The independent., 1903-07-09


through congress by means of the i'm
proved form of the referendum and
initiative? Manifestly it is the only
system whereby the people can con-
troll these monopolies. The system
was effective in the state and will be
effective when nationally applied. It
is practicable for it improves the rep
resentatiye system and scarcely bill
is put to a direct vote. The larger the
area-and the more complex the civili-
zatlon the greater the need for the
peoples veto and direct initiative.
5. Until recently the question has
rot been raised. Shall majority rule
prevail?' The political platforms
have implicitly admitted that majority
rule does prevail-a gross error. By
making majority rule an issue it COM
Iels all candidates to- promise to vote
for the system or so down in defeat.
6. The referendum and initiative
can be secured through rules of pro-
cedure in legislative bodies. There
fore it is possible to establish majority
rule in national affairs in next years
campaign. More than majority of
the members Of the house can readily
be pledged to vote for rules of proceed
ure and the senators can be instructed
by their several states. t"..
Z. The rule of procedure system in
national affairs and the submission of
constitutional amendment by legis-
latures can be secured by merely
questioning candidates. This makes
the question an issue, and as the doc
trine Of majority rule has long been
an established principle the candi-
dates are obliged to agree to vote for
the system, or suffer defeat. Great re-
suits have been secured during the
Year by questioning candidates.
s. An organization that is free to
nominate candidates, as is the peo-
pies party, can improve upon the
mere questioning of candidates. It can
declare that in every district where
both the legislative candidates refuse
to pledge in writing to vote for ma
iority rule, candidate will be nomi-
mated and that the un-American atti-
tude of his opponents will be placarded
throughout the district.
Such a pronunciamento by the peo-
pies party in national convention will
insure the adoption of majority rule
by the congress that convenes in 1905.
Preparatory to next years campaign
the populist organization in each of
the states that elect legislatures this
year should apply the system. Let
it declare that majority rule is the
first step in reform and that if in any
district both the candidates of the
leading parties refuse to pledge to al
low the people an opportunity to bal
lot upon a constitutional amendment
for majority rule, they will be op-
posed by a nominee of the peoples
rarty. The Kentucky populists have
called convention for July and will
probably work along these lines 1t
was they who blazed the way two
years ago and came near succeeding.
Under this program not a nomina-
ton need be made, for the entire body |
Of organized labor and organized farm
ers is demanding the above pledge,
therefore every candidate will be |
obliged, necessarily, to pledge for ma
iority rule or surely suffer defeat. But |
action by the peoples party is needed |
to insure success, there being apathy
among wage-earners and farmers, as
Is always the case when the country
Is . in prosperous condition The
peoples party workers are not 1ulled
to sleep by full stomach. They real
ze the need for vital changes in our
bolitical system that liberty may be
re-established and hard times kept
rom our shores.
Third party action of the character
above described will be applauded by
every progressive citizen, be he demo-
rat, republican, populist, single taxer
or socialist.
And what will be the future of the
peoples party IL 1t secures the In
;tallation of majority rule?
1t will receive the credit. And its
legislative program will at once be
,ut into operation. Doubtless the name
If the party applying these principles
will not be peoples party" for both
he great parties must necessarily
come around to the adyocacy of the