The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-11-09
BITS FROM THE MAGAZINES.
LABOR REvOLUTlON-lDEALS OF
THE MASSES.

EpgIi.hmen and Lofty IdeaIs-Leadsrs of
the English Middle Clssses-sir Robert
Peel and Mr.. Gisdstone--Ideslso OF Pro-
Ietariat-Canadaa and Australia.
In former days Englishmen who
thought about public affairs, whatever
their ecclesiastical bias, and whose
minds carried beyond their domestic
wants, formed or imbibed lofty ideals.
The aristocracy, from immemoriai
times up to their meridian of power
under Mr.. Pitt. took noble care of indi-
vidual liberty and of national fame.
The middle classes, when their turn
came to rule. proved themselves to be
animated before all by Christian teach
ing. Their chosen leaders, Sir Robert
Peel and Mr.. Gladstone, have gloried
in applying Christian ethics to politics
and have extended them to the domain
of everyday international life.
But what of the masses of the prole-
tariat? Are not their ideals somewhat
vague and meagre, and is not religion,
in a dogmatic sense, altogether beyond
their horizon? Were a religious CEN
sus taken in England with accurate re-
sults. what kind of q tale would be
told? In Canada and Australia, where
it is attempted to ascertain religious
figures, it is admitted that vast num-
bers give their nominal allegiance to
churches, to which in no serious sense
they belong. Still, if the masses OF
working classes have no religion, have
they lofty ideals of state duty or ma
tionsl sacrifice? The great problem OF
the future for England and the
English race, lies in the answer
10 the question whether or no
the artisans or laboring classes
will develop an altruistic ideal. Al
present, individual effort among the
masses is limited to some simple do
nestle aim. A man wishes to improve
his own position or that of his family.
ANY idea of sacrifice for a cause,
worldly or unwotldly, is beyond his
imagination. This is true OF the vast
majority of cases. Undoubtedly ideal
ism. whether knightly, religious or pa
triotic, developed slowly among the
classes who formerly ruled England.
II was a virtue not inherent in Norman
mobiles or in British merchants. 1t was
the growth of centuries, fostered by
the lessons of poets or preachers, and
Aourished. as the standard OF living
was generally raised, along with other
standards of morals and ideas. Some
modern writers, notably the author OF
the Revolution In Tanners Lane, have
seen glimmerings of the sacred lire IN
men Of the artisan class. Mr.. Tom Mann,
whose name is now familiar to most
readers of newspapers, appears TO pos
sess in a high degree. whether his aims
are i'll or well directed, the genuine in
tellectral enthusiasm and reach OF soul
which raise high hopes for the future OF
his order. Doubtless numerous exam
ples could be discovered, but they would
require seeking. Among the prosperous
middle classes the Puritan spirit which
ia characteristic of them. with its mar
rowness and nobleness as well, does not
require seeking. You feel it In the at
mosphere which surrounds them.
Mr.. Carnegie, addressing Scotsmen 81
Dundee on the merits OF republican
forms in government, suggested indeed
ideas to his democratic audience be
yond immediate material advantage.
His reference to universal brother
hood-to a federation of the world &C
celebrated by the spread of the English
speaking people-seemed to move the
pulse of his hearers. 1t is certain that
the only common denominator be-
tween England and the wider
England beyond the ocean Is that
of labor. If ever a girdle is to
be woven round our England and Aus
tralasia and Africana, and the lost
America. it will be by the hands of the
working classes. Princes and peers
and plutocrats, however willing, are
powerless here. Though they have
speech in common, the blood is not
theirs. The common people of Eng
land, as they are sometimes called, may
possibly federate the English race. 1t
is an ideal worthy of the dream OF a
great ruling class, the mightisst of all
ruling classes, an educated self-govern-
ing people.