476 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY
extension of European power on this continent. We can hardly afford to see the partition of Africa repeated in South America.
The address of Mr. Phelps is a lawyer's plea for a strict construc- tion of the Monroe Doctrine. He treats it about as if the doctrine in question were a statute, which he then skillfully proceeds to dissect out of existence. Mr. Welles writes very much in the tone of a tory of 1776 or of a high federalist of 1812, either of whom had great respect for England and little for the United States. Mr. Phelps is blind unless he looks through legal spectacles.
Mr. Schurz makes an eloquent plea for an arbitration treaty with Great Britain. Save, perhaps, that he is somewhat over sanguine, surely no one can take exception to a word that he says. If we can substitute courts for armies we shall take a long step forward in civilization.
HARRY PRATT JUDSON.
Proportional Representation. By JOHN R. COMMONS (Library of Economics and Politics, edited by Richard T. Ely, No. 8) . Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. Pp.298. $1.75.
THIS is so good a piece of work that it is difficult to treat it fairly in a review. The practical importance of the subject and the excel- lence of Professor Commons' treatment of that subject might seem to entitle the book to an extended notice ; and yet, just because the work is so well done, just because it is a model handbook, the best thing that can be said is : "Read the book for yourself. The subject is well worth the attention of every citizen of a free state, and Professor Com- mons has presented it in the most satisfactory manner." The author believes in the reform he discusses and frankly argues for it, making no pretense to an academic indifference he does not feel : yet, if not technicallyyW/V/W, his tone \sjudicious throughout, and he fairly pre- sents the difficulties as well as the benefits of propo rtional representa- tion. The bibliography is not exhaustive, but is quite sufficient, and includes specific references to full bibliographies in other publications.
FREDERIC W. SANDERS.
