CHAPTER II
LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY
“Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” was the brave and splendid legend inscribed on the blood–red banners of the French Revolutionists. And in strange ways the oppressed and hunger–maddened people sought to realise their ideal. It is still the battle–cry of the English Socialists, indeed, of the world–wide Socialist movement. Liberty of thought, speech, and of action, within the safety and happiness of the State; equality of opportunity for the development of each individual along his own lines, for the glory of the State; and universal brotherhood for the good of humanity are the ideals of the Socialists of this and other countries.
Under this present competitive system the great masses of the people are not free, but live in a condition which is the exact opposite of free. They are not free,
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