THE FUTURE OF THE WORKING CLASSES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XIII, Issue 1093, 31 December 1878, Page 6

THE FUTURE OF THE WORKING CLASSES.

First Paper. The economical progress of society, the progress of wealth, population, and the productive arts, engage deeper attention, a more absorbing interest m the thought of the world to-day thau at any former period of its history. The feelings with which the change that this progress is effecting is regarded are very diverse. In some minds, wild visionary notions are cherished of a paradise of ease and contentment. In others, gloomy anticipations are indulged m. The one sees an ideal republic, m which all distinctions are to be abolished, and a rigid law of equality m all things established ; the other sees nothing but the overthrow of institutions — moral, social, and political — under which society has grown to be what it is ; and which they deem essential to the continuance of all that is good and valuable m our civilisation. Happily the great heart of the world, more sympathetic, and so more truly appreciative of the ills the world still inherits, and more calmly dispassionate m its judgment, can look at the forces operating around it without any misgiving. With the clearer vision that comes from sympathy with the spirit of the age, it is given to it to appreciate m a juster measure the change that inevitably awaits society m all I its relations. To all such, it presents— I . " The brightness of a peaceful day, I A day not cloudless nor devoid of storm, I Bufcsunny for the most, and clear and warm." ; Whatever view is entertained, there is scarce any— except the Ultramontanes— who are insane enough to imagine that the forces which are j harrying the world onward are to be stayed. I p'he voice of wisdom asks only to be allowed to and guide.. What is to be the future i^tate of the working classes ? It is most importBL t to^be able to form some clear conception of Hk^ future which is so rapidly forming itself .y.l HBkjrn society. It is desirable, also, to protest/ ■^^Jntflar mind from setting up a false ideal [ H^^^^Mkrito it. The past m many respects is H^^^BB^rpreter of the' future. Out of what

wa3 came whai is, nn., wiii courts whutU to beSociety is obedient to tlie law of evolution. Al* its real outgrowth is gradual, fierce volcanic eruptions are counterbalanced by periods of reaction. The equilibrium of society is of finest sensibility, and resents all rude treatment. Out of the old relation established by, or indeed prior to, feudal times, grew up the alluring theory which for very long determined the relation of the wealthy and lower classes. We are not by any means insensible to the beautiful sentiment of this theory. Had it ever been anything more than, a mere sentimental theory, it might still have retained some hold on the respect of the world . But seeing that it. was ever administered m the spirit, of a narrow selfishness, it has been resented and spurned ; so that even its good is evil spoken of. It has been designated the " theory of protection and independence." In the good old days the serf served his lord for the protection he afforded ; andnot only served him but yielded spirit, soul, and body to the guidance and disposal of his chief. Thus the vassal not only eat his lord's bread, but adopted his opinion, pronounced his political and religious shibboleth, and followed whithersoever he led ; . the lord, on his part, undertaking to house, and' clothe, and feed him m return. The relation has been stated thus by J. S. Mill:— "It should be amiable, moral, and sentimental, affectionate tutelage on the one side, respectful and grateful deference on the other. The., rich should be m loco parentis to the poor, guiding and restraining-, them like children. Of. spontaneous action on their part there should be no need. They should be called on for nothing, but to do their day's woik, and to be moral and religions. Their morality and religion should be, provided for them by their superiors, who should see them properly taught it. " Whatever of practical value may have underlain this seductive theory, our readers will form their own opinion thereon. It doubtless served its day, and was possibly the best under the circumstances of its age. That it had vitality aud adaptability is best proved by the lingering tenderness still shown to it. But it is irretrievably dead. By no. process of legerdemain could it be made to dovetail with the spirit of the present age. The day the first parish school was opened the death knell of all such theories wap sounded. What the village school commenced, the Mechanics' Institute and the penny newspaper have completed. Space reminds us that we. must leave the attempt ,to answer our question, What. shall be the Future State of the Working Class to another paper. In the meantime we ask our readers to revolve the subject m their minds. Incognito.