Question: "Resolved, That the municipalities of the United States should have the sole right to own and operate plants for supplying light, water, and surface transportation.

Brief for the Affirmative.W. R. BUCKMINSTER and H. L. CANNON.Best general references: H. C. Adams, State and Industrial Action. Am. Econ. Asso., I, 8; Ely, Problems of Today. Other references: Quasi Public Works, Am. Econ. Asso., II; Sinclair: Municipal Monopolies; Farrer, State in Relation to Trade; Jamem, Gas, Am. Econ. Asso., I; Bemis, Gas, Am. Econ. Asso., VI.

I. (a) The doctrin of laissez-faire is fallacious; (b) the true rule for guidance is conservatism.

II. Conservatism does not justify the present system of conducting these three industries.

(a) Being inevitable monopolies, they are not regulated by completion.

(b) The public is plundered.

(c) These corporations are the chief source of municipal corruption.

III. Public ownership and operation is the solution.

(a) The cost is less.

(b) Profit goes to the citizens, either in the form of lower rates or of public revenue.

(c) There is greater unity and continuity of service.

(d) Corruption decreases.

Brief for the negative.ALBERT BOYDEN and EDW. C. BRADLEE.Best general references: Hadley: Pol. Sci. Quar. p. 572. Holmes: Pol. Sci. Quar. V, p. 411. Farrer: "Relation of State to Trade."

I. The presumption is against government interference in private enterprise.

II. Corruption would not be decreased by municipal ownership.

III. The change would make the government run the risk arising from new processes and inventions.

IV. It would bring financial difficulties: (a) Increase of city debt. (b) Improbability of any revenue, because of (1) clamor for low rates, and (2) no incentive for economy among officials. (c) Difficulty in government handling so large a number of employees..

V. Government management would necessarily be inferior: (a) It is proverbially loose and sluggish; the incentive of self-interest is lacking. (b) Political experience makes it improbable that as able managers would be obtained. (c) It is apt to be influenced by senti-

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