Eaton weekly Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1866-1875, 1873-11-06
For the Eaton Democrat.
Labor and CAPITAL.
No. /.
DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH.

er has been II of prominence
and interest in our country for
many years, and especially III
the last decade. In that tine
many theories have been advo-
Gated for the reconciliation of the
troubles existing between these
Interests, and it shall be our en-
deavor to show a few of these in
as brief a manner as possible,
and close with an exploration of
what seems TO be the most like
lY to result in the amicable set
Element of the difficulties.
The question as to the correct
distribution of wealth, Is one that
mas occupied the minds of many
Of the leading men of all coun-
tries for centuries. That q por-
ton of mankind should live in
luxury and ease; while by far a
larger number by means of hard
work are barely able to earn
enough to supply the necessaries
Of life, has long been looked up
on as contrary to the provisions
of the Divine Being, who brought
Us into existence, and shows His
blessings alike upon the rich and
the poor.
Wealth is necessary to both
national and individual prosperi-
ty. On it depends the degree of
civilization and power of a na-
ton. By its assistance man has
been enabled to command that
mastery which he now possesses
over earth, air and ocean,, and
fathom their many mysteries.
Without Its assistance Columbus
would never have discovered
America, and Watt would have
gone to his grave with his theo-
ry of the application of steam un-
proven. Is it to be wondered
then, that this powerful agent is
SO eagerly sought after by men
For the production of this great
necessity three things are requi-
site: land, labor and capital, and
between them is the product of
their joint exertions distributed,
but for the discussion of this
question the former of these NAV
be classed with capital. We find
then that the increase will be d.
vided between labor and capital,
under the names Of wages and
profits; and it is this distribution
that has caused the existing diff
ferences between these two in
.terests. Differences that have
long existed, and for the settle
ment of which, learned writer's of
the present and past have adj
vance6 many schemes, only to
see them. frustrated on practical
application. That these agents
are not antigonistical from-ne.
cessity is evident, fer n with
out the other would be powerless
to produce.
We're it not for varying cir
cumstances, che correct distribu-
ton of these profits might be
arrived at, for to capital
would be due an amount equal to
the interest on the capital in
volved, and to labor what was
necessary for its support Turing
the production. But there are
other circumstances that tend to
change these proportions. These
are numerous, but a few may
serve to illustrate. Capital, for
Instance, must receive some re-
lumerative for the risk involved.
md the capitalist for time spent
II attending to the business. The
aborer, on the other hand, must
eceive pay for the danger incur
ed to life and health in the labor
'ngaged in. Again, it must re-
Give something for the cost Of
repairing for that particular
York. The laborer, like others, :
} liable to sickness and old age, p;
DR. which he must lay up some ;
hing. These are the causes that :
ave brought about the trouble :
f arriving at the correct Gistri- ,
ution of profits as mentioned a. 6
owe. :
ASSOCIATIONS.
A satisfactory settlement has I
1890 - -.