Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/299

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THi: JL'MOR REPUBLIC 285

shown by adults; third, the superior wisdom of the suggestions they had made in modes of government and administration com- pared with those which had occurred to himself. He therefore reasoned that tin \ mi^ht equally well make the laws as judge

HOTEL ASSEMBLY COURT HOUSE RESIDENCE OF

HALL AND JAIL MR. GEORGE

and administer them, and the idea occurred to him of a boy leg- islature. Then, too, if they worked for their clothing, why not require them to work for their victuals? All these are just what people in the outside world are doing why not copy their methods? and if so we have, sure enough, a Republic yes, indeed, a Junior Republic. The idea was a flash, an inspiration it carried our enthusiast off his feet with a shout at once In- announced his plan, and the summer of 1895 was the first yeai of the Junior Republic.

Hut tin sclt-^overnin^ Republic was not born full-Hedged. Mr. George was not ready to trust the boys. He made himselt president with a veto on all laws. 1 Ie appointed adult a>M>tants

as < hir! lustire. chief of police, civil BCrvicC exani i nei -. board

of health, and bank president. He let the contracts to adults.

The first summer convinced him that in every one of these

positions the boys themselves would be superior to adults. Tin \

knew in ,u h better h<w to deal with their fellows. They would