The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-11-21
DIRECT VOTE
ON NATIONAL
TOPICS GAINS

Washington. Nov. 2l.-It is announced
that i0i members OF the next national
house favor the establishment of a sys-
tenn whereby the people can vote direct
| on national issues. Many of those who
stand with the people and against the
trusts are jubilant. while others are Bit
ter. though silence In the public prints is
the trusts attitude
| The American Federation of Labor Of
fcials are highly pleased, for the pledg-
ing OF candidates for the establishment
OF the direct vote system Is part OF their
| program. The questions 10 candidates
were endorsed by the American Fedora
ton OF Labor. This fact has been entire
~ overlooked in practically all the news
PAPER comments. Organized labor has
won a tremendous victory. and. best OF
all II is not for class interests, but Tor
all the people.
The explanation of the victory is that
the issue is so broad that candidates dare
not oppose II provided an opposition can
didate stands ready 10 debate the PROPOSE
ton.
Of the men who pledged knew little about
the arguments and therefore could not
press the issue But I'm 53 districts sue
cess went to the candidate who pledged
rs against one who refused 20 pledge
The names OF these Majority Rule con-
gressmen are as follows:
IIlinois-All FIVE of the Democratic con-
gressmen except A. j. Sabbath, whose
opponent pledged.
IndIana-The Ave Democratic congress
men.
Iowa-Both the Democratic congress
men and Elbert II. Hubbard, Repuoicah'
Kentucky--A -. James, Repuphcah'
and Ben Johnson, Democrat
Maryland--J. +. e.. Talbot DemocIa'.
Nassachusetts-A. J. Peters, Democrat;
Missouri-Democratic Congressman D.
uamlin. Champ Clark, j. j. Kussell anu
Thomas Hackley. .
Nebraska-G NJ Hitchcock. Democrat
md z. H. Hinshaws Republican
New Jersey-William Hughes Demo
crat. .,, -
u Lindsay ID. J. Riordan. William sui
zer G. V. Fornes, William Willett Jr'
y. Y. Harrison, j. A. Goulden ana W. H.
Ryan .. ,o,,o.
crat ...,,,a-
tives. uo,,,,-
Pennsylvania-Dem representa-,
dives II ID. Nichols, ]. III. Rothermel ana
w r. Wilson. ,,
Rhode Island-Democrauc Congressman
D l.. ID. Granger ..,,.o.
7. w. Gaines, ]. a. Moon and u. W. bo'-
don. ...t,... n
w Saunders. ]. Lamb and james Ray.
washington Republican Representative
w. L. Jones. 49,. mama
crst who defeated J. w. Babcock' ana r.
s. Morse. Republican. -, ,,,-,
Tn ouIte a few districts II VIII requho
an Official count 10 determine Who
oiected This official count, II ~ saiu
viii doubtless increase the nuupeI VIZ
m a.
system. ...,,,,or. NJ
of the 10, above mentioned members OF
,ha next house 70 are Democrats ana o.
are Republicans. The Democratic is.
tional platform declares Tor MJ MhJolNtes N
Iule. which is equivalent 10 oeciarinh ~
.ho d,rect-vote system for public ques-
tions. II. ,ho real
beeinninC OF the national movemen. lo'
the Initiative and referendum sSst,nL
rrbe issue was raised by the quesuoi,ihs
90 nominees through the mail by the Ma
.ro,aaI Moderation OF Peoples Rule, prln-
sinaIly composed of Referendum League
"a ohicered by leaders In the keletth-
du,n movement and by the heaos VI -
,.arious farmers organizations, WIN ~
questions endorsed by the American feu-
Grafton of Labor and the labor represen-
tation committee OF 'he
alton OF Labor. -, ,..o,,
The chief source Of strength mas oeo,,
.he nublicity given to the a,uluue =.
.nngressIonal candidates. for the issue rs
surh that tho voters were drawn to those
who pledged for IT, - -
The states in which victories were
scored for Majority Rule Include Maine
ssachusetts, Delaware, Oklahoma
Ohio. Montana and Michigan Tor the IN
itiative and referendum.
This is a total OF six states for Majority
Rule this year. with six others secured IN
previous years. namely, Oregon. south
Dakota, Illinois, Utah, Texas and ONO
Nationally. too. the movement Is making
rapid progress