MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IN GERMANY. 79 



It should also be borne in mind that the baneful influ- 

 ences of corporations, in the lobbies of the national capi- 

 tol, of state houses and of city halls alike, with their great 

 schemes to be promoted, constitute one of the most peril- 

 ous menaces to our American principle of free govern- 

 ment. Let the people take things in charge for them- 

 selves. Let them exercise these functions in their own 

 behalf, through the instrumentality of their governmental 

 organizations. Let us first take hold here, nearest at hand, 

 through such a municipal government as we need and can 

 have, if we will. 



