The thought which prompted trade-marks is of the same character
as that which formerly inspired the maximum laws. Here again is
one of the innumerable cross-roads of political economy.
It is indisputable that maximum laws, though made and supported
by their authors entirely as a relief from famine, have
invariably resulted in an aggravation of famine. Accordingly it
is not injustice or malice with which the economists charge these
abhorred laws, but stupidity, inexpediency. But what a
contradiction in the theory with which they oppose them!
To relieve famine it is necessary to call up provisions, or, to
put it better, to bring them to light; so far there is nothing to
reproach. To secure a supply of provisions it is necessary to
attract the holders by profits, excite their competition,
and assure them complete liberty in the market: does not this
process strike you as the absurdest homoeopathy? How is it that
the more easily I can be taxed the sooner I shall be provided?
Let alone, they say, let pass; let competition and monopoly act,
especially in times of famine, and even though famine is the
effect of competition and monopoly.
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