Studies in American History 
373 
date in a contest with a leader of the organization is seen in 
the victory of Nelson over Viles in the second Maine congres- 
sional district in 1922. 
It is contended by some that the direct primary has closed 
the door to all but the “self-seekers’’, that no longer may the 
party call to its service, and the service of the public, men of 
exceptional talent and ability who will not campaign for the 
nomination ; and that there is danger that the self-advertising 
demagogue will supplant the drafted statesman. On the other 
hand, it is suggested that one would have to seek far into 
the annals of Maine politics under the convention system to 
find a public official who had not sought the place and built 
his political fences in order to win the nomination; and, fur- 
thermore, that the quality of statesmanship and the spirit of 
public service among officials have not declined with the com- 
ing of the direct primary. 
In attempting to answer the sixth question it must be stated 
that reliable statistics as to the amount of money spent under 
the convention system are not available. However, the ex- 
pense accounts under the primary are open to inspection for 
fifteen months after the primary. The following table is a 
summarized and classified statement of the expense accounts 
of the 526 successful candidates in the Republican and Demo- 
cratic primaries of 1924, sworn to and filed according to law 
in the office of the secretary of state : 
? 5— 34488 
