246 
POLITICAL ECONOMY 
know of a better way of making a living, or, 
if they do, how to fit themselves for it, when 
their circumstances or inertia do not bar escape 
from their miserable plight, as they so fre 
quently do. In addition, from the employing 
side, forces may come into play which tend to 
cause a down-drift of wages. Some employers 
may pay very low rates because they are 
grasping, or cannot pay more ; but, whatever 
the cause, low rates once paid anywhere are 
apt to bring down other rates. Even generous 
ly disposed employers may complain of unfair 
competition and feel themselves forced to 
follow suit ; and the influences on the side of 
supply which should drive the incapable 
employer out of the field are inoperative. 
Again, given the absence of an outbreak of 
under-pay anywhere, there is always the 
suspicion of its presence, and this alone helps 
to depress rates. Besides it must be remem 
bered that even when rates are not scandal 
ously low, earnings may be, because of the 
disorganisation of the work, which means 
that people are frequently under-employed, 
though frequently rushed, and that their time 
is wasted in more ways than one. And as 
things are, there is a vicious circle of cause and 
effect always working harm. The poorer out 
workers become, the weaker becomes their