e fruit of labor, and could never have existed if
labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and
deserves much the higher consideration. Capital has its rights,
which are as worthy of protection as any other rights. Nor is it
denied that there is, and probably always will be, a relation
between labor and capital, producing mutual benefits. The error is
in assuming that the whole labor of community exists within that
relation. A few men own capital, and those few avoid labor
themselves, and, with their capital, hire or buy another few to
labor for them. A large majority belong to neither class--neither
work for others, nor have others working for them. In most of the
Southern States, a majority of the whole people of all colors are
neither slaves nor masters; while in the North, a large majority
are neither hirers nor hired. Men, with their families--wives,
sons, and daughters--work for themselves, on their farms, in their
houses, and in their shops, taking the whole product to themselves,
and asking no favors of capital on the one hand, nor of hired
laborers or slaves on the other. It is not forgotten that a
considerable number of persons mingle their own labor with
capital--that is, they labor with their own hands, and also buy or
hire others to labor for them; but this is only a mixed, not a
distinct class. No principle stated is disturbed by the existence
of this mixed class. Again, as has already been said, there is not,
of necessity, any such thing as the free hired laborer being fixed
to that condition for life. Many independent men everywhere in
these States, a few years back in their lives, were hired laborers.
The prudent, penniless beginner in the world labors for wages
awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for
himself; then labors on his own account another while, and at
length hires another new beginner to help him. This is the just and
generous and prosperous system, which opens the way to all, gives
hope to all, and consequent energy and progress and improvement of
condition to all. No men living are more worthy to be trusted than
those who toil up from poverty--none less inclined to take, or
touch, aught which they have not honestly earned. Let them beware
of surrendering a political power which th