It is to be noted, as showing a tendency of
the day, that most of the semi-political papers read this year before the British Association were devoted to Socialism or Collectivism of some kind, and that opinions of the most extreme type were patiently heard. Mr. Bernard Shaw, for example, advocated the gradual transfer of all property, rent and interest, from the individual to the State. Even Professor SedgwiCk, though defending individualism, as the only available motor—he forgets the Red motor, which is terror— is inclined to think that the State should endeavour to " equalise the opportunities" of profitable action among men, which might lead us very far, the grand " opportunity " now existing being the possession of capital. It is to be observed, too, that no papers were offered gravely defending in- dividualism and property, and that speakers on that side were mostly contented with dissents. In the academic stage of any subject, the attack is necessarily more lively than the defence ; but we cannot help thinking that when property and individualism are seriously menaced, much of this amenity and listlessness will disappear.
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