The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-02-09
HEARING
ON THE
INITIATIVE

senate today before the senate committee
on special legislation on the joint resolu-
ton proposing an amendment 20 the con-
stit itdtion of the state introduced by SEN
atoI McKenna, the resolution being the
so-called initiative and referendum
amendment. There Was only small at
tendance, chief among those present being
fCrner Coz, Garvin.
EJ-Gov. Garvin was the FIRST 70 speak
n favor OF the act and he explained In
detail the purposes OF the amendment.
Ho said that the effect OF the proposition
vas 10 place the constitution OF the state
directly under control OF the people OF the
state. He referred 10 what he claims was
a movement TO popularize the party n
power. and he hoped this would extend
tc the people.
DR.. Garvln said that one or two OF the
western states had adopted prop ps'ii5r
OF q similar character. He believed that
vine, ever this principle had been sub
m.tted % the people II had been adopted
by large votes. He instanced Illinois as
one Of these states where the people have
the power OF initiative. He said that one
of tho objections he had heard TO this
proposition was that the people might
make serious mistakes While this
was likely. but II mistakes were made
they could bs rectiied.
He believed there was a great deal OF
interest IN the proposition all over the
state. He declared that II was a prin-
ciple OF the National Federation OF Labor.
which had instructed rte members all over
the country 20 work for e. He believed
that II was only carrying out the idea
which was In the minds OF the people
who drew up the Constitution OF the
state.
QUESTIONED DR.. GARvIN.
A number OF questions were asked the
governor by members OF the committee in
reference To what he believed would be
the effect OF such an amendment TO the
Constitution.
The speaker said that in his opinion the
people would be likely 10 reject any COM
plex laws, which might be submitted for
the people were conservative.
Rev. A. y. Cr1sty said that when he
first heard of this proposition he was not
very enthusiastic. but from what he had
learned from people in Oregon. where tho
proposition was IN operation. he believed
that II was a good thing and gave the
people the right 20 control their organic
law.
lie thought the proposition did not In
any way curtail the work OF the legis-
lsture except that Il might make consti-
tutional requirements that would have 10
he observed like all other constitutional
requirements.
Representative James F. Murphy OF
Central Falls explained what he believed
was proposed by this amendment and he
thought II was simply going back 10 the
old tried principe Of town government.
He thought II the people wanted 10 make
q change In the organic law they should
We a right 10 do H.
He believed that every legislation COM
n lttee should report back every bill sent
20 IL and II this could not be done under
the present law then he was in favor OF
g. ing back 10 the people and let than de-
c.de.
Representative Caldwell OF Cumberland
spoke a few words in favor OF the pas
sage OF the resolItion.
SENATOR MKENNA SPOKE.
Senator McKenna said that he believed
that any amendment 10 the constitution
should first come from the people. who
were the creators Of the government
He thought IL was safe 10 allow 5000
electors from all over the state 10 initiate
an amendment than TO have such propo-
sition to come from a single individual
who might be a leader In the political
party that was IN power He thought
the citizens OF the state had the welfare
OF the state at heart and when this was
the case a proposition OF this kind was
good. He thanked the committee for
giving the hearing on this bill which
he said. was the brain work OF former
Governor Garvin. who had thousands Of
followers, OF whom he was one.
The clerk, Mr.. Blake. said that he had
received from Gen. Charles r, Brayton
certain objections 10 the bill which he
ssked 20 have read and placed on file by
the committee. These objections were
rs follows
GEN BRAYTON'S DIRECTIONS.
First II submits 10 the people without
sanction Of any authority, authoritative
or responsible such ns the legislature.
Second. IL impatrs the perruanence OF
the Constitution and interferes with the
doctrine OF constitutional limitations.
Third. The danger OF adoption as part
OF the Cons stitution Of matters proper only
for the statutes.
Fourth. Different persons might sub
nit amendments OF similar scope but con-
fitcting detail at one and the same time.
and all OF them be adopted
Fifth. Petitions may all be from one
section OF the state.
Sixth A wholly new Constitution or
several articles OF amendment might be
submitted az a specific amendment.
Seventh. Little interest is taken by the
average person In constitutional quest stions