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300 TRADE UNIONISM

BOOK IV. Such being the case, then, let us now

OH. IV, , . • • 1 r

— turn our attention to another principle of an
Unionism entirely different kind, which, so far as regards
Sndofor^this objcct, is incalculably more important,
m wui and which has constantly operated in the past,
how^^nd a^d may operate in the future, to increase
in whaf^ the labourer's income, without any correspond-
liraits. jjjg disadvantages. I mean that principle of
organisation amongst the labourers themselves
which is commonly called Trade Unionism;
and which directly or indirectly represents
the principal means by which Labour is
attempting, throughout the civilised world,
to accelerate and regulate the natural distri-
bution of wealth. I will first, in the light of
the conclusions we have already arrived at,
point out to the reader what, speaking gener-
ally, is the way in which Trade Unionism
strengthens the hands of Labour; and then
consider what is the utmost extent to which
the strength which Labour now derives from
it may be developed.
The opera- I^ ^^^ reader has not already forgotten our
Tr^df imaginary community, — our eight labourers
S'^aMng ^^^ John and James directing them, — our
wages can ^asicst coursc will bc to turn again to that.
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HOW IT STRENGTHENS LABOUR 301
We saw that when the labourers were employed book iv.
CH. IV.
