“After all,” said Marcel, calmly, “they are only like other men.”
“Ah, sir, let their ringleaders talk in that way; do not speak so yourself.”
“Why not?”
“Because, with philanthropic theories, and laisser-aller tendencies, we should soon be no longer masters of our own works; they would put us out of doors.”
Marcel looked gravely at the manager, and replied—
“My opinion is entirely opposed to yours. I think that if workmen were treated as partners they would work better and keep better discipline. There is a huge misunderstanding between Capital and Labour. They treat one another as enemies, when they ought to proceed in concerted action, like allies.”
“Eh? That is downright Socialism.”
“No! It is simply co-operation.”
“And do you know,” said Cardez, looking slily at Marcel, “what is the principal reason of the discontent of the dyers?”
“The principal reason? Then the grievances they have manifested are only a pretext?”