A B C of modern socialism

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eased itch for power must, sooner or later, bring us to sore straits, if not to appalling tragedy. The world is waiting for a new scheme of life, for a new economy ; and it looks to us to lead it.

International

If, however, we determine that the susceptibilities and jealousies of the politicians must be overcome, and the House of Industry founded on functional principles, every British statesman would find his hand enormously strengthened in his dealings with other Govemnments. In practically all diplomatic discussions there is always the economic element, overt or covert. As things are now, our diplomatists consult the profiteers or their banking nominees, and not the actual functional factors. It is never a question of honest barter, a beneficial exchange of commodities, but nice calculations of profit and loss cynically flavoured with tariffs. Without the least exaggeration that is now how international diplomacy proceeds. With us it is further complicated by the intervention of our seligoverning Dominions. These international conventions frequently remind me of the Rogues’ Kitchen.

With the House of Industry functioning in its appointed sphere, where by hypothesis the producing and distributing elements are harmonised, the Foreign Office finds its work both simplified and strengthened. No longer has the Minister mainly concerned to consult conflicting mterests, quietly gauging their respective commercial powers ; his problem ceases to be commercial and becomes