y the legislature back to the
voters for their approval or disapproval.

"If five per cent of the voters of a state and two-thirds of the
congressional districts do not approve of a bill passed by the General
Assembly they sign a petition and file it with the Secretary of State
in ninety days after the General Assembly adjourns." The question
involved is then submitted to the voters at the next election for
their approval or disapproval.

The initiative is the right of the voters to start legislation. The
object of the initiative and the referendum is to compel legislative
bodies to act and respect the will of the people whom they represent.

The initiative petition must be filed four months before the regular
election with the Secretary of State.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

The District of Columbia, including Washington, the Capital of the
United States, is governed by Congress and by judicial and executive
officers appointed by the President of the United States. The people
have no power of self government.

The Constitution gives Congress the exclusive right of government in
the District of Columbia.

It is governed by three commissioners appointed by the President. One
must be an officer of the army and the other two appointed from civil
life.

Congress keeps a watch over the District, and devotes certain days to
considering the business of the District.

The courts of the district are Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, police
court, justices of the peace.

The judicial officers are appointed by the President.

The District of Columbia has no representative in Congress.

PANAMA CANAL ZONE.

The Panama Canal Zone is under the control of a governor who is
appointed by the President of the United States.

"It is neutral and open to vessels of commerce and war of all nations,
but war vessels must pass through without delay and while in the canal
cannot load or unload troops or munitions of war."

The cost of the construction of the canal was about $400,000,000. It
shortens the voyage from New York to San Francisco 8,000 miles.

GUAM AND SAMOAN ISLANDS.

These islands are naval stations and are governed by the naval
officers stationed there.

COMMERCE.

Commerce is divided between the state and Federal governments. We have
interstate commerce, foreign commerce and commerce with the Indians.
Congress regulates commerce.

Interstate commerce is carried on in the United States, as when goods