A False Equation; The Problem of the Great Trust (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1911 edition. Excerpt: ...of the twentieth century, but it was intense and entrenched. The House Father, as has already been pointed out, fought a death-in-hand fight, but he was either overcome or driven into distant parts, where he kept court in a secluded and harmless sovereignty. But the contest with the House Father was the episode of an idle hour compared with other things of the Empire. Lanciani has written a striking portrayal of the destruction of privilege by the State, where privilege stood in the way. Sovereign energy was displayed over the capital itself, bringing to a common level the inequalities of men; the rich and powerful senator, with his vested interests, falling before it equally with the meanest malefactor, like grass before the sickle. Historical monuments, temples and fanes, sacred and cherished, shared the same fate; vast spaces were cleared regardless of what stood upon them--palaces, gardens, colonnades alike were pulled down. No power could stay the energy of the Empire.44 Such was government in Rome at that time. But Rome of the present day offers its testimony. 'The Italians, ' says an intelligent writer, 'are now for the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire living a united national life, the creation of which by their fathers and grandfathers was one of the greatest achievements of ancient or modern times, and this new and glorious unity demands an expression, in art and literature, in buildings and public works.'45 And the work is proceeding in Roman administration to-day as if by the energy of the Caesars. Whether called vandalism, as it is by its foes, mostly abroad, or improvement of conditions of health, safety and convenience, as it is called by its friends, mostly at home, it is sufficient evidence that energy can follow...