simply be pro6ting by the
experience of practically every 9th
err state where the direct primary
has been in operation. And if the
Republicans or any other element
of voters choose to meet and decide
whom they desire to vote for in pri-
mary, they lave a perfect right t."
do SO. II is our impression that
this is still representative govern
ment, and that the people still have
the right of peaceful assemblage
to give expression to their views
on matters of public concern.
The Oregonian has heard of the
plan TO nominate candidates for the
primary election and thinks it Is a
good one. II discusses the question
at length IN the following EDITORIAL:
1t is proposed by the republicans
of Idaho to hold assembly meetings
for suggestion of candidates for state
and county offices to be submitted
TO the direct primary for nomina-
ton. But it is objected that such
action ssnullify the law" OF
course it would not; since all the
assembly candidates would be sub.
mitted to the direct primary for
nomination and any others would
also be submitted, whose support
ers might wish to offer their names
to be voted on at the primary. Thu
method does not set aside the pri
mary law. 1t accepts and uses thu
primary law. 1t provides, however
method for It's rational and effect
i've application.
1t Is further objected in Idaho
that presentation of assembly candl
dates would make "lndependent sc
lection" impossible, since ''the pres
tige and power Of the machine woul'
be pitted against unorganized for
ces." But what is wanted is DELHI
Grafton and organization if there !
to be any chance of winning cleo
tions; and every strong Organization
will be called "a machine" by a
opposition. Observe, however, tina
no party ever will win with ''unoi
ganized forces. Party requires OIL
ganization. The consequence, more
over, Of the movement, of "unol
organized forces, IN primary,
multitude of voluntary and sell
seeking candidates; and the ''scrap
results denominations by small pln
alities or mere fractions of the pa
tvs vote. The candidates usual
will be men little known to the bod
of the electors--men who do not il
spire confidence, and who. Their
fore, can't be elected. This is Il
history Of the direct primary nom
nations, when not guided by pr
ceding representative selection. {
the other hand, the assembly methf
gives opportunity to consider u
merits of the candidates aud to col
pare and debate in a representa-
body the fitness and eligibility
those offered for official positions
Representatives Of their party. +
9. 49, Ia