THE SOCIAL PROBLEM.
The Social Problem. By J. A. Hobson. (J. Nisbet and Co. 7s. 6d.)—Earnest and even profound as Mr. Hobson is, we can- not say that he illuminates his subject. His attitude reminds one of a man hunting in a strange dark room for a boi of matches. His first eight chapters, devoted to the study of political economy, are, as he admits, too critical ; but indeed it is the fault we find with most of his chapters, "Agriculture," " Over- population," and what not. He points a hesitating finger here and there, but never shows us either an open or a clenched hand. His remarks on over-population show either an ignorance of humanity or a determination to ignore the fundamental principles of human life, that brings the curse he bestows on idle philosophers back to his own roost. "To abandon the production of children to unrestricted private enterprise is the most dangerous abnegation of its functions which any Government can practise;" and again, a little later he talks of attaching a penalty or prohibition to anti-social—i.e., unhealthy— marriages. What is the use of writing this mischievous nonsense ? No Government can or dare interfere in matters that must always Test with individuals. Educate them in the importance of physiology and sociology, that is sensible enough. Mr. Hobson is in too great a hurry and far too indefinite to bring any real help to the social problem. He is on safer ground in complaining of the indifference of those who should know better to the real points at issue in the very complex problem of the social life of to- day, and to the responsibility they are under of unravelling it.
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