Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1910-08-23
sToP, LOOK AND LISTEN.

The present affords the people Of
New Mexico a splendid opportunity to
put on the brakes and think awhile.
There is a CROWNS demand in va
rloua sections Of the territory for the
incorporation of provisions for the in
~itiativo and referendum ana the recall
in the new state constitution. Tho
sentiment Is strongest among the DEM
ocfats, who are looking forward nat
urally to a republican state govern
ment and who are ready and willing
20 adopt any and all measures which
may give them y 'iook-in," or a
chance TO make trouble after the new
state Of New Mexico Is launched.
There ARE features about the inltia-
tive and the referendum which will
naturally appeal to a minority and
tn. motive Of the democrats In their
hue and cry for the initiative and ref
erendum Is Of course not far to seek
on the other hand, a number of re-
pubiicans have gon on record for the
same provision. II is Of course true
Ati3t ~ lhfEN nuIttBfi VI NlAlE3itN htt
quito honest in their motives and be-
iieSe that with the Initiative and the
referendum the people Of the new
state Will stand a better show of run
ming their own government as against
the bosses.
The Morning Journal does not need
To state that II Is IN favor Of a peo-
Pies government. This paper has
fought for government by the people
consistently for many years In New
much 70 give the voterL n better
chance Of securing measures benefit |
cial L the people as a whole as
against private interests and bossism
We are heartily In favor OF any con-
stitutional provisions which viii safe
guard the Interests Of the people and
which viii work for a representative
government In the new state. But on
the other hand there Is the ever pres
ent danger of going to the other ex-
IRENE and grasplng at political "cure-
alls" which VIII work both ways and
defeat the object sought.
Have the initiative and the refcren-
dun, In actual practice, proven sue
cessful from the peoples point OF
view, or have they given 20 an unde-
sirahlo minority, turned down by the
peoples vote, a chance 10 defeat that
expressed wish?
This paper has conducted a discuss
sion on political matters In its col
that has been educative and H.
Illuminating.
The Public Forum has opened a
field for debate which has proven Of
immense advantage TO tho people who
want 10 know all sides Of the grave
questions which confront a people
about to form a state constitution. II
Is the policy of this paper to assist
10 It's ability In the thorough and hon
est discussion Of every public prob
lem And we believe the initiative
and the referendum need the matur-
deliberation and the most careful
study OF them an. The phrase rs
and there is danger of going
off at halt cock" on this proposition
In this as in other things the actual
conditions in the state. the character
OF the people and tho division of po-
htical sentiment must be taken into
consideration, No newspaper has
been more open la It's criticism. IT'S
condemnation and its approval Of New
Mexico legislation than The Morning
Journal. Hut times are changing and
New Mexico lawmaking o. not what IT
was once. The people have developed
e surprising interest in the making OF
their own laws and there is plenty
90 room for doubt that the initiative
and referendum. 10 adopted in New
Mexico VIII accomplish tho end sought
hy the people. - may furnish "a dis
gruntied majority with "a formidable
weapon And it must always be roe
Numbered hat in the minority. MS in
the majority. there are always bosses
private Interests and vote |mauipula-
tors.
care should Doe taken lest We arm
The new state With "a gun THAT goes OF
at both ends.