The Forrest City times., 1912-02-23


 states must cooperate. and he re- ferred to the leading part that Wis consin. under the direction of Sen ater L.aFellette. had taken. Continu- ing he said:
 All business into which the element of monopoly in any way or degree en- ters, and where 1t proves in practice impossible totally to eliminate this eie ment of monopoly. should be carefully supervised regulated and controlled by governmental authority; and such control should be exercised by admin istrative. rather than by judicial, off cers. No effort should be made to de- stroy big corporation merely be- cause 1t is big, merely because it has shown itself a peculiarly efficient business instrument But we should not fear. if necessary, to bring the regulation of big corporations to the point of controlling conditions so that the wage-worker shall have a wage more than sufficient to cover the bare cost of living, and hour of labor not so excessive as 10 wreck his strength by the strain of intending toll and leave him unfit to do his duty as a good citizen of the community.
 Favors Direct Nominations.
 Speaking of direct nominations and the initiative and referendum. be said
 I believe in providing for direct nominations by the people, including therein direct preferential primaries Tor the election of delegates 10 the na- uonal nominating conventions.
 I believe in the election of United States senators by direct vote. Just as actual experience convinced our people that presidents should be elected las they now are in practice, although not in theory) by direct vote of the people instead of by direct vote through an untrammeled electoral col lege, so actual experience has con vlnced us that senators should be elected by direct vote of the people instead of indirectly through the vari- ous legislatures
 1 believe in the initiative and the referendum, which should be used not 10 destroy representative government. but to correct 1t whenever 1t becomes mlsrepresentative If in any state the people are themselves satisfied with their present representative system then 1t Is of course their right to keep that system unchanged and it is hooody business but theirs But in actual practice 1t has been found in very many states that legislative bodies have not been responsive to the popular will. Therefore I believe that the state should provide for the possi. oiiity of direct popular action in order 10 make good such legislative fail urer
 Referring 10 the recall, the speaker said he did not believe that there was any great necessity for 1t as regards short-term elective officers. but be- lleYed it should be generally provided but with such restrictions as would make 1t available only when there was a widespread and genuine public feel ing among majority of the voters.
 One recall, however, MT Roosevelt declared himself heartily in favor of the recall of decisions on constitution. al questions which the people though: were wrong.
 People Fit to Rule.
 MT Roosevelt took issue with many eminent lawyers ho do not believe In our American system of government, and in this connection said: T take 4hSAlu+a fge1la ufs4h all tL..=.~ such position. regard tt as com plete negatlon of our whole system of government; and If 1t became the dominant position in this country. il would mean the absolute upsetting of both the rights and the rule of the people
 I do not say that the people are in fallible But do say that our whole history shows that the American peo- pie are more often sound in their de ctsions than is the case with any of the governmental bodIss 10 whom for their convenience. they have dele gated portions of their power If this is not so, then there is no justification for the existence Of our government; and if 1t is so, then there is no justi- fieation for refusing to give the peo, Die the real. not merely the nominal. ultimate decision on caestions of con stitutional law"
 In conclusion the speaker said Keep clearly in view what are the fundamental ends of government hope that not only you and I but all our people may ever remember that while good laws are necessary, while it is necessary to have the right kind of governmental machinery, yet that the all-important matter is 10 have the right kind of man behind the law. A good Constitution, and good laws un- der the Constitution. and fearless and upright officials to administer the laws all these are necessary; but the prime requisite in our national life is and must always be, the possession by the average citizen of the right kind of character. Our aim must be the moralization Of the individual. of the government. of the people as whole. We desire the moralization