第169页 / 共2651页

Such combinations, however, are frequently resisted by a contrary

defensive combination of the workmen, who sometimes, too, without

any provocation of this kind, combine, of their own accord, to

raise the price of their labour. Their usual pretences are,

sometimes the high price of provisions, sometimes the great

profit which their masters make by their work. But whether their

combinations be offensive or defensive, they are always

abundantly heard of. In order to bring the point to a speedy

decision, they have always recourse to the loudest clamour, and

sometimes to the most shocking violence and outrage. They are

desperate, and act with the folly and extravagance of desperate

men, who must either starve, or frighten their masters into an

immediate compliance with their demands.