, but the interference or influence of mere capital
is instantly resisted. The business of Wodgate is carried on by master
workmen in their own houses, each of whom possesses an unlimited number
of what they call apprentices, by whom their affairs are principally
conducted, and whom they treat as the Mamlouks treated the Egyptians.

These master workmen indeed form a powerful aristocracy, nor is it
possible to conceive one apparently more oppressive. They are ruthless
tyrants; they habitually inflict upon their subjects punishments more
grievous than the slave population of our colonies were ever visited
with; not content with beating them with sticks or flogging them with
knotted ropes, they are in the habit of felling them with hammers, or
cutting their heads open with a file or lock. The most usual punishment
however, or rather stimulus to increase exertion, is to pull an
apprentice's ears till they run with blood. These youths too are worked
for sixteen and even twenty hours a day; they are often sold by one
master to another; they are fed on carrion, and they sleep in lofts
or cellars: yet whether it be that they are hardened by brutality,
and really unconscious of their degradation and unusual sufferings, or
whether they are supported by the belief that their day to be masters
and oppressors will surely arrive, the aristocracy of Wodgate is by no
means so unpopular as the aristocracy of most other places.

In the first place it is a real aristocracy; it is privileged, but it
does something for its privileges. It is distinguished from the main
body not merely by name. It is the most knowing class at Wodgate; it
possesses indeed in its way complete knowledge; and it imparts in its
manner a certain quantity of it to those whom it guides. Thus it is an
aristocracy that leads, and therefore a fact. Moreover the social system
of Wodgate is not an unvarying course of infinite toil. Their plan is to
work hard, but not always. They seldom exceed four days of labour in the
week. On Sunday the masters begin to drink; for the apprentices there
is dog-fighting without any stint. On Monday and Tuesday the whole
population of Wodgate is drunk; of all stations, ages, and sexes; even
babes, who should be at the breast; for they are drammed with Godfrey's
cordial. Here is relaxation, excitement; if less vice otherwise than
might be at first anticipated, we must remember that excesses are
checked by poverty of blood and constant exh