In concluding this subject, it is wise to suggest that the true principle of regulations for national industry are the same as those for true family economy. The family should so plan its work and ways as to make the best possible use of the powers of every member. It is no economy to buy cheap things unless the members of the family can be better occupied than in making them. It is poor economy to make those things which cost more time and effort than would be used in making something else for exchange. Home production is best when this makes the home labor more effectual, but worst when it interferes with the profit of labor. The farmer who stops harvesting to mend his harness when he might employ the harness-maker is wasteful; but if he mends it on a rainy day he saves time which would otherwise be less profitably used. So the nation whose capital and labor are not well employed may do wisely in developing new industries, even at a considerable expense for introducing the new industries. But if all the nation's energies are profitably employed, the costly development of resources may wisely wait for future capital and labor. So all special incentives require a constant inquiry as to beneficial results supposed to follow, and the policy of the government must conform to the needs of general welfare. Even vested rights are subject to the law of welfare involved in the original act establishing special privileges. Public use, not private interest, is the true reason for the existence of any such privileges or protection.
_Conservative influences._--We have already seen the influence of governmental organization upon various phases of production; but the chief fostering influence is the general stability of a community, not only in its laws, but in its customs and habits of life. Security in property rights is a chief condition for accumulation of wealth, and a still more necessary condition for industry. Not even want will drive people to industry when there is no certainty of possession when the work is accomplished. The fruits of industry must be safe. While the laws of the country are naturally considered the guardians of rights, the customs and habits of the people, the actual origin of laws, are even more important. Bad habits actually nullify good laws, while bad laws may be made quite endurable by good customs. Thus, the welfare of every community depends upon a conservative social influence, preventing abuse of opportunity for injury and stimulating individual energy.