[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—In reply to my
inquiry whether if elected lie would support a Referendum or Poll of the People (especially for Mr. Baldwin's Protection scheme), Sir Charles W. C. Oman writes : " I think the Referendum would be valuable in great crises. But see Lord Bryce's Democracy for the absurd way in which it has worked in America when used too often. In one State there were thirteen Referenda in one year, many dealing with trifling problems. It should be restricted to great questions and only be allowed at infre- quent intervals ; otherwise it becomes a nuisance." This seems to me to put the pros and cons quite well. I agree with you that the Referendum is gaining ground and hope it will continue to do so, especially while we are governed (badly) by practically a single chamber elected mainly by persons who pay little or no direct taxes.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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