Whenever, therefore, this perfect balance of work and demand is overturned by the force of a simple competition, or by one of the scales preponderating, one of two things must happen; either a part of the demand is not answered, or a part of the goods is not sold. These are the immediate effects of the overturning of the balance. Let me next point out the object of the statesman’s care, relatively to such effects, and shew the consequences of their being neglected. We may now simplify our ideas, and instead of the former combinations, make use of other expressions which may convey them. Let us therefore say, that the _fall_ or _rise_ upon either side of the balance, is _positive_, or _relative_. _Positive_, when the side we talk of really augments beyond, or diminishes below the usual standard. _Relative_, when there is no alteration upon the side we speak of, and that the subversion of the balance is owing to an alteration on the other side. As for example: Instead of saying demand diminishes, and work remains the same, let us say, demand diminishes _positively_, or work increases _relatively_; according as the subject may lead us to speak either of the one or of the other. This being premised, If the scale of work shall preponderate _positively_, it should be inquired, whether the quantity furnished has really swelled, in all respects, beyond the proportion of the consumption, (in which case the statesman should diminish the number of hands, by throwing a part of them into a new channel) or whether the imprudence of the workmen has only made them produce their work unseasonably; in which case, proper information, and even assistance should be given them, to prevent merchants from taking the advantage of their want of experience: but these last precautions are necessary only in the infancy of industry.