American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1915-12-30
A MOVEMENT WORTH WHILE.


A MOVEMENT WORTH WHILE.
A voters information league was organized in Bannock
county last week. 1t was organized by the Republicans,
but it should be taken up by all parties. The weakness of
the direct primary law, and the main reason for the
small primary vote, is that people generally know so little
Of the candidates, especially those seeking state positions.
How many people in Power county know enough concern
ing W. c. Whitwel to vote either for or against him as a
candidate for governor? How many even know where
his home is, or what business interests he has? The an
swer is practically none of them. He was a candidate for
nomination for governor at the last primary election, and
NAV be admirably equipped for that position, and entirely
worthy of the high honor he sought. Yet we do not know
him, either personally or by reputation. We could not
vote intelligently on his nomination. How many know w.
r. Dougherty, or John Fl. Nordquist? How many know
C. f. B. Roberts, Charles w. Morrison or James CapesY
How many know Thomas T. Kerl, Wickiffe r. Smith, o.
M. Van Tassel, or c. M. Stole? How many could vote in
diligently for their nomination for United States senator,
congressman, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state
auditor, state superintendent and state mine inspector.
These men ran for state offices at the last primary election
yet they are practically unknown. Not one voter IN lo
can tell what counties they come from, what their quail
fications are fer the positions they sought, nor whether
they are even of good moral character. Yet Republicans
andpemocrats and Progressives voted for their omlna
items for these offices without possessing any knowledge
that qualified them for voting at all. Yet we talk of an
intelligent ballot and letting the people rule!
The direct primary, up to the present time, mas been a
disappointment, If not a failure, for the reason that voters
could not inform themselves concerning the candidates,
and for that reason took little or no interest IN them. Ana
those who did vote because of interest in some local candl-
date, could use no intelligence so far as state candidates
for all the positions on their ticket were concerned. The
voters league should be extended to every county, and by
every party; it should be conducted on a broad gauge
plan, being fair and impartial in the information 1t I'M
parts. BY so doing there is no reason why any voter
should remain in ignorance concerning the comparative
fitness and worthiness of any candidate on his ticket.
Heretofore they have had to rely upon regulations manu-,
featured after the campaign was begun, by partlsans, ana
this course has resulted in boosting some unworthy men
and permitted unwarranted SANDER of others. With the
league in good working condition such things Will be al
most impossible. People who are informed will not toler-
ate the unmerited abuse of any candidate on any tlcket;
neither will they support one whose character ana Iines IS
are not proven. The people will rule, and rule wisely, II
thew are given the information which will enable them TO
do SO. High class men and women should be placed In
charge of these leaugues, and with such all parties are
generously supplied Honest and intelligent direction are
the only things needed to make this plan one OF great and
lasting benefit.
Every member of the league promises to register and
vote at the primaries, to assist in law enforcement, and TO
demand clean character and fitness or all canoluates. AL
good citizens can support all these things, and notnlng else
is required or expected of those who become members.
The report of the meeting where the organization was
formed was silent on one important point. The purpose
is good and deserving of the support of every worthy cltl-
zen. But how is it to be put into effect? 1t will take some
money and someone's time. How is this money to be Sc
cured. There appears to be but one way, ana that Is Ioi
the public spirited men and women of each party to volun
tariiy contribute to this expense. If the league is TO DC
impartial. no candidate for any office, high or low, mus
be permitted to contributes; if 1t is to be kept on a plane
above suspicion, no contribution must be accepted IRON
any public service corporation, nor from anyone occupy
inc q responsible, directing position with any such corpo
ration. With these details solved, as they easily may be
the Press gives its hearty and entire support to the move
ment; it is what we have been looking for. In another par
of this issue is an account of the organization OF th'
league, with it's purposes more fully set out. "A careIu
reading of it is commended.
SHE HAS STARTED SOMETHING.