Thirdly, there is gradually coming about a transformation of social castes.  One must speak carefully; for in the West we are supposed not to have castes.  There is, however, an uncomfortable feeling that society is not one, that the two cities which Plato said would divide and destroy the true city of men are now established—­the rich and the poor.  I do not mean those with L3,000 a year, and those with L160 a year.  It is not a question for the Exchequer.  I mean that great numbers in all ‘civilized’ nations are ill-fed and ill-clothed from birth, and die prematurely.  To perceive it is to desire action which perhaps no state can perform.  But that we perceive it is something.  Read the complacent rhymes of Lord Tennyson about ‘freedom slowly broadening down’ and then turn to contemporary literature, to Jean Richepin or John Galsworthy, and you will acknowledge that a common ideal of social reform has come into existence.  We are at least restless in face of a social organization which wastes humanity during long years of peace almost as completely, though not so recklessly, as during a few months of war.

Something has been already done—­English writers and English experience have given a motive power to Hungarian, Russian, Finnish, Turkish, Persian, and Indian democracy.  Groups of men have claimed, for example in South America, their right to free development.  And everywhere during the period of European peace the contact between nations was teaching every nation the force of its own character, while the new complexities of society were weakening the old dividing lines of caste between individuals.

In all these matters we seem to be moved by a desire for a freer social atmosphere.  Whether law or administration changes or not, it is clear that most European nations have undergone in the years of peace from 1871 to 1914 considerable social changes.  How far they are effective in all nations and in all classes it is very difficult for a contemporary to judge.  It may be that the social structure of the decorative upper fringe or of the bedraggled hem of society is much the same as it was before communication was easy and transit rapid.  But the central body of European society is certainly changed; and, after all, between the scum and the dregs is the good soup.

* * * * *

Such are the changes which have been introduced into social life owing to the interdependence of nations.  But we should not understand what has happened if we accepted the mere record of achievements.  The future is built not only upon what we have done, but upon what we hope to do.  Reforms accomplished do not make us more satisfied to endure evil not yet reformed—­for always working in the achieved present is the ideal which transformed the past into what we now see.

We may turn, then, to consider some general features of the force working in social reform which is not yet achieved.  And for that purpose we put aside established law and custom to consider the implied attitude.