New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-03-19
TANNER PLANS
FIGHT AGAINST
BALLOT BILL
State Chairman to Oppose
Argetsinger Measure and
Official Convention.
WILL TAKE HAND
IN NEW LEGISLATION
Senator Burton Justifies Sem
ate Filibuster and Says Cur
rent Favors Republicans.

Frederick C. Tanner, chairman OF
the Republican State Committee III
speech at a meeting Of the county COM
mittoe here last night practlcaliy
served notice that lie intended 10 take
i directing hand in legislation anecI-
ing the election law.
Although he did not say so puDiIcIy'
his friends have been told he DeIeVeS
that in matter so vitality affecting
the organization it is his duty TO breah
his determination not TO interfere IN
legislation. In his recent visits 10 Al
bany he has conferred with leaders
on the Argetsingcr bill, which would
abolish the Massachusetts, form OF
ballot and restore the official conven-
ton. He voiced his opposition to ooth
these changes last night and 1t is pc
lieved the bill, which IS now beng en-
tirely redrafted in committee, VIII
bear the impress of his opinion when
il comes out
Theodore F.. Burton, former United
States Senator from Ohio, who has
been suggested as a Presidential posi-
bility in 1916, also addressed the
county committee. which was holding
it's regular monthly meeting in the
Murray Hill Lyceum.
The declaration of Chairman Tanner
came on the presentation OF majority
and minority reports OF the committee
on election law. The ma orlty, headed
by Ezra p. Prentice, chairman, report
ed on a number of minor amendments
to the law, but took no stand on the
question involved in the Argetslnger
bill. Ely Rosenberg and Justice John
K. Davies reported in favor OF form
of ballot that would provide the oppor-
tunity to vote a straight party ticket.
After the reading of these and other
reports presented By Beverly K. koGln-
son, it's chairman, Abraham Gruoer'
leader of the 18th District, SAID that
such important matters should be open
to discussion for several hours before
massage. As ex-senator Burton had
been invited to speak, he suggested
that consideration of the reports go
over until the next meeting. HI at
tention was called to the fact that the
Legislature would then have adjourned.
He consented TO having the matters
taken up at a special meeting, the late
of which was not fixed, but 1t was de-
cided to give Chairman Tanner the
opportunity to express his views at
once.
Expresses Views Candidly.
az see no reason why, on this sub
ject that affects party organization so
closely | should not express my views
with entire candor," said the state
chairman.
He gave them as follows:
htnE
Massachusetts ballot should be tam
pered with. 1t has had only one test
and that was during a time of great
excitement when public interest was
centred in the European war. In all
probability the Constitutional Conven-
ton will adopt the short ballot, and
the public should have the opportunity
of deciding whether they wish TO re-
tain the Massachusetts form of ballot
under the new system which will be
adopted after the work of the Con-
stitutional Convention.
Second am against legislation
abolishng direct primaries at this
time. That question should be deter
mined after the people have had a
chance to try direct primaries under
the short form of ballot.
concerned, | think il is highly probable
that we will have one in 1916, and If
the sentiment of the Republican party,
as voiced by its state committee, de-
sires an unofficial convention 10 recon-
mend candidates | will call one, no
matter what the Legislature does. The
party has right to have an unofficial
convention, no matter what the statute
says, for it is the right of assembly
and cannot be taken away under the
constitution. This will give the party
the opportunity TO recommend such
candidates as the members of the party
in convention assembled desires, sub
ject to the approval of the enrolled
voters at the primaries.
"Third-The place Of stay clause
should be repealed. 1t is an invitation
to fraud. In cities of the first and
second classes | am in favor of extend
ing the signature Jaw to the primaries
further believe that in the large
cities the election district should be
the unit on primary day"
Rufus j. Johnston, chairman of the
committee on resolutions, reported in
favor of constitutional amendment
providing for the appointment by the
Governor of judges of the Court of
Appeals and of the Supreme Court, IN
stead of their election by the people
Consideration of this was also post
poned.
The business was temporarily sus-
pended when ex-senator Burton, ac-
companied by Charles d. Hilles, chair
man of the national committee, and
William Nelson Cromwell, were es-
corted TO the platform.
Although in the minority in both
branches of Congress. the Republicans,
the ex-senator said, had been respon-
sible for the defeat of two dangerous
measures the ship purchase bill and
the rivers and harbors bill. The latter
was defeated largely by mis- tilibuster,
WINTER GARDEN. Mat. To-m'w. 81 and 81 %.
LIg, AdAIn lM ANdEnICA