From my view point there is very little of criticism or comment to offer on Professor Croly's article. I am in sympathy with most of his views. But is it quite fair to criticise voters who have had the power of direct legislation during only four elections because they have not already provided their state with good government, or even with “institutions which permit” good government? The people of Oregon have done some things for themselves within the past nine years of which he seems not to have heard.

For example, Professer Croly cannot imagine, “Why any self-respecting man or useful public servant should want to be an official legislator in a state like Oregon.” But if he is willing to be a member of the legislature at all there are the following reasons at least why he would rather be a member of the legislature in a state like Oregon than in any state not like Oregon, New York or Illinois for example:

In the legislature of Oregon he will not be offered a bribe to vote for or against any bill; he will not be offered payment to vote for any candidate for United States senator; he will not be invited to make his headquarters at any “House of Mirth” while he is attending the legislature; he will be very sure that no party boss or corporation lawyer is controlling the vote of his fellow members; he will not be offered any railroad passes or corporation favors.