The weekly Iberian. (New Iberia, La.) 1894-1946, 1903-07-11
The Progress Of Direct Legislation

Before concluding the dftItltS
that are being written on Direct
Legislation it would be well to
show what Progress has been
made towards the attainment OF
this great reform Over forty
years ago, 1t was adopted IN
Switzerland and today it is used
in almost every form of gov ern
ment in that country They have
made it easy at any time to alter
their colonial and federal consti-
tutiOns-that is, to change, even
radically, the organization OF so
cIety, and thus to permit a peace
full revolution at the will of the
majority. They have as well,
cleared from the way of majority
rule every obstacle-privilege of
ruler, letters of ancient law, pow
er of legislator. They have sim
plified the structure of govern
ment, held their officials as ser
wants and shown the parlimen
tary system not essential to law,
making. They have written their
laws in language SO plain that a
layman may be Judge in the high
est court. They have fOrestalled
monopolies, improved and reduced
taxation, avoided mourning heavy
public debts, and made better
distribution of their lands than
any other European country.
They have practically given home
rule in local affairs to every com.
munity They have Gained dis
turbing political elements-the
press is purified, the politician dis
armed, the civil service well regu
lated. Hurtful partisanship is
passing away. Social ideals may
be realized in act and institution
Even now the liberty loving Swiss
citizen can discern in the future q
freedom in which every individual
Independent, possessed Of rights
IN natures resources and in com
mand of the fruits of his toll
may, at his will, pursue his hap
plness, on the sole condition thai
, he respect the like aim of Other
men.
The following poem, composed
by Rev. ID. Ii. King who spent
several years in Switzerland, will
thoroughly explain Direct Legis
lation as it is in that country.
Another great reform is here,
'Tis bound to gain attention;
If you will lend your ear to hear,
It's objects will mention.
Twas started first in Switzerland,
That noble little nation,
But spreading now to every land
IT'S Direct Legislation.
In this reform, the people say
What law shall be made binding;
They vote what laws they will obey.
And what are not worth minding.
Instead of representatives,
Elected by faction.
The people vote and each man gives
His choice to every action.
When any country, town or state
Desires regulation,
The people meet to formulate
And shape their legislation
Not only ask, but they demand,
By all the powers creative;
And this is called in Switzerland
BY the name Initiative "
And when the laws have once been
made
Before they can be legal,
They're handed down to those who
prayed,
The powers supreme and regal
The people sanctum or veto,
Or ask the house to mend them;
And this is called as you we'll know,
BY SWISS, the Referendum
The first appearance of Direct
Legislation In America came In the
form of a plank in the Socialist
platform, later, it was taken up by
reform parties but today-The Ma
tional Federation for Majority Rule
of which George FL. SHIRLEY is
chairman, is slowly but surely
carrying this great reform into
every state and territory of the
union.
In the platform of the Demo
cratic party, adopted at the last
national convention in Kansas
City; plank was inserted advo-
eating Direct Legislation where
ever practicable. 1t was only put
into the platform as a vote catch.