The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-03-23
FOR U. 8. SENATOR.

I am candidate for the position Of
United States senator subject to the
approval OF the republican voters of
the state at the next primary election.
I am a firm believer in party organ
tzation as the most efficient means of
securing wise legislation and good gov
eminent In order that the party shall
serve that end, however, it is essen
tial that no person or faction be per-
mitted to convert the party organiza-
tton into q machine for the further
ance Of selfish interests.
The senators and representatives In
congress are chargeable in a large
measure with the responsibility of
shaping and circulating the policies of
the party to which they belong. and I
conceive 1t to be one of their highest
duties unselfishly to exert their inf1u-
ence to the utmost In and out of con-
gress so as to maintain the integrity
and purity OF their party as an agency
for good government and national
progress.
One of the defects in our system Of
government is the absence Of any def
mite and responsible leadership in
legislation; and the consequent in
ability Of the general body of voters to
know definitely whom to hold respon-
sfble remedy for these evils that the
This absence OF definite Individual
responsibility aids the corrupt legisla-
tor to conceal his nefarious work. and
1t also affords the demagogue the on
portunity to misrepresent and dispar-
age the efforts and motives of aood
ana ~ Al -.
people with his false and superficial
appeals to popular passion and preju-
dice.
To the same cause ts largely, due the
ever increasing mass of inharnonious
and poorly constructed legislation.
which makes the execution of the laws
and the administration Of Justice al
together too slow and uncertain.
THESE evils are, believe, the great
est obstacles in the way of effective
and progressive legislation at the pres
emit time. Public opinion is well nigh
unanimously in favor Of the Roosevelt
Taft policies, and 1t is we'll understood
what these policies are. But definite
and practical legislation to make these
policies effective has been obstructed
and delayed by the evils above men
toned.
suggest for consideration as a pos-
slele remedy for these evils that the
right and duty to directly initiate and
oppose legislation be given to the
president. to be exercised in the con-
sress In person or through the mem
bers Of his cabinet: not. however to
the exclusion of any OF the existing
rights and duties Of tho senator's and
representatives in that respect.
think this would tend to diminish
the quantity OF proposed legislation
and improve its quality.
The executive could thus directly
and openly introduce and enforce
action by congress upon measures de-
signed to fulhll party pledges. The
people would thus be better informed
as TO the nature and merits of propos-
cd measures; and know where to place
the blame for Objectionable laws or the
failure to enact proper Legislation.
believe In the principles Of the re-
publican party and its policies as an
nounced in it's last national platform.
admire the courage and statesman
ship displayed by President Taft: and
believe that the policies and measures
hitherto advocated by him should have
the cordial and undivided support OF all
republicans
shall In the coming campaign more
fully and specifically present 60 the
voters my Views on public questions,
Yours respectfully.
EDWARD ENGERTSn.