OPEN LETTER TO POPE LEO Xm. 9S
by justice can do nothing to solve the problem of the existing condition of labor. Though the rich were to " bestow all their goods to feed the poor and give their bodies to be burned," poverty would continue while property in land continues.
Take the case of the rich man to-day who is honestly desirous of devoting his wealth to the improvement of the condition of labor. What can he do ?
Bestow his wealth on those who need it? He may help some who deserve it, but will not improve general conditions. And against the good he may do will be the danger of doing harm.
Build churches? Under the shadow of churches poverty festers and the vice that is born of it breeds.
Build schools and colleges ? Save as it may lead men to see the iniquity of private property in land, increased education can effect nothing for mere laborers, for as education is diffused the wages of education sink.
Establish hospitals ? Why, already it seems to laborers that there are too many seeking work, and to save and prolong life is to add to the pressure.
Build model tenements? Unless he cheapens house accommodations he but drives further the class he would benefit, and as he cheapens house accommodations he brings more to seek employment and cheapens wages.
Institute laboratories, scientific schools, workshops for physical experiments ? He but stimulates invention and discovery, the very forces that, acting on a society based on private property in land, are crushing labor as between the upper and the nether millstone.
Promote emigration from places where wages are low to places where they are somewhat higher? If he does, even those whom he at first helps to emigrate will soon turn on him to demand that such emigration shall be stopped as reducing their wages.
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