PART II INTRODUCTION EITHER science nor art acts alone to produce re N sults. They are mutually assistant, and there is between them such an interdependence that the line of division is not distinctly marked. Generally speaking, science considers the principle of things, art the application of these principles. To utilise scientific principles, art is invoked; and on the other hand science is called to the aid of art to enlighten its action. In the first part of this treatise a society has been presented whose reasons for being and whose aims have been set forth, with the principles on which it is founded. In this second part are to be considered the methods by which the purposes are to be accomplished, the instruments best adapted to this end, and the most effective modes of operation. Here is the application of art to the utilisation of scientific principles. But in this application of art, constant reference to science must be had to direct and govern its purpose. Societies with their directing governments have so long existed that one would expect to find abundant illustration of their forms and modes of operation. But history in this point is defective. Few historical treatises enlighten the study of the moral sciences. Elaborate and minute presentations of wars and turmoils, of the struggle of dynasties, of efforts for personal aggrandisement, are sufficiently abundant. From them it would seem that the one half of the world had been constantly engaged in the effort to exterminate the other half, or to despoil its possessions. History may take a statistic or a scientific form, as its facts are either barely presented or are arrayed for scientific illustration. Some eminently scientific historical treatises are to be found; but in the main, students of societies and of government will not find many collations of facts to simplify their studies. A view of governments which have been reveals certain types with more or less distinctness of outline. Much instruction is to be obtained from a study of types, especially if found unmixed. If historical observation shows association between a type and its effects, by a composition of types as by a composition of forces certain distinct results may be attained. Governments naturally may be classified according to the number respectively of their administrators. Monarchy signifies the rule of one with varied degrees of authority; Oligarchy and Aristocracy, that of a larger number to the exclusion of the masses; Democracy, the assumed rule of the many, more or less direct. These types have existed with sufficient distinctness to show their operation and effect upon the people. It is rarely, if ever, a present fact that any one of these forms can be found in absolute purity; nor is this desirable, for the very best governments are those which combine in varied but suitable proportions the advantages found in each of the different forms. As to the study of these different systems a very pertinent question is the ancient Cui bono-Why consider the impracticable? Opportunities for the construction of a governmental system would seldom if ever occur; and if they should, they would offer too large a task for human ingenuity. But opportunities do occur for the modification of existing systems and for the adaptation of means to desired ends. A study of the nature and operation of existing systems will point out the true method of adaptation, which otherwise would be left to chance or to the hazard of experiment. This part, then, will consider the peculiar properties of the different governmental systems, with their advantages and their disadvantages; the natural division of functions and their methods; the means of adaptation to changing conditions; and finally, as a result, the combination of properties forming a governmental system suited to a highly developed community. |