LECTURE BY PRESIDENT ELIOT

President Eliot spoke on "Municipal Government by Commission" last evening in the Living Room of the Union under the auspices of the Political Club.

Several years ago, said President Eliot, school committees consisted of 25 or more members, divided into several sub-committees, each of which had little share in the work which the committee was supposed to do. Today, however, in most cities, the number of members of such committees has been greatly reduced and the efficiency of the committees proportionately increased.

In all elections the men who are elected at large are broader and more impartial than those elected from districts. The latter are less capable, selfish and not representative of all the people. The primary elections are a step in the right direction, as they decrease the number of candidates so much that the records of each can be carefully looked up and laid before the voters at the final election.

A city, like a successful business concern, needs an executive committee which shall employ experts to find out its real needs. In the West, many cities are governed by commissions, and the checks of initiative, referendum and recall keep the commission from abusing its powers. But the efficacy of the reform turns on the question, "Can you get better men under government by commissions?" The answer seems to be "yes," for successful business men will consent to serve under this system where they will not be hampered by aldermen and common councillors.

Massachusetts has set a good example in government by commission by taking away from the City of Boston the control of the water supply and the sewerage system. She has also proved the efficiency of such government in regard to corporations, by the Railroad Commission and the commission on electric and gas light corporations.