Pueblo chieftain., 1921-03-19

the case, unwise primary selections
are pointed to and the inference left,
that had the party submitted TO the
direction of the critics, happier results
would have followed. Personally, 1
have no patience with such absurd and
dangerous cynicism-so completely out
of accord with the spirit of our repub-
lican government. Altho mistakes are
made under the primary system. yet
the people regard this possibility and
result as infinitely preferable to the
imagined perfection of government by
the few.
/ 1t is unQuestionably true that the
present direct primary law has many
Objectionable features. 1t is equally
true that it does contain principle
which believe the people OF Colorado
are not ready to sacriflce,-that is. that
candidates shall be selected finally by
the voters and not by party conven-
tons.
/ May I recall to you that this prin-
ciple was Incorporated in the direct
primary law after many years exper
ience with the old convention system
which placed n premium upon political
activities of character emphatically
repudiated by tho people and made IL
difficult, II not impossible, for the rank
and file OF the parties to express their
will.
4 believe you will agree that from the
.
politics. the most unfortunate features
7 of the direct primary system. Is the
fiercely fought contests of the candi-
I dates in the designating assemblies for
first place upon tho ticket. II the di-
rect primary law is to be amended.
would II not be wise to retain the prin-
ciple that the people shall select the
candidates. and at the same time de-
wise some method of eliminating the
Objectionable features OF the present
law?
1t is important to keep In mind also
that the old time conventions and even
the present designating assemblies are
largely controlled by men. While we
all wish the women would take a great
er interest in the assemblies, this lack
of interest is made up on primary cleo
ton day when they go to the polls in
splendid numbers and register their
choice Their influence is now felt In
party affairs. Were the direct primary
4 to be abolished, We would destroy the
party interest of thousands OF women
whose fine ideals shape in no small
degree our worth while party aspir1-
tions.
1t is frequently asserted that our
party is committed to the return of
the old convention system. Nothin.
could be further from the fact The
party's mandate to the republican
members OF the legislature appears as
folloNS IN our lS-o Platform.
Primary Law
Tho present primary law is an
Unnecessary expense to tho taxpay-
ers, makes II almost impossible for
persons of moderate means TO be
candidates for public office and is
an incentive to factional strife and
disturbances. We recommend that
as substitute therefor a law be
enacted that will more efficiently.
economically and Justly safeguard
tho nomination OF candidates by
the people,"
Your attention Is invited particularly
to the words, Justly safeguard the
nomination of candidates by the pco-
ple". 1t would indeed be difficult to
contend, short OF the most indirect and
absurd reasoning. that nomination of
candidates by the people" could pos
sibly mean nomination by tho old
convention system.
1 purposely discuss no particular bill
II the principle which / have urged is
correct. then each and all of the bills
before you on the subject may be
Judged or amended accordingly.
1t is gratifying to be in complete ac-
cord with the views SO admirably ex-
pressed in your own letter.
Sincerely,
"a