The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1907-06-23

In my former article said the commits
sion idea" is without doubt the ideal
form of government for cities, providing
always that the peoples rights are safe
guarded and redress guaranteed by the
initiative and referendum and right or re-
call, known as direct legislation. 1t is
ideal because the three. four or five COM
nissioners will be compelled to give their
entire time TO the citys affairs and their
acts in consequence win be more carefully
scrutinized by the people. whose business
they are employed to supervise. These
commissioners Would quickly become ac-
quainted with the condition and necessi-
ties of the department over which they
had charge, and by giving their entire
time and ability TO the development and
economies of that branch of the munich
pal organization. they would in time be-
come experts and should know to the cent
the cost OF ali labor and materials enter
ing into their department.
The Economy of a Commission.
1t is true salaries would have to be
paid these men, commensurate with their
services. They should. however not be
eNorbltant, but sufficient TO enable them
10 give their entire time and abilities TO
the public Each commissioner being held
responsible for results in his department,
would have the appointment of all heads
in his department, subject, of course to
the confirmation of the board.
The commissioner would thus be able to
watch every item of expense, and the
expenditure of every dollar. He would be
able TO stop every leak. discharge every
ward heeler. every place hunter. hanger
on ana CRATER and would thereby quickly
recoup the city for the small additional
outlay on account of salary. --.
What Is Direct Legislation?
Direct legislation is an expression usual
~ employed with reference to the true
democratic form of government; long used
in Switzerland ana now being adopted in
every progressive state. and Incorporated
INTO every new charter in every up-tO-date
city where boodfers and grafters do not
control II includes the initiative. refer
endum and right of recall
What Is the Initiative?
The initiative is the right of a certain
per cent usually per cent? of the peo-
pie, 10 propose a law, ordinance or constt-
tutional amendment, which must be pre-
scented to the legislative body at its next
convocatiOn. If action is taken on il and,
me petition granted IL, of course, be-
comes law, If 1t is refused il then goes
before the people at the next election or
" special election. for their affirmatio1
For rejection. The Oregon law. which is
now being adopted by many states. whose
people are iuteligentIy alive and taking
sufficient interest in good wholesome law
is this; A petition signed by 8 per cent
of the voters is filed with the secretary
Of state. The bill or constitutional amend
ment is submitted to the peoDIe al the
or those voting on the question vote
Yes, the governor announces that fact
by proclamation. and from that date il is
the law of the state without further ques-
ton.
What Is the Referendum?
The referendum means the reference Of
a law or ordinance to the people at the
polls 1t also means the right of the peo-
pie to demand the submission of any
measure passed by the legislature or city