Another philosopher has declined to enter Parliament. At least, Mr.
Frederic Harrison's letter declining to stand for Leicester is generally so understood, though, as we read it, he would stand, if left absolutely free to speak and vote according to his own opiaions. He wishes, he says, "to check the increase of the Empire, and prepare for its inevitable reduction," to deprive the State of any control over religion, and "to remedy the paralysis of Government caused by the interference of Parliament with the business of administration." He looks upon the present war as "a wanton crime," would re- strict the power of all hereditary authorities, would re- cast the land laws so as to make cultivator and owner one, would grant genuine local government both to town and country, and would concede Home-rule to. Ireland. He is opposed to compelling people to become temperate by law, and to forcing them into State schools. He is in favour of manhood suffrage, but would not represent either minorities or women. In short, if permitted to enter the House as representative of
Mr. Frederic Harrison, or of his own section of the Comtists, lie would go there, but not otherwise.
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