Part 18

"In many of the trade organizations the Initiative and the Referendum are applied, and I have no doubt in my mind whatever that with the growth and development of the trades-union movement, much will be done to apply the principles to our political government.

"I am led to believe that now in the New England states, particularly in Massachusetts, where the town meetings exert a large influence upon the public affairs of their respective localities, much could be done to bring the subject of the Initiative and Referendum to the attention of the masses. I think the trades-unionists of that section of the country would be more than willing to co-operate in an effort to demonstrate the practicability as well as the advisability of the adoption of that idea.

"Again assuring you of the pleasure I have had in perusing the work, and thanking you earnestly for your contribution toward the literature upon this important subject, I am fraternally yours, SAMUEL GOMPERS,

President American Federation of Labor."

* * * * *

"What! abandon legislatures and politicians and caucuses and all the paraphernalia of elective and debating bodies? Well, not quite; still very much curtailing the functions of these bodies and making laws by the direct action of the people themselves and curtailing the interference of professed legislators ... The little volume is worthy of study, if only to know how some communities get along without the trouble and contradiction involved in the systems of other popular constituencies."--New York Commercial Advertiser.

"Certainly the author is to be commended for contributing many facts to our political knowledge--not the least of which is that we are no more, as we were fifty years ago, leaders of the world in genuinely popular government--for simplicity of treatment, and a most direct and lucid way of pointing out the results of certain measures."--Chicago Times.

"The author is eminently qualified to describe the working of a law to which the attention of the electors of this continent is being largely directed."--London (Canada) Daily Advertiser.

"We would recommend the book to every one desirious of learning in brief terms just what the Referendum is all about, and what good it would do."--New Nation.

"The appearance of such a book is not without political significance, and Mr. Sullivan's collection of data is convenient to have."--New York Evening Post.

"The author shows that in Switzerland there has been a growth away from the representative system toward a pure democracy."--Christian Register.

"The historic facts are stated with a clearness and conciseness that make them valuable."--New York Press.

"Shows plainly how the politician might be abolished."--Chicago Express.

"Plainly and well written, and should be widely read."--Christian Patriot.

"Its subject is of the highest importance to the country."--Switchman's Journal.

* * * * *

="Few books have done, we believe, more good in this century."--Rev. W.D.P. Bliss.=