New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-30

many forms. each being pushed by. an
organization supported by money lev
bv Jose7n Fels. ardent disciple OF Hen
~ George All four Of these propose.
Rave been decisively beaten, but the
presence or the organization, which is
headed by Herbert Bigelow, an astute
and magnetic leader, insUres that the
question will remain alive.
/ Suffrage too, comes IN for its snare
OF criticism II was defeated in 1912.
when the new constitution was adopted,
and was resubmitted and beaten by a
/ greatly Increased majority Plans are
already under way for o third submis-
sion.
Under the present law there is no
way in which these submissions can
be stopped az the initiating petitions,
while expensive, are not beyond the
reach Of any well organized state body.
/ IN spite OF all this ground for com
plant. however there is little appa-
rent support Of the stability plan among
any who have ever favored the initl-
ative and referendum. Most OF those
who were among the original advo-
Gates wish the "I and R" 10 remain
unchanged believing that It's evils will
soon work themselves ont. and that q
Is heavy defeats on resubmitted ques-
tions VIII discourage the most fanatlcal
Of agitators
Organized labor is particularly strong
in its opposition 70 the stability plan.
The unions were among the most vigor-
Gus advocates Of the 81. and R. from
the first, and they see in the present
proposition the first move in cam
psign backed by the old-line poll
ticiaus 20 deprive them of the power
they have won. Even among the farm
ers. who are in constant fear Of single
tax leanings In The fiscal system, there
is strong opposition. The Ohio farmer
is born politician. beyond most Of
his calling, and the direct legislation
system has given q welcome addition TO
his favOrite recreation.
Both Sides Lining Up.
As the old supporters Of the 81. and
R." are lining IN. SO are its old op-
ponents, though far less noisily. The
Interests" with their political ser
wants and their newspapers, are preach
ing the evils Of too much direct leg's-
lation. OF uncertainty in the law OF
state which may be changed at any
election n short, they are revamping
all the arguments against referendum,
but with a saving time-limit clause.
Moreover. the word" has gone out TO
such as will obey 20 vote for stability.
And there is no doubt that If they can
win here the old-lners will be en-
couraged next year to use the very
system they detest to attack some
other Of the progressive measures
probably the primary.
30 one seems willing to risk his
reputation on a prophecy as TO the re
suit OF this fgh, The factors are too
uncertain The Progressive party in
Ohio is practically dead; but those who
were real progressives and not .pollti-
cal opportunists are so yet. No one
knows how large n percentage they
formed Of the total Progressive vote
OF 229 900 in 1912. The labor union
vote is heavy, but 1t will be split, since
many OF the trades connected with the
liauor business will vote for stability
as insurance on their bread and butter.
The reports from the farming districts
are contradictory. And, most imposing
OF all. the Il. ard R." plan originally
was adopted at a summer election.
when only about half the normal vote
was cast.