ABSTRACT
Hitherto Ricardo’s teaching had been that the demand for labour, and the quantity of population, increases or diminishes in proportion to the increase or decrease of capital. The labourers had the remedy in their own hands, and could not hold the capitalists responsible for their distresses. The makers of arms and ammunition will perhaps be set to work producing fine clothes and furniture; but the soldiers are no longer required either for military or civil employment. Both capitalist and labourer will suffer loss until industry is placed on a footing. The labourers are always increasing in number; let the capitalists discontinue making regular additions to their wages fund and presently wages will fall and the rate of profit will rise.
