WHY NOT A REFERENDUM ASSOCIATION P
[To en EDITOR or en "13PiCTA708.1 Sin,—From personal knowledge, I am encouraged to believe that there are many prominent men of all shades of political opinions who favour the introduction of the Referendum into our Constitutional system, and who, whilst holding this view, do so purely in their private capacity. I therefore make the suggestion that some organized effort should be made to draw these together, and form a Referendum Association, with the object of bringing about the drafting and passing of a Bill on lines suitable to British conditions, and by means of pro- paganda literature, lectures, and meetings, rousing public, opinion until this object is effected. It is not within the scope of this letter to enter elaborately into the many existing political conditions which cause grave discontent with legislation based entirely on party lines, beyond referring to the dissatisfaction that exists amongst a large section of the public at the bargains that are struck between parties over the beads of electors, so that, in effect, election pledges cease to have any practical value as between the voter and the Parliamentary candidate. Neither have the electorate any method of expressing their disapproval of any Act of Parliament save by voting against their party at a General Election or by-election. It is the opportunity of expressing a direct opinion on a legislative measure, irre- spective of the Government or party responsible for it, that the average citizen now wants.—I am, Sir, lax, A. H. Mtrzonn. Royal Societies Club, St. James's Street, S.W.
[We have long thought that those who believe in the Referendum should form an Association with the object of recommending this beneficial and democratic instrument to the nation. There is no need to draft a Bill. The Bill introduced by Lord Balfour of Burleigh into the Lords some two years ago is a thoroughly well-considered measure, and would form the basis, not merely of discussion, but of legislation. The great thing to remember about the Refer- endum is that it is not the plebiscite, and still less the Initiative, but is a lodging of the right of veto in the hands of the people—is, in fact, a power of veto over legislation which does not represent the will of the majority, but merely that of a minority, obtained under some log-rolling agreement.— ED. Spectator.]
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