The Socialism of to-day

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Monograph

Identifikator:: 835096955

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-28834

Document type:: Monograph

Author:: Laveleye, Émile de

Title:: The Socialism of to-day

Place of publication:: London

Publisher:: Field & Tuer

Year of publication:: 1884

Scope:: 1 Online-Ressource (XLIV, 331 S.)

Collection:: Economics Books

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12 THE SOCIALISM OF TO-DAY. tion, because it lessened the force of individual interest as an incentive to work, and it did not lend itself to the varied com binations which arise from the modern organization of trade. “ Associated ownership ”—that is to say, the same as exists in the modern joint-stock companies—is, according to Mario, the form which best suits intensive production. It unites the per manent character and the powerful means of production of corporate ownership, to the advantages arising from the capa bility of division and transfer, and the individual nature of parcelled-out private property. Hence the ever-increasing part assumed by commercial and industrial societies in the economic world. Mario sets forth, with remarkable analytical force, the advantages offered by associated ownership, as well for the increase in the productivity of labour as for the improvement of the condition of the labourers. He did not, however, foresee all the obstacles which, in the present state of things, prevent its becoming as general as might have been hoped, if only the best side, which the author throws into such bold relief, were taken into consideration. The solution which he reaches is in reality borrowed from Fourrier ; the Utopia of communistic phalansteries appears from time to time as the ideal. Never theless, he has studied Political Economy most profoundly, and in his deductions, often very ingenious, he scarcely ever ignores economic principles. Unlike most reformers, he insists, as strongly as J. S. Mill, that the population question in reality governs all others. Like Mill, or J oseph Gamier, he says : accomplish the best imaginable reforms, spare nothing in order to better the condition of the lower classes, adopt laws the best calculated to further the growth of wealth and its equitable dis tribution, yet all your efforts will be in vain, if the population increases faster than the means of subsistence. Industry will in vain multiply her manufactured articles ; they are merely accessories. The essential thing to know is whether each year agriculture can obtain from the soil sufficient produce to enable everybody at least to be fed. Mario is entirely right on this point, but he relies too much upon preventive measures, which, as experience has shown,

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