WCP2670

[1]

69, Warrendon Part Rd

Edinb.

March 7^th, [18]88

Dear Mr Miller,

Thank you very much for your kind loan of Professor Wallace's letter, which I now return.

With reference to his various points, & may I say briefly that my definitions of socialism have been accept by socialist of every school. They differ on side[?] issues & particularly as to the methods of realising [2] the theory.

As the book was intended to be an exposition or discussion of the leading principles of socialism, I have not dwelt on the most practical steps, though I have indicated them. At any rate I entirely agree with Prof. Wallace in the belief that, since the break down of our land-system within the last few years, the important matter is to restore the law to the workers & the workers to the land through the medium of local bodies. This is why I have insisted on the reform of local government [3] especially on the restoration of a self-governing parish ^{(Mr Wallace's Village Community)}, corresponding to the French commune. Mr. Wallace's views in this connection are most valuable, & I trust he will develop them with a form for publication, if he has not already done so. I have not seen anything of his containing such views, nor am I aware that he has worked out the idea of "free association of workers & small capitalists" as a substitute for wage labour. I must say that this looks exceedingly like socialism. [4]

On the whole I don't see that he & I differ seriously. I do not even[?] object to competition per se; I object to unregulated competition in a social system, under which the means of production are virtually the monopoly of a class.

I earnestly hope that Mr. Wallace will develop these views into a book or into review articles in the meantime & these into a book.

I shall of course respect your wish not to make the letter known to any one.

With kind regards | Yours sincerely

T. Kirkup¹ [signature]

P.S. Do exhort Mr. Wallace to publish the views indicated in his letter.