Though we set forth the warning just given, it is
by no means with the purpose of finding fault with Mr. Balfour's speech, which has just the right note of opposition to Socialism without showing any undue hardness or want of human sympathy. Thoroughly sound was Mr. Balfour's description of the gulf which divides the Socialist from the anti-Socialist position. "If you want to consider the material welfare of the community, your gaze should be fixed primarily and essentially upon the production of wealth,—unless you have something to divide, the question of distribution falls into the background." That is a lesson which the Spectator has been endeavouring to teach in the "Letters to a Working Man." We desire the abolition of poverty and misery as strongly as can any Socialist, but such abolition can only take place if more of the things needed by men are produced in the world,—if, in fact, there is more to go round. But there cannot be more to go round unless we foster, instead of dis- couraging, every possible incentive to production.
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