302 The Ideal State 



every point of view, and every endeavour made to raise 

 him intellectually and morally. 



In actual practice it ought to be stated whenever it 

 becomes apparent that the criminal acts are the out- 

 come of mental disease — acute or chronic — such cases 

 can only be benefited in our hospitals for the insane ; 

 and where it is evident the disease is incurable, it is 

 clear that a return of the individual to society becomes 

 impossible. All such cases in our ideal state must 

 of necessity become less and less, and be finally ex- 

 tinguished under a perfect environment physically, 

 intellectually, and spiritually. 



Socialism has been defined as the nationalisation of 

 all the means of production, distribution, and exchange. 

 If a definition is required for the principle upon which 

 the "ideal state" is to be conducted and maintained, we 

 believe this is as exact and comprehensive as any which 

 can be formulated. We do not for a moment imagine 

 that such a means of conducting the affairs of our 

 nation could be adopted and put into action immedi- 

 ately ; it must be a gradual process, and legislation 

 must lead up to its accomplishment by easy stages ; 

 there must not be too sudden rupture with the tradition 

 of the past; otherwise we return to chaos, and bring 

 " confusion worse confounded " and delay the wheel 

 of progress, maybe, for centuries. It will require as a 

 necessary accompaniment, without which it is im- 

 possible, the continuously higher ethical evolution of 

 man's nature. Notwithstanding the many sad facts, 

 the awful extent of misery and vice prevalent in our 

 present stage of civilisation, we are confident that such 

 an evolution is now in process, and is leading on towards 

 the glorious consummation of the " ideal state." In the 

 heart of every member of the community we must do 

 everything to stimulate the spirit of self-sacrifice and 

 of willingness to suffer on behalf of all with whpm we 



