Plan of commencement - Influence of the public press-Parlia- ment should institute an inquiry into the causes of existing troubles, and into the character of the various remedies that have been proposed for the relief of distress- Progressive The theory of the Social System is the result entirely of observation and reflection-The Orbiston Co-operative Establishment. Quotation from A Word of Advice to its projectors Obser- vations upon the character of the late Mr Abram Combe- A memoir of him quoted-Origin of The North British Advertiser, a weekly newspaper published in Scotland, con- Add the word question to the end of the second line of page 26. THE SOCIAL SYSTEM. CHAPTER I. Introductory-Difficulties of the subject-Individual engagements— General distaste for the study of Social Science-Necessity of adapting parts to each other, so as to form a symmetrical whole— General disbelief in the possibility of substantial improvement, a serious obstacle to it- Favourable circumstances of the present times-Theory and practice-Miscellaneous observations. PERHAPS there are but few tasks more uninviting than that which is undertaken by the man who addresses his fellow creatures upon the subject of their collective prosperity. Mankind, in general, are so fully occupied with their respective individual affairs, that it is next to impossible to withdraw their attention from them for ever so short a period; whilst the exceptions to this rule A are either taken up with some favourite theory of their own, or else are so well satisfied with things as they are, that no change is likely to be any improvement in their estimation. And it unfortunately happens, that the study of Social Science has long retained the character of being one of the most dry and uninteresting of pursuits. Thus, whilst there appears to be nothing too insignificant to command the industry of mankind, in cases where immediate advantage to the individual is the expected result, but few persons are found willing to trouble themselves with investigating the principles upon which the aggregate of human affairs is proceeding or should proceed. A little reflection, however, should convince us, that it is not merely by apparent excellence in the various parts of the machinery of society, that the whole can, with any degree of certainty, be made perfect. Each part may, in every other respect, be good, but if it be found to want the quality of being properly proportioned, and adapted to every other, we have no reason to be surprised if the result be unsatisfactory: and it is by no means wonderful, that a society, possessing most of the elements of prosperity, should be struggling with adversity, unless we are well assured that its operations are conducted upon right principles. Another obstacle to improvement, of a very serious description, is the common disbelief in the possibility of it. The public mind has never yet contemplated a state of prosperity beyond good wages and a brisk trade. It appears to have no conception that any change is necessary beyond parliamentary reform, free trade, and a sweeping reduction of the taxes. It appears, in fact, to be of opinion, that the general plan of society is founded upon some immutable basis, some unalterable law of nature, and that, therefore, to purge it of a few corruptions, is all that is necessary to make it go on smoothly, and as well as we have any right or reason to expect. But this is a fatal error—a disease as dreadful as it is extensive; it is the paralysis of society, which benumbs and deadens all our exertions, and renders us the willing slaves of a condition which we possess the power of improving in a most extraordinary degree. There are, however, some favourable features in the present aspect of things. Much, from which great benefit was, at a former period, expected to arise, has already been done, but no beneficial change has taken place. War has been succeeded by a lasting peace; the taxes have been reduced; the acts of government have been distinguished for their liberality, and the desire to do good, has been and is abundantly exhibited but there is still no sign of substantial improvement; distress and dissatisfaction continue to prevail, and the existence of danger cannot be altogether denied. Neighbouring nations are involved in no less trouble. Revolution and bloodshed, the result, no doubt, for the most part, of oppression and misgovernment, are bad evidences of the existence of general prosperity and happiness. But this condition of things is not altogether without its advantages. Disappointed in its past hopes and expectations, the public mind will ever be upon the alert to discover new sources of evil, and new causes of dissatisfaction; for, in spite of the experienced misery of ages, the world still seems to entertain an indefinite opinion that things are not exactly as they should be, that the age of improvement may ultimately arrive;— and it will do so. Confidence, too, in any particular set of men or of opinions, cannot be very great in a state of society wherein men of established reputation for talent and integrity, and having equal access to the best sources of |