SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Notice its MO column does not necessarily preclude subsequent review.)
The Reform of Political Representation. By J. Fischer Williams. (J. Murray. 2s. 6d. net.)—We imagine that many of the short- sighted politicians, both Liberal and Unionist, who insisted on taking Proportional Representation for ordinary constituencies out of the Reform Bill, and who rejected even the modest instalment of " P.R." which the House of Lords proposed, are regretting their action now that a General Election is at hand and three or even more candidates are presenting themselves in many a constituency. It is too late to remedy the mistake for the coming election, but before the next arrives " P.R." will, we imagine, be adopted as a simple, sensible, and truly democratic reform. Mr. Fischer Williams's new and revised edition of his able pamphlet appears opportunely. He explains the proportional method in simple terms, and points out that it will be tried in the University con- stituenoies, other than London, under the new Act. Switzerland has lately adopted the system for Federal elections, following the lead of Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, and Tasmania.
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