The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-10-24

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platform pledge had no such condl-
tion 1t was absolute and uncondi-
tional in Its purpose. But this Is a
mistaken notion. We have now on
our statute books fairly good regis
tration law-not what 1t orghtto be
in some respects. or such as we Dem
ocrats would like, but we must not
overlook the fact that the registration
law as amended at the regular SEES
sion, provides for two registrars, one
for each Of the two leading parties at
each precinst, who must act together
and jointly in registering each voter.
Our party can and will be represent
ed by one of these registrars at every
precinct in the State The registration
book must be open to public inspec-
ton and the registrars are required
to furnish copies thereof on demand
of any person. More provisions safe
guard the interests of all parties /
have not the slightest doubt in my
own mind that 1t Is perfectly compe-
tent for this session Of the Legislature
under the Governors call, to provide
in any draft of a primary law, that no
one shall be allowed to vote in any
primary election, without having first
been registered. Also to provide that
the county court shall appoint regis
trars under the existing registration
law for the purpose Of any primary
election.
""l am not now prepared to say that
this extra session is without power,
under the Call of the Governor, to ap-
point an ad interim commission as
contemplated by this resolution, but
there is some ground for doubt on the
subject.
I'm conclusion let me say that indie
pendently of my obligation under the
platform of 1908, and especially under
my personal pledge to the voters OF
Cahell county, made during the can
vass and before my election to this
body, / firmly believe in Statewide,
mandatory primary election law, thor
ough-going in all its provisions, and
would for that reason alone oppose
the resolution. regret that major
ity of my party associates feel iusti-
fed in voting for this resolution. But
/ also feel that l have not strayed
away from Democratic moorings, but
stand on firm ground.
"The Democratic party can always
afford to do right and trust to the
consequences"
Even more frank in his discussion
of the resolution was Hon. James W
Robinson, of Harrison county, an
other Democrat who was sincere in
his advocacy of direct primary cleo
ton law. He charged that It was a
dishonest measure introduced for a
dishonest purpose-that Of delaying
legislation which had been promised
by both Of the political parties.
Mr.. Robinson's speech was as fol
lows:
Robinson Attacks Resolution.
"Mr. Speaker: / am opposed 10 the
resolution and In what / have to say
in opposition to it / shall confine MS
far as possible my remarks directly 10
the resolution. Permit me to say tina /.
we should consider this resolution
cooliy and dispationately. AS members
OF one of the greatest legislative bod
les of West Virginia we should be
very careful in what we do in REGARD,
to this matter. l do not think my
statement will be challenged when /
say that the purpose Of the introduce
ton of this resolution providing for
the proposed commission has but one
purpose and that is to prevent the pas
sage OF primary election law at this
session of the Legislature. am will
ing to admit, Mr.. Speaker, that 1t is
not unusual among the legislative
bodies to refer matters to commits
sions' and in addition to that permit
me to say after going over the entire
matter carefully that can think OF
but two reasons why the proposed
Legislation would be referred to a
commission. The first is for an hon
est purpose. 1t is for the purpose Of
obtaining Information to be reported
to the assembly which creates the
commission, or to some later I.egisla-
tnre assembledfn order that they may
be put in possession of facts; statistics
and data which win enable them to
honestly and conscientiously deal with
the proposed legislation. The second
purpose for which commission can
be created is dishonest and Illegal
one. tits for the purpose ofdelaying
legislation. In other words 1t is for
the purpose OF putting OF the day OF
final Judgment. 1t is for the purpose