Book Review.

"Politics as a Duty and as a Career," by Moorfield Storey, paper 8 vol., published by Putnam's Sons, New York.

This pamphlet, forming No. LVIII of the "Question of the lay" series, is a reprint of an article which appeared in the October number of the Harvard Monthly. It is a candid discussion of American politics from the standpoint of an independent. The evils of our present system are clearly set forth, especially the ineffectiveness of our legislative bodies and the danger of a partisan civil service. Recognizing the necessity of organization, Mr. Storey deplores the supremacy of the party spirit now so predominant in politics. He suggests as a substitute the organization of local clubs for the purpose of carrying out specific reforms. How such clubs could be useful in national questions without a central bureau which would be not unlike a party organization, Mr. Storey does not say. The general unwieldy mess of a system with a separate party for each question is also overlooked. The great value of Mr. Storey's work lies in his careful analysis of what all recognize as the evils of our present political system.