WHAT MIGHT BE AND WHAT IS 261 



to look at the land of England from two different 

 points of view. 



The wealthier classes, who form the backbone of 

 the Conservative party, or a considerable proportion 

 of them, came to regard it very much as a plaything ; 

 a place where rich folk could enjoy large houses and 

 first-class hunting and shooting. The mass of city- 

 dwellers, on the other hand, who form the backbone 

 of the Radical party, looked on it as a negligible 

 quantity. These live by trade, and for the most part 

 on imported food. They had heard that half of the 

 English land was owned by 5000 people, so in their 

 view it was simply something that belonged to a few 

 opulent individuals who did not share their political 

 opinions. Therefore it became the object not only of 

 their indifference, but often of their active dislike. 



During the last few years, however, there has 

 been an undoubted stirring of the dry bones of 

 Radicalism ; its town-dazed eyes have learned to see 

 these matters in a truer light. Some of us also have 

 tried, however ineffectually, to preach a crusade on 

 this subject, and certain thinkers and statesmen have 

 listened. No doubt, too, they have reflected for 

 themselves. 



At any rate one party in the State has begun to 

 take an active interest in the land, as is evidenced 

 by the passing of the Development Act and other 

 measures. But that interest cannot be said to be 

 shared by all. Although the leaders of the Con- 

 servative party have announced their intention of 

 instituting a State-aided system of land purchase 

 whenever the electorate gives them the occasion, I 

 doubt whether even now many of the supporters of 

 that party realise the pressing importance of all this 



