The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-09-04
CANADIAN VO TERS
SATISFIED WITH
Conventions
Popular Rule Possible Without
Direct Primariesi Dominion
Gives 'Yes" for an
Answer.
Candidates for Commons Named by
Honest Gatherings, Says
Writer.
by WILLIAM ROCHE.

MONTREAL, Can. Sept, A-Can .
nation have popular government with
out direct primaries?
In the United States the answer has
been NO for several years. Canads
says Yes" and comes mighty near
proving herself right
Canada has no primary law. Nomi'
nations are made In each county, or
riding" az the political organizations
~ that county DEGREES. For instance
~ Ottawa the liberals nominate by
|dologate caucus, the delegates being
eIected at primaries wholly dominated
~ the political machine. The conser.
natives nominate at mass meeting OF
coneeryatiye voters. This party con-
troll gives rise to abundant opportun-
~ Of packing conventions and the
opportunity Is not overlooked, yet
there y q strong sentiment OF public
decency that holds the boldest machin.
<1ts IN check. Honest men are usu.
Ally nominated.
The recent Ottawa conservative mass
nesting would have been interesting
~ Americans. None but members of
the -conservative association" was ad-
mIttod. but anyone could become a
member at the door by paying the fee,
~, and being vouched for by two
Known conservatives. Then, as he en-
tered, ne was given an envelope con-
fa1ning four printed ballots, white,
pink, yellow. and blue.
The voters OF Ottawa are about
eQualy divided, French and English.
There Il gentlemen's agreement that
ne city shall have one English and
enc French member In the house of
tommons, and this IL rigidly adhered
~ The French are permitted to nom
mate their own man, the English their
own.
There are no fulsome, silly, lauda-
Tory nominating and seconding speech
~ All nominations are In writing.
William Smith, John Jones and
others, seconded by Charles Ashley.
Thomas Robinson and others, nomf-
nate Peter McIaren for English speak
Ing member from the city or Ottawa. !,
Then follows the signed declaration
% Peter McLAren that he will support
the nominee. whoever he may be.
Each candidate Is given Ave min
utes to make his talk to the voters.
Then the chairman announces the
Irst ballot. which will be on the pink
slip, and only pink ballots are counted.
The next ballot Is on the white slip.
and 30 on. The colors designate the
number OF ballot being taken.
Now note the simplicity OF voting
- the election. There IL no blanket
ballot. The Canadian voter IS not
confused. He Ii not voting for a gov
crnor. q dozen state oficials, a con-
FRESHMAN, state senators and repre-
1entatives and long list OF county
of1cials. He has heard and read both
pides Of the reciprocity argument.
When he goes to the polls, there are
but two names on the ballot--a Con-
>ervative and Liberal candidate for
parliament He knows that II he puts
ID ~ opposite the name Of one can
ILdate he votes for reciprocity: IL op-
posite the other he votes against roo
|urocfty.
When the result Of the voting is
<nown the morning OF Sept. %, all
Canada will know, before the new
3afIiament meets. whether reciprocity
xill be passed
The people will have decided. II
majority OF those elected are SUP
,orters Of Sir wilfred Laurier. reel.
,r0city win be assured. II Laurier