Arizona republican., 1914-05-25
Popular Legislation

In another fling popular legislation, the Los Angeles Times tells
 Theoretically, it may be fine thing have the people make laws by simple process of vot- ing a general election In d like that theoretical supposton exists that the people kneN something about the laws they passing refus- ing to pass; and when it is considered that erudite and experienced lawmakers, assembled in small deberative body are reduced the necessity of long study. prolonged discussions pro and con- amendments and revisons. then the hopelessness of enlightenng the general public so that is actually competent pass the merits and de merits Of proposed amendments, bonding and referendum and initiative measures becomes ap- parent"
 "Erudite" is good. The Times editor is not de- void d sense hunor. as many suppose How many "erudite' state legislators has the most captivity beheld? There may be more in every legislature but there are never enough them to lesven the whole lump
 The members O legislature age high or perhaps, little higher than their constituents. but they know better than their constituents do. what the latter As experienced lawmakers, they scarce legis- latures the "erudte. one may after in the legislature without gaining any real perience in lawmaking, though he may acquire familiarity with the procedure followed in making laws Nine -tenths of the members of the average legislature know no more about law than their neighbors who elected them. They do not whether the laws they valid and they We have known a majority rush bill through in the face Of opinion by legal adviser and against tine unofficial opinion of good lawyers that it is invalid.
 The process of lawmaking in the legislature. described by the Times, is theortca the Times believes lawmaking the ballot box be In the first place. the deliberative body" is apt wholly suppositious. The "ong study" if indulged in all is indulged in only by d few The prolonged discussions pro and con ordinarily ridiculous exhibitions of ignorance, imaginary eloQuence and irrelevancy The amendments and revsions' are usually made not with the purpose O improving ;t pending measure but in the way of compromise. The "deliberative body" is d log rolling body = Members give their consent to bad measures in ex- change for support of measures which they believe to be good . which their constituents want, whether good or bad.
 Then, in every egislatuse bills are passed which majority of the people do want, but which an influential fes do and manage procure by cajolery bribery. Against such legislation the referendum affords relief.
 We do not contend that d system of popular legislation directly makes people wiser or better but n legislation aged. Of course under the system, proposed bad foolish legislation is impossible but within the time between proposition and the election there is ample opportunity for it's consideration. sulting the rejection of what is bad and the adop ton of what good
 The people free from influence under which the legislator is fall, that of the lobby ist the corruptor the briber. Also, initiated apt be more carefully prepared thar the bills which thrown into the legislative jack pot And proposed they not subject to thu influences under which pills emascuated o vitiated by amendment