Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 10.djvu/739

 POPULAR INITIATIVE 723

not be otherwise. The election officers of Chicago base their objections to the scheme largely upon the fact that the so-called questions of public policy cause much inconvenience and confu- sion, and add considerably to the expense of elections. The establishment of the initiative and obligatory referendum in the state would no doubt increase the expense of elections to a great degree. In order to get separate judgments on measures as dis- tinct from candidates, it would be necessary to submit measures at special elections. Do the proponents of the law consider this matter? A general election costs the tax-payers of Chicago very nearly $200,000. A judicial election costs them nearly $60,000. The cost of a general election in the state is well up toward half a million dollars. These amounts indicate only the public outlay. Take into consideration therewith the fact that every employee is entitled by law to two hours in which to vote and employers know that he usually takes it and some idea may be gained as to the expense incurred through loss of time. Besides, it is not contemplated that measures shall be submitted at special elections. It is likely that there would always be questions of so-called public policy on separate ballots at the general elections. The effect is, instead of simplifying matters, as is so absurdly claimed, to make of such matters a menace to candidates. The promoters of the measures seek to intimidate the candidates for office and to secure their pledge of support in case of their election. In many instances this is accompanied by threats. The result is that can- didates pledge themselves to support measures they do not approve, and the more measures and questions submitted, the more of this kind of intimidation and stultification there must necessarily be.

There is another feature one of detail, but nevertheless important which ought to have attention here. It is the elec- tion petition. The initiative and referendum are based upon petitions. A law that has been passed, if distasteful to a class, a party, or a faction, may be held up until a petition is circulated to get a number of signatures equal to 5 or 10 per cent, of the voters at the last election to force a submission of it at the polls. Every experienced man knows about this kind of petitions. He knows