The Glasgow courier., 1916-03-31
of the progressive party strength
two years ago.

VI Vic progressive party SIFenSLn
two years ago.
The figures are more significant
when it is recalled that women did
not vote in 1912, whereas they had
that right in 1914 and increased
fully so per cent the aggregate of
ballots cast. Partial registration for
the primary election Of 1916 shows
the relative strength of the three
parties to be as follows in Multno-
NAH county, wherein is polled two
thirds of the total state vote: Re-
publican $3.50; democrats, 100;
progressives, 107.
These figures are cited to support
the prediction that Oregon will be
listed again among the republican
states in 1916, inasmuch as democra-
tic success in 1912 was due in Oregon
to the republican split. The result
will, of course, depend upon the char
acter of the republican candidate for
president. He must be free from the
taint of standpatism in order to ce-
ment the party. Oregon republicans
unquestionably would welcome the
nomination of Justice Hughes. There
is also pronounced friendly inter-
est in Senator Borah, with Burton or
Root probably third choice. Roose-
velt's popularity, except among the
returned progressives, is prohema-
teal. A lively discussion carried on
by volunteer letter-writers in the
press is now in progress on the SUBJ
ject of Roosevelt's availability. Some
writer's who supported Taft in 1912
say they would vote for Roosevelt if
nominated, while other republicans
assert positively that they would
vote for Wilson in preference.
In Oregon no nominating or plat
form conventions are held. The state
elects delegates to the national con-
ventions by the direct primary meth
cd and each party at the same time
declares it's preference for presiden-
tial candidate. A popularity of the
presidential primary law is that two
methods of nominating delegates are
provided. One may get on the bal
lot by paying a fee, in which he is
required to pledge himself to sup
port the party choice for presidential
candidate. Or one may have himself
nominated by petition, in which event
he need not subscribe to the pledge.
The fact that the names Of neither
Hughes, Borah nor Roosevelt will ap-
pear on the primary ballot, coupled
with the peculiar feature just men,
toned makes the course of the Ore
gon delegation to the republican con-
vention beyond the bounds of reason
able speculation.
There is no prospect at this time
that any other than the name of
President Wilson will appear on the
democratic primary ballot. Bryan,
however, has always been popular
among Oregon democrats. While
democratic clubs indorse the presi-
dent in general terms, one of the
largest and most influential is silent
on preparedness and other issues
growing out of the war on which the
president and Mr.. Bryan are not
agreed. Similarly. leading democrats
prefer to speak eulogistically of the
president in indefinite phraseology.
The tariff will be an important
campaign issue in Oregon. The state
was hit hard by the lumber schedule
of the Underwood bill, and this condi-
ton was made worse by the repeal
of free tolls for coastwise vessels
passing through the Panama canal.
Being on the western border of the
country. Importance of the prepared
ness issue impresses Oregon people
Republicans undoubtedly will not let
sleep that plank of the 1912 democra-
: tic platform which declares for gov.
eminent guarantee of the lives and
property of Americans abroad.
A strong factor in the Oregon re.
suit will likely be the belated arrival
| of that larger prosperity which is re-
ported to exist in states farther east
Slower recovery in Oregon is ascrib'