poor or the owners of small capitals enjoy scarce any, but are liable, under the pretence of justice, to be pillaged and plundered at any time by the inferior mandarins, the quantity of stock employed in all the different branches of business transacted within it can never be equal to what the nature and extent of that business might admit. In every different branch, the oppression of the poor must establish the monopoly of the rich, who, by engrossing the whole trade to themselves, will be able to make very large profits.
The passage reflects on the plight of the poor and small capital owners, who are often exploited under the guise of justice by lower-ranking officials. This exploitation prevents them from fully participating in economic activities, causing a disparity between their potential business engagement and the reality of their situation. As a result, the overall volume of stocks and investments in various sectors remains insufficient compared to what could be achieved, hindering economic growth.
Additionally, the text highlights how the oppression of the less fortunate leads to a monopolization of trade by the wealthy. By consolidating business operations, the rich can secure substantial profits while further marginalizing the poor, limiting their opportunities and reinforcing economic inequality. This dynamic illustrates the damaging effects of institutional decay on economic systems, as discussed in Ferguson's work.
