Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-04-15
FLAWS IN PRIMARY LAW
Virginia Democrats Perceive Various
Loop Holes-Statute Passed
in 4 Rush.

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Democrats in Washington who are
studying the new primary law find
several defects which they regard as
serious. One is a loophole by means
of which the party committees can
cast aside primaries and hold nominal
ing conventions. Another relates to
the lax provisions thrown around
those who may vote in the primary.
Strict Interpretation Of this provision
it is said, would result in Republicans
and negroes voting in the Democratic
primaries, should they present them
selves, qualify and demand the
right.
Virginia's new primary law was
passed in the dying hours Of the re-
cent legislature. Speaker Richard
Evelyn Byrd, Of the house of repre-
sentatives, introduced a bill embrac-
ing many Of the best'features of laws
of other states. When this bill went
over to the senate it was so emascul-
ated that Mr.. Byrd did not recognize
il. The measure was not returned to
the house until the last hours. and
MIR. Byrd accepted it as "better than
nothing" The Byrd bill would have
given the state strong primary law
Organization Opposed Primaries.
While the Democratic party is COM
mitted to primaries, there is i strong
sentiment within the party in certain
districts for conventions. These dis.
tricts are dominated by the "organl-
cation" following. The loophole to
cast aside the primary is furnished in
the second section Of the bill, which
reads that party authorities in state
Congressional Legislative and count!
officers shall provide a nominee by Il
direct primary or some other meth
3D." This "some other method" is the
cause that troubles some Of the lead
erS.
II is also pointed out that the sec
t;on relative to conditions for voting
contains two tests for voters party
One is that I'LL voters
who supported the party's canidat'
for president, governor or the IcgIs'
lature, in "the last next preceedln!
general election" shall have The r'gh'
to vote. The other test Is that tht
voter. if he did not participate IN INC
last general election, may qualify by
pledging himself to support the noml'
nees of the primary. 1t IS pointed
out that Republicans and negroes VINO
did not take part in the last genera
election, as they frequently do not u
legislative contests, may go TO I'e
polls and demand the right to vote
of course promising to support th'
nominees. In United States Sena~
torial primary the voter has no chance
to eupporL the nominee as he does
not vote for him directly in the gen
eral election. There is no color line
i'm the BILL.
The new law is also bothcring can
didales in the Congressional nominal
tions. 1t does not become effective
until three months after its passage
which is about the middle OF June
and il provides that candidates enter
inp primaries must deposit with the
state treasurer five per cent OF th'
salary of the Office they seek. Sever
al Congressional districts have callel
primaries. The call states that III
notices of candidacy must be mau'
prior to the latter part Of May. FMS
Unjust he certified to by 4 receipt IRON
the state treasurer that the Candidate
has paid his assessment.
1t is pointed out that the SV"''
treasurer cannot receive money IRON
primary assessments until the Dill be-
comes law.