Chicagology

Incorruptible and unbiased are the methods of Science. Less incorruptible, less unbiased are U. S. politics. For months a Chicago University professor has been investigating U. S. politics by sober scientific methods. Last week he published a voluminous report,* in which he confirmed much unscientific observation. He observed that the "ablest minds of the community" refused to become embroiled in politics, that competent public servants were all too often displaced by Stentorian, spread-eagle politicians.

His methods, however, were unique. He psychoanalyzed Chicago politics by the "word association" test. Specimen Chicagoans, from steer-stabbers to brokers, were told to blurt out their immediate reactions to the examiner's key words. "Alderman" suggested the professor. "Grafter," quickly replied one citizen. Another said "crook." Another said "big cheese," another, "bay window." "City hall," posed the professor. "Politics . . . graft . . . corruption," came the spontaneous reactions.

*The Prestige Value of Public Employment--Professor Leonard White--University of Chicago Press.