"DEMOCRACY WORKS" is written for this decisive decade of the Twentieth Century when immediate utility is the prime concern of governments and the simple mechanism of the totalitarian state has lured many nations from the "muddling progress" of democracy. Arthur Garfield Hays reaffirms his faith in our system. It works not because it fits a "philosophical blueprint," but because through selection and adoption it is responsive not to any one but to all pressure groups. Though not of lasting importance and lacking in polish, his book is full of hope and thoroughly convincing at a time when people need conviction.

Democracy to Mr. Hays is a living organism which adapts itself to environment. It has capacity for change, for absorbing new ideas and making use of them to fit into the framework of existing institutions. It is far more workable than any totalitarian government because it follows no rules except to respond to what the people want. The most exciting chapters of his book though the most sketchy, outline our progress in such fields as labor, agriculture, industry, science and invention. Mr. Hays proves conclusively that in America, at least, democracy has worked.

Hays is most interested in our advance towards a socialism, achieved not by sudden revolution, but slow realization of its practicality. "Socialism in just democracy--an extension of government function made necessary by conditions under which we live a progress that has gone on for generations." Change comes about when these reforms fit into the social structure. Many of the "radical" measures of the Communist Manifesto of 1848 have become part of our lives after separation from their "ism" tag. Public regulation of schools, recreational centers, agriculture or business, once considered "dangerous," is now an accepted government function, and public ownership of railroads and coal mines, which was downright mutiny in 1890, has gradually come into popular favor. Hays predicts that "more and more the income of the citizen will be taken by the state and used for social purposes."

Mr. Hays is the ultimate in open-mindedness, perhaps, to an extent obnoxious to certain boosters of "Americanism." Though certainly not a Communist nor a Fascist, he respects their rights "not because they believe in freedom of speech, press and assemblage, but because I do." Perhaps, Mr. Hays has such faith in democracy that he is tempting the devil too far. But in the face of reaction that breeds upon Nazi and Red propaganda-frights, "Democracy Works" is refreshingly liberal, and a book that deserves attention.