Initiative And Referendum Needed

The present would be one occasion, no doubt, when, if the people could turn to the right of initiative and referendum in this state, a demand would be laid upon the legislature to pass a primary election law. Something of the kind seems to be absolutely essential when a legislative body becomes so irresponsible to public demands as is the Michigan legislature. There is practically no doubt but that if this issue could be submitted to the people, they would vote it with an Overwhelming majority. Both parties have declared for it in convention and the dominant party has twice incorporated it in state platforms, but a few men in the state senate have repudiated the demand of their party and in some instances their own personal pledges to their constituents. But with the right to initiate legislation there is little doubt but that the legislature would be forced to take the question up. It is reported that the republican clubs of the state are preparing to open up a vigorous campaign at once on the adjournment of the legislature in support of the demand to be made on the governor for a special session to enact this legislation, that is, a primary election law. All citizens who favor this reform should lend this movement their support. There is an opportunity in a special session to "put the cusses on record" which does not exist in a regular session. If the governor can be induced to call a special session something may possibly be accomplished. The republican clubs of the state number in their ranks many of the younger and more progressive members of the party and they are strongly committed to this reform Their united voices ought to have some weight.

The Windy city is indeed having a hard time. Owing to the big strike of the laundrymen, the people are obliged to go without clean linen. Now their troubles have been added to by a strike of the table waiters at the big restaurants. Thursday with thousands at the tables partially served the waiters walked out and the meal was brought to an abrupt end while other thousands were waiting to get to the tables. Verily the lot of the Chicagoan is hard. Dirty linen and nothing to eat is a hard combination to indure.

Judge Redwine is presiding at the trial of the Kentucky feudists. The prisoners will not take as kindly to him as if he were the real stuff.- St Louis Globe-Democrat.

The punishment Senator Depew would inflict on a cartoonist would be to take him out to dinner and inflict a speech on him. -Knoxville Sentinel.