The labor journal. [volume] (Everett, Wash.) 1909-1976, 1910-03-18
FORM
A NEW
PARTY
Direct Primary Offers OPP
pOrtunity For Reform
Legislation Throug h
Present Political Parties.

Some people seem to think that we
can never expect any real reform from
either of the old parties. That from
long manipulation on the part of the
corporations, the j.. scheming politicians
and all the powers that prey, they have
become so corrupt that it is hopeless
task to attempt to do anything with
them and that brand new political
party must be formed. We do not
share that belief. We cannot see that
a party is anything more than a means
to an end and we fail to see why under
the direct primary law the voters can
not use the political machinery of
party already in existence as well as to
create a new one. We believe that
the very next step in the way of
self government which we should strive
for in this state is Direct Legislation.
We fail to see where the creation of a
new political party would further this
reform unless miracle should happen
and a majority of the voters should
suddenly affiliate with that new party.
Here is what the Portland Labor Press
has to say on this subject:
"In the state of Washington the diff
ference comes up whether to secure di-
rect legislation by the people through
the old parties or through new party.
Brothers. listen a minute. The people
of Oregon did not secure the referendum
and initiative through any party. If|
they had waited for any one party to
give them direct legislation, old or new,
they would have been waiting yet The
way to get direct legislation is to de-
mand of every candidate on any ticket
that he specifically pledge himself for
certain and definite amendment 1t
doesn't make any difference what tick
ct he may be on. Make every party
pledge its members one and all to vote
and work for direct legislation, and
treat every man who sidesteps or
eqaivocates as political enemy. Draw
up your amendment ana start cru
sade throughout Washington for that
one thing"
Direct legislation ia gaining in ia
yor among the thinkers of the state
every day and men of all shades of po-
litical belief are rallying to the cause
of the initiative and referendum as the
one thing to be centered upon by lovers
of good government during the coming
legislative campaign. A state organiza
tion is at the present preparing to carry
on an extensive educational campaign
along this line and have been successful
in securing as its permanent secretary
the man who more than any one person
made the direct primary law possible,
Christopher Horr of Seattle Everett
has its direct legislation league which
has been doing efficient work in
crystallization of public sentiment for
this reform. AT this early date it is
doubtful if any man could be elected
on any ticket who would not pledge
himself if elected to the legislature to
work and vote for the initiative and
referendum. The movement, state and
local, is strictly non partisan, and in
that to our way of thinking lies its
hope of ultimate success. As "all roads
led to Rome" so we believe through
direct legislation lies the way to all
other reforms and we believe we do not
need new party half so much as we
need an intelligent use of the ones we
have.