PREFACE. It is my endeavour in the following work to describe some of the principal influences that have affected, and now affect, the position and prospects of the populations of Europe and America, with particular reference to those of Great Britain and Ireland, and to indicate the nature of those social conditions which appear to be the most healthy. The numerous facts brought forward have been carefully selected from a vast mass of materials; and, though it is possible some of them may be found to be inaccurate, the principles propounded, which necessarily are based on larger considerations, will not, I hope, be invalidated thereby. It is necessary to acknowledge my great and especial indebtedness to various series of Government Blue Books, particularly to the extremely valuable and interesting Reports upon the Tenure of Land in the several countries of Europe, and to those respecting the condition of the Industrial Classes in Foreign Countries. I have also made considerable use of M. Maurice Block's admirable works, "L'Europe, Politique et Sociale,' and 'Statistique de la France comparée avec les divers pays de l'Europe.' I have not wished to distract the reader's attention with too many references, and I have therefore frequently supplied the facts and opinions given in the shape of quotations in the text, which I trust will often be found most appropriate and satisfactory. NEWPORT, FIFESHIRE: April, 1878. CONTENTS. The rise of commerce and commercial power in ancient times Influence of towns in the middle ages Commerce the harbinger of freedom Advance of commerce and freedom in Britain facilitated by her insular Influence of the presence of towns upon the rural districts Characteristics of medieval civilization in Italy Influence of the French Revolution upon serf-emancipation in Europe Emancipation in Prussia and Germany Emancipation in Austria and Russia Characteristics of emancipation in Russia General survey of the different processes of enfranchisement in Europe. Reduction of clerical privileges in Italy and Germany Popular interests have become more powerful as the means of commu- nication have improved. The representatives of the old ideas and of the new still maintain Baron Stockmar's arguments in favour of two chambers considered CHAPTER IV. OBSTACLES TO SOCIAL WELL-BEING IN GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. The rural population of England was early dissociated from the soil Failure of these attempts Enactment of the poor laws The land is held by a few individuals in large holdings |