Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-01-15
TOGA CONTEST
. BEHIND FIGHT
OVER PRIMARY

ton his faced In the upper house and
the formidable opposition that developed
is regarded by observers as significant!
None Of those favoring a broader pri-
mary law is optimistic enough to predict
that the Alldredge bill, which applies the
primary feature to al State candid ties
will win, but there is a feeling of CON
ddence that an absolute repeal can be
blocked. Observers are keenly interested
in seeing a test of strength in the House
before yenturing a prediction on he
success or failure Of the administration
program
BILL EXPLAINED
by ALLDREDGE.
In explaining his~bul at the hearing.
Senator Anlredge said:
Instead Of requiring a ma jority of all
the votes cast ia order to be nominated
Under the present primary system, my
bill would make nomination possible by
a plurality vote. 1t would not be com
pulsory then for a candidate to 90 he
fore both the primary and the conven-
ton in order Ia receive the nomination
The humber citizens Of the State
would have "a voice in the selection Of
candidates for all Offices
OPPOSITION TO
CONVENTION METHOD.
Absolute opposition to the convention
system, unless means were devised where
by the delegates to the convention could
attend all conventions and bc paid for
their services, was voiced by senator
NeJdl.
II you would avoid political corrup-
ton you should have delegates attend
all conventions, and they should be pail
all expenses and moderate salary" he
said.
Senator Nejdl declared that unless all
States OF the Union adopt the presiden-
tial primary no State should have one.
The present presidential primary is
farce" he declared,
There Is no demand from the general
public for Il change in the primary law"
continued the Lake County Senator
"Only the politicians want to put the
power Of naming candidates In the hands
OF the old machine.
Delegates 20 conventions have been
bought. can be bought and will be
bought again. Unless you can produce
proof Of a public demand for Il change
in the present system | will oppose any
change"
LAW NOW TOO
CUMBERSOME.
Senator Beardsley contended that the
present law IS too cumbersome and ex-
pcnsive He insists that voters become
nee from a long list OF names ana de-
clsred that the convention, made up OF
delegates selected in local primaries, pro
yldes the ideal method.
Mr. ReverIdGes intersection into the
n%ht was not unexpected. lie seized the
first opportunity to make known his
stand and at q meeting Of the League
Of Women Voters yesterday afternoon
voiced rnalterable opposition TO the re-
peal Of the act.
As result the woman adopted the
following resolutions. which will be for
warded to the Legislature:
Whereas. There Is a movement on foot
before the present Legislature to repeal
part OF the primary law; and
whereas, Such action would be retro
grade movement and would partially
disfranChlse the voter; and
Whereas, The primary law is an or
ganic part Of the general growth Of
democratic sentiment, demanding meth
DDS by which more direct responsibility
II the Governor to the governed can be
secured; and
Whereas. The primary simply means
the people have n right to express their
choice directly and without thu inter
vcntion Of unnecessary machinery; and
Whereas. The only revision necessary
to the present primary law is In remedy
ing minor defects and Inconsistencies;
therefore be II
Resolved That this body of women
appeal TO all voters, both men and
women. to resist any repeal of the pri-
mary law or part Of It. and further that
this body support a measure to strength
en- and advance the primary law.
The motives of the supporters Of Sen
ator New in backing the repeal of the
primary are as well known as those that
actuate Mr.. BeyeJtdge. The former feels
that he can stand Il much better chance
Of nomination In convention, while the
latter feels that his success Ees en-
tirely through an appeal to the voters.
Senator Watson Is also for the conven-
ton, not so much for his love for Sen
ator New, but for his dislike of Mr.. Bev
eridge.