Litchfield enquirer., 1861-12-12
WHOLE NO. 1906

them to it without that consent. Having pro- ceeded so far it is naturally concluded that all
 aoofers are either hired laborers or what we call slaves; and further, it is assumed that whoever IS once hlred laborer is fixed in that condition for lie. Now, there is no such relation between capital and labor as assumed, nor is there any such thing as free man being fixed for life in the condition of hired laborer Both of these assumptions are false, and all incerences from them are groundless. Labor is prior to, and in- dependent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superi- or of capital and deserves the higher consdera- tion. Capital has it's rights, which are as worthy of protection as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always will be, relation between labor and capital producing mutual benefits. The error is in assuming that the whole labor of community exists within that relation. A few men own capital, and that few avoid labor themselves, and with their cap ita hire or buy another few to labor for them.- A large majority belong to neither class. neither work for others nor have others work for them. In most of the Southern States majority of the whole people of all colors are neither slaves nor masters. while in the Northern large majority are neither hirers nor hired. Men with their families, wives, sons, and daughters work for themselves on their own farms, in their houses, and in their shops, taking the whole product to themselves, and asking no favors of capital on the one hand nor of hired laborers or slaves on the other. It is not forgotten that considers ble number of persops mingle their own labor with capital that is, they labor with their own hands and also buy or hire others to labor for them; but this is only mixed and not distinct class. No principle stated is disturbed by the existence of this mixed class.
 Again, as has already been said, there is not of necessity any such thing as the free hired laborer being fixed for that condition for life.- Many independent men everywhere in these states, few years back in their lives, were hired laborers. The prudent, penniless beggar in the e weEd adE9 1pbera Or land for 6maa S9rpus pn and at lengt, nir nts own account another awhile him. This IS the just and generous and prosper ous system which opens the way to all, give nope to all, and consequent energy and prog ahd improvement of the condition of a)y>' men living are more worthy to be trusb. those who toll up from poverty, none less. ed to take or touch aught which they have honestly earned. Let them beware of surreudy ing political power which they already posse and which, if surrendered, will as surely be uzt to close the door of advancement against SUI as they, and to fix new disabilities and burde upon them till all of liberty shall be lost.
 From the first taking of our national cens \ to the last are seventy years and we find population, at tho end of the period, eight tim as great as it was at the beginning. The crease of those other things which men dee desirable has been even greater We thus ha- at one view, what the popular principle, ar to government through the machinery states and the Union. has produced in time,. and also what, if firmly mn; promises for the future. There :Ac. among us thoso who, if the Union CT trade, will, live to see it contain 250,OSs struggle of to-day is not altogether
 it ;s fer vest future alsox
 With a firm reliance On Frovlu
 more firm and earnest, let us proceed iL~ task which events have devolved upon us. s'
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
 WASHINGTON, December 3.
 ABSTRACT OF SECRETARY CAMERoNs REPORT. HLa GAlnriufr nnt rrnsnfafa fha antirn