ハリエット・マーティーノゥの経済思想（2）［翻訳］ 暴徒・不景気な時代の物語（下）

Abstract

This is a translation of the second half of Harriet Martineauʼs Rioters; Or, A Tale of Bad Times. An outline of the story is provided up to the previous section (the first part of the story), which mainly focuses on Martineau's machinery theory. This is the political point at issue in this age, and I claim that it was the origin of Martineau’s economic thought. On the other hand, the trial of Brett’s two sons, who destroy factory windows during a riot and are arrested, is the main theme of the second half of the story.Here, Martineau’s views on law are strongly asserted. Finally, Martineau explains the importance of observing the law through the trial and a long historical text. Why is observance of the law required? She illustrates this through the words of the narrator. Although the narrator’s social class differs from Brettʼs, he behaves as a friend to Brett and his wife Mary. The narrator works toward getting the sentences imposed on Brett’s sons commuted. He goes to Lancashire expressly to see Brett's sons’ trial, and he consoles and encourages Brett, who has walked from Manchester for the trial. His attitude isn’t one of charity to the working class, but that of a friend. This attitude frames Martineauʼs subsequent writings. Although Rioters is an early work for Martineau, lots of her ideas are included, and it’s important for understanding her thought.