The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1910-10-05

representation it is justly entitled to
in both branches of the state legis-
lature." ~. -
A clean, unambiguous statement and
pledge. Listen to- the Democratic
plank: - r., $1 49,
1--WE are unequivocally in favor of
reapportionment of representation
in the state legislature with view of
making the composition of that body
true reflection of the distribution
of population . ~, -,
In other words the Democratic party
is unequivocally in favor of very
equivocal declaration touching reap
portionment. It's meaning, whatever
it may be, is lost in the phraseolOgy
of studied concealment. The ambigu
ity in the Democratic platform is ex
planned by the attitude of the Demo
cratic members of the state senate. At
the last session, Senator Clague as
chairman of the committee on reap
portionment on March 26, 1909, intro.
ment On a roll call every Democratic
senator present, eighteen, voted
against reapportionment. Had they
voted in favor of the bill, it would
have passed and the state would now
have fair legislative apportionment.
find no fault with these senators fo1
voting their convictions on this or any
bill, but the fact is that they were op
posed to the bill and presumably had
something to do with the framing of
the Democratic platform. My oppo-
nent intimates that the failure of re.
apportionment at the last session is
chargeable to the Republicans. The
record shows the contrary to be true
Primary Law.
Under the present primary law many
abuses are permitted. quote from
the Republican state platform:
1T has become notorious that the
great expense attendant upon primary
election practically precludes men of
moderate means from becoming can
didates for important offices, and it
has beccme common thing for vot-
ers to vote for and help to secure the
nomination of men of opposite politi.
cal faith, for whom they do not intend
to vote at the election, and we de-
clare that legislation is imperatively
needed that will reduce the expense
Of conducting primary campaign and
to prevent voters from aiding in the
nomination of candidates that they
are seeking to defeat. =
am strongly in favor Of amending
the primary system Of nomination in
accordance with the platform. and
also heartily favor the election Of
United States senators by popular
vote.
The Problem Of Transportation.
One Of the most important prob
lens before the people of the state is
that of transportation. The Demo-
cratic platform is absolutely silent on
that vital question. On the other
hand the Republican party has placed
itself on record with reference to the
regulation and control Of railway, tel
egraph and telephone companies in
the clearest and strongest terms. ]
quote from the platform:
I'VE assert the right Of national and
state regulation and control over all
transportation companies, whether OF
the people, commodities or messages;
declare that all such companies are
entitled to charge rates that will yield
fair profit on actual investment,
meeting all actual expenses, including
liberal wages for all employees, provide
for deterioration, lay by a reasonable
sinking fund and no more, and that
the nation and state, each within its
respective Jurisdiction, should see that
such rates are maintained and that no
discrimination Is allowed to be prac-
ticed between individuals and local.,
ties. =
Upon that plank of the platform !