The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1924-10-23
National Editorial Association Spec
ial to the Herald

Washington, Oct. 21.-Several
thoughtful editors, baffled by the
claims and counter-claims as to the
completeness and effectiveness of
"straw votes" have asked their
Washington correspondents and pri-
vate research agencies for reports on
this subject. A variety of answers
have been produced but the nearest
approach to unanimity Of opinion is
the statement that these test votes
are rightly named. For, it is said,
experience shows that r%eferendums
of this kind are as unreliable as
straws in the wind. Though these
unofficial tests of public opinion are,
at their best, transitory questions,
they are manifestly causing more
discussion and concern among politi-
cal leaders here and elsewhere than
any other issue.
Nothing is easier to participate in
the balloting Of various publications.
It is advantageous to some news
papers in that the demand for ballots
has a tendency to temporarily in
crease the circulation. Residence in
the District of Columbia, where the
right to vote is denied, except in
cases where legal residence is claim
ed in other States and these States
permit voting by mail, keeps Wash
ington observers somewhat above the
controversial side, as they have rela-
lively little personal interest in the
outcome. These inhibitions naturally
improve the chances of impartiality.
Occasionally, there is a minor diver
gence from this di%sinterested point
Of view but not sufficient to affect
the total. With these conditions
borne in mind, the following may be
taken as a fairly accurate picture
of what Washington thinks of the
relation Of the ''straw vote" to the
actual election returns.
The element of partiality must be
considered as highly important in the
taking Of a test vote. 1t is claimed
that some agencies conducting the
c~anvassing are motivated by consid-
erations other than a free and I'M
restricted survey. We like to call
ourselves strong partisans or fondly
refer to u independence of parties.
Somehow, we are always partial to
this and that. 1t is a human weak
ness. Partially has been described
as "the understandings judging ac-
cording to the inclination Of the will
and the affections, and not according
to the exact truth Of things"
It was Lord Bryce, former British
Ambassador and recognized as a
foremost student of American prob
lens. who offered the comment that
.Tike other valuable articles, gen
nine opinion is surrounded by coun-
5erfeits. The one positive test ap-
olicable is that of an election, and an
election a at best do no more than
est the division Of opinion between
.wo or three great parties, leaving
subsidiary issues uncertain, while IN ,
many cases the result depends so :
much on the personal merits of the ,
candidates as to render interpreted {
ion difficult" This comment is l
eculiarly appropriate in u national S
lections of this year.
g.. oL.o,rore hoYo orc ctr1pk [
Y the confidence that strong parts :
MS place in test votes by mail where :
he returns are obviously so scatter .
lg as to warrant hard and fast con- :
PROFESSIONALLY, the re- g
rms often furnish the eXcuse for
-uch needed publicity by the various
ampaigners. Fluctuations in the v
reelection poll bring quick explain Il
ions from the party losing ground. u
he more conservative and seasoned 7
arty leaders, it is said, regard the "
straw vote" as a doubtful and con-
srtible medium and are not a bit
eceived by the changing tide as re-
,aled in these canvasses. Those
it'll a mission for party publicity do
It overlook the opportunity to use
e poll to mould opinion. 1t applies
Iually to all parties.
In recent years, "straw votes"
we never appropriated the actual
turns. 1t is true that in some To-
lities, the poll has been thorough
i'd the actual votes and the midi
ted returns were reasonably close.
esearch at the Congressional Lii
airy shows that the errors in esti-
have been more numerous. n
ne candidates who are low in the =
turns take some consolation from :
e past history of preliminary sur
US. And, quite inconsistency, they
e willing to agree with the poll