Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 68, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 November 1920 — REPEAL OF PRIMARY MAY AVERT FIGHT [ARTICLE]

REPEAL OF PRIMARY MAY AVERT FIGHT

Republicans Anxious to Place Senatorial Nomination in Hands of State Convention. Indianapolis, Nov. 18.—The decision of Governor-elect Warren T. McCray to recommend to the legislature the repeal of the present primary law will have an important bearing on the Republican senatorial nomination in two years. Mr. McCray’s decision may be born of personal experience, for two primary races cost him approximately $40,000 —$8,000 in 1916 and $3'2,000 in 1920, so he says. Byt it is more than likely, political observers declare, that he is more anxious to ease the way for the nomination of a favored candidate for the United States senate. The Republicans already face a determined fight for that nomination. Either Senator Harry S; New will be a candidate to succeed himself, or Will H. Hays, Republican

national chairman, will be a candidate, and Albert J. Beveridge, former senator and Progressive leader, already has his wires up. Mr. McCray, of course, is a regular Republican and will play the game for either New or Hays to the befit of his ability. He, like the other “stalwart” leaders, does not look with favor on Beveridge’s aspirations. If the primary law can be repealed the candidates would go before the state convention for their nomination and with the present control of the party there is little doubt but that New or Hays could walk away with the honors. In a primary, however, Beveridge would have an even chance and might, through the power of his oratory, become a menace to the plans of the old guard. Opposition to the primary law, however, is not confined alone to Republicans, many Democratic leaders also opposing the plan. Only last winter, Vice-President Marshall in an address at the Indiana Democratic club, voiced his disapproval of the measure. Republicans Fear Factional Trouble Republican leaders are looking apprehensively forward to the coming of the legislature with a fear that the huge majority they have in both houses may lead to factional discord. They are none to sanguine that the Republicans can be held in line and with the growing break between Governor-elect McCray and Governor Goodrich many profess to see trouble brewing. , Ever since McCray announced that he will call for a new deal on the state board of tax Commissioners and his advocacy of the repeal of the primary law there have been indications that Governor Goodrich would oppose his plans. Many political observers foresee a struggle in the legislature between the two men — McCray on the one side attempting to put through his own program, and Goodrich on the other bent on saving legislation enacted during his own regime. i

Although Goodrich will be out of office his power Still will be great, in the belief of many, especially among the hold-over assemblymen who supported him in the three Goodrich sessions. It is even reported now that the governor will postpone his trip to Russia until after the legislature adjourns in order that he may remain here and direct the forces that will resist the attempt to emasculate his pet legislative measures, / McCray undoubtedly will insist that a speaker in harmony with his program be named, although sp far he has given no intimation of his Choice. J. t>. Miltenberger of Muncie, who has announced his candidacy for the gavel, is considered to be a Goodrich man and for that reason it is expected that considerable opposition will develop to him. McCray’s choice for speaker was Otto G. Fifield of Crown Point, but he accepted a place on- the legislative visiting committee and probably will be chairman of the ways and means committee. It is doubtful if the governor-elect will espouse the candidacy of J. Glenn Harris of Gary

because of the latter’s residence In the Tenth, McCray’s home district. • The election of speakers holds an element of factional division, according to many observers, but there is a growing belief that the McCray man will be selected. McCray’s friends are anxious to see a strong speaker chosen, because they feel that much depends on the selection if factional differences are to be kept down and the McCray pipgram put through. In this connection Henry Abrams of Marion county is frequently mentioned. The tense situation over the personnel of the state board of tax commissioners holds another element of danger. ( McCray • opposed the reappointment of Philip Zoercher to the board and has announced that he will seek to strip the commission of all Goodrich influences. It Zoercher and Fred A. Sims, the other Goodrich appointee, elect to remain in office it is probable McCray would have to ask the legislature for a special act In order to oust them.

A maneuver of this sort would-be bound to lead to trouble and would bring about a quick lining up of the McCray and Goodrich adherents on opposite sides of the question. One of the paramount issues of the session, of course, will be the much discussed tax law. McCray has announced that he will recommend changes in the statute while Goodrich takes the position that the law is sufficient as it stands. Goodrich’s supporters contend that the tax law was an issue in the campaign and that it was ratified by 168,000 voters and therefore should be allowed to stand as it is. McCray’s friends agree that it was an issue and point out that McCray ran 18,000 votes behind Harding, due, they claim, to people scratching because of the tax law. They assert that this difference in votes is an indication that thousands of people were opposed to the law as it is at present. McCray, if he elects to accept the issue, will find strong support among the friends of Senator Watson, who are already planning to win control of the Republican state organization. The governor-elect and the senator have been firm political allies ever since the primary campaign, and as both are opposed to Goodrich it is held certain they will join forces in the event it becomes necessary.