THE PRESENT POSITION OF PROPOR- TIONAL REPRESENTATION [To the Editor
of the SPEcrAron.]
Sin,—In view of the widespread feeling that the present method of electing the British House of Commons is little more than a gamble, may I indicate how numerous and important are the applications in use to-day of the principle of proportional representation. This new principle has now been used for several successive elections in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Baltic States, and the Irish Free State. I could add many other applications, but the list is sufficiently important to compel consideration.
It is true that in recent years there has been a reaction against democracy and against parliaments, and that, in this reaction, proportional representation has suffered. This reaction was largely due to the fact that the democracies, new and old, faced with unprecedented difficulties after the War, did not perform miracles. Proportional representation was often a convenient scapegoat. The reaction has almost spent itself ; on the whole, the movement is now away from dictatorship. Modern problems of parliamentary government accordingly demand close examination. One of these problems is the method of election, and the time has arrived for a new inquiry into the experience now available. Taking a broad view of politics, is it certain that an electoral gamble like our own provides a more sure and a more dignified foundation for the government of a great nation than the principle of proportional representation ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
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