Page:The Economic Journal Volume 1.djvu/143

Rh But there is another cause, which seems also to have been specially responsible for the appearance of the theory of rent in recent discussions. It can scarcely be questioned that the only part of the propaganda of modern socialism, which has as yet obtained any wide currency in England, is that known as the 'nationalisation of land.' At any rate, it will not be disputed that this side of the socialistic agitation has been brought into greater prominence than the other, which is more comprehensive in its aims, and proposes the 'nationalisation' of capital (including land), or the means of production. Different explanations might be furnished to account for the phenomenon that this more limited form of socialism has hitherto found greater favour in England, while enthusiastic support has been given on the Continent to the larger scheme. The 'illogical' character of the English temper might be urged by those unwilling to recognize that quality of 'animated moderation,' which Mr. Bagehot once described as the typical characteristic of a 'great practical Englishman.' The comparative difficulty and expense of the transfer of English landed property might be advanced by those who maintain that in the past, and, in spite of recent legislation, in the present also, these causes, pressing with greater weight on the small than on the large purchaser, have tended to strengthen those influences of legal tradition, or social prestige, or political power, or economic advantage, which, it is argued, have promoted the concentration of the ownership of land in the hands of a smaller number of persons than in Continental countries. The lingering effects of the struggle between the old privileged landed gentry and nobility and the new manufacturing and mercantile classes might be held responsible by a third set of persons. But, whatever the true reason may be, of the fact there can be little doubt. Whether it be due especially to one or more of the causes which have been noticed, or perhaps in part also to the influence of Mr. George's Progress and Poverty, which was written in the English language, and addressed in the first instance to the English-speaking peoples, the proposal for the 'nationalisation' of land has unquestionably met with the more considerable support. The popularity of Mr. Bellamy's Looking Backward, which promises to rival that of Mr. George's book, may possibly result in the withdrawal of part of that support in favour of the larger scheme of socialism described in its pages; but for the present it remains true that the 'nationalisation of land' is the more popular part of the socialist programme.

Of the intimate connection of this proposal with the theory