Evening journal., 1922-06-15
IEEKS SEES
DRIFT FROM
SOUNDLAWS

Continued from First Page.)
i've branch Of our national gov
nment probably never has been at
lower ebb than It is today"
2. Despite comparative plenty
d increasing prosperity" there is
unusual amount OF unrest in the
untry today.
8. Much disquietude has resulted
om the prohibition amendment
d the failure OF Congress to re-
ce taxes.
4. 1--WE have run riot in the mat
OF popular elections"
5. There should be fewer elective
d more appointive offices in the
terest OF efficient government.
6. Sharp attacks on reformers.
X. Assertion that Congressman
Q needing the Juror" raised by
nority in their districts more than
Ie national interest. Although
eeks is one of the political leaders
the administration, he emphasized
at he was speaking only for him
Il and that he believed the present
md toward complete democracy
|juld cause a reaction toward a
ore autocratic form Of govern
snt. The departures from cOnsti-
donal government, he said, have
sened the effectiveness OF the ma
|Inal government.
III make the assertion" he said,
lat the direct primary. more than
| y other cause, has resulted in the
odern tendency Of government to-
|ird social democracy and has so
lpably lessened the quality Of men
ling to serve in public affairs that
ompt action should be taken 10
eatly modify or entirely repeal II.
'"The primary has had the result
lessening party fealty which, in
IN. reduces the possibility Of OBJ
ming political action and orderly
vernment.
Il am greatly disturbed by the de- |
rture in recent years from the |
vernment OF the Constitution, as
nstrue it, to other forms Of gov
|nment which have decided ten I
ncy towards complete social de- /
|ocracy. While I have no fear
out the ability of our government
endure. must admit that 1 am
ry pessimistic about the result Of
|e present trend, which l cannot /.
{ believe is gradually weakening |
r governmental structure and may /.
|entually change its character"
Turning to taxation and prohibi- |
m, the secretary said:
Whatever may be the individual |
sws of citizens on prohibition. |
ere is no question about the dis |
ietude resulting from the adop- /
ln of this amendment and the I
VS. for its enforcement. Taxation I
4 prohibition have affected the I
|iividual pocketbook Of the voter |
d his personal rights and priv
ges as he views them and the
tural result is criticism and dis
isfaction with government"
Weeks said he had no comment
the ultimate wisdom of prohibi-
N, but that such an abrupt change
|uld not come without violent op-
|sitlon.
Answering attacks on the admin
ration for delay in prosecuting
eyed war grafters. Weeks said
We may hold our heads high in
|e feeling that the extent of graft
s been proved to be slight"
TuN - rrf ffNra !
anty" the Secretary said. Turn
3 to present conditions, "and in
e midst of reasonable and increas-
s prosperity. we witness an even
Ieater volume of unrest than ord
|arily obtains. The list of crimes
abnormally large and there is a
te of doubt, uncertainty and dis
tisfaction to which we cannot
nd ourselves.
This Is evidenced particularly in
f criticism of public officials of the
mediate past and present. There
almost a universal condemnation
Congress at this time, and while
.hink there are reasons why Con-
ess may be criticized. 1 am sure
at much of the criticism laid at
door is unjustified."
Directing his fire at professional
'ormers, Weeks asserted that a
;islator should resist most of their
eories ito the point of being a re-
tionary," because most of their
oposals would result in greater !
lis than the existing evil, which
Is designed to correct"