The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1909-02-13

in 1884 and two years later was elect
ed a representative in congress and
served for IS years; was then elected
United States senator and served six
years, and has again received the
nomination to succeed himself Sen
ator Hopkins was charged by Golfers
Weekly, that great friend of the d.
rect primary, of being one of the most
undesirable and corrupt politicians in
the senate. We know that he has
machine, and that it is working day
and night. Illinois has a direct pri-
mary law, and yet Hopkins, the worst
type of machine politician, succeeds
and thrives under it. In Illinois, then,
the direct primary does not put the
boss out of business. The people
have derived no practical benefits
there. Thus we have corruption in
Wisconsin and the machine in Illi-
nois.
Oregon, though, is the star per-
rect primary started out by electing
millionaire nonenity to the senate
at a cost of $1OO,OOO.OO to himself.
Since his election he has added i'm
measurably to the gayety of the ma
ton, but has done little else. We do
not know that Senator Bourne spent
money wrongfully, but we rather sus-
pect from his performances in the
senate that the $1O0,0OO.OO was more
effective in his campaign than his per-
sonal virtues or accomplishments. At
the last election Governor Chamber
lain received the nomination for sena-
tor. This was done by Republican
legislative candidates selling their
birthrights. They were elected be-
| cause Oregon was overwhelmingly
Republican. By promises of Demo-
cratic help many legislative nominees
promised to support Chamberlain.
Here we have an intelligent people en-
dorsing the platform and policies of
the Republican party and electing a
Democrat to assist in carrying them
out. If the people of Oregon express
ed their will at the June elections,
they need a guardian rather than a
direct primary law. 1t worked out
the same there as elsewhere. DEM
ocratic politicians promised Republi-
can candidates anything and every
thing for their pledge to support
Chamberlain. The Republicans of
Oregon, and they constitute a great
majority of the people, naturally
wanted Republican senator, but did
they get it? In Oregon the will of the
people was not carried out; in Wis
consin corruption secured the sena-
torship; and in Illinois the ring is
still in control
Washington had her first election
under the direct primary last fall. 1t
is stated that the old machine was
smashed and consequently the law is
bowling success. The old machine
was probably smashed, but a new one
is already being constructed. In Wash
ington the second choice received the
nomination for governor; and the bill
of expenses filed by some of the can
didates show that they spent several
items their two years salary. 1t is
freely acknowledged that in Washing
ton the direct primary is a burden
some expense. 1t Is prohiDitive upon
the poor man unless he has wealthy
friends. Out of pure necessity a ring
or machine is necessary to accomplish
anything. 1t has been a great boon
to the newspapers, but that's all 1t
proved conclusively that publicity is
what counts there. Publicity costs
money. The law there has done no
good. Clean men were nominated
and elected, but the state has had
clean, able men all the time. The
best argument Washington advances
is that things are no worse under the
direct primary than under the old sys-
TEN. And there you are. Four states,
before your very eyes, and not a thing
accomplished. Who wants the direct
primary with its cost, its disintegra-
ton of political organization and its
absolute barrenness of results: Not
the people Of Idaho. The legislature
should consider these things. 1t
should investigate. If it does it can
not help but conclude that the direct
primary has accomplished nothing in
the states in which it is in practical
operation.