People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1895 — LEGISLATION IN SWITZERLAND. [ARTICLE]

LEGISLATION IN SWITZERLAND.

Quite a Different Thing from Our Gnngß of Klouotn Moodier*. One in visiting the chambers of the assembly is much impressed with the smooth and quiet dispatch of business. The members are not seated with any reference to their political affiliations. There is no filibustering, no vexatious points of order, no drastic rules of cloture to ruffle the decorum of the proceedings. Interruptions are few and angry personal bickerings never occur * * * Leaves to print, or a written speech memorized and passionately declaimed, are unknown; there are none of those extraneous and soliciting conditions to invite to “buncombe” speeches. The debates are more in the nature of an informal consultation of business men about common interests; they talk and vote and there is an end to it. This easy, colloquial deposition of affairs by no means Implies any slip-shod indifference or superficial method of legislation. There is no legislative body where important questions are treated in a more fundamental and critical manner.

The members of the assembly practically enjoy life tenure. Re-election alike in the whole confederation and in the single canton, is the rule. Death and voluntary retirement account for nineteen out of the twentyone new members at the last general election. There are members who have served continually since the organization of the assembly in 1848 To some extent this remarkable retention of members of the assembly may be ascribed to the fact that the people feel that they are masters through the power of rejecting all measures which are put to a popular vote. The members of the federal council can be and are continually re-elected notwithstanding sharp antagonism among themselves and it may be between them and a majority in the assembly. They also continue to discharge their administrative duties whether the measures submitted by them are or are not sanctioned by the voters. The Swiss distinguish between men and measures. They retain valued servants in their employment, even though they reject their advice * * * This sure tenure of service makes those chosen look upon it as the business of their lives. Without this permanenoe, such men as now fill it, could not be induced to do so.