Edmund J. James

“ It is not simply a city council based upon tax-paying qualities ; it is not simply a council con- trolled by taxpayers; but it is a city council controlled by large taxpayers. Less than 700 persons elect one-third of the entire council, while another third is given to over 300,000 persons. It is, moreover, apparent that no one can be admitted, even to the second class, who would not be counted among the prosper- ous members of the community; for a payment of $250 in direct taxes, under the system of taxation in force in Prussia, indicates a very considerable accumulation of wealth. ”

“ The law provides that every independent male Prussian, twenty-four years of age, may vote in the city of Berlin, who has been a resident for one year preceding the particular election at which he casts his vote, who has not received during that period any assistance from the public poor rates, who has paid his taxes, and who owns a house or carries on an independent business with at least two assistants, or who is assessed to the state income tax at the fictitious amount of 4 marks. ”

“ A striking characteristic of the city council of Berlin is the large number of merchants and business-men in general to be found in this body, the small number of professional men, espe- cially lawyers, and the small number of saloonkeepers. ”

“ As a houseowner or a man who carries on a business with two assistants is likely to pay a higher direct tax than 4 marks, the practical meaning of these various provisions is that an otherwise qualified person, who possesses an income of at least 660 marks, shall be allowed to vote. ”

“ CITY COUNCIL OF BERLIN 411
taxes paid by the persons whose names appear in this list, is obtained. The persons who together pay this first third consti- tute the first class of voters. The process is then continued until a second third of the total sum of taxes is obtained. The people who together pay this second third constitute the second class. All the others, who together pay the last third, constitute the third class of voters. In the case of the list prepared for the election of November, 1899, the total sum paid in direct taxes was 56,057,800.93 marks. ”

“ Its business is mostly pre- pared for it by the executive council, and is submitted for its consideration in a very similar manner to that in which an English cabinet submits measures to the British parliament. ”