DISSOLVE THE POLITICAL BANDS

Emerging as it does from the storm of squabblings over graft and machine politics which surround us, a conference held recently at Princeton, N. J., between professors of political science and political leaders, was a distinct relief.

The conference, one of a number which have convened during the last two years under the auspices of the American Political Science Union, met primarily for an exchange of views between the two groups represented. It was attended, like the others of the series, by little or no publicity.

A conference of this kind, having no legislative powers, and largely unknown to the public, has little significance in itself. The idea underlying such a meeting however, indicates a desire on the part of at least a few, of our politicians to appreciate the theoretical side of their profession; and it shows that some of our college professors are coming into personal contact with the practical political structure. The political leaders who have participated in these conferences demonstrate a point of view which is as broad as it is novel for they are placing themselves in a position to fulfill their duties in the best possible manner--with a knowledge of both sides of the case.

Since the time of Wilson there have been clamorous arguments as to whether the practical man or the political theorist were best; the Princeton meeting has shown the futility of this argument, and moved us forward a degree. Having bewailed the passing of statesmanship for years, we are now definitely progressing toward its rehabilitation. Those who met at Princeton were not singing a dirge; they were taking the first step on the intelligent course to a cure of our political situation.