With the growth of the factory system and accelerated industrial development, an overweening desire for material things was awakened.  As neither individuals nor societies can be possessed of more than one overpowering emotion at a time, the devotion to property naturally weakened religious fervor.  Religion became more an abstract belief and a social organization than a vital thing affecting life and conduct.  Even before this time there was growing up in the world a protest against the religious superstition that had led to the cruelties of the past.  The scientist and the modern philosopher were making their contributions to the world of thought, and these contributions were slowly affecting life and conduct.

A doubt of old creeds and doctrines and faiths was coming over the minds of men.  Social conventions were loosening, new customs and habits were becoming folk-ways.  In short, society and life were growing more fluid and adaptable.  The growth of property holdings created new desires and new temptations.  The accumulation of large fortunes brought envy and hatred and ambition.  The rise of industries built the large cities, with palaces on one hand and hovels on the other.  The vast inequality of wealth and the growth of workers’ organizations, together with the spirit of skepticism which activity always brings, caused large numbers to doubt the justice of property rights, the utility of many institutions and the possibility of radical change by social organization.  It is perfectly evident that all of this movement brought more conflict between social units, a constant lengthening of the criminal code to protect the interests of the controlling powers, an increase of prisons, and an apparent if not a real increase of crime.

Nothing but a strong government can long endure great inequality of wealth or social condition.  The slaves of the past civilization were kept in subjection by main strength and fear.  This enslavement was aided by the deep ignorance of the masses who had no means of information and nothing but vague feelings of the injustice of their lot.  Even then the poor sometimes revolted, but such outbreaks were generally easily put down by the sword.  The growth of political power and industrial independence has been accompanied by the constant conflict of social forces.  This means conflict with the law, and the law has always taken its toll of victims.

New inventions and methods that bring power of any sort carry with them social clashes, protests, bitterness, conflicts and violations of law.  The invention of gun-powder was the source of great conflict and still continues to add to the inmates of prisons.  From the first, the far-reaching effects of high explosives were seen by the wise, and firearms were permitted only in the hands of those who could be depended upon to support the state.  Gradually through the needs of the rulers in war they were given to the poor.  When the American Revolution separated us from Great