84	THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS
and willingness to patch up any weaknesses that appear in
the Government, It is liable to three defects—"red tape",
a tendency to acquire powers not intended for it, and over*
fondness for the habits and beliefs of the better-educated part
of the upper classes. The precautions that can be taken may be
summarised as follows:—The educational system can be improved
so that the necessary training shall be easily available for all
classes. At present, on a generous estimate, not more than one-
fifth of the people can pursue their education beyond the age of
I4> and in the selection of that fifth, wealth is the most important
factor, As citizens, voters, and members of political parties,
the public can demand from politicians, and develop in them-
selves, a higher standard of knowledge, Florence Nightingale's
defeat of the War Office was the result of her own competence;
had she gone out to Scutari with nothing but a desire to help
the wounded she would have been helpless; her weapons were
her determination, her training, her knowledge of how to obtain
the necessary equipment for her work. Finally, a review of the
newer activities of Government can be made, in order to show
what changes are required in the relations between Ministers,
Civil Servants and Parliament, now that Government attempts
to regulate industry as Well as keep order, .and what simplification
of the law is necessary if Civil Servants are not to escape from
its control.
BOOKS:
finer. The British Civil Service,
hewajrt, The New Despotism.