25 AUGUST 1894, Page 23

A Study in Municipal Government. By James Pollard. (Black- wood

and Sons.)—This volume, a "second edition, revised," gives an interesting account of the Corporation of Berlin. "They manage these things better," if not in France, certainly in Germany. The expenses have boon diminished, the mortality materially lessened, inspection of markets, &c,, made a reality, in fact all the functions of municipal management discharged effectively and at a moderate cost. The problem of poverty has been attacked with courage and success. The liquor question is dealt with firmly but without fanaticism. A publican who per- mits a man to intoxicate himself is warned for the first offence, and loses his licence for the second. The suffrage basis on which the municipality is founded is noteworthy. The Town Council is elected by manhood suffrage, and constitutes a Lower House. This body chooses a Chief Mayor and a Mayor (Chairman and Deputy Chairman). The Emperor or King of Prussia has a veto. Then there is an Upper House of thirty Magistrates which legis- lates for the city. These also are chosen by the Council, but the Civil Governor of Brandenburg has a veto.