Graham guardian., 1911-02-03
RATES orLEsAL ApyEy-1siN"
FEBRUARY 8, 1911.
RATlFY THE CONSTITUTION

RATlFY THE CONSTITUTION
There is no doubt whatever in
the minds of those who have studied
each provision of the constitution,
but that it is in line with the pro-
gressive thoughts of the people,
and that the people of Arizona will
adopt the constitution on February
9th by an overwhelming majority.
At no time in the history of our
country has there been more pro-
gressive organic laws presented to a
people seeking Statehood than what
is found embodied in the constitu-
ton adopted by the convention in
Phoenix. The very best thought
of the students of political science
and the right of people entering
Statehood to make the laws under
which they must live, is wisely en-
bodied in its provisions.
The progressive ideas with which
so much fault is found by the ennis
saries of the big corporations, which
have practically controlled the Ter
ritory up to this time, and also by
the office holders who fear the loss
of their jobs when the Territory be-
comes State, have already been
adopted by the more progressive
States in the Union.
The hue and cry raised by the
corporation press throughout the
Territory that the constitution will
fail to receive the consent of the
Congress or of the President be-
cause of the provisions giving the
people the right to recall dishonest
official, and the right of the people
to initiate laws for their benefit and
decide by referendum vote whether
they want certain laws proposed by
the legislature to be enacted, will
not prevent the people from de-
Gliding to throw off the yoke of
those interests, who would now try
to prevent Statehood, and who have
successfully kept the Territory from
being admitted into the Union these
many years.
The fact that no honest judge or
other official need fear the recall
will impress the people of Arizona
more than the protests of the ennis
saries of the interests that the re-
call is dangerous.
The initiative and referendum
are absolutely needed by the people
for wise Legislation and for the pur-
pose of maintaining their rights, as
against dishonest interests which
would otherwise control. With the |
initiative and referendum the paid |
lobbies of the corporations will pass
away and the legislator will be free
from the temptations of the briber. |
The constitution contains all that
Is good for the people who have to
live under it and fully preserves to
them their rights for self-govern-
ment. Its provisions are in line
with the very best thought in mod
ern government. People living
under such a constitution will derive
the full benefits that are secured |
from organic laws that allow them
to participate in the making of their
own laws. Such condition is
truly the ideal republic.
The people of Arizona would ,.c
foolish, indeed, to listen to the ircn.
zied warnings Of press that is con-
trolled by the corporations. Ali
this talk about Congress and Presi-
dent Taft turning down the consti
tuition because of the initiative, the
referendum and recall is nothing
more than the dying gasps of hench
men and politicians, who realize
that their 'pickings" will vanish
when the people have a say in max
ing their own laws.
No man, no matter who he may
be. can say that Congress will turn
Down the constitution. Neither
iaa anyone say that President Taft
I.iii refuse to sign the constitution,