"Does he deny that the commission has abolished poverty and war?"
"No; but he points out that our present standard of living has not changed for generations, and argues that degeneration must result. Of course, he is right in his fact but wrong in his conclusion."
"Doesn't he admit the necessity of some sort of an international governing body?"
"Yes; but he claims that the commission should be elected by direct vote of the people!"
A general smile of derision greeted this. The only face that remained serious was that of the shock-headed man. He said:
"There must be a slip somewhere, Powart. Isn't there a heavy fine and imprisonment for teaching such stuff? How did Ernol ever get hold of the notion?"
"Probably through tradition. We can't keep people from talking to their own children; perhaps Ernol's great-grandparents told him of the days when every one was allowed to vote."
The shock-headed man got another idea. "What has the man to say against our system of voting in proportion to property interests?"
"Says it's all right in principle; but he claims that the earth belongs to one and all, equally, and therefore each should have an equal voice in its disposition and government."
This time there was no smiling. The pugnacious-looking man spoke for the rest when he said: