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6 IDEAS· AND OPINIONS
those in Europe. The European is surprised to find the tele·
graph, the telephone, the railways, and the schools predominantly
in private hands. The more social attitude of the individual,
which I mentioned just now, makes this possible here.
Another consequence of this attitude is that the extremely unequal
distribution of property leads to no intolerable hardships.
The social conscience of the well-to·do is much more highly
developed than in Europe. He considers hiInself obliged as a
matter of course to place a large portion of his wealth, and often
of his own energies, too, at the disposal of the community; public
opinion, that all-powerful force, imperiously demands it of him.
Hence the most important cultural functions can be left to
private enterprise and the part played by the government in
this country is, comparatively, a very restricted one.
The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered
considerably by the Prohibition law. For nothing is more de·
structive of respect for the government and the law of the land.
than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret
that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely
connected with this.
There is also another way in which Prohibition, in my opinion,
undermines the authority of the government. The public
house is a place which gives people the opportunity to exchange
views and ideas on puhlic affairs. As far as I can see, such an
opportunity is lacking in this country, the result being that
the Press, which is mostly controlled by vested interests, has
an excessive influence on public opinion.
The overestimation of money is still greater in this country
than in Europe, but appears to me to be on the decrease. It is
at last beginning to be realized that great wealth is not necessary
for a happy and satisfactory life.
In regard to artistic matters, I have been genuinely impressed
by the good taste displayed in the modem buildings and in articles
of common use; on the other hand, the visual arts and music
have little place in the life of the nation as compared with
Europe.
I have a warm admiration for the achievements of American