It is sometimes maintained that the British workman is a socialist; well, it is certainly true that socialism exists in his ranks; yet he is not a socialist. Out of the vague socialism which floats about everywhere are springing up ideas, not adopting the theory of universal equality of work and pay, whether to the able man or to the fool, but ideas as to the rights of labour, ideas as to the power and the share which should be allotted to Capital. That these questions should be discussed by the working-classes, whom they so closely concern, appears to me most wholesome for the State. Capital was formerly a despot; Capital took what it pleased, and tossed the workman what it pleased. Capital can do so no longer; Capital has now to reckon with a rival power, far greater than itself in strength as soon as it proves equally great in resolution. I believe so fully in the sense of justice which underlies everything in our working-man’s mind, that I do not believe that, however strong he will be, he will ignore the rights of Capital. [Illustration: A GARDEN PARTY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE] As to the educational and informing influences of which we have already spoken, they are only beginning to be felt. Everywhere is to be seen the working lad studying in the Free Library side by side with those who only read for amusement. The young fellow who studies is going to rise in the world; he will become an employer, or he will become a political leader. We may reckon upon seeing the House of Commons, in fifty years, filled with such popular leaders sent up by the constituents. They will not be necessarily demagogues; they will not be necessarily adventurers seeking fortune and place by politics (fortunately members of the House of Commons are unpaid, this discourages the adventurers); they will, however, be leaders of the people, sprung from the people. [Illustration: _Copyright S. Hildesheimer & Co., Ltd._ THE HOUSE OF COMMONS DURING THE HOME RULE DEBATE MR. GLADSTONE ADDRESSING THE HOUSE] Everything points, I repeat, to the advance of democratic ideas in all directions. For instance, most of the Civil Service is now open to competitive examination; the lads of the Polytechnics will get these appointments. There are some branches not yet open; these will also be thrown open. The law and medicine now require a five years’ training, at a cost of over a thousand pounds; these professions will be thrown open to the lads who can pass the examinations. It is now impossible for a poor lad to enter the army or the navy; by changes in the management and daily life of a regiment or a ship, poor lads will be enabled to win commissions. [Illustration: _Photo by Hughes & Mullins_ A BREAKFAST PARTY AT OSBORNE