Their basis consists of the old property tax, which under its application to modern conditions has become both unjust and unproductive, but which the state legislatures seem to be wholly incapable of either abandoning or properly transforming.

In the matter of education the states have been, except in the South, liberal; but they have not been as intelligent and well-informed as they have been well-intentioned.

The educational system of the country is not only chaotic, but it is very imperfectly adapted to the needs of an industrial and agricultural democracy.

Finally, if the legislatures of the several states have ever done anything to increase respect for the wisdom and conservatism of American representative government, it is certainly hard to discover indications thereof.

The financial and economic legislation of the states has usually shown incompetence and frequently dishonesty.