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resolve the most

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determine the rat

labouring classes.

within the narrow

neous matter, and leading principles not aware that a omitted, especiall the United King peculiarly refer. lieve that such

work will not re

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welfare, we have

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views. There are

in having the truth and fairly stated th that at bottom t

WE have attempted, in the following Treat resolve the most important of all economic pr —that is, to trace and exhibit the circumstances determine the rate of wages and the condition labouring classes. Our solution has been com

within the narrowest limits, by stripping it of neous matter, and confining it to an elucidation leading principles on which it depends. But not aware that any inquiry of importance ha omitted, especially if it regard the labouring cla the United Kingdom, to whom our investig peculiarly refer. We are sanguine enough lieve that such of them as may peruse this work will not regret having done so. Having written with a sincere desire to contribute to welfare, we have neither flattered any prejud theirs, nor concealed or slurred over any circum which might be supposed to be unfavourable to views. There are none who are more deeply int in having the truth, as respects their situation, h and fairly stated than the work-people. It will 1 that at bottom they have no exclusive interes

that their prosperity is intimately connected with, and is indeed inseparable from, the prosperity of the other classes. We have endeavoured to illustrate this connexion, and at the same time to show how much the well-being of the work-people depends on general principles, and how much on individual conduct. The importance of such inquiries ought to procure for them a corresponding degree of attention. And we would fain hope that they are here set in a pretty clear point of view; and are confident that they will be readily and easily followed by all who will give them something like the same consideration which they frequently bestow on subjects of very inferior importance.

Though principally intended for the use of the workpeople, this work may also be of service to the masters. A knowledge of the circumstances which determine the rate of wages and the condition of the labouring classes is of as much importance to the employers as the employed. The more, indeed, that this knowledge is diffused, the more will the lasting and real interests of both classes be seen to correspond, and the fewer will be the chances of the peace and good order of society being disturbed by jealousies and disagreements between the masters and those in their service.

LONDON, February, 1854.

INTRODUCTION-Varieties of Labour

CHAPTER I.

Wages depend on the Magnitude of the Fund or Capital ap priated to their payment compared with the number Labourers

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Natural or Necessary Rate of Wages; different in differ Countries and Periods; depends on the Quantity and scription of the Articles required for the support of Labourer. Influence of Fluctuations in the Rate of W over the Condition of the Labourers

CHAPTER IV.

Disadvantage of Low Wages, and of having the Labou habitually fed on the cheapest species of food. Advan of High Wages

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CHAPTER V.

Different Rates of Wages in different Employments. Circ stances on which these differences depend

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