“No. He cannot compel his children to take it whether they will or not. But if the children desire it, when the occupant dies or departs, they may have it on the same terms if they are members of the Industrial Army that their parents did. Let me say, however, that when the children marry they generally present a design of a house which suits them better than the old homestead and the Association builds them a house to suit them. Is not that better?” “So much for the home,” remarked Charlie. “I am almost satisfied with your explanation. It at least gives me the cue so that I can study the subject fully. Now, I have long felt that you were asking a man to be a slave and give up his personal liberty by entering the Industrial Army. Why is not that true?” “Charlie, are you a slave to-day?” I asked. “No, indeed!” exclaimed Charlie, almost indignant. “Is a government official a slave?” “Of course not.” “How about a soldier in the regular army?” “Why, he is certainly not a slave.” “How about a clerk in the postoffice department, for instance? Is he not in the same position as a member of the Industrial Army?” “No. It is a similar service, but he serves his government and country.” “What is your business, Charlie?” “Accountant for the Waumkeag Cotton Manufacturing Company.” “What are your wages?” “Eighty dollars per month.” “How many hours a day do you work?” “Ten hours.” “Is it slavery to work ten hours a day for a private corporation, for eighty dollars per month, and not own any interest in the corporation? Remember that the Co-opolitan Association pays one hundred dollars per month and requires only seven hours’ work per day at the most. Then every minute’s work in the competitive system is for private persons, while in the co-operative system it is for the public good.” “Well. But suppose I should want to leave the service of the Association after I had worked for it ten years or less. Could I withdraw my part of the accumulated wealth and take it away?” “You could withdraw your wages and no more. You could go where you please with the wages.” “But the accumulated capital. Would it not be unjust not to let me have my part of that?” “Charlie! I forgive you, of course, but you are brilliantly stupid. How long have you been at work for the corporation which now employs you?” “Three years.” “If you should work for that corporation fifty years would you get any more than your wages if you should withdraw?” “No.” “Who would get the benefit of your work?” “Why, the stockholders.”