The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-02-28
GROWTH OF PROGRESSIVE IDEAS

Within the past twenty years there
has developed among the people a
strong sentiment favorable to pro-
gressive methods in all governmental
affairs, the tendency being toward
more direct popular control.
Things that we're then looked on as
radical, incorporate and visionary are
now accepted as moderate and con-
sentative, and indeed essential to the
best interest Of the public.
In days gon by the ultra conser-
Vatfves, whose predecessors said the
world was as fiat as a pancake, held
up their hands in holy horror when
il was suggested that there should be
a tax on incomes and inheritances.
The principle was offensive to them
because it had never been done, but
now after years of hard work there
is a federal income tax law.
1t has not been long since the con-
serVattves or ~reactionaries hooted at
the idea of electing United States
senators by a direct vote. They said
it would destroy the sovereignty of
the states. They were against that
kind Of direct popular election be-
cause it would tend to eliminate the
state lines or impair the principle of
states rights, and later on the same
class OF reactionaries opposed the
Kenycn-Webb bill to prevent the in
terstate shipment of liquors into dry
territory for the reason that the en-
orkrNont anl 1anE
law would make the state lines more
distinct and states right more evil
dent.
Now the proposed amendments to
the constitution for direct election of
senators is being ratified by the
states right along, ever New York
having fallen in with the rest.
These progressive measures are
now getting to be looked upon as
needful. Even the initiative and ref
erendum, formerly a ~scare-crow Of
the worst type to the -reactionaries.
rs now regarded as a mild sort of fad
and some OF them go SO far as TO con-
Tess that the people ought to have
such progressive measures if they are
no satisfied with the old representa-
tive system in its arbitrary form.
The people OF Massachusetts are
considering the proposition to make
the initiative n referendum a part
OF their constitution. they want to
have the right and power to initiate
desirable laws and force their enact
ment, n to veto and destroy what
ever laws they may object TO. They
want the constitutional power Of
popular control, above and beyond the
deceptive theory of popular govern
ment embraced in the Representative
system.
The Springfield Republican asserts
that If the people want the initiative
and referendum established as a mart
of their constitutional system they
will undoubtedly get what they want.
but, says that paper. If they are sat
Ashed, however, that under the rem
S~Ssentative system this state has been
well governed, IN the whole, and pro-
gressive in social legislation and re-
sponsiye to the public demands. then
they are too level headed to a
merely for the sake of a change
OF course II the people have what
they want in their system of repre-
sentative government in the matters
of wholesome legislation and faith
ful and efficient officials. they would
not want and would not attempt to
change. They would not set up and
put into operation the initiative and
referendum. II they get what these
features Of popular control promise
there is no need for the change. 1t
ii only where the people have been
deprived Of their right to govern and
to have 2 controlling voice in pub