Evening journal., 1907-05-29
Wednesday, May 90, 1907.
FOR THE PEOPLE TO DECIDE.

- Affll1, the lnltalNe ana NeleIehuuih
4 \ movement in this State is devoid of part-
san politics. 1t is a subject which can be con-
sidered without political bias Each voter can
study the matter and express his opinions with
out fear of offending any OF his political friends.
The promoters of the movement wish that it
shall be considered upon its merits solely with
out regard as to whether this or that political
leader favors it.
Through the agency of certain interests the
measure, applying to the State at large, was de-
feated at the last session OF the Legislature, but
a bill was passed for Wilmington alone.
This is now before the people for their reiec-
ton or adoption.
The basis Of the Initiative and Referendum is
to stimulate the interest of voters in the affairs
OF government 1t shoulders them with more
direct responsibility. Whether the voters are
really concerned in their own government, in
measures Of legislation proposed, is the primary
object OF the movement as it exists in Delaware
to-day This fact should not be ignored in any
consideration of the voting on next Saturday.
Some Of the specific questions on which the vot-
ers are. asked to express their opinions may be
Of Importance; others may not be Of much in-
terest But in the questions there is nothing
radical or dangerous
Whether the same results that the referendum
people hope to accomplish by their measures can
be reached under the present laws, does not ma
teriay affect the matter If the same results
can be obtained no harm can come by the voters
rendering their own opinion, with emphasis on
these subjects.
The experiment is to be made next Saturday.
Should the voters OF Wilmington manifest an
indifference towards this movement, it is practi-
cally certain that no future legislature will enact
a law for the entire State But should Whining
tonians cast a heavy vote on the proposals that
are before them there is every reasonable like
lihood that the next Legislature will adopt law
covering the entire State
1t is not hard to discover the underlying cause
for the opposition, thinly veiled or openly avow-
ed, to the movement in certain quarters. The re-
ferendum and the initiative would furnish the
people an opportunity to express themselves on
vital questions Of taxation as they affect the
State. And there is no more important matter
before the people OF Delaware to-day than this
whole question of taxation.
The Initiative and Referendum would give the
people a voice in this important subject of taxa
ton and, If adopted throughout the State, it
would be impossible for cabal of corporate in
terests to plant their agents in the State Senate
for the sole purpose Of watching for their in
terests and holding up any legislation that would
be intended to bring about a fair an equitable
system Of taxation.
Measures in the interest OF the people could not
be throttled by coterie in State Senate that
holds only pretended allegiance to any political
party
II can be seen that the Initiative and Referen-
dun involves more than appears on the surface.
The purpose Of the movement, which is TO give
the people responsibility and voice in govern
ment. is why the Initiative and Referendum has
been so heartily indorsed by many associations
and bodies Of citizens throughout the country
who appreciate the manner in which legislation
is dominated by private interests for their own
selfish purposes.
Involved in the Initiative and Referendum is
the whole question in its broadest scope that has
been before the people of Delaware for many
years. The voters therefore dsregarding the
mere specific questions that call for ballot, for
an answer yes or no are summoned on a
higher and general principle, far reaching in
effect and which may snatch the control of legis-
lative affairs from the grasp Of the private or
selfish interests and restore it to the people.
When this point fully sinks into the minds OF
The people they will understand why the expo
neris OF private interests are SO heartily opposed
to the Initiative and Referendum.