Some who voted for it
explained that they did not believe in it, but felt the people
should have a chance to vote on it themselves. By a large majority
it passed the House. Two days later it squeezed through the
Senate.
Rawson, who had been persuaded half against his judgment to
support the bill, lunched with Jeff that day.
"Now watch the corporations dig a grave for your little pet at the
next legislature," he chuckled, helping himself to bread while he
waited for the soup.
"They may. Then again they may not," Farnum answered. "We are
ruled by political machines and corporations only as long as we
let them. I've a notion the people are going to assert themselves
at the next election."
"How are you going to make the will of the dear people effective
with the assembly?" asked Rawson, amused.
"Make the initiative and referendum the issue of the campaign.
Pledge the legislators to vote for it before nominating them."
"Pledge them?" grinned Rawson cynically. "Weren't they pledged to
support Hardy? And did they?"
"No, but they'll stick next time, I think."
"You're an incurable optimist, my boy."
"It isn't optimism this time. It's our big stick.
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