Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-07-16
A COMPULSORY PRIMARY LAW.

Every state in the union except New Mexico has
some character of primary election law. None
has ever abandoned such system when once
adopted.
A primary election law is not "cure -all,' but
II is a great aid in keeping government responsive
10 the will of the people. 1t is always a blow at
invisible government of the type from which New
Mexico suffers.
In keeping with our policy of standing upon con-
stitutiona law and evolving toward better day by
the orderly processes of that law we favor the en-
actment of compulsory party primary election law
We have no intention of making any assault
upon capital" or privilege" or the invisible gov
ernment" which is not forced upon by their re-
sistance to state progress and their determination
to prevent the return of the power to the people
where it belongs. Whatever fight is forced upon MS
we will make as good naturedly, CALAMITY and Wig
orously we can.
II capital is hurt in the melee it will be the fault
Of capital II capital will attend to its duty of run
ming its own business and allowing the people of
the state to run theirs we will do all in power
TO see that they dealt with fairly and justly
This is time for corporation batting as n
pastime and frown upon policy of unneces-
sary heating the public mind against them. The
attitude of New Mexico should be invtive toward
capital and we should be punctous TO see that
Justice is done them, But the scandalous tax
lodging going on in the stop the throttle
hold of the great mining interests upon consid-
cradle portion of the public press must be relaxed,
and the hack-room dictation Of both major party
tickets must cease.
IL such resistance to such n program is met as
TO make lfe-and death fight before the people
necessary its accomplishment we have counted
the cost and prepared to pay.
No doubt the "anviI chorus" of paid knockers
will all promptly acquire memberships in our new
conner club We will be accused of ambitions rang
ing all the way from constable to United States SEN
ator But never mind keep your eye on the ball.
You attend to us when the time comes-if IT
comes.
We are prepared to favor a compulsory primary
election law for the nomination of all county Of
ficers members Of the legislature district attorneys
and district judges Whether or not such law
should 90 farther this time and include all state
Officers we will leave aroused public sentiment
to lead in determining. We will support what the
people indicate they may want.
There are thoughtful and philosophical men
who feel that, being unaecustomed to the primary
system it may be the wiser to allow 1t to
evolve over period OF time to fit our needs They
feel lack of acquaintance between the different
sections of the state, poor transportation facilities
long distances of travel and other local drawbacks
will make it expensive for candidates TO become
known to the people and therefore make it difficult
for the people to get those facts regarding candi-
dates necessary to a wise decision.
Upon this point we express immediate
opinion.
With q primary law governing the selection of
legislators candidates for legislative offices can be
committed during the period of their primary can
ddacy, to such state program, upon any subject
as the local voters may demand A convention sys-
tenn offers such opportunity
We offer no fixed plan at this time. We dc
commit ourselves to persistent fight for the prn-
ciple involved
Let the people rule. The man who does not trust
them does not, in his heart, believe in our form OF
government, which Is a government "of the people
by the people and for the people" Such men be-
lieve in a ruling class" We do not Again say
LET THE PEOPLE RULE"