The Calumet news., 1912-02-19

In taking regardless OF these consid
erations.
Newspapers that wish 10 see tn
governor predicting that the extra ses
sion Will accomplish that result, bu
fsingularH enough. instead OF wei
coming the instrument OF their de,
sire they are in rage because n,
has shaped IL to their hand. Despit,
all the talk that Gov. Osborn 4,
shrewdiy moving to strengthen hi.
own political popularity. II may bc
said here that he would welcome
political annihilation as serenely as
he would any other consequence, and
his indifference 10 his political fate
is more sincere than most people
seem 10 believe
In this special session matter the
governor has simply put the presi i.
Dental primary up 10 the people IL
they want il badly enough they win
see that the legislature gives il 10
them.-Saginaw Courier Herald.
There is no doubt that il lies in the
power OF minority of The legislature
10 block the presidential primary law.
But would IL be profitable for this
minority TO do so? Would IL profit
President Taft anything? After the
nominating convention there has To
De an election. The "sandbagging'' Of
a presidential primary bill would not
improve the humor of the masses of
the Republican voters of the state.
Would it proht the opponents OF Gov
efnor Osborn 10 thwart him ON this
measure? Would IL not rather
strengthen him?
Now that the issue has been raised
The legislature should enact a work.
able honest law along the lines pro-
posed The plan is sound in theory
ana fair i'm essence. Nowhere can n
direct primary law be expected TO give
better results than when IL is an
piled Ia a presidential contest, for this
reason: The men 10 be voted on. their
records. their personal characteristics
are known TO the great majority OF
the voters more thoroughly than they
know of the candidates for local Office
In their own cities ar townships. or
Legislative districts. They nave all the
materials for arriving at a Judgment.
The Republican legislature of Mich
iSan cannot afford TO sidestep the
presidential primary. If II does so the
dlscredit will fall upon the shoulders of
the Republican party in the state The
friends of President Taft cannot afford
to sidestep the issue. either. To do 90 |
VIII be confession of weakness that |
VIII do great mischief to the cause of |
the president both in Michigan and in
)ther states. Rather than hold up this |
egisiation. the friends of the president
n the Legislature may far better help
% secure the passage of a fair law.
ma then seek by all honorable means
o bring about a state of public senti-
nent that will permit President Taft
o carry the state under il. The presi-
rent VIII be one of the sufferers from
my sharp practice that may be at
empted at I-ansing-v'Mining Journal |,
The enemies of the governor arc
Working overtime just now. They are
'oing to the Legislature loaded IN
make life miserable for him IL possible
I is conceded even by these enemiesl
nat the presidential primary bill will
e passed Those who oppose II con-
ede IL. But there are other meansl
! getting even with the governor andl
et not incur the displeasure of the /,
eople by refusing to permit them tol !
hy Tor whom Michigan shall cast herI :
aliots In the national convention.
Unless the bill is given immediatel :
nect II Will. of course. be worthlessl
lis year, and the special session winl :
aally have been for naught. The con-
-itution provides that only bills for =
10 preservation of the public peace. :.
eaith and safety, or carrying an ap- 9
'opriation can be given immediate :.
tect and then only by two -thirlsi :.
'te of both branches of the leeisla- !,
ire. II the Senate. the obstructionl
'anch OF the legislature, refuses the
7o-thirds vote. the special session
Ill have been In vain. This will no >
e manner in which the enemies oil =,
e governor will attempt to kill the /.
fect OF the special session.
But the governor, in order to bring -
e bill within the constitutional pro- -,
sion. for immediate effect, may at -
ch an appropriation clause. That o.
'uld put 1t squarely up to the Senate -
her to refuse or to allow the people
say for whom Michigan shall vote
the convention.
rao su
to find reasons why the pres da
'ntial primary law cannot be given