He thus accepts, against good morals, the mere show of
an economic law when the substance is wanting. The
process of sale is regarded as far more sufficient unto
itself than it really is.
What economics really teaches us is that the condi-
tions of fair, desirable exchange are very delicate and
difficult of attainment, and that, therefore, in our pursuit
of the well-being of men, we must have these conditions
constantly in view. The law works evil, not good, if its
first terms are perverted.
It is a part of the ethical law to impose on every man
10




146 SOCIOLOGY.
the duty, as far as in him lies, to renew, generation by
generation, place by place, point by point, fair, equal,
general terms of competition, the essential conditions
under which alone economic laws are fortunate in their
operation. It is a permanent duty of the state to perpet-
ually re-establish the conditions of favorable production.
