The state; elements of historical and practical politics

Preface

The present edition of The State has been prepared to set forth the nature of the governments of the principal belligerent powers; the chapters dealing with ancient Greece, Rome, Nor¬ way, and Sweden have been omitted, and new chapters on Italy, Belgium, Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, modern Greece, Russia, Turkey, and Japan have been added, as has a chapter on After the War. The original chapters on England, France, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria have been revised. In view of the unsettled conditions in Germany and Austria, the governments of these countries have been described as they existed in 1914, and a brief statement made of their condition as it exists as this is written (December 1, 1918). The changes made in the revision have sought merely to bring the work up to date; they are relatively few, and the text of the original chapters remains for the most part that of the author, both in language and opinion. For the new chapters I must assume full responsibility.

It has seemed wise to include in this edition the chapters of a general character, dealing with the origin, nature, functions, and objects of government, and with the nature of law. Though they were written thirty years ago, it is believed that they represent substantially President Wilson’s views to-day. In the new chap¬ ters I have not indicated specifically the sources upon which I have relied, nor can I do more here than make general acknowl¬ edgment of my indebtedness to those whose work has been most helpful.

I wish to express my appreciation of the aid given me by my colleague, Dr. Ludwik Ehrlich, who has freely placed at my service his wide knowledge of European governments and in par¬ ticular of the governments of Germany and Austria.

Edward Elliott.

Berkeley, California,

December 1, 1918.

Summary: Constitutional and Administrative Develop-

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