344 PROBLEMS OF HUMAN EVOLUTION 



by the subjection of some parts of the country by foreign 

 powers. In England has been witnessed recently a very striking 

 phenomenon. Not long back the Conservative party were ready 

 to make a game of politics and to sacrifice their principles for an 

 immediate party gain. Home Rule for Ireland suddenly became 

 a question within the range of practical politics and there was at 

 once formed a Unionist party, of which the Conservatives 

 formed the majority, and which was animated by an altogether 

 higher tone because it had a definite principle to fight for and a 

 very real danger to face. In France we see that it is only in the 

 presence of national peril that the republic is capable of forming 

 a strong and stable government. The necessity of organising an 

 army and reforming the public services made them tolerate the 

 wisdom of M. Thiers after the war of 1870. 



Another illustration is supplied by facts that have recently 

 become familiar to English people. England, very largely owing 

 to her fortunate circumstances, had outstripped other countries 

 in trade and manufactures. Then Germany appeared in the 

 arena as a rival armed with all the energy that was born of the 

 long-cherished ambition to overthrow the supremacy of France. 

 This accomplished, she turned upon England, eager to conquer 

 her in trade, as she had conquered France in war. Her strong 

 national feeling has thrown itself into this new struggle, and she 

 has certainly proved herself no mean rival. But do we not owe 

 her a debt of gratitude for saving us from sinking into lethargy ? 

 Has not German competition put fresh life into many depart- 

 ments of English life ? In particular we must thank her for 

 showing that much is to be gained by developing as far as pos- 

 sible the intelligence of all the individuals that compose the 

 nation. The old idea was that an educated and cultured few 

 should guide the masses, for whom education would be an 

 absurdity. This idea lingers only as a "pious opinion" in the 

 brains of a few reactionary spirits. But the raising of the masses 

 undoubtedly involves a danger which I propose shortly to point 

 Over- out. Before doing so, I wish to show once more how inimical 

 centrahsa- O ver-centralisation is to progress. Where there is devolution, 

 each district that is entrusted with the management of its own 



