The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-09-07

stands forth purged and pure, an eX-
! ample to her larger but younger sis
ters.
Republics are governed by represen-
t~atives, eli cted usually for a specified
time. During this time they hold alb
solute away, without, as g rule, feel
ing the responsibility felt by officers in
~monarchies, who hold their positions
permanently. Hence, these represen-
tativos, temporary, but absolute for
the timebeing, are too frequently an
easy prey to scheming politicians, each
serving the others selfish interests.
One of our subscribers suggests that
it would be a good thing to have a
string to our Congressman; that Is, to
have the power to un.elect any Con
gresham when he fails to give salts
faction to his constituents. That would
be a good plan, but the Swiss plan Is
better.
A feature was added to the S #iss or
ganic law RI quiring that all bills above
a certain degree of Importance, and
not being of immediate urgency,
should be referred to the people for
their ratification or rejection at the
next general election. Then the willy
politician sought pastures new, Tor his
occupation was gone. This Is called
the Referendum.
But the Swiss people, s%uspecting their
representatives still further, retained
the privilege Of initiating legislation.
That is, any bill (Which any. voter ear
propose), when endorsed by a certain
percentage of the voters, must be acted
upon by the government, and in turn
by the people at the next election, il
necessary. This is called the Initia-
tive. That is, the people claim for
themselves the privilege Of proposing
and determining legislation. This Is
called Direct Legislation; aud it has
purified the hitherto very corrupt pol
itics of Switzerland.
Demo Gratis, isn't this fair9 It is a re
turn to simple democracy. Republi-
cans, isn't this tair9 1t is only a wider
application of the principle, govern
ment by the people" Populists, isn't
this fair7 It will place directly in the
hands of the people all the modern re-
forms. Prohibitionists, socialists and
single takers, isn't this fair9 Your
ideas will then have a fair chance.
Now this-the Initiative and Refer
endum-is what all can unite upon,
and it should be done Immediately.
It is the key that will unlock the gol
den future. Opposition to it is self
condemnation. We want immediate
and united action. A party with that
single principle alone for a platform
would deserve success at the next gen
eral election. II il should require a
struggle for the next eight or ten years
it would be worth it.
When has a political party kept it's
promises9 What do political platforms
meanG What do elections mean9
The meaning of every election is inter-
preted in hundreds OF different ways.
Read the various opinions after every
election. With the Referendum the
meaning would be direct and specific.
We could then vote for principles
and measures. and not merely for men
and expressions at the ballot box
would be understood. Let US have it,
and through it let US GUST the profes,
sional politician, the lobbyist, the cor
ruptionist, and obtain Justice for the
weakest as we'll as the strongest in our
midst. DR.. 9. T. Taylor in The Medical
World.