“What kind of step do you mean?”
Johann hesitated. Those among whom he moved were more accustomed to dealing in general programmes than to considering the practical method of carrying them out.
“Suppose you commenced by nationalising the land and the means of production,” he suggested, after a minute’s consideration. “That would be a great step gained. Then we could proceed to re-arrange the conditions of labour, by shortening the hours of toil, and equalising the wages for mental and manual work.”
Maximilian was a little puzzled.
“I am afraid I hardly know enough about these things to discuss them with you. I think perhaps we had better send for the Chancellor at once, and you can explain your proposals to him.”
Bernal got up and rang the bell without waiting for more. Inwardly he was impatient to see the Socialist and the Prime Minister confronting each other.
“Tell the Count von Sigismark that I desire his attendance,” said the King, as soon as his page appeared.
While they were waiting for the Count, he returned to what he had been saying.
“You have no doubt thought out these vast changes until they appear easy and natural to you; but I have given such little attention to political affairs, that I feel quite in the dark as to how we ought to proceed. The Chancellor understands the practical side of government, and you and he may be able to work out some definite scheme.”
“Of course you may find the Count a little prejudiced at first,” threw in Bernal “You must remember that he is elderly, and his training may have narrowed his mind.”