PAGE PAGE NOTES OF THE WEEK ...... 505 AMERICANNOTES. By Juvenal ...... 518 FOREIGNAFFAIRS. By S. Verdad ...... 507 BOOKSAND PERSONS. By Jacob Tonson ...... :. 519 THEPARTY SYSTEM--IV. By H. Belloc ...... 508 THEOLOGY.--IX. By M.B. Oxon...... 520 RECENTREFORMS IN INDIA. By Syud Hossain ...... 510 THEMURDERER ...... 522 MACHIAVELLI ON TAXATION AND AN OPENLETTER To A BACKWOODSMAN.By Cecil Chesterton 511 TRADE...... 523 THECABINET : A COMEDY. By V. Doroshwich ...... 512 DRAMA. By Ashley Dukes ...... 524 THETERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE 1611 BIBLE. By LETTERSTO THE EDITORfrom C. H. Norman, A. H. M. J. Stuart Hay, M.A...... 514 Robertson, Robert Jones, Teresa Billington-Greig, Mary PARIS. By Ernest Radford ...... 515 Gawthorpe, Henry Meulen, E. H. Visiak, Anthony M. SHAW AND THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.By Alfred E. Randall 516 Ludovici ...... 525

All communications intended for the Editor should whatever tacit agreements are made to defeat its prac- be addressed to THE NEW AGE, 38, Cursitor Street, tical exercise when once it is established. In fact, we E.C. may say now that the best Unionist thought is no longer devoted to attempting to defeat the Bill as a Bill, but to devising ways of defeating it as an Act. Lord Selborne’s mission is therefore too late. NOTES OF THE WEEK. *** LORDSELBORNE deserves some credit for his passionate But a second false assumption on which his single- pilgrimage on behalf of a Unionist alternative to the speech campaign was based is the belief that public Parliament Bill ; but it is to be feared that he set out opinion is still making up its mind. We have ourselves with two completely erroneous assumptions. The day marvelled at the apathy of the public in the presence of is gone by, if ever it was, when rational discussion of a threatened constitutional revolution. Our first the constitutional deadlock is of any account. Nobody thought, like Lord Selborne’s, was that the issues were so obscure, the gravity so momentous and the proffered in politics is disposed now to listen even to arch- solutions so many and plausible, that the wise and .angels with new solutions. The facts of the situation mysterious creature we call the Public required time remain to-day exactly what they were a year ago, and to come to a conclusion. This apparent apathy, it might all the talking that has flowed over them has not visibly be thought, was really a profound meditation. Sooner reduced ,their dimensions. What are these facts ? or later we shouId see irresolution shaken from its locks First, that the Government remains a Government only and the giant arise with decision in its wings. Now, on condition that the Parliament Bill is unaltered by a however, it is plain that the prevailing apathy is not of comma. Second, that no new election is possible for meditation, but of sleep. It is not to minds concentrated on a difficult problem that Lord Selborne’s suggested some time. And, third, that even if another election solutions are offered, but to minds fast asleep and com- could be held, the results as far as can be forecasted pletely indifferent. Whence comes this? Are we to would leave the situation pretty much as it is. In face suppose that for the first time in its history our people of these things it is useless to talk of compromise ; that have failed to seize the significance of a great crisis? is, to more than talk of compromise. One side has to Or is not the conclusion obvious that, in fact, there is give way, with a good grace if it can, but to give way. little. significance in the crisis at all? Everybody is And that side cannot be the Government side. Lord wiser than anybody in matters pertaining to national Selborne’s appeals, therefore, however reasonable or existence ; and if everybody agrees to go to sleep on however moderate, are bound to fall on deaf ears. Self- the Lords’ issue, everybody knows, we are entitled to preservation alone compels the Government to stop its presume, that the issue does not amount to much. The ears. situation is as if the nation had entrusted Mr. Asquith *** with the right and the power to clip the wings of a Budget-eating House of Lords, and having done so had We said long ago that the real point of Unionist turned over on its side with a request to be no further attack was the integrity of the coalition. It is not the disturbed about the subject. To Lord Selborne and the Parliament Bill that needed to be criticised to pieces, but rest it therefore does not listen. Nor, so far, has any the Coalition itself and preferably the Cabinet. If the group succeeded in compelling it to listen. Remember- Unionists could have succeeded in detaching from the ing, however, what Plato said of public opinion, if any Cabinet one single member the whole structure might, party is foolish enough to disturb its slumber, we could and probably would, have fallen. But they have not prophesy their fate. The Lords will not gain by throw- succeeded in doing so. What differences actually exist ing out a Bill that has been twice approved by public in the Cabinet and how long they can be concealed when opinion, if only contemptuously. the Parliament Bill is through we can only surmise from *** the psychology of its members. Certainly no one would imagine, who has studied them individually, that they We are glad to see that the “ Spectator” has taken could act corporately for very long without the cement of the lead amongst the Unionist papers in recognising a common and pressing danger. Take away this this fact. Doubtless the “ Observer,” when its tem- danger and the group will probably fall in three. Mean- perature is down a little, will bring up the reluctant while, however, there is no sign of division, and we rear. As a matter of fact, no answer from the very have to congratulate Mr. Asquith on the remarkable first hasbeen given by any Unionist paper to our plain unity he has been able to maintain. Given its con- question : What have the Lords either as a body or tinued maintenance and there is not the smallest doubt as an order to gain by defying (as in this case they that the Parliament Bill will ostensibly become law, would be defying) King, Commons and People all at once? Assume, if you like, that these three are not To appreciate the real bearings of the situation one whole-hearted in their attack on the Lords’ veto. must realise the present relations of the local education Assume even that a good half of each of them is either authorities with the central government. ln effect local friendly to the Lords or wavering. The fact remains education authorities exist to earn grants from the that politically and constitutionally in theory as well Government in return for such educational efficiency as in practice the sovereign power of the State does as the latter chooses to demand, For the purposes of reside in the stable! Ministry of the day. We may both authorities, two sets of inspecting officials have deplore it, we may start a crusade against it, but to been created: one set by the- Government for recognise it is the point of departure in every useful the purpose of raising and appraising in grants the attempt to deal with it. And being the sovereign educational efficiency produced by local authorities ; and power it will assuredly crush any lesser power opposed one set by the local authority itself, for the purpose of to it. Nobody dreams that if the Lords throw out producing that efficiency. As can easily be imagined, the Parliament Bill, as they foolishly threw out the the two sets of persons come often into collision. The Budget, nothing particular will happen. Nobody enmity between them is not open, perhaps, but it is outside Bedlam or the “Observer ” dreams that if the deep; and it unfortunately happens that their field of issue is thus plainly set the Lords will win against the battle is the elementary teacher. Elementary teachers combined political weight of the three remaining find themselves, in fact, in the unhappy plight of having powers. On the contrary, they are absolutely certain two masters in mutual disagreement. What they are to lose not only the immediate stakes, but such others advised one day to do by the Government inspectors as they imagine are not yet in play. If to throw they are forbidden on the next day to do by the local out the Budget was attempted suicide, throwing out inspectors. If both sets of inspectors were of the same the Parliament Bill will be successful suicide. The class this conflict would probably not arise; but it is the Lords will be buried at the four cross-roads. fact that in the majority of instances the Government *** inspectors are university men, while the local inspectors This, we should have thought, was so obvious that are promoted elementary teachers. And this difference only Gamin-intoxicated Peers could be misled into of cultural origin undoubtedly magnifies if it does not thinking that their House will be allowed a second create the differences in practical administration. bite at the Constitution. But if reasoning from this Further than this, however, it must never be forgotten plane is fruitless, what can be said in reply to the that in regard to the individual teacher himself, the objection that the throwing out of the Parliament Bill powers of the two sets of inspectors are not equal. A will not only not kill the Bill but will certainly lead Government inspector can condemn a school, but except to the plebeian adulteration of the existing peerage ? in rare cases he cannot damn a single teacher. The How can that prospect fail to move a noble class that local inspector, on the other hand, cannot and naturally has not yet succumbed completely to decadent instincts? does not wish to condemn a school, but he can and very We have seen an unauthorised provisional list of new often does damn a teacher. The fact that the appoint- Peers, and we confidently state that many of the names ment, pay, and promotion of teachers are in the hands will produce a shock if ever they are published. Not of the local and not the Government authority settles that we ourselves are shocked or can be after the the allegiance of the teacher. Given the alternative of creation of Lord Northcliffe. But we are assuming following the Government inspectors’ advice or the that the peerage still has some pride of caste. What commands of the local inspector, he naturally thinks of advantage, then, will be derived by the Lords if, whiIe his bread and butter. He plumps every time for the vainly attempting to keep out the Bill, they are flooded local inspector. with new Peers? Would it not be like the Trojans *** drawing up the wooden horse in the belief that it would be a defence? There is no defence possible against Now this would be all right if, in fact, there was the Parliament Bill. Once the Bill has passed the nothing educational to choose between the two authori- Commons it must pass the Lords, if not by consent ties. But it so happens that in any dispute or difference then by force, either through or over. And there for of view between the Government and the Board in- the week we leave the matter. spectors, the latter are wrong ninety-nine times in a *** hundred. They are disposed to be wrong, first, because they have seldom had (being themselves only elementary The storm in a teacup which has arisen over the teachers) any education or culture superior to that of disclosure of an educational circular addressed to their staff of teachers; secondly, because they have no Government Inspectors is not such a little storm either. disinterested interest in education but are simply con- Nothing connected with elementary education ought cerned to earn grants for their local authority; and, to be regarded as trifling. Everything, on the con- thirdly, because they are not usually appointed to their trary, that can arouse public discussion of the office for educational reasons but for disciplinary rea- subject should be welcome; for at present the system sons. In short, their qualifications and functions are is black beyond words. The late Chief Inspector of usually no more than those of a combined police and Elementary Schools issued, it appears, some months factory overseer. Yet it is precisely these creatures before his retirement a circular to his staff advising that determine what methods shall be employed in our them to do their best to persuade local Education elementary schools to-day. It is they and not the Authorities to employ University men rather than Government inspectors who really rule our schools ; elementary teachers as local education inspectors. and if our elementary education is, as indeed it is, the This circular, it now appears, was issued without the organised corruption and murder of children’s minds, knowledge of Mr. Runciman, and, moreover, represents it is these local inspectors who are the butchers. Mr. a policy the contrary of his own. We have nothing Holmes, knowing these facts, and being, unlike the silly to say in defence of the late Chief Inspector if this Labour members and Radicals, free from the detestable was actually the case. Only a week or so ago we cant that democracy involves administration by the deplored the intrusion of Mr. Simpson’s views Mr. into worst, recommended that local authorities should ap- Churchill’s responsible bIue-book for the simple reason that they were an intrusion. And such irregular point university men rather than elementary teachers as proceedings we regard as no less indefensible when, inspectors. Why? Not because there are no elemen- as in the case of Mr. Holmes, we agree with the tary teachers fitted to hold such posts with credit; nor subordinate’s views than when, as in Mr. Simpson’s because any University man is ipso facto fitted; but case, we disagree with them. We, however, are not because experience has proved that local authorities quite convinced that Mr. Runciman, even if he did not when permitted to choose their inspectors from amongst officially know of the circular, had not a shrewd sus- their own staff, invariably choose the worst, namely, picion of its purport. That he has been driven now teachers who are abject slaves to their masters and to deny any sympathy with the intention expressed by tyrannical masters to their slaves. The University man Mr. Holmes is, in our opinion, the worst result of the who found himself in the elementary school world would whole incident. feel much too superior to be either. . Nietzsche called the will to power, and the effects of Foreign Affairs. which Darwin called the struggle for existence. They were decidedly not animated by the expectation of larger By S. Verdad profits on invested capital or by trading considerations, as Mr. Norman Angell insists ; quite the contrary- BY this time the London Press has begun to find out Bismarck never thought of consulting German business- that things are not going quite so smoothly in Bulgaria men before hurling the Prussian troops against Den- as they might, and that the people are not altogether mark and Austria. The Bulgarians are not actuated by satisfied with King Ferdinand. As, however, I commercial considerations when they cast longing eyes mentioned this matter in these columns a few weeks on Macedonia. The average Spaniard is far from ago, there is little to add just now. The main point of thinking of his ledgers and his bank balance when he thedispute is that King Ferdinand would like powers talks casually of annexing Portugal. And what man in conferred upon him whereby he would be able to his senses will say that the Italians are inspired by negotiate treaties with other countries ; and he is purely materialistic motives when they agitate for the especially keen on having his relations with Austria redemption of unredeemed Italy, Italia irredenta specified in black and white. ? A fresh and vigorous nation can no more help expand- The Sobranje is unwilling to confer extensive powers ing than a tree can help growing. And when a tree of this nature on a monarch whom it does not trust ; it grows, slowly but surely, it sweeps away obstacles and wants to have a say in such matters itself. The King crushes the little plants that happen to lie in its way. is afraid to summon the Great Sobranje; for, instead Look at some of our old country cemeteries, and you of assisting him out of his difficulties with the Chamber, will see where the yews have even split the massive it would probably vote for his deposition. Such is the churchyard walls. A nation grows just like that. We position of affairs at this moment. ourselves did. So did Prussia. The story of Frederick Austria is desirous of backing King Ferdinand. If the Great’s coup against Maria Theresa makes interest- he is maintained on the throne we may expect to find ing reading. Bulgaria quiescent for several months, while the atten- Now, when a nation loses this desire for expansion, tion of Western European chancelleries is directed to it is a sign of satiety and impending decay. When a other events. Then we shall have the information man grows old he becomes tired and decrepit, and sprung on us that Bulgaria has joined the Triple younger competitors in the struggle for existence sweep Alliance. The Austrian plan is to endeavour to patch him out of the way. There are still, I believe, savage up a better state of feeling than that at present existing tribes where he is cooked and eaten. But a nation between Constantinople and Sofia, so as to pave should renew its youth by new births from generation to the way for a partition of Asia Minor later on. generation, and should thus always be ready to stand On the other hand, Russia’s sympathies, diplo- the strain. When signs of weariness appear in a nation matic and otherwise, lie with the Bulgarians rather it is an indication that the forces of renewal are unable than with their ruler. It is perfectly well known in St. to withstand and subdue the forces of degeneracy. I Petersburg that King Ferdinand is willing to act with hope the moral is clear. Austria and Germany on the off-chance of getting his It is wrong to say, as do several sections of our Press, share of the spoils. Russia objects to this ; but the both Liberal and Conservative, that we have now time for overt action on the part of any country has not enough territory, and that we should confine our atten- yet come. tion to developing and consolidating it. This attitude As for the constitutional crisis in Russia, I can only of mind is merely the symptom of a disease : it show: outline its causes here. M. Stolypin is a liberal-minded that those who really and sincerely hold it are getting man, and he introduced a liberal bill, the details of tired. They are unable to struggle further ; they want which are not relevant. The Conservatives intrigued to to be let alone. Look at the enormous territory Russia secure its defeat, and they misled the Tsar on several possesses. Compare it with ours as to area and popu- points connected with it. The Prime Minister’s plans lation. Yet Russia, with more land than she knows what were voted down in the Council of the Empire; but M. to do with, wants more still. The Slavs are a young Stolypin explained matters in their true light, and he and healthy nation ; and their strength is seen in their will, so far as can be seen in the meantime, remain in desire to increase their territory. A similar remark office. If he goes out, it will only be to return again applies to the inhabitants of the United States of shortly. The whole incident is remarkable for the America, who had certainly no other reason for annex- Tsar’s anxiety to please those of his counsellors who ing the Philippines and for establishing what practically are imbued with liberal ideas. I purposely refrain amounts to a Protectorate over Cuba. (By the way, from using the word “Liberalism,” for it at once con- how many readers of this journal have ever made a jures up a vision of our own politicians, or a section historical survey of the process by which the thirteen of them ; and modern English Liberalism and liberal original States in the Union have increased to fifty or ideas are poles apart. more ? There is some interesting documentary evidence Our arbitration discussion goes merrily on, to the to be had.) accompaniment of growing suspicion in France and ill- I object to my countrymen-if the Press represents concealed sniggers of amusement and contempt in them correctly-sitting down and boo-hooing like Central Europe. The semi-official opinions quoted in frightened children and waiting for someone to corne the German Press leave no room for doubt as to and mother them. I object to the thought of a nation German views on the matter : no public man through- like ours submitting questions concerning its honour to out the Kaiser’s dominions is willing to regard the an international tribunal on which the representatives present European status quo as final. In other words, of many inferior nations will sit and vote. By the term Germany wants Holland, Belgium, and Denmark as inferior nations I do not necessarily mean nations less countries with numerous ports and as suitable points powerful than we, but nations which are lower in the for attack, and she is not willing to consider any arbi- ethnic scale. But I do not believe for a moment that tration proposals until she has them ; and then possibly the English Press is even trying to represent the feel- she might dally with the matter, being able in any ings of the English people at the present time. This. case to lay down her own terms. But the gush in the is due to our hypocrisy. We do not believe in arbitra- English and American papers about arbitration is tion ; but clergymen and “reformers ” have talked enough to turn the stomach of any man with a know- glibly about it, without, as a rule, knowing anything of ledge of history and psychology. the philosophical aspect of the subject, and we think Why have there been wars? Because certain peoples it is “the thing ” to agree with them. The theory desired to expand and other peoples objected. Why did sounds all right. Hence this gush. certain peoples desire to expand ? Because--apart from Next week I shall show why proposals for Peace the necessity of acquiring fresh territory owing to in- Leagues, arbitration, and the limitation of armaments creasing population-they were animated by that in- tend to lead to war instead of the beatific results aimed stinct which Schopenhauer called the will to live, which at by their originators. important public matters which can be raised by indi- The Party System. vidual members (or, better still, by a number of mem- bers associated for a particular purpose, as for the By Hilaire Belloc. defence of a particular trade or the putting forth of IV. views on foreign or domestic policy), and when they are so raised a debate follows, a free vote is taken, and I SAID last week that I would next deal with that set the majority decides the practical issue. of criticisms upon our book which reposed upon an The Ministry, that “sort of committee of the honest misconception of the life of the House of majority,” is chosen from among the ablest of the side Commons. which it represents : a man distinguishes himself in Such criticisms are those which tell us that “there debate, or by faithful and detailed work in committee, must be parties and divisions of opinion in any body or by his good and continuous exposition of the of men ” ; or again, that “if men did not act together democratic or anti-democratic principles of either side. in large matters of policy, nothing could be effected ” ; Such distinction earns a man a right to form part of the or again, that “nothing could be worse than an un- directing group. Of course this form of selection is organised mob of 670 men attempting to govern.” somewhat qualified by the aristocratic tradition of the The numerous reviews of the book have produced English State, and a man belonging to one of the great dozens of them, and conversation upon it perhaps pro- families has a sort of prescriptive right to a rather more duced a thousand others. They are all absolutely true, rapid promotion than his fellows. Add to this that the and they repose upon a hearty commonsense. Only administrative. group is now and then (perhaps) rein- they do not apply to the matter in question. forced through an act of favouritism shown to a con- If a man who had been riding a primitive form of nection or friend, and you have the picture of how motor bicycle were to complain of the vibration, critics a Ministry is formed. unused to the machine might honestly twit him upon Meanwhile, this administrative group, the Ministry, his obesity or his lack of energy or what not. Hear- which decided so much of the time of the House and ing the word “bicycle,” and knowing nothing of the of the subjects of its debating, must conform itself to connotation of the word “ motor,” they might the views of its followers, or they will volte against it ; say, “Oh, you can’t expect to ride a bicycle and it is the fear of this watchful and free majority without taking a little trouble !” Or, “ You which makes the Ministry, though not exactly chosen can’t expect riding a bicycle over a country road by the House of Commons, very fairly representative to be like skating for smoothness or lying an a of its majority. Public acts in administration and feather bed for luxury.” Or they might say, “Come! especially in the formation of statute law, follow upon Come ! we have to get from one place to another some- free decisions arrived at by the majority of the House how, and if you are so fastidious as all that you are of Commons after debates thus ordered. The minority not facing the practical necessities of travel.” under the leadership of their Front Bench (which has All these criticisms would be perfectly true in them- been chosen much after the same fashion as the selves, but inapplicable to the subject under com- Ministry) oppose in argument and by their votes those plaint. They would show ignorance of what a proposals of the majority which conflict with the primitive motor bicycle was. . . If any of my readers minority’s political creed. There are, of course, some ever experimented with the earlier forms of that useful things on which the leaders of the minority and the machine they will sympathise with my metaphor. majority agree for the national good. They usually Now this type of “commonsense ” criticism passed agree in matters of armament, and nearly always in upon our indictment of the party system reposes upon matters of foreign policy. But with such few excep- a similar misconception Those! critics who passed it tions the conflict is acute and sometimes even bitter. thought vaguely and generally of Parliament as a de- liberative assembly. Its actual condition they could not The above is, I think, a fairly -accurate description know. They entertained a misconception which most of the picture which most men have until recently men entertain, and which is carefully fostered by the formed in their minds of the Council that is supposed party Press. to represent them at Westminister. I know exactly what the misconception is; for I Well, that picture is false. It is gravely and ex- suffered from it like everybody else, until I saw the ceedingly false. It is so false that if its falsehood were reality at close quarters. not in process of discovery, the nation might soon There are some few men well advanced in life, and pass through a very bad time indeed ; and even though maintaining their political ideals, who have attained it is now in process of discovery, there is still probably to an active disgust for the House of Commons, and peril before us, because the falsehood has been dis- who refuse to consider it seriously at all. There are covered too late. The falsehood of the picture lies (ais multitudes (especially of young men) who believe falsehood must always lie) in the disproportion of that Westminster is the scene of an active conflict values. between two great forces, the one good, the other evil, The Front Benches are not composed of those men and who feel the loss of an election as a patriot feels who on the whole have shown the qualities just the loss of a campaign. But of those not directly described. They contain many men of ability; so does concerned with politics, the most part, if they the commonwealth in general contain many thousand such. But ability to handle or to co-operate with are of sober judgment and of some experience, have a more genial conception of the National Council, and it men, ability to seize a changing situation rapidly, is somewhat as follows :- ability based on a wide knowledge and ability informed The House of Commons in its present condition con- by decision, ability to defend a great ideal with sists (they will say) of rather less than seven hundred rhetoric and to inflame one’s fellows ; in a word, all the men. Of these somewhat less than one-seventh again qualities of statesmanship, are the exception and not are the Irish Nationalists, a section with particular the rule. You get less practical ability on the two aims which separate them from the party system in Front Benches than you do on any good board of direc- general. The remaining six hundred or so are roughly tors, and less rhetorical ability (let alone conviction) divided into two “great parties,” of which the one than you do in the leaders of a good debating society. is, on the whole, democratic, the other, on the The Front Benches do not co-opt here and there and whole, rejects the theory of democracy. A separate now und then a man connected with those already in organisation distinguishes the comparatively small power. Such co-option is the main rule ; it accounts Labour group within the democratic camp, and their numerically for quite half of the principal appoint- special mandate, as well as their constitution,, marks ments. But numerical analysis ill fits such a case: it them as a new feature in the place. The discussions of is the dominant note of the method of co-option. the House turn in the main upon projects formed by Again, the privilege of the old families in an aris- the Ministry. And the Ministry forms a ‘‘sort of com- tocratic State is by no means the most remarkable of mittee” of that one of the two pasties which has the the other factors in co-option to the Front Benchles. majority in the House. There are of course many The use of money is far more powerful than the claim of lineage, at any rate upon the so-called “Liberal ” Now that true view of what goes on at Westminster side places are bought. -and anyone can test its truth for himself by taking Again, no one can, be so co-opted who is not pre- down a volume of reports and following three or four pared to defend with vigour not, indeed, the general days of the House of Commons in “action”--is the policy of the co-opted set, still less a practical ideal, answer to all that type of criticism which I have but every detail they may put forward, and that no mentioned . matter how sharp the contradiction between such an To get the true picture of what the House of attitude and his known personal convictions. Nay, he Commons has become well into the public mind is only must be prepared to defend one policy with jaded question of reiteration and time. and formal oratory to-day, ad, if his orders are I have fought two pretty severe elections. I noticed such, the opposite to-morrow. how, in each of them, men in great numbers were The Opposition Front Benchers do not now und then anxious to initiate policies, to see certain things done, and for matters of the national good agree to treat to act through their representative in Parliament. some matters as external to their very real quarrel with In the first contest (that of 1906), when I was the Treasury Bench. It is truer to say that they agree unknown to my constituency, and when I still thought with the Treasury Bench in all matters save the two or that parties were what many men still think them, I three special points chosen for difference. The two gave pledges freely : they were in accordance with my Front Benches belong to-day to the same social set ; own convictions. I said I would support this and that, they have always the same main interests to defend, I would move for this and that, and so forth. Four and their chief and permanent interest is to keep the years followed, during which I discovered with increas- sham system alive. Finally, and most important of ing clearness as my experience proceeded, that such all, the two main features on which the public relies pledges were of no value to my constituents at all. in the House of Commons have disappeared. The first Many an occasion arose on which I could keep my is that legislation and even administration are obedient pledge negatively by voting against the self-appointed to the deliberation and vote of the House ; the second clique who were making and administering the laws of is that the House as a whole controls the use of its England; but not a single one upon which I could, I time and decides the nature of its discussions under do not say carry out, but even bring to debate and the general control, but only the general control of the division the policies which, in common with scores of Government. Both these ideas of the House, till my colleagues-and often in common with a majority recently universally held, still widely held, are quite of them--I had been directly sent to Westminster to unreal. effect. As to the first point: the administration of laws and It is a mere falsehood to say that my attitude in these even the making of them no longer proceeds from the policies was personal or peculiar. Did the bulk of the House of Commons. electorate in January, 1906,desire drastic action against The administration of laws is now independent the South African Jews in the matter of the Chinese of the House of Commons. Save for such a labour, or did they not? Are the great majority of slight check as can be evercised by exposure through electors content to permit the sale of legislative power, questions (which can always be avoided, and which or are they not? Did the great mass of the artisans most men fear to ask), administration is arbitrary. A insist upon the revision of the Taff Vale decision, or did department acts over its own sphere independently of they not? public control. One has only to state those questions to hear their As to the making of laws, that is not the result of answer. They answer themselves. deliberation ratified by a vote. Whatever the Cabinet We did, indeed, just manage to carry our point on decides shall pass the House of Commons passes, even the Taff Vale business : Parliament was fresh from the though a great majority of the House voting freely or constituencies, and fresh from the menace of a small secretly would reject the proposal. but real democratic movement in the country. The It is, indeed, true that the Cabinet, both in those governing clique was probably really frightened during many matters where it naturally consults with its those few days; it gave way. partners, the Opposition Front Bench, and in those In the matter of Chinese labour, we all know what matters where it scores by acting independently, has happened ; and a very disgraceful thing it is to recall. to fear large combinations when they are in such a The South African Jews were consulted and cringed temper as to insist upon their independence. But that to. The Front Benches decided on giving their temper very rarely arises, and a large permanent com- arrangement its utmost latitude-and they added a bination of the sort is not to be seen save upon the large new contingent of Chinese ! Irish benches. Not a dozen times in half as many As for the sale of peerages, nothing but the luck of years does a Cabinet modify legislation, even in a small the ballot permitted me to move the auditing of the detail, because it fears a hostile majority. The con- secret party funds, and, as everybody knows, that ception that the Cabinet is perpetually feeling the pulse motion was shelved by an official “amendment” into of its majority and following the general conviction of the ordinary party debate upon Free Trade, and that majority is utterly at sea. It is the Cabinet-a members were spared the unpleasant duty of voting for self-appointed body-which imposes its will and to it, political purity. No division on the straight issue could not to its constituents or to their individual con- be taken. I have now in these few lines fairly shown victions, are its followers in the main responsible. the gulf which separates the imaginary House of As to the second point : The time of the House is not Commons of the party Press and the suburban voter in the hands of the House, nor are its subjects of debate from the House of Commons as it is. chosen by itself, nor does its discussion and vote on No criticism of our book or of our attitude holds for these determine affairs. a moment if it is written or said by a man who does not The two Front Benches and the Treasury Bench in know the actual condition of the House of Commons. particular do not “on the whole ” or “in the main ” And it was curious to note in the reviews which choose the subjects of discussion and apportion time our book received how much work we shall still have for it; to do in describing the present phase of that Assembly. A debate arising from the body of the House of The truth has been discussed by the privileged for Commons--on such rare occasions as a debate of the some years. It is coming down to the obedient middle sort is possible-has a good deal less effect upon the classes. It is more widely known with every day of destinies of the English people than the decisions of discussion. It does not need to be fully grasped in the Fabian Society, and infinitely less effect than the every constituency, it needs only a considerable doubt decisions of a powerful group of capitalists in some and ill-ease to arise and our task will be accomplished ; great industry, a conversation of fashionable bureau- the machine will stop working. Next week I shall crats, or a few wealthy women settling matters at tea. suggest certain methods of action whereby at election It is almost true to say that the few debates still times the truth and its consequences can be rammed initiated by the House itself are of no effect at all. home. turbed with his Reform scheme. It was finally carried Recent Reforms in India. through Parliament in 1909, and its details had been worked out in intimate consultation with Lord Morley, By Syud Hossain. the Secretary of State. This collaboration appears Now that the tension in India is, by all accounts, to have caused much conflict of opinion in regard to appreciably relaxed it is not perhaps an inopportune the relative responsibility of the Viceroy and the Secre- moment for a brief survey of the administrative reforms tary of State for the reforms, and the degree of credit recently promulgated in that country in their bearing which respectively belongs to each. But there is really on the crisis that is happily past. no basis for controversy. The laurels are fairly shared. The comparative tranquillity of the present moment The initial suggestions emanated from Lord Minto : is in marked contrast to the troublous days of the as he himself said in January, 1910: “They had their strenuous and memorable Viceroyalty that came to a genesis in a Note entirely based on views I myself close the other day ; and it is all the more welcome formed of the position in India. It was due to no in view of the proximity of the date fixed for the suggestion from home. Whether for good or bad, Coronation Durbar at Delhi-an event of great signifi- I am entirely responsible for it.” The scheme in its cance, and one which will not fail to make a powerful outline, having met with the fullest approval of the appeal to the imagination of all classes of the popu- Secretary of State, was duly revised and partially lation in India. recast, and bore the finishing touches of Lord Morley as it emerged from Parliament. The cordial and No period in the history of British administration compIete understanding, and the unity of aim and in India since the Mutiny, it is now very generally purpose exhibited by these distinguished officers of the admitted, has been more beset with complex difficulties Crown and so well sustained through their tenure of clamouring for solution, or more crowded with incident office, has stood out in somewhat bold relief against the and achievement, than the five years during which the destinies of the country, thanks to the timely resig- lamentable lack of harmony displayed by their immediate predecessors, and constitutes, it is hoped, nation of the Balfour ministry, were conjointly in the hands of Lord Morley and Lord Minto. When in the a profitable example which will not be lost on their respective successors. autumn of 1905 Lord Minto assumed charge of the office of Viceroy and Governor-General, he succeeded to The reforms promulgated by Lord Minto’s Govern- a heritage of trouble. The country was in the throes ment fall under two broad heads : (I) Reconstitution of a reaction of Lord Curzon’s stimulating Viceroyalty. of the Executive Councils, and (2) extension of the Without necessarily impugning the sincerity of the Legislative Councils. The most important innovation motives by which his lordship had been impelled, and pertaining to the former, and one which encountered even admitting that some of the most warmly contro- the keenest opposition from the Anglo-Indian critics of verted measures for which his government was respon- the Government, was the appointment of an Indian sible have been amply vindicated during the period that member to the Viceroy’s Executive Council. For this has elapsed, I think it may safely be advanced that what change, perhaps the most momentous of all, the Viceroy has been described as the “blistering efficiency’’ of his alone was responsible, it having been initiated, as Lord seven years’ administration of the country had found its Morley declared in the House of Lords, “at Lord aftermath in a seething state of unrest, embracing alike Minto’s special instigation. ” The proposal was assailed the official and non-official sections of the community. as instituting a fundamental departure from the tradi- The Civil Servant wanted respite from the ceaseless tional policy of Government, because it would give overhauling of the administrative machinery-and to the Indians “access to the most secret and vital delibe- be allowed to write the King’s English without Vice- rations of the Administration, from which they had regal marginal correction !-while circumstances had hitherto been excluded. ” These misgivings, however,. conspired to work the educated Indians up to a pitch have been largely discounted by the Government’s of exasperation that was seeking dangerous outlets. unexceptionable selection, so far, of Indians for the The atmosphere, indeed, was charged with electricity. membership in question. The first member to be so The new Viceroy arrived in Calcutta at a psychoIogical admitted into the inner sanctum of executive authority moment. Boycott of British goods, incipient sedition, -the Viceroy’s Council--was Mr. S. P. Sinha, a race hatred and sectarian dissensions, all represented brilliant Bengali lawyer of retiring disposition, dis- a state of political ferment calling for the exercise of interested patriotism, and a fabulous income derived most sober statesmanship. If, unfortunately, certain from his profession. Throughout his career this gentle- matters had gone beyond the preventable stage, it was man had sedulously kept himself aloof from politics, at any rate still open to the Government to begin the and had come to have a reputation for sobriety and task of relieving the situation by the early introduction long-headedness. His appointment, therefore, was into it of a radically rectifying element. And this duty found to be, equally unobjectionable and acceptable by Lord Minto undertook with signal detachment and Indian and Anglo-Indian critics. And, moreover, the singleness of purpose. nomination of Mr. Sinha had the effect of disposing of Lord Minto had not been long in the country when the allegation, somewhat recklessly put forward in he decided upon his course of action. And the policy certain quarters at the time, that no Indian candidate he deliberately adopted was dual in character, consist- possessed at once of sufficient ability and adequate ing of constitutional reform side by side with executive personality was available for the post. repression. That is to say, while a substantial advance As Law Member he proved-as indeed no one was to be made towards meeting the legitimate aspira- doubted that he would-an unqualified success ; and tions of the educated community, and allowing their the public and Government were united and unanimous claim to a larger share in the administration of the in their tribute to his services when, not being able to country, the Government at the same time undertook withstand the pecuniary strain of his continued separa- sternly to suppress all lawlessness and terrorism tion from the Calcutta High Court, he voluntarily inspired by political partisanship. This policy was relinquished his Councillorship before the expiry of his based on Lord Minto’s settled conviction-a conviction full term of office, and reverted to the Bar. which has been abundantly vindicated by later happen- The choice of his successor has proved no Iess ings-that India as a whole was not tainted by sedition. happy. The new Law Member, the Hon. Mr. S. Ali At the same time it was a policy which inevitably lent Imam, is a Mahomedan barrister of large culture, itself to a double-barrelled attack : the reactionaries substantial abilities, and rare political acumen. He had clamouring for more repression, and the “ Moderates” loomed large in the public eye what time the Reform for more concessions. The “ Extremist ” party, of Scheme was in the making as a staunch advocate of course, while impartially heaping anathema on the Moslem claims. Nevertheless, being well known as Government and the Moderates alike, affected to regard a man of broad views and a tolerant political creed, the proposals put forward by the authorities as com- and as an apostle of “ an Indianism that is yet to be pounded in equal measure of malice and weakness. evolved,” his appointment was received without a dis- Nevertheless, Lord Minto proceeded serenely undis- cordant note being raised. He, too, in accepting Government service, has sacrificed a very enviable practice at the Bar, although it is hoped that he would An Open Letter to a not succumb, like his predecessor, to an overpowering desire to abandon the Council-chamber for the Court- Backwoodsman. room. By Cecil Chesterton. The other items under the first head may be thus briefly summarised :-- MY Lord,--Though I am making an appeal to you, (I) The appointment of one Indian member to the I must admit that there seems at first sight little in Executive Councils of the Governors of Bombay and common between us. You are an heir of the old Madras. English aristocratic tradition; I am an heir of the (2) The provision of powers to constitute an French Revolution, and necessarily an enemy to that Executive Council for the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, with the tacit recognition that one member of tradition. You are a landowner; I believe private such Council would be an Indian. property in land to be theoretically indefensible and (3) The provision of powers to create Executive practically oppressive. I make no secret of the fact that Councils for the Lieutenant-Governors of other pro- I wish to take your land away from you and with it vinces, subject to the proviso that the proposal should all your privileges and immunities. I cannot expect be laid before Parliament for sixty days. you to like this; you will undoubtedly fight against it. (4) The appointment' of two Indians to the Council And, to do you justice, I believe you would be willing of the Secretary of State for India. to fight not only with weapons of bribery and chicane, The reforms relating to the enlargement of the like the politicians and usurers with whom you are acci- Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils excited comparatively less hostility, for the question involved dentally associated, but with lethal weapons and at the was not one of principle, but merely of the degree and risk of your own life. That is why I respect you. direction of extension. Eventually the changes intro- That is why the mass of Englishmen at bottom respect duced comprised, in the main, the introduction of a you as they have never respected the politicians and larger non-official element into the Councils, and a more usurers, and why some of them would perhaps even effective recognition of the elective principle in practice. fight for you as the peasants of Le Vendée fought for The scope of the right of interpellation, too, was appreciably widened. The precise extent of the enlarge- their lords against the Revolution. ment effected will appear from the following synopsis :- I am a Democrat. I desire government by the people; The Imperial Legislative Council was increased from I believe it to be both righteous and possible. But, if 21 to a maximum of 60; the Bombay and Madras I am wrong, if the political hacks are right, if the Legislative Councils from 24 to a maximum of 50; nation must be governed by the rich class, then I have the Bengal Council from 20 to 50; and the Councils not the shadow of a doubt as to what sort of rich men of Eastern Bengal and the United Provinces from 16 to 50. The Burma and Punjab Councils were I should prefer as my governors. It is your sort. respectively increased from IO to 30 and 8 to 30. The To the oppression which we may expect from you total maximum strength of the Councils, therefore, is there are certain decided limits. You will certainly do now 370, as against 139 formerly, while the number your best to maintain your own status and sovereignty. of elected members is 135, as against a total of 39 But when that is secured your instinct would be to make under the old Act. the people happy. You might oppress the poor as a No review of the tenure of Lord Minto’s Viceroyalty can be complete-or fair-without some reference to violent act of self-defence, but you would not, like the the personal element underlying his administration. politicians, the Jews, and the philanthropists, make the Epoch-making as the reforms are with which his name oppression of the poor a mere hobby. If in order that will always be associated, the triumph of his Indian you might have your rents the poor must do without rule has been a triumph of personality. It is remark- beer, you might insist that they should do without beer. able that throughout the long course of the acrimonious But you would not pretend that it was for their own discussions evoked by the programme of legislation-- good that they should do without beer. Other things progressive as well as repressive-undertaken by his Government, his personal reputation remained unassail- being equal, you would rather that they had beer, be- able in its lofty integrity. Even in times of heated cause you also like beer-because you are, after all, an controversy his bearing of dispassionate and dignified Englishman. detachment did not desert him, and he invariably Now, that is the fundamental ground of my appeaI commanded respect by his characteristic straight- to you. For, though you and I are at war, yet there forwardness and unfailing courtesy. Certainly no is something in England stronger than either of us, Indian Viceroy since the days of Lord Ripon has left warmer memories behind, if one may judge from the which represents you no more than me. I suggest sustained chorus of regret and appreciation that filled that we combine to get rid of it as a preliminary to the Indian newspapers at his departure. The fact that further discussions. the project of an All-India memorial of his Viceroyalty The little clique of professional politicians that by public subscription is already in a fair way towards governs England to-day has decided to throw you over- completion is significant, and constitutes a fitting board. You are the Jonah that is to be sacrificed to tribute to his services. Lord Minto has been a Viceroy of very few the storm-spirit of Democracy--just because you are a speeches, and those of studied brevity. In this, of great deal more essentially Democratic than anyone else course, he offered a marked contrast to his predecessor, concerned in the government of this country. The two Lord Curzon, with whom speech-making was a Front Benches are quite agreed as to this. What re- passion, and whose oratory had made itself felt from mains of the old English, land-holding aristocracy is one end of the country to another, exciting in some to go, and its place is to be taken by the nominees of instances at least, a degree and an intensity of irritation which was a striking testimony to his rare " the Crown "--that is to say, of the governing group gifts of polemical rhetoric. One remark of Lord of politicians. The Hebrew usurers, the successful Minto's, however, may be recalled, as it is an index brewers and cotton owners, and manufacturers of tem- both of the personal and the administrative temper of perance beverages, who have bought their peerages the man. " Not to be afraid of being called weak," with hard cash, will remain; you, who alone have some said his lordship, " is sometimes the test of firmness claim to represent old England, are to be thrown over- and strength." A simple truth, doubtless, but one which may be commended to a wider application and board. appreciation. You can stop this if you like. You have the un- doubted constitutional right to reject any bill submitted Those who are supposed to stand €or your interests- to you. Why do you hesitate to use it? who allude to you behind your back as a “buffalo !’- I think I know the reason. It is the same reason that will counsel patience and submission, just as the other keeps the ordinary honest Radical workman faithful to team will give similar counsel to the working classes. the Liberal Party. Only the other day I was talking to They are not thinking of you, or of us, but of them- a man of this type about the Party System. He ad- selves. They and their supposed opponents have mitted the truth of everything I said. He agreed that already come to an agreement. They are eager to take the Liberal Front Benchers did not represent the Radi- advantage of the artificial controversy between “ Lords ” cal democracy; he admitted that they were corrupt and “Commons ” (i.e., between their own brothers and and oligarchic and generally acted in collusion with brothers-in-law) in order to strengthen the grip of their their alleged ‘‘ opponents.” But when I urged effective own close and corrupt oligarchical clique upon the action, he said solemnly that we must not ‘‘ let in the governance of Great Britain. Whatever fireworks may Tories.” A “ Tory ” he evidently conceived of as a be indulged in, that is already agreed upon as the final diabolical being, with horns and tail, not as a solution. But why should either you or I let them poor deluded victim like himself, equally caught in the bring it about? net of the politicians. No, my lord, let us first of all get rid of the New Just the same game is doubtless being played on you Oligarchy-the dirtiest gang that ever tried to rule a by that half of the omnipotent machine which is great nation. Then the field will be clear for us. When all this network of corruption and hypocrisy is cleared arbitrarily labelled “ Conservative.” You are told that only concession can save you from the savage violence away, the real fight-the fight between us will begin. of Mr. Lloyd George. You need not be afraid. As And it will be long before it ends! likely as not, Mr. Lloyd George will become a peer him- Meanwhile, I salute your lordship as, at least, a self before he dies. Already the gentleman who has worthy and honourable antagonist. been mainly instrumental in financing him has been Yours with all respect, mentioned for the next batch of peerages. CECILCHESTERTON. My decided advice to you is to refuse absolutely to accept either the Parliament Bill or any Bill for the “ reform ” of the House of Lords, to stand on your Cabinet. existing rights and to defy the politicians to do their The worst. A Comedy in One Act. By V. Doroshwich. For after all what can they do? Their only possible answer to your determined resistance would be the (Translated by Sasha Kropotkin.) creation of some five hundred new peers. You may SCENEI.--THE STUDYOF THE PRESIDENT take it as certain that they will not create those peers. The threat to do so is only bluff. And to bluff, as you, THE PRESIDENT[tearing his hair, desperately] : as a sportsman, know, the best answer is always- Heavens ! And to think that there are happy lands “ Call your adversary’s hand ! ” where Ministers are as still as corpses, where they For if those five hundred new peers were created, can just sit quiet till the Day of Judgment ! If what would happen? There is no economic law more these Ministerial crises of ours are going to be clearly established than that which connects the price of an article with the available supply. If five hundred so frequent, where on earth is one to get the new men are suddenly ennobled, the market price of a Ministers from? We shall soon have to have peerage must necessarily fall with startling rapidity. conscription for Ministers, the same as for soldiers. Not only would these peerages have to be given freely Universal Ministerial conscription ! [Dreamily] but it would be impossible for years afterwards to make Truly an age of great ‘‘ equality,” and equality any charge for a peerage. Now, seeing that the Liberal, which will please all. Every Frenchman will be an not less than the Conservative, party lives by funds ex-Minister ” ! However, now is not the time derived mainly from the sale of peerages, the reduction ‘‘ in price which would follow on such a step would mean for idle dreams. [He rings. Enter SECRETARY.] nothing less than suicide for the Liberal Party. Isn’t Monis here yet? But even if the Liberals risked that and created their SECRETARY: I have telephoned for him. new peers-what would be the result? Nothing but PRESIDENT: If he isn’t here in a quarter of an hour 1’11 a burst of inextinguishable laughter and a general con- get someone else. He will only have himself to tempt for the preposterous new aristocracy which would blame. I can’t possibly wait. Certainly not. enormously strengthen your hands as a representative of the old aristocracy, which has, at any rate, many Dreadful example for the country. No Govern- roots in the soil of England. Just think of the pro- ment, and yet everything going on as before. It cession of the new five hundred-Jews who had lent is simply teaching people anarchy. A Cabinet is money to Liberal Cabinet Ministers, wealthy deacons of an imperative necessity-if only to prove its Nonconformist chapels, obscure presidents of Liberal necessity. Ring up-- [Enter FOOTMAN.] Associations, selected only for the length of their FOOTMAN: Monsieur Monis. purses! Who could possibly think these better fitted than the English squires to stand for England? PRESIDENT[going towards MONIS] : My dear Monis ! If you had a really democratic government to deal please forgive me for bothering you. I have a with the situation might be different. If five hundred favour to beg of you. dock labourers were made peers it would be really MONIS: With the greatest pleasure; if I can render you impressive, for it would prove the contempt with which any material assistance, dear President- the Government regarded the aristocratic principle. PRESIDENT[laughing]: No, I don’t want to borrow But how can any Government afford to regard with con- money! You really can help. Promise me that tempt a principle upon which its own rule reposes, or render cheap and ridiculous and honour the sale of you will ? that which constitutes its usual source of income? If I MONIS: Certainly-with pleasure. were Prime Minister with a social-democratic populace PRESIDENT: Then form a Cabinet for me ! behind me I should simply pass what laws I liked and, MONIS [confused]: A Cabinet! I--I--did not expect if the Lords rejected them, I should turn them out of this. I am not prepared. their House at the point of the bayonet. But who could PRESIDENT: Do you mean to say you haven’t got half-a- imagine Mr. Asquith, who has just made his own dozen friends who want to be Ministers? You brother-in-law a peer, doing that ? Briefly then, I think your lordship is in a strong ought to be ashamed of yourself. position, and I advise you to make the best of it. The MONIS: Oh, no doubt if I start looking round I’ll soon politicians will, of course, give you very different advice. find some. But have I got to be Prime Minister? 513

PRESIDENT: Of course. There’s a splendid house going For the people ! And the sooner the people them- with the post--quite palatial ! selves look after the law, the better it will be. Monsieur Deleassé-- MONIS [perplexed] : But the Prime Minister is also the DELCASSÉ : Delighted, Mons. Monis. The portfolio of Minister of the Interior ? Foreign Affairs has long since- PRESIDENT: Certainly. Splendid salary, and the house MONIS: The Minister of Foreign Affairs? He doesn’t is in the best part of Paris. count. The Minister of Marine--he’s the real MONIS [quite disconcerted] : But I have always been Minister of Foreign Affairs ! What are politics in Minister of Justice. And you know that even in reality? The smoke of our “ Dreadnoughts ”- a republic the executive and judicial powers- nothing more! They point the way with their PRESIDENT: Where’s the difference? To put it plainly, funnels. The speeches of diplomats are prompted Justice simply means first finding out what is the by their nation’s guns. The fleet and not inter- national notes is all that matters. If at a time matter, and then boxing a man’s ears. And the when we are friends with England you wish to executive powers box a man’s ears first and then manage our foreign affairs successfully, you must find out what was the matter. And doesn’t it all look after the navy. come to the same? The chief point for the people DELCASSÉ: Rut I’m such a shockingly bad sailor. is that they get their ears boxed in any case; and MONIS:Oh, the Ministry is quite steady--you won’t as to when they get them boxed--that’s a mere get sea-sick there. Look here, my dear fellow, detail. Idle curiosity, I call it. don’t be obstinate. The windows all look over the MONIS:Oh, very well, then. I agree. Place de la Concorde. You’re next door to the green beauty of the Champs Elysées. There are PRESIDENT:Here’s your portfolio. I will have the fountains playing in summer, and it’s delightfully others wrapped up and sent to you. Well, and cool. . . . when shall be able to rejoice in a new Cabinet? DELCASSÉ : Yes, the situation is certainly charming, MONIS : I think it may be ready by to-morrow morning. and that goes a long way. . PRESIDENT[gesticulating violently] : Great heavens ! MONIS: Then it’s settled ! Now the Ministry of Public why it only took a day to get a Cabinet together Works. Hm ! . . . Ah ! . . . Monsieur Caillaux. in the good old days, when people rode in carriages. CAILLAUX[firmly] : I decline. Now, when we have motor-cars, half an hour is MONIS: Why? ample time. Go along ; I’ll expect you to ’phone CAILLAUX: I have a most weighty and excellent reason me. [MONIS bows and goes out.] for ref using. PRESIDENT [collapsing into an armchair] : Thank God ! MONIS: Good heavens ! Let us hear it at least, The Fatherland is saved--we have a new Cabinet ! CAILLAUX: Er--really--I don’t think- MONIS[takes him by the arm and walks him away from SCENEII.--THE OFFICEAT THE HÔTELCONTINENTAL. the others] : Between ourselves, now--what is this reason ? MONIS [entering quickly] : Get my bill ready, please. CAILLAUX: My wife does not wish to be known as “ the I’m leaving. wife of the Minister of Public Works.’’ She says DIRECTOR[alarmed] : Is Monsieur not ‘satisfied? it sounds so vulgar, almost like “ public houses.” MONIS: Oh, no ! I’m moving into my official residence. MONIS : Oh, I see. Would she like you to he Minister I am Prime Minister now. of Finance, perhaps ? DIRECTOR[bowing very low] : Will Monsieur leave his CAILLAUX:I think so. rooms altogether, or shall we keep them on? MONIS: Give my kind regards to Madame Caillaux ! You agree to the Ministry of Finance, then? MONIS: What do you mean? CAILLAUX: I do not refuse. DIRECTOR[confusedly] : Nothing- I --er- You see, MONIS: I should think not ! Who would? Now, gen- Monsieur, some people, in view of a possible crisis, tlemen, the question is, who’s to be Minister of keep on their rooms. . . . We will be sorry to Foreign Affairs ? lose such a good customer as Monsieur- 1ST VOICE:I ! MONIS [thoughtfully] : N--no. I don’t think that will 2ND VOICE: I ! occur so soon. Keeping on the rooms only means 3RD VOICE : I ! CRUPPI: Gentlemen, allow me to take the post ! extra expense. Besides, you can always put me 1ST VOICE: I’ve held the post three times already. up somewhere. 2ND VOICE:And I--twice. DIRECTOR: Certainly--certainly , Monsieur le Ministre. CRUPPI: Look here, all of you, do give me a chance. Our hotel is always at your disposal. [Heroically] MONIS: Your reasons? At a pinch I could always, if necessary, give Mon- CRUPPI: I have never been Minister of Foreign Affairs. sieur the bathroom. [Enter BOOT-BOY.] MONIS: Impossible ! Not once? CRUPPI:Not once! BOOT-BOY: There are some gents asking for Monsieur. MONIS : Well then, gentlemen, you really must give in ! MONIS [to himself] : The members of my Cabinet ! And THEOTHERS : Certainly, in that case. . . . he calls them ‘‘ gents.” [Goes out.] MONIS: Monsieur Cruppi, your wishes are fulfilled. DIRECTOR[to cashier, carelessly] : Get Monsieur Monis’ You are appointed to the post. Now there are account ready. He’s got a situation ! still a few portfolios left. Let us see, what is there-“ Colonies,” “ Trade,’’ ‘‘ Agriculture ” . . SCENEIII.-MONIS’ ROOM. Oh, and here’s another-“ Labour.” Well, I MONIS [addressing a crowd of gentlemen] : Gentlemen, think you had better just distribute these among your friends. Here are the portfolios. Just pass I have summoned you to make you all Ministers. them on. The Cabinet is now complete. Here are the portfolios [undoing parcel]. I am VOICES:Can’t we celebrate the event--some cham- already engaged, and the Ministry of Justice goes pagne? to you, Monsieur Perrier. MONIS: What? If we’re going to drink champagne PERRIER: But I know nothing about the law ! every time there is a new Cabinet we’ll be ruined ! Waiter--some tea ! [Raising a MONIS : So much the better ! You will apply common [Rings.] cup. ] Gentlemen, I drink to this new page of French sense. Jurisprudence is but routine. history--as our allies say, “ Hurray! ” ! PERRIER: But- ALL : Hurray ! ! ! MONIS [interrupting] : For whom does the law exist? CURTAIN. 514

Christian Apocalypses have all been passed through The Tercentenary Celebrations of English intellects and imaginations, and the result is what we still hold to with such devotion, the revised the 1611 Bible. and corrected English Bible of 1611.” “ Critics,” he adds, “may want something more nearly accurate, but By J. Stuart Hay, M.A. the common man or woman wants nothing better.” No one denies that England is a religious nation. We The Bible is admirable both for the young and the simple minded; we prize it ourselves even though we are religious but scarcely more demonstrative than the never open it, perhaps most when we never open it, saints of Holy Writ, who (we are informed on the as it is best to leave it to the young and simple minded testimony of the Holy Spirit himself) rejoiced in their lest our faith should be disturbed, while they perforce beds without any other visible marks of the disease have nothing that can be upset or rendered sceptical. than the putting up of shutters and getting in the beer Perhaps it is to be deplored that our own knowledge over night. Some men affirm, though they stand of the War God of the Hebrews, edited and corrected amongst the fancy religions of this enlightened country, by the English geniuses who rehabilitated him in 1611 that our atmosphere is not indigenous to the soil, but for our delectation, is not what it was. Our fathers is largely the work of that bright and occidental Star, who changed the grounds of our credulity from the knew more of the uses of Urim and Thummim, of the Body Ecclesiastical to the Body Political, substituting history of Jahweh’s bloody battles with and defeats by her own for Papal Aggression and the infallibility of her the gods of neighbouring tribes than even the infants Book for that of the Foreign Ecclesiastic. Be this as in our Church Schools which we are striving so hard it may, the atmosphere is most satisfying, and there is to save from rationalism. The record of Joshua’s no true British born vulgarian who does not feel the power over the sun, of Balaam and his ass, of Samson insult which a foreigner offers to the Almighty by and his unaided slaughter of myriads of Philistines, are quitting his couch before the Sunday midday meal is no longer even to the children and simple-minded ready for consumption. what they were to the Cromwellian trooper, and it is in Undoubtedly-atmospheric conditions have changed in all probability our weak-kneed playing with the forces this kingdom of England since the death of Elizabeth of rationalism that has brought about any decadence of happy memory, and the opening of the tercentenary we may observe in our present position. Dissolving celebrations of the English Bible of 1611 calls for some views of our peculiar duty have softened our martial review of our present position. Conditions may have ardour. While God set us the example of an eye for an changed but we are still greater, greater even than eye and two teeth for an insult, we too were lusty and under our Tudor Monarchs; and for at least a couple strong; when he showed pusillanimity we followed in of centuries we have been inclined to ascribe our suc- his footsteps ; Jephtha and his daughter showed God’s cessful policy of push to two forces, Beer and the lust for blood, but Jacob and Esau introduced strategy Bible of 1611, in whose honour we are now raising into the armoury of the most high, and the musings shouts of praise. of apostolic men having turned ideas of futurity from a Naturally in the genera1 upheaval of all well-estab- consolation into a dilemma, have left the inquirer with lished traditions during the latter part of the nineteenth somewhat ragged views on the authority of Him who century, there have not been wanting men who have provides for or generally neglects our maintenance. attacked these origins of England’s greatness. Critics, Still the evil must be taken along with the good. agile minded and intense, have attacked the veracity Men have the right and power to search and discuss of the sacred text as issued by the British and Foreign the Scriptures for themselves, and it is the fault of the Bible Society; some have even cast aspersions on the editors, abridgers, and correctors of our precious text if morality and usefulness of Jonah and his whale, Joseph aught of harm remains. We can read, mark, and learn and Potiphar’s wife, the friendship of David and Jona- the truths and consolations of Ahab and Jezebel, along than, and the blessed privileges of Solomon and his with those of Joseph and Mary; and even if we are wives, not to mention Noah and his daughters, incapable of understanding Romans or the Apocalypse, Paul and his philosophy. Temperance reformers we will never admit the imputation and probably derive have also been sapping our foundations, and considerable advantage from their perusal, mainly as the perfervid denunciations and addresses have been promoters of the exhibition at present on view in the given throughout the length and breadth of this British Museum are emphasising, on account of the Christian land against the prime cause of our greatness; careful editing of the text and stories by the intellects nevertheless, and despite all efforts, our customs remain and imaginations of the men of 1611. Rome has unchanged, every stolid-minded Briton stands shoulder edited, and we have reviled her; Luther did the same, to shoulder with every other stolid Briton to resist but we never trouble to read him; and so did the Post aggression whether continental, teetotal, or intel- Nicene fathers when they burnt some forty-six extra lectual. .Discrepancies in the inspired text of our High gospels with whose trend and phraseology they did not and Mighty King James leave us cold and apathetic, agree (if we can accept the history of the Second Council while the drink bills and magistrates’ courts at the of Carthage as authentic). beginning of the week leave no doubt as to England’s It has always been necessary to provide an authentic devotion to the customs and traditions which our faith for a country, and to do this ecclesiastical authori- fathers have taught us. ties have provided sacred and infallible books; regard- We are proud of ourselves as a nation and proud of ing as their special privilege the right to eliminate works our Bible as a piece of literature, perhaps most proud which might lend countenance to propositions other than of the fact that the God therein expressed is our sole those set forward by present authority. The result has and unique possession, possibly because no one else been lamentably jejune, and poor, washy traditions and has ever made a higher bid for his peculiar patronage, amazing fabrications backed up by pointless miracles since Titus destroyed Jerusalem and Hadrian domi- is the general result. Fortunately for us, Elizabeth nated the gates of that city with the images of swine ; Tudor took upon herself to interpret the mind of God pigs .with scornful snouts, the feet turned inwards, for our edification, and the result is what we admire the tail twisted like a lie. for its language and virility even though we deplore The Rev. Canon Cheyne, late Oxford Professor of the few anomalies and discrepancies which still remain. Interpretation, has struck just the right note of our pride Be it remembered that the men of 1611were, after all, in his valedictory letter to the organisers of the present only human, and that, as Professor Cheyne says, some- congress of jubilation. He says, “that, in the educa- what trenchantly, these slight mistakes will never be tion of the young, the Bible as handed down to us by noticed either by children or the simple minded, while the men of 1611 is of priceless value. The old Hebrew to eliminate them now would be to impugn and weaken stories, the psalms and prophecies, the musings of the the authority of what, along with the means of quench- wise men of Israel (the Apochrypha not excepted), the ing our bodily thirst, has not only made for our national traditions of the life of the Saviour, the letters of greatness but also satisfied our spiritual dipsomania Apostolic men, and the fervid dreams of Jewish and since the year of grace 1611. shut your eyes to all else, make at once for the picture Paris. you want, and stand as long as you can before it. Stand, because there is no sitting down in that place, By Ernest Radford. and the question that waits to be answered is, why soul-saving pictures should ever be painted at all unless some provision is going to be made for whole- hearted enjoyment of them? I said you should make for the picture you want : most likely a certain Dutch masterpiece in one of the 35 ((Cabinets” at the far end of the Avenue, but before you get there and back you will have suffered so much on that slippery floor as to wish you were dead, or at home again. Now I must get on to the map which Mr. Grant Allen’s publishers permit me to reproduce, permitting also the addition in dotted lines of the thoroughfares to the South which I have purposely had inserted. To the antiquary nearly all that is still interesting was within the earliest wall, c. 1190, and where there are records of circumvallation, you may consider it certain that the city or town so honoured had become an important place, as they reckoned importance then. Already at that time there was Notre Dâme in the midst of the Isle de France (little more than an Eyot of the Seine), and long before that, in the days of the island settlers, it had attracted the Romans. At Cluny, across the river, rive gauche, there had been a Roman palace, since re-established as a Museum, and probably the only tolerable road of that day was the one by which they came. This gives a special interest to the “Boul. Mich.” as the students call it, the one Roman THISis the first of the letters I promised, but though road of the Latin Quarter. Soon Paris with the wall settled here for the time, the objective will always be round it became famous as a University, and there let England, and if this should prove to be all about Paris it stay for a moment. it will be because I have to talk to the map at the head Faubourg means sub-urban, or extra-mural when of the page. As there must still be a great many there are walls, as at Rome we have S. Paolo fuori to English who don’t know in the least where they are distinguish it from the other, while names like St. when a writer who knows it by heart takes them all Germain des Prês suggest meadows or fields of course, over the place, it has been inserted at my request (a as in London we have St. Martin’s in the Fields, and book in which I felt at sea for want of the author’s help the other, and also suggest proximity to a walled city, is the “ Nightside of Paris,” which I should never have for only to tight-packed people would the difference read if it had not been lent me by a lady from England have seemed so striking between the open and the who had it from Mudies). enclosure. Boulevards, meaning literally bulwarks or So much by way of apology, and the following are ramparts (Guide-book again), no longer have the old some impressions of the three months before Christmas, meaning, and might as well be called avenues, which during most of which time I was here : not much of it can be planned according to fancy, like the very hand- spent in the commonest sort of sight seeing, but rather some new one Raspail, whereas the oldest followed in putting that off till some one less tired than myself the line of the wall as it was in the time of Louis XIII, came over to insist upon doing it all. Take for 1610-43. That was pulled down completely by his instance the Louvre, for the seeing and doing of which successor “who laid out the space that the fortifica- I was so conveniently placed that some thought I was tions had occupied in that series of broad-curved always there when I was not at home, while the fact is avenues which still bear the name of Boulevards.” that I know the surroundings of it much better than (Grant Allen) the interior, and it will most likely be always so. To return : the distinction one soon learns to draw What must somehow be done very thoroughly are the is between the time-honoured Quartier Latin of the galleries devoted entirely to the painting and sculpture University, and the haunts of the modern Art students of France, because there is not such a chance else- who with their centre on Mont Parnasse are swarm- where, whereas of the worthy old masters one can get ing all over the South, not forgetting Montmartre in almost as tired in England, or London, to put it better. the North, which now attracts a great many. I may have occasion to correct the impression as the The latter could not have made their appearance, not result of subsequent visits, but my present opinion is at least in such numbers, until the establishment of the that for lovers of simple beauty, as distinguished from École des Beaux Arts at the time of the Revolution. Art history students, so apt to be bores, and from the Reminding one of an older day, there is an atrociously mere judges of quality who are properly called connois- ill-painted portrait of Thackeray outside a little restau- seurs, there is a conspicuous lack in the Louvre of rant on the B. St. Germain with a legend thereunder single works of such beauty that they cannot be seen stating that it was his usual resort while studying at too often. If there is one such here, and it has been the art school. There is no reason to doubt the story, overlooked, may not the reason be in the fact that that because the Paris that Thackeray knew was nothing which with cruel correctness is called the (‘Long like so big as the present one. The “Thirion ” as it is Gallery” is so much more than commonly long that the called is within five minutes walk of the school. He guides give the length of it as more than a third of a probably had not much choice in the matter (one cannot mile, and there is hardly a seat in the place? In some imagine him in a “Crèmerie ”) and he probably did of the Metro Stations the seats are the length of the fairly well. platforms, and if for the comfort of visitors there were Older than Notre Dâme a great deal is the Roman- some such arrangement here, then instead of hearing esque Church of the monastery, St. Germain des Prés, from so and so that he had seen it, or “done ” it, we which is ugly enough in its present state but still with should be hearing about his enjoyment. its story to tell, for it gave its name to the Faubourg, One who will never forget it tells me that a craving and this, says Grant Allen, is still regarded “as the for roller-skates was all he was conscious of after distinctively aristocratic quarter of Paris. . . . while skidding from picture to picture along the walls of that the district around the Champs d’Elysée is plutocratic -awful gallery, and his experience is not unique, for the rather than noble,”-as we should use the word. majority share my opinion that once is enough for the Commencing by attempting to separate the students Louvre, unless indeed, as my custom is, you decide to of art from the others, I have hardly left any space in 516

which I could deal with them. Suffice it to say that there is nothing more modern in Paris than the district Shaw and the Medical they cover at present, or of less interest except to them- selves, yet I can imagine nothing much jollier than the Profession. lives which they seem to lead, and it might be good Alfred Randall. to be young again. By E. Seeing that Paris cannot be more than a third of the MR. SHAWis not a reformer. His business is that of size of London, it should be so much less of a Hell- “showing us up,” as his fugleman declares in the upon-earth than our capital, but be that as it may, current number of “The Forum.” A reformer would what we have mostly to think of is how to get to a have done something in his lifetime, if only by alliance given point with the least possible trouble, and one of and organisation. Of him it would be said, as Carlyle the autumn happenings was the opening of the new said of a trio in his “French Revolution ” : “What- Metropolitan line (Nord-Sud), by means of which the soever these three have in hand, Duport thinks it, Parnassians can get without any change or trouble Barnave speaks it, Lameth does it.” But Mr. Shaw’s from their side to the Madeleine, where one is near to limit is talking, and he reached that at the end of “Man most of the dealers, and in the centre of fashion. It and Superman.” And his talk is strangely reminiscent would be as well for anyone who is looking for rooms of showman’s patter. If his plays deal only with to bear this in mind, for from this point of view, the freaks of nature and social diseases, his prefaces are change it has made is all to the good, and immense. simply the showman’s cry : “Walk up, walk up, and Another of the said happenings was the great Rail- see the horrors discovered by humanitarians. ” He way strike of which more may be said hereafter, and once declared that he was “a crow who had followed another the opening of the Autumn Salon, a special many ploughs,” with his eyes alert for the worms ; but feature of which was the Post-Impressionist work, the comparison, tempting as it is, is not exact. He most of which you have seen in London. I think it is the showman of our sorrows, the Barnum of oui- was Birrell who said that the “last word” on a given biological survivals ; for he does nothing but exhibit subject is generally so described because it happens them. But as the showman’s freaks are not above to be the “best,” and the reader is hereby reminded suspicion of being frauds, and are never as interesting that the most modest of their correspondents has said as his descriptions of them, so Mr. Shaw’s horrors are nothing about it yet. not really so horrible as he pretends. “The Doctor’s As much as the ordinary visitor could want to know Dilemma ” is not half as bad as the preface to it ; and of this district is, roughly speaking, within the lines Mr. Shaw makes so many qualifications that we may of the Boulevards Michel, Parnasse, Raspail, and St. well doubt whether the medical profession is as danger- Germain, but that it is no part of the Paris of the ous as the showman has said. “They that be whole Bourgeoisie he will very quickly discover, for a street need not a physician, but they that are sick,” said one- of shops like the Rue de Rennes on the map might who has not been superseded by Mr. Shaw; and the be transplanted to Brixton without the change being problem, if problem there be, is at once limited to a noticed much, and there is much of the slummiest Paris minority of the people. So we need not be too much on this side of the water still, with the Rue de Seine in afraid when we find Mr. Shaw saying : “It is not the its midst, but it remains to be said after all that the fault of our doctors that the medical service of the true Paris is not the visitors’ Paris, nor the present- community, as at present provided for, is a murderous day students’ Paris, but the one with its soul-centre in absurdity.” We know that a man with something the Place de la Bastille, and it depends on the mood important to tell will not waste his energy in violent of the moment whether you view it with hope or adjectives ; that St. Mark, with a miracle to recount, despair. With pleasure you cannot possibly, and if I will satisfy himself by saying that the woman “had was glad to be here at the time, it certainly was not suffered many things of many physicians.” A murder- because the conditions of life for those who should ous absurdity that is not to be preferred against its be our care seem better. If you want a sharp enough practitioners as an offence is obviously not a serious contrast, come over, and do the two miles of nothing matter. It is only the showman’s cry : “Walk this but shops on the almost straight line of the Rue de way, ladies and gentlemen, and pay at the box.” Rivoli, and St. Antoine which is one of the oldest and I cannot, in a short article, deal with the questions busiest, and continue the former to the Bastille. Tell raised by Mr. Shaw in his g4-page preface. I can the friends who ask you where I am quartered that I only deal with his argument and his remedy ; and offer think I could not be much better off than I am in this an occasional illustration of his method. He declares side-street close to the river, unless at the same modest that the medical service of the community is a price I were offered a room overlooking the Tuileries. murderous absurdity because the medical profession Does not order in architecture make for peace like has a pecuniary interest in illness. “I cannot,” he the stars above, and is it not good to be near the great says, “knock my shins severely without forcing on river which the beginnings of Paris, and yet keeps some surgeon the difficult question, ‘ Could I not saw make a better use of a pocketful of guineas than this no account of the time, while we who say we could man is making of his leg? Could he not write as well watch it “for ever ” may be dead by to-morrow morn? -or even better--on one leg than on two? And the “Come live with me, and be my love, guineas would make all the difference in the world to And we will all the pleasures prove:” me just now. My wife-my pretty ones-it is always Of pacing unfrequented ways, safer to operate-he will be well in a fortnight- As in those well-remembered days. artificial legs are now so well made that they are really Tall screening houses either side, better than natural ones--evolution is towards motors There’s one I pace at eventide, and leglessness, etc.’ ” This, of course, is only Mr. Where still adown the silent street Shaw’s joking ; just as the statement on p. 22, “when I hear the music of thy feet. the patients recover (and they mostly do) the doctor * * * * gets the credit of curing them,” is probably only his A sudden turn, a night of nights, seriousness. For a murderous absurdity that does not A mile-long avenue of lights, murder is absurd in inverse ratio to its harmlessness ; And lo, beneath the stars again and Mr. Shaw will have it that the practice of medicine Two silent watchers of the Seine. and surgery for private profit is absurd. The adjective I may add, as this is a descriptive letter, that these “murderous ” must be deleted : the freak has lost his lines came of last night’s walk along University Street look of ferocity. (which all lovers of Paris should know) and back by the On the other hand, Mr. Shaw will have it that the waterside after a long pause on one of the bridges. Medical Officers of Health are the practical alternative My singular fondness for maps is >he sole cause of to doctors and surgeons. “Every year sees an increase the length of this letter, and I hereby solemly promise in the number of persons employed in the Public Health never to post one from Paris of more than half of its Service, who would formerly have been employed in length again. the Private Illness Service. To put it another way, a 517 host of men and women who have now a strung incen- science that is not yet known, we must be more doubt- tive to be mischievous and even murderous rogues will ful of the ethical improvement implied by the change.. have a much stronger, because a much honester, incen- “The Medical Officer of Health,” says Mr. Shaw on tive to be not only good citizens but active benefactors p. 77, “will no doubt for a long time to come have to to the community. And they will have no anxiety preach to fools according to their folly, promising whatever about their incomes.” This may be very miracles, and threatening hideous personal conse- true, but I cannot resist the retort that Mr. Shaw’s quences of neglect of by-laws and the like. . . . To approval will no more hasten the process than the trick a heathen into being a dutiful Christian is no poet’s adjuration to the sun to “Roll on” accelerates worse than to trick a whitewasher into trusting him- the speed of that luminary. But there are obviously self in a room where a small-pox patient has lain, by limits to the effectiveness of the Public Health Service. pretending to exorcise the disease with burning It can only deal with socially preventible disease ; it can sulphur. ” only increase the chances of health and diminish the Mr. Shaw has shown us that the doctor’s pecuniary probability of sickness. To what extent, is a matter for interest in sickness makes him unscientific, untruthful, experts ; but Mr. Shaw’s ideal Medical Officer of and a danger to the community. He has shown us Health will be able to “prove that he has utterly ruined that the Medical Officer’s pecuniary interest in our every sort of medical private practice in a large city health does, at present, result in the same delinquencies. except obstetrics and the surgery of accidents. ” Rut Let us approach Mr. Shaw’s stronghold, the people; at this point, Mr. Shaw’s ability as a pleader has dignified in this case by the title of The Laity. “In deserted him. the main, then, the doctor learns that if he gets ahead Two years ago! he delivered as a lecture to the of the superstitions of his patients he is a ruined man ; Medico-Legal Society what is here published as the and the result is that he instinctively takes care not to preface to “The Doctor’s Dilemma.” He began by get ahead of them. That is why all the changes come saying that he was born in 1856, three years before the from the laity.” I turn back a few pages, and I find publication of the “ Origin of Species ” ; and, therefore, this passage. “Thus it was really the public and not belonged to a generation which hoped more from the medical profession that took up vaccination with science than any generation ever hoped before. In irresistible faith, sweeping the- invention out of Jenner’s this preface, as in that lecture, his objection to doctor- hands and establishing it in a form which he himself ing is that it is not a science : “doctoring is the art of repudiated. ” The public interest in prophylaxis offers curing illnesses. ” Therefore, the practice of medicine no propect of a successful issue from our difficulty. must be mischievous and perhaps murderous ; nothing that the doctor achieves by what Mr. Shaw calls What are we to do? Read Mr. Shaw’s books : that is all. His admirer says in “The Forum ” : “magical ” means can be of use. His alternative, then, is presumably a science. But with what a shock He has the rare attribute of temper which is the crowning do we discover that the science is no more exact than mark of the up-to-date salesman-an imperturbability which the art ; is not, indeed, a science at the present time. will not be disturbed and which will never recognise an insult. He is so anxious for our welfare that he cannot I quote the whole passage. afford to feel insulted by our reception of him. And he is When the Local Health Authority press every householder so convinced of the value of the article he has to sell that to have his sanitary arrangements thought about and even when he does feel the injustice we are meting out to attended to by somebody whose special business it is to him, he comes up smiling the next day hoping to find us in attend to such things, then it matters not how erroneous or a better mood. Mr. Shaw has undoubtedly learned the pro- even directly mischievous may be the specific measures found wisdom of the maxim of the Gentlemen of the Road: taken: the net result at first is sure to be an improvement. If a customer insult you, the best way to get back on him is Not until attention has been effectually substituted for to sell him a bill of goods. neglect as the general rule, will the statistics begin to show the merits of the particular methods of attention adopted. This is eulogy ; and so far as the preface to “The And as we are far from having arrived at this stage, being Doctor’s Dilemma ” is concerned, it is not deserved. as to health legislation only at the beginning of things, we For the value of the article is doubtful, and the goods have practically no evidence yet as to the value of methods. are not delivered. We are asked to believe that the Simple and obvious as this is, nobody seems as yet to dis- medical profession is a murderous absurdity : that count the effect of substituting attention for neglect in surgeons mutilate and doctors poison unnecessarily drawing conclusions from health statistics. Everything is put to the credit of the particular method employed, because they are paid for it. But we are further told although it may quite possibly be raising the death-rate by that very few people can afford to pay for these five per thousand, whilst the attention incidental to it is luxuries, and have to content themselves with cheap reducing the death rate fifteen per thousand. The net gain cures ; which Mr. Shaw detests as much as Zola of ten per thousand is credited to the method, and made detested the miraculous cures at Lourdes, and for the the excuse for enforcing more of it. same reason, that they are not scientific. Thedanger, The difference between the practice of the art and if danger there be, is in those quarters where the most the application of the science is apparent. You cannot skilled men are engaged, where the most scientific tell how many patients the doctors cure, nor how many methods are employed ; which reduces Mr. Shaw’s healthy people the Medical Officers of Health kill. scare to absurdity. As for his alternative, as I said We have reached an impasse. We have to choose, before, the Medical Officers of Health will do their best it seems, between a set of men who do not know their to increase the health of the people ; although they may business and another set who have not learnt it. We not thank Mr. Shaw for his peculiar praise of their have as a guide only Mr. Shaw’s asseveration of the science. And because people do not go to a doctor value of attention. Apart from the fact that attention unless they are ill, private medical practice will auto- to health is likely to become a morbid fear of disease, matically decline as the general health increases. There to be the first symptom of maladie imaginaire, Mr. is, of course, the maladie imaginaire ; but as Dr. Shaw contradicts this by his conclusion : “ Use your Hunter said : “If a man is so ill as to believe that he health, even to the point of wearing it out. That is is ill when he is not ill, then he must be very ill indeed.” what it is for. Spend all you have before you die; and That is a case for a psychologist; and psychology is do not outlive yourself.” Try this for a little while, not a science yet, and therefore very interesting. But and you will be, not at death’s door, but in the hands we cannot hope, even by the most improved sanitation, of a doctor, suffering from a temporary breakdown. by the most effective prevention of infection, to elimi- The preface to “The Doctor’s Dilemma ” offers us nate all nervous and digestive troubles, insanity, nothing but dilemmas. Here is another. Arguing diseases of the skin and blood, and so on. There is against the vivisectors on p. 56 of this preface, Mr. work for our much maligned medical profession with Shaw says : “ But when the witnesses begin by alleging its cheap cures ; for the Medical Officer of Health gives that in the cause of science all the customary ethical no bottles, as Mr. Shaw told the doctors two years ago. obligations (which include the obligation to tell the And as Mr. Shaw believes so strongly in the vis medi- truth) are suspended, what weight can any reasonable catrix naturae, it may be worth while quoting in this person give to their testimony ?” But if we are connection Sir William Gull, whom Mr. Shaw mentions dubious of the immediate practical advantages of a in this preface with something like respect. Huxley 518 had been talking to him about the same thing, and Sir the stuffed chignons of sentimental love; it hangs on William replied : “Stuff ! Nine times out of ten nature the false moustaches of quick-lunch divorce, on the does not want to cure the man : she wants to put him impertinent top-knots of petulant courtship, on in his coffin.” Mr. Shaw, I imagine, would cheerfully impossible pigmies in tattered pyjamas, on elephantine assist Nature, if the English people would let him. But freaks in harem skirts, on grass-widows and truculent their temper is very conservative, and it was admirably boors, on hayseed-suitors and heiresses without expressed in a phrase by Mr. Fuller a century ago in fortuses, on minxes who hold the boudoir mirror up the House of Commons : “If you do not like the to nature for the moralists to grin at, who hold on to country, damn you, you can leave it.” Mr. Shaw life by the flounces of lucky chance, who end by remains to “show us up.” To our rule of thumb flinging the chemisettes of decorum in the teeth of methods he will oppose his “ science ”; and as he told society jackals and inviting the financial lions to take the doctors two years ago, “Science has not lived up supper with the frisky lambs. to the hopes we formed of it in the 1860’s.’’ Still the *** old drum may be beaten, and the old pipes sounded ; and Mr. Shaw invite us into his Hall of Science to see “ I don’t mind doing the smiling stunt during part his bottled freaks and preserved monsters through the of the day,” said a woman to me, “ but when evening magnifying glass of his imagination. And civilisation comes I feel like getting out of the straight jacket. will increase by the work of others ; of those who toil When I have smiled for about six hours I begin to and sweat to bring the land under culture. feel as if I were one of them mummies in the museum that has had its nose tickled with a feather for about two thousand years, but I can’t laugh because of the An Englishman in America. bandages. Now, when evening comes I want to break loose and sit in a theatre and laugh till my ribs ache. By Juvenal. All the girls I know feel just like I do. We want to forget hustling for about three hours every evening. ” IHAVE already alluded to the smiling mania in New The smiling mania is first cousin to the laughing craze. York, but the smile is mostly for the street, the tram, Added to this the New Yorkers have been nipped the shop. It is intended to be worn with the picture by love, entrapped by sentiment, lassoed by romance, hat, and to go on or off at will. Not so with the their necks chafed by the yoke of espousals, until they laugh. This is to be heard at some thirty New York prefer the freaks of punchinello to the punctilious poses theatres, and the leading dramatic critic declares that of marital bondage. The women flock in crowds to New York is smitten with a laughing craze. I believe the farce to see the men as others see them and to see the reason is to be found in the fact that New York themselves as they would like to be seen, in the midst is a city of born gamblers. There is no person so of hilarious comedy, at the moment when the man Is hen- prone to melancholy as the gambler, and the gambler pecked and the whole barnyard of matrimony cackles must have plenty of distraction. He must escape from with the triumphant squawks of a Shanghai who has the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Only forgotten her chickens amidst so many hens with spurs. too willing to slap the other fellow with a sling and a *** pebble, there is nothing he hates so much as slings and pebbles for himself. He would be the slayer of a As for the New York man, he prefers leg-drama to fresh Goliath every day. But there are more Goliaths laughter. He considers it the real thing. The women than Davids, and so the gamblers are in despair, and listen and laugh, the men like to look first and laugh they must laugh or they must languish and become later. For them the leg-shows form a pivot on which lunactics. the play of words and the play of action always turn. *** What they much like to see is not Macbeth killed, but The gambling world of New York may be divided Lady Macbeth in kilts. ‘‘ Puss in Tights ” would be into money gamblers, social gamblers, and marriage more entertaining than “ Puss in Boots. ” gamblers. This makes the gambling mania practically *** universal. Many society women in America have divorced three husbands, and hope to marry a fourth. Anyhow, for better or for worse, for one reason or A social leader who has only divorced two husbands for several reasons, the New York comedy theatres creates no scandal; the thing is too common. But it and music-halls are filled to overflowing, and seats is the New York women who laugh the loudest, the have to be secured well in advance. Is the laughing longest, and the last, and not always the saddest. I craze the beginning of an awful end? Or is it the fear the sardonic laughter comes mostly from the men. ending of a horrid beginning? During the Terror the The marriage gamble frequently ruins the man in pocket theatres of Paris were crowded, not with howling mobs, as well as in nerves, but it rarely ruins the woman. but with crowds of hoarse laughers whose motto was: Women in this city laugh to keep from crying, never “ Eat, drink, and be merry, for to-morrow we die.” do they weep to keep from dying. In order to test In spite of the great number of suicides, all these the matter for myself I visited three theatres in the laughing crowds have no idea of dying on the morrow. space of a couple of hours, and sampled the mirth- Their aim in life is to imitate the rich and have a provoking moments as they came. I heard all sorts “ good time.” The chronic optimism of the people is of laughter, from a high falsetto to a basso profundo, amazing. with a sort of hyppic cough between the two extremes, *** and amidst the universal uproar I was able to dis- tinguish three kinds of smiles and two kinds of grins. At the comic theatres cosmopolitanism runs riot. It The giggles came mostly from the young geese in the is impossible for an English actor who has not visited gallery, the grins were worn by old ganders in the New York to imagine what a (‘protean” actor is parquette. It was the difference between pin-feathers expected to do; he must enact in succession the role and quills or spring chickens and coxcombs. It would of the now classical “ Ah Sin,” with his meek face and be foolish to expect laughter from a New York club- dangling pig-tail, the Cork brogue and the Tammany man. He might be taken for a visitor from Kankakee scowl, the fierce gaze of a military Prussian, the or a domestic kangaroo from Queensland, and his one decadent airs of a Parisian dandy, all the nice inflec- aim in life is to look and act like a Londoner. But tions and side-splitting expressions of all the lingos the New York clubman often smiles like a galvanised to be heard in the Babel of New York, from Sicily to corpse, or grins like a monkey walking the tight-rope Russia, and from London to Bombay. The cosmo- of conflicting sensations, with one eye on the rope and politan populace get all they want and more at the the other on the training master. theatres and music-halls; the American-Germans and *** the Irish-Americans find themselves at home at any of the funny houses on Broadway. At some of the To what does all this laughter hang? It hangs like theatres Germans predominate, at others Irish, and at a Damascus sword to the fine hairs of matrimony, to others Russian Jews. 519

And how does the laughing craze affect the Yiddish people and the Yiddish theatres? The Russian and Books and Persons. Polish Jews of New York have many theatres of their own, and the farce is as familiar with them as it is By Jacob Tonson. at the up-town places of amusement on Broadway. In the Yiddish jargon the actors can say what they THE plaintive appeal issued “ to parents and school- please, and sometimes the American New Yorker masters,” last week, to do their utmost to prevent the comes in for sarcastic wit and mordant humour. circulation of “ impure fiction ” has fallen exceedingly *** flat. Although it was signed by earls, marchionesses, baronets, M.P. ’s, professors, and various headmasters There is something in the atmosphere of New York of public schools, it was not signed by a single person that makes all these Russians, Poles, Bohemians, and whose name carries the least weight in literature. Even Germans feel like Americans, no matter what lingo Mrs. Humphry Ward did not sign it. Even the Hon. they speak. When they are here six months they F. W. D. Smith did not sign it. With its silly cry for begin to speak out what they think, and when they a censorship of books “ unfit for perusal by any modest have been here two or three years they begin to act girl or right-minded lad ” (oh, consecrated phrase !) what they feel. All these foreigners have not only and so on, it merited nothing but a bland neglect, and theatres of their own, but clubs of their own. In the this it appears to have had. Papers such as the mad search for originality they soon stumble into the “ Westminster Gazette ” and the “ Manchester Guar- rut of eccentricity just like the Simon Pure Americans, dian ” ignored it completely. The entire composition for anything is better than to live a life of smooth and regular existence. New York is certainly afflicted with was fatuous. The signatories ought at least to have the club mania along with so many other manias. named a few specimens of the ‘‘ abominable literature ” *** (“ novels issued by publishers of repute ”), which, ac- cording to them, is producing an evil “ impossible to There was a Suicide Club and a Thirteen Club. The over-estimate. ” But, though august, the signatories ‘Suicide Club, of course, meant business from the word lack the first quality of reformers-courage. I shall “Go ”! But the Thirteen Club was different. In therefore contemplate with calm the formation of their that club a man had time to look about him before projected association for “ raising the moral tone of being swished off by the thirteen superstition. That the country.” is, you could take your time in dying, at least the *** superstition was supposed to let you do that much. ‘One of the members confessed to me how the thing I should be infinitely obliged, and somewhat en- worked. lightened, if one or two of the signatories-for example, *** the wife of the Primate-would come forward and give the names of three recent novels which she has herself “ You see,” he said, “ when a man joins a club like read and which she considers ought to have been that he is kept up at first by the spirit! of bluff that censored. goes with that sort of thing. Most members are *** scared, but the correct thing is to grin and bear it. ‘The more scared you are the lighter your jokes and Apart from this singular communication to the Press, the more indifferent you must appear. This sort of the censorship question has not lately been very pro- thing goes on for a year or so, but after that you minent in England. In Scotland, however, they keep begin to feel the weight of so mulch bluff and bunkum. the ball rolling. Not long since the Edinburgh Public One day you come home with a bad cold and your Library ceased to take the “ English Review.’’ A lady wife is scared half to death; she says nothing, but you who enquired for it was informed that the “ English know what she would like to say if she dared. She Review ” had been classed as ‘ ‘ pernicious literature. ” would like to say, ‘ This time the plagued number is That a monthly so enlightened and courageous as the getting its work in,’ and she is too frightened to eat, “ English Review ” should meet with determined talk, or deep. You get over your cold, and some opposition from the massed stupidity of this island was months later your business goes wrong and you lose to be expected; and opposition has, in fact, not been a lot of money. You look worried, and your wife lacking from people whose interest in opposing was thinks to herself, ‘ That number thirteen will get him unquestionably financial. But that the public library now by worrying him to death, and it’s all one how of a metropolis should rule out the finest review printed death comes-whether you die by breaking your neck in the English language was exquisitely ridiculous. A or die of a broken heart.” *** large number of Edinburgh readers evidently thought so, and the protests were such that the “ English ‘‘ You see,” he went on, “ the game of bluff always Review ” has been reinstated. So much to the good! comes back on a man if you keep it up for long, and I have reason to believe that during the last year the the thirteen bluff ended in creating a lot of super- circulation of the “ English Review ” has very notably stition that did not exist in the bag-lining. I was increased. never a superstitious person, but after the second year *** îhe number thirteen got hold of my nerves. If you happened to get an attack of tic-doloureux, lumbago, I hear that Messrs. Dent are going to issue an en- or liver trouble it got on the nerves, and the least pain tirely new English translation, in verse, of the Divine made you wonder what it was going to turn into. Comedy. It is the work of Dr. C. E. Wheeler, who Then, when Friday happened on the 13th, a lot of the has been engaged on it for many years. Dr. Wheeler members were scared so bad that they laughed them- is a pillar of the Stage Society, and the author of a selves into hysterics trying to play the game right small book relating to the ever-burning question of through like red-skin braves. But it wasn’t any good. homeopathy. But of his activity in pure letters I know New Yorkers, as a general rule, love the racket of nothing that is published except a contribution to “ The living too much to laugh at death, and the fellows that Open Window.” “ The Open Window,” by the way, want to die suicide right off. No, we are great at has just completed its first volume. I did not conceal blustering, but just as soon as others begin to see my dissatisfaction with the first number. The sixth is through the game, the game is up.” much better, though the tone still suffers from an *** excess of correctness. In the sixth is a brief but No doubt New York is the centre of eccentric people admirably veracious trifle by Frank Swinnerton. I and eccentric clubs for all America, if not for the whole only know Mr. Swinnerton as the author of “ The world. Thirty years ago New Yorkers did original Young Idea ” (Chatto and Windus), which I read a few things, now the mania for eccentricity rules society weeks ago. This novel will not be fully appreciated by from the highest to the lowest circles, and to shout, the ordinary intelligent reader, for artistic reasons laugh, and do strange things seem the most natural which Icannot pause to explain. I had read a hundred things to do. pages of it before I began to perceive that I was read- 520

ing an author who, if he develops normally, will be in because he needs a dark-room. The cold light of in- due season a novelist of quite the first rank. I mean tellect can, for its possessor, destroy the everlasting the rank, for example, of Henry James. The man can truth of a great poem. But clearly this is a wrong use not only write-I say “ write ”--he can observe and he of a most valuable tool. Intellect, in spite of the can construct. ephemeral progress, in the form of motor-cars and *** electric light, to which it has led us, is really the brake A book well worth reading on the subject of nine- on the car of evolution, and it is the fact that we mistake it for the engine which has led to so much teenth century English literature and Art is “ Etudes wrong thinking. It is as important as is the engine; Anglaises ” (Grasset, 3frs. 50c.), by Raymond Laurent. There are five essays in it, of which the prin- in fact, at the present epoch it is perhaps more im- cipal deal with Walter Pater and Oscar Wilde. I de- portant. It is mind which can arrest man on the never- scribed recently a history of modern French literature ending slope of the “ way out ” and give him a chance by a young man of twenty-two. Raymond Laurent which he would otherwise not have had of starting the died at the age of twenty-one. Such precocity silences climb up the “ homeward ” road. The acme of intel- comment. lect is absolute stagnation. It is, as it were, a firm *** point on which man may stand €or the somersault which will put him right way up in the universe. The other day, in Paris, I sat by the bedside of a The reason that the universe interlocks as it does suffering but still talkative and very beautiful American is that it is a manifestation of It, and as such it is actress, and from her conversation I learnt, to my impossible that there can be any part out of keeping astonishment and delight, that authors are much more with another. But all the universe that we know is important people in New York than they are in London. only the shell, or earthly body, and “alI” means not As a supreme proof of this, she told me that when the only the physical world but also mind, etc. This is late Clyde Fitch drove out in New York it was like a one great point of difference between Eastern and royal progress. So much so, that one day, perceiving Western metaphysics, and I think underlies the Frohman in the distance and desiring to have a speech philosophy of Bergson. In the West we make the pair with him, Clyde Fitch whistled, and-said the actress of opposites mind and matter. In the East the pair are in a tone of awe-“ Frohman actually came.” Such spirit and matter, of which latter mind is only a more a thing could not happen in London, and I regret it. “ refined ” condition. But I live in hope. Before I die I really should like to We exist in the Shape of Vishnu, in the layer of know that Mr. Charles McEvoy had whistled for Mr. interplay between Breath and the Waters. From one George Alexander, and that Mr. George Alexander had point of view what we call “evil ” is when the Waters actually come. prevail, but were it not for this kind of evil there would be no manifestation. There are other things which we call “evil,” for evil is a word of many values like the rest, and one of these is merely our own ignor- Theology.--IX. ance of the meaning of our surroundings, and hence By Oxon. our incapacity to escape the wheels of fate. Just as M. B. we do not ‘‘ go for to hurt ” our finger, as the country SOME wise man of modern times said, and deserves folk put it, but rather our finger is not clever enough much thanks for it, that not a dead leaf falls to get out of the way without a great deal of practice, from a tree but the whole universe lias to re- so it is with the misfortunes of man. The idea of a adjust its equilibrium. That was just the ancient Creator as pictured by Fitzgerald in his pessimistic conception, but it was not restricted only to the moments is senseless. That the whole universe may universe of matter and the equilibrium of gravity. be a huge joke is quite another thing. It is hard to see how, where we have such a Man, too, has his universe of body and soul, past, stupendous diagram before us as is the Solidarity of present, and future. This is a difficult idea for those the Physical Universe, we can dare to break the to grasp who are only accustomed to Western think- Greater Universe into fragments and assert that the ing, but I will try to explain it. If we really believe solidarity which exists in a part does not exist in the that action and reaction are equal and opposite, it is whole, that mind and matter follow different laws. clear that when, for example, we eat food the action It does not follow that because we figure light as pro- is not only that the food nourishes us, we also make pagated by waves in ether, thought is also propagated our imprint on the food. Not an atom which has been by waves in some other stuff, for, after all, our figure in our body but bears our image on it when it leaves as far as realities are concerned, as distinguished from as surely as any coin from the mint. Our portrait may appearances is only a pure assumption. But when we be smiling, frowning, or leering, but for what it is it find such a basal fact as that action and reaction are goes out to circulate in the worlds, carrying with it equal, true wherever we can observe it outside us, and good or bad luck to all who use it. There is no also indispensable to our thinking, as we can observe it spatial limitation to this idea, of course, and its com- “ inside ” us, it seems strange that we can assume plexity is no proof of its untruth. It is a fact which discontinuity and irrationality in all that we cannot see anyone who will take the trouble to read about what and observe. Even if this absurdity is sometimes corn- is called Psychometry can hardly doubt, in addition to mented on, such comment is always regarded as being which it is hard to conceive that it can be otherwise. poetical, figurative, “ unreal,” or in some way suspect, This is at the bottom of the savage’s fear of being whereas the whole of our nature, freed from our intel- photographed, and why he buries his nail parings. The lect, insists that it is very real. Any proofs which idea applies not only to the world of “ matter ” but to may be brought against this view of continuity are the worlds of thought and emotion as well. It is entirely unconvincing, or if not unconvincing yet cer- a very appalling idea, and one may well be excused tainly inconclusive, and must always remain so, as for trying to shut one’s eyes to such a responsibility, they are at best proofs of a negative proposition. To but it seems very probable that much as the sun sheds take an analogy, we can show that, apparently, his rays on the worlds for the stimulation and evolution matter does not cause movement in the ether by friction, of “organic life,” so man sheds his rays on “dead but this clearly does not disprove the very obvious fact matter” for the stimulation and evolution of its life-- that the “ grip ” between ether and matter is suffi- that man comes as the Saviour of matter. ciently close and strong for a magnet to hold up many The universe of western science is as yet only a hundredweights. Our knowledge of the “ laws of schematic universe and as long as this is recognised, nature,” apart from the few of which we have tabulated well and good. The Eastern’s universe makes our certain aspects, is SO infinitesimal that we have no brain reel, but there is no need that it should, for there better right to call a “ materialising ” medium an im- is no need to bother our brain with it at all. Except postor because he can only produce his results in a dim for special purposes there is no need to have an light than we have to call a photographer an impostor intellectual knowledge of things, what we really want 521 is to be able to ken them all directly. The universe as their soil are closely connected, they are both remnants we now know it is a universe of illusion because we of Arthur’s kingdom of Lyonesse. are contacting shapes with shapes. The rather in- The Socialist State is not to be produced by political sufficient data thus acquired we proceed to hand over methods any more than an athlete can be made by to our mind to deal with. Our mind, a cold, academic, massage. A little massage may help at the beginning, calculating person, who has never been debased by but the one thing really necessary is the Sense of direct experience of any real thing, has a good supply Solidarity. It is the old story of the “Body and its of “well founded theories” as to what experiences Members.” As long as a man believes that he is ought to be like, and the turning over of these theories separate from the rest of the universe so long must all forms the basis and the superstructure of fully nine- his calculations be wrong. I spoke just now of the tenths of our lives. The proper use of mind is to responsibility of man for the image which he struck unravel from the “mass impressions” of direct and on his atoms, and how he might well try not to accept it. timeless kennings such threads as we need, and to But whether he accepts it or not profits him nothing, weave them into a time web for our use in this space any more than disclaiming the responsibility for his act world. But mind has become the master instead of when jumping out of a tenth story window saves him the tool. from being smashed on the ground. Our Western In so far as man is a true image of cosmos, all the habit of putting matter and gravity in a separate com- events in cosmos are reproduced in him; both what partment from the rest of the universe has done a lot mind would call great events and small events, and all of harm, and the sooner that we break the partition in their true proportions, and from these man can, down, with the timely help of modern science, the when he will, unravel just so much as is to be contained better for the world. When we come to recognise within the particular point of space and the particular that “cause and effect” are quite as inevitable in the moment of time in which he happens then to be. But “other worlds” as in the world of matter we shall less except for some definite purpose there is no need often bury our head in the sand in the vain beIief that to do this. It is automatic knowledge which we want, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid will not find us. not intellectual. By introducing intellect into the path The views I have been suggesting are for the most of a reflex we greatly increase the “personal time part those of the ancients. It would be a rash thing to equation.” We should few of us have our eyes intact say that times have not changed and we with them, and if we had left them to our intellect to guard. When that no alternative roads have been opened up since, man opens his “consciousness,” but not his “thinking then. But it seems to me to be a plan of things which consciousness,” to the direct contacts he will not need at least puts fresh values on many of the well-known to “think ” what he wants to do, he will follow natur- facts, and so tends towards producing that balanced ally the push or flow of cosmos. He will have become state of mind so much belauded by Lewis Carrol In the “automatic ” in the way in which a gyroscope is auto- preface to the “Snark.” I mention this only that be- matic, and will tend naturally to those “points” in lievers in the newer religion may not think I am ignor- cosmos where the burden is heaviest and the experience ing them. Believing as I do in the solidarity of the most full, as the moving cells in our bodies do. universe, and that God makes no sudden jumps, I fancy that if we let our mind run steadily along the line which This state of things is still a long way off, but the we have had laid out for us it may bring us to a clearer first step towards realising it is to leave off doing understanding of some things which, rightly or things, “because we think we want to,” and even worse wrongly, we feel a need to understand. still “because we think we ought to.” One would As I have said before, I give no authorities. have thought that experience should have taught us by My object is not to provide readers with a new and interest- now how almost invariably we are wrong in our choice. ing subject of conversation ready cut and dried, but to We can tell pretty well what we do not want, but to suggest to anyone who is tired of trying to amuse him- find what we want by an intellectual process is rather self with everlasting Bridge that there is another and like looking for a needle in a bundle of hay. The eternal game waiting for his attention. It is the Great ancients said that nature is conquered by obedience, Game of Life in which foot, horse, chariots, and and obedience means “listening hard.” This is the elephants all take part. Its rules are very strict and idea underlying the teaching of “non-attachment ” to complicated, everyone has to learn for himself, and he acts, it is not an unpractical idea leading to stagnation, may buy his experience dearly. But it is worth it, for except in its travestied form of asceticism, but only he always has something to do, no one can refuse to another reading of the precept, “sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.” When once we can grasp that play with him, and when he begins, ever so vaguely, to see how all the other pieces are moving each at its an increase in the “fulness of life” is the only thing own gait but with only one object, the interest is very which enlarges a man-and by this I do not, of course, absorbing. He learns that it is not the square that mean engagements for every minute of the day, we makes the king, for all squares are equal, and it is the begin to see that the time spent in deciding what we should like best is time wasted. It is all equally good king who makes the square; that an elephant cannot do a footman’s work any more than he can do the and desirable, for whether we think it good or bad, it elephant’s, and that there are more ways of serving is “thinking makes it so.” These may seem to some well than by taking prisoners. The ancients called life very terrible doctrines, but I fear that they will pervert The Game, and the four “limbs” characters, or types, almost no one. may be found either in man, in the army, in the state, As with man and his body and the Universe and the or in greater complexes such as those with which Ravan Creator, so too the State is a universe or body, and played when first the game was invented. But it is when we dream of the perfect state we are really only possible to look on things thus when we believe the dreaming of that Socialism of the Cosmos which I have Universe is really One, and that the different aspects, called Solidarity, and which is so deeply bred in our scientific or other, are only the shape as kenned by bones that we can none of us really disbelieve it how- different “ organs. ” No good player curses his cards, ever hard we try. In the State we see happening all or other people’s Iuck. The only stakes are Aeternal the things I have been talking about, but there enters in life, but unless he is a gambler born he will probably be a further complication which is I think hardly recog- satisfied with the “fun of the game.” nised. We sometimes, parrot-like, use the old name *** Genius Loci, but we do not recognise what a real power he is. In towns he has got rather hidden under Whatever impression these articles may have given, the mind dirt of years; but in the open country he is I can assure the reader that the subject is really one of still very powerful. I think many must have observed, the most interesting on which we can exercise our €or instance, the extraordinary tendency to develop a wits. Ir! case any may wish to start on the search Red Indian type shown by families who have been in themselves I will mention a few books. But when once America for 3 or 4 generations, where any blood cross- one has got started, ever so little, there is no honest ing is quite out of the question. So too the Celts and book which does not answer for one some question. The advice is always true, “Listen to your enemy; it is of reproduction is strong. Their children, their many God speaking.” children, are yet feebler, less able to fend for them- For Sanskrit material books by Max Müller, H. H. selves, more weakly criminal. As if the idiot and the Wilson, Colebrooke, Monier-Williams may be men- feeble-minded were not a sufficient danger to the race tioned ; Maspero, Erman, Lanzoni, the picture- we go further in our senseless altruism, and with the books of Lepsius, Rosselini, etc., and the various trans- sweat of our brows maintain the great county asylums, lations of the “Book of the Dead ” for Egypt. Of and when the madman’s unstable mind shifts back to modern writers on these subjects there are very many, momentary sanity, set him free to beget a tainted suitable to all tastes, and ranging from Inge to the progeny. American Thought Power school. But among them The weakling, the idiot, the lunatic--the dry-rot of all there is no book to which I think we owe so much our civilisation! Night and day there rang in my ears as to the “Secret Doctrine ” of H. P. Blavatsky, with- the bitter cry of over-burdened humanity. When I out the aid of which few Western minds would have could stand it no longer, when shams and conventions found their way into the maze of Eastern thought. fell away and only a core of red-hot pity remained, I Gerald Massey must also be mentioned in connection took action. I would do what I could. The sane with things Egyptian and Christian, though his attitude were stinted that the insane might eat. The healthy of mind makes his books unacceptable to some. must deny themselves children because the imbecile had to be maintained, because the taxes were so heavy, because the criminal lunatic had to be detained at His Majesty’s pleasure in His Majesty’s asylum. The The Murderer. gardener prunes the tree that it may bear good fruit. THATwhich is right for each to do, that which is in The forester lops that he may have fine timber, and I accordance with his nature, that which he needs to have cut from the tree of life what decayed branches accomplish, he must and will. Which is why I, I could reach. For ten years I have been as a scourge Sebastian Leach, am a murderer and why also I am on the mentally deficient and the mentally unsound.. justified in my own eyes. One man cannot accomplish much, but if I have made I am a doctor, first man of my year at Edinburgh the burden of humanity one iota less heavy, it is and now in general practice. From my name I gather enough. that some ancestor must also have been an apothecary, In detail, I was responsible for the kindly snuffing a “leech,” but I know little about my forbears. One out of innumerable feeble flames. Called in to attend of them was a Jew. From him no doubt I inherit my an imbecile I would warn his parents that the illness love of humanity. People think of the Jew as a was more serious than they had thought, that he would money-grabber; they forget that Christ, he also was be unlikely to recover. Consulted with regard to a a Jew. feeble-minded child I would make it seem natural he From my one or two hospital appointments I date should grow worse instead of better. A doctor has that first kindling of pity. A doctor is at the core of ways and means at his disposal, and no one could life, he sees it in the raw, he is the father confessor of doubt my passionate interest, my anxiety to do the best amazing weaknesses, wrongs, sufferings. for my patients. The best! The best for those poor, For the last ten years I have been in London. Con- little, flawed entities --. tent with small beginnings I have now a house in Last autumn I was sent for to a man named Macan, Upper Wimpole Street, and an income commensurate who, with his wife’s assistance, kept an ironmongery with its lofty rooms, an income which takes account shop in Marylebone Fount Street. He was suffering also of its mean stairways and passages, for it is made from an attack of mania. Enquiry into the history of by healing the sick and--“ managing” the neurotic ! the case elicited the fact that he had twice been placed From the worldly point of view, therefore, I have done under restraint and had twice returned to his wife; his. well. Having money saved I might have married, return being marked on each occasion by the birth, adding another link to the long chain. I might have within the year of another child. His was a typical settled down to the doing of my plain task, an ordinary case. of unstable mentality, and Mrs. Macan being citizen, useful, adequate, acceptable. young the couple were likely to have several more- But the Jew is set apart, chosen for strange labours, tainted-children. a Moses, a Christ, a Spinoza. From the beginning I The man was given a sedative, which in due time had seen myself as one man in a crowd, and my funda- took effect, the patient dying in his sleep. I certified mental pre-occupation had been the crowd. Observa- the cause of death to be acute mania; but Macan had’ tion showed it driven by natural laws into a certain way a brother, a chemist, who had once been dispenser to of life--birth, maturity, reproduction, death ! In other a hospital. Remembering the history of his other words, I perceived that this particuIar planet had been attacks this man became suspicious and asked for a set apart as a breeding-ground. Life had been evolved post-mortem; and upon that followed the prosecution. out of matter, in order that it might produce more life. From the beginning I had looked upon my life as Why? For what purpose? Why does generation dedicated and no longer mine in any personal sense. trample on the heels of generation? Towards what Weighed in the balance against the needs of suffering shore is evolution steering us? humanity I could not hesitate. The laden crowd was. We may theorise, but only one thing is clear. The more to me than time, or money, or even reputation. old command, “Be fruitful and multiply,” has come Thus it had been when I took the risk; thus it was. ringing down the ages, the command which, based on when the end came. My counsel tried to show that man’s strongest instinct, can be so confidently uttered. Macan’s death was due to an oversight, to carelessness He will, he must obey, must obey even though obedi- in the handling of deadly drugs; but suspicion having ence brings pain to the individual, pain and sometimes been aroused, earlier deaths, deaths of idiots, imbeciles death. and the like, were enquired into, and, in the end, the A strange anomaly--pain to the individual and some- jury brought in a true bill. times death ! Yes--a true bill. I had taken life, and--though it “The whole creation groaneth and travaileth. ” Ay, was a righteous act--my life was forfeit, for that is the truly. I see the crowd as an aggregate of units each law. But mankind is less burdened, more able to of whom is carrying a burden, the burden of natural bear its burdens because I have lived, and I take that instinct. Brave, rash people, and of late they have knowledge with me. even added to their load! In ancient days the father had the right to expose any child that could not come And death, in the large sense, is only deliverance. to a healthy maturity; but now a false ideal of the To-morrow I am to be released from this cell, from this sacredness of life having arisen, all alike-the imbecile, body, from the condemnation of those whom, willy- the deformed, the diseased--are carefully kept alive. nilly, I have helped. I am to go where I shall be, at Our idiots grow up and we overtax our strength to least, a step nearer the comprehension of these support them. Our feeble-minded, our epilepts, tremendous riddles--pain--man--life. become men and women, and in them also the instinct It is my reward. D. S. 523

way that the latter will do what is wanted voluntarily A Statesman’s Mind. rather than with a grudge: let such officials have people and towns at heart, rather than the mere letter By Niccolo Machiavelli. of their duties.

(Specially translated for “The New Age “ by J. M. Kennedy.) (II) Let all such duties as those referred to above be carried out in as gentle a manner as possible, that SECTION VI. (continued)--OF JUSTICE. men may not be driven to desperate courses. (12) In order to smooth down the friction between SECTIONVIII.--OF AGRICULTURE,TRADE, ETC. litigants, the judge, having heard and properly investi- (I) We may observe that, under moderate govern- gated all the evidence, should endeavour to make the ments, those riches that arise from agriculture and the parties come to a compromise; for it is praiseworthy arts tend to increase in large proportions; for every- to act thus. one is willing to aid in this increase, and seeks to (13) Having heard the parties to a dispute, and con- acquire those things which, after having acquired them, sidered the evidence on both sides, the judge should try he will be able to enjoy. Men under such a form of to find out, in a friendly way, whether the disputants rule, vie with each other in the attention they give both to private and to public concerns, so that the could not reach a compromise agreeable to the ends of value of both ever tends to become higher. justice. This is a praiseworthy task ; but when, (2) Public safety and protection are the nerves of having used every endeavour, he finds that it is agriculture and commerce: hence a prince should impossible, let him administer justice in accordance encourage his subjects to devote themselves to their with the laws. various pursuits with the assurance that they shall be (14) It is the duty of the judge to listen with absolute unmolested. Thus men will not be afraid to increase impartiality to both sides, and then to award his verdict and ornament their possessions lest they should one in accordance with the rights or wrongs of the dispute, day be taken from them, and merchants may travel freely from place to place in the certain knowledge apart from his own personal feelings. that they will not be robbed and murdered. The prince (15) The judge must devote his best attention to both should offer rewards to those who are successful in sides of a case, giving his decision in accordance with such tasks, or who in any other way whatsoever show the dictates of honesty and reasonableness. themselves able to increase the power and prestige (16) When writing or speaking to a judge to ask for of their city and state. his assistance in a suit, you cannot go further in ex- (3) Landed property is a more stable and enduring pressing your desires than by saying that, since he may form of wealth than mercantile industries. be able to help you, you hope he may do so-without, (4) The Romans justly thought that extensive lands however, veering a hair’s-breadth from the straight were not so necessary as well-cultivated lands. course of justice. (5) Without plenty of men a city will never become SECTION VII.--PUBLIC BURDENS. great. To this end, kindness should be shown to the (I) In order that taxes may be equal, they should be inhabitants; and the roads to such a city should be apportioned by the laws and not by man. kept open and safe for foreigners who may wish to go and live there. By taking such precautions as these, (2) A prince is driven by luxury to make heavy demands upon his people and to appoint inquisitorial the city need contain none but enthusiastic inhabitants. tax-gatherers. (6) Under moderate and mild forms of government (3) Over-expenditure gives rise to heavy public debts, the population increases, since marriages can be more and these in turn lead to dissatisfaction and dis- freely arranged and are thought more desirable by the turbances. parties concerned. Every man willingly procreates as many children as he thinks he can provide for, never (4) By being moderate in his expenditure, a prince being oppressed by the thought that his possessions may be liberal towards all those from whom he takes may suddenly be seized ; and knowing, on the other nothing ; and the number of these is infinite. He may, hand, that his children will be free men and not slaves, on the other hand, cause a certain amount of misery and that it is open for them to become great through and want among those to whom he gives nothing ; their own exertions. but these are few. (7) A state becomes great when it serves as a place (5) When taxes are being collected, it is particularly of refuge for exiles. important that pity should be shown towards those (8) Without public fields where everyone is at families which happen to be in a state of want and liberty to graze his flocks, or forests where everyone distress, so that they may not be compelled to leave may collect firewood, a colony cannot become properly their country owing to non-payment. established. (6) It is only right that indulgence should be shown (9) When citizens are exiled, the state is deprived of to the poor and distressed. They should therefore be men, wealth, and industry. treated leniently by the tax-gatherer ; for it is lament- (IO) Nations are wealthy when they live modestly, as able that money should have to be extorted where it if they were poor, and when attention is not paid to cannot really be afforded. luxuries, but to necessities. (7) If families are in severe distress, their economic (II) People are wealthy when money does not flow condition should be taken into consideration when their out of their country, the inhabitants being content with taxes are being collected. Such people should be what their own land produces, and when there is an treated with mercy and discretion, and likewise encour- influx of buyers from foreign countries desirous of aged ; and more should not be taken from them than purchasing their hand-made goods, e.g., dresses, what they can actually spare. cloaks, and so forth. (8) By the exercise of ordinary prudence and honesty, (I2) Well-ordered governments should, to avert taxes may be brought down to a just and reasonable sudden distress, have control over a number of public amount. shops, sufficiently stocked with meat, drink, and fuel (9) Let those officials who may be engaged in public for a year’s requirements, duties act with kindness and discretion, so that they (13) In order that the lower classes may be sup- may not, for instance, irritate country farmers and ported and nourished in times of distress, well-ordered labourers at times of great natural disasters, when they governments should have arrangements made for require mercy rather than harshness: for the main giving them work in those branches of employment which form the nerves of the state and of trade: and object of public works and duties is to keep in view the health, welfare, and general utility of the country at let these classes support themselves accordingly. all times, and not to make men poor and discontented. (14) The provinces where we find both wealth and order, are the nerves of the state. (IO) When public officials are engaged in their duties, let them treat the country folk in so friendly a (To be continued.) 524

Besides, he has received a moral shock. He feels that Drama. the chateau is no longer any place for him. He must go to Paris and console himself. There, briefly, is the By Ashley Dukes. climax at which MM. Pierre Woolf and Gaston Leroux have aimed. “ The Lily” Theatre). (Kingsway The scene is immensely effective without being IDEAS,in the theatre, commonly run to seed either in memorable. It is quite trivially phrased, but well verbiage or sentimentality. In verbiage among genuine designed. It shows ability without genius, and is, in propagandists, reformers, politicians, and the like, who fact, precisely the scene which two experienced play- use drama as a means to an intellectual end. In wright-craftsmen might be expected to devise if they sentimentality among opportunist playwrights who were presented with the idea in rough scenario form. select from current ideas any that will create a dramatic Four doors and a French window as material acces- effect, and reproduce them coloured by personal taste or sories, a reservoir of rhetoric, an instinct for proportion, discretion, in any shape from the phraseology of the a sense of pitch-and the thing is done. It is not leading article to that of the feuilleton. Style--in other easily done, however. Craft may be undervalued. The words, imaginative distinction articulate-is the only play is none the worse for being well made. quality which can give life to ideas. The topical pro- The fourth act brings no surprises. With the satiric pagandists tend to despise beauty of style as a form of Comte de Maigny out of the way, the course is clear. “ art for art’s sake,” and the opportunists, for the most A divorce is patched up for Arnaud, and he takes his part, could not achieve it if they tried. That is why leave of Christiane until such time as the King’s “advanced ” thought has made such ravages in the Proctor (or his French counterpart) shall cease to keep modern theatre. It so easily becomes reactionary. a bureaucratic eye upon him. Or, if France has There is no play quite so tiresome as the bad managed to civilise herself beyond maintaining that ‘‘ advanced ” play. ridiculous official, the farewell is probably arranged in “The Lily,” adapted from the French of MM. Pierre order to soothe the conscience of the playgoer, who Woolf and Gaston Leroux by Mr. David Belasco, is may by this time have had enough of aiding and abett- by no means entirely bad. Its sentimentality. is well ing adultery. The emotional tide of a third act may relieved by satire. It passes for a drama of ideas. justify anything ; the fourth demands discretion. One That is to say, it deals with a social subject, attacks a is always moral--in the morning. convention or two, urges the claims of what some one M. Pierre Woolf, as the author of “ L’Age d’Aimer,’’ has called “revolting daughters ” to a life of their own, has given his patrons (“customers ” may be the word) and generally revises the code of domestic morality stronger meat, but none more to their taste. Mr. upto-date (no further). The scheme is simple. A Leroux has clearly been the necessary unguent. French aristocrat, the Comte de Maigny, has two Between them, with Mr. Belasco’s help, they have made daughters and a son ; the daughters being, in his view, “The Lily ” as advanced a popular play as London is designed by Providence to minister to his comforts likely to welcome for the moment. For those who when he does not happen to be in Paris with a mistress. Odette, the elder, has grown middle-aged, plain and approve moral sanity in the theatre, and prefer to submissive. Her history is pitiful, from the last hope acquire it on the instalment system, a shilling or two of marriage to the first grey hairs. Christiane, the will be well spent in visiting the Kingsway. In ten younger, is a bolder spirit. She rides a bicycle (this years’ time the authors will have moved a step further, the Comte would certainly never allow), wanders about but they will still be precisely up-to-date. Meanwhile, the countryside alone, and pays informal visits to her Mr. Laurence Irving has shown courage in producing neighbours. Finally she takes a lover in the shape of their work. In estimating public taste, he has struck Georges Arnaud, a painter. Arnaud is married, but his a higher mean than most of our managers. wife refuses to divorce him. Mr. Irving himself plays the Comte de Maigny very The play, of course, is written for the sake of a cleverly. He has a fine sense of satiric humour, and single scene--the one in which de Maigny hears the often redeems the poorest lines by his delivery. His truth. The handling of that scene is the test of the touch of the grand manner, in “The Lily,” serves him authors’ capacity. It is precipitated in this way. The well. Comte’s son is about to marry Lucie Plock, daughter of a wealthy cotton merchant. On the day before the “ Business” (The Stage Society). wedding Plock arrives at the château, morally outraged When, at the close of the third act of Mr. John to the point of incoherence. It appears that Christiane Goldie’s “Business,” a revolver went off and William has been seen visiting Arnaud’s house. Plock, good H. Rackham, petroleum king, was despatched by a soul, cannot allow his daughter to marry into such a negro employee, an audience unaccustomed to the use family. He is shocked even out of his subservience to of firearms gasped, but remained unmoved. The most the nobility. The Comte’s own reputation he could substantial shadow in a play of shadows disappeared. forgive, as man to man, but womenfolk-! Women- Rackham, strong man though he was, failed to over- folk-no. Thus Plock. come his assailant by exercise of that personal mag- De Maigny is annoyed, but incredulous. “My netism commonly irradiated by financial potentates upon daughter? Impossible ! ” He lays a trap for Arnaud, the stage. He scorned the protection of servants, and however, and Arnaud walks into it. The evidence faced his man alone, with an eye of steel and the air accumulates. Christiane is sent for and bullied. She of a lion-tamer confidently negotiating a tight corner. lies without ability and weakens her case. Finding it He was prepared, no doubt, with a dignified rebuke and hopeless, she admits everything and defends herself a selection from the maxims of a self-made plutocrat. well. Arnaud is her lover. She is free ; she has a If the play had been written in America, Rackham right to live. De Maigny bullies her again in a brutal would have won and the stability of the social order scene, and threatens her with a flogging. Then Odette would have been assured. In Mr. Goldie’s hands, he steps in. Christiane’s own defence is good, but lost. Force of character proved useless. The iron will Odette’s is better. Her life is a monument of the omitted to grip. The revolver went off, and he writhed system. She has been made a drudge, a pitiful con- upon the floor. venience. She has been robbed of youth. She is The situation was neat and modern enough in its growing old without dignity or self-respect She disregard of popular dramatic canons, but it tested the admires Christiane’s courage, and envies her. All this author’s capacity as a playwright too severely. The she says with the irresistible conviction of a woman play was concerned with ideas, and the petroleum king suddenly shaken into life after years of torpor, and per- was one of them. A revolver fired at an idea produces fectly aware that the awakening has come too late. No no emotion, and only the most casual of intellectual reply can possibly be made. Odette achieves her thrills. Even granting Rackham, with the aid of Mr. apotheosis. To argue with her is to insult her very Claude King’s remarkable acting, a separate human ‘being. De Maigny blusters impotently. A wilful girl existence, his end was ineffective. In real life, the less can be thrashed, but not a housekeeper of forty. a death is anticipated, the greater is the impression it 525 creates. In the theatre the case is reversed. An Unless this proves that the attempt to organise the workers unexpected death is merely an irrelevant episode, barely on trade union lines is futile, neither, I submit, does the noted and instantly forgotten, like the overturning of statement quoted by you proue that the foreign policy which a table. That was rather the impression of William H. THE NEW AGE has seen fit to adopt for the last year is Rackham’s death. The man had no tragic signifi- right. Finally, with regard to the last paragraph of your cance. He foreshadowed no calamity. A symbol of “Notes,” allow me to ask why any Socialist, who is not a one idea, he was snuffed out conveniently for the sake merle benevolent bureaucrat, should want to “ close ” the of another. He was only the most substantial shadow “widening gulf between the Rich and the Poor”? Or is in a shadow-play. your ideal really that the lion should lie down with the Before and after the shooting incident came a long lamb ? A. H. M. ROBERTSON. discussion of trusts and combines, commercial intrigue *** and commercial morality, in which many true things THE FUTURE OF THE FABIAN SOCIETY. were admirably said, and some few platitudes and tags Sir,-It may indeed be, as Mr. Schloesser plainly hopes, were made palatable by a sense of humour. One that the Fabian Society has a future, and not as the Fabian seemed to be assisting at a conscientious symposium Society. For the number of Fabians who do not believe upon modern commerce, conducted by a group of emin- in Fabianism seems to increase. There are democrats in the Fabian Society. ently reasonable people, under the direction of an author There were democrats in the Independent Labour Party, with a gift of observation and an instinct for tolerance, and are; in the Labour Party, and are; in the Liberal justice, saneness, benevolence, humanity-in short, for Party, and are; and would be in the Conservative Party, all the desirable social qualities represented by all the but they are made outsiders bluntly. Other parties do it desirable abstract nouns and translated into a desirable tactfully. For from the democratic party comes forth a ideal of citizenship. And when Mr. John Goldie’s group protesting against hierarchies. We listen gladly to play came to an end, and Mr. Lowes Dickinson pre- their protests, and watch them growing into a hierarchy, learning their lesson, giving us ours. “What you want is sented himself before the curtain to receive the con- not what is best for you. We will give you only what is gratulations of his audience, the impression was duly best for you. Leave it to us.” Which are we first, Socialists confirmed. or Democrats ? ROBERT JONES. *** Sir,--Mr. H. H. Schloesser, in diagnosing the maladies of the Fabian Society, discovers a gross disease in the Fabian LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. attitude towards the Labour Party. He thinks that health WAR AND ECONOMICS. cannot be restored until the Fabian gives “ whole-hearted, Sir,-It is very sad to see the editorial writer reviving enthusiastic, and loyal co-operation to the Labour Party. ” the ancient economic fallacy that war can cure poverty. Will Mr. Schloesser kindly enlighten me on a very simple War between nations is not a cure for any social ill. The point? Why should a nominally Socialist body engage its law of rent, which is widening the gulf between the rich loyalty to a specifically non-Socialist party ? and the poor-combined with the institution of private When he has adequately answered that question he may property in the necessities of life-is irresistible in its opera- perhaps be able to understand the situation which now tion. There have been hundreds of wars in the world’s obviously bewilders him. VETERAN. history, but the institution of capitalism is still flourishing. *** The South African War, in which “the safety of England” A FREE FEMINIST PLAT-FORM. was genuinely endangered, did not mitigate in any way the Sir,-Some weeks ago Mr. Theodor Gugenheim com- “law of rent.” It established the predominance of the mented briefly in THE NEW AGE, in, reply to D. Triformis, Jewish plutocracy. In fact, the whole argument of the upon the circumstances which must render doubtful the editorial writer enforces the puerility of his conclusions. success of any immediate effort to form a broad-based The gulf between the rich and the poor can only be nar- feminist movement. The difficulties he instanced-the un- rowed by hostile action on the part of the poor against the scrupulousness, rush, and booming of the W.S.P. U,--are rich. Had the editorial writer advocated civil war, aiming very real, but they are not the sole difficulties. These lie at the seizure of the means of production out of the hands in the fact that women and men who regard themselves as of the rich, everybody who regards the economic condition advanced feminists are all at sixes and sevens as to prin- of this country with alarm would agree with him. Civil ciples, theories, objects and methods--that the way is strewn war, however, does not suit the creed of decaying Toryism with half-enunciated new ideas and half-obsolete old ones- which is the new truth to the editorial writer. Wars be- that in politics and in social, sexual and industrial affairs tween nations are preservative of the rich because they avert there is needed a new statement of the feminist position. civil war. He should have shown, though it is not at- The rush and emotional strain of the last five years have in- tempted, how war against Germany or Russia, or the United tensified the. mental chaos, and only a contrary condition States, could re-distribute the wealth of this country in any can remove it. effective way. It is quite true that the workmen of Eng- A feminist movement formed now even under the most land might secure a slight rise in wages during war time, desirable auspices would be liable to go to pieces within a owing to the shortage of the labour market caused by a short time on a hundred separate issues, and would pro- high mortality on the battlefield. Unless I am much mis- bably end by arbitrary limitation in some important direc- -taken, even the workmen of England are not so enslaved in tion. To avoid this danger I suggest that discontented their souls as to accept such an evanescent remedy for their and disgusted feminists-and those who are merely truth- poverty. The English people may be converted to Socialism seekers !-should combine to provide a free feminist plat- and its economic teachings. Till then it is hopeless to form in every town and city in the country. Organised lec- expect any modification of the law of rent during either war tures, discussions and debates on a free platform should orpeace, unless the war be a civil war aimed at the destruc- prepare the way for a vigorous rational development in tion of the institution of private property. feminism, should assist in promoting study and investiga- Let me cite Napoleon’s soliloquy on June 22, 1815, when tion, and in systematising the material already available. listening to the shouting of the populace: “Poor people! A movement of action, would naturally follow this one of They alone stand by me in the hour of my reverses, yet I thought and inquiry. have not loaded them with riches or honours. I leave them I have been led to make this suggestion now because poor, as I found them.” Napoleon certainly knew the several correspondents, stirred to undertake a new labour of economic causes and consequences of war. What more Hercules, have been pressing me to acknowledge that I final refutation of the editorial contention could be found am in duty bound to carry out the suggestion made by than those words: “I leave them poor, as I found them.” D. Triformis and to form or try to form a feminist society. May I strongly protest against the irresponsibility of the I have explained above why I think that such action would editorial writer in seriously putting forward a theory of this be unprofitable at this moment. I have pointed out what kind which a moment’s thought would have shown to be I think is the one way by means of which such a move- demonstrably unsound. C. H. NORMAN. ment may be prepared for. I am willing to help in such *** work of preparation. But I wish to add that in any case I could not have consented to take prominent part in Sir,-In your “Notes of the Week ” for March 23 you the formation of a feminist society now; it would be dwell on the fact that war is not altogether unpopular with unfair to saddle such a movement with a responsible official members of the working class, and refer to Mr. Haldane’s so generally execrated-and dare I say feared, since un- remark that “if there were a rumour of war the ranks would answered?-as myself. But on a free platform even I be crowded in a week or two.” could appear without fear of damage to the organisation It is, I believe, a fact that during the dock strike in concerned. I indicate this avenue as a possible one for Hamburg some time ago a blackleg recruiting agency in the energies of those who have asked for hope and “ some- the East End was besieged by hundreds of applicants. thing- constructive.’’ TERESABILLINGTON-GREIG. 526

WOMEN AND LABOUR. tion, for Socialism being based upon the superior ethical Sir,-I have now finished a careful reading of ‘(Woman value of co-operation over competition.” This statement in- and Labour,” and I think it will be found, after a considera- cites me to pen the following. tion of the references below, that I was fully justified in my The qualities which we require in our neighbours may be letter. The chief offending passage will be found in the resumed under the three headings of: Industry (since we live “Introduction on page 25. It does not refer to the main in a world of exchange), Initiative (since we cannot hope to argument of “Woman and Labour ” which deals with “Para- introduce improvements in all branches of production our- sitism,” but to a section on “Marriage ” in the original selves) and Sympathy. We will doubtless give precedence book destroyed by fire in the South African War. The con- in importance to either of these qualities according to our text is worth considering, and as the vindication of the personal temperaments, but they are all indispensable to author’s meaning is important perhaps I may be permitted the complete citizen. The ethical problem is: how best to to quote the whole passage :- stimulate the development of these qualities. The answer “In the last chapter of the original book, the longest, and must not rest upon mere speculation, but must derive some I believe the most important, I dealt with the problems con- support from experience. nected with marriage and the personal relations of men and Historically we find that most tribes begin with a sort women in the modern world. In it I tried to give expression of compulsory communism, partly because that system is to that which I hold to be a great truth, and one on which simple, but chiefly because a military state of society has I should not fear to challenge the verdict of long future a greater need of bodily efficiency than of freedom for the generations-that the endeavour of woman to readjust her- development of individual preferences ; hence the prevalence self to the new conditions of life is leading b-day, not to- of barrack-system regulations in such communities. Most wards a greater sexual laxity, or promiscuity, or to an in- works on sociology show that this primitive communism creased self-indulgence, but toward a higher appreciation usually fails because it hinders the willing workers for the of the sacredness of all sex-relations, and a clearer per- sake of the unwilling. To render the happiness of the ception of the sex relation between man and woman as the willing dependent upon the efforts of the unwilling is to set basis of human society, on whose integrity, beauty and up bitterness and strife. It is noteworthy that the decay healthfulness depend the health and beauty of human life of primitive communism is usually coincident with the as a whole. Above all, that it will lead to a closer, more abandonment of fighting and hunting for agriculture and permanent, more emotionally and intellectually complete the peaceful arts : manifestly the differences of individual and intimate relation between the individual man and industry are shown up more clearly in peaceful than in woman. “ violent activities. The semi-barbarian communism usually On the same page Olive Schreiner says:- gave way to the feudal system. Here we still find a sort of “In the last pages of the book I tried to express what communism ; but the ethical relations of the participants seems to me a most profound truth often overlooked : that as are sweetened by the establishment of a fixed system of dues humanity and human societies pass on slowly from the from either side to avoid bickering; it represents the begin- present barbarous and semi-savage condition in matters of ning of orderly exchange. We have trustworthy historical sex into a higher, it will be found increasingly, that over evidence that the fall of feudalism was due to the fact that and above its function in producing and sending onward the men preferred to pursue their own avocations during the physical stream of life (a function which humanity shares whole year and pay their dues in money, rather than in- with the most lowly animal and vegetable forms of life, terrupt their activities to perform labour required by the and which even by some noted thinkers of the present day community or the lord. Feudalism finally disappeared when seems to be regarded as its only possible function), that the military spirit had so far died down that the “protection’? sex and the sexual relation between man and woman have of the warring barons was no longer needed. But the old distinct aesthetic, intellectual, and spiritual functions and habit was yet strong, and industry found it necessary to ends apart entirely from physical reproduction. That noble protect itself by the formation of guilds. Again, there is as is the function of physical reproduction of humanity by strong evidence to show that the decay of the guilds resulted the union of man and woman, rightly viewed, that union from the restrictions they imposed upon individual liberty : has in it latent, other, and even higher forms of creative the guild rules bristle with regulations as to the type of energy and life-dispensing power, and that its history on earth work which was to be performed, the price of sale of goods, has only begun.” (The italics are mine.) and the wages of labour, hence it only required a sufficient There; is not space to quote the many other passages of development of the administration of justice to cause the the book itself wherein the author‘s use of phrases like freedom-loving individuals to throw off the protection of the ((glory and beatitude of virile womanhood,” “ parenthood, guild and establish private industry. History shows that the divine gift of imparting human life,” have different comparative prosperity and happiness followed each of the meanings, viewed in the light of their setting, than those above-named changes, and in my previous letter I showed attributed by your reviewer; and they can be directly re- that such unmerited industrial inequality as appeared at the ferred to on the following pages :-14, 21, 23, 49, 63, 67, industrial revolution and after, can be traced to the remains 7I, 82, 83, 84, 85, 92, 103, 109, 115, 118, 123, 127, 132, of that primitive mutual hindrance shown in the restrictions 139, 150, ‘53, 154, 155, 166, 167, 207, 224, 225, 228, 233, placed upon the issue of exchange medium. 238, 244, 257, 269, 270. Let me now point out the principle governing these social All these passages point to the fact that I have not been changes. I will state here dogmatically (the statement can guilty of intellectual impertinence, but rather of well- be amply proved if necessary) that the process of creation founded suspicions of intellectual foul-play. of sympathetic relations in society lies in bringing home to Your reviewer says that Olive Schreiner wants women “to the individual the result of his actions. This trend we have cherish the sanctity of their sex ’’ and “put sex in the first traced through the development of social systems. It is place;’’ of their scale of values: I say I do not find her perfectly true that exchange can be enormously facilitated saying this in her book. Your reviewer says that intel- by the perfection of mutual trust, e.g., the substitution of lectual man has succeeded “by lowering his appreciation of paper for gold in the channels of exchange; but it is none the sacredness of sex-relations.” Your reviewer’s opinion is the less true that the attempt to introduce coercively among not fact, and his appeal to “men’s generations of profes- people a system that requires more mutual trust than the sional experience “ is no proof. current morality admits causes more evil than good. The Your reviewer says that there is “no giving or taking in first increase of mutual trust was shown in the establishment marriage “ in the intellectual world, and then immediately of division of labour, wherein the individual trusted that qualifies the statement by saying that if there is, “the sanc- others would satisfy his needs in exchange for his own goods. tity of the proceeding no longer exists.” Well, each to his The next step was the loan of excess product to one who- taste! But your reviewer seems to have overlooked the could be trusted to return the loan (note here that a gift possibility that without ideals in every department of human would have entailed all the vices of charity). Next we per- activity, he is not likely to have an audience capable of ceive the use of gold in loans; and then of paper orders to appreciating the value of his ideas when he is “hunting and pay gold ; and, later, of circulating promises to pay gold fighting on the plane of ideas ” ! on demand, the conversion into gold of which promises May I add that I appreciate the information as to the being, by the growth of mutual trust, increasingly seldom de- non-existence of “ f ather-hunger ’’ ? I assure your reviewer manded. This process of substitution of paper for gold I have heard of it more than once; and I should not think could only be carried out by voluntary agreement among the phrase more likely to be of feminine than of masculine individuals; all attempts of governments to enforce the use origin. MARY GAWTHORPE. of paper stopped the process and ended in disaster. Had *** the State permitted freedom for the development of the system the issue of credit might have been gradually ex- THE ETHICAL BASIS OF SOCIALISM, tended to wider and wider ranges of productive ability. As Sir,--1 divide my Socialist friends into two classes: the mutual trust increased, probably the individual’s I O U severe economists, and the sentimentalists. The publication might circulate without needing endorsement by a banker, of my previous letter in THE NEW AGE has brought me as a preliminary to the ultimate communism, when all men considerable discussion from the former class, but the latter would freely render up the products of their industry to stands aloof in its dignity, and declares its indifference to each other, confident in the certain knowledge that each questions of the mere exchange of commodities, its affec- man was producing “according to his powers.” 527

State Socialism suffers from precisely the disadvantage the benefit of his contract unless he had stipulated, in so- above-mentioned, namely, that it requires for its smooth man words, for the incidental spilling of the juice, one can- working a perfection of mutual trust which does not yet not help, etc., etc. exist ; its introduction would therefore impair the growth “AS to the tender coming too late . . . . In thosecases of those harmonious relations between men which freedom of forfeited bonds, before the reigns of William III. and ensures. We perceive today that it is necessary to be able Anne . . . . the only remedy for an obliger who had to transfer one’s custom from one shopkeeper to another allowed the time for payment to elapse, was to file a bill in in order to keep production at the highest level of efficiency: equity offering payment of principal and interest.” the majority of .men have still too much of the primitive What, then, becomes of Shakespeare’s vaunted knowledge dislike of productive labour, and too little social sympathy, of law? I beg of my Baconian adversaries that they will to induce them to supply social wants without this stimulus. not ignore this point, as they ignored the others. Compulsory co-operation of the more willing with these E. H. VISIAK. men can only increase the latter’s selfishness. The disad- *** vantage of State Socialism is that it shelters such anti-social CASE OF NIETZSCHE. individuals behind heads of government departments and THE Sir,-Allow me to thank Mr. Wm. M. Salter for calling- political jobbery, instead of exposing them so automatically attention tu the false statement in Nordau’s once popular to the result of their actions as does free competition. The establishment of State Socialism would therefore delay work, “ Degeneration,” to the effect that “ Nietzsche’s books rather than hasten that growth of mutual trust which is a were written between periods of residence in a madhouse.”’ necessary prelude to the ultimate communism. This criticism having come from an author who was con- Competition is frequently denounced as barbaric struggle, sidered profound, and from a publisher, Mr. Heinemann, whilst the compulsory co-operation proposed by State Social- who was generally believed to possess an extraordinary ists is held up as brotherhood. But free competition simply flair for Continental wisdom, it was readily accepted by means the liberty accorded to an individual to dispose of English people, and in this way, for ten years, considerably his services as he thinks best, taking due care of the like damaged the cause for which I stand. Mr. Salter’s action liberty of others. If a man be compelled to hold exchange in this matter, though it may come as a surprise to some relationship with another, friction is inevitable. Sympathy critics-who, to judge from occasional reviews of Nietzsche’s develops best under freedom. The individual may make complete works, still look up to Nordau with journalistic charitable advances to another if such advances are volun- reverence--will, I feel sure, seem perfectly natural to the tarily undertaken; to render the actions compulsory is to general public, who now have every opportunity, and cer- destroy their benevolent quality and to engender a spirit tainly more time than the review writer, to get at the truth of hatred in its place. It is a mistake to think that com- of this matter. petition necessarily implies a struggle for bread. In pro- May I also add that, to the best of my knowledge, Dr. portion as the demand for labour among employers is in- Nordau has not yet had the decency to withdraw what may creased, the fierceness of the struggle among employees is with some leniency be called his error.” Apparently all. lessened, wages rise and organising returns diminish. The means are allowable to moral people in waging war upon gradual abolition of excessive interest would compel those the first amoral philosopher. ANTHONYM. LUDOVICI. who to-day subsist on interest to undertake useful labour. *** Under freedom of credit the demand for labour must gradu- ally become greater than the supply (vide my last letter). SACERDOTAL PRIVILEGES. Under such circumstances competition among employers is Sir,-The “Eclectic Philosopher “ complains that I certainly increased’, but such competition is merely an en- “blacken and defame” the characters of his clients, the deavour to secure more wealth on the part of those who anti-convent lecturers. As this correspondence began with already possess the means of existence, and can in nowise be the “blackening and defaming ’’ by your correspondent, of termed struggle for bread. the characters of monks and nuns, this complaint savours of Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you upon your willingness impudence. He can give no valid reason why it should be to allow this expression of a contrary opinion. considered a pious work to slander unnamed nuns, and HENRYMEULEN. highly improper to expose the past careers of the very men *** who bring forward these same charges. I shall, therefore, regardless of his outcries, continue to expose the highly BACON OR SHAKESPEARE. unpleasing records of his friends, just as often as their Sir,--“ To William Kempe, William Shakespeare (Mrs. libels are made (as your correspondent makes them) the Nesbit will kindly note the spelling of the name) and grounds for malignant attacks on the morality of convents. Richard Burbage . . . . for twoe several comedies or in- I note that your correspondent disclaims being an ultra- terludes shewed b them before her Majestie . . . . xiij li. Protestant. As he has charged me (without a shred of vj.s. viij.d. and by way of her Majesties rewarde vj. li truth) with fabricating evidence against his beloved anti- xiij.s. iiij.d., in all xx li.” convent lecturers, I have the less hesitation in pointing out Mr. Smedley thinks that the words in italic do not justify that this disclaimer is no doubt “feigned.” The “bray of me in stating that Shakespeare and two other players re- Exeter Hall” is quite unmistakable. I note also that he ceived a gift “as a personal expression of the Queen’s admits by silence the truth of my suspicion that his charges satisfaction.” He says, too, that (‘there is no evidence that against convents are extracted from “The Awful Adventures Shakespeare received one single (Royal) command. . . .” of Maria Monk,” a volume of obscene twaddle dear to the The entry is itself an evidence. Does Mr. Smedley suppose hearts of no-Popery fanatics, and the storehouse whence the that these players casually strolled in? And I quoted from anti-convent lecturers draw nearly all their charges. For the character and career of this famous Protestant heroine a number of publishers’ advertisements on the title-pages I would refer your readers to the “American Encyclopedia” of the quarto-editions stating plainly that the plays had ANTI-CANT. been acted before Elizabeth, or before James, in their palaces. (By the way, Shakespeareans and Baconians agree that Shakespeare was a ver minor actor: how comes it that he was one of the three prayers commanded to perform before REVOLUTION the Queen? The point is important.) Though it does not affect the issue, the lines quoted by Mr. Smedley do not refer to Valentine’s, but to Proteus’ de- parture from Verona for Milan. Lines referring to Valen- AND WAR. tine’s departure are :-- THE SECRET CONSPIRACY OF THE Go, go, be gone, to save your ship from wreck, JESUITS IN Which cannot perish having thee aboard, GREAT BRITAIN. Being destined to a drier death on shore. F. CUSACK. To speak in that way, even in jest, of a journey down BY M. the river hardly seems right to me. However, I will give Mr. SmedIey the victory about Verona and Milan. I pro- OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. ceed. An eminent doctor of law told me, the other evening, “Very valuable, and should command widespread that “Bacon could never have made such a hash of law as attention. It presents a far more serious and’ solemn there is in ‘The Merchant of Venice.’” And he lent me aspect of political movements than is generally taken.” Haynes’ “Outlines of Equity,” from which I quote :-- The popular belief, that the law exacts a literal fulfil- -PROTESTANTCHURCHMAN. ment of contracts, has ever been deeply rooted. . . . Per- “ Most able and exhaustive. Should be read by every haps one of the most remarkable instances is that of Shy- Protestant in the Kingdom.”-PROTESTANT STANDARD. lock’s bond. . . . Gentlemen, I should be sorry to profane “Well worth reading.”-PROTESTANT OBSERVER. Shakespeare. . . ; but when I see Antonio saved by a species of construction, according to which, if a man con- tracted to cut a slice of lemon, he would be deprived of LONDON: SWAN SONNENSHCEIN 1/- NET. 528

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