REVIEW OF WRITINGS OF H. W. SCOTT 197

of its most potent method of action. It cuts off deliberation. It makes democracy merely a turbulent mob." (October 24, 1909.) "Radical and revolutionary methods, reversing first prin- ciples of government and opposed to human experience through methods of innovation, are not methods of reform." (July 6, 1909.) 'The whole of this modern scheme of setting aside con- stitution and laws and of forcing legislation without debate or opportunity of amendment, turns out badly because it gives the cranks of the country an opportunity which they have not self- restraint to forego." (Feb. 18, 1908.) "To say this is not to dispute nor to question the right of the people to self-gov- ernment. But all cannot study all questions. Modern life depends o'n adjustment of the results of experience, or science, in innumerable departments, to new and growing needs. Here now is the opportunity, here is the need of representative gov- ernment as never before. The people are to rule but they should delegate their power to those whom they deem the most com- petent to do the things wanted. O'nly thus can they get results. Representatives betray the people less than many suppose. There is danger of such betrayal, undoubtedly, for the repre- sentative may not be much wiser than his constituency nor always honest. But the people ought to be able to protect them- selves by exercise of care in the selection of their representa- tives." (May 16, 1909.) "In all this there is bo distrust of the people. On the contrary, it is simple insistence that the people have the right to the best service that their deliberation and their suffrage can command." (Sept. 10, 1909.)

Direct primaries, said the Editor, negatived the representa- tive method in party and election, just as the initiative and ref- erendum did in legislation. Though hot so fundamentally dan- gerous they made their evil seen in destruction of rational political effort and of deliberation ; in spites and revenges of factionalism ; in elimination of men of character, independence, distinction, and: ability ; in election of men of ambitious medioc- rity, who never could obtain consideration under any system that was representative. "Under restraints of the party system, there never could have been such profligagcy in the Legisla-