LOOKING BACKWARD.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume I, Issue 23, 15 April 1890, Page 2

LOOKING BACKWARD.

Mr Bellamy's "'Looking Backward' continues to attract considerable attention in the United States, and societies continue to be formed to carry into effect the ideas therein contained of a national army of workers. The nearest approach to the state of affairs pictured in the book is to be found by looking at the history of the Empire of the Incas. Four-hundred years ago (says a contemporary) there was in South America a large, populous, prosperous, and wealthy empire, governed by Incas. Massive ornaments in gold and silver were made, handsome buildings erected, and fine roads and bridges constructed, the remains to-day proving the skill of the workmen. The Government took charge of the bed and board, the body and soul of everybody. There was no private property and no money, the lack of which, the speaker thought, caused more worry to Californians of to-day than the ". love of it," Every man had his orders what tb/do, where, to live, and how to dress. There was no thief, no lawyer, no millionaire, no politician, no toper, no pedlar, no old maid, no old bachelor! It was a happy land! <'Every man was compelled to marry at the age of 24, every woman at 18 or 20. Everything, the smallest as well as the greatest, had it's exact order. The Incas and their officers were respected and obeyed by

their subjects as very able and good rulers. The Government was the most paternal that ever existed, and for twenty generations it was thorough and successful. By the strong socialistic institutions poverty and idleness were rendered as impossible as ambibition and greed. A lthough the people had not the least prospect of improving their condition by toil and on the other hand, none could indigence. But there come when discord among the rulers opened the door to invaders, and peace and prosperity were at an end. By a little band of Spaniards, under Pizzaro, the great empire of the Incas was overthrown for ever.