The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-10-11
THE VICTORIOUS LOBBY.

The Republican primaries held last oieht. show the complete apathy of Republican voters, and the enure 5isrepute into which the convention system has fallen.
 The machine, so called, in the hot test Republican primary fight the city has witnessed in a score of years nolletf but 1,469 votes, which may be said in the most particular way to recresent the vdces of those who are directly interested in the distribution and apportionment of the places which are within the gift of the asl- minfstration. That is this vote is al most entirely the vote of office hold era or of those who expect to hold office.
 The Republican voters in Bridge port number 5000. The total vote rast in the primaries for all the parties at interest was but 2.S91. The Republican nominee will be the choice of the lobby element now In complete control of the Republican mSehine, representing a little more thsh an eighth of the party. that eirhth having the maximum interest in the spoils and the minimum in terest in the we'll being of the party and the we'll being of the city.
 And not dozen of the fraction of voters who were dominant in the primaries have any idea who the candidate for mayor will be-, or what interests he will represent.
 Unquestionably Harbor Master Morris is sound in his assertion that the result of the primaries conciu- sively proves the need of direct pri- mary nominations.
 Having boiled one quarter of the vote which was received by the en- tire Republican machine and fifteen per cent. of the total primary vote, without the use of money or by promising q multitude of jobs, he .may well be regarded as the strong est Republican in open opposition to the dominant lobby faction and his views upon the situation will be re- ceived with respect.
 The Harbor Masters well consider ed opinion is first, that the conven- lion system results in the decision of all party questions. by a limited cleo torate interested principally in the jobs.
 Second that the rank and file or the party. having become disgusted with the system. refuse to register. or. if registered to vote. regarding the result as foregone conclusion
 Third, that the candidates nomi- hated under these circumstances are not the choice of the Republican party. but the choice of small group of men who want offices; or who desire protection for some special in terest
 Fourth, that to maintain the con- vention system with its limited cleo torate and it's 36 delegates, results in apathy on election day, and prevents or retards party success through lack of interest in the party voters
 Fifth. that since the objects of parties is to win elections with the purpose of administering government for the well being of the people, and since the convention system makes it more difficult to win elections and results in government not advantage ous to the people. it ought to be dis carded. t,z,4.s.
 As or1the result, it must be con- fessed with deep regret, that despite the gallant fight of the harber mas ter. and those who rallied with the remnant of the "Old Guard,n that the lobby was victorious, taking ev- erything, lock, stock. and barrel"
 A new regime H opened in the Re- publican partye in this. city. Its pub lie leaders are openly and notorions- ly engaged in the profession of lob bying. The paymasters. the leaders just out of sight, are those who de- sire to prevent and delay municipal ownership, and to keep the city as a goose to lay golden eggs for private monopoly. They are those who de- rive the greatest profits from these monopolies. The fight was indeed be- tween .sThe Lobby and the people" and the people have the worst of it. All honest men will regret that this should be so.