The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1921-06-03

1t is we'll every now and ther
to look at ourselves, not as we
wish we were but as we are. A
recent editorial in the Miami
Herald takes up Lord Bryce's
criticism of some things as they
are in America, which we think
is worth further attention:
1t cannot be said with any show OF
truth or reason that Lord Bryce. author
of the splendid work. The American
Commonwealth. is unfriendly to the
United States, or even that he is not
kindly disposed toward us as a people
and nation. This being the case. his
remarks about us in his latest work
entitled Modern Democracy" are de-
serving of careful consideration.
Lord Bryce lived among us for
several years; he represented Great
Britain at Washington; travelled ex-
tensively over the country. knew our
public men and mixed with people of
all classes. He is thoroughly informed
on matters of the government, is con-
versant with the constitutions of the
different states and that of the nation,
and that he is predisposed to look up
on us and our affairs in friendly
light Here are some of his expressed
views:
~ estate legislatures do not enjoy
the confidence of the people. as is shown
by the restrictions imposed upon them,
and by the transfer, in many states.
of some of their powers to the citizens
acting directly"
This is true, and the cause of its be-
ing so rests with the legislatures them
selves. 1t was owing to the habit of
legislatures to select politicians and
men unequal to sustaining the respon-
sibilities of their exalted position that
lead to the privilege of electing senator's
of the United States being taken from
the legislatures and being placed direct
ly with the people. On point one, Lord
Bryce is correct.
CD 1.-THE state judiciary is. in the
large majority of the states. inferior
in quality to the better part of the bar
that practices before it. and has in
some few states ceased to be respected"
This also is true, the season for it
being that the majority of judges are
paid salaries that do not recompenSe
them for the services rendered. While
many of the lawyers practicing before
such judges are in receipt of incomes
lower than the salary of the Judge;
there are some who will earn more in
fees from one case than the judge re-
ceive in one year in salary. This is
why Lord Bryce scores on point two.
CD 1.-THE administration of criminal
Justice is slow, uncertain, and in many
states, so ineffective that offenders
escape punishment"
Here. also, Lord Bryce is correct.
Criminal justice has been so tardy and
unsatisfactory in some states as to
cause mob violence to break out. in
fiicting on criminals punishment out of
all proportion to the crime committed.
Not only is criminal law laggard and
unsatisfactory, civil law is no better,
cases being frequent where trial can
not be had for a year or more from
the fling of suit. Principals have been
known to have been kept waiting for
their day in court until witnesses have
died or disappeared and they have
thereby been denied justice. Lord
Bryce consequently scores on point
three.
These structures are made in kind
ness and wisdom by one who is in
every way capable of judging. and we
should receive them in the spirit in
which they are given.