The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1919-03-12
Legislature Wonders if Allen
Would Veto Anti-Primary Bill.
Governor Admits He Appears to
Be Excited and Worried.
CAPPER GETS into THE GAME
Senator Uses Influence to Force
House to Kill Measure.
Ghost Dance Panic Now That
Senate Has Shown Nerve.

Will Governor Allen veto the pri-
mary bill if it passes the house?
That is the question which is today
causing more discussion in legislative
circles than any problem before the
lawmakers. With the bill safely thru
the senate and by a strong majority.
the issue is now. up to the house
Friends of the bill believe there is a
good chance to push the bill thru the
lower legislative body. The action
which Governor Allen will take, tho,
is a matter of speculation and concern.
For the first time since the primary
election law was adopted eleven years
ago, a Kansas legislature this week
voted on its provisions. The old theory
that a legislature would never dare
tamper with the measure was knocked
crooked. Without quibbling or vast
ing breath, the senate passed the
measure which abolishes the state
wide primary for nomination of United
States senators and state officers.
Today there is seemingly but one
hope to beat the bill in the house
| That is to start a panic thru a ghost
dance. If the house members can be
convinced that the dear voters at home
will meet them with muskets if they
pass the bill. there is a chance to de-
feat the measure. If the members
however. and are convinced there is
no demand for the statewide meas
ure, then the bill will probably pass.
Capper Takes Il Hand.
The influence of Senator Arthur
Capper and his papers is being thrown
into the house today in an effort to
| beat the bill. But this was a rather
rough day for the senator in the house
and the influence which the former
+ governor and his papers will have on
| house action cannot be definitely de-
| termined until a vote is taken.
! On the other hand the possible attitude
| of Governor Allen is II matter of much
uncertainty. II the governor vetoes the
bill. it would require twO-thirds vote tO
| pass the measure 1t is possible the sen
ate might pass the bill over executive veto
| House action is more uncertain. The
house has performed very much in ar
cor'lance with its own wishes. convictions
aud -whims during tile tast two nsontirs
! It may agaIn accept Il challenge and pass
| the bill in the face of threats of dire things
! which will happen at home.
Allen EXCITED and Worried"
! Governor Allen hcs refused to state his
| position on the bill. Asked by the STATE
Journal today concerning the ;etion which
! lie would take. the governor declined tt
! You may say" said Governor Alien
that when You asked the governor re
garding his action that he appeared very
much excited and worried.
Then he added-from which you may
draw your own conclusions:
| My position on the primary has so long
been n matter of .Ioubt and uncertainty
| that there is nothing on which to bGsi
| judgment as to my action"
| 1t is known that if the bill passes the
house that friends of the statewide prf
mary will urge the governor to use his
veto power. on the other hand many mer
! strong in political affairs in the state are
! favorable to the bill. An attempt to over
ride the action of the two Legislative bodies
! would be certain to start political row
in Kansas which would greatly overshadoN
any result of action or inaction on the par
! of the state legislature.