In writing this paper for The American Political Science Association, I beg first to correct the statement that I am speaker of the Oregon assembly. I never held that office and it is more than ten years since I was a member.

The every day use of a new piece of machinery under working conditions is the best test of its value. Therefore I shall mention briefly some results of five years use of the initiative and referendum, in Oregon.

The whole number of electors voting at general elections since 1902 varies from about 93,000 to 97,000. The number voting on measures is from 67 to 89 per cent of the highest number voting for officers. The smallest majority by which any measure has been approved was 3118 and the largest was 64,512. The smallest majority by which any measure has been rejected was 9747 and the largest was 13,000. Woman suffrage and the local option law received the highest percentages of votes, showing that men do not vote on questions they do not understand. Very few men confess ignorance on either of these questions.

The legislature of 1903 appropriated money to build a portage railroad on the Columbia River to extend the water transportation service. Railroad men circulated a referendum petition against the bill, whereupon the Portland chamber of commerce resolved that if the petition was filed it would propose a maximum railroad rate bill by initiative petition. The railroad's referendum petition was not filed.