last century, the board system was introduced and the councils were
shorn of their dignity and much of their legislative power. Right
there state dominion in local affairs began. These are the unbiased
facts as given by Professor Goodnow in his book on city government.

In conclusion, Honorable Judges, the solution of the American city
problem will be best promoted by a program of reform which strikes
at the real causes of the evils, instead of the universal
overturning of all traditions and theories of government in the hope
of finding a short-cut road to municipal success. Give the city a
proper sphere of local autonomy. Co-ordinate the departments of
government, so as to establish responsibility and secure harmonious
action. Simplify present city organization without destroying the
two branches of government. Introduce new and improving methods,
such as non-partisan primaries, civil service, uniform municipal
accounting, and publicity of proceedings. Remedy bad social and
economic conditions. Arouse civic interest. Do this, and there is no
necessity for such a radical and revolutionary change as the
universal adoption of a commission form.

The new plan means, not alone a change in the form of government,
but a positive overturning of the working principle of successful
city organization the world over. Its experience has been in the
small towns for a short time, under unusual conditions, amid aroused
public sentiment. Even here it has shown fatal weaknesses which the
gentlemen have not satisfactorily explained. It was abandoned by the
only large city that ever tried it; and cast aside as an abject
failure by Sacramento, Cal., after fifteen years of operation. In
the face of these facts, the gentlemen would have all American
cities turn to this form as the final goal of municipal success; a
form which attempts to revive the old board system of selecting
administrative heads by popular vote; which, in addition, centers
the whole government of a city in a small executive cabinet, without
review or oversight; a form which, in the words of Professor
Fairlie, of the University of Michigan, "is in direct opposition to
the advancing idea of municipal home rule."

Mr. Luxford closed the debate for the Affirmative, and said:

The case for the Negative is now closed. It has been indefinite f