The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1924-04-25
POLITICAL CHATTER
(by VANCE CHAPMAN

There is every prospect that 1924
will witness the largest number of
candidate filings in the history of
the state wide primary act. When
the present week closed over eighty
filings for the various nominations
to be voted on at the coming prim-
aries were registered in the Office
of the secretary of state and every
mail was bringing in additions.
The prediction was that the filings
would reach the 200 figure and this
does not include filings for the
legislature the majority of which
are registered with the various
county auditors. Naturally candi-
dates with a Farmer-Labor label
topped the list with the office of
governor leading. Few of the names
registered were familiar ones the
great majority being unknown as
far as the political and Office seek
ing game is concerned. The rush
this year is sure mad one as every
one with a loose fifty dollar bill,
which is the regular fling fee, seems
to be anxious to climb aboard. Its
equal has never been seen. Great,
oh, great is the primary law.
In the minds of many individuals
attack on the primary is equivalent
to political suicide. Ever since its
adoption it has been dinned into
the ears of the rank and file that its
every line spells freedom, but
il Their ever was a legislative act
that tended to a more slavish con-
dition it is yet to be found. The
brewery forces put it over and the
so called progressives fell for It.
In close competition for fool honors
is the no-party law as applied to the
legislature and the various county
Offices. It also was a brewery crea-
| ton and was put over in the days
when county option was the big
issue. So far only one gubernatorial
, candidate has seen fit to take a de-
cided stand against both and he is
Curtis NJ. johnson of Rush City.
Others privately admit that the two
are the bunk, but they refuse to
talk for publication. The primary
law added ten years to the official
life of julius A Schmahl, and he
might be officiating yet if he had
! not gotten the gubernatorial bug.
State, Treasurer Henry Rines is pre-
pairing to take a fifth fling at his
present job and he will be renom-
/ mated. Likewise Mike Holm. sec
rotary of state, Attorney General
Hilton and so on down the line.
For the man that is in the primary
! law is the one best bet and ambi-
tious outsiders might just as well
save their money. The only hope of
possible change is at the Fall cleo
tons and then generally only
through the medium of some outside
political agency such as the Farmer
/ Labor party and it viii be dissipated
/ by the same two acts. This, its lead
ers know and some of them are
strong for return to a legalized
party convention. Instead Of de-
throning the boss it has made him
q fixture. Witness Gov. ]. A. Preus,
who for ten years has ruled with a
| rod Of iron. When he passes his
successor viii take up the role.
Both are sucker laws and the voters
are the fish. But don't worry. There
is small chance of the repeal or even
the amending Of either. Both are
convenient stepping stones for the
unfit and the two viii fight to the
last ditch against any chance.
Last week the name of Judge
Oscar Hallam of st. Paul was added
70 the list Of Republican senatorial
ehsiblss with Congressman Tom D