The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1905-03-30
DIRECT LEGISLATION

of superior courts or constitutional
bodies is destroyed. He held the fear
of mourning the disfavor of the people
would still remain with legislative
bodies, even if the referendum be
adopted.
The weak spot in our government
is not in it's federal aspect, but in its
municipal government, where cor
ruption, fraud and bribery run riot
The people of the municipality have
given over their rights to few, and
the rich corporations and the power
full rich have control, practically, Of
the local legislative bodies.
The only way to stamp out this de-
plorable condition is to adopt the ref
erendum.
The members of the legislature are
not being asked to say they favor the
referendum, but are asked to permit
the people to say whether they favor
it.
Character Of Advocates
Dr. John r. Haynes of Los Angeles
president of the state direct legisla
ton league, was then introduced
DR.. Hayne said two years ago he had
presented to the legislature a petit
ton signed by $4,000 people asking
that practically the same amendments
as are now proposed be submitted to
the people.
BY vote of IS to the amendments
we're adopted in the assembly at the
last session, but they failed of the ne
cessary two-thirds vote in the senate
AS showing the character of those
favoring direct legislation, Dr. Haynes
ran over the list of vice presidents OF
the state league, mentioning promi
nent men in all walks Of. life. It's
advocates are not cranks or faddists
DR.. Haynes declared, but hard-headed
men of intelligence. Every. paper and
periodical in Los Angeles, save one, is
in favor of the initiative and referen
dunn.
Oregon has adopted direct legisIa
ton by vote of II to 1, Illinois by
5 to /, and Nevada last November fell
in line.
Not New Proposition
Chauncey H. Dunn, president Of the
law and order league of this city, was
the last speaker. Some seem to think
the initiative and referendum is new
proposition, but it is not, he said. Di
rect legislation has been in force in
some of the cantons of Switzerland fol
thirty years.
Here in California what is known
as the obligatory referendum has been
in practice since the adoption of the
new constitution. Under this obliga
tory referendum the constitution Of
the state can not be amended without
submitting the amndement to the PEG
pie for their approval.
/ The initiative is not new in this
state, for in cities. operating under
freeholders. charters Is per cent o.
the electors can compel the Legislative
body to submit to the people pro
posed amendment to the charter.
Mr.. Dunn said the people shoult
keep.the final say as to what shall b.
done in the way C municipal ant
county legislation, and not turn i
over to men whom they have elected
to office, as Is now done. The initia
tive and referendum will safeguar,
the peoples interests absolutely, h
declared.
The people Of America boast tina
theirs is self-government, but as
matter of fact there is little of sell
government as it is now, the speake
said. He closed his address by refer
| ring to the success with which direc
Legislation operates in Switzerland.
! The meeting closed with some &C
ditional remarks by Mr.. Dunlap, VIII
delt with some Of the objection
raised against direct legislation.
From the Oakland Enquirer.
The bill for direct Legislation
through the initiative and referendum
appears to have the support of man.
progressive men of all shades Of poll
teal opinion. : It is almost Ger