THE SCIENCE IS COMPLETE! What fools we are, then, socialists, to
hunt for daylight at noonday, and to protest, with our lanterns
in our hands, against the brilliancy of these solar rays!
But, gentlemen, it is with sincere regret and profound distrust
of myself that I find myself forced to ask you for further light.
If you cannot cure our ills, give us at least kind words, give us
evidence, give us resignation.
"It is obvious," says M. Dunoyer, "that wealth is infinitely
better distributed in our day than it ever has been."
"The equilibrium of pains and pleasures," promptly continues M.
Reybaud, "ever tends to restore itself on earth."
What, then! What do you say? WEALTH BETTER DISTRIBUTED,
EQUILIBRIUM RESTORED! Explain yourselves, please, as to this
better distribution. Is equality coming, or inequality going?
Is solidarity becoming closer, or competition diminishing? I
will not quit you until you have answered me, non missura cutem.
. . . For, whatever the cause of the restoration of equilibrium
and of the better distribution which you point out, I embrace it
with ardor, and will follow it to its last consequences.
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