MASTERS OR WORKMEN.

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sequence of combination has then, in these instances,been, to the workmen who combined—reduction ofwages ; to the public—reduction of price ; and tothe manufacturer—increased sale of his commodity,resulting from that reduction.

(282.) It is, however, important to consider theeffects of combination in another and less obvious pointof view. The fear of combination amongst the menwhom he employs, will have a tendency to induce themanufacturer to conceal from his workmen the ex-tent of the orders he may at any time have in hand;and, consequently, they will always be less acquaintedwith the extent of the demand for their labour thanthey otherwise might. This is injurious to theirinterests; for instead of foreseeing, by the gradualfalling off in the orders, the approach of a time whenthey must be unemployed, and preparing accordingly,they are liable to much more sudden changes thanthose to which they would otherwise be subject.

In the evidence given by Mr. Galloway, the en-gineer, he remarks, that, “ When employers are com-“ petent to show their men that their business is“ steady and certain, and wdien men find that they“ are likely to have permanent efnployment, they“ have always better habits, and more settled notions,“ which will make them better men, and better work-“ men, and will produce great benefits to all who are“ interested in their employment.”

(283.) As the manufacturer, when he makes acontract, has no security that a combination maynot arise amongst the workmen, which may renderthat contract a loss instead of a benefit; besidestaking precautions to prevent them from becoming