Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1911-02-15
The OmcisI Dictun.

He will be the ruler OF the Demo-
cratic machinery OF the State, and with
that power the fulhllment of his pres
identiaI hope msy NOT seem so vision
ary. He styles himself nm amateur in
politics. The plan which he now es-
pouses shows him an adept In seIf-ex-
aItat1on schemes which the profession-
al politician would lack the assurance
TO suggest.
The Governors statement opens with
characteristic note of disinterested.
ness. He says: IT promised in the first
place that during the legislative ses-
sion 1 would speak to them (the peo-
ple) very freely and frankly about the
more important bills pending in the
Legislature. and I promised that I
would do everything In my power to
promote such legislation as was like
ly to put the government OF the State
into their hands.
The proposed plan puts enormous
power into the hands of the Governor
and takes away from the people cer-
tain rights which they now possess.
1t Is asserted. however. that the plan
is good one-for the Governor.
Intent (D of BILL.
He further says: 1.-THE Geran bill 10
intended to clear all obstacles away
and to put the whole management of
parties and of elections in the hands
of the voters themselves
This statement is not inaccurate IL
by the voters" the governor means
himself and the little body OF back
ward candidates who will draw the
party platforms and dominate the
State committee.
Again, he says; Every part of the
bilD is essential to the frank and cam
did carrying out of the most sacred
promises of the campaign"
The Democratic platform provided
for q "simplif1cation of the electoral
machinery" Governor Wilson favored
that provision prior to his election.
The proposed law so confuses the elec-
ton machinery that an interference
with the free exercise of the right of
suffrage must follow.
Formerly Governor Wilson favored
party organization. The bill would
sound the death-knell of the old par
ties, for 1t encourages insurgency and
disruption in party management.
He opposed at one time, the blanket
ballot and the arrangement of candi-
George L. Record favored this plan.
1t is now Incorporated in the proposed
law.
VIII Incrense Expenses.
Governor Wilson, during the cam-
paign, spoke pIeadingly for reduction
of state expenditures. II the Geran bill
becomes law, the expenses of the State
will be enormously increased. Election
districts nre lncrensedt ballots are to
be sent to the voters at public expense
ard the public is asked to bear tho
further expense of n primary for the
selection of national delegates.
The Governor at one time proclaimed
himself the friend of labor. The bill
which he now favOrs will deprive many
of the Iaboring class of their votes. The
polls nre made TO close at @ o'clock.
Many men work long distances from
their voting places VITA +he complex
system which the bin prOviees for of
obtaining and comparing she s. snatures
of voters, the closing ne'U ~ The poll
ing places will be saese of nnnfusiOn,
with many votes artee-t.G-ssa.
Prior to election the Governor hac
no definite view as TO election oSlcers
George L. Record away possesseS
positive onlniors and zepf Enena before
the public The Geran bill, now she
Governors Bill enioeenss the Record
views. Electioa officers must undergo
a civil ssTsice exenalns.,oa Factions