The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1912-05-02
Primary Law Di- cussed

Relative to the agitation of the
primary law by its advocates in The
state, Senator Survant has received
= number Of letters urging him to
use his influence VITA Governor Nor
ris to call u special session. Follow
ing is a letter and petition from &.
II. Coulter OF Culbertson, and Mr..
Snrvant's reply which plainly ipdi-
Gates his position in the matter.
MR. COULTER's LETTER
Culbertson, Montana. April 9th, 1912.
Hon. John Survant, Malta, Montana.
Dear Sir
The enclosed petitions will explain
themselves. In the limited time that has tran
spired since the matter was originated, and also
from the fact that understand you are expected
to inform the Governor AZ to your stand on the
question before, or not later than the first Prox,
am sending the petitions today. Not person =.
with one exception has refused to sign the same,
and that person. a lawyer. was opposed to signing
same without first seeing the copy of the bill
which was drafted.
1t is safe bet that at least 80 per cent. are in
favOf OF primary law.
Very respectfully.
G. H. Coulter.
THE PETITIONS
Culbertson, Montana, April Is. 1912
To Hon. John Survrnt,
State Senator for Valley County, Montana.
SIR
We. the undersigned voters of Culbertson pre-
cinct Of Valley county, Montana, having been in
formed that upon the pledge of two more men,
bers Of the State Legislature that they will vote
for the primary bill drafted by the non-partisan
commission appointed by the Governor, that he
will call the Legislature in extra session to enact
the same into law and It being our opinion that at
least seventyve per cent. Of the voters of Valley
county. regardless Of their political affiliations
favor the direct nomination Of all state and
choice for President of the United States, beg to
petition you as our Senator to Immediately notify
the Governor that you will support said bill, and
thereby assist in obtaining the rights to which
all citizens of Montana are entitled; viz the
naming Of our candidates.
Respectfully submitted,
Mere follows the signatures Of sixty-seven resi-
dents Of Culbertson.)
SENATOR SURVANT'S REPLY
Malta, Montana, April 30th, 1912.
Mr.. G. H. Coulter,
Culbertson. Montana.
Dear Mr.. Coulter:-
Yours of the 9th inst. enclos-
ng petition from the citizens of Cube rtson ask
ing me to write Governor Norris that / am in
favor Of and will vote for the Primary Bill
drafted by the Commission last winter, received.
To make q long story short will say-I can not
do it, The bill provides that an elector can at the
place for voting or on election day make affidavit
that he has changed HIS politics and then ask for
und receive the primary ballot Of the party he
has been fighting and will continue to fight during
the campaign.
make affidavit that he has changed his politics
and we are then in practically the same condition
as we will be after the fall election when the bill
that has been petitioned for by the residents of
western Montana becomes a law by initiation
after the fall election without any additional ex
pense to the state If the Governor ia SO earnest
about this matter let him call an extra session and
am sure we can pass good primary law. The
commission bill is good one but with the one ex-
ception referred to and that could be amended to
read-"An elector changing his politics and wish
ing to vote at the primary election must make
affidavit and the change made on the Great
Register and the precinct register 80 days before
the primary election"
am satisfied that many Of the gentlemen who
signed the petition never read the bill referred to
and do not know the provisions, also the ninety
per cent. you mention wanting primary law do
not want law permitting the voters Of one party
to participate in the primary election of any
other party and that is what we would be up
against if the bill referred to becomes law.
Yours sincerely,
John Survant.