The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1908-06-16
OREGON LEGISLATION.

Whatever other states think of Ore
eon whatever sarcastic reference may
he TO the freak legislation of our
neighboring state, the people of Ore
gon don't seem to be worrying at all.
In fact they seem to be willing to
take a few steps forward at every
available opportunity.
| At the recent election across the Dor
der a large number of the propositions
were under the initiative and
referendum submitted to the people
for their acceptance or rejection.
| Studying the results of this referen-
dunn vote. it is interesting to note that
as a rule special or particular legisla-
ton was defeated, while general legis-
lation looking to the eradication of
! certain evils of the body polite was
almost invariably successful. An ex-
ceLtion to this was in the creation OF
new county in the Hood River valley
and the adoption of the appropriation
! of the state university, although this
| latter can scarcely be called special
legislation.
Proportional representation is the
aim of one amendment to the consti-
| ri
out is quite uncertain because it puts
the modus operandi up to the legisla-
ture. BY its provisions, minority par
ties are to nave proportionate repre-
sentation on all boards and in all offices
where two or more have places. Like
the direct primary, it tends to loosen
party ties. 1t provides, also, for ex-
preston by voters of second and third
choices among candidates. It's real i'm
port is hardly gfasped in the state.
The taste of power given by the di-
rect primary and initiative and refer
endum has at least made the average
voter anxious for more, because the
recall" amendment passed by a large
majority. This allows voters on sub
mission of petitions containing 25 per
cent of the registration of the district.
to force the incumbent of an office to
stand for election again within 20 days.
It's object is to discourage malfeasance.
! A bill for a law instructing mem
bers of the legislature to vote for the
candidate receiving the highest number
of votes for United States senator at
popular elections passed "a-flying." l.
apparently makes the Statement No.
1 clause of the direct primary law man
datory: but in reality. there is nothing
TO force state representatives and sena-
tors to abide by it and it will not at
feet the election next January.
The power of district attorneys to
bring indictments is cut off: grand
juries only may exercise that func-
ton hereafter. This was a constitu
tional amendment that carried.
Candidates in primary campaigns in
future may spend only a sum equal to
10 per cent of their first years salary,
unless that sum is less than 500, be-
low which no candidate is restricted.
With primaries over and a state cam
paign on, the candidate may spend a
sum equal only to 10 per cent of his
/ first years remuneration. This bill was
proposed by initiative petition. 1t gives
an otficeseeker poor in pocket more
equal chance. The bill is peculiarly
binding.
! A candidates relatives or intimate
business associates cannot spend more
than the prescribed amount for him
either. their disbursements being de-
Quoted from the amount allowed Treat
! ing is barred. Electioneering on the
balloting day is prohibited Sworn
statements of expenditures must be
filed within Is days after election. Cor
lportaion campaign contributions are
put under the ban. Political advertise
ments must be marked as advertising
The measure resembles in many re-
spects that in vogue now in Washing
ton but is more radical
The people of Washington will con-
CONS advance laws and some day will
probably come to the conclusion that
they will cure a number of the evils
so noticeable in Washington.