Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/360

 346 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

agency of the state for inspection, supervision, and publicity, the most zealous advocate of central control may well hesitate and dread the fearful possibilities of corruption in the present state of partisan politics in the United States, when a single board is armed with such tremendous powers. The evidence in favor of central control which is gathered from European experience comes, in the main, from countries where partisan influences are not decisive in the making of appointments. It is not fair to use this evidence in favor of introducing the same method when the spoils system reigns in selfish tyranny. Reform in the civil service must be at least an essential part of the system, and, perhaps, should come first.

This administrative agency may be a commissioner, whose duties and powers are defined by law, or may be a board of com- missioners ; or there may be a division of labor between a board and a directing commissioner. Into the details of the method we do not now enter, lest we confuse the issue. The principle which we wish to emphasize is that the control of a state institu- tion is not a suitable function of the legislature, nor of courts, nor directly of a changing chief executive ; but of a technically trained, permanent administrative agent.

The advantages of this system have already been developed, and may here be briefly summarized : Central administrative control is the only method by which the people of a common- wealth can be assured of a unified system of equitable execution of penalties ; it is the best way of securing a uniform system of purchases of supplies and a uniform and reliable system of records and accounts. Such a central agency could best direct the placing, classification, and transfer of prisoners. As a per- manent agency it would accumulate information within the state and be able to learn the lessons of experience throughout the world. Its regulations and orders would, in the highest degree, prevent scandal, oppression, and caprice.

It is fair to say that, taking European practice into account, the most enlightened governments of civilized countries are committed to the principle here advocated, with reasonable diversity in local devices and applications. It may be remem-