Aune: Yes, I really am afraid, Mr. Bernick. I am afraid for the
number of men who will have the bread taken out of their mouths
by these machines. You are very fond, sir, of talking about the
consideration we owe to the community; it seems to me, however,
that the community has its duties too. Why should science and
capital venture to introduce these new discoveries into labour,
before the community has had time to educate a generation up to
using them?
Bernick: You read and think too much, Aune; it does you no good,
and that is what makes you dissatisfied with your lot.
Aune: It is not, Mr. Bernick; but I cannot bear to see one good
workman dismissed after another, to starve because of these
machines.
Bernick: Hm! When the art of printing was discovered, many a
quill-driver was reduced to starvation.
Aune: Would you have admired the art so greatly if you had been a
quill-driver in those days, sir?
Bernick: I did not send for you to argue with you. I sent for you
to tell you that the "Indian Girl" must be ready to put to sea
the day after tomorrow.
Aune: But, Mr. Bernick--
Bernick: The day after tomorrow, do you hear?--at the same time
as our own ship, not an hour later.
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