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The character of these limitations arises partly from the unique constitutional status of Newfoundland evident in the problems of treaty arrangements with other countries, and partly from internal difficulties. Responsible government involved representation throughout the island in spite of the absence of municipal government, but commission government tends to concentrate on St. John's and to increase inflexibility. Democracy, which involves rapid adjustment in economic, social, and political activities, has been displaced by a Commission based on the efficient English civil service with changing personnel and necessarily lacking in a thorough understanding of Newfoundland problems. In spite of attempts by the Commission to secure an adequate expression of views on legislation, it is difficult for a people with traditions of responsible government to adapt themselves to these new methods. The general restlessness, and friction with the municipality of St. John's, the last refuge of responsible government, are evidence to this effect and tend to hamper the efforts of the Commission.
The writer confesses a strong bias on this matter and he cannot refrain from referring to a profound sense of shock when he saw the “Colonial Building” (House of Assembly) filled with office desks. It was a moving experience to go from Newfoundland to Halifax, the birthplace of responsible government in Canada, and to New England to hear the restatement of liberalism presented by distinguished social scientists on the occasion of the Harvard Tercentary celebrations. Is Newfoundland a significant blind spot on the democracy of Western civilization? How could a labour peer as chairman of the Commission sanction the recommendations of the Report? It will not do, to answer the question on the grounds of the peculiarities of Newfoundland, because it is even more disturbing to find the number of so-called liberals—i.e., in the very broad sense and including so-called radicals and so-called conservatives—who do?
