Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-04-05
THE REFERENDUM.
Interesting Statement of the situa-
ton by Rev. Henry K. Dunnack.

Published By Request.)
Beyond question the most popular mat
ter before the legislature which has just
adjourned was the much-discussed in
| itiative and referendum. The contest be-
gan early in the session and continued
until the very end. 1t was battle royal
for the peoples rights.
The Judiciary committee reported to the
Senate fought not to pass" ON this bill
| but the Senate adopted the minority re-
port sought to pass" by majority of one,
the House also accepted the minority re-
port by vote of 90 to IS. On the final pas
sage of the bill the vote remained practi-
cally the same.
An interesting question arises: How
does it happen that this measure received
such strong support ON its first appearance
before the lawmakers of Maine? The
answer to this question is fortunately easy.
First: 1t is nom. ,artizan; almost the
solid democratic vote went for the bill. 1t
was championed both in the Senate and
House by republicans.
Second: The press of the State are for
the most part friendly to it. Many of
them openly advocate it, few, il any,
openly oppose it. This indicates that it is
measure that appeals to enlightened
public opinion.
Third: The majority vote in both
Houses reflected the intelligent, unpreiu-
diced opinion of the masses of the people.
This public opinion was represented be-
fore the Judiciary committee by represent
atives OF three organizations and the
petitions of 5000 citizens.
The first organization, representing 3d.
900 members and at least 200, 900 persons, is
the grange. This society represents the
shrewd, far seeing, conservative elements
of our State. They with the commercial
among the representative states of the
Union. This organization is great edu-
cational factor. Its members are above
the average in intelligent grasp of inn
portant measures. They more than most
societies are jealous of the good name and
prosperity of the State. The demand of
the oranges OF Maine is emphasized by
the demand of the grangessof fourteen
other states.
The second organization, representing
5000 men and at least 100000 persons, is
the Maine State federation of labor. This
body of men is very often misrepresented;
too often we think of them as indifferent
to the best interests of the State. This is
wholly untrue. This organization OF
5000 men are intelligent mechanics, hon
est, aw-abiding citizens; have Just pride
in their native State, supporting our
schools and churches, and paying the
taxes which support and maintain the
machinery of government.
These men, these q, 900 men, came in the
persons of their officials up to our state
house and humbly ask, for what? An
eight hour legal working day? No. For
better conditions under which to toll?
No, however much they believe in these
things, however much they desire these,
they put aside all desire for special class
legislation, all desire for personal gain, and
prove themselves citizens worthy OF the
old commonwealth, by asking for meas
ure they less than all others need.
The spectacle of 5000 laboring men Pc
titioning the Maine legislature for direct
legislation ought to win for them the re-
spect and confidence of every citizen of
the State.
The third organization, representing
thousands of citizens, representing every
class, representing every section, repre-
sentiEg every religious, educational and
political interest of the State, is the civic
league. This society stands for three
great ideals: l. To secure RESP ct for
law. 2. To educate people in good citi-
zenship 8. To secure the enactment of
wise laws and the enforcement of all law.
1t is altogether fitting that this organiza-
ton should lead in securing direct legis-
lation.
With the influence of these great Or
CARNATIONS and the increasing interest all
classes of our citizens are taking in direct
legislation, the question arises, what
action will be taken by the people in
terested in this great reform seeing it
failed of two-thirds vote necessary to
make it a law?
A meeting has been held and a decision
reached to
1. Perfect State organization, with
officers in every county, and secure q
campaign fund.
2. To organize a campaign OF educa-
ton, using the press and platform in every
possible way.
8. All organizations and persons in
terested in direct legislation will be urged
to unite to secure representatives in
every city and class in the State, who will
work for and vote for direct legislation.
COUNTY NEWS