A B C of modern socialism

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blackleg-proof unions. In fact, there have been several important developments: (a) the conquest of economic scarcity; (6) the growth of mass production, with its consequent increase of repetitive occupations; (c) a flood of light has been thrown upon banking and finance, followed by a clearer understanding of credit, as distinct from capital, as a factor in production and distribution; and (d) a more exhaustive inquiry into the principles and policy of compensation.

The Technician

Behind much of this we discern the work of the scientist, the inventor and the technician. The first two would, on the whole, fare badly without the co-operation of the technician, who is frequently all three in his own person. For our present purpose we here distinguish the technician from the mechanic, with the reservation that there are many technicians occupying posts obtained through family or social influence, and many craftsmen more skilled than the technicians who direct them. And, further, the technician is almost helpless without the craftsman.

Of the enormous power for good or ill of this group there can be no question. They are, at this moment of writing, playing a responsible, if not a dominant, part in preparing for another war. They are also responsible for anti-social mechanisms of one kind or another—gambling machines, for example. They do it, not because they like or approve, but because it pays.

Nevertheless, the technical professions are not