If these measures be carried out, without compensation (though not without such relief to expropriated individuals as may seem fit to the community), rent and interest will be added to the reward of labour, the idle class now living on the labour of others will necessarily disappear, and practical equality of opportunity will be maintained by the spontaneous action of economic forces with much less interference with personal liberty than the present system entails.
For the attainment of these ends the Fabian Society looks to the spread of socialist opinions, and the social and political changes consequent thereon, including the establishment of equal citizenship for men and women. It seeks to promote these by the general dissemination of knowledge as to the relation between the individual and society in its economic, ethical, and political aspects.
The work of the Fabian Society takes, at present, the following forms:—
(1) Meetings for the discussion of questions connected with socialism.
(2) The further investigation of economic problems, and the collection of facts contributing to their elucidation.
(3) The issue of publications containing information on social questions, and arguments relating to socialism.
(4) The promotion of socialist lectures and debates in other societies and clubs.
(5) The representation of the Society in public conferences and discussions on social questions.
INDEX
Alexander II., great hopes at his accession, [256];