Letters to the Editor
THE SPIRIT OF A NATION
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,— The General Election is past and over, and the resultant Government in charge of affairs is regarded hopefully, not only by supporters, but also by non-supporters.
It is quite a common experience—though when one con- siders it, quite a strange experience—to hear those who very evidently did not help to place it in power utter remarks which prove that peace and prosperity, friendship and con- ciliation, are " expected " to emerge under the guidance of the Labour Government. Incidentally, these remarks also prove that it is these things that the whole nation really desires. The autumn will be busy with political party conferences--it is the season set apart for those deep and searching discussions which precede the setting in order of the political party machine—and one wonders how much further along the road of progress we shall be afterwards.
1Vhich of the political parties is seeking to " discover " or to " awaken " the spirit of the nation ? Are any of them at all concerned ? Universal adult suffrage has hardly touched it ; this was plainly evident when the General Election of last May was carried through.
It is true the Government in power claims to have received the people's mandate—but is this really so ? It is at best questionable, and by the members of the other political parties it is denied. The fact is that the mind of the nation was confused and chaotic, whilst at the same time the spirit was dissatisfied.
Why should this be, when the pinnacle of electoral freedom appears to have been reached ? Because there has never yet been true freedom for the electorate. It can never be free until it becomes articulate—able to express its individual opinion, an opinion formed after thought and study. The political party system does not set out to do this—it does not really in any sense desire to see it in force—rather is it concerned to keep the minds of the electorate torpid and dull, that the brilliant qualities of the leaders may shine more brightly, and that the public may the more readily follow the popular cry of the hour. Enquiry below the surface is sometimes difficult to answer, and at election times it is not generally desired, and an inarticulate electorate can be more easily handled.
No ! It is not along the old ruts of the political parties that the spirit of the nation can live or grow. What is it that " makes " a business or a home ?—it is surely the spirit, the personality, reflected there. What is it that can make a nation's policy and Government a live force ?—it is surely the personality of the people.
Here, then, is a problem which the political parties might usefully consider in their autumn gatherings—how to replace the political party tradition—frankly admitted to be worn out—by a new electoral system based upon a nation's unity and co-operation ; and having as its aim the development, almost one might say the birth, of the soul of the nation.
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