Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/859

 REVIEIVS 843

The charter begins by providing for a single council chamber, thus affirming a principle which, if carried out consistently, would make the charter irreproachable. The system of checks is totally adandoned, except that the mayor is given such great powers that the people are in danger of relying upon him as the check. The elimination of all elective officials except mayor and councilmen also recognizes this necessity of simplifying municipal government so as to make the rela- tionship between elector and representative direct. The making of the term of office of councilman six years, retiring one-third each year, insures continuity and responsibility, and their election at large would doubtless secure abler men than at present and reduce local rivalry and intrigue.

Altogether the charter avoids most of the mistakes of American cities, and perhaps it may be said, if the mayor has exceptional powers, that may be necessary until the American citizen is better trained. An experience for a decade or two might fit him to be governed directly by a council with a mayor as presiding officer. As was said in the begin- ning, it is an encouraging fact that such an admirable charter could have been devised by men of many minds and experiences, and that ought to recommend it to all municipal reformers.

Charles Zueblin.

The University OF Chicaco.