Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-06-27
AT BoWpolN.
CONTINUED from Page one.)

Revolutionary when tested by existing
| standards, sometimes with periods of
lretrogression, but finally resulting i'm
| discarding old and adopting new
standards. in the testing of estab-
lished institutions by new conditions,
land always with net results for the
benefit of mankind.
| In the realm of constitutional gov
ernment, the old institutions have
lbeen put to the test of new conditions
land in keeping pace new methods for
/ the expression of the popular will
have been adopted and new concep-
tons of the rights and responsibilities
| of the individual to society have been
| evolved The sum total of this
movement, development change evo-
Tuition, reeonstructiye work, by what
ever name you choose to call it, has
been in the interest of humanity and
for the protection of individual rights
| This is a time when the thought of
the country seems directed to polti-
cal subjects, to demand for recasting
political institutions and to the adop-
ton of new measures in political life
In~my way of thinking, the pro-
mitigation of these new ideas of politi-
cal action, which but few years ago
would have been considered revolu-
tionary, are but the development of
influences which have been present
in the body polite for substantially
century. accentuated by the present
wonderful material development of the
country.
The first effect of the tendency to
imnrpSc fhe Of, u
choice upon our government is shown
in the departure. from the ideas of the
members of the constitutional con-
vention as to the choice of the ex-
ecutive. Hamilton thought that by
the choice of electors, violent dis
turbances in the country at large
could be prevented. The tumult and
disorder so feared by Hamilton has
found its place in our national nomi-
mating convention, organizations I'M
known to the constitution, and the
demand of the people to vote directly
for President has asserted itself, so
that no longer does the electoral col
iege act under circumstances favor
able to elaboration or to conducting a
complicated investigation.
Following the same tendency. the
demand for the election of senators by
popular vote has found expression in
laws like that enacted in Oregon. in
senatorial primaries and finally in the
submission of an amendment provid-
ing directly for that which has been
accomplishing indirectly.
The demand for. direct popular par
ticlpation in government which so
soon after the adoption of the Con
stltution moulded the electoral college
into an instrument for simply regis
terlng the will of the people. as ex
pressed at the polls, has within the
last few years directed itself toward
the legislative branch of government
IN the states. A generation ago such
proposition would have been re-
garded as revolutionary vet il is the
direct development of this contention
OF the legislator coupled with dis
trust of the legislators whom the peoz
PIE had deliberately chosen as renre-
sentatives. Upon no other ground ex-
eept such distrust, can the sentiment
be fully explained which led to the
adoption of this movement by the
tSate of Maine in 1908.
Inc participation of the people di
fectly in legislation has great posst-
bllities. for there are sufficient oues-
IONS agitating the people today which
give cause for profound study The
CROWN OF the Industrial interests of
the country has, within a decade
brought to the front the question of
Worklngmen's compensation acts and
industrial insurance. The protection
Oh the ilVes and health of the people
OF the country has led to the enact.
hneht OF FAR reaching pure food laws
many OF them the result of careful
aSthlihc study andN investigation
ana YET these laws when enacted nv
the state legislatures may be the sinh
Ject OF direct action by the vote of the
people no matter how Thoroughly the
| cessation mad been considered E1,r-
.her opportunity for the exercise of
tHis right of popular legislation is.
open IN such important matters as
income taxes, inheritances and the
'esulation OF public corporations.
ms state of Maine has no need To
look TO other states as more pro-
sressiNe, as more ready to mako
changes IN its laws and social order
IN IT'S laws establishing the legal
iishts Oh women. in it's laws of evil
uehce as applied in its courts. and in
ITS regulation of its great natural re-
sources for the benefit of the public
Maine is far in advance of MANY
another state.
therefore, if as result of this
movement which | have sketcbed tba
people OF the State are to actively in
sist upon active participation in lecis-
ia'lofl, II must be with larger re-
spohsioliities of citizenship. and with
'aiser means of knowledge of tbe
principles upon which the State is
houhdeu' and by which it has mos
pered TO the present day. If the men,
pie OIL the community understand
thoroughly the questions presented 80
'neh' In the long run, they rarely do
c,ae wrong But they must under
s,dho the questions in all their hear-
ihss' and to gain that iunderstandinc
- one OF the new duties of citizensbin
IN TINS old State of Maine
Degrees for Medical Men.
Following are tha ,,,..l,,u44