Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-10-14
Houltol1. Oct. II.

The position Of certain individuals
high IN the confidence of the people is
as significant of a reaction against the
"hoo-lah boys" legislation inspired in
the West, az is the position OF conser-
yatiye editors of reliable publications.
Probably the words Of Cardinal Glib
bons and Archbishop Ireland which we
have published viii convey a hint to
politicians and others Of the probable
leaning Of a great strength in ballots
IA tendency. toward discrediting the
sincerity Of this nonsensical holler
about trusting the people
The following of such men as Car
dinal Gibbons and Archbishop Ireland,
when they deem 1t a duty TO enter the
field OF politics. is factor to be reek
oned with. Archbishop Ireland declar-
ed with force and conviction that is
not easily overthrow:
with the initiative and referendum,
Legislative bodies become mere bureaus
of registration and exchanges for pop
uIar views and opinions. All inclusive
authority is lost to them y small
fraction Of The population sets the ma
ehinery Of legislation in motion, re-
tards or annuls its DEGREES. And this
for all subjects. the most abstruce and
complicated.
Bat the worst is the recall Stabil-
ity aud independence IN office for n
fixed period % time are essential Liza
lIle 10 recall the official is continuous
ly watehful Of public opinion. The
peril from Tie recall is shown when it
is extended 10 the judiciary. If ever
Independence from popular elamor is
demanded II is when men are hidden TO
speak in the 'naue Of supreme justice
regardless of consequences when alb
solute Guinness Of mind is the prere-
quisite to u decision"
What are other publications say
ing?" Well, here is an excerpt from
an editorial in the current Harper's
Weekly
WORTH THINKING ABOUT
II We are right about the matter,
IltGit mere 10 ri tdilllS something worth
thinking about For the natural in
ference is that we have somehow
managed to make OF politics, even in
America, Il much more specialized pur-
suit than we have supposed; that we
have come pretty near developing
ruling class 1t is a reflection that
throws some light on the remarkable
amount OF interest just now displayed
in the various devices for making de-
nIocraey more direct than 1t has been.
The defenders of business as against
this politicians do not seem to look with
favor on these devices, but attribute
them TO self-seelking demagoguas. Yet
ole Of the chief sources of the strength
Of the demand for the initiative and
the referendum is the wide-sprea
feeling that the mass of our people in
Guiding the business men. do not know
s-.gaeh about politics TO protect them
Selves from politicians with the wea-
ESrls ROW available. Certainly one OBJ
sscE - ne revival OF these schemes OF
GsseCE slf.nsorraey-for they are MOI
Ze1s - any fneans-is to make ii easi.
- ~ people not politically inclined tc
have ~ elective voice in government
as-e kassegnent is, therefore, a re-
alzeglae 70 4 real evil, ii is a recogni-
rA4A - zeal weakness So much MAY
- Ezz8 r. rs fay0r. But what we dc
~ A4s@ shout II is the apparent dis
Tfsa1s-se - aecept the evil and the
&@aSsas We % not like the notion
e tfs~as&'sg ~ Z mere Improvement in
~ 80 go fs@sens9ery the consequent
. @>@ y ssssse virtue. If we