From the statements in the preceding chapter, it may be inferred that many things are called by these names, and severely punished, which are really innocent or unavoidable; however, it would not be wonderful if there were numerous instances of both.

Insolence is the legitimate fruit of the apprenticeship, which holds out to the apprentice, that he possesses the rights of a man, and still authorizes the master to treat him as though he were little better than a dog.

The result must often be that the apprentice will repay insult with insolence.

This will continue to exist until either the former system of _absolute force_ is restored, or a system of free compensated labor, with its powerful checks and balances on both parties, is substituted.

The prevalence and causes of the other offence--absconding from labor--will be noticed hereafter.
The atrocities which are practised by the masters and magistrates, are appalling enough.