Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-10-22
WHY THE CHANGE?

One OF the proposed initiated laws on which the
people will vote next Friday provides for the nom
partisan election of all state, county and Legislative
officers, in addition to those now elected on the non
partisan basis. That law is opposed BY the state ad-
ninistration, headed by Governor Frazier, by the
League press. In his first message to the legislature,
clated with the League management.
The election of all officers except those of ma
tlonal standing, on the non-partisan plan, was a part
ct the Nonpartisan League program Of 1916. The
plan was endorsed IN League meetings and by the
League press. In his first message to the Legislature,
delivered in January, 1917, Governor Frazier said
Believing that national political party af-
~filiations should not be considered in the cleo
ton of county and state officers, and that the
best interests of the greatest number of peo-
pie can be served by the use of the non-partisan
ballot, omm the election laws be amend
ed to provide a non-partisan ballot for all coun-
ty, legislative and state offices"
At what time did Governor Frazier change his
mind, and why? The recommendation above quoted
was a part of the governors first message. The
plan, which was not original with him or with the
Nonpartisan League, was favorably commented on
on several occasions by The Herald. 1t was given
the support of many who are now associated with
the Independent movement, and it had the support
OF the legislature of the League organization. 1t
failed of passage in that session because many Of
the legislators had not yet reached the point where
they could see clearly the futility of projecting ma
tonal party issues into a state campaign.
In the next session a new bill almost identical
IN terms with the former one and embodying exactly
the features recommended by the governor was in
%troduced; but for some reason which has never been
declared, the League members who had formerly
supported the movement voted in opposition to it
and the bill failed of passage. The governor did
not see fit at the beginning Of that session to in
Glide in his message a recommendation for such a
change.
In succeeding sessions, regular and special, the
legislature has been controlled by the League ele-
.ment until the last regular session, and the subject
OF non-partisan elections has therefore remained in
allegiance.
Governor Frazier is campaigning the state; 50
IS Mr.. Lemke; so is Mr.. Hagan. These men are ali
on record in opposition to all Of the initiated laws.
II would be interesting to a good many voters TO
have these men explain when and why their opinion
on this subject became changed. IT would be in
|teresting for them particularly to have Governor
Frazier say why he, feeling so sure Of the merit 81
this measure less than five years ago, should refuse
TO give i his support at this time. The governor Is
before the people on the platform every day, usually
several times during the course of 4 day. and Il IS
not unreasonable y AZ him 70 give i lew minutes
lat least to the discussion Of this subject. II the pro-
posed change In or election laws was i rood thing
|in January 1916 why II i not ! good thing now?