isn) 4 
A simivar rule fhould be eftablifhed with refpe& to fcho- 
lars of the fecond clafs. Thefe, moreover, fhould be entitled 
to a preference above other journeymen in being employed 
at the fchool, and fhould not only receive pay as fuch, but if 
they fhall have continued to labour induftrioufly in that capa- 
city for a certain length of time, or if they fhall have ob- 
tained a certain number of prizes for excellence in their art, 
fhould receive fuch a ftock of implements*or machines as may 
enable them to enter into trade on their own account, and 
employ an additional number of hands. 
Tuese are but the leading features of a plan which can be 
perfectly fafhioned only by the deliberations and exertions of 
perfons converfant in the feveral manufactures. 
I now proceed to obviate fuch objections againft the gene- 
ral fcheme as occur to me. 
First, let us confider the expenfe of fuch kind of efta- 
blifhments. | 
Tue labour of children employed at machinery may be fairly 
confidered as equally productive with the labour of an equal 
number of men unaflifted by any combination of mechanic 
powers. The labour of the meaneft hired labourer cannot be 
worth lefs than that of an able-bodied flave. Now the labour 
of an able-bodied flave is calculated by a very judicious au- 
thor (Mr. Cantillon) to be worth double his maintenance. 
From hence I conclude that the expenfe of maintaining all 
the children educated in manufacturing ichools would be at 
leaft defrayed by the profits of their labour. 
VoL. IV. (H) I Have 
