4302. LABOR, Distribution.—
In Europe,
the best distribution of labor is supposed to
be that which places the manufacturing hands
alongside the agricultural; so that the one
part shall feed both, and the other part furnish
both with clothes and other comforts.
Would that be best here? Egoism and first
appearances say yes. Or would it be better
that all our laborers should be employed in
agriculture? In this case a double or treble
portion of fertile lands would be brought into
culture; a double or treble creation of food
be produced, and its surplus go to nourish the
now perishing births of Europe, who in return
would manufacture and send us in exchange
our clothes and other comforts.—
To M. Say. Washington ed. iv, 527.
(W.
Feb. 1804)
