At the time of the introduction of the general Referendum, one of Switzerland’s ablest public men declared that it would be “the greatest trial to which a republic was ever subjected.” It was apprehended by some that it would invite, on the part of the populace, interference with a prudent and independent direction of affairs. Others held it to be scarcely consistent with the true theory of representation; that it is of the very essence of representation that the representative body should stand in the place of the people, possessing their confidence, exercising their plenary powers, speaking with their voice and acting with their full consent; otherwise the legislative function is wanting, and it becomes a mere deliberative council. There is, however, nothing to show that the Swiss Assembly from this cause lacks weight or respectability; it compares favorably enough with the law-making body in any country. It is the primary doctrine of the Swiss Confederation, that the sovereignty of the people must be absolute, whether exercised personally, as in some of the rural Cantons, or through their representatives and the Referendum. This doctrine has been maintained in Swiss institutions from the earliest time until the present day. So elaborate a scheme for the passing of federal laws cannot be without inconvenience; but it is a fundamental principle of the nation, and at once satisfies the democratic traditions of the people and the natural jealousies of the several Cantons. It is a true check and safeguard in making the legislative power directly responsible to public opinion, and in giving the nation an easy and simple opportunity of marking that opinion; of testifying their disavowal and rejection. If it, as alleged, produces a diminution of the feeling of responsibility in the representative, that possible disadvantage is outweighed by the educative effect which it exercises on the great bulk of the citizens. It tends to give them a keener interest in political questions. Through it the citizen becomes conscious of his individual influence, and that his vote contributes appreciably both to the maintenance and direction of the laws under which he lives, and he is impressed with the necessity of a careful discharge of his political rights.