The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-09-16
Urges People Be Given Presi-
Dental Primary Privileges.
BREAK PARTY LINES
Taft and Harmon and LaFOlIette
and Wilson Paired.
Represent Radicals and Conserv-
atiVes of Both Parties.

Writing from Mountain Park, Col.
William Allen White of Emporia says.
The demand for a direct primary
vote upon the candidates for presiden-
tial nominations is the most important
issue in Kansas lust now-more so
than any other plank not enacted into
law In the party platforms OF the two
great parties in Kansas.
We are now facing a crisis in the
AFFAIRS of the two great parties in this
country. Both parties are divided. The
Cause represented by Governor Har-
mon and by President Taft is the same
cause, though it is finding voice
through two parties. The cause rep
resented by Governor Wilson and By
Senator LaFollette is something the
same cause, though party lines divide
its adherents. In the Democratic party
Governor Folk and Governor Marshall
may represent a third feeling.
But the differences within the par
ties are vital differences, and the peo-
pie of Kansas, who vote in the two
parties will be deprived Of a serious
right-just as important as the right
TO vote finally for president, II they
are deprived of the right to express
themselves upon presidential candidates
in the primary. This is an unusual
situation. 1t requires extraordinary
action
1t Was Platform Pledge.
Moreover, it was a sacred pledge Of
the INtpuDliCdn PLATFORM ana &nDNtu DC
redeemed at any reasonable cost. For
to break that pledge will only help
those who trade and swap in politics.
and for the people of Kansas to have
upon the great question pressing upon
us nationally. win be unfair and bad
faith with the people
IF the people do not have a pri-
mary vote for presidential nominees in
1912, they will be denied this right
for four years. That in itself seems
to furnish a crisis that would justify
the governor in calling an extra ses-
sion and asking tho legislature to act.
For such a primary vote under legal
restrictions might be had. combined
with the regular primary election
without the cost of an additional dol
lar to the taxpayers Of Kansss
1T seems to be agreed that an Au-
gust primary such as we have in Kan
sas is held at a convenient season or
the year. But every other biennium the
date might be moved forward
to some time in May or April, and thus
by putting the candidates for presi-
dent and vice president upon the bal
lot, along with governor. congressman,
state officers and county officers one
primary could do for all purposes
'Or If the county candidates felt
that the May or April primary gave
them too. long campaign, il might
be provided thar in any county that
upon a petition Cf a majority Of the
m embers Of the county central com
mittees of all parties represented upon
the ballot at the preceding election.
the county clerk might segreEate the
county candidates who might be nomi-
mated at special August primary
held under the usual state supery-f-
sion and at the county's expense.
Probably few counties would avail
themselves of this provision.
Primary by Agreement
But assuming that Governor
Stubbs, in the interests of economy
should fail to call upon the legislature
10 relieve the people. a second best
way out may be found. The two party
,hairmen could arrange such a pri-
mary. Such a primary might be ar
ranged under the joint control OF Mr..
Oolley and Mr.. Henderson Martin at a
small expense. Let IL be understood
men of the two parties shall agree
1pon the judges and clerks of the
election and appoint a place for the
primary. Until four years ago places
we're given free for primaries, and
Judges and clerks served without pay.
That item Of expense might be elm
mated.
THE ballot for such a primary
would be small. The names OF two
Republican presidential candidates.
md three or four Democratic candi-
iates, and of four or five candidates
n each party for delegates and alter
lates, and electors. are all that need
,hoice ballot might easily be arranged
It a little more cost. Such a ballot
printed at commercial rates, could not
'ost over 81 a thousand, and by agree
nent between the two chairmen the