THE SOURCE OF PROSPERITY. 233 



developed, and the volume and profits of trade be 

 increased. 



Here is where the capitalist finds it to his interest 

 to employ manufacturers, and in the employment of a 

 multitude to grow rich. Between the production of 

 his workmen and the consumption of the products, 

 whether consumed by his own operatives or by others, 

 a trade is created, which the manufacturing capitalist 

 holds and controls. All the products of his laborers 

 passing through his hands to the consumers, gives 

 him an opportunity for profit that is limited by only 

 two conditions : first, the number he employs, and, 

 secondly, the ability of his customers to buy and con- 

 sume. If their ability is great their consumption will 

 be liberal. If they are paupers, or but little better, 

 their trade will be worthless. The surest measure by 

 which the manufacturing capitalist can gauge the 

 ability of the masses to buy and consume of the pro- 

 ducts he wishes to sell, is to study the condition of his 

 own employes ; he may be sure that others can not be 

 very different, and that they represent the great bulk 

 of his consumers. 



Manifestly, then, when one half of the manufac- 

 turers, or workmen, are idle, not only one half of the 

 producing power is lost, but one half the consuming 

 power is undeveloped ; and, consequently, the volume 

 of trade is not more than one half what it might be. 

 But there is still another bad feature in this connec- 

 tion. The nonemployment of large numbers of work- 

 men creates a destructive competition among them, 

 that will not only destroy their purchasing power, but 

 will react to the destruction of all trade. This prin- 



