Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 May 1901 — The Referendum in Boston. [ARTICLE]

The Referendum in Boston.

The statistical department of Bostonhan recently, issued some noticeable facts showing the comparative Interest taken by electors in that cltyJn referenda as against ordinary voting contests,. during the decade from 1890 to 1899. While it appears therefrom that in general somewhat less interest is ehown in referenda than in electoral contests, it appears on the other hand that interest in the former has distinctly increased during that period. For the five years 1895-99 the mean per cents of actual to possible votes were 69.23 on licenses, 66.31 on all other questions, and 67.53 on all referenda, while the corresponding per cents for the principal offices were: For mayor, 80.12; for street commissioner, 71.36; for aidermen, 68.43; for councilmen, 67.52; for school committee, 62.80. On questions other than license submitted to referendum, the highest per cent of the possible vote •was cast in 1899 respecting the resoration of car tracks in Tremont street, and was 75.63. There were in all, asido from license, ten questions submitted to referendum, and there was an almost steady increase of interest shown. The lowest per cent of the possible vote, 33.40, was cast in 1894, and the highest, 75.63, in 1899. The mean per cent in respect to license also Increased from 67.15 In the first half of the decade to 69.23 in the last half. These facts Indicate that in Boston at least the referendum is a practicable and an increasingly popular method of settling public questions.