Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/521

Rh organization satisfactory; and the bulletin of the league was the chief issue during the campaign. Mayor Magee's appointments, however, created a very considerable amount of justifiable criticism, but he claims that he is in his own way seeking to meet the situation and to fulfil his ante-election promises.

Other Pittsburgh municipal events of importance are the graft convictions; the reduction in the number of wards in the city from fifty-eight to twenty-seven, the fight for reapportionment being successfully conducted by the Voters' League; and the successful utilization of the Pennsylvania Direct Primary Law, which is giving the Republican organization serious trouble. Its candidate for sheriff last June, a lifelong politician and office holder, but personally very popular, was defeated by a candidate practically unknown before the campaign opened; the latter had a majority of about 20,000 votes. As one observer put it: "Joint primaries, personal registration, and civil service have done much for Pittsburgh; but, best of all, the people are doing something for themselves."

A series of amendments to the constitution of Pennsylvania were adopted by a small majority in a vote representing about 25 per cent, of that cast for the candidates—providing for annual elections and separating the municipal elections by a whole year from state and national ones. Hereafter the municipal elections of the cities of the state will be held in the odd numbered years, and the election for state and national candidates in even numbered ones. The separation will be complete; as the sessions of the legislature are biennial, and not annual as in New York.

Wilmington's (Delaware) new mayor has made a notable beginning by a series of admirable official selections; and the outlook for fairly decent and efficient administration in Wilmington is much better than for a dozen years.

Washington holds steadily in its course, demonstrating how efficiently to carry on municipal government. It is exceedingly fortunate that the capital city of the nation should be in the hands of men inspired by so deep a desire to serve the highest public interests.

Richmond, Virginia, records the successful outcome of a