ABSTRACT

The whole tendency of civilisation is ... towards the multiplication of the collective functions of society. The ever-growing complications of civilisation create for us new services which have to be undertaken by the State. 1

In 1897 the nation had celebrated with due pomp and circumstance the Diamond Jubilee of Victoria's accession to the throne. But it was not, as Halevy remarked, 'simply an act of almost religious homage paid to the person of the aged Queen, it was an act of homage to the Empire' and running through the celebrations was 'a gesture of defiance' to the other nations.2 The age of the imperialist had reached its zenith in Britain although some of the more perceptive members of society were aware that amid all the displays of nationalism, chauvinism and confidence there were other, keener issues of state. Kipling's poem, 'Recessional', warned of the mortality of empires:

Far-called, our navies melt away; On dune and headland sinks the fire:

Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!