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Here is a section from my book, Invention of Capitalism: 
 
Smith (1976, V.i.b.2, 709) feared that the working classes were possessed by "passions
which prompt [them] to invade property, passions much more steady in their operation, and
much more universal in their influence."  Consequently, government is necessary to protect
the property of the rich (ibid., 670 ff). Smith (1978, 208; see also 404) even went so far
as to teach his students:
 
"Laws and government may be considered in ... every case as a combination of the rich to
oppress the poor, and preserve to themselves the inequality of the goods which would
otherwise be soon destroyed by the attacks of the poor, who if not hindered by the
government would soon reduce the others to an equality with themselves by open violence."
 
Smith (ibid. 709 ff; Smith 1978, 209, 338, and 404) repeatedly returned to the idea that
the purpose of legal structure was to protect the rich from the poor.  He also believed
that market society would become increasingly egalitarian.  As a result, he prophesied
that, over time people would become
more accepting of the social order: 
 
"Civil government supposes a certain subordination.  But as the necessity of civil
government gradually grows up with the acquisition of valuable property, so the principle
causes which naturally introduce subordination gradually grow up with the growth of that
valuable property." [Smith 1976,
V.i.b.3, 710] 
 
Less developed regions, where acceptance of the rules of the market was not widespread,
required considerably more protection of private property than was common at the time in
England.  For example, in a letter of 8 November 1799 discussing the poverty of Ireland,
Smith (cited in Mossner and Ross 1977, 243) observed:
 
"It is ill provided with [coal and] wood; two articles essentially necessary to the
progress of Great Manufactures.  It wants order, police, and a regular administration of
justice both to protect and restrain the inferior ranks of people, articles more essential
to the progress of Industry than both coal and wood put together."
 
Smith (1759, VI.ii.1.21, 226; see also Part II, Section 1) left no doubt about the
priority that he gave to law and order. He claimed that, although "the relief and
consolation of human misery depend upon our compassion for [the poor], the peace and order
of society is of more importance than even the relief of the miserable."  Smith (1978,
262) justified his position, in part, arguing that inequality was a necessary stimulant to
commerce.
 
 
Michael Perelman 
 
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