314 LAND AND LABOR. 



the last fifty years, equal to at least nine tenths of 

 that previously required to produce the subsistence 

 demanded by society. 



Second. There is the fact that at the close of the 

 war of the rebellion at least two fifths of the then 

 working force of the North, and probably of the South 

 also, were thrown upon the country, where there was 

 no demand for their employment where they were 

 not wanted ; and that the only work they have ob- 

 tained, since that time, has been by compelling a di- 

 vision with those then and since employed. 



Third. Another important point is, that since 

 the close of the war machinery has been so greatly 

 improved that more than one half of the number then 

 required have been dispensed with. In this manner 

 has the ratio of idleness been steadily and constantly 

 increased. 



Fourth. Then there are the operations on the 

 bonanza farms, where, from three to six weeks in each 

 year, are found from two to three hundred laborers, 

 and for five months only from five to ten. 



Here are four indisputable factors, out of many 

 others that might be given, that sufficiently prove 

 that the idleness must largely exceed fifty per cent, 

 of the working force of the country. The facts upon 

 these points are given in this volume, and are unim- 

 peachable. It is a simple arithmetical problem, not 

 a sentiment of desire or repugnance. Sentiment does 

 not enter into the matter. There stand the facts, 

 however disagreeable they may be, and ignorant de- 

 nial will not change them. Take your pencils, dear 

 readers, and work out the problem. It will prove a 



