Local government in the Philippine islands,

276 LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

of our government should be simplified towards a concentration of responsibility in a few officials who are elevated
to position and power by popular will. This goal should
be the hope and insistent attitude of a people in small democracies wherein the heart of all the people throbs with
the spirit of freedom.
It is a good thing to be conservative in political thought
and action. It is said to be the Briton's boast that he cares
nothing for political abstractions, that he is moved by no
philosophy of government, and that he advances from point
to point with his hand always resting on the past, ready to
retire in case of error.41 But when it comes to the granting
of freedom to our towns and localities, let that conservatism
be progressive and the people be given the opportunity to
breathe that free air which invigorates true democracy and
makes our self-governing communities the true bulwark of
the priceless liberties of the people.

417 Frederic C. Howe in The British City (New York, 1908).