On the record
The referendum, a scheme by which men charged with political duties avoid responsibility by submitting to the people measures which they fear may be unpopular, --has never found much favor in Massachusetts.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Hoar critiques the referendum process, suggesting it allows politicians to evade accountability.
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More from George F. Hoar
I took a great interest in the founding of the famous Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and I was the first person named in its Act of Incorporation.
What was said helped to arouse public attention, and the masses of the people--always pure and incorruptible--set themselves earnestly and successfully to reform the abuses.
His election as Governor extracted the people from the mire of Know Nothingism.
But, as I have already said, when the time came, he always subordinated his own desire to what he deemed the welfare of the public.
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