The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-05-16
LABOR AND CAPITAL.


For the purpose of convenient distinc-
ton, and not because there exists such an
absolute line of demarkation in real life,
we may assume that there are three distinct
stages of capital in the United States:
the capital of physical labor, the capital
of mental labor, and the capital of accu-
INFLATED or capitalized labor. Between
these three classes Of capitalists there is
no natural or necessary antagonism all of
them are interested in the security of life
and property, in the enforcement of con-
tracts, in the freedom of making contracts,
in the complete liberty of changing voca-
ton and investments, in general education,
aud the peaceful and economical admins
tration of public affairs.
The capitalist of physical labor has for
sale his days work the capitalist Of
mental labor his professional skill, and the
capitalist of reserved labor the accumula-
ton which either he or his ancestors have
acquired. Sometimes the one and some
times the other of these classes receive the
highest share of reward. 1t frequently
happens in our Western territories, or 10
our mining districts, that physical labor is
in so great demand that lawyers and doc
tors engage side by side with ordinary la
borers in physical work, because it brings
by far the highest reward At other times
the capital represented by physical labor
is so abundant, and the reserved and ac-
cumulated capital is in such great demand,
that it receives the lions share OF the re-
ward.
STATEMENT OF THE LABOR REFORM.
The main questions which an inquiry
into the labor problem suggest, are two
fold: First, how can the capitalist of
days labor, comprising as it does the
largest class of our population, receive in
exchange the greatest amount of comfort,
and the greatest share of the profit. Sec
ondly, how can be rise most easily and
speedily to the condition of capitalist of
reserved labor, or a capitalist of skillful
mental requirements.
These questions are of the most vital
Importance to the progress of the world
They are SO profound and interviewer with
the fabric of society, that they require tie
most earnest, conscientious, pains-taking,
impartial, and non-partisan investigation
They cannot be solved by the cheap rheto-
ric of the political agitator, nor by intui-
tion, nor by the unlettered and untutored
suggestions of any class, looking upon
them from partial standpoint. And if
the words of counsel which we are about
to present to our fellow-laborers do not
clear away all the difficulties surrounding
the subject, we know, at least, that our
suggestions are the result, both of earnest
thought, and of sincere desire to level up
our physical laborers without dwelling
down any other class. Elevate, educate,
make moral and free the basis of society,
and not only is the safety of the State en-
sured, but all other classes will be pros
porous and contented.
THERE IS NO PERMANENT LABoRING
CLASS.
The assumption that there is laboring
class, or inferior caste, having separate and
antagonistic interests, which descends from
father to son, and from which no one can
rise or change, is monarchical idea, i'm
ported from abroad and inapplicable to
our country. And to prevent the forma-
ton of permanent laboring class, as dis
tinguished from a professional or a capt.
talist class, ought to be the object ofearnest
solicitude with every American statesman
and thinker.
A Varnnniafar hac hnd thrao dol dam.