A B C of modern socialism
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of steps, of which the first is to make itself blacklegproof, and the second is to be prepared then to demand, not higher wages, but superior status.
What is implied by superior status?
Superior status for the proletariat would mean that they were ceasing to sell their labour as a commodity in the market and were becoming partners in the direction and control of their industry.
Would not effective resistance be offered by the capitalists?
The capitalists would resist, but their resistance would not be effective if blacklegs could not be obtained.
Could not the State with its Army break the attempt of the proletariat to emancipate itself?
No, for the Army is useless against folded arms and loaded pipes.
Would not the salariat side with the capitalists?
At first, yes; but the interests of the salariat being with the industry, if the union could hold up industry, the salariat would have no choice but co-operating with the union.
If this should appear probable, what would the capitalists be likely to do?
So soon as the union is practically blackleg-proof, the capitalists of the industry will approach its leaders with offers of profit-sharing and co-partnership, and in two successive forms.
What are these two forms?
The first form is profit-sharing and co-partnership with the men, not collectively as a union, but individually by units.
Is there any objection to this form?