Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-06-18
HQSkin Letter
HIGH COST OF PRIMARIES

Washington. d. c., June 15.-Prim-
ary reform with reverse English may
be the next movement in American
politics. When the campaign for the
nomination of candidates by direct vote
Of the people was started the strongest
argument advanced by its advocates was
ment advanced by it's advocates was
that it would eliminate the excessive
use of the money and machine control
in political affairs. 1t was accordingly
broadcasted as a reform.
Now after a somewhat extensive trial
of the new system it is seen that lavish
expenditure of money has not been
eliminated and that machines are still
doing business at the old stand. Hence
the champions of the old order of things
are talking of inaugurating a reform
movement that will seek the abolition
Of the primary and a return to the con-
vention system of nominations.
1t is not claimed that the primary
lends itself to the use of money in
corrupt ways. There is no suggestion
that candidates have been buying nomi-
nations by purchasing votes at the
polls. 1t is insisted, however. that the
system has multiplied the expenses of
a candidate and his opportunities to
NHCHh uioHCy CiItttlStIs dltuDusH lCs
Ultimately until his chances are in direct
proportion to the size of the fund which
he or his friends will provide. 1t is
also contended that machines can
dominate primaries as well as conven-
tons, and that u well-oiled, efficient
organization can put over its candidate
or its slate at from one-third to one
half the cost to individuals.
Thus. the proponents of the new re
form say, the primary has put the poor
man out of politics. 1t is one of the
theories of our form of government
that the humblest citizen can attain the
most exalted office in the land. if his
constitutional qualifications are all
right. but that theory has been knocked
into a cooked hat by direct nominal
tons. In fact, it may be maintained
with some convincing evidence that a
poor man has even less chance in a
primary than a rich man has of enter
ing heaven.
Pennsylvania Cases Cited
Illustrations in point are cited in
the recent Pennsylvania battle of the
ballots. Clifford Pinchot, the anti
machine candidate for the republican
gubernatorial nomination. spent some
thing in excess of 100000 to win his
prize. while George Wharton Pepper.
backed by the organization for the
nomination for United States senator.
expended 10000. or one-half the
Pinchot fund. Pinchot won by n compar-
atively narrow margin. while Pepper
was overwhelmingly successful. 1t cost
the former three times the total salary
which he will receive in his four year
term rs governor. if he is elected. while
the primary bill of the latter was one
third more than the salary of a senator
for six years.
This is urged as conclusive proof of
the prohlbitive cost of primaries. 1t
shows clearly that no man who did not
posses a large fortune could even con
template being a candidate for either
office. A moderately wealthy man would
be debarred. while one who would be
dependent upon his salary for his Iiv-
ing would be utterly without hope. If
that sort of thing continues, it is
argued, democracy necessarily must
give way to an aristOcracy of wealth.
On the other hand, advocates If the
primary system find some comfort in
the Pennsylvania case. As they see
it. Pinchot could not have been nom
mated. except IN Il primary. and since
he was a reform and anti-machiue can
didatc, his nomination was Il thing
greatly to be desired by the people.
Likewise they contend that Peppers
personal popularity is such that the
machine can claim no credit for his
They admit that their sys-
TEN is too expensive, but they say
that a way will he found to cure that
evil while retaining all the good there