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TRADES SOZIETIES’: TIiEfR OBFECTS AdvD PoLlc‘l’. 107
wages the hidden if not the apparent result of every r&mk
they demand. I yuppose that 110 Union ever yet propod
reduction of the hours of labour without wanting the same
wages as before; thus really attolnptiug somewhat by e sidewind
to raise the rate per hour. But the rate of WQpS and
the length of hours ore two totally distinct things. Ten hours’
labour nro certainly not worth so u~uch to an employer
twelve houm’ ; though, as the workman is fresher and more
careful, they am probably worth as much as eleven hours on
the old system. I think then that those who demand a
reduction of one-sixth in the hours of labour should be willing
to concede a reduction of at least one-twelfth in the wages.
Not but that the morkrnnn is at liberty, if he like, to ask
fur an increase in the rate of wages too. What 1 wvant
-; to say is, that it is trot judicious for him to mix up in oLle
:$ demand two totally different objects; for if he docs not dis-
3 crirninnto betwccn tho objects he has in view, 110 can hardly
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4 expect the employer will. I say ngain, that I think the rate of
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.:z wages is a matter which stands upon a totally different footiug
from any regulations which concern the llcrrlth and safety of
tho workman.
Hero I should probably fiud myself at variance with most
of the class of employers who are too much accustomed by
habit and prejudice to disregard o hundred little matters which
are of vital importance to tho workman. The man employed
is too often regarded by the employer a8 a mere machine
working for tho benefit of the employer, who naturally endeavours
to get the most out of him, regardless of moral and
sanitary results. But in the eye of the economist and tho
&tatesrnan, in regard t.0 the public interests, and before tho
face of God, the welfare of the working-man and the workingman’s
class is as much an object of care as that of the
wealthiest capitalist ; and, indeed, in proportion to the numbem
concerned, vastly more SO. The fact is, that property and
capital are jealously guarded by the legislator, not so much
for the benefit of a small exclusive class, but because capital
can hardly be accumulated and employed without vivifying
indastry, and diffusing comfort and subsistence through the