The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-05-01
HOUSE DEMOCRATS TO VOTE
AS UNIT ON DIRECT PRIMARIES

The Democratic members of the House considered
the direct primary bill in yesterday afternoon
After brief address by Minority Leader Thons and
of the principles of the bill by
TAYLOR of Danbury member of majority of the Jul
dietary committee which reported the measure the
unanimously adopted rule binding all the members
on the Democratic side to vote unit for the bill
This fair prospect for victory for the meas
ure, which has already been passed by the Senate,
probable the Progressives in the House OF whom
there are eight will for the BILL since their platform
contains a direct primary plank 49, ~ oa.,,ra
It is said that few Republicans favor the measure
If this is so, it will be adopted
At least, the Democrats will have done their full
give the citizens the advantage of this most
portant legislation
It cannot be said however that the bill itself is
trefy Democratic bill It formulated by Repub-
hcan Judge John 81 Perry of Southport. Judge Perry
entered into detailed study of the direct primary plan IN
1905 when he made member of non-partsan COM
mission to consider the question Of direct primaries
This commission included distinguished Democrats
and distinguished Republicans and Judge Perry was It's
chairman
airy law ought to 1T reported again to the same Ell
In 1911 the Senate passed the commission BILL the
In 1913 comes the bill again This time party
measure with four parties, Democrats Progressves So
calsts and Prohbitionists declared it. For
the principle of this bill 10000 persons voted while but
10000 voted for parties not committed to it.
It is principle which has found favor in the major
K of the states Of the Union Every state that touches
coast Maine, Massachusetts, New York and New jersey
have them.
candidate whom they desire nominated in their party The
Perry bill provides for the direct nomination of governor
orally speaking for all municipal and district offices
The party principle is preserved in the BILL which is
pieces of craftsmanship the General
Assembly many years The TECHNOLOGY of the bill is
clear definite and precise It's provisions proceed log
caIy from point to the next The mechanism pro
vded miracle of simplicity and overcomes objections
that have been made the score of expense
Tt is deemed by authorities upon this type of legisa
ton to be the very best bill of its kind that has yet been
drawn.
All the1partfes to the polling place the
day and at the hour to make nominations. No
vote the ticket of any party save his Mo-
The he
The ballot is entirely protected from double machine
tack and prevents the voters of party dominating the
of another party.
Every voter of any party has his ballot complete
for indicating his choice for each and every cand
date of that party voted for in that election.
The process is simple, Inexpensive, democratic and
typdcalIy American.
The thanks of the state due to Judge Perry
has given many years of effort to this splendid
The thanks of the state due to the majority of the
Judiciary committee who voted to report the bill
ably and to the Democratic Senate which passed WEI
venture to express the hope that the thanks
may be due to House for e1nulating the Senate
without party division.
THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT WANT Dr.
RECT PRIMARIES.