The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1912-10-24


ZION 1t was absolute ana uneOnd.-
lt4onaI in its purpose But this y a
mistaken notion. We have now on
our statute books fairly good regis
tration law-aot what It ought 70 be
IN some respects, or such as we DEM
ocFats would Ike, but We must not
overlook che fact that the registration
| law as amended at the regular ses-
sion, provides for two registrars one
for each Of the two leading parties ct
each precinct. Who must act together
and Jointly in registering each voter.
Our party can and VIII 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
Fof any person More provisions safe
guard the Interests OF all parties !
have not the slightest doubt in my
own mind that It Is perfectly cOmpe-
I 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
traFs under the existing registration
law for the purpose OF any primary
election.
81 am not now prepared to say thas
this extra session is without power.
under the CAN 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.
'In conclusion let me say that inde-
pendently OF my obligation under the
platform OF 1908, and especially under
my personal pledge to the voters OF
caben county, made during the cam
vass and before my election to this
body, I firmly believe in a 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 justi-
fed in voting for this resolution. But
also feel that have not strayed
away from Democratic mOorings. but
stand on firm ground.
'aThe 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 a direct primary cleo
ton law. He charged that it was
dishonest measure introduced Tor a
dishonest purpose-that Of delaying
legislation which had been promised
by both OF the political parties.
Mr.. RobinsonEs speech was as fol-
lowe:
Robinson Attacks Resolution.
@Mr. Speaker: am opposed to the
resolution, and in what I have to say
in opposition to it shall eonhne IS
far as possible my remarks directly to
the resolution. Permit me to say tina;
we should consider this resolution
cooliy and dfspationately. 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. I do not think my
statement will be challenged when
say that the purpose OF the introduc-
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 it 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. It is for the purpose Of
obtaining information to be reported
to the assembly which creates the
commission. or to some later LegisIa-
ture assembled in order that they may
be put in possession of facts, statistics
and data which win enable them to
honestly and conscientiousIy deal with
the proposed legislation. The second
purpose for which a commission can !
be created is a dishonest and illegal !
one 1t is for the purpose OF delaying I
legislation In other words it is for !
the Durpose of putting OF the day of |