The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1895-05-17
1NIr1ArIYE 80 REFERENDu1I

These principles are not new. For
hundreds of years Switzerland has had
them in operation, although not so
completely as during the last 40 years.
The old town meetings of New Eug-
land we're of the same character to a
certain extent. In their limited field
these town meetings often initiated
legislation which was subsequently, put
on the statute books of the town.
So likewise they at times vetoed leg
isIation which town councils might
have initiated and passed. Further
more the very essence of our theory of
government is that the people-that is,
of course, a majority of them-should
be the governing power of this country.
"Vox populi vox del" means that the
will of the people should prevail always
in matters of legislation and govern
ment.
This is SO righteous a principle as to
be but the echo or expression of Gods
voice.
A government of the people, by the
people and for the people cannot exist
unless the principles of the initiative
and referendum are within the reach of
the people.
We have had in this country during
the last 30 years a succession of legis-
lation which not only never did express
the voice Of the people but is known to
be antagonistic to their desires. Glass
legislation has triumphed in this coun-
try at the ruinous expense of the
masses.
The robbing of the people has been
accomplished through forms of law,
against which they have never ceased
to raise their voice in protest.
AS their clamor increases against
the aggressions of corporation greed
the determination of the few wealthy
owners of capital to continue the policy
of repression Of the masses is seen i'll
the means being used to develop the
military spirit in this country. A cry
for relief on the part of the people may
soon be answered by grapeshot.
1t is true, therefore, that the prin-
ciples of the initiative and referendum
should be Incorporated into the organ
ic law of our states.
The initiative simply means that the
people should have the privilege Of I'M
tiating, and compelling even the en-
actment of laws which a majority OF
legal voters may be shown to desire. Is
this not right?
The referendum means that if con
gress, or any state legislature. should
pass laws which are found to be unjust
the people should compel their refer
ence back to them to be voted upon
Is this not right?
1t is so conspicuously right that DC
man who is intelligent and who has
studied our constitution will be found
to oppose. On the contrary, all, with.
out respect to politics, will at once con
cede the eminent propriety and justice
of such principles of government in
our country, If We are going to have
popular government let us have it; il
not, as is the case now, let all under.
stand the fact as soon as possible.
There is not an oppressive law or
our statute books today but could be
wiped out through the referendum
And there is not a desired piece Of
legislation but could be enacted into
law through the initiative. The Helm
bill would soon come to the relief Of
our shippers had we these principles
in operation. The people are going tC
have direct government in this coun.
try, and these principles will give it tC
them.