Upton Sinclair, ed. (1878–1968). rn The Cry for Justice: An Anthology of the Literature of Social Protest. 1915.

Labor and Capital Are One
(From The “Game of Life”)

Bolton Hall

(American lawyer and single-taxer, born 1854)

“TIMES are hard,” said the Picked Chicken.

“Why,” said the Rat, “this is an era of prosperity; see how I have feathered my nest.”

“But,” said the Picked Chicken, “you have gotten my feathers.”

“You must not think,” said the Rat, “that because I get more comfort you get poorer.”

“But,” said the Chicken, “you produce no feathers, and I keep none—”

“If you would use your teeth”—interrupted the Rat.

“If—” said the Picked Chicken.

“You could lay—”

“I—” said the Picked Chicken.

“— up as much as I do,” concluded the Rat.

“Excuse me for living,” said the Picked Chicken, “but—”

“Without consumers like me,” said the Rat, “there would be no demand for the feathers which you produce.”

“I shall vote for a change,” said the Picked Chicken.

“Only those who have feathers should have the Privilege of voting,” remarked the Rat.