580 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



class-differentiations, tends, when occasion permits, to reassert itself. 

 The sentiments and beliefs, organized and transmitted, which, during 

 certain stages of social evolution, lead the many to submit to the few, 

 come, under some circumstances, to be traversed by other sentiments 

 and beliefs. Passing references have been in several places made to 

 these. Here we must consider them seriatim and more at len2:th. 



One factor in the development of the patriarchal group during the 

 pastoral stage was shown to be the fostering of subordination to its 

 head by war ; since, continually, there survived the grouj^s in which 

 subordination was greatest. But, if so, the implication is that, con- 

 versely, cessation of war tends to diminish subordination. Members 

 of the compound family, originally living together and fighting to- 

 gether, become less strongly bound in proportion as they have less 

 frequently to cooperate for joint defense under their head. Hence, 

 the more peaceful the state the more independent become the multi- 

 plying divisions forming the gens, the phratry, and the tribe. With 

 progress of industrial life arises greater freedom of action especially 

 among the distantly-related members of the group. 



So must it be, too, in a feudally-governed assemblage. While 

 standing quarrels with neighbors are ever leading to local battles ; 

 while bodies of men-at-arms are kept ready, and vassals are from time 

 to time summoned to fight ; while, as a concomitant of military ser- 

 vice, acts of homage are insisted upon there is maintained a regi- 

 mental subjection running through the group. But, as fast as aggres- 

 sions and counter-aggressions become less frequent, the carrying of 

 arras becomes less needful ; there is less occasion for the periodic 

 expressions of fealty ; and there is a proportionate increase of daily 

 actions carried on without direction of a superior, fostering increased 

 individuality of character. 



These changes are furthered by the decline of superstitious beliefs 

 concerning the natures of head-men, general and local. As before 

 shown, the ascription of superhuman origin, or supernatural power, to 

 the king, greatly strengthens his hands ; and where the chiefs of 

 component groups have a sacredness due to nearness in blood to the 

 semi-divine ancestor worshiped by all, or are members of an invading, 

 god-descended race, their authority over dependents is largely en- 

 forced. By implication, then, anything which undermines ancestor- 

 worship, and the system of beliefs accompanying it, favors the growth 

 of popular power. Doubtless the spread of Christianity over Europe, 

 by diminishing the prestige of governors, major and minor, prepared 

 the way for greater independence of the governed. 



These causes have relatively small effects where the people are 

 scattered. In rural districts the authority of political superiors is 

 weakened with comparative slowness. Even after peace has become 

 habitual, and local heads have lost their semi-sacred characters, there 

 cling to them awe-inspiring traditions ; they are not of ordinary flesh 



