But, it will be instantly admitted, Civilisation has increased man's
producing power. Five men can produce bread for a thousand. One man can
produce cotton cloth for 250 people, woollens for 300, and boots and
shoes for 1000. Yet it has been shown throughout the pages of this book
that English folk by the millions do not receive enough food, clothes,
and boots. Then arises the third and inexorable question: _If
Civilisation has increased the producing power of the average man, why
has it not bettered the lot of the average man_?
There can be one answer only--MISMANAGEMENT. Civilisation has made
possible all manner of creature comforts and heart's delights. In these
the average Englishman does not participate. If he shall be forever
unable to participate, then Civilisation falls. There is no reason for
the continued existence of an artifice so avowed a failure. But it is
impossible that men should have reared this tremendous artifice in vain.
It stuns the intellect. To acknowledge so crushing a defeat is to give
the death-blow to striving and progress.
One other alternative, and one other only, presents itself. _Civilisation
must be compelled to better the lot of the average men_.
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