THE FISCAL QUESTION 147 



about that change of mind which we call repentance. But 

 to justify retaliation on this ground is to concede the 

 principle to which it is opposed. It is to admit freedom 

 of interchange as the true end, while seeking to bring it 

 about by the doubtful method of compulsion. It is the 

 method of the ' ' natural man " ; in fact, it is the method 

 of " barbarism." 



But the progress which civilisation has so far achieved 

 has consisted in abrogating the methods of the "natural 

 man." Instead of rivalry and antagonism there has arisen, 

 step by step, co-operation in common ends and mutual 

 service. There exists still between States, as between 

 individuals, that self-assertion which is one aspect of self- 

 realisation, and there is no question in either case of a 

 sentimental altruism which sacrifices rights. The egoistic 

 element remains, and must remain ; for the whole cannot 

 be strengthened at the expense of the parts. But the 

 egoism is gradually becoming an enlightened egoism, which 

 recognises that the good which is exclusive is a false 

 good. The antagonism is giving place to a competition 

 in efficiency, to a method by which each part, whether it 

 be an individual or a state, discovers more and more clearly 

 its own station and round of duties, by fulfilling which it 

 shall realise best both its own and the common good. And 

 nowhere is this more conspicuous than in international 

 trade, whose foundation is just the interchange of services ; 

 for nothing has ever either established or developed trade, 

 whether between individuals or between states, except this 

 principle of mutual help. 



This progress in intercommunion has, no doubt, brought 

 with it some disadvantages. We have lost some trades 

 and been obliged to turn to others, and so also have other 



