Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/300

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THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

also be more responsible to them, and would give them, there- fore, a keener sense of their own responsibility for the execution of their own laws. Consequently, in the summer of 1896 adults were removed from all responsible positions, except the presi- dency, and the boys were appointed by the president, and in 1897 another step towards democracy was taken in that a boy was made presi- dent by election of his peers. In all respects, therefore, the Junior Republic is now self-govern- ing, and is a coales- cence of the federal, state and city gov- ernments of the United States. The president is elected for one year, sena- tors for two weeks,

representatives for one week, and officials are appointed on good behavior. The laws of the state of New York are the laws of tin- Republic, though subject to amendment by the legisla- ture and president. These amendments, however, are all abro- gated on the first of July each year, and, to remain valid, must be reenacted.

While in the forms of government the representative democ- racy has been perfected, the same does not yet hold for the ownership of property. This will appear from the very interest- ing monetary history of the Republic.

In 1895 Mr. George was owner and business manager of all property in the Republic. He employed boys and girls, paying

A MILLIONAIRE'S PASTIME DOVECOTE