As the feudal chief allocated to himself and his followers that soil which was the prize of his strong arm, so now the merchant, with grasp more subtle and reaching, allocates to himself and his followers, ranging through multitudinous degrees of dependence, all the spoils of every land, triumphantly won by trade.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner compares the merchant's role in society to that of a feudal chief, highlighting their influence and control.
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