Arizona republican., 1910-07-19
PHoENIX, ARIZONA. JULY 1s, 1910
The Initiative and Referendum.

VIII be differences Of opinion, and as an aid to reaching correct con- clusions the people have a right to and intelligent discussion of these questions. For this reason The Re- publican will not hesitate to express an opinion on any question on which il has reached a conclusion, and the reasons for its opinions. Just now this paper seems to stand alone in having any opinion concerning the latest ism" of the professional re- formers, the initiative and referen- dum." Shall Arizona undertake to make this ism" a part of her con stitution? is a question which right now is before the people. It will be one of the leading issues in choosing delegates to the constitutional con- Vention.
 We know, of course, that it is req sonably certain that a constitution providing broadly for the initiative" anu AOl lilS IclCI6liuuill NlllOul striction will be rejected by the presi- dent and congress. But independently of this fact it is the duty of the people to carefully consider the merits of the scheme.
 It is our belief that it would be colossal blunder to make the in itiafiHra op1 ,a,t ,e o,,r constitution.
 Every republic of the past went down and out of existence and was succeeded by a monarchy from one of two causes: government by plutocracy, or government by mob. One is just as dangerous as the other Arizona, of course, should guard against a government by plutocracy. although there is no immediate danger from that source, nor is there likely to be in the lifetime of anybody now living. The danger of mob government is more immediate, for mob government is simply an attempt at government by people in the mass.
 The initiative and referendum" is an abandonment of representative government for government by the mob. By ''mob,' it is hardly necessary to say, we do not mean any disre- spectful designation of the people in the mass. But when a people how ever intelligent, and however honest the individuals thereof may be, under take to control their affairs by direct legislation they are resorting to mob government, and to a system of gov ernment which has invariably failed throughout human history.
 So wise were the fathers of this country in framing our constitution that one is warranted in believing that than themselves. They rejected all suggestions of government by mob, and provided for government through duly selected representatives of the people. They reasoned that repre- sentatives of the people, coming direct ly from the people. and meeting to- gether for discussion and delibera- ton, would provide the best govern ment obtainable.
 Advocates of the initiative and referendum" tell us that representa- tive government is a failure-that whereas the people are not intelli- gent or vigilant enough to select capable and honest legislators, they will be intelligent and vigilant enough to decide for themselves what laws they want, and to analyze all pro- posed laws in detail.
 Let us see how this would work | out in Arizona. Somebody, or a group | of somebodies, concludes that new law is needed. Under the represent ative system a copy of the proposed | law is given to a member of the legis- lature and is introduced It Is re- ferred to a committee, by the com mittee carefully considered, and then | reported to the whole legislature, where it is examined and discussed in | all its features and is passed or de- | fested If it be a measure of merit | in principle. but lacking clear and | proper wording. or containing clauses that cannot be commended upon ex- animation. the bill is amended in the legislature until it is in acceptable form. Under a system of direct legis- lation there is not only no oppor- tunity for amendment, but no op- portunity-at least. no opportunity that would be improved-for careful consideration of the proposed law.