New-York tribune., 1909-07-15
FOR DIRECT PRIMARY
BAY STATE TESTIMONY.
Prominent Hitnesscs Emphaticdtly
Indorse Mr. Hughes's Programme.

Boston July 1.-THE committee of the New
York Legislature which is investigating the ques-
tion direct nominations completed It's work in
Massa cFusetts to-day and adjourned its hearing at
the State House. The members later took luncheon
the guests of the Massa chusets Republican Club.
inspected the records at the office of the Boston
Election Commissioners. and then returned TO New
York in the evening.
State House to-day James H Vahey of Water
town. formerly State Senator and the Democratic
candidate for Governor Of Massachusetts at The
last election. the principal witness.
Mr.. Vahey was outspoken In his approval of the
direct nomination system. He said that he be-
lieved in the direct nominations of Governors,
United States Senators and Congressman. Though
the New York courts held in high regard by
him. Mr. Vahey said that he did not approve of the
practice of electing Judges, in New York, or OF
appointing them for life. in Massachusetts.
Mr. Vahey stated that he intended again to he a
candidate for Governor. and would make direct
nominations leading issue in his campaign and
incorporate in his platform plank favoring such
a method
The last House. Mr.. vahey continued. passed
a direct nominations bill by substantial majority.
He attributed the ultimate defeat the bill the
Republican leaders. who. he said were doing their
best TO defeat direct nominations. But the people
want them" he declared. and will insist on hav-
ing them within the few years
Mr Vahey said that his experience in the cam
pagn Of fall led him the belief that fully 90
per cent Of Massachusetts Democrats and large
numbers OF Republicans favor direct nominations
1T will be made issue next fall observed Mr.
Vahey, IF am the Democratic candidate for
Governor and If Governor Draper defeats me by
larger ma jority than last fail shall be willing
admit that direct nominations not popular
think they are"
Mr Vahey referred to what he called the Re
publican practice Of selecting candidates for Gov
ernor six years m advance. There are In the Re
publican party many capable of being Gov
Of this state. ne said who haven't the ghost
of a show under the convention system. Give them
direct nomination system and they will be glad to
make the contest.
Il very frank TO state that l agree abso-
lutely with Governor Hughes of New York in his
position with respect to direct nominations de-
carcd Mr. Vahey. and he added he believed the
Governors speech New York the subject
as strong presentation Of the issue il was pos
sible TO make.
Nr. Vahey said he thought there vas no need Of
political party designations in local affairs; he
believed individual responsibility superior TO party
responsibility where national questions are not in
volved.
is it your experience with the direct nominations
plan that It removes the boss?" he asked.
1T Is"
Does it tend to disintegrate party organizations"
1T has not seemed in Boston"
rs the expense 10 poor candidates prohbitory7'
My observation is to the contrary.
Former Senator Arthur Harrington, Of Boston,
Democrat. followed Mr. Vahey. He said he
nominated to the House and Senate by the direct
method. The first time he he was defeated in
the caucus. AS 10 the expense to candidates under
the direct plan. he said 1t roughly three times
as great under the convention system.
Richard J.. Cav. former secretary Of the Massa
chusetts Election Laws Association. and State Sen
ator Thorndike SpaldnE. Of Cambridge. were the
speakers. Mr.. GAY said that the people
in those sections where the direct system has been
adopted would not change back to the old system.
Senator Spelding differed radically from some of
the others who had been heard. declaring not
only that in his opinion had direct nominations
been proven failures. but that there had been no
betterment in the class of men seeking political
pr preferment Mr.. Spadng said that man with
large amount of money could make great impress
sion under the direct system, whore he could not
under the delegate system.
The committee will continue its Investigations in
Pennsylvania and several Western states.