The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1916-03-24

His WAY IHRUUGH
PRIMARY SYSTEM
Guy Bissell, we'll known lawyer
of Gooding, had an idea once upon a
time that he would adorn the office OF
attorney general Of Idaho, with more
or less eclat. He had in fact just abou,
decided to become a candidate for the
Republican nomination for the posi-
ton. He had enthused over the pros
pect to such an extent that many OF
his friends looked forward to an early
denoument OF his scheme of acquiring
the honor While in friendly state
Of mind Mr.. Bissell cast an eye over
the method by which he would acquire
The honors and emoluments of the Of
fee. In letter addressed to the edi-
tor of the Gooding Leader Mr.. Bisseli
gives survey of the way of getting
into Office under the direct primary
system; what is expected of the candi-
date; how he is supposed to act and
what it will cost him.
The letter is most interesting and
profitable reading. In hopes that it
will open the eyes of local advocates
of the Idaho system we publish Mr..
Bisseips letter;
My dear Sir-Replying to your in
quiry, as to whether or not | would
be candidate tor the nomination for
Attorney General, at the coming Re-
publican primary election. | will say,
that while | greatly appreciate the Eff
forts of my friends and the many
promises of support which it has been
my good fortune to receive; and
while | would greatly appreciate the
honor OF being attorney general Of
the state of Idaho, and the opportu-
mites afforded thereby to be of SER
VICE to the state. after mature con-
sideration of the matter, am forced
to announce to you, and my friends
IN general, that ! shall not be a can
didate. The reason which has com
PEELED me to arrive at this cofclu-
sion is in brief, our present primary
election law.
While ! am reasonably we'll known
in the fourth and fifth judicial dis
tricts, and feel that could safely
rely upon the support of most of the
members OF the bar and court officers
where ] am best known. still. In COM
mon with all other lawyers who make
the law and not politics their prin-
cipal business, my acquaintance is
necessarily limited in other parts of
the state. and had l decided to be-
come candidate it would have been
necessary for me to play the game
IN accordance with the we'll establish
ed, although unwritten rules govern
ing it. That is. it would have been
necessary ito meet the boys, who
under the primary or convention sys-
tenn ahke) do things. This alone
would necessitate at least three thous-
and miles of travel, and would have
consumed at least sixty days time.
This, with railroad fare at three
cents per mile. hotel and Incidental
expenses at not less than ten dol
lars per day, would total an expense
OF at least $500. A simple announce
ment run in each of the Republican
papers OF the state would account
tor another $500 and in addition to
these items. II | expected to give the
voters OF the state reasonable op-
portunity to familiarize themselves
with my excuse for being alive and
believing that | was competent to fill
one OF the most important Offices in
the state, it would have been neces
sary for me to do as all other candi-
dates must pcrforce do, i. e.. resort
to publicity campaign through the
United States mail
The usual and accepted method be,
Ing to have photograph taken,
cleverly posed, 10 create the impress,
sion. 50 far as possible, that | was a
deep thinking and wonderfully intel
lectual patriot. whose mind was con-
centrated upon the single theme of
how best to serve his country and
keep inviolate the rights. privileges
and perogatives of his constituency
made therefrom. which. when dulv
embellished with the legend, vote
for w. G.. Bissell LAWYER, Statesman
Patriot and Friend of the people" I
should mail our. fondly hoping that
such portraits would be used to or
nament the windows of grocery
stores, the walls of barber shops.
garages, livery stables and black
smith emporiums. where the same
should long serve as blatant adver-
tisement of my ambition, as we'll as
first class hv roost. The accom-
plishment of which would account for
an item OF $500,
Then II would have been necessary
for me to do, what all candidates
must and will do. "cover the state at
least twice. with circulars highly
recommending myself, and strongly
intimating that unless a majority OF
the Republican voters of the state
should on primary morn;no cI;r,h