76 THE LAWS OF SOCIAL INEQUALITY 



and true religion* these delusions are passing away like a cloud. 



But the people are interested in putting down tyrannical mo- 

 nopolies, not only in religion and government, but in commerce. 

 Commercial tyranny is as great a curse as the former despotisms 

 in religion and politics which have been subjugated. 



Two hundred years ago, war with its interests absorbed the 

 attention of mankind ; but now society has completely changed 

 its character, and become commercial and industrial in its spirit. 

 Strife is therefore transported to this new field ; and, as man is 

 still the same fighting animal he ever was, it is now a war of 

 industry and all its elements. Property is the prize for which 

 all are straining their nerves. 



But commercial power accumulated in the hands of any one 

 man, or body of men, is ever dangerous to liberty. Who does 

 not know that the love of power is natural to man, and that he 

 is apt 'to abuse the confidence that is reposed in him ? Man is 

 naturally a selfish being. Men do not change their nature when 

 they combine their efforts and become shareholders. Merchant 

 princes are no exception. Personal interest is undoubtedly the 

 moving power of the actions of one and all of them. That they 

 confer benefits on the community is not denied. Their canvas 

 is swelling on every sea, and their merchandise is coming to us 

 from every shore ! Yet, is the power thus accumulated in the 

 hands of a few used only for the good of the many ? Is it not 

 undeniable that banking and other extensive establishments 

 are not to be trusted ? that they are apt to get a little too much 

 ahead? And do not you think, reader, that these leading 

 branches in the Social Tree require to be looked after, and 

 that a little occasional pruning of them would be a public 

 benefit? 



No man, or body of men can get much ahead in any pursuit 

 without retarding the progress of others in the same ratio. 

 Every man who commences business in a small way knows that 

 he has, in the large capitalist, a dangerous competitor. And 

 he is quite right. Customers will always go to those places 

 where they can get the cheapest and best goods. They think it 

 is their interest to do so. Hence, they go to the man who has 



* Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, 

 do ye even so to them ; for this is the law and the prophets, Matt. vii. 12. 



