THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT 9J

not to be thought one of the most important posts. Ambitious
statesmen would look rather to the post of Chancellor of the
Exchequer, or Foreign Secretary, or, of course, Prime Minister.
But of late years the Home Secretaryship has grown in prestige,
and the reason is worth, examining. A clear distinction has
appeared between the political and the social work. The former
will not appear important and exciting if citizens are as law-
abiding as those of Great Britain, and if democracy does not seem
to be in danger. But if any part^ is aiming at dictatorship, the
Home Office—or its equivalent, in other countries—will be one of
the strategic points in the struggle. By pardoning members of his
own party convicted of political crime, and by giving instructions
to the Police to favour one side, the Minister can endanger the
State. Germany, where democracy has been overthrown, and
France where it has been attacked, illustrate the importance of
this office. Here there has been no such serious problem. In
the last few years, however, Fascists have excited anti-Jewish
feeling in the East End of London, and the present Government
has expressed alarm at the possible effect of pacifist and
communist propaganda among the Armed Forces. Consequently,
two Acts have been passed:—the Public Order Act, dealing with
the powers of Police* and with public meetings; and the Sedition
Act, to protect the Armed Forces: these have focussed much
attention on the Home Office. Similarly, it was only when laissez-
faire was in retreat, and the Government gave increasing attention
to working conditions that the social work of the Home Office
would rise in importance. Meanwhile, the matters, great and
small, which affect personal happiness—betting, entertainment,
the banning of books—have been surprisingly neglected. They
do not divide opinion on the usual party lines, and each party
hesitates to handle them for fear of losing some of its own
supporters.

The powers so far described are exercised only in England
and Wales. The Province of Northern Ireland sends members,
and is subject, to the Parliament at Westminster: so far as any