It appears from the foregoing that the condition of the skilled artisan is in many respects a hopeful one; but it is chiefly hopeful in this, that with only moderate industry, intelligence, and thrift he has every chance of being not only a wage-earner but also a capitalist. At present, unfortunately, he cannot often obtain a share, such as will sweeten his toil, in the business where he is engaged; but other tenures of property have been invented—of these he has availed himself, and so much improved the security of his position. By means of his tradeunion he has established an equitable right to a share in enhanced profits. Coal-owners object, and object no doubt on sound economical grounds, that wages have nothing to do with profit; Still they submit, and submit willingly, to the arbitration of the sliding scale. The miner, through the trade association, has capitalised, not his labour, but his acquiescence to certain terms. The coal-owner accepts the position, and so relieves himself of a great anxiety and uncertainty. In this sense the miners' labour is capitalised, and in return for this the owners agree to increase wages when profits allow of it.

Insurance against sickness and death is another expedient for gaining the security of property. This has been much used by the more intelligent classes of workmen.