Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1910-08-29
Public Forum
Not q Panacca.

Editor Morning Journal:
The advocates Of the initiative and
the referendum seem to want them
not because they are familiar with
their working and effect, but because
there is a popular idea that these
things will be the panacea that will
cure every evil, Some tacitly think,
apparently, that they are going to
have n monopoly of these measures
with the public after they are en-
acted. Going back in history to the
Greek nation, where the |theocratic
form of government was supplanted
by one better fitted for concrete hu-
man affairs, the principle has been
evolved of a popular form of govern
ment, resulting in the division of sem
ttment and forming of political par
ties. one school thought to advo-
cate the human right above every
thing, every man to be considered a
part of the state with the right to
take part in government affairs; the
other school, "aristocratic in principle,
desiring to exclude from public right
or privilege the masses who had no
property qualifications. contending
that only the privileged or property
holding class should take part in pub
lie affairs. There has been a bone IF
contention between these schools dur
ing the rise and fall of NAM nations,
the first being Vanquishcd up to the
time OF the Commune in France. The
cruelty and horror of that epoch seem
to have justified the extreme meas
ures in returning to the people the
G%od-given right OF enjoying life and
liberty and being raised above the
condition of chattel merchandise.
During the differences between the
north and south under the leadership
of the immortal Lincoln, America set
the seal of approval on the movement
by erasing the stain of barbarism,
with the motto; To-day the guiding
star OF popular right is rising on the
horizon. under the evolution of prog
ress. striking at the root of monarch
ial and aristocratic ideas and prepar-
ing the way for a republican form of
government" England, with the most
liberal mOnarchial institution, from
whom the American people were di-
ivorced in 1776, seems yet to give
precedence in legislation, and many
Anglo-Saxons still wish to follow in
the footsteps Of the House of Lords. !
adhering TO the principle of property
right.
Like all false gods. this idea will
disappear before the light of i%ncreas-
AAA NANlilEtAlNH. ]
The popularity of the Initiative and
the referendum mark the swinging OF ]
the pendulum to the other extreme. |
There is danger of its swinging us
into the peril of de~generacy and dis
Indignation.
As far as my observation goes. no.
where in the United states except
North Dakota has the plan carried
out the theoretical intent. Australia
reduced the commonwealth To an oil
garchial a~ristocracy unfit 10 compare
with Russia. New Zealand. with diff
ferent commercial and geographical
conditions, adopted the principle OF
arbitration in place OF the initiative
and referendum.
Switzerland, contrary to the opin-
ion Of Mr.. Wood. occupies n similar
position in its geographical and
commercial make mp, q the United
States. In hat country the initiative
and referendum are the Gibraltar OF
the government. its solid foundation.
the cardinal PORTS OF its liberty and