S.
Mill's observation, after recapitulating the evils to be apprehended
from Socialism, that he would face them in spite of all, if the only
alternative to Socialism were our present state.--With sincere thanks
and regard, believe me yours faithfully
JOHN MORLEY.
* * * * *
TO MR. C.G. STUART-MENTEITH
_Parkstone, Dorset. June 6, 1901._
Dear Sir,--I have no time to discuss your letter[52] at any length. You
seem to assume that we can say definitely who are the "fit" and who the
"unfit."
I deny this, except in the most extreme cases.
I believe that, even now, the race is mostly recruited by the _more
fit_--that is the upper working classes and the lower middle classes.
Both the very rich and the very poor are probably--as classes--below
these. The former increase less rapidly through immorality and late
marriage; the latter through excessive infant mortality. If that is the
case, no legislative interference is needed, and would probably do harm.
I see nothing in your letter which is really opposed to my
contention--that under rational social conditions the healthy instincts
of men and women will solve the population problem far better than any
tinkering interference either by law or by any other means.
And in the meantime the condition of things is not so bad as you
suppose.--Yours very truly,
ALFRED R. WALLACE.
* * * * *
TO MR.
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