Relation of the State to Industrial Action

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... of action, or else force them out of business. In performing such a duty the state performs a moral function, for it regulates competition to the demands of the social conscience. Under the guiding influence of such a thought the immediate interests of the individual may be made to coincide, in some degree, with the fundamental interests of society, and thus, by disregarding the dogma of laissez-faire, the fundamental purpose of those formulating the doctrine is in part realized. Surely religious teachers should be interested in the opportunity which such a thought opens to men. The State may Realize for Society the Benefits of Monopoly. Let us now turn to consider the second point introduced by the enumeration of the evils that flow from unrestricted competition. The application of the rule of non-interference, it was said, rendered it impossible for society to realize for its members the benefits that arise, in certain lines of business, from organizations in the form of monopoly. It may seem at first strange to speak of a beneficent principle in connection with monopolies, for we are accustomed to associate them with all that is odious, grasping, and tyrannous. The existence of monopolies in favor of individuals has always been regarded as an infringement of personal rights, and history declares that free peoples have always revolted against the assumption of peculiar privileges by any class of men. Much of that which we have come to admire in modern life, and to rely upon in modern character, was developed in those struggles of the past to overthrow exclusive privileges, and it is on this account easy to understand the feeling of jealous distrust with which private monopolies are universally regarded. For whatever form they may assume, the results which flow...