Page:The Wisconsin idea (IA cu31924032449252).pdf/113

 way. It was felt that the primary was the means for combating the secret intrigue which skilled corporation employees could sustain in a caucus and convention system. From this point of view it was absolutely necessary and fundamental if any plan for the efficient control of the great dominating influences could be carried out.

The law was unfortunate in its passage. Several bills were discussed all of which were more or less defective. Finally without due amendment and discussion as to details, the enemies of the bill agreed suddenly to let one of these bills be submitted to the people. For several years it was practically impossible to amend it in the slightest degree. Any proposition to amend it was at once defeated with the explanation: this law has been passed by the people; let us wait and see how it works before we amend it.

Therefore it had defects which were very serious ones. However it has since been amended and seems destined to remain on the Wisconsin statute books. There are those who believe that some of the state officers should not be included in the primary law. Without a short ballot, it is difficult to judge of the fitness of a secretary of state, a state treasurer or an attorney-general. Fortunately there are very few such officers in this state, but in the opinion of many who have studied the question well, in those states which