DEBATE OF NOVEMBER 14, 1889.Question: Resolved, That a system of responsible leadership should be substituted for the committee system now in congress.

Brief for the Affirmative.R. D. Brown '90, and C. W. Spencer '90.

Best general references-Bryce's American Commonwealth, vol. I.: Wilson's Congressional Government, International Review, vol iv. p. 245.

Preliminary Definitions-North American Review, vol. 118. p. 1a, Von Holst, Constitutional Law, 32; Freeman's Growth of the English Constitution, chapter 3; Bagchot's English Cons. "Changes of Ministry."

I. The present system is inadequate. 1. This is shown by inefficient administration, exemplified by lack of unity (a) In the cabinet-Bryce, p. 87. (b) Between cabinet and congress-Wilson, p. 234, Int. Rev. VII, 146. (c) In placing responsibility-Inter. Rev. IV, 245. 2. It is shown by inefficient legislation, exemplified in lack of (a) a fixed policy-North American Review, vol. 118, p. 1a; Atlantic, April, 1886. (b) Of open debate-Wilson, p. 90. (c) Of responsibility for legislation-Bryce, p. 161.

II. The inadequacy is due to lack of leadership-General references.

III. The introduction of responsible leadership would render our system adequate. This is proved by (a) success in other countries-Inter. Rev. vol IV, p. 231; Pendleton's Report. (b) Its adaptability to our system-Overland Monthly, January, 1884.

IV. The system of responsible leadership being successful and applicable ought to be introduced in this country.

Brief for the Negative.K. Fairbank '90, and J. C. Hayes '90.

I Responsible leaders must have the confidence of congress.

II. Such a system is entirely foreign to the theory of the constitution. Our whole system of checks and balances would be destroyed. (a) The executive would be merged in the legislative. (b) The weaker of the Houses of Congress would succumb to the stronger. (c) The equal representation of the states will be lost-Lowell, in Atlantic Monthly, February, 1886; Von Holst Constitutional Law S25 S26; Hare Constitution al Law, pp. 175-180; Nation, 28-243; Pomeroy Constitutional Law, pp. 121-122.

III. The constitution is peculiarly adapted to our conditions and needs and has in the past worked well-Von Holst Constitutional Law pp. 1920.

IV. If reform is necessary it should if possible, be made in accordance with the constitution-Von Holst Constitutional Law S26.

V. The present evils can be adequately reformed without violating the constitution-Pendleton in Cong. Record, 46 Cong. first session pp. 967-971.

VI. Such constitutional measures of reform will be better than a system of responsible leadership.