The need of a primary election...

   The need of a primary election law was illustrated in the aldermanic nominations in Ann Arbor last week. In certain instances candidates for alderman were named not for their standing and ability to best conserve the interests of their ward and the city in the common council, with the thought that they might be more pliable relative to certain private interests, or more amenable to the demands of the boss, or to some faction or interest with selfish designs for the future. In one instance at least the same influences appear to have been largely responsible for the nomination of the candidates on both tickets. With such men in the field it will matter little, of course, to these influences which one is elected. In one instance one of the most valuable men in the present council was turned down for renomination and for what? The citizen who desires to know why has but to study the alderman's record and then note the influences which compassed his defeat. Thus it frequently happens under the present system of primaries that the best posted, most fearless advocates of the interests of the city as a whole, for that very reason are defeated in the interest of some milk and water candidate who has the facility to be all things to all men at the same time. It would be a very difficult thing under a primary election law to get men on a ticket at the command of the influences which are responsible for certain nominations in Ann Arbor at the present time. It is much more difficult to stuff an election under a primary election law than to pack a caucus. 
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     If it be true as now reported that the president has refused to accept the resignation of Pension Commissioner Evans while the assaults on his management of the pension office continue, it is a matter for congratulation. Mr. Evans has unquestionably proved himself a most faithful official under the most trying circumstances. He has hewed to the line as laid down in the statues in spite of the most venomous assaults of pension attorneys and misguided members of the Grand Army. President McKinley stood by him in spite of all professional claim agents and the howls of the G. A. R., and if President Roosevelt supports him as well the country will be pleased. It is no mean accomplishment for an officer to stand by his duties under such circumstances as those which have beset Evans, and he merits the strongest kind of support from his superiors.  It is said that President Roosevelt is determined to continue the policy of Evans, when he does finally retire. His policy has been meritorious and businesslike and that is what the country demands of the commissioner. The pension bureau should not permit looting in the interest of anyone.
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    There will probably be some cost to the city involved in grade separation, but the city will surely have value received for the outlay, if the interests involved all stand their shares of the cost. Grade separation is in the line of the progress of the times and Ann Arbor ought not to be behind in this advancement. There is altogether too much sacrifice of human life to railroading in this country. And there is a very general movement to correct this evil and certainly the cause is a worthy one and should be pushed along. The railroad commissioner is doing a good work in this line and it is up to Ann Arbor to do her share.
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     To hear the talk indulged by some relative to grade separation one would be led to think the landscape along the route of the Ann Arbor railroad is now a paradise and that it is the purpose of grade separation to make it as ugly as it is now beautiful. It is extremely doubtful, however, whether it would be so unsightly as some of those having property along the line think. Alderman Richards, whose property would be damaged probably more than that of any other citizen, is willing to take his chances and wants grade separation just the same.