ef defect in our otherwise sound social
system, is the want of fusion between the class of employers and
employed. As some other countries are subject to the more serious evil
of being without a middle-class between the aristocracy and the common
people, so we want a sub-grade, as it were, between the middle and the
working classes. It is too much the practice to consider them as
separated from each other by interests, tastes, and feelings. It is,
on the contrary, the real truth that their interests are indissolubly
united; but if there were a less broad line separating them from each
other, this would be more apparent. The true way to fill up the gap
happily for all parties, is not for the middle-class to descend, but
the working-class to rise. Nothing could better accomplish this, than
imparting to them facilities for entering into business on a small
scale on their own account. The hopelessness with which the workman
looks at the position of the employer, as that of a great capitalist,
would then be turned into hope and endeavour.
It is often said, that the operative classes shew an unfortunate
indisposition to advance onwards, and abandon their uniform routine of
toil: the answer to this is--try them. They have adopted the means at
their command in other countries. Mr Davis, an American gentleman,
gave the select committee an animated view of the ambitious workmen of
the New England states, where, he said, 'nobody is contented with his
present condition--everybody is struggling for something better.' Now,
to be discontented with one's condition, in the shape of folding the
arms, and abusing the fate that has not sent chance prosperity, is a
bad thing; but the discontent--if such it can be justly called--which
incites a man to rise in the world by honest exertions, is in every
way a good thing. Mr Davis said, he has been told that, in Lowell,
some of the young women hold stock in the mills in which they work.
Imagine a factory-girl holding stock in a mill!
We believe that unlimited responsibility was really founded on the old
prejudices against usury or interest; and as these prejudices are fast
disappearing, we may hope speedily to see this relic of their
operation removed. Towards this end, let the operatives everywhere
meet to consider this question, so important to their interests; and,
as we believe they will generally see the propriety of furthering a
law to establish commandite partnerships, let them petiti
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