due from him, and others by the rating of their labor as worth no more than that of their inferior fellows. Common sense tells us that such a system can not stand. But suppose Capital finds, as it soon does, that it can not make a profit by paying more than the service is worth: what then? Some one must go: will it be the best workmen, or the poorest? Certainly the poorest. But suppose Capital finds further that it can not yet keep all at work profitably: what in that case? Why, the next inferior grade will be discharged, while the best still hold their places, and will hold them so long as any one is employed.

The best mechanics, then, are always in employ when they will work; but the less skillful, possibly sometimes the less favored, get employment only when there is enough for all, which is not always the case. Inferior workmen are especially gratified to have their services put on an equality in price with the best, and hence they combine without result except to annoy and embarrass their fellow-workmen, and perhaps prompt them to strike; for unless Capital is obliged to pay more for their labor than it is worth, they will not be employed at all. Nor can the less useful, under combination, compete at all with the most useful. The end, if successful, would be a onesided arrangement in the trades-union, the least skilled, without anything like equal worthiness, securing equal advantage with the best. If all were allowed to enter the market and sell their labor for what it is worth

and what they can get for it, the man who is onequarter less valuable than another could get employment at a corresponding price as soon as the other; while now he must stand back and let the other have the work at all times, waiting until the chance comes when there is more work than the best or second best can do, and then he will get employment.

On general principles, any combination that attempts to force Capital to pay one-quarter to a half more for a man's labor than it is worth, will simply prevent Capital from buying any labor. There is not power enough in Labor by any combination to compel Capital long to make the purchase; and if the struggle ever comes to the last resort, it will be found that Capital will survive, while Labor must yield or die.

But the reader must not forget the immediately practical consideration that Labor ever offers the opportunity for those who get employment to gain an independence, if only they can save. No matter what the workingman's grade of skill, he can commonly get some employment at some price; and in general steady work at moderate wages will finally accumulate the most money. The tables of earnings in this volume will be helpful for any workingman to study, as they show him how even small earnings, properly placed, will in time bring him independence, and may lead him on to fortune. He will also be aided in his

daily labors by the following excellent remarks and precepts, from the "Run and Read Sermons" of Joseph Baxendale:

GOOD MAXIMS AND ADVICE.

An old servant of the concern observed a short time ago that he began life in the employ of Pickford upon low wages, and that by frugality and industry he had gained a competency. His maxim was never to spend more than ninepence out of every shilling. Although this may appear a trifle, recollect that is five shillings in twenty, ten pounds in forty.

Suppose a young man to pursue this system: Let him obtain the first twenty pounds, add each year ten pounds, he will at the end of six years be possessed of upward of one hundred pounds. If in early life the opportunity is suffered to pass, it rarely happens that one can save money when more advanced in years.

The concern in which we are engaged has been defrauded by those who have for thirty years received salaries, the savings from which, had they followed the plan that is recommended, would have placed them in situations of comparative affluence, and we should now have seen them respectable members of society.

Upon industry and frugality our well-doing depends. It is not great talents, but steady application, that is required. There are none of us that may not obtain stations of respectability. "God helps them that help themselves." "He that follows pleasure instead of business will shortly have no business to follow."

I frequently complain of what may be called trifles; but from these arising frequently we are at length lost. Let each attend to his respective duties, keep the appointed hours, and never defer till to-morrow what may be done to-day.

If business is more pressing than usual, give additional time, that your accounts may not fall into confusion, and that you

may not be the means of causing delay and trouble to others. It often happens that the negligence of individuals throws additional labor upon those who are anxious for regularity.

Hiding or screening the faults of others is a system that has prevailed and caused much loss and injury-frequently to the offending party, always to the employer.

Late occurrences lead me to draw your attention to this subject: it is important in every sense, both as regards your public There is nothing more worthy of a man and private stations. than truth, nothing which makes him feel so despicable as a lie. Recollect that men act lies without speaking them, and that all false appearances are lies.

He therefore who, seeing his employer injured, neglects to make it known, is equally guilty, with this addition, that he is practicing a lie. Want of punctuality is a lie.

Speak and act openly on all occasions. Errors will be fewer, and labor will be decreased.

but It seldom happens that we can do any important services; Take, therefore, every opporsmall services are always in use. tunity of assisting each other: you are then most effectually serving your employers, as well as keeping up a spirit of cordiality and good will among yourselves.

A good Christian must be a good servant.

Whatever your

lot in life may be, above all things remember that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

CHAPTER XIII.

THE MECHANIC.

A good mechanic is the most independent man in the world. BROWN, OXFORD SHOEMAKER.

FORMER chapter was devoted to the consideration of the workingman as employee; this chapter will consider him mainly as employer.

Mechanical pro

duction, as a means of money-making, takes rank among the surest known, both for principals and subordinates, considering the capital usually invested. Says Mr. Reade, in his book on "Money, and How to Make it":"Few men stick to any kind of business ten years who do not prosper. Talking once with an intelligent blacksmith, he told me this story of his life. Completing his trade at twenty-three, he hired a shop in a village destined to grow, but full to overflowing with workmen of his craft. A month elapsed before a man entered his shop, but at length the villagers began to note the new-comer's apparent industry, and one after another to bring the starving smithy jobs. For five years it was a question of life or death with him, but persistence won, as it always