Direct Legislation

"We favor a constitutional provisión by which the electors may initiate legulation- and at the polls pass upon sueh laws as affect the right of the citizen and the taxpayer." Tlie above is an extract from the Democratie state platform which is not occupying as prominent a place in the discussion of the issues of the present campaign as its importance warrants. It is true that "direct legislation" has only recently reached the status of an argumentative question and this declaration of the Democratie platform is its first introduction into Michigan politics. But, in its far reaching pos9ibilities, it is by f ar the most important proposition before the people oí this state. A constitutional amendment which gives to the people the right to indícate the character of desired legislation and pass upon the work of the legislature at the poll? at once places the scepter in their hands and makes bribery, corruption and tha venal bartering away of public rights a tb ing of the past. Under this rule the people would have absolute control. They would be, as it were, a court of last resort and in many important matters would lessen the power and prestige of the supreme court, tor as that court is but acreature of the constitution and the constitution is but the creature of the people the public will express in direct legislation would come from a higher source and henee would not be subjected to the ever varying and sometimes whimsical determinations of tha body. The interests which thrive anc fatten at the expense of the public may be expected to oppose a reform along these lines for when it is ac complished their days are number ed. When the people have the righ to approve or veto at the polls th acts of the state legislature equa taxation will become an assurec fact, the regulation of corporations will come as a matter of course and robbery of the public through franchises and special privileges will be a thing of the past. i If a Democratie legislature is elected this constitutional amendment will be submitted to the people. A home for the board of regenta has been axranged in the new law department building. One of the rooms on the flrst floor haa been set aside for their use and will be known as the Re&ents' room.