The Monroe journal. [volume] (Monroe, N.C.) 189?-1965, 1911-03-28
Popular Election of United States
Senator's. q.

Popular Election Of United States
Senators. q.
Alva Adams in Denver News.
In accordance with true demo
cratic ideals | favor the election Of
United States Senators BY direct
vote Of the people. \ democracy has
no right TO fear a popular verdict.
Political responsibility leads 10
political rectitude. The direct judg-
ment Of the electorate is more apt TO
be right than the conclusion OF their
agents. Direct power is more sure
and safe than delegated power. The
people are not and cannot be subject
to the diverse influences that may
assail legislature. The direct voice
of the people is the life Of true re-
public.
The present system OF electing
Senators was sort OF compromise
between the political sensibilities of
those who were willing 10 trust the
people and those who distrusted
them.
A century of experience has swept
away the fears Of those who doubted
the stability of popular government.
The faith Jefferson held in the peo-
pie has been justified. 1t is time
that the proven capacity of the peo-
pie to rule themselves should be rec
ognized. 1t is more democracy, not
less, that our country needs. II the
full electorate cannot be trusted
democracy is a failure. While |
realize, l do not fear, the possible
perils in the absolute rule Of all the
people, for | believe that way lies
the ultimate glory and destiny OF
free government.
In spite of the frenzied fears Of
subsidized editor and orator no harm
has come to the republic through
the franchise Of the masses. The
people can be trusted. Their self.
directed ballots have never been
false to liberty. Direct and universal
suffrage is a power the Interests"
fear. II is the hammer that can
break the corporate plutocratic grasp
upon the Senate OF the United States.
Hamilton's ideal was an aristo-
cratic republic; our dream is a con-
stitutional democratic republic. In
such government there can be no
Senator, no official that is not sub
ject to the direct vote Of the people.
A free ballot is the best teacher in
the school of patriotism. The un.
constitutional right to vote develops
the self respect, confidence and judg
ment Of the race.
The free independent citizen, with
no legislative complications, can be
trusted to select Senators. The ma
ton demands a constitutional amend
ment giving them this right. The
old Senator's object-it is not human
nature to tear down the bridge that
carried them over, but from every
new Senator elected there should be |
exacted pledge TO vote for such an
amendment. That pledge | will
gladly take.
By our present method there is a |
possibility Of Senator being chosen |
who is not in sympathy with the
people and who, in a primary cleo
ton, could not carry a precinct in
the State. Such a result is a travesty
upon free government, yet an inven-
tory Of senatorial elections in the
United States will show that such
possibility is not entirely child Of
Imagination. The making of laws is
the true function Of a legislature.
The election Of a Senator interferes
with that purpose. 1t breaks and
disturbs the process Of law making.
Senatorial sessions are often barren
sessions. Senatorial maneuvering
aud interference delays, modifes or
defeats desired legislation. The in
lection of a senatorial election af-
lords fruitful field for intrigue
and corruption. Honest Legislators
are hindered in their work, needed
and promised laws are used as trad
ing pawns to secure senatorial influ-
ence. The statehouse becomes stain
ed with the barter Of infamy, as was
The temple from which Christ dashed
The money changers.
There is every opportunity for IN
lair combines and manipnlations.
One body can be played against the
other. Law making and the election
If Senators are different, and often
missions. While these
diverse duties are mixed tempta-
ion is offered to make trades and
fhot mill dafaat loc:olot.o,, |