WCP7029

[1]

Frith Hill, Godalming

Decr 30th 1884

Dear Sir

I am afraid I shall not be able to contribute anything to the new periodical "La Societe Nouvelle" — as my health does now allow me to write much and I have, [1 word illeg.] as much as much as I can do at home.

Your essay on the [2 words illeg.], read with interest and ammuseument but I cannot say I quite see, its aim your views and arguments are partly sound if applied to a state of society in which all are so [2] obligated as to choose the interest and the best men for their rulers, — but the question is whether now in the present state of society we have really any choice between democracy and pletocracy — both equally ignorant of the true principles of social economy.

If so I prefer democracy because, I believe it to be the lesser of two evils, & one likely to lead peacbly to true social reformation. [3]

As an exposé of the absurdity of thinking^that demoncracy neccesarily leads to good goverment & in an end in itself your article is useful, — but as a practical guide in our present condition I think it fails. Surely now, in England, with are^nearly extended franchise and the rapidly [1 word illeg.] education of the workers who are more likely to advace in the path of refom if we continued with a limited foundation & [4] the ^{selfish and obstructive} rule of landlords & capitlaists as before.

Believe me

Yours very truly

[signature] Alfred R. Wallace

M. Agathon de Potter