THE NATION AND THE LABOURER.

43

of the demand, be considerably augmented. This example
 may serve also to make apparent the circumstance,
that a community of any dimensions, from that of a small
town to that of a great nation, wherever the number of
the labourers is not subject to any great and sudden fluctuations,
 has in its own hands the means of proportioning
 the number of the labourers to the quantity of the
worl, if so be that the number of them is sufficient or in
sxcess. For, let the case be that of a town, and the conditions
 such that, in consequence of some unfavourable
sutside influence, a general depression of trade forinstance,
there is a considerable diminution in the quantity of
work to be done within the town, whilst the number of
the labourers remain as before; the natural effect (to
use a phrase very objectionable in such connection) is
that the rate of wages becomes reduced. . many of the
labourers are left without work, and they and their
families have to be supported in a state of destitution,
perhaps, by charitable or outside aid. Now let us suppose
 that the mayor, or other appointed municipal
authority, makes lawful public declaration that the hours
of labour shall be reduced ; and shall be henceforth one.
two, or three hours per day (according to the circumstances),
 less than previously ; such regulation to remain
in effect until lawfully repealed. Such a proceeding
would be obviously obnoxious to the objection that it
would be oppressive and unjust to the employers of
labour. ‘Here are the employers of labour, it might
be said, ‘whose business is depressed, who in some
cases are making little or no profit, and in others are
losing money ; and you propose to arbitrarily put upon