148 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY 



tendency seen now and then towards excessive centralization. It is not, 

 however, from tyranny that we are likely to suffer, but rather from a 

 breakdown in an organization too extended and too difficult of effective 

 operation. There can be no question in the minds of students of polit- 

 ical history that the future of the nation depends upon the cooperation 

 of the governmental units rather than upon the exaggeration of one of 

 them. Instead of attempting to magnify the federal government, there 

 ought to be a marked movement toward the equalizing of the functions 

 of both. Because of the extending of its authority over a large area, 

 the federal government is in a position to secure information on all 

 topics for utilization in the various states. An instance of this state- 

 ment is found in the collection of data already undertaken by the 

 different bureaus at Washington. AVith the authority of the national 

 government behind them, they are able to bring together an immense 

 amount of data that throws light upon many questions. To limit the 

 functions of the federal government to the mere collection of data is 

 not in the mind of any one. A second step could be taken, one that is 

 already being carried on, through the medium of investigation. Thus 

 the collection of data should be supplemented by specific investigations 

 of various matters of interest to the public welfare. Again this alone 

 is not sufficient. Such information must be given publicity, and here 

 the federal government is in a position not only to give wide publicity 

 to its own actions and the results of any investigations which it carries 

 on, but is in a position to insist upon publicity on the part of all inter- 

 state corporations. Because of the conflict of authority in the field of 

 commerce many suggestions have been made from time to time by 

 which the federal government is to take over full authority in the 

 matter of incorporating such corporations. It is urged in behalf of this 

 movement that many of the states now permit the incorporation of 

 companies under peculiarly satisfactory provisions for the company, 

 and that as a consequence the other states are not able to control them. 

 There is considerable truth in this position. But the matter is compara- 

 tively easily disposed of. There is no reason why congress should not 

 pass an act setting forth the conditions under which any corporation 

 may engage in interstate commerce. These conditions would have 

 reference to capitalization, publicity of accounts, and responsibility for 

 any statements set forth regarding their business. Such a law would 

 in no way necessitate incorporation or the disturbance of the incorpora- 

 tion of companies by the different states. But like the tax upon bank 

 currency passed in 1866, it would have a marked effect in forcing cor- 

 porations to comply with the federal conditions, while at the same 

 time allowing the states to modify the law so as to apply to the condi- 

 tions peculiar to their own territory. 



Many other instances might be cited in which the same relationships 

 are to be found as in the case of the interstate corporations. The more 



