The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1912-03-27
The River Press
Published every Wednesday Morning
by the RiUer Press Publish
ing Company.
FOR STATEWIDE PRIMARIES.

FOR STATEWIDE Primaries.
In view of the conflicting claims OF
supporters of each a~spirant for presi'
Dental honors, and the lack of definite
knowledge as to the preference OF the
voters, It is suggested that q state
vide primary is the proper way to
ascertain prevailing public sentiment
upon this question. The situation is
concisely and accurately described
by Hon. w. B. Sands, of Chinook, In
an open letter to the Mics oulian, to
this effect:
"The republicans throughout the
state are deeply interested in the ques-
ton of who shall be the presidential
nominee of the party.
1.-THE past three platforms OF the
republican party in this state have
declared in favor of q primary elec'
ton law, but We are still without one.
The rank and file OF the party are
anxious to express their choice but
feel that they have but little to say
about the nominees of the party under
the prevailing convention method.
Why not recognize the popular de-.
mand and let the voters of the party
directly express their choice by q
statewide referendum vote at the
party primaries? Why not have the
state central comm ~. O. 'er q vote
taken at each preciuct ut lie time he
delegates to the county conventions
are elected and the returns forwarded
through the county conventions to the
state convention. Let the caudida ate
receiving the highest number of votes
over the whole state be the candid ate
for whom the votes of this state at the
national convention be recorded. Let
the state convention select the dele
gates to the national convention. II
is not very important who the dele
gates are if they express the will OF
the people at the national convention.
This plan would not be difficult to carry
out and would restore confidence In
the party. 1t would not be difficult OF
operation. 1t would be very simple
indeed.
THE undersigned recently address.
ed a letter to each of the republican
county committeeman in Chouteau,
Hill and Blaine counties asking
whether they preferred the convention
system or the statewide primary plan
Over half Thirty -four to be exact
have answered and every answer ha'
been in favor of the statewide plan.
1.-THE state republican committee
consisting of one committeeman fror
each county. meets at Helena on tn
23rd OF this month. The old cOnven
ton method will be adopted unless th
republicans Of each county get ate
their representative and impress upoI
him the Importance of recognizing tn
demand of the rank and file of tn
party.
zone other suggestion. Why nc
have this primary election on the sam
day as the school election, April 6
In a very few country districts tn
polling places for school and pr
clint election may not be convenient, b,
for ,he great mass of people in tt
couo,ry, the two elections on the San
day will be q great convenience an
both elections will be better attende
and more representatives.
The plan suggested by Mr.. Sane
can be followed without elabora
preparation, and would demonstra
the desire Of the voters as to the
presidential preference. The verde
of course, would be a. advisory as to
effect upon the delegates. but t
latter, as the accredited represent
tive, of the voters, would be moral
bound to respect their will. In t
absence of a statewide primary la
this voluntary plan of ascertaini
public sentiment should be acceptat
to members of all political part
who honestly believe In popular &C
ernment.