The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1896-05-06
ANOTHER CHAPTER ON DIRECT LEGIsLA7lo

Editor Representative:
Arrowsmith's definitions of direct legis-
lation are two. viz: a. Initiave. Where a
certain per centum of citizens, by manda-
tory petition, introduce a proposition Of
law to the consideration Of all the citizens,
SO that at the following election it Will ap-
pear upon the ballot by title, where every
voter will have the privilege OF writing
Eyes" or NO opposite it. If majority
vote Eyes" it becomes law, and only the
people, by similar vote, can repeal it.
(2) Referendum. Where certain per
centum Of the citizens by mandatory petit
ton compel the submission to vote OF the
people of law already enacted by some
legislative body Method of voting for, or
against, same as under Initiative.
Sullivan's definitions of direct legisla->
ton are:
% 1.-THE Initiative" The proposal (by
petition) of law by per centum OF the
voters.
(2) 1.-THE Referendum" The vote at the
polls on a proposed law.
Law making by the voters Is termed d.
rect legislation, to distinguish it from law
making by representatives, which is sup
posed to carry out the will OF the sovereign
people indirectly"
Newport election offers a crude example of
direct legislation, viz: The question of the
new bridge on Superior. street. True, we
will have chance to vote on this measure,
but to most it will be hastily and without
time for serious reflection.
Under coming legislation, as practiced in
the New England states, (see Coming Ma
tion.' p. of No. 49, March 28), the town
of Brookline, Norfolk county, Mass, "a
town within city, Boston, and having
population of ,000,-metropolita in
character, but SO much more cheaply and
better run than Boston, that it is constantly
receiving population therefrom and is popu-
larly known as ''Tax Dodgers Paradise"
| Here's the way they do it, a warrant for
| the yearly town meeting contains proposals
calling for action, accompanied by pamph
| let, being the report of the town board on
| the articles in the warrant. These propos-
| ais are the result Of resolutions by the town
| board 60 to 80 days ago and sent out to the
voters about 80 days before the town meet
| ing. They read about in this form:
''To the voters of the town Of Newport.
| In pursuance Of resolution of the town
board on Feb. LIST, the following proposals
are lad before the voters: O A proposal
to build new bridge across Park Ravine
| OH Sup0TlOT SLF6CL. ClTCuldT 6uOulU Stdlc
the necessity of the bridge,-;ts unsafe con-
dit.on now, cost, etc. The law now is that
the county must stand one-half the total
cost, estimated at $4,000 for an iron bridge
and this would leave 81 400 for Newport s
| share of such cost. If action is delayed
the next session of the legislature nigh,
cancel this law and we should then have
to pay all of it, quite an extra burden, you
see Such a bridge would last so years. or
more be graceful, durable, safe; and an &C
cident with the old one might soon cost us
| twice that -
Direct legislation is now in successful
operation in the township systems of all the
New England states California, Michigan,
also in Illinois, Minnesota, Dakota, etc.
Switzerland has for 80 years used it for it's
town, county, state and national affairs.
Can we not do likewise?
Il. A. Murray.
Kilhonrn Wis