ROAD LEGISLATION.

273

bands, and exercised under a less divided respon-sibility. In speaking of the boards thus consti-tuted, as consisting of numerous commissionersexercising equal powers, we are aware that thenumbers of each board have been of late yearsmuch reduced : still, however, a board composed ofeven six or seven members must be considered asa numerous body for the dispatch of executivebusiness; and it may be added, that although theconsequence of the reduction of numbers mayhave been the exertion of an increased degree ofdiligence and attention on the part of the individualmembers of whom the boards now consist, still thatthe defects in the general system of managing theirbusiness continue to be much the same in character,though perhaps less in degree, whether the boardsconsist of twelve members or of six. Amongstthese defects, experience has shown the existenceof a general disposition to avoid or postpone thedischarge of those branches of the duty of a govern-ing authority which require the exertion of indi-viduals ; and on the other hand, a disposition tomake continual references to subordinate officersto obtain knowledge and information. The con-sequence of such habits are continual delays andadjournments of business ; waste of time in debates ;and, instead of that activity and energy, (whichshould be the characteristics of a body on whosesuperintendence depends the due administration ofa complicated branch of laws and regulations requi-ring constant attention and variations in practice to

T