When the convents of Spain were reformed, they said to the beggars, "Where will you find broth and clothing? The Abbot is your providence. Is it not very convenient to apply to him?"
And the beggars said: "That is true. If the Abbot goes, we see what we lose, but we do not see what will come in its place."
They do not notice that if the convents gave alms they lived on alms, so that the people had to give them more than they could receive back.
Thus, workmen, a monopoly imperceptibly puts taxes on your shoulders, and then furnishes you work with the proceeds.
Your false friends say to you: If there was no monopoly, who would furnish you work?
You answer: This is true, this is true. The labor which the monopolists procure us is certain. The promises of liberty are uncertain.
For you do not see that they first take money from you, and then give you back a part of it for your labor.
Do you ask who will furnish you work? Why, you will give each other work. With the money which will no longer be taken from you, the shoemaker will dress better, and will make work for the tailor. The tailor will have new shoes oftener, and keep the shoemaker employed. So it will be with all occupations.
They say that with freedom there will be fewer workmen in the mines and the mills.
I do not believe it. But if this does happen, it is necessarily because there will be more labor freely in the open air.