LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE REFERENDUM.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Now that the Referendum has become practical politics, may I urge the vital importance of a clear understanding that—in spite of what is said by Mr. Asquith and others—it does not mean a vote of confidence in the Government, but a genuine non-party vote on a particular question P In Switzer- land an adverse vote at a Referendum does not compel the Government to resign ; it only means that that question must be dropped. Unless this principle is recognised here, the voting will follow the ordinary party lines. If it is recognised, the people can give their real opinion without being influenced by the hope or fear of a change of Government; and the Liberal objection that the Referendum is only a General Election under another name, or a useless preliminary to a General Election, falls to the ground at once.—I am, Sir, &c., 68 Bloom Street, Edgeley, Stockport. HAROLD GRAHAM.
Previous page
