212 The Ideal State 



remain a sign-post on the steep road of human en- 

 deavour towards the higher evolution and the search 

 for permanence in our Western civilisation. For- 

 tunately most of our European States are giving heed 

 to this warning, and are doing what they can to 

 ameliorate the condition of their people. Britain can 

 claim, without doubt, to be the most advanced. We 

 think it may be asserted that the British subject has 

 greater social advantages than that of any other nation. 

 He has a widely extended franchise, and is awaiting 

 now its extension to the only logical conclusion — adult 

 suffrage, which will mean as nearly as possible under 

 present-day conditions equal political opportunity ; 

 under free trade the trade and commerce of the country 

 is increasing marvellously, so that there is work for the 

 masses in abundance and unemployment is at a 

 minimum ; at the same time commodities are cheap 

 and money goes further than in any other country. 

 Free education is another great boon, and there are 

 many more which are too well known to require 

 mention, such as old age pensions. 



But while this is so, we cannot shut our eyes to la 

 misere. It seems to be an increasing accompaniment 

 of present-day commerce and industry. Fortunately 

 for the toiling millions, "Labour" has begun to or- 

 ganise, and has not been slow to threaten serious conse- 

 quences unless the appalling conditions are removed, 

 and that very soon. We think we may say, without fear 

 of contradiction, that the time has come when all men 

 who have given the subject patient consideration, have 

 reached the conclusion that all who " have " must be 

 prepared to do with less. Laws must be passed to give 

 the masses a better environment, sanitary dwellings in 

 pleasant surroundings and pure air, the possibility of 

 a higher culture, which can only be acquired by means 

 of a certain amount of leisure, and it is essential that 



