East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1922-05-31
OREGON NEWSPAPERS NEED MORE BRAINS AND
MORE CHARACTER

w them to want to "change the SYSTEM This probably
explains why old guard politicians and newspapers are
just now railing much about the direct primary and asking
luck Of late
rect primary that should be changed 1t necessary
that the primary should please particular of politicians
class OF newspapers The duty
the people, not upon particular clique If have
gives public opinion free rein that about
be asked for because responsibility for good govern
naent then rests squarely where it belongs
The demand for aboshng the direct primary from
who feel that the electorate be trusted
should have political overoards supervise our affairs
suggestion recently made by the Albany typical along
this line and is here given as showing what proposed
TO our mind the logical substitute fec the present primary
wretan the PRIMARY lis present form for the political
primary for the nomination
Tor the people in choosing party candidates adopting
yet there possible OF he individuals
such systems ms viii al % the forces @ that male the
pre the township bosses from choosing their henehnn
N The county convention done days The trouble with the
OLD convention ion system was that dd no! afford people opportunity
county win control their representation in the state convention they c
That is direct suggestion that as as state officials are
concerned the direct primary be scued and that the old
vention plan be restored is nmaon that the voters who
capable of eecng state officers capable Of nom
mating for such officers There is logic there If peo
pie not competent nominate for office they
competent final judgment upon candidates at the cleo
ton the Albany Healds view correct then Oregon needs
recevershp and guardian should be appointed admins
ter affairs for
there nothing the show that the state
any such plight because of the direct primary any other
are mas govern
ed better and has progressed under the direct primary
than did in the old days of convention rule by political
chimes Since the direct primary adopted Oregon has had
less scandal in and public officials have been
responsive The direct primary may have its faults but has
done away with of chicanery and manipulation
that formerly prevailed and often existed the derment of
the state and its advancement.
If have not had the most desirable results under the direct
primary the fault by all with the primary law The
blame rests elsewhere and large share of
properly be placed the newspapers of the state The
nearly approach true popular the greater
becomes the duty of the press The adoption of the direct p
mary in Oregon offered the newspapers the greater op
portunes and greater responsibilities In too many the
press has not measured up to its obligations The secret of good
government is largely having the right seek office
in having such nominated Yet many newspapers,
large and SMALL fail to for service such
times For the sake of party harmony they overlook
chance help and then imagine they fulfill their full duty by
supporting the party ticket regardless of the merits candi
dates That branlesS and futile policy The newspapers
Oregon rule conducted by honorable who
well but the press whole has not shown the capacity the
conscience the independence that should prevail with
papers of state that pins its faith in popular government
does Oregon Oregon is getting the results should from
the direct primary law the facts reflect upon the press
state rather than the primary law What need NOR
than change in the primary law higher standard news
paperdom.
-.-%-...s....~.-~
No of hold il,