Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-04-30
SENUINE REPUBLICAN DIRECT PTI-
MARJES ASSURED.

The gathering of republicans held in
Burlington Tuesday under the auspices
of the State committee was attended by
prominent members of the party from
all parts of the State, round hundred
responding to the invitation to DIN in
a republican lovefeast gratifying
spirit Of enthusiasm prevailed, and the
manner in which the situation was dis
cussed and action taken promises well
for the coming campaign.
The party put itself thoroughly in line
behind the action Of the large majority
vote in March in favor of direct nomin-
atoms, and as a result of the measures
favored and the action taken the Re-
publican party in Vermont will have d.
rect nominations TO be held, probably
next September, whether an extra ses-
sion of the Legislature is called or not.
In case it is deemed best to avoid the
expense Of an extra session which might
be prolonged at great length owing to our
lack of a limit Of possible action to the
matter named in the call as in New
York, then the state committee will pro-
vide a direct primary unofficial but
calculated to show plainly what the vot-
ers want as regards a State ticket and
congressional nominees and the choice
OF United States senator
Some of those present thought the mat
ter should be put up to the Governor by
asking for an extra session to provide
direct primary law, ard requesting him
TO say whether he would call sucn an
extra session. even though he might not
think best TO call one.
It occurred 10 some, however. that n
TIC extra sess'on were called by the
Gove,aoi In ~ ,ordance with such re.
quest aid the Legislature failed to pro-
vide i genuine d!rect primary after the
large expense had been incurred for THE
express purpose, tn, party would be
surely defeated in the cornrg November
election.
Accordingly it whs decided to put the
party bll IiNblu pl l'lc bllt'l
ISSUE and leave 20 the Governor the de-
clsion of the bothersome question
whether to call an extraordinary session
Of the Legislature. 1t was also voted
to appoint a committee OF three con-
sisting of Senator Hale X. Darling
Lleutenant-G Governor Frank r. Howe
and Secretary of State Guy w. Bailey
to act with the State committee in the
preparation of n direct primary system,
and it is the understanding that II an
extra session Of the LEGISLATURE is called,
the committee will adapt the plan formu-
lated to passage in the form of law
The committee have practically determ-
ined to invite the State committees of
other parties to cooperate in a general
primary so that there shall be direct
nominations simultaneously by all par
tics in Vermont on the same day, and
thus avoid the temptation of members
Of any one party to vote for candidates
.Dther than their own.
II was we'll worth while TO get the
party organization together at this time
. and take the action which resulted, for
1t has plainly already had an inVigorat-
- ing effect, and 1t is sure to impart an
< Impetus to repubicanism throughout
Vermont For the advanced stand taker
no slight degree of credit is due &c
Chairman r. C. Williams, whose hear
is still IN the work though he is out OF
the committoe, and 10 Secretary Earl S