A B C of modern socialism

7X

Yes, for every man so singled out is spiritually transferred from the side of Labour to the side of capital. His concern is no longer to abolish the wage system for himself, his fellows and the nation at large, but to obtain all the profit he can extract out of it.

What is the probable second form of capitalists’ offer?

The second form will be offered as a rule only when the second form has been rejected by the men. The capitalists will offer partnership to the union as a union.

Are there any objections to this form?

There are several. (1) The union would remain a union of wage-earners. (2) Relations between itself and the salariat and capitalists would be unstable, since in the same industry there cannot be two masters, and one of the parties would constantly be attempting to encroach on the privileges of the other. (3) And if they combine, the greatest objection of all would arise.

What is it?

Together they would form a trust, including the monopoly of capital with the monopoly of labour, by means of which they could exploit society without check.

What could be done to prevent the formation of such an anti-national trust ?

Provided that while the trade unions were winning to their emancipation, the intelligent public were with them, at this point the public, through its organ the State, might substitute itself for the capitalists.