The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1903-01-22
THE PEOPLES RULE
George Fred Williams Engaged Building
up a New Political Organization
In Massachusetts,

up New POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
in Massachusetts,
For the past year it has>been evil
dent that the people of the east are
just beginning to take an interest in
the study of economic questions, and
that conditions there are similar to
those prevailing in this state in the
early nineties. The Independents sub
scription list is growing in New York,
Massachusetts, and other eastern states
in gratifying manner, and the letters
it. receives from the east show that
populism is spreading rapidly.
George Fred Williams, whose mani
festo to the CASTOR democracy of
Massachusetts was published in The
Independent some weeks ago has CIV
en- out a statement of and program for
proposed political organization and
action in Massachusetts, as follows:
THE PEOPLES RULE"
Great social, political and economic
changes, Involving incalculable conse-
quences to humanity, are now being
forced upon us, and in them the peO-
ples interests seem to be feebly guard
ed. There is, therefore, supreme ne
cessity in our politics for the i'm
pulse of public opinion, directly,
boldly and decisively expressed.
We believe this impulse will be fur
nished by an organization of voters o.
all parties, with new purpose, 4
new method and new program. We
suggest:
The purpose-to restore, extend and
effectuate the sovereignty of the pop
ular will.
The method-to force our principles
upon the parties and insist upon their
loyalty thereto.
The program-three articles OF
faith:
First, direct legislation, or the right
of the people at the polls to vote laws
or veto legislation.
Second, the ownership by the peo-
pie of all public utilities.
Third, a restriction upon the power
of the citizen without trial by jury.
J We do not propose a new political
party but an organization within
which members of any party may un-
ite to bring their party to the sup
port of our principles.
We would organize for the distribu-
tion of literature, for full and free
debate, and for questioning and
pledging candidates, to the end that
our politicians, officials and legisla-
lures may be turned from mastery to
service of the people.
The name of the organization shall
be THE Peoples Rule" The various
organizations shall be known as
councils" and be identified by the
name of the political subdivision to
which they belong.
The council units shall be towns AMI
wards, but provisional state council
shall be formed at once to promote
immediate local organization, secur,
for adoption by the members as per-
manent state council.
Unions of local councils may be
formed temporarily or permanently in
any political subdivision of the state.
A citizen of the state may become
a member by signing his name and
postoffice address to the pledge printed
below, and sending the same to the
state treasurer with the sum of 25
cents.
Any member paying the established
dues shall retain his membership un :.
til he resigns, violates his pledge, oc
is removed by vote of a majority of
the local council of which he is a
member.
The principles and policy of ''The
Peoples Rule" shall always be sub
ject to a vote by ballot, and to the
will of a majority of all members vot-
ing.
Pledges with dues may, until further
notice be sent to Edwin Stanley Mac
ttarland, at 209 Washington stree,
Boston. and whenever there shall be
members equal to per cent of the reg
istered voters in any town or ward
notice will be issued to them to or
ganize in such town or ward.
PLEDGE OF MEMBERSHIP.
I hereby apply for membership iG
the Peoples Rule, and pledge myself
during my membership to work for its
principles and policy.
p n Addrocc