Property and Progress.

 "Property and Progress ; or, a Brief Inquiry into Contemporary Social Agitation in England." By W. H. Mallock, Published by Mr. John Murray, Albemarle Street. In this volume Mr. Mallock deals vigorously with the pernicious principles enunciated by Mr. George, and points out in the plainest possible language the various ways in which the American revolutionist seeks to lead the public astray. In the first place Mr. George urges the wholesale and indiscriminate plunder of all landed proprietors. Mr. Mallock shows conclusively that this theory is not only wrong in itself, but that it has often been put to the test and has always resulted in misery to the people. He also analyses the Socialistic theory of the relation of wealth to labor, with special reference to the Socialistic view of capital, and the effects of machinery on value. He then alludes to the growth of wealth since 1843, the constantly increasing amount that has gone to the poor, and the immense growth of classes with moderate means. The only course for the philanthropist is to look at every side of the question, and to recognise that the worst way in which to set about reforming social abuses is to exaggerate their magnitude. In conclusion Mr. Mallock points out with much force that Conservatism is the best and, indeed, the only hope for the English people. The history of the past forty years shows us that the Constitution is not superannuated, corrupt, or incapable of doing its work ; that it is not dividing this country into two hostile nations of millionaires and paupers, and likely to produce a fierce social revolution ; but that under this very constitution, wealth has been diffusing itself in a way unparalleled in any other country ; that, whilst rich and poor have been gaining, the poor have gained the most, and that England, with her monarchical and aristocratic institutions, allows to the people a measure of freedom that is not tolerated for an instant in the lands of universal suffrage. —Review.

Logan Witness (Beenleigh, Qld. : 1878 - 1893), Saturday 31 May 1884, page 3