Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-08-02
Switzerland Governs Herself

Switzerland Governs Herself
When the full history of the late
World war is written, then the story
of Switzerland will be incorporated
and her ability to hold herself aloof
from this World war will demon
strate the activity and capability of
a free republic, on the eastern con-
tinent. The story Of Switzerland
might be studied to advantage by
our American politicians and states
men.
1t is authoritatively stated that the
Swiss value their ballot privilege
beyond all his other rights in self
government. He prizes his citizen
ship. From the American point of
view it may be said, there is no such
thing as political bribery or corrup-
| ton of voters in Switzerland.
They have a constitution reported
| to be fashioned very largely on the
federal constitution Of these United
States, but they having ratified their
constitution and pledged their sup
port are very chary about amend
ling it.
Georgia, ratifiedin Georgia in 1877,
but we find our legislators rushing
ahead to make vital changes in al
most all of our modern legislative
sessions).
The Swiss are very careful about
T. CndnRG
| is separately referred to the voters
before 1t can become the law of the
| land.
Gin Georgia during the 1920 cleo
ton we had a ticket filed with con-
stitutional amendments. The voters
were too Ignorant or maybe indiffer-
ent to seek enlightenment concern
ing these radical changes. So that
long blanket ticket went through like
1t was creased for easy slippance).
In Switzerland the case would
have been fully examined before the
deed was done.
The machinery for a Swiss refer
number of men think that the consti-
tuition should be changed, or any law
passed by Swiss congress should
| be referred to the people, they form
committee. This committee ap-
points convenient places, where each
voter can go, and sign a petition
asking for change and for a sub
mission of a law to the people, Time
enough is allowed for discussion in
| their newspapers. If there are suffi-
Gent names signed that appeal for a
change, it is submitted to the peo-
pie Every name signed must be
verified by local authorities. If there
are $4,000 verified names, that
change is submitted to all the voters
at the next general election. If
| oO'ovo VoLe Luz Inc law passed by the
| congress, then that law becomes e.
fective." In Georgia all the changes
or new laws are passed by the legis-
| lature, and all that the people can
possibly do is to vote yes or no. Not
| having heard anything except the
| legislative side Of it, when voting
time comes they care very little Cor
know nothing whatever of the bust
ness), they are not prepared to vote
| 1ntel1gently on these matters.
| 1t is required in Switzerland that
tive branch, 1 suppose) mail a
copy of the law in question to the
voter That is all. No argument
or plea for or against is permitted
Take, for example, the purchase
and operation by the government of
all Switzerland railways. With OUT
unhappy experience with the use and
abuse of American railways during
the world war our people might be
against the plan, but Switzerland
would have clearer vision, perhaps
and less to complain of over there!
The purchase and operation of rail-
| ways was first proposed by a very
conservative legislator, and the
whole affair went through without
any political noise or friction.
1t was different with the natural
The water power in Switzerland
The water power in SWitzeriand was
in 1911 (when my authorities were
discussing it), was almost all or the
main resource of national wealth
Private owners were doing all they
wanted with it-wasted 1T or leasec
it on long terms. They did as they
liked about it.
The question of state control, OF