The Principles of Economics, with Applications to Practical ProblemsFetter, Frank A. (Frank Albert)
General
The Principles of Economics, with Applications to Practical Problems
Fetter, Frank A. (Frank Albert)
Economics
4. _The experience with these plans verifies the analysis of the
enterpriser's function: pure profits are the earnings of a productive
service._ Comparing these three plans, they are seen to be alike in
seeking to make workers share some of the profits, to change the
destination to which profits would go. The first would create profits by
the effort of the workers, and give them a part of the saving. The
second would have collective workers perform the enterpriser's work in
the factory and get his reward. The third would have collective buyers
do the work of the merchant and save his profits and other costs. The
last is the easiest to do. Profit-sharing is next in difficulty, and
producers' coöperation is the hardest of all to put into practice. In
some cases, under some conditions, the enterpriser's services may be
more economically performed than at present, for the waste is great. But
taking men as they are and things as they are, in most places the
enterpriser's service is necessary and must be paid for. His
contribution to the success of the industry depends on his nature and
ability, and it can be distinguished theoretically and practically from
the contribution made by the workmen. Nothing but changes in human
nature, in education, and in morality can diminish the necessity for his
service.
CHAPTER 33
MONOPOLY PROFITS
§ I. NATURE OF MONOPOLY
[Sidenote: Difficulty of fixing the meaning of monopoly]
1. _The term monopoly is used loosely and in many senses._ In popular
discussion monopoly means almost any wealthy corporation or the power
the corporation possesses, a power which is usually thought of as
oppressive. Even economists have held the vaguest ideas regarding
monopoly. The recent rise of trusts and monopolies has given a large new
body of facts bearing upon the subject, but all the resulting discussion
by the public and by economists has not brought agreement upon a
definition entirely satisfactory. When usage has not settled upon any
one meaning, the selection of a definition is in a measure arbitrary,
though it may be guided by logic and considerations of expediency. Let
us state the various meanings and indicate the one adopted in this
discussion.
[Sidenote: Monopoly is not merely scarcity]
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