The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-05-06

Gov Chamberlain. a Democrat. they
would prevent a Republican legislature
from ratifying the peoples selection,
obeying the peoples instructions. and
electing as United States Senator the In
dividual. regardless of party. that the
people might select for that office Thus
they hoped 10 make the primary law and
Statement No. ! odious and sought 20
create what they thought would be an
impossible condition by forcing upon
Republican legislature for confirmation
the popularity designated Democratic can
didate for United States Senator They
failed 20 realize that greater than party,
and infinitely greater than any indi-
vidual the peoples choice becomes a
representative Of the principle and Of the
law; that the intelligence and integrity
Of the whole electorate Of the State, as
well as the integrity and loyalty Of the
members Of the Legislature, were at stake,
and from any honorable viewpoint the
mere intimation Of the possibility Of the
Legislature. or any member OF the legis-
lature. failing cOnscientiously 20 fulfill
his pledge or Loyalty obey the instruction
Of the people would not only be an insult
10 the individual members Of the legis-
lature. but an insult to the intelligence,
independence. and patriotism Of the ore
gon electorate. that they would permit
such action TO go unnoticed or without
holding the culprit 10 a rigid responsible
ity for his treason
Inducement 10 Betrny Trust.
mo oath could be more sacred in hon
consideration more definite than is con
tanned in this Statement No. / pledge.
and no parties 20 a contract could be OF
more consequence TO government and so
ciety than the electorate upon the one
side and its servants upon the other.
Under the United States Constitution
there can be no penalty attached 10 the
law. The legislator breaking his sacred
pledge cannot be imprisoned or fined.
hence he is doubly bound by honor TO
redeem hts voluntary obligations. Fail
ure 10 do so would not only brand him
as the destroyer Of a sacred trust. bat as
the most contemplate OF towards. be-
cause legally immune from punishment
for his perfidy.
yet. Mr.. President there were efforts
made to dlshonor our state and our pub
lie servants. During the session Of the
legislature a former government official
and assistant 20 the chairman Of the Re
publican National Committee appeared IN
oregon and. I am informed. promised
Federal appointments 20 legislative men,
bers If they would disregard their State
ment No. l pledges 10 the electorate The
effort was made By the enemies Of the
law % create the impression that by rea-
son Of this persons relations with the
chairman Of the Republican National
Committee during the national campaign
he would be able TO deliver these prom
ised Federal appointments in case State
ment No. subscribers sold their honor
and betrayed their trust
Il mention these facts 20 show that the
greatest possible strain was placed upon
our law. and 10 the credit OF the fifty
one subscribers OF Statement No. / in
that legislature be it said that every one
OF those subscribers voted in accordance
with his solemn obligation. But ! would
call the attention OF the Senate 10 the
fact that, Notwithstanding the people OF
the State had PASSED under the initiative
the bin have referred to instructinE all
the members OF the legislature 70 vote
for the peoples choice for United States
Senator. not a single member Of the leg
islature obeyed said instructions except
the Statement No. l subscribers