Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-09-16
REPRESENTATION FOR PRIMARIES

The big increase in registration shown in this
city indicates a lively interest in the coming
primaries. 1t is apparent that the people are
beginning to realize that the selection of the
right kind of men is of first Importance when it
comes to filling public office. This selection is
made at the primaries, not at the general cleo
ton.
The difference between the primarie and the
general election might be summed up in the
brief statement that it is at the primaries where
the men are. selected while the general election
is where policies and principles are voted for.
The general election is a choice between politi-
cal parties. Each party is supposed to stand
for a different policy in the handling of govern
ment affairs. The voter is supposed to forget
all about personalities at the general election
and vote for the party he or she believes will
best govern the country or state, as the case
may be.
At the primary. however, the candidates who
are expected to carry out the principles of the
party are chosen. Here Is it a matter of per-
sonality entirely, What the party itself stands
for is secondary. The object at the primary is
to pick the men who will best represent the
party policies and see that they are honestly
carried out.
At the primaries 1t is a choice between men
of the same party. At the general election 1t Is
a choice between the principles Of two different
political parties.
1t is gratifying to see that the people are be-
ginning to realize the great Importance of selec-
ting the right kind of men. 1t is plain that If
the right kind of men are made the candidates,
the principles they stand for as representatives
of their respective parties at the general cleo
I--- = a. -~4 ~ - hnfnD IN r
ried out.
1t will surprise a great many to know that 80
many more are entitled to vote this year than
were enrolled for the primaries last year. The
Impression has been that Perth Amboy's popu-
lation has been decreasing rather than 1ncreas-
ing. Hundreds of our foreign-born have re-
turned to the old country, and hundreds more OF
Sur CITIZENS haze moved out into nearby Towns
There has been nothing to attract people here.
The one possible solution for the unusual
heavy registration is that many of the women
who have been backward about voting, seeing
what their sisters did and how boldly they went
to the polls last year, have decided this year 10
venture forth themselves and have made sure OF
their right to vote at the primary by registering
ut the first opportunity.
tt It a healthy indication. While this may be
what the politicians call an "off year" In pom
tics, it is not an off year for the taxpayers oy
any means. AS far as their own pockets are
concerned, the election Of freeholders and AID
ermen is more important than the election OF a
President. With the prospects of further pond
ing the state for millions of dollars and with the
likelihood of a state income tax being imposed
the selection of the right kind of men Tor the
state legislature. also, is of extreme importance
A big registration before the primary lnol-
Gates a wide interest in the election on the part
Of the people. 1t shows that they are determined
to have something to say as to the kind OF men
to be put in office as well as the principles to be
followed after they get in office. Only in this
way can the people get the kind of government
they want.