Page:Life in a thousand worlds.djvu/251

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LIFE IN A THOUSAND WORLDS.

5. A widow or orphan is cared for by regular authorities. The by-laws of this fifth article regulate the work of women.

6. No credit is allowed except on a government credit-slip signed by the local representative of the state. If the bill is not paid by the one making the debt, the amount of which is always stipulated, the government will pay it and proceed to collect it in one of three ways. The last resort is according to article four.

There are several other sections governing private ownership of property, land and business. These new laws have had a very good effect. The number of persons getting immensely wealthy gradually decreased, and the average wealth of the laborers increased. The government has the power at any time to form a trust or combination of any line of business by paying liberally to those already engaged in it. This assists the government in carrying its heavy financial burdens, and every family is assured of support if the soil produces enough to feed the people.

And now if I knew how to describe elements that have no resemblance to anything