The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1899-03-22
which have no foundation in practice.
Let us analyxe this statement.

which have no foundation in practice.
Let US analyze this statement
What is the leading tenet OF Populism?
The initiative and referendum What is
the initiative and referendum? It is the
pure voice OF the people speaking
through the statute books, and not the
voice Of corrupt and venal legislators as
at present To oppose this principle is
to oppose the primal principles Of Re-
publican institutions. Any man believ-
ing this to be a nation OF, BY and for
the people, cannot conscientiously oppose
this reform
II any man believes the principles OF
the Republican party to be right, then
what better method than to present them
to the people and depend upon their judg-
nent to quickly graft them into laws. II
you believe the principles Of Populism to
be chimera, then why not dispel all il
lusions by presenting them to the peo-
pie and securing their instant destruc-
ton?
AS to the initiative and referendum be-
ing without substantial foundation, we
deny the assertion, as it has obtained
practical application in Switzerland, and
has proven itself an Unborn principle Of
self-government. Once for all Repub-
lican newspapers must understand that
we will not be silenced by abuse; we will
not be bullied out OF our position; but if
they wish to bring argument to bear
upon the question we will willingly meet
them
In destroying Populism two lines Of
argument must be Employed:
1st That there is not any need Of po-
litical reform.
end. That the tenets of Populism are
not the principles of free government.
We challenge the Republicans or
Democrats to disprove Populist doc
trines along the lines mapped out. We
will give the Republicans few nuts to
crack.
1st The railroads exercise the right
of eminent domain in securing their right
of way. Why can not the same right be
exercised by the government in securing
the railroads?
end. II this is nation Of, by and for
the people, would it not be in accordance
with the principles OF self-government to
adopt the system Of direct legislation?
sd. Is it just to tax the entire people
to support few national bankers?
4th II the railroads should refuse to
carry the mails is there any law to COM
pei them, and what would the govern
ment do in such a contingency?
5th. If it is constitutional for aliens.
non-resdents, to own land in this coun-
try is it not equally as constitutional for
them to vote? And when they are not
allowed vote is it not taxation without
representation?
9th. To whom does the public domain
belong? If to the people is it just to give
corporations land grants without gaining
the popular consent?
9TH. II private corporations controlled
the postal system would the present low
rates Of postage obtain? II not wouldn't
lower freight and passenger rates be in
force under governmental control OF rail
roads?
l wish some Twin City Representative
paper would answer the above questions;
and set at rest the idea that poor man
has rights corporations are bound to re-
spect. Enclosed find $I.oo which apply
on my arrears up to No. 3I7. l cannot
be without the Representative.
Yours Fraternally,
R. NJ Roberts