THE REFERENDUM.
[To THE EDITOR OT THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Liberal writers and speakers tell us that the Referendum always works unfavourably to Liberal measures. What does this imply ? Surely it implies that the rank and file of that party are indifferent to those measures which are pressed forward only by the leaders and political agitators of the party. If this is the case, why should such measures be forced on the country merely through the subservience of
the elected representatives to party discipline and against the wishes not only of their political opponents but also of the rank and file of their own party P If a particular reform or innovation were really desired by the party, is there any conceivable reason why they should not record their votes in its favour at a Referendum ? Liberal writers seem to make a rather damaging admission when they express their doubts as to whether they would do so.—I am, Sir, &c., F. VEERING.
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