Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
March 24, 1897
The Herald
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
What is this article about?
This editorial criticizes the indirect election of U.S. Senators, which favors machine politics and money over merit, and calls for direct popular election to ensure honest, patriotic representatives without danger to the republic.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
WHY
NOT
ELECT THEM
In the make-up of the senate of the United States it is a notable fact that very many of the present members are men who gained their political preferment by work done for the machine or by the use of money, and could not have been elected if an appeal to a popular vote had been taken.
We, as a nation, have been and are slow to change the traditional manner of doing things as laid down by the founders of the republic. But if we are ever to have representative men in the upper house of congress—men who are strictly honest, patriotic, scornful of bribe givers, careful of the good name of our country and of time wasted in quibbling over non-essentials—if such we are ever to have in control of the senate, is it not time that something more than suggestions of a change should be offered? What possible danger can result if we submit to the popular will all great questions of interest and among them the election of United States senators?
NOT
ELECT THEM
In the make-up of the senate of the United States it is a notable fact that very many of the present members are men who gained their political preferment by work done for the machine or by the use of money, and could not have been elected if an appeal to a popular vote had been taken.
We, as a nation, have been and are slow to change the traditional manner of doing things as laid down by the founders of the republic. But if we are ever to have representative men in the upper house of congress—men who are strictly honest, patriotic, scornful of bribe givers, careful of the good name of our country and of time wasted in quibbling over non-essentials—if such we are ever to have in control of the senate, is it not time that something more than suggestions of a change should be offered? What possible danger can result if we submit to the popular will all great questions of interest and among them the election of United States senators?
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Suffrage
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Senate Election
Popular Vote
Political Machine
Direct Election
Senatorial Reform
What entities or persons were involved?
United States Senate
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Direct Popular Election Of United States Senators
Stance / Tone
Advocating For Reform To Enable Honest And Representative Senators Through Popular Vote
Key Figures
United States Senate
Key Arguments
Many Current Senators Gained Positions Through Machine Work Or Money, Not Popular Appeal
The Nation Is Slow To Change Traditional Methods Established By The Founders
To Achieve Honest, Patriotic Senators Who Scorn Bribes And Avoid Wasting Time, Reform Is Needed Beyond Mere Suggestions
Submitting The Election Of Senators To The Popular Will Poses No Danger