HARVARD VS. TAMMANY

The developments in the United States since March 4, 1933, have placed increasing emphasis upon the functions of the national government. Nevertheless, within the framework of our constitutional system the state and local administrations continue to be of major importance. The result of decreasing interest in their workings has in too many cases simply retarded reform and fortified abuses in what has always been the weakest branch of our governmental system.

During the early years of this century Harvard took the lead among educational institutions in fostering the study and improvement of municipal government. The Bureau of Research in Municipal Government was at that time internationally famous. Students were gathered here under the leadership of William Bennett Monroe for investigation in this field. Of late, however, conditions have been different. The Bureau still exists, but it is no longer a vital force in practical affairs. Professor Monroe has removed to California and his position has remained unfilled. Some courses in the field, it is true, are given by Dean Hanford, but his administrative duties necessarily limit his efforts in this direction. From time to time visiting professors have attempting to fill the gap. This solution is obviously inadequate, however, since their short sojourn removes all incentive for permanent accomplishments.

The field of municipal government is one in which much work remains undone. Occasional reform administrations in our large cities simply emphasize the inadequacy of a system that renders periodic "reform" necessary. At Harvard an organization admirably equipped for the study of this problem has been built. This organization should not be allowed to atrophy for lack of a leader.