The copper era., 1910-07-15
Initiative is to be Advocated.
douglas internationally

Dear Sir,-Ihere has Deen COnSlQ- I
cradle discussion in the local papers !
regarding our new constitution. and |
the nature of its provisions. Almost |
everyone who has spoken has en-
phasized the fact that it should be
safe, sane and conservative.
With the "safe and sane" clause |
fully agree but if the word ''con
servatiVe" is used in the sense of re- |
dictionary, certainly think it is op- !
posed to the opinion of at least
three-fourths OF the voters of Ari-
zona
Beyond doubt the large majority
of our voters, while not extreme
radicals, are of the progressive type,
and l think the slogan should be
amended to read "sate, sane and
progressive" Particularly should
this be true of the democratic party.
The republicans are apparently hope
lessly split between the progressive
and reactionary wings, but the demo
cratic party stands for progress, and
any attempt to commit it to re-
dictionary policy will, and in my hum
bic opinion should, cause it to lose.
There is one measure which has
been mentioned more than any other
and nearly always unfavorably so it
seems to me only fair that the other
side should be heard from, and as l
most heal tily and sincerely favor the
measure I hope you can grant me
space for few remarks on the much
abused "initiative and referendum"
In the lir.' placr I am compelled
to believe that a good many of those
opposed to the measure do not under
stand it, for I should be 10th to think
there are many men in Douglas who
do not believe in the right and ability
of the people to govern themselves.
For the benefit of those who con-
demn without knowledge l want to
say that the whole doctrine of the
| initiative and referendum is sum-
med up in one phrase. The people
reserve to themselves the right to
enact or repeal laws, without the
necessity of middle men," Now if
that is not good doctrine then l
grievously mistake the nature of
popular government.
And if there is anything unreason-
able or unsafe in providing in our
constitution that when certain per-
centage of the voters ask it, any law
or amendment to the constitution
must be submitted to them for their
approval 1 cannot see it, unless it is
admitted that the people are incapa-
BILE of self government.
1t is true that the constitution
should not be loaded down with a lot
of laws at the start, which may or
may not be good, aud 1 approve of
making it as simple as possible, but
on the other hand it is all essential
that the people reserve the right to
change their constitution and laws
however and whenever they see fit,
and therefore it appears to me that
the initiative and referendum are
provisions absolutely necessary to
make our new constitution a goy-
ernment for the people and by the
people, as well as of the people.
If any man can show me wherein
am wrong 1 am open to reason but
the only arguments 1 have heard 81
far are bald statements that it i:
unsafe "a freak" "socialistic,
etc. This is not reason, but merely
the children calling names. Invec
tive is not and never was ''argu
ment "
. have never before sought an op
portunity to speak in public in Doug
S las, and do not claim to be an orator
but I would like to see a meeting d
which this question could be publicl.
discussed, and both sides of the mat
y. ter presented, and if no bette
champion can be found, will uphol
the views I have presented here.
Very truly,
A. c. LOCKWOOD.