The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1912-10-03
Talks ON Primary Laws.

election laws, l wish to say that
championed measure in 1908
which would have far surpassed the
present methods lof making nomina-
tons. had my views at that time
relative to a primary election law
which were in keeping with ideas
adopted by Governor Hughes in New
York and approved by ex-President
Roosevelt.
I'm the extra session of 1911, |
championed with other Republican
senators, primary measure which
had for its purpose to give to every
citizen full and free expression of
his preference in selecting the nomi-
nees of his party, and 1 opposed a
/ measure, introduced by the Demo-
Gratis, which had referendum
clause attached to 1t, submitting it
to vote of the people in this cam
paign, but which had within it's
sections such NORWOOD and gall OF
i trickery and dishonesty that it
would have been overwhelmingly re-
pudiated, which was, / think, the in
tention of those who most vigorous
ly advocated 1t. 1t was disfran-
chising meaure; of that there can be
no question. This was pre-ar-
ranged understanding of the Demo-
Gratis for the reason that they did
not care to have a primary measure
passed at all. 1t was purposely,
believe, SO composed that it would
be so Objectionable that its over
whelming defeat would be insured.
Carrying Out Instructions.
Relative to my position on the
prohibition amendment when was
in the State Senate, / want to say
that believe that man when he is
elected to office should represent the
true sentiment of his people regard
less OF his personal inclination.
THE convention which nominated
the candidate on the ticket d sue
ceeded by appointment of the com
mittee in 1909, passed instructions
to that candidate. In the convention
of 1910 which nominated my col
league, l addressed that convention
and in course of that address stated
that, 4 would step down and out
question as my people had in
structed. | was not there to tell
them that they were wrong in the
matter, but personally L believed
that they were. But right or wrong,
would carry out the instructions OF
my people, and when I could not do
that, l woul dstep down and out
and no longer be their representa-
tive regard the will OF the peo-
pie in all matters as supreme. When
a man is chosen to represent them,
he is rocreant to the commission
they hand him, although it may be
in his own judgment wrong and in
expedient, unless he votes as they
direct. That has always been my
views of the duty of obligation
man assumes when he accepts
commission from a party convention,
or an office from majority OF all
the people.
Silly Charge Reruted.
"As to my position with reference
to special interests as against the
people, gladly refer any question
ing person to my legislative record.
They will find there nothing to sub
stantiate the false charge OF my po-
litical opponents. There was never
measure which had for its purpose
charity, relief, the betterment OF curl
people and the progressive advance
ment of my beloved state that did
not advocate and work for. Through
my efforts the child labor law was
passed Special interests did not
clamor for that. did they? ! was
instrumental in getting the law pro-
tecting motormen on street cars
passed. Through my influence and
assistance the johnson pistol-toting
law was enacted. Are these laws
that special interests, as we under
stand them, would go out Of their
way especially to procure? Then
there are number of other laws OF
the same character, all for the pro-
lection and betterment of the masses
of the people.
Il have spent my entire life in
industrial sections of the state where
/ grew up, practiclng my profession
among people who earn their living
by their labor. l have given nine
years of my professional life to one
of the states great and worthlest
charitable institutions without hnan-
cial remuneration. No one can point