Notes

Abstract

ON Sunday, the President of the French Republic entertained the King at the Elys e at a dinner party, at which 120 guests were present. The guests included distinguished authors, artists, musicians, and other representatives of intellectual activity, almost exclusively members of the Institute of France. By inviting leaders of literature, art, and science to meet the King, graceful recognition was given of the high place occupied by the muses in the polity of the Republic. In the days when sheer muscular force was the mainstay of a nation, bodily strength and prowess were rightly regarded as recommendations, for Court favours; but now that brain-power instead of muscle determines the rate of national progress, the State that desires to advance must foster all the intellectual forces it possesses. This principle is well understood in France, and is also clearly recognised in Germany, where every man who makes notable contributions to knowledge of any kind, assists industrial progress, or creates works of distinguished merit, whatever they may be, is sure to receive personal encouragement from the Emperor. The presence of these leaders of thought is a striking characteristic of the German Court; while, on the other hand, their absence, and the overpowering influence of military interests, are distinguishing features of Russian, and, let us add, of British Court functions.