ABSTRACT
The word "liberal" was curiously enough taken from Spain in the early nineteenth century. It denoted, in a land of great social oppression, of narrow and ignorant prejudice both religious and monarchical, a movement for a more generous outlook, a breaking of chains, an opposition to the Church and the monarchy, and sympathy with the oppressed. An illiberal international policy towards the beaten nations; an illiberal trade policy, checking and distorting the whole commerce and industry of the world. And often an illiberal home policy, turning what ought to be a discussion of principles and measures for the good of the community into an economic struggle between classes. The city gave man that great necessity of civilization without which freedom soon perishes, a superfluity or reserve. The Great War in the first place; for war is the extreme denial of liberality, and, except in its own technical sphere, of civilization.
