The protection of the masses has in all times been the pretense of tyranny – the plea of monarchy, of aristocracy, of special privilege of every kind… But, whether under a monarchy or under a republic, is there an instance in the history of the world in which the “protection” of the labouring masses has not meant their oppression? The protection that those who have got the law-making power into their hands have given to labour, has at least always been the protection that man gives to cattle – he protects them, that he may use and eat them.
