The daily star-mirror. (Moscow, Idaho) 1911-1939, 1919-01-21
MEMBER OF ASSOCIATED PRESS
REFORMS OF PRIMARY ELEC-
TION LAWS.


TON LAWS.
In nearly all western states efforts
will be made to reform the direct
primary nomination laws.
These reforms will proceed along
two lines-allowing state and county
conventions and making the primary
effective.
The latter line of reform includes
preservation of political party lines
and requiring majority vote to decide.
The abuse of the Non-partisan
League registering as of one party
and putting out party nominees on
its own platform is aimed at.
The absurdity of candidates run
ming on ticket as republicans or
democrats but really bound hand and
foot to socialist platform is appar-
ent.
In cities, progress in primary cleo
ton reform is simple-any candidate
at primary who has a majority of all
votes is declared elected.
Nominations in city elections are
made on petition and are not partisan
and majority at a primary elects,
thus obviating another election.
This provision also shortens the bal
lot, as there are only contests for the
remaining offices in which case the
two receiving highest votes run.
County and state conventions are
valuable educational gatherings in the
training of citizens for political duties
and must be restored.
In case of denominations or a can
didate running without opposition
there is no need of direct primary,
the county or state convention NOM
mating.
Nominations over which there is a
spirited contest may well be left to
the direct primary by the county or
state central committees, majority to
decide.
This primary election can be held |
at the same time delegates are chosen
in the precincts for the county con-
vention, delegates bound by precinct
vote
Reforms on those lines would save
expense, shorten the ballot and pre-
serve party harmony, and neither
party organization or direct voting
at the primary be destroyed as both
have valuable features.
A NECESSITY IN AMERICAN
MINING.
Eastern facories that have been
skiing western manganese and zinc
lalt. They are using up their re-
erves. By the time these are gone
hey expect to go where they may to
purchase their ores and have ship
ottoms to bring them to American
orts. They are economic interna-
ionalists. To them the west is no
etter than a district in Bolivia or
'urmah or Mexican state not too
ar from our border They import
rom the cheapest part and sell in
ne dearest-that is unsentimental
usiness and business is only senti-
rental on paper.
AS peace came the eastern manu-
acturer saw prospect of plenty of
hips and Immediately he turned his
5tention for the raw materials which
2 required, to foreign countries, for
lie reason that American standards
!, living do not prevail there and the
d law of supply and demand is in
feet in these benighted regions, con-
quently he can get his needs sup
led at very much less cost to him.
Western states have awakened to
e need of a new tariff law and if
csc states Joined forces and consti-
tie "bloc" in congress for the bet
: defense of western interests they
n do far more effective work in
ting needed protection for the
stern mining industry.
If high wages are to be maintained
this country some protection must
given American industry which
) to compete with foreign compe-
on not governed by American
ndards of living-call it tariff or
thing you like.
"a "a "a
THE STATE CABINET BILL.
Tnder the caption of "Idaho Con-