eiklassensystem (Berlin, 1904); and
G. Evert, Die Dreiklassenwahl in den preussischen
Stadt-und Landgemeinden (Berlin, 1901).]

II. THE MOVEMENT FOR ELECTORAL REFORM

*279. The Programme Formulated.*--Throughout more than a generation
there has been in Prussia persistent agitation in behalf of electoral
reform. In 1883, and again in 1886, the lower chamber debated, but
rejected, a project for the substitution of the secret ballot for the
existing _viva voce_ method of voting. In 1883 the Social Democratic
party proclaimed its purpose to abstain from voting until the (p. 261)
inequalities arising from "the most wretched of all electoral systems"
should have been removed. Gradually there was worked out a programme
of reform to which socialists, Liberals, and progressives of various
schools gave adherence, wholly or in part, comprising four principal
demands: (1) the abolition of discriminations against the small
taxpayer; (2) the introduction of the secret ballot; (3) the replacing
of indirect by direct elections; and (4) a redistribution of seats.
And these are to-day the objects chiefly sought by the reform
elements.

*280. The Efforts of 1906 and 1908.*--In 1906 a bill raising the number
of representatives from 433 to 443 and making provision for a slight
redistribution of seats was carried, but a Radical amendment providing
for direct and universal suffrage and the secret ballot was opposed
with vigor by the Government and failed of adoption. In January, 1908,
there were notable socialist demonstrations throughout the country in
behalf of the establishment of equal manhood suffrage. Prince von
Buelow, while admitting the existing system to be defective, opposed
the introduction in Prussia of the electoral system of the Empire,
alleging that it would not be compatible with the interests of the
state and maintaining that every sound reform of the franchise must
retain and secure the preponderance of the great mass of the middle
class, and therefore must aim at the establishment of an equitable
gradation in the weight of the various classes of votes. It was added
that the Government would consider whether this object might best be
attained by basing the franchise entirely upon the amount of taxes
paid by the voter, or by taking into account age, educational
attainments, or other qualifications. When the Radicals introduced in
the lower chamber a resolution declaring for equ