The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-07-18
Opposition is Led. by Sena- tor Judson, But Measure is Passed by Vote of
 27 to 6 Democratic Vote Solid for Legislation in Roll Call and Majority of Repub-
 licans in It's Favor McNeil and Donovan Lead De b ate for Measure, Which Results in Setting Aside Report of Judiciary Committee.
(From Our Special corres.)

F'rom Our Special Corres)
 Hartford, July 18-By a vote of 27 to
 6 the Senate today passed the so-cal1-
 ed advisory initiative and referendum
 bill which was introduced by Senator
 Archibald McNeil, Jr., of Bridgeport. This bill had been unfavorably report ed by the committee on Judiciary, but in spite of this report the Senate, by an overwhelming vote, adopted the bill.
 In the course of his remarks in sup port of the measure Senator McNeil said:
 MT. President:-I do not feel that it is necessary for me to take the time of this body in going all over the ground again in explanation of this bill, as at the time it was origin ally reported submitted to you such facts as I deemed necessary in eX- planatfon of the bill and sufficient for it's passage.
 I was surprised when the Judiciary committee submitted an unfavorable report on this bill. I thought that at least the Senator from the Twenty fifth, having favored so many meas welcome this opportunity of passing this bill. As leader of this Senate. and practically leader of the whole assembly, the Senator from the Twen- ty-flfth. (Senator Judson) is on record as publicly charging open corruption the houses on legislation after a vote had been taken on matter of vital interest 70 the 4eople, yet we find him now signing a report against the adoption of the advisory, initiative and referendum. Notwithstanding the fo cf ho of hoorfnO this y1rn position before the committee of which the Senator is chairman, not a voice was heard in opposition to this progressive Legislation. From whence comes the Senator's inspfra- ton of animus to the measure, when proposition brings nearer to the peo- pie the reins of government and en- actment of progressive legislation.
 I assume that members of this Senate have had sufficient time to familiarize themselves with the pro- fdent that those who have are now prepared to vote for 1t. The bill sim ply provides that upon petition of ten per cent. of the electors of this state, any proposed legislation shall be sub- mitted to the people for their ap- proval CT disapproval at the next succeeding election, so that they may advise their representatives of their wishes in the matter. This sort of legislation is not new as already Oregon, Montana, Missouri, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Colo rado and Maine have adopted the full initiative and referendum, and many law as quickly as the people can vote upon it. This bill is a milder form of the initiative and referendum, as it is merely advisory in its nature while the full initiative and referendum is I submit to you that we are simply here as senators elected for no purpose other than to express the will of the people, and the cleo ton of representatives therefore only means the expression of the peoples will through their votes. Why then, is it not desirable if we are honest possible the means more certain to achieve this end.
 Senator Judson opposed the measure, briefly reiterating most of the argu- mentS which he advanced against it when it originally appeared in the Sen ate. He said that if legislation of this character is desired he believes that the proponents of the legisla tion would prefer to have a constitutional amend ment providing for the full initiative and referendum, which is in vogue in several States.
 Senator Jeremiah Donovan of Nor walk supported the bill and made a very effective speech which appeared to be most favorably received by the Senate. He said he could not under stand the attitude of Senator Judson, able and honest legislator that he was, to hold the views he did hold upon this question. (
 Senator Donovan made a number of happy and apt, illustrations showing what effect the measure would have If it passed, and upon the conclusion, of his speech he asked that when the vote be taken, it be taken by roll call This was agreed to. All of the Dem ocratic members of the Senate and a of the Republicans favored the bill
 The bill provides that when the Leg islature passes any bill the people may by a ten per cent petition have the general election. They will then vote upon it. If the bill receives a ma- jorityof the votes it is approved by the people. If it does not, copy of the vote is transmitted to the sue ceeding General Assembly, which is expected to repeal the measure.
 Nevertheless the vote of the people Is not mandatory, and cannot be made without an amendment to the constitution, which Senator McNeil has provided for in another bill.
 On the other hand, if the people wish to initiate legislation a bill may be prepared, and submitted to the Sec retary of State with a ten per cent petition for it's submission It will then be submitted. If the people ap- prove the bill, they have so advised the Legislature. Yet the Legislature can refuse to pass the bill
 It is very seldom as a matter of practice, however, that a General As sembly defies the people when they have expressed themselves. The ef- feet of the advisory bills has been to get the people much desired legislation In States where if is in effect