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54th
C o n g r e s s , ) H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T IV E S . ( B o c .K o .3 3 ,
j
\
P a rt 3.
1st Session.
BULLETIN
OP T H E
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
No. 3 - M A R C H , 1896.
ISSUED EVERY OTHER MONTH.
E D IT E D B Y
CARROLL D. WRIGHT,
COMMISSIONER.
OREN W . W EAVER,
CHIEF CLERK.
W ASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1896.
CONTENTS.
Page.
Editorial n o t e ....................................................................................................................... 221,222
Industrial communities, by W . F. Willoughby, of the Department of Labor. 223-264
Digest of recent reports o f State bureaus of labor statistics:
Connecticut................................................................................................................... 265-267
268
I o w a ----- •-............................................................................................................................
Montana........................................................................................................................... 268,269
Nebraska.............................................................................................................................
270
New Y o r k ....................................................................................................................... 271-273
North Carolina............................................................................................................. 274,275
North Dakota................................................................................................................. 275,276
Pennsylvania................................................................................................................. 276-278
Rhode Isla n d ................................................................................................................. 278-280
Tennessee....................................................................................................................... 280,281
West Virgin ia............................................................................................................... 281,282
Ninth report on the annual statistics of manufacturesin Massachusetts____ 283-288
Digest of recent foreignstatistical publications........................................................ 289-312
Decisions of courts affecting labor................................................................................. 313-332
Extract relating to labor from the new constitution of South Carolina......................... 333
hi
BULLETIN
OF THE
D E P A R T M E N T OE L A B O R .
No. 3.
WASHINGTON.
M
arch
,
1896.
EDITORIAL NOTE.
During the past two or three years a statement purporting to give
the relation of wages to cost of production, or the proportion of labor
cost to the whole cost, has been going the rounds of the press. This
statement has generally been in the following form:
Mr. Carroll D. Wright, the national labor statistician, has figured out
that the average rate of wages per year paid in the United States is
$347, and the average product of each laborer is valued at $1,888.
This gives the employer 82.2 per cent, while the man who does the work
and produces the results is allowed a paltry 17.8 per cent. In spite of
our boasted free country and high wages, the fact remains that the pro
portion of the proceeds of his labor paid to the American workingman
is smaller by far than that paid to any other workingman in any civil
ized or uncivilized country on the globe.
Sometimes the article varies in its statement, both in percentages
quoted and in other essential features, but usually conforms very closely
to the foregoing extract, which has been taken literally from one of the
newspapers in which it appeared. The prominence given to this state
ment warrants its notice in the Bulletin. Ordinarily it is not our pur
pose to use its pages for current items, but the figures quoted and the
statement that they are upon the authority of the Commissioner of
Labor make this case an exception. The figures themselves are in the
main correct 5 they relate more particularly to the census o f 1880 than
to any other collection of data. An analysis of the figures and the
facts underlying them shows the fallacy of the conclusion drawn from
them.
I f the aggregate wages paid in the manufacturing and mechanical
industries of the United States, as shown by the census of 1880, be
divided by the total number of employees to whom the wages were
221
222
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
paid, the quotient will be 347, thus determining the average wages paid
to the employees in the manufacturing and mechanical industries of
the country as $347. Dividing the aggregate value of all the products
o f manufacturing and mechanical industries by the number of employees
engaged therein, the quotient is 1,965, showing that the average prod
uct per employee was $1,965. Now, $347 is 17.7 per cent of the gross
value o f the per capita product, as stated, leaving a balance, of course,
o f 82.3 per cent, or $1,618, which the originator of the statement quoted
above assumes goes to the employer. The 82.3 per cent of the total
product, or $1,618 per capita, covers all expenses of production, cost of
materials, miscellaneous items, profit, deterioration, interest—every
thing, in fact, which can be counted as cost of production other than
wages. Taking the Eleventh Census—that for 1890—it is found that
the value of the gross product per capita for the number of employees
engaged in manufacturing and mechanical industries was $2,204, and
the average annual wages per employee, computed for 1890 as already
computed for 1880, was $445. The writer of the statement quoted
above would assume, for the Eleventh Census, that while $445 was
paid to labor, $1,759 went to the employer. As a matter of fact, of
the total product per capita, 20.18 per cent went to labor, 55.08 per cent
for materials, and 24.74 per cent to miscellaneous expenses, salaries,
interest, profits, etc.
A ll statements like that quoted above are fallacious in their applica
tion. While the figures in themselves are in the main fairly correct,
and the percentages so, the balance, or 82.2 per cent, does not go to the
employer, but, as shown, largely for raw materials; and of the amount
paid for raw materials the bulk goes to labor for their production.
That the statement emanates from the Commissioner of Labor is an
assumption without any authority. From what sources the comparison
with workingmen of other countries is secured is not known, but the
concluding statement in the quoted article is undoubtedly as fallacious
as the one which gives to the employer 82.2 per cent of the value of
the product.
C. D. W .
IN DU STRIAL COMMUNITIES. ( a )
B Y W . F. W IL LO U G H B Y.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
The growth of the large industry and the creation of special indus
trial centers constitute two of the most marked industrial changes of
recent years. They are the last steps in the evolution of the factory
system from the regime of individual handicraft production. This
has necessitated the aggregation in one center of large numbers of
workingmen, who, with their families, are dependent upon a single
industry, and this in turn has given rise to conditions and problems
peculiar to such places. The present study deals with the results of an
investigation into the conditions of labor and industry in those special
industrial centers where a large number of workingmen have been
brought together in one place, all dependent upon a single large estab
lishment, and under such conditions as to constitute more or less selfcontained communities.
The town of Essen, Germany, the seat of the great iron and steel
works of Friedrich Krupp, is the best and most widely known exam
ple of this class of industrial communities in Europe. Essen has
therefore been taken as the type of communities to be investigated,
and the effort has been made to consider all the industrial centers of
importance closely approaching it in character.
Inevitably in such centers there have developed systems of special
institutions that give to each a special life and character of its own.
It has been thought a matter of importance to determine as far as possi
ble what changes have here been introduced into the organization of
industry, and the results, beneficial or otherwise, to which they have
given rise.
The most important of these results is the enormous development of
common interests. Greater interdependence of interests, both between
the workingmen themselves and between the workingmen and their
employers, is the fundamental result of all recent industrial changes.
a This article is the first of a series upon this subject to be published in successive
numbers of the Bulletin. Each article will be complete in itself, giving the results
of the investigation as to one or more communities. The investigation was made by
the author during personal visits to the several communities dealt with. The author
desires to express his sense of obligation to the officials of the companies whose oper
ations furnish the subject-matter of these articles for their courteous assistance,
which alone has rendered the study possible.
223
224
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
The larger the industry and the greater the number of employees gath
ered together in the same place, the greater the interdependence of
interests, and the greater the consequent need for joint •action.
A second important result is the changed relations between the
employers and employed. The last half century has witnessed a radical
change of thought in regard to this point. Formerly, in what M. Leroy
Beaulieu calls the chaotic period of the large industry, employers were
almost o f one mind, namely, that their duties toward their employees
ceased with the payment of their wages. I f obligation there was, they
believed that it was on the part of the workingmen for the employment
furnished them. To-day much of this is changed. The owners of the
means of production, in great part, feel that all should be done that
can be, consistent with the financial prosperity of their establishments,
to render the conditions of labor favorable. This change between the
relations of the employer and employed is most marked in the case of the
industrial centers coming within this field of this investigation. It is
indeed the dominant fact that gives to these places their special char
acter as distinguished from other industrial localities. The condition of
affairs where an industrial undertaking is carried on during successive
generations in the same place, and where, as a result, there has grown
up around it a class of workingmen who, entering the employment of
the establishment as boys, have spent the entire active portion of their
lives in its service, tends to create feelings of mutual obligations ot
exceptional strength. These obligations are mostly on the part of the
employers.
To cite but a few of them, there are: The care of public health; the
provision against accidents; the erection of dwellings where the work
ingmen are not already suitably housed; the encouragement o f habits
of economy and foresight, etc. This by no means implies that employ
ers should look upon employees as persons to be taken care of, or that
the expense of institutions for their benefit should be wholly borne by
them. There is no doubt that a company can do a great deal in the
way o f the promotion of institutions and the encouragement of habits
o f economy among its employees without at all subjecting itself to the
charge o f paternalism.
In all great industrial establishments one can conceive of but three
principal modi vivendi between the employers and their employees:
First, indifference; second, patronage, where institutions are created
for the benefit o f employees by the employer, over which he exercises
absolute control; third, mutuality, or the encouragement of the organi
zation o f institutions by workingmen, the management of which is as
far as possible left in their hands.
From a second point of view, then, this is in great part an investi
gation of institutions that have been freely organized in connection
with industrial establishments for the benefit of workingmen. To this
end, in the choice o f places for investigation, special care was taken to
select those that seemed to have institutions the best developed or the
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
225
most worthy of study. It is for this reason that European establish
ments have been selected for investigation. In general, industrial
problems are felt in greater intensity in Europe than in America, and
consequently greater opportunities are offered for a study of the means
that have been devised to meet them.
A study of the report that follows shows that workingmen’s institu
tions in connection with large industrial establishments take the form
of: (1) The housing of employees and the provision of facilities by which
workingmen are aided to acquire homes of their own 5 (2) the organiza
tion of a public-health service, the maintenance by the company of
physicians, the erection and management of hospitals, etc.; (3) the
organization of a pension fund for old employees; (4) the organization
of mutual-aid societies among^the employees for the aid of members in
cases of accident, sickness, or death; (5) the organization of cooperative
distributive societies, cooperative bakeries, etc.; (6) education; (7) rec
reation; and occasionally, but, when existing, of great importance, (8)
a system of profit sharing or cooperation.
Concerning two of these classes of institutions, the Department of
Labor has already published reports, that on the Housing of the Work
ing People and that on Compulsory Insurance in Germany and in Other
Countries in Europe. Both of these can be consulted with great profit
in connection with the present subject.
The first has confined itself rather strictly to a description of the
technical details of the better types of houses erected as workingmen’s
dwellings, while the building up of the whole community and the policy
pursued regarding the provision of workingmen’s houses are the
features here considered.
The second report relates only to compulsory insurance of workingmen.
In the present investigation, however, there is afforded a study of the
best types of privately organized and conducted systems of accident,
sickness, and old age pension funds. The question of the relative merits
of compulsory and voluntary insurance is one of great importance, and
the effort has therefore been made to give in every case not only the
results of the practical operation of each, but the general spirit under
lying each. In view of the great prominence of the question of work
ingmen’s insurance in Europe at the present time, the opportunity for a
comparison of the two systems will be of especial interest and value.
Especial attention should be directed to two other features of the
present investigation.
The first of these is the opportunity afforded of comparing past with
present conditions. Such a comparison, to be of value, should relate to
the same locality, industry, and, if possible, the same establishment, in
order to be sure that all elements that should enter into the compari
son have been taken account of. The cases where this can be done are
exceedingly rare, and the opportunity here afforded is exceptional. The
statistical material has therefore been presented in such a way as to
show conditions, not only at the present time, but for a period of as
226
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
many years as possible. There is thus afforded an opportunity for a
statistical comparison of the conditions of the same body of men where
the general and physical conditions are the same throughout the period
under comparison.
The second feature to which attention is directed is that of the sta
bility of employment. The inability of the workingman at times to
find employment is one of the greatest hardships that he has to endure.
I f the growth of the large industry has the tendency to stability of
employment as well as of production, there can be no doubt that its
development has rendered a vast service, in this respect, for the
improvement of the general condition of wage earners.
It is advisable at this point to state the reasons for the selection in
each particular case of the centers that have been investigated.
Especial prominence has been given to the coal-mining industry, for
reasons that are obvious. Mining occupies a unique position in the
industrial world. The location of the mines in the open fields renders
the creation of special industrial centers in most cases a necessity.
Again, the fact that mining has been, and in all probability will
continue to be, carried on during successive generations at the same
place, differentiates it widely from manufacturing, strictly speaking.
The result of this is that there tends to grow up around the mines
a class of workingmen among whom the pursuit of mining is almost
hereditary. A condition of affairs is created 'where workingmen enter
the employ of the mining companies as boys, succeeding their fathers,
remain until incapacitated for work through sickness or old age, and
are succeeded in turn by their children. The miners are thus almost
exclusively recruited from among the surrounding population, and may
almost be deemed to have acquired prescriptive rights in the premises,
as far as the right of employment is concerned.
To represent this industry, therefore, the two important mining com
panies of Anzin and Blanzy, the one in northern and the other in
southeastern France, have been chosen as the subjects of Chapters II
and III, respectively. The reasons dictating their particular selection
were that they were the largest mining companies of France, and
among the largest in Europe, employing together over 20,000 men$
that they have had a continuous existence, the one over one hundred
and the other over fifty years) and, more important than all, the char
acter of the workingmen’s institutions that have developed there
renders them especially valuable places for investigation.
It is scarcely necessary to state the reasons for the selection of
Essen, Germany, to which Chapter IY is devoted. Essen is the seat
of the great iron works of Friedrich Krupp, giving employment to over
25,000 workingmen, with institutions there organized for the welfare of
the workingmen that have earned a world-wide reputation. So firmly
is this establishment founded that it presents almost the same elements
of stability as those offered by mining companies.
The town of Guise, France, the subject of Chapter Y, was selected
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
227
because it is an example of a purely self-contained community. It is
worthy of study, both as being the most successful example of an
industry carried on as an absolutely cooperative enterprise, and as
being a most remarkable effort to put into practice many of the essen
tial features of a socialistic regime. Whatever the opinion of the
reader may be regarding the principles involved, the mechanism by
which the employees were enabled to acquire the ownership of the plant
in which they labored, without entailing the slightest pecuniary sacri
fice on the part of its owner, their former employer, the method
devised for the conduct of the business on principles of strict mutual
ity, and the means adopted for preventing the ownership of the
property from getting into the hands of outsiders, are worthy of the
closest study, especially as the scheme has now been in successful
operation over fifteen years.
The study of the mining company of Mariemont and Bascoup, in
Belgium, to which a part of the final chapter (VI) is devoted, is useful
on account of the opportunity afforded of presenting the results of two
extremely interesting workingmen’s institutions, viz, that of the coun
cils o f conciliation and arbitration, organized by the company, and that
of the system of old age and invalidity pension funds, which is not
peculiar to this one company, but pertains generally to all coal-mining
companies in Belgium.
The concluding chapter also gives an account of a number of other
industrial villages, which, while not of sufficient importance to warrant
detailed descriptions, should yet be accorded brief mention.
The method of investigation pursued has been that of selecting par
ticular places and making in each case a detailed study of the condi
tions of labor as they exist there. The advantages of this monographic
method are evideut. In this way only is it possible to investigate in
detail all the various elements going to influence the conditions of life
and labor surrounding the workingmen; and the subject of this study
is the influence that the method of organization of industry, existing
in each place selected, has upon the whole life of the individual.
Again, a study of workingmen’s institutions to be of value requires
an examination of concrete examples of such institutions, their consti
tutions, organization, and results of operation during a series of years.
It would be a matter of considerable value if exact statistical com
parisons could be made of conditions in these special communities with
those under the ordinary conditions of production. It is manifest,
however, that exterior conditions can not be established with sufficient
exactness to make the application of the strict statistical method
feasible. This does not, however, prevent the student, after making a
study of all the elements entering into the life of the workingmen in
the communities described, from making a comparison with conditions
as he knows them to exist elsewhere. Such a comparison, if the subtle
conditions of the problem are considered, will be of more value than
any that could be made by the mere juxtaposition of figures.
CHAPTER II.
COAL MINING COMPANY OF ANZIN, FRANCE.
No industry offers better opportunities for the study of the conditions
o f labor and industry in the special industrial communities of the
nature comprehended within the scope of the present report than that
o f the mining of coal. The industry is at once one of the most impor
tant in America or Europe; one that must be carried on on a large
scale, and one the conditions surrounding the conduct of which require
the aggregation of a great many workingmen and their families in spe
cial industrial communities. Two of the most important mining com
panies of Europe have, therefore, been selected for a detailed study,
that of Anzin in northern and Blanzy in southeastern France. A
study of these centers affords a knowledge, not only of the conditions
o f labor in two particular places where the community of interests of
the entire population is as marked as in any on the continent, but of
the conditions generally under which coal is mined.
In France the mining of coal is carried on under concessions granted
by the central Government, and is under the direct control of its corps
of mining engineers. In 1893, the last year for which official figures
are obtainable, there were 298 concessions under which operations were
actually prosecuted. It must be understood, however, that the same
company often possesses a number of concessions of territory. The
following table will show the general importance of the coal-mining
industry in France during recent years:
P R O D U C T IO N O P C O A L A N D E M PLO Y E E S O F C O A L M IN E S I N F R A N C E , 1870 TO 1893.
Year.
1870........
1871........
1872........
1873........
1874........
1875........
1876........
1877........
P roduction
(tons o f
2204.6 lbs.).
Total em
ployees.
13,330,000
13,259,000
15,803,000
17,479,000
16,908,000
16,957,000
17,101,000
16,805,000
82,700
83,600
91,900
105,500
106,300
108,700
110,800
108,900
Year.
1 87 8 ....
1 87 9 ....
188 0 ....
188 1 ....
1 88 2 ....
1883....
1884....
1 885....
Production
(tons o f
2204.6 lbs.).
Total em
ployees.
16,961,000
17, 111, 000
19,362,000
19,776,000
20,604,000
21,334,000
20,024,000
19,511,000
106,400
102,500
107,200
106,400
108, 300
113,000
109,400
101,600
Year.
1 88 6 ....
188 7 ....
1 88 8 ....
188 9 ....
189 0 ....
1 89 1 ....
189 2 ....
1 893....
Production
(tons o f
2204.6 lbs.).
19,910,000
21,288,000
22,603,000
24,304,000
26,083, 000
26,025,000
26,179,000
25,651,000
T otal em
ployees.
102,400
103,200
105,000
110,900
121,600
131,800
133,200
132,600
Though coal was mined in 1893 in 41 departments, seven depart
ments produced nine-tenths, and of these the two adjoining departments
o f the Nord and Pas-de-Oalais, in the north of France, produced con
siderably over one-half of the total quantity mined. The mines of the
228
229
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
Coal Mining Company of Anzin are situated in the former of these two
departments in the arrondissement of Yaleneiennes. The company is
the most important coal-mining company in France. Alone it produced
in 1893 over three-fifths of the coal mined in its department, and oneninth of the total output for the whole country. The first search for coal
in this region was commenced in 1716 by prospectors, who afterwards
organized the company of Anzin. Coal was discovered in 1720. The
organization of the present company of Anzin, however, was not effected
until November 19,1757. Since that date its existence has been con
tinuous. The following table, giving its annual production since 1757,
shows its progress in importance. The figures for the years prior to
1789 represent approximations or estimates based on various data.
PR O D U C TIO N O F C O A L OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y O F A N Z IN , 1757 TO 1893.
P roduc
P roduc
P roduc
Produ c
P rod u c
P rod u c
tion (tons
tion (tons
tion (tons
tion (tons
tion (tons
tion (tons
Year. o f 2204.6 Year. o f 2204.6 Year. o f 2204.6 Year. o f 2204.6 Year. o f 2204.6 Year. o f 2204.6
lb s.).
lbs.).
lbs.).
lbs.).
lb s.).
lbs.).
1757..
1758..
1759..
1760..
1761..
1762..
1763..
1764..
1765..
1766..
1767..
1768..
1769..
1770..
1771..
1772..
1773..
1774..
1775..
1776..
1777..
1778..
1779..
102,000
101,000
103, 000
110,000
119,000
128,000
135,000
146,000
152, 000
160, 000
165,000
178,000
180,000
175,000
183,000
190, 000
202,000
210,000
220, 000
225,000
234, 000
236,000
237,500
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1790.
1791.
1792.
1793.
1794.
1795.
1796.
1797.
1798.
1799.
1800.
1801.
1802.
238,000
238,500
239, 000
240, 000
245, 000
252, 000
260, 000
272, 000
280. 000
290' 000
310, 000
291, 000
275, 500
80, 000
65,000
123, 600
138,631
184, 791
213,540
248,076
213,840
203, 264
216, 274
1803.
1804.
1805.
1806.
1807.
1808.
1809.
1810.
1811.
1812.
1813.
1814.
1815.
1816.
1817.
1818.
1819.
1820.
1821.
1822.
1823.
1824.
1825.
1826.
229,443
208, 382 1827.
225,813 1828.
230, 693 1829.
1830.
194,188
252,106 1831.
260, 202 1832.
279, 865 1833.
268, 815 1834.
245, 092 1835.
289, 840 1836.
233, 023 1837.
1838.
247,404
1839.
250,044
226,856 | 1840.
334,482
1841.
1842.
323,947
330,189
1843.
353,783
1844.
340,489
1845.
1846.
318,570
327, 327 1847.
358,457
1848.
376,986
400,668
406, 593
410, 632
508, 708
460,864
472, 959
541, 504
573, 239
591, 836
623, 546
651, 511
659, 644
707, 748
623,312
643, 623
721, 030
642, 280
597,953
714,755
803, 804
774, 896
618, 502
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858.
1859.
1860.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871.
614,900
669,999
648,062
705, 633
803,812
856, 295
947, 936
920, 574
919,187
950, 889
907, 543
930, 700
958, 610
993, 950
1,053.334
1,067, 017
1,225,425
1, 348,812
1, 441,002
1, 617,621
1, 606, 075
1, 633,818
1,715,878
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1879.
1880.
1881.
1882.
1883.
1884.
1885.
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893.
2,196,435
2,191,500
1,922,037
2,058,558
2,063,931
2,042,035
1,979,454
1,980,934
2,314,008
2,264,955
2,215,611
2,210,702
1,720,306
2,070,442
2,337,439
2, 504,412
2,595,581
2,857,663
3,121,552
2,933,724
2,818,529
2,975,691
The company has also established several collateral industries that,
from their nature, can be carried on in connection with the mining of
coal. It thus possesses 340 coke furnaces 5 three factories for the manu
facture of bricks of compressed coal dust; a private railroad 37 kilo
meters (22.99 miles) long, which is used not only for the transportation
o f coal, but is also operated as a public road for the conveyance of pas
sengers and freight; a special shop for the repair of cars; another for
that of locomotives; a workshop for mechanical constructions; a foundry
and boiler shop for the construction as well as the repair of machines
used in their works, and various woodworking shops.
The total number of employees during the remoter periods can not
be given with the same accuracy and completeness. According to
various authorities the number of employees was estimated to be in
1783, 3,110; in 1789 and 1790, 4,000; in 1848, 6,879; in 1850, 8,000, and
in 1860,8,590. The following table shows the total number of employees
each year from 1870 to 1894, inclusive, according to whether they were
230
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
engaged in the operations of mining proper or in the other collateral
services of the company:
E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y O F A N Z I N E N G A G E D I N C O A L M IN IN G
A N D O T H E R IN D U S T R IE S , 1870 TO 1894.
M ining proper.
Total.
1870..
1871..
1872..
1873..
1874..
1875..
1876..
1877..
1878..
1879..
1880..
1881..
1882..
9,133
9,583
10,583
11,517
11, 987
12, 286
12,700
12,881
12,915
13,001
12,770
12,851
12,203
968
1,102
1,293
1,584
1,687
1,637
1,800
1,807
1,830
1,988
1,956
1,873
1,796
8,165
8,481
9,290
9,933
10,300
10. 649
10,900
11, 074
11,085
11,013
10,814
10,978
10,407
M ining proper.
Other.
Year. A bov e Below
ground. ground.
2,203
2,558
2,502
2,291
Total.
15, 204
15,328
15,353
14,494
Year.
1883.
1884.
1885.
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893.
1894.
A b ov e B elow
ground. ground.
1,738
1,381
1,525
1,529
1,488
1,506
1,516
1,564
1,581
1,588
1,620
1,577
10,117
8,860
8,103
8,182
8,269
8,241
8,433
9,031
9,221
9,048
9,029
9,098
Other.
Total.
Total.
11,855
10,241
9,628
9,711
9,757
9,747
9,949
10, 595
10,802
10,636
10,649
10,675
2,181
1,770
1,629
1,689
1,643
1,734
1,862
1,814
1,927
2,030
2,049
1,929
14,036
12,011
11,257
11.400
11.400
11,481
11,811
12,409
12,729
12,666
12,698
12,604
The following table gives for the years 1883 to 1892, inclusive, the
number of employees according to the general division of service:
E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N E N G A G E D I N C O A L M IN IN G ,
B Y N A T U R E OF W O R K P E R F O R M E D , 1883 TO 1892.
[T he totals in this table do n ot agree w ith those in the preceding table, as they represent the condition
o f affairs for a particular date rather than an average fo r the year.]
A ctu a l
M ainte
w ork o f m in nance and
in
g
.
repairs.
Year.
Transpor F illin g in
exhausted
tation.
veins.
Oversee
ing.
Total be
lo w
ground.
T otal
above
ground.
Grand
total.
N um Per N um P er Num Per Num Per N um P er N um P e r N um Per N um P er
ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent.
1883..
1884..
1885..
1886..
1887..
1888..
1889..
1890..
1891..
1892..
5,475
5,284
5,786
5,848
6,118
6,344
6,547
6,974
7,004
6,793
47.2 1,493 12.9 1,261 10.9 1,361 11.8
53.2
876 8.8 1,162 11.7 1,023 10.3
995 10.3
60.0
581 6.0
510 5.3
61.1
470 4.9 1,012 10.6
482 5.1
396 4.1
63.1
458 4.7
998 10.3
993 10.2
65.0
396 4.0
307 3.1
295 2.9
65.7
374 3.8 1,036 10.4
324 3.0
65.4
444 4.2 1,115 10.5
294 2.7
65.5
407 3.8 1,146 10.7
416 4.0 1,193 11.3
320 3.0
64.3
271
241
230
232
226
212
226
240
243
243
2.3 9,861
2.5 8,586
2.4 8,102
2.4 8.044
2.3 8,196
2.2 8,252
2.3 8, 478
2.2 9, 097
2.3 o9,094
2.3 8,965
85.1 1,729
86.5 1,344
84.0 1,547
84.1 1,525
84.5 1,500
84.5 1,509
85.1 1,483
85.3 1,566
85.0 a l, 604
84.9 1,597
14.9 11,590
13.5 9,930
16.0 9,649
15.9 9,569
15.5 9,696
15.5 9,761
14.9 9,961
14.7 10,663
15.0 alO, 694
15.1 10,562
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
10)
103
103
a T he addition o f the total em ployees below and above ground does not produce the grand total here
shown. The figures are given, however, as reported to the Department.
THIS GENERAL CONDITIONS OF LABOR.
The aggregation of over 12,000 employees in one locality, who, with
their families, are all dependent upon a single industry, and live under
practically the same conditions, furnishes an excellent opportunity for
the study in detail of the influences surrounding an important body of
workingmen engaged in one of the principal industries of the country.
This description will naturally fall into two parts: First, the general
conditions of labor; second, the numerous workingmen’s institutions,
such as pension funds, cooperative stores, mutual aid societies, etc., for
which Anzin has been remarkable during the past half century.
231
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
The employees of the company are almost invariably obtained from
among the population of the surrounding country. For the most part
they enter the employment of the company as children. In probably
the majority of cases they are the children of present employees; and
members of the same family thus appear upon the pay roll of the com
pany during several generations.
Formerly children destined for work below ground were admitted at
the age of 10 years. In 1874 the minimum age limit was raised to 12,
and again, by the law of November 2,1892, to 13 years. The minimum
age limit for those employed above ground is likewise 13, except that
children 12 years of age can be employed provided that they have a
certificate showing a certain amount of education and one showing
their physical qualification. The new recruits are at first employed in
various ways on the surface, such as washing and sorting coal, and
are gradually drafted into the work below ground as the need for extra
workmen is felt. From that moment, if their conduct is satisfactory,
their employment for life is assured. It will be seen further on that
stability of employment is one of the characteristics of the conduct of
industry on a large scale. Anzin is a remarkable example of this. A t
the age of 55 years the miner, if he desires to do so, can retire from
work on an old-age pension, from a pension fund maintained by the
joint efforts of the company and the miners. The period of active labor
of a miner at Anzin can thus be estimated tQ be, on an average, 40 years.
The two following tables have been introduced to show the ages of work
ingmen on entering the employment of the company for the years 1888 to
1893, inclusive, and the actual ages of all employees in February, 3892.
This date has been taken because the computation had already been
made by the company, and nothing would be gained by making a cal
culation for a later date.
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T OP E M P L O Y E E S OF E A C H S P E C IF IE D A G E E N T E R IN G
T H E S E R V IC E OF T H E COAL M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z IN , 1888 TO 1893.
A g es .
Year.
13 years 14 years 15 years 16 years 20 years 25 years 30 years
Total.
12
or un or u n or un or un or un or un or un 35 years U n
years. der
14. der 15. der 16. der 20. der 25. der 30. der 35. or over. know n.
1888..........
1889.........
1890.........
1891.........
1892..........
1893..........
16
7
38
14
17
11
T o ta l..
P er cent
o f tota l.
103
2,040
363
2.03
40.12
7.14
291
399
363
298
330
359
82
80
77
37
41
46
92
209
183
43
19
15
39
136
140
300
217
294
195
561
1,126
291
183
3.83
11.03
22.14
5.72
3.60
27
62
70
15
11
10
43
128
84
27
5
4
25
90
46
14
5
3
45
71
36
9
1
1
60
720
1,182
1,037
757
646
743
163
60
5,085
3.21
1.18
100
232
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
A G E OF E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N , F E B R U A R Y , 1892.
Employees.
Employees.
A ge.
1 2 ..........
1 3 ..........
1 4 ..........
1 5 ..........
1 6 ..........
1 7 ..........
18..........
1 9 ..........
2 0 ..........
2 1 ..........
2 2 ..........
2 3 ..........
2 4 ..........
2 5 ..........
2 6 ..........
2 7 ..........
2 8 ..........
2 9 ..........
A ge.
B elow A bov e Total.
ground. ground.
29
147
2
1
5
3
2
10
9
4
9
1
8
6
10
16
6
14
151
378
445
393
450
358
384
412
365
385
348
322
340
337
296
294
276
29
298
380
446
398
453
360
394
421
369
394
349
330
346
347
312
300
290
3 0 ........
3 1 ........
3 2 ........
3 3 ........
3 4 ........
3 5 ........
3 6 ........
3 7 ........
3 8 ........
3 9 ........
4 0 ........
4 1 ........
4 2 ........
4 3 ........
44
45
46
47
Em ployees.
A ge.
B elow 1A b ov e Total.
ground, ground.
280
7
298
10
251
15
237
19
218
24
12
203
190
7
13
185
12
187
10
187
211
12
162
17
143
14
12
162
.....................
181
20
182
8
.....................
12
168
15
.....................
135
287
308
266
256
242
215
197
198
199
197
223
179
157
174
201
190
180
150
B elow A b o v e
Total.
ground. ground.
4 8 ........
4 9 ........
5 0 ........
5 1 ........
5 2 ........
5 3 ........
5 4 ........
5 5 ........
5 6 ........
5 7 ........
5 8 ........
5 9 ........
6 0 ........
6 1 ........
6 2 ........
165
161
144
121
113
83
77
51
33
17
22
148
141
122
107
97
72
71
42
25
14
18
7
7
1
5
17
20
22
14
16
11
6
9
8
3
4
5
1
6
T otal. 10,391
661
11,052
12
9
2
2
l
It will be noticed from the first of these two tables that a large propor
tion of the employees of the company enter its service as youths of 13 or
14 years of age. The apparently large number entering between the ages
o f 20 and 25 years is caused by their return from military duty. The
great majority of them had already been in the employ of the company.
The two tables following make a comparison of the ages of working
men at Anzin with those of all coal miners in France. The law of
[November 2,1892, regulating the hours o f labor.of women and children,
divides the workingmen into three classes: ( 1 ) Children, 13 or under 16
years; (2) minors, 16 or under 18 years; and (3) adults, 18 years of age
or over. The first table compares Anzin for the year 1892 with France
for 1893, according to this grouping. The second is a comparison of
ages in greater detail. The conditions at Anzin, it will be seen, differ
little from those of France generally.
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T OF E M P L O Y E E S , B Y A G E ' PE R IO D S, A T A N Z I N A N D I N
A L L C O A L M IN E S O F F R A N C E .
Employees below ground.
A g e periods.
A nzin, 1892.
Em ployees above ground.
France, 1893.
A nzin, 1892.
France, 1893.
Number. P er cent. Number. P er cent. N um ber. P er cent. Num ber. P er cent.
974
843
8,574
13 or under 16years.
16 or under 18 years.
18 years or over . . .
T o t a l.............
10,391
9.37.
8.11
82.52
100.00
4,412
5,507
83,766
4.71
5.88
89.41
a 179
8
474
27.08
1.21
71.71
4,073
2,823
32,063
10.45
7.25
82.30
93,685
100.00
a 661
100.00
38,959
100.00
1
a Includes 29 twelve years o f age.
233
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
P E R C E N T A G E OF M IN E E M P L O Y E E S , B Y A G E P E R IO D S, A T A N Z I N
C O A L M IN E S O F F R A N C E .
A N D IN A L L
[T h e figures for A n zin are for September 6,1886; those for France were obtained from the A nnales des
M ines for 1885.]
A g e periods.
L ocality.
A nzin, 1886.............
France, 1885...........
12 or 16 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or 50 or 55 or 60 or
under under under under under under under under under under under 65 or
Total.
40
16
20
35
25
30
45
50
55
60
65
over.
years. years. years. years. years. years. years. years. years. years. years.
19.6
15.2
8.2
6.6
12.9
11.2
14.5
13.7
11.2
13.0
10.6
11.4
9.5
10.0
8.2
7.8
3.7
5.4
1.4
3.3
0.15
1.4
0.05
1.0
ICO
ICO
The miners, properly so called, in general descend into the mines
at 4 o’clock in the morning and return to the surface at 1 or 2 o’clock
in the afternoon, or after nine or ten hours below ground. I f the time
lost in ascending and descending the shaft and a half hour’s rest for
lunch be deducted, there remains from eight to nine hours’ actual labor.
On Sundays and holidays all labor is suspended, except in certain cases
for repair work. The following table shows the average number of
hours present at the mine and the number of hours devoted to actual
labor per day during 1891 for each mine employee of the company of
Anzin. Both of these classes of information should be considered in
determining the duration o f labor of coal miners, as the time consumed
in reaching their work varies greatly with miners in different mines.
The distinction between employees working above and below ground
is also made.
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T OF E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF
A N Z I N , B Y H O U R S ON D U T Y A N D H O U R S OF A C T U A L L A B O R , 1891.
[H ours on d u ty includes tim e consum ed in going to and returning from w ork.]
E m ployees below ground.
H ours o f labor
per day.
E m ployees above ground.
A t actual labor.
On d uty.
On duty.
A t actual labor.
Number. P er cent. Number. JP er cent. Number. P er cent. Number. P er cent.
7.
it
It:
10I................................
.
>i..............................
10i
10>}..............................
£
10|..............................
11.
lli
llj
11\I|..............................
12.
m!£..............................
5
13
20
48
112
644
343
671
1,062
962
1, 015
1,619
570
567
209
250
186
.06
.15
.23
.55
1.27
7.31
3.89
7.62
12.06
10.92
11.52
18.38
6.47
6.44
2.37
2.84
2.11
107
1 .21
75
205
45
956
443
681
648
2,033
1,003
993
479
454
263
212
57
102
.85
2.33
.51
10.85
5.03
7.73
7.36
23.08
11.39
11.27
5.44
5.15
2.99
2.41
.65
1.16
490
5.56
40
.45
22
.25
12
.14
14.
T o t a l ..............
8,808
1884—No. 3----- 2
100.00
8,808
100.00
1
45
3.10
22
1.52
.07
30
2.07
80
5.52
70
2
164
24
777
4.83
.14
11.31
1.65
53.59
179
20
21
12.34
1.38
1.45
16
1.10
1,450
100.00
75
5.17
280
10
97
19.31
.69
6.69
152
20
814
10.48
1.38
56.14
1
.07
1,450
100.00
234
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
A comparison o f average hours of labor per day at Anzin for the
year 1891 with the average hours in 1890 for the coal mines of the whole
basin in which Anzin is situated (NTord and Pas-de-Calais), and for all
the coal mines of France, is made in the following table.
From the comparison here given it is seen that the hours of labor are
in general somewhat longer at Anzin than either in its special coal
basin or in France. The difference is more pronounced in the case of
hours on duty than in that of hours of actual labor.
A V E R A G E H O U R S OF L A B O R P E R D A T A T C O A L M IN E S A T A N Z IN , I N T H E D E P A R T M E N T S O F N O R D A N D P A S -D E -C A L A IS , A N D I N A L L F R A N C E .
[T h e figures for the departm ents o f the N ord and Pas-de-Calais and fo r F rance were obtained from
U ne N otice sur le N om bre, les Salaires et la D uree du T ravail des Ouvriers des M ines, en 1890, con
tained in the annual volum e Statistique de l ’ln d u strie M inerale et des A ppareils a V ap ou r en F rance
et en A lg erie pour l ’annGe 1889.]
A vera g e hours p er d a y on d u ty.
L ocality.
A nzin , 1891..............................
N ord and Pas-de-Calais, 1890
France, 3890..............................
E m ployees E m ployees
b elow
above
ground. | ground.
9.52 1
9.40 i
9.45 ;
1
11.47
10.50
10.46
A ll em
ployees.
9.80
9.23
10.00
A vera g e hours per d a y actual labor.
Em ployees E m ployees
below
above
ground.
ground.
9.02
8.80
8.13
10.20
9.50
9.39
A ll em
ployees.
9.19
8.26
8.35
There is probably no one feature of the modern system of organiza
tion of industry more productive of injurious results to the working
men than the periodic interruptions to which they are subjected under
present conditions in their ability to obtain work. Next to that of the
amount of their wages, the question of the regularity of their employ
ment is the one in which workingmen are most interested. The absence
o f a reasonable certainty of continuous employment means not only a
curtailing of their earning capacity, but their demoralization generally.
The constancy of employment is, then, a prime element in determining
the condition of any particular class of workingmen.
The conditions at Anzin in this respect could scarcely be improved
upon. During the entire year the intensity of work is equal. The table
that follows shows that in the twenty-four years from 1870 to 1893, inclu
sive, the mines were operated almost every possible working day. I f
the tables relating to the number of years the workingmen have been
continuously employed that are given further on be considered in con
nection with this one, it is evident that Anzin includes a practically
stable body of workingmen, to whom the evils of lack of employment
are almost unknown.
235
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
AVERAGE
D A Y S W O R K E D B Y E M P L O Y E E S O F T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF
A N Z IN D U R IN G E A C H Y E A R , 1870 TO 1893.
A vera g e days w orked.
A vera g e days w orked.
Em ployees below
ground.
Y ear.
M iners,
1870........
1871........
1872........
1873 ........
1874........
1875 ........
1876........
1877........
1878........
1879........
1880........
1881........
4____ __
1
301
299
313
312
307
313
301
292
278
280
308
312
i
Others.
Em
ployees
above
ground.
297
299
321
320
307
308
302
288
278
278
305
305
333
338
355
353
337
353
349
334
321
320
344
344
1
A ll em
ployees.
Y ear.
I
301
303
325
325
311
314
310
294
284
284
311
310
1 8 8 2 ....
1 8 8 3 ....
1 8 8 4 ....
1 8 8 5 ....
1 8 8 6 ....
1 8 8 7 ....
1 8 8 8 ....
1 8 8 9 ....
1 8 9 0 ....
1 8 9 1 ....
1 8 9 2 ....
1893 . . . .
E m ployees below
ground.
M iners.
Others.
317
304
243
257
277
282
286
284
283
278
271
278
303
305
246
261
283
288
288
288
288
285
277
283
Em
ployees
above
ground.
346
345
309
301
314
318
318
323
319
319
317
319
... ..
A ll em
ployees.
'
!
310
310
254
267
288
292
293
294
293
290
285
288
_____ |
Whatever advantages the workingmen of a particular locality or
establishment may enjoy, their wages must, under present conditions,
constitute the greatest factor in determining their economic well-being.
A t Anzin daily wages are but rarely paid. The wages of employees
are determined by the amount of work performed, and a settlement is
made fortnightly. Miners are paid so much per car of coal mined.
The price per car is fixed by the company’s engineer and accepted by
the miner for a fortnight or for a certain distance along the vein to be
mined. Formerly the miner did not transport his own coal nor main
tain his passage in repair. The work of the carman was absolutely
independent o f that of the miner. This gave rise to serious difficulties.
Either the miner complained that his coal was not carried away with
sufficient rapidity, or the carman complained that a sufficient quantity
o f coal was not rained to keep him fully employed. This has now been
entirely changed, and the present practice is for the miner to have his
son or some other member of his family work with him to aid in the
transport o f his coal. Then, if necessary, his son can aid him in the
operation of mining, or, if coal accumulates, he himself can assist in
its transport. An additional advantage of the system, moreover, is
that young laborers just entering the mine serve an apprenticeship
under those most interested in their welfare. Under these conditions
it is evident that rates of wages can not be given. In the table that
follows are shown the average daily and yearly wages of all mine
employees of Anzin according to the three great classes of occupations—
miners, laborers below ground other than miners, and laborers above
ground—with an average for the three classes combined, for the years
1870 to 1803, inclusive.
While in many industries employing workingmen of widely-varying
degrees of skill, and earning equally divergent rates of wages, average
yearly wages would be absolutely meaningless, this is not true of coal
mining. Here the greater part of the work performed falls into a few
classes of occupations, all of which require about the same degree of
236
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
skill, and in which the wages paid differ but slightly. For practical
purposes, therefore, these tables give a sufficiently accurate idea of the
wages o f miners, as well as the variation of wages during the period
covered.
A V E R A G E D A I L Y A N D Y E A R L Y W A G E S OF E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E
C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N , 1870 TO 1893.
A verage yea rly w ages.
A vera g e daily w ages.
Y ear.
1870............................
1871............................
1872............................
1873............................
1874............................
1875............................
1876............................
1877............................
1878............................
1879............................
1880............................
1881............................
1882............................
1883............................
1884............................
1885............................
1886............................
1887............................
1888............................
1889............................
1890.............................
1891............................
1892............................
1893............................
E m ployees below
ground.
M iners.
Others.
$0.71
.75
.80
.92
.90
.92
.92
.82
.81
.79
.82
.82
.85
.87
.85
.85
.84
.85
.85
.89
1.02
1.06
1.06
1.05
$0.58
.61
.64
.72
.71
.72
.73
.70
.67
.65
.67
.67
.69
.73
.73
.76
.76
.76
.77
.80
?90
.94
.94
.93
E m p loy
A ll emees above ployees.
ground.
$0.45
.45
.49
.56
.55
.56
.57
.56
.55
.54
.55
.61
.60
.66
.70
.60
.61
.56
.60
.61
.66
.68
.67
.67
C O A L M IN IN G
$0.57
.58
.62
.70
.69
.70
.71
.66
.65
.64
.66
.66
.68
.71
.72
.73
.73
.73
.74
.77
.86
.90
.89
.89
Em ployees below
ground.
Miners.
Others.
$219.19
223.33
250.70
288.43
275.52
288.15
278.27
240.08
224.27
219.94
251.45
258.04
261.90
265.20
207.01
208.60
233.62
238.39
242.87
252.68
287.30
294.56
287.94
291.46
$171.39
181.78
204.44
229.13
218.04
222.14
220.90
202.33
185.11
181.89
205.44
207.86
211.34
218.03
179.92
196.86
214. 75
218.24
220.78
232.08
260.90
268.19
260.32
264.76
E m p loy
ees above A ll em
ployees.
ground.
$149.10
151.34
174.71
198.94
185.37
198.94
198.03
186.30
177.81
174.16
189.22
208.47
208.54
227.87
216.79
181.61
191.49
178.47
180.00
195.99
210.84
216. 57
213.21
213.25
$171.96
174.27
201.97
227.06
214.88
219.99
219.58
195.19
185.26
180.88
203.23
208.05
211.14
220.18
184.89
194.46
211.05
214.56
215.91
226.55
253.49
260.55
253.21
256.87
It is scarcely necessary to call attention to the value of a record such
as that contained in the table just given. While it can not be used for
exact comparison with wages paid elsewhere, inasmuch as it relates to
the earnings o f several classes o f workingmen combined, it shows
clearly the relative variations in wages of coal-mine employees at Anzin.
The showing is a very gratifying one as regards the increasing economic
welfare o f the laborers. From an average daily wage of 2.96 francs
(67 cents) the rate for all employees increased rather slowly during the
first decade, being but 3.42 francs (66 cents) in 1880. In the next ten
years, however, wages had increased materially, being 4.48 francs (86
cents) in 1890, while during the next three years a still further increase
to 4.61 francs (89 cents) was recorded. The significance of this increase
is still more apparent if annual wages be contrasted. In 1870 the
average for all employees was 890.96 francs ($171.96). In 1880 the
average was 1,053 francs ($203.23), in 1890 had increased to 1,313.44
francs ($253.49), and in 1893 was 1,330.94 francs ($256.87). These
figures represent an increase of a little over 49 per cent during the
period.
The only possible element that could enter into this showing to
vitiate the deduction that a real increase in wages had resulted, not
only for all employees combined, but for each of the different classes o f
workmen entering into the calculation, is that the number o f employees
in higher-paid classes of work figure to a greater extent in later than
237
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
in former years. Eeference to the table already given (page 230), show
ing the number and per cent of workingmen according to nature of
work done, shows a remarkably similar proportional distribution o f the
personnel among the different classes of work. There is every reason
to believe, therefore, that all classes o f workingmen have profited in
the general increase in wages.
That these figures, however, may serve as an index of the absolute
as well as the relative economic condition of the laborers, they need to
be completed by, or interpreted in the light of, two important considera
tions: First, the amount of supplementary advantages enjoyed by the
workingmen, such as cheap housing, medical attendance, free fuel, etc.;
second, the quantity of necessary or usual articles of consumption that
their wages will purchase, or, to state it in another way, the relation
between the amount of wages and the prices of commodities.
Concerning the first point—that of supplemental advantages—a
detailed consideration will be given later on. For the present purpose
it is sufficient to insert a table showing, for each of the eleven years
from 1883 to 1893, the total and average wages, the total and average
value o f supplemental advantages, and the proportional addition to
wages that the supplementary advantages represent. From this table
it will be seen that there has been a fairly constant tendency for the
absolute value o f supplemental advantages to increase, and that this
value represents a slightly increasing proportion of the average amount
received as wages. A t the present time, speaking in round numbers, it
can be said that the supplemental advantages enjoyed by workingmen
at Anzin represent at least a 10 per cent addition to their wages.
W A G E S A N D A D V A N T A G E S S U P P L E M E N T A R T TO W A G E S OE E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E
C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z IN , 1883 TO 1893.
[T h e figures show ing the amount o f w ages and advantages supplem entary to wages p er em ployee were
com puted b y the Coal M in in g Com pany o f A n z in from data w h ich are n ot k n o w n ; hence they differ
slig h tly from those com puted on the basis o f the total num ber o f em ployees given elsewhere in the
rep ort.]
Y ea r.
1883........
1884........
1885.......
1886........
3887........
1888........
3889........
1890........
1891........
1892........
1893........
W ages.
A dvantages
supple
m entary to
wages.
$2,962,357.00
2,257,135.00
2,131,492.00
2,305, 771.00
2,341, 283.00
2,372,163.00
2,532, 546.00
2,947, 777.39
3,113, 575.74
2,995,476.36
3,045,421.43
$236,372.99
225,665.52
215,838.65
220,223.43
233,929.97
253,933.89
266, 397.47
282, 043. 95
314, 010. 78
321,916.35
330, 098.79
T otal wages
and supple
m entary
advantages.
$3,198,729.99
2,482,800.52
2,347,330.65
2,525,994.43
2,575,212.97
2,626, 096.89
2,798,943.47
3,229, 821.34
3,427,586.52
3, 317, 392.71
3,375, 520. 22
T otal
Supple
wages and P e r cent
m entary
sup p le
W ages
o f supple
p er em advantages m entary
mentary
per
ployee.
advantages advantages
em ployee.
per
o f wages.
em ployee.
$220.18
184.89
194.46
211.05
214.56
215.91
226.55
253.49
260.55
253.21
256.87
$17.34
19.55
20.40
19.35
20.55
22.05
22.58
22.53
24.63
25.61
26.01
$237. f 2
204.44
214.86
230.40
235.11
237.96
249.13
276.02
285.18
278.82
282.88
7.98
9.99
10.12
9.55
9.99
10.70
10.52
9.56
10.08
10.74
10.84
From this table it can be seen, without reproducing the figures which
can easily be consulted in the table itself, that the inclusion of the addi
tional element of supplementary advantages accentuates yet more the
238
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
increase in earnings shown in the table relating to wages proper. It
should be remembered, moreover, that the value of supplementaryadvantages as here stated indicates only their cost to the company. It
is probable that if they had been furnished by the workmen themselves
their cost would have been considerably greater. The real value o f
these supplementary advantages is therefore without doubt in excess
o f that shown in the table.
Concerning the second point, it is of interest to note the study, with
accompanying tables, made by M. Georges Michel, o f the iSconomiste
Frangais, on this particular question for the miners o f Anzin, and
included in his book entitled Histoire d?un Centre Ouvrier (Les Con
cessions d’Anzin). The most important o f his tables—the one in which
he has brought into correlation the average prices of commodities with
the budget o f a typical family, composed o f father, mother, and four
children, o f which the eldest has commenced work, for each decade from
1820 to 1887—is here reproduced. It should be borne in mind that this
table is but a calculation based on such data as were obtainable. M.
Michel first made the calculation for the period 1880 to 1887, in which it
is reasonable to suppose that substantial accuracy was secured. Then,
using this as a basis, and taking into account, not only the variation in
the prices of commodities and of average earnings, but o f changes in
the habits o f the workingmen as well, he was able to calculate the
budgets for the preceding decades. The officials o f the company,
moreover, examined the figures of M. Michel, and after making a few
corrections, expressed themselves as satisfied that they represented a
substantial approximation to the true condition of affairs.
COST OF L I V IN G OF A T Y P I C A L F A M I L Y OF S IX A T A N Z I N , 1820 TO 1887.
1820 to 1830.
Objects o f e x
penditure.
B re a d ...................
M e a t .....................
M i l k .....................
B u t t e r .................
E g g s .....................
F ru its and v eg e
tables
p u r
chased.
B eer.......................
A lc o h o lic drinks
G roceries :
O i l .....................
C o ffe e ................
S u g a r ...............
S o a p .................
M iscella n eou s.
H aberdashery
T able u ten sils__
Unit.
|
1830 to 1840.
1840 to 1850.
|
1850 to 1860.
Quan-I
V a l Quan
V a l Quan
V a l Quan-j
V a l
tity . Price. ue. tity . Price. ue. tity. P rice. ue. tit y . jP rice. ue.
i
P ou n d . 2,337 $0,026 $60.76 2,337 $0,028 $65.44 2,337 $0,029 $67.77 2,337 $0.032 $74.78
66 .061 4.03
P ou n d .
99 .070 6 .93
99 .096 9.50
121 .105 12.71
106 .024 2.54
159 .024 3.82
137 .024 3.29
Q a u rt.
169 .026 4.39
22 .131 2 .88
33 .136 4.49
P oun d .
40 .152 6.08
44 .163 7.17
100 .115
.96
150 .126 1.1)8
D ozen.
150 .127 1.59
200 .131 2.18
3.88
8.69
9.65
9.65
G allon.
53
Q u a r t.
P oun d .
P ou n d .
P ou n d .
11
F n r n i t n r e _______ ;
C lo t h in g .............
H a t s .....................
S h o e s ...................
K ent and cu ltiva
tion o f garden.
V ariou s, saloon,
savings, etc.
T otal expen
ditures.
18
11
99
.044
2.33
.97
132
.044
5.81
.97
159
.044
7.00
.97
16
1.80
22
3.94
.197 2.17
15
.054 5.35
99
1.93
1.93
.97
1.54
13.51
1.54.1_____
2.32
11.58 i .............
.194
.218
.185
.056
3.10
4.80
2.78
5.54
1.93
2.32
.97
1.93
17.76
2.32
3.86
13.51
16
26
18
.192
.178
.151
.050
3.07
4.63
2.72
5.50
2.32
2.90
.97
1.93
19.30
2.90
4.83
14.48
.164
.210
1.93
3.86
i
..........ho s fill_____
161.88
110
5.79
177.72
211
.044
9.28
1.16
16
26
.205
.213
.354
.051
3.28
5.54
3.39
5.61
2.32
3.8 6
1*93
2.32
20.27
3.8 6
5.79
14.48
22
110
1
|
i
8.69
202.66
239
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
COST O F L I V IN G OF A T Y P I C A L F A M I L Y OF S IX A T A N Z I N , 1820 TO 1887-Conclu(led.
1870 to 1880.
1860 to 1870.
Objects o f ex
penditure.
U nit.
B read.....................P oun d.
M e a t ..................... P oun d .
M ilk ...................... |Q u a r t .
B u tte r...................IP ou n d .
E g g s .....................! D o z e n .
F ru its and vege- •.............
tables
pur- I
chased.
i
B e e r ....................... G allon.
A lco h o lic d rinks.
G ro ce ries:
I
O il....................... Q u a r t .
C offee................. P ou n d .
S ugar................. P ou n d .
S o a p ................... P ou n d .
M iscellaneous .
H aberdashery . . .
T able u te n s ils . . .
F u r n itu r e ............
C loth in g................|
H a ts ....................... |
S h oes......................|
B e n t and c u lt iv a -!
tion o f garden, j
V arious, saloon, \
savings, etc.
i
T otal expen- !
ditures.
|
Quan
tity .
Price.
1
$0.032
.118
.029
.207
.143
2, 315
176
190
66
240
!
.058:
264
19
33
31
132
Value.
i
.250
.198
.121
.044
Quan
t ity . | Price.
$74.08
20. 77
5.51
13. 66
2.86
11.58
2,315
254
232
88
250
~
$0,032
.144
.029
.263
.182
15.31
1.54
317
4.75
6.53
3.75
5.81
4.83
5.79
2.32
2.90
30.88
4.83
8.69
15.44
21
33
31
132
if
14.48:
1880 to 1887.
Value.
Quan
t it y .
P rice.
Value.
$74.08
36.58
6.73
23.14
3.79
13.51
2,315
254
232
88
270
$0,030
.166
.029
.280
.174
$69.45
42.16
6.73
24.64
3.92
11.58
.077
24.41
1.93
317
.080
25. 36
1.93
.265
.285
.131
.038
5.57
9.41
4.06
5.02
5.79
6.76
2.90
3.86
42.46
5.79
11.58
16.41
21
29
40
132
.274
.341
.149
.039
5.75
9.89
5.96
5.15
5.40
6.76
2.90
3.86
44.39
5. 79
11.58
16.41
1
i
i
33.78
38. 60
337.56
348.21
i
1
256.31 ...........i .............
!
The main interest in budgets of this character is the information
afforded concerning the manner in which the workingman spends his
income. Apart from this, however, it is possible, through reference to
the column showing the prices of commodities which go to make up the
usual articles of consumption of the workman, to determine whether
the increase in wages shown in previous tables is counteracted or not
through a change in the cost of articles he is accustomed to purchase.
The comments of the author, in part, on this table are as follows:
“ From these tables it can be seen that the greatest variations occur
in the classes—
“ First, meat. Workingmen in the north of France can now eat meat
almost every day, while fifty years ago meat could not always be had
once a week.
“ Second, clothing. Although the price of materials for clothiug has
diminished within later years, the expenditure demanded by this item of
the workingmen’s budget has sensibly increased. The same observa
tion applies to all classes of society. Formerly tastes were more sim
ple and the style less changing. To-day the workingman feels called
upon to clothe himself and family in a more elegant manner, and to
follow, in a measure, the frequent changes of fashion.
“ Third, various expenses. This class, in which are included the
expenditures for amusements and at the drinking places, has unfortu
nately greatly increased. We are of the opinion that it now represents
10 per cent of the total family expenditures. It is the drinking houses
that absorb all.”
240
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WORKINGMEN’S INSTITUTIONS.
The most important part of an investigation of special laboring com
munities must necessarily be that of the study of the inhabitants in
their mutual relations. Such a grouping of men and women with identi
cal interests gives rise to opportunities for the organization of institu
tions for mutual and collective action that do not exist elsewhere.
These opportunities can be taken advantage of in three ways; either
through the creation by the employer of institutions for the benefit of
his employees, through the organization by the employees themselves of
institutions for their mutual benefit, or through the cooperation of the
employer with his employees for the purpose of securing improved con
ditions. It is a matter of fundamental importance which of these three
policies is in each case pursued. There has been a distinct evolution of
sentiment in regard to the question here involved. From the original
position that they had no obligation toward their employees other than
that o f the payment of wages, employers, in many cases, went to the oppo
site extreme. Though they created admirable institutions for the ben
efit o f their employees, they treated the latter as wards, and retained
in their own hands an arbitrary management of their new creations.
Since then the workingman has more and more demonstrated his ability
to look after his own interests, and, conscious of his own capacities, he
has chafed under any species of tutelage. The employer has in many
cases responded to this new sentiment, and as far as possible has given
over the management of his social institutions into the hands of those
for whose benefit they are intended. A t the same time the employees
are encouraged to organize independent institutions of their own.
This development of self-help and self-reliance by no means resulted
in a curtailment of the province or the variety of workingmen’s institu
tions. On the contrary, the development of the association idea has
rendered possible the exercise of mutual action in fields that it was
impossible for employer-managed institutions to enter.
The workingmen’s institutions at Anzin are a notable example of
institutions organized on a liberal basis. Whether regarded from the
standpoint of the generous sacrifices made by the company for their
maintenance, or from that of its liberal attitude regarding the partici
pation of employees in their management, the social institutions of
Anzin are the most remarkable of any in France. A study o f the con
stitutions and workings of these institutions will therefore be made in
great detail. These institutions are, however, by no means the unique
possession of Anzin. Though the same ensemble of institutions exists
in no other place in France, each one is but the representative o f a class
o f institutions found at a great many of the other important industrial
centers of the country. The study here made will, therefore, be of all
the more importance, as it will represent a study, not of institutions that
have an isolated existence, but of those that have received a widespread
application and approval.
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
241
THE HOUSING- OF EM PLO YEES.
The provision of dwellings for tlieir employees by the large industrial
concerns situated outside of the large cities is, in France, almost univer
sal. “ To-day,” says M. Georges Picot, in his report on workingmen’s
houses for the International Exposition at Paris, 1889, “ there is not in
France a chief o f an important industry who has not made efforts to
aid in the housing of his employees.” To secure this end four com
binations have been devised and put into practice by employers:
First. The construction of houses in which their workingmen are
lodged free from payment of all rent.
Second. The construction of houses that are afterwards rented to the
workingmen at reduced charges.
Third. The construction of houses and their sale to employees.
Fourth. The advancement of money or provision of land to employees
to enable them to acquire or build houses o f their own.
Each system has its advocates, though the first is rarely practiced.
A t Anzin the efforts of the company have been directed in all of the last
three ways. It has erected houses that it rents at low rates; it has
erected others that it sells to employees; it has advanced money to and
placed land at the disposal of its employees that they might acquire
houses of their own according to their individual tastes and needs. The
advantages of adopting several rather than a single device are evident.
The inclinations o f all workingmen are not similar. Some are satisfied
to pay their yearly rent and are unwilling to make the sacrifices neces
sary to secure homes of their own; others eagerly embrace the oppor
tunity of becoming house owners; and yet others prize highly the
privilege o f buying or constructing houses upon plans selected by
themselves.
In the report on the Housing of the Working People, issued by the
Department of Labor, the subject of workingmen's houses in France has
been considered at length. The houses at Anzin are among those of
which a description has been given. There is thus no necessity of giv
ing an account of them here, further than a bare statement of what has
been done in this respect.
The first houses erected by the company for the employees were
begun in the year 1826. Since then it has bought or constructed, near
all of its mine openings, houses that it rents to its employees. The
total number of such houses in 1893 was 2,582.
On account of economy, tbe system of constructing houses in solid
blocks was at first adopted. The great disadvantage of this system
from the point of view of morality, however, soon led to its abandon*
ment, and thereafter only isolated houses were built. Eegarding these
houses at Anzin and their rents, M. Picot, in his report above cited,
says: “ An excellent type of house has been selected. # # * A cel
lar, a ground floor with a large sitting room and kitchen, a first floor
with two sleeping rooms, a garden of 200 meters (2,152.8 square feet);
242
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
such is the house that rents for from 3.50 to G francs ($0.67J to $1.16)
I>er month, 42 to 72 francs ($8.11 to $13.90) per year. The house costs
2,800 francs ($540.40). I f the interest on this is calculated at 4 per cent,
112 francs ($21.62), and maintenance and taxes at 44 francs ($8.49), the
rent ought to be 156 francs ($30.11). The company receives, in general,
72 francs ($13.90), or a loss of 84 francs ($16.21) from a normal rent,
which is equivalent to a loss, on 2,628 houses (the number at the end of
1888), o f 220,752 francs ($42,605.14) a year. In other words, the com
pany obtains a net gain o f 28 francs ($5.40) from a rent of 72 francs
($13.90), or 1 per cent on the capital invested. In no other place have
we found similar figures or efforts on so large a scale.”
In 1867, in order to encourage saving among its workingmen, the
company commenced the construction of isolated houses with gardens,
which it sold to its employees at the cost of construction and the land.
Those first erected were valued at from 2,200 to 2,700 francs ($424.60
to $521.10) each, but those erected later were o f a better model and
cost from 2,700 to 3,550 francs ($521.10 to $685.15). Payment for the
houses was made in installments until the entire amount was paid.
Ho interest o f any kind was charged. Under this arrangement 93
houses had been erected up to 1893, at a total cost o f 275,207 francs
($53,114.95). To supplement its former work, the company decided,
in 1869, to commence the advancing of money to the most worthy
employees who wished to buy or build houses for themselves. Here
the same facility for reimbursement by partial payments was offered.
The advances were also without interest. In 1888 the company had
advanced a total sum of 1,446,604 francs ($279,194.57), o f which all but
101,140.09 francs ($19,520.04) had been repaid, and a total of 741 houses
had been constructed or otherwise acquired by its employees.
I f to the 2,628 houses rented by the company there be added the 93
houses built by it and sold to the workingmen, and the 741 houses
acquired through advances made by the company to the employees,
there results a total of 3,462 houses that had been provided through
the efforts of the company in 1888, and the number remained practi
cally unchanged in 1893. In 1888 the company estimated that it had
lost rent to the amount of 84 francs ($16.21) per year on each o f 2,628
houses, or a total of 220,752 francs ($42,605.14); interest on houses sold
and not paid for, 3 per cent on 67,558.12 francs ($13,038.72), or 2,026.75
francs ($391.16); interest on sums still due on advances made to build,
1,022.20 francs ($197.28); making the total cost of its effort for the
housing of its employees 223,800.95 francs ($43,193.58).
OLD-AGE PENSIONS.
The continuous existence, during a long period of years, o f a large
industrial establishment employing thousands of men gives rise to
relations o f responsibility on its part for the welfare of its old employees
that do not exist where an industry is carried on on a less stable or
smaller scale. In a company such as that o f Anzin its workingmen
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
243
have in great part entered its service as boys to continue in its employ
until sickness or old age incapacitates tliem for work. Sons Rave suc
ceeded fathers, and are themselves succeeded by their sons. It is diffi
cult for an American to appreciate the importance that the European
workingman attaches to this question of the provisions against old
age. The heroic measures taken within the last ten years by Germany,
in which the fullest powers of the State have been used to secure this
end, illustrate the importance of the problem and its acuteness at the
present time. In France the efforts made by the company o f Anzin
to provide for its old employees are the most important made by a
private undertaking.
Previous to 1887 the company followed the practice of according to
workingmen who had grown old in its service, and had become unable
to work, a pension for the remainder of their lives, that constituted a
direct charge upon the resources of the company. The employees par
ticipated in no way in the regulation of these pensions, nor was any
portion of their wages during previous years retained to aid in the
constitution o f an insurance fund. There were serious objections to
this system. The workingmen did not like the feeling that they were
pensioners on the bounty of the company $ and the pension being
dependent on the financial prosperity of the company, they did not feel
the same security that an independent insurance scheme would have
offered. Recognizing this, on January 1, 1887, the company inaugu
rated a new system of old-age pensions. By this system it frankly
took its workingmen into partnership and provided for the constitution,
through mutual sacrifices, of an insurance fund that should be wholly
independent of the company’s funds or management. Though the
company made sacrifices equal in amount to those under the old sys
tem, the pension was no longer a bounty but a right to which tlio
workingman would acquire a title by years of voluntary sacrifices.
This system is the more remarkable, for in 1894 the Government, as we
shall see, adopted in toto its principles in framing its law regulating
the insurance o f miners generally throughout France. The regulations
then adopted by the company concerning the granting of pensions might
almost be said to have formed a model after which the French law was
drawn.
The essential provisions of these regulations may be summarized in
the following paragraphs:
Dating from January 1,1887, the company agreed to deposit in the
National Bank for Old-Age Pensions,(a) in the name of each workinga The National Bank for Old-Age Pensions is a State institution created in 1850
and reorganized in 1886 by the law o f July 20 and decree o f December 28. Its opera
tions are guaranteed by the Government and controlled by a commission organized
under the Department o f Commerce, Industry, Posts, and Telegraphs. Its object is
to enable depositors to secure by small annual payments the right to a life pension,
not to exceed 1,200 francs ($231.60) as a maximum, at the age o f 50 years, or later, as
the depositor may choose. The especial idea o f Parliament was to offer to the ordi
nary laboring man the means to insure for himself through a small regular dedue
244
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
man who would make an equal payment, a sum equal to 1\ per cent of
the wages of the workingman. The two deposits are then recorded in
an individual account hook, which remains the property of the work
ingman. For workingmen employed below ground the payments o f the
company commence from the time of their entering upon such work.
For those employed above ground the payments of the company com
mence when the workingmen are at least 18 years of age and have been
in the employ o f the company during three years. The payments of the
company cease when the workingman has reached the age o f 50 years.
The latter, however, can defer the enjoyment of his pension, if he so
desires, by continuing his personal payments. Through these pay
ments the workingman is enabled to acquire the right to an annuity
from the National Bank for Old-Age Pensions, on reaching the age o f
50 years, for the remainder of his life. In case of permanent disability
before reaching that age, he enters into the immediate enjoyment of a
pension proportionate to his age and the amount of deposits to his
credit.
In addition to these provisions whereby the company agreed to con
tribute toward the acquisition of pensions by workingmen an amount
equal to their own payments, the company further provided for the
increase of these pensions as a reward for long and faithful service.
When a workingman has fulfilled the double condition of being at least
35 years of age and has been ten years without interruption in the
employ of the company, a special account is opened with him for the
succeeding years of his connection with the company, or until he has
reached the age of 55 years, or has been retired on his pension. The
total can in no case exceed fifteen years. For each of these years a
special supplement to the pension, when due, of 3 francs (58 cents) for
workingmen below and 1 J francs (29 cents) for those above ground will
be added. The total supplementary pension, except in cases of severe
injuries or infirmities contracted during work, is not paid unless the
workingman remains with the company until he is 50 years o f age.
The latter, also, can not enter upon the enjoyment of his supplementary
pension until he ceases to work for the company. For workingmen
employed as overseers below ground the supplemental pension is raised
tion from his wages a provision for his old age. To this end the bank receives
deposits of the smallest amounts which are increased by the accumulation o f interest^
W ith the exception o f an amount sufficient to meet the daily payments, all the funds
are invested in bonds of the French Government or other obligations guaranteed by
the State. All interest thus earned is placed to the credit of the depositors. No
deduction is made for the expenses o f administration. In case of absolute incapacity
to work, as the result o f permanent infirmities, the depositor enters immediately into
the enjoyment o f a pension calculated according to his age and the amount o f the
payments he has made. Insurance through this institution is purely optional. No
engagement, moreover, is entered into by the depositor as regards the amount or
frequency of his payments. He can interrupt, diminish, or increase his payments
as he desires. A separate account is kept with each depositor. The main use that
has been made o f this bank is its utilization by large industrial firms and mutual
aid societies to provide for the insurance o f their employee^ or members.
245
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
from 3 to 4 francs (58 fco 77 cents), and for those employed above ground
from 1£ to 2 francs (29 to 39 cents). For married workingmen living
with their wives the supplemental pension is doubled.
Provision is also made in all cases for the payment of pensions to
widows of workingmen. Transitory provisions make special arrange
ments for workingmen already in the employment of the company but
whose ages prevent them from acquiring pensions according to the
regular rates provided in the new regulation.
The most important and at the same time admirable provision of the
regulation is that whereby the service of the old-age pensions proper
is entirely removed from the control of the company. There is thus
absolutely no forfeiture principle. Each workingman knows exactly
where he stands as regards his ultimate right to a pension, and feels
furthermore that such pension is in no way dependent upon his remain
ing in the service of the company. Independence is thus not sacrificed
to the slightest extent.
Adherence to these regulations was purely optional. Ninety-five
per cent of the workingmen, however, recognized the great advantages
offered to them and signified their approval. The following table
shows the results of the efforts of the company for pensioning its
employees, both for the years immediately preceding the adoption of
the new plan and for the years succeeding, including 1893. The table
following this gives the ages of all pensioners of the company on March
15, 1894.
P E N S IO N E R S A N D E X P E N D IT U R E S F O R PEN SION S OF T H E C O A L M I N I N G C O M P A N Y
OF A N Z I N , 1883 TO 1893.
Pensions to w idow s o f
em ployees.
Pensions to old em ployees.
Year.
1883.
1884.
1885.
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893
Pen
sion
ers.
v er- I P en
T otal
| Aage
i sion
pensions. 1pension.
ers.
1
712
794
1,098
1,131
1,168
1,253
1, 279
1,295
1, 302
1, 368
1,379
$25,490.41
28, 431.50
39, 729.10
41, 733. 51
43,339. 56
47, 923. 08
49, 090. 82
49,571.30
50, 746.14
53, 452. 52
54,740.06
$35. 80
35.81
36.18
36. 90
37.10
38.24
38. 38
38.27
38.97
39. 07
39.69
A G E OF E M P L O Y E E S P E N S IO N E D
651
621
633
664
684
686
725
740
787
804
827
$13,426.80
13,417.29
13,687.98
14,468.02
14,714.28
14, 857.83
15, 654.84
15,961.95
16, 616.28
17, 072. 34
17,400.31
B Y TH E COAL
M A R C H 15, 1894.
A ge.
N um
ber.
A ge.
N um
ber.
A ge.
N um
ber.
A g e.
22
25
27
30
31
33
34
35
36
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
37
38
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
1
2
2
2
1
6
3
2
1
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
2
7
3
12
30
27
41
58
59
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
T otal
pensions.
N um
ber.
58
69
86
75
70 i
54 !
65 ;
66
75
A m ou nt
T otal
p a id b y
amount ex
comx^any
p ended b y
to
N
ational
A v e r
com pany
B ank for
age
fo r pen
pension. O ld-A ge
sions.
P ensions.
$20.62
21.61
21.62
21.79
21.51
21.66
21.59
21.57
21.11
21.23
21.04
$5,899.82
20,926.55
26,023.73
31,436.81
55,938.73
55,736.86
56,775.39
$38,917.21
41,848.79
53,417.08
56,201.53
63,953.66
83,707.46
90,769.39
96,970.06
123,301.15
126,261.72
128,915.76
M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z IN ,
A go.
N um
ber.
A ge.
65
66
67
68
69
70
56
44
60
47
44
41
25
22
27
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
71
72
73
N um
ber.
A ge.
83
20
13
84
85
11
86
12
87
8
12
88
89
5
7
4 Total.
Num
ber.
5
3
1
1
3
1
1
1,363
246
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
In explanation of tlie first of these two tables, it should be noted that
the average amount of the pensions shown indicates only the pensions
granted by the company as reward for long service. In addition to
this, since 1887 the workingmen have been acquiring a xiension through
the National Bank for Old-Age Pensions. Thus, in the year 1893, the
company paid for this purpose the sum of 294,173 francs ($56,775.39);
in connection with this the workingmen have to pay an equal amount;
the total amount paid into the national bank being, therefore, 588,346
francs ($113,550.78).
The year 1893 practically closes the record of voluntary individual
efforts on the part o f mine owners to pension their old employees or their
widows.
Mention has been made of a general law concerning old-age pensions
for mine employees. This law was passed June 29,1894, and by it the
insurance of all mine employees was made obligatory.
According to it each mine operator was required to pay into the
National Bank for Old-Age Pensions, or into a special institution created
by the operator for his own employees or in connection with other mine
operators for the mutual insurance of their employees, the organization
of which had received the authorization of the Government, on behalf
of each workingman the wages of whom did not exceed 2,400 francs
($463.20) a year, a sum equal to 4 per cent of the latter’s wages, half
o f which was to be deducted from the wages of the workingman and
the other half be borne directly by the operators. These payments
then were devoted to the ultimate acquisition of an old-age pension
according to the regular rules of the National Bank for Old-Age Pen
sions.
For the company of Anzin and its employees, it will be noticed that
the law made necessary but few changes. The company was already
making such payments to the amount o f 3 per cent o f its employees’
wages, in addition to the supplemental pensions for length of service.
The general effect o f the law was to make obligatory upon all mine
owners the adoption of a system that had been practiced at Anzin
since 1887.
The obligation to maintain aid societies for the aid of sick and
injured workingmen was likewise imposed upon mine operators by this
law, but this provision should be considered in connection with the
account of the mutual aid societies o f Anzin that follows.
M U TU AL AID SOCIETIES.
A temporary relief organization is a necessary complement of any
system of old-age and invalidity insurance. The latter makes provision
for the time when employees, through old age or disability, are unable
longer to earn wages. The former provides for temporary incapacity
or misfortune. Experience has demonstrated that it is advisable to
keep these two services distinct from each other. The basis o f a pen
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
247
sion fund, resting as it does on calculations of probabilities according
to mortality tables, ages of employees, etc., should be complicated as
little as possible by other indeterminate charges.
To meet this want of mutual assistance in cases of sickness and other
troubles, there has been developed in almost every commune and village
of France one or more mutual aid societies {societes de secours
mutueh). Their organization and operation afford a study of the most
interesting institution that has been developed in France for improving
the condition of the laboring classes. They are to France what the
building associations are to America. Though ministering to different
ends, they are similar to our building associations in that they are
organized and managed for the most part by the workingmen them
selves. They bring the workingmen together for purposes of mutual
aid and action 5 their methods of operation and control are simple, and
their expenses of administration are reduced to a minimum. M. Lafitte,
an authority on all matters relating to mutual aid societies, thus tersely
states their purposes (a): u Mutual aid societies have for their essential
objects: To furnish to their members when sick medical attendance and
necessary medicines; to pay to them a daily sum of money during their
sickness; to secure to them a small pension after they have reached a
certain age, and to defray the expense of a suitable burial on their
death.” To secure this each member pays into the funds of the society
a fixed annual sum, as dues, usually divided into monthly or weekly
payments.
These societies have had an existence in France for over fifty years.
The central Government has encouraged their organization through the
enactment o f general laws, and a general control is exercised over their
operations through a special bureau created in 1852 under the Depart
ment of the Interior. Annual reports are made by the societies to this
bureau, and it in turn issues an annual report on their operations dur
ing the year. The important part that these societies play in the life
of the workingmen of France is shown in the following statistics of
their number and amount of business for 1892, the latest year obtainable:
Number of societies........................................................................................ ..........
9, 662
Increase during y e a r ................................................................................................
218
Number of m em bers................................................................................................
1, 503, 397
Increase during year................................................................................................
31,112
Receipts during year................................................................................................ $6,052,520.53
Increase.........................................................................................................................
138,846. 90
Assets at end of year........................................................................................ ..
37,816,056.58
Increase during year................................................................................................ 2, 383, 582.23
The study of the whole question of mutual aid societies in France
would be an interesting one. Here only a brief statement of their gen
eral character and importance has been given in order that the purpose
o f the societies that exist at Anzin may be understood.
a Essai d’une Thdorie Rationnelle des Soeidtds de Secours Mutuels, Paris, 1892.
248
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Seven mutual aid societies have been organized under the patronage of
the company. The constitutions of all of these societies are practically
identical.
Briefly stated, each constitution provides for the organization of the
workingmen into a society by which, for the trifling payment of 50
centimes (9T60% cents) a month, the members receive the right in case of
sickness or accident to free medical attendance and medicines, to a
benefit of 1 franc (19-^- cents) during each day of their sickness, if such
sickness is not more than one year in duration, and to various other
relief, such as burial expenses, etc. To accomplish this, however, the
receipts of the society from dues have to be largely supplemented from
other sources. The company, therefore, turns over to it the amount of
all fines collected by it for the infraction of any of its regulations, a
practice that removes the criticism often made that fines are levied for
selfish purposes, and also makes to it liberal gifts when the receipts o f
the society are not sufficient to meet its obligations.
In the following tables the combined operations of the seven socie
ties at Anzin during the eleven years from 1883 to 1893 are presented.
From the first table it will be seen that the number of employees who
are members of the societies is now over 8,000, or 94 per cent of those
eligible for membership. The increasing percentage from year to year
o f those eligible for membership who have become members shows an
increasing appreciation of the benefits that the societies offer.
In the table of receipts and expenditures two points are worthy of
special attention. The first is the very small percentage that the
expense of administration is of the total expenditures of the societies,
the average for the period covered being less than 2 per cent. The
second is the policy of creating as rapidly as possible a permanent
fund, so that the societies may always have on hand an emergency
fund and at the same time profit from interest on their investments. In
this connection there should be noted a feature that applies to all
workingmen’s institutions whether organized at Anzin or elsewhere in
France, and that is, that a system o f mutual assessment in case of
sickness or death has never found the slightest favor with the work
ingmen. They desire to know in all cases the exact amount of their
obligations. In other words, they prefer the system of fixed dues.
There are no details of the table that are worthy of special comment.
The growth o f receipts and expenditures has been normal, corresponding
to the growth in membership.
249
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
M E M B E R S H IP OF M U T U A L A I D S O C IE TIE S A T A N Z I N A N D D A T S OF S IC K N E SS A N D
E X P E N D IT U R E P E R A C T I V E M E M B E R , 1883 TO 1893.
P er cent
E m ploy E m ploy o f active
Honorary A ctiv e ees eligi ees eligi members
ble for
members. members. ble but
o f eligi
not mem m ember ble em
ship.
bers.
ployees.
T ear.
59
268
473
455
482
487
539
525
573
551
530
1883............................
1884............................
1885............................
1886............................
1887............................
1888............................
1889............................
1890............................
1891............................
1892............................
1893............................
2,572
3,170
4,670
a 5,940
6,296
6,544
6,902
7, 605
8 , 052
a 8,199
8 , 385
5,208
4,259
2,630
a 1,627
1,352
1,126
933
1,044
1,076
a 590
541
7,780
7,429
7,300
a 7,573
7,648
7,670
7, 835
8,649
9,128
a 8,800
8,926
33
43
64
78
82
85
88
88
88
93
94
Days o f sickness.
E xpendi
ture per
P er act
active
ive mem member.
ber.
Total.
26,751
28,097
40,932
60, 623
63,590
74,162
75,498
97,202
89,019
95,851
114,728
10.4
8.9
$1.78
1.55
8 .8
10.2
10.1
2.00
11.3
10.9
12.8
11.6
11.7
13.7
2.59
2.57
2.74
2.74
3.21
2.73
2.99
3.71
a The addition o f the active members and employees eligible but not members does not produce the
total eligible employees here shown. The figures are given, however, as reported to the Department.
R E C E IP T S A N D E X P E N D IT U R E S OF M U T U A L A I D SO C IE T IE S A T A N Z IN , 1883 TO 1893.
1883.
1884.
1885.
1886.
Balance on hand Jan. 1......................................... $1,930.22
68.32
Dues o f honorary m em b ers...............................
4,796.44
Dues o f active m em b ers.....................................
F ines turned over b y com pany to the societies.
Gitts from the co m p a n y .......................................
7.29
Entrance f e e s .................•.......................................
35.73
Interest on funds in v e s te d .................................
14.73
M iscellaneous receip ts........................................
$2,275.83
354.35
4,975.16
1.16
19. 30
27.84
34.91
140.14
$2,918.62
683:41
8,792.16
1,700.95
1,042.20
146.49
119.96
494.69
$6,537.09
732.63
12, 102.21
2,527.21
1,166.68
247.67
93.35
313.33
$8,338.72
799.40
12,699.74
2,241.57
1,299.76
128.25
189.14
183.79
6,852.73
7,828.69
15,898.42
23,720.17
25,880.37
E xpenses o f adm inistration..............................
A id to sick members ...........................................
Expenses for fu n e ra ls .........................................
A id to widows, orphans, and families in need.
Other e x p e n s e s .....................................................
Balance on hand Dec. 31.......................................
59.25
4,392.59
85.69
34. 74
4.63
2,275.83
86.72
4,560.98
123.33
73.34
65. 70
2,918.62
136.32
7,025.30
183.35
1,871.13
145.23
6,537.09
238.93
11,033.23
217.90
3,139.43
751.96
8, 338. 72
259.10
12,109.74
186.63
3,142.85
480.23
9, 701.82
T o t a l .............................................................
6,852.73
7,828.69
15,898.42
23,720.17
25,880.37
Item s.
1887.
RECEIPTS.
T o t a l .............................................................
EXPENDITURES.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
Balance on hand Jan. 1................. $9,701.82
710.14
Dues o f honorary m embers........
Dues o f active m em bers............. 13,160.96
Fines turned over b y com pany
2,386.52
to the societies............................
856.92
Gifts from the co m p a n y .............
135.97
Entrance fees.................................
264.81
Interest on funds invested.........
187.62
Miscellaneous receipts.................
$9,455.45
720.28
13,748.74
$10,807.56
681.00
15,243.39
$8, 903.26
833. 95
16,793.80
$11,152.59
819.96
18,117.10
$13,004.34
774.99
17,856.94
2,195.65
2,528.69
128.92
271.27
649.22
2,439.78
3,396.80
173.00
236.77
350.76
3,103.62
1,779.46
91.24
264.86
1,375.80
2,553.99
4,272.85
103.83
341.07
136.98
6,795.87
4,517.38
46.90
290.66
984.83
27,404.76
29,698.22
33,329.06
33,145.99
37,498.37
44,271.91
352.19
247.81
E xpenses o f ad m inistration----A id to sick m em b ers................... 13,304.21 13,267.50
354.73
254.10
E xpenses for fu n era ls .................
A id to w idow s, orphans, and
4,548.26
3,320.47
families in n e e d ........................
722.09 !
468.61
Other exp en ses..............................
9,455.45 10,807.56
Balance on hand Dec. 3 1 .............
385.62
17,940.64
334.08
510.88
15,427.55
454.52
520.45
17,451.74
429.04
643.58
21,144.21
825.07
5,220.17
545. 29
8, 903.26
3,976.67
1,623.78
11,152.59
5,666.88
425.92
13,004.34
6,729.94
1,769.02
13,160.09
27,404.76 j 29, 698.22
33, 329.06
33,145.99
37,498.37
44,271.91
Item s.
1888.
1893.
RECEIPTS.
T o t a l.....................................
EXPENDITURES.
T o t a l.....................................
1884—No. 3----- 3
250
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
The enactment o f the law o f June 29,1894, necessitated a number o f
changes in the organization o f these societies. The law made the
organization o f aid societies for the relief o f employees in cases o f sick
ness and accidents obligatory upon all mine operators. W hile it pro
vided that wherever such societies were already in existence it would
not be necessary to organize new societies, it required that they should
be reorganized to such an extent as to comply with the provisions of
the law. The chief innovation required was that concerning the sources
o f receipts. W hile heretofore the company had voluntarily contributed
to the resources o f the societies through the turning over to them of
the product realized from fines, and through gifts from time to time, it
was now rendered obligatory upon it to contribute toward the main
tenance o f the fund to an equal extent with the workingmen. This
was in accordance with the provision o f the law, which provided that
the receipts o f such societies should come from the following five
sources: (1) A deduction from the wages o f each employee, the amount
o f which is determined by the administration o f the society and which
can not exceed 2 per cent of his wages; (2) an equal payment by the
mine operator; (3) subsidies granted by the State; (4) gifts and legacies,
and (5) the product o f fines for the infraction of certain regulations
relating to the conduct o f work below ground.
The law further made certain general provisions regarding the nature
o f the relief to be granted, for the government o f the society through
the mutual participation of the members and o f representatives of
the mine owners, etc. These sections, however, left a great deal of lib
erty to the individual societies and necessitated but few changes in
societies already in existence.
COOPERATIVE D ISTRIBU TIVE SOCIETY.
The organization o f cooperative stores in the mining centers of
France has, in a number o f instances, achieved notable success. A t
Anzin a society was organized as early as 1865, and it is thus one of the
first cooperative distributive societies created in France. Its creation
was the direct result of the influence o f the- success of the Eochdale
Pioneers in England. Operations commenced in 1865, but the society,
properly speaking, had a legal existence only after December 10,1867,
when it took advantage o f the law o f July 24-29,1867, to become a
legal corporation.
The organization o f the society is that o f a joint stock company, but
on such a basis that all speculative interest in the stock is eliminated.
Each member o f the society is required to own one, and can not own
more than two shares o f stock. The value of the shares o f stock
is 50 francs ($9.65) each. The society is absolutely independent o f
control by the company o f Anzin. Membership is strictly limited to
employees o f the company, and only members can trade at the stores.
The object o f the society has always been to buy merchandise and the
251
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
usual articles consumed by miners at wholesale prices, and to sell them
to the members in such a way as to bring the purchasers in direct rela
tion with the producer and eliminate as far as possible the profits o f
the middleman. Largely with the idea o f encouraging savings, it has
been the steady policy of the society to fix the prices of articles as
nearly as possible at the rate charged in neighboringretail stores, great
care being taken, however, to in no case exceed those prices. As, with
rare exceptions, supplies are purchased directly from the producers
without the intervention o f the middleman, a considerable profit is
accumulated at the end o f each year for distribution among the mem
bers. After the payment of necessary running expenses the profits
remaining go first to the payment o f a 5 per cent dividend on the
stock, and the residue to purchasers in proportion to the value of their
purchases during each year.
From the start the society has developed rapidly. The two following
tables show from year to year, since organization, the membership, o f
the society, the amount o f capital, the amount o f dividends paid, the
total value o f sales, the amount o f profits earned, and the proportion
that this latter bears to the value of all sales:
M EM BERS, C A P IT A L , A N D D IV ID E N D S OF T H E C O O P E R A T IV E D IS T R IB U T IV E
S O C IE T Y OF A N Z IN , 1866 TO 1894.
Year.
1866........................
1867........................
1868........................
1869........................
1870........................
1871........................
1872........................
1873........................
1874........................
1875........................
1876........................
1877........................
1878........................
1879........................
1880........................
Members.
577
785
1,180
1,357
1,441
1,630
1,839
2,123
2,186
2,159
2,204
2,127
2,154
2,238
2,386
Capital.
D iv i
dends
paid.
$5,568.05
7,575.25
11,387.00
13,095.05
13,905.65
15,729.50
17,746.35
20,486.95
21,094.90
20,834.35
21, 268.60
20,525.55
20,786.10
21,596.70
23,024.90
$96.04
148.43
360.02
654.75
695.28
786.48
835.73
791.50
935.15
962.02
987.82
978.62
978.86
1,016.28
1,077.13
Year.
1881
1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
Members.
2,544
2,625
2,873
2,683
2,928
3,021
3,043
3,123
3,227
3,319
3,386
3,497
3,629
3,760
Capital.
$24,549.60
25,331.25
22,899.45
25.890.95
28,255.20
29,152.65
29.364.95
30.136.95
31,140.55
32,028.35
32,674.90
33,746.05
35,019.85
36,284.00
D ividends
paid.
$1,144.45
1,206.16
1,249.92
1,223.91
1,303.94
1,396.01
1,412.52
1,441.57
1,482.47
1,535.72
1,574.28
1,605.87
1,684.19
1,753.98
252
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
S A L E S A N D P R O F IT S OF T H E C O O P E R A T IV E D IS T R IB U T IV E
1866 TO 1895.
S O C IE T Y OF A N Z IN ,
[I t "will b e noticed that the profits distributed each year p rior to 1872 represent a higher per cent o f
the value o f sales than is indicated in the table. The figures are given, how ever, as published b y
the com pany.]
Profits
distributed among
purchasers.
Profits
distributed among
purchasers.
Year.
Total value
o f sales.
A m ount.
1st h a l f...
18661 2d
h a lf ------i
1st h a l f...
1867 < 2d h a l f ... .
IQfiQ S; 1st h a l f ...
looo
<
2d h a l f ....
1st h a l f ...
18691
2d h a l f ... .
1QITA ( 1st h a l f. . .
lo7U < 2d h a l f ... .
<' 1st h a lf. . .
18
2d h a l f ... .
1Q70 ) 1st h a l f...
±04 £ <
2d h a l f ... .
1070 |;i s t h a lf...
io
/o < 2d h a l f ... .
1st h a l f...
18741 2d h a l f ... .
1Q7R ) 1st h a lf. . .
J.O/D < 2d h a l f ... .
1
Q'Ttt <
) 1st h a l f ...
lo/O
2d h a l f ... .
1077 ) 1st h a l f...
lo i 1 <
2d h a l f ... .
t Q«7Q S 1st h a lf...
lo7o
<
2d h a l f ... .
( 1st h a lf...
1879 < 2d h a l f ... .
.
( 1st h a l f ...
1880 < 2d
h a l f ... .
$13,706.88
24,617.55
31,447.31
35,740.90
47,698.73
64,818.93
66,449.04
69,696.44
77,497.93
82,056.75
74,988.49
92,214.59
140,716.18
134,333.59
152,517.72
174,434.37
220,550.90
191,832.25
168,556.54
168,657.06
179,454.40
181,327.32
182,211.12
175,245.52
177,767.48
168,130.21
178,919.95
176,254.03
193,371.19
212,044.84
$1,588.12
3,001.08
3,817.62
4,433.96
5,823.44
7,054.75
8,367.33
9,245.07
10,034.51
9,296.22
9,825.94
12,249.07
14,071.62
16,119.98
18,301.96
20,932.10
22,055.09
19,183.23
16,855.66
16,865.71
17,945.44
18,132.73
18,221.11
17,524.55
17,776.75
18,494.32
19,681.19
21,150.48
23,204.54
23,324.93
P er
cent
of
total
sales.
8
8
9
9
9 i
7*
9 ;
9 I
9 |
8 ■
9 1
9 ;
10
12
12
12
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11
12
12
11
Year.
Total value
o f sales.
A m ou nt.
iqqi ( 1st h a lf..
1881 \ 2d h a lf...
iB&9 f 1st h a lt..
1882 } 2d h a l f...
iqqq C1s t h a lf..
1883 } 2d h a l f...
i qqj C1st h a lf..
1884} 2d h a l f...
1885 5
h a lf..
1885 * 2d h a lf...
C1st h a lf..
1886 > 2d h a lf...
1QB7 f 1st h a lf..
1881 \ 2d h a lf...
-tafiafist h a lf..
1888 1 2d h a l f...
ififiQ f 1st h a lf..
18891 2d half. \
1qqa f 1st h a lf )
1890 5 2d h a l f . )
1891 $ 1st h alf J
1891 \ 2d h a lf. ?
1892 f l®t half >
1892 J 2d half. 1
1893 5 I®* h alf )
18yd \ 2d half. ?
1894 P 8^ halt >
1894 \ 2d half. 1
18951st h a lf.. 5
$214,046.00
225,522.22
229,626.55
219,201.30
224,236.80
231,009.04
224,487.02
182,050.66
187,059.38
195,318.89
213,454.34
213,001.66
214,756.20
217,819.39
207,302.22
216,531.41
228.109.11
P er
cent
of
total
sales.
$25,685.52
27,062.66
27,555.19
26,304.16
26,908.42
27,721.08
29,183.31
25,487.09
24,317.73
25,391.46
27,749.07
27,690.22
26,307.63
28,316.52
26,949.29
28,149.08
"29,654.18
12
12
12
12
12
12
13
13
14
13
13
13
13
12£
1?
13
13
13
438.850.06
57,050.51
460,811.35
59,905.47
13
466,137.66
62,904.41
Q3
}14
447.272.11
67,090.81
15
448,248.90
67,237.33
15
447.555.06
67,133.26
15
T o t a l........ 10,209,665.54 1,266,332.90
12|
During this period, therefore, profits to the amount o f 6,561,310.34
francs ($1,266,332.90) have been distributed among the members, or
an amount equal to 12f per cent o f the total value o f sales. In addi
tion to this all the profits have not been distributed. Considerable
sums have been devoted to the acquisition o f property in which the
business is carried on. The society has constructed commodious quar
ters for its central store and for three o f its most important branches,
all of which are now completely paid for. The operating expenses have
been about 4 per cent o f the cash receipts on sales.
Though the company has interfered in no way in the management o f
the society, it has looked with great favor on its operations. The effect
on the morale o f their employees has not been the least o f its advan
tages. Its method o f division o f profits has furnished a means to the
workingman to accumulate savings that h© would not have had under
the ordinary system o f trading at retail stores. The rules o f the society
absolutely forbidding sales On credit have prevented its members from
running in debt. Its meetings and the necessary control over the
administration of the affairs of the society have been o f real educa
tional advantage to them.
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
253
MEDICAL SERVICE.
The company o f Anzin has practically assumed the entire burden o f
the care o f its employees and to some extent of their families in cases
o f accidents or sickness. By direction o f the administration in 1867,
aid o f four kinds was ordered to be granted in such cases, viz, medical
attendance, medicines, food for the sick, such as bouillon and wine, and
pecuniary aid.
A sharp distinction is made between the different services, and espe
cially between the workingmen employed below and those employed
above ground, as regards the amount of assistance granted. A special
care and solicitude is exercised over the miners proper and the other
employees working below ground. In the case of the former the
granting o f medical assistance is extended to their wives, children, and
parents, if living with them at the time. To workingmen employed
above ground medical attendance is not extended to the other members
o f the family, though medical supplies are issued for their use. Medi
cal attendance and medical supplies are also granted to all working
men on the pension roll, provided their individual pensions do not
exceed 1,000 francs ($193) per annum. Begarding the granting of
pecuniary aid, the company has issued the following regulations and
tariff:
First class.—In cases of severe wounds, such as fracture of the
femur, tibia, or humerus, accidents to the head affecting the brain,
amputation of limb as the result of an accident, serious burns from
hot water or explosion o f fire damp, or wounds causing the loss o f one
or both eyes, there will be granted per fortnight to married working
men, 30 francs ($5.79) 5 to unmarried workingmen, other than putters,
15 francs ($2.89£), and to putters 10 francs ($1.93).
Second class.—In case o f fracture o f the clavicle without internal
lesion, simple fracture o f the forearm, mutilation o f the fingers or toes,
slight burns, or injuries endangering the sight, to married workingmen,
20 francs ($3.86)5 to unmarried workingmen, other than putters, 10
francs ($1.93), and to putters, 6 francs ($1.16).
Third class.—In case o f slight injuries of any kind, to married work
ingmen, 10 francs ($ 1 .93)5 ^o unmarried workingmen, other than
putters, 5 francs (96£ cents), and to putters, 3 francs (58 cents).
For the administration o f the health service the company has in its
employ eleven physicians, each o f whom, with the exception o f one,
who devotes himself to diseases of the eye, has his particular district.
Each has a consultation room, where, during certain hours, he receives
all who are able to come to him. The other sick are cared for in their
own homes, and a horse and carriage is furnished each physician with
which to make his visits.
The expenditures entailed by the maintenance o f this medical and
relief system is given in a table on page 255.
254
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
SAVING'S BANK.
But a few words will be required concerning the encouragement by
the company o f savings among its employees. Previous to the pas
sage of the act o f 1881 creating a national postal savings bank, the
company o f Anzin, in common with other industrial concerns, stimu
lated in every way the spirit o f saving among its employees. To this
end the company created, in 1869, a savings bank in which its employees
were encouraged to deposit their savings and upon which they received
interest at the rate o f 5 per cent for amounts under 2,000 francs ($386)
and 4 per cent for amounts over that sum. The national savings bank
created in 1881 offered all necessary inducements and guaranties o f
security. The company therefore reduced the rate o f interest paid
to 3 per cent, the same as that paid by the Government, and ceased to
encourage deposits in its own bank. Thus the number o f depositors,
that had reached in 1877 a total of 1,431, with deposits of 1,940,011.77
francs ($374,422.27), has now sunk to less than one-third that number
and the amount o f deposits has been correspondingly decreased.
EDUCATION.
The company first began to occupy itself with the provision o f school
facilities for the children of its employees in 1873. Previous to 1882, the
year in which the law providing for free public instruction was passed,
the efforts o f the company represented a considerable expense. It
erected numerous infant and primary schools and, in connection with
the latter, workshops for manual training. A t the present time, how
ever, it possesses actually but one school, and its total expenditure for
schooling in 1888 was 31,875.45 francs ($6,151.96), divided as follows:
Subsidies to teachers and infant schools................................................................. $4,046.14
Fuel for schools.................................................................................................................
134.02
Prizes in the form o f books and savings-bank deposits.....................................
142.82
Maintenance o f its own school.................................................................................... 1,828.98
T o ta l.........................................................................................................................
6,151.96
In addition it maintains a special advanced school conducted by its
own engineers for the purpose o f educating skilled workingmen, the
pupils o f which are taken from among the best scholars o f the primary
schools. The company also pays the tuition and board o f two of its
young workingmen at the school for boss miners at Douai (JEcole des
Maitres-mineurs de Douai).
Four churches have also been erected and are now owned by the com
pany. A ll are consecrated to the Catholic faith.
MISCELLANEOUS AID TO WORKINGMEN.
In addition to the various ways for aiding workingmen which have
been enumerated, the company contributes to their support in a number
o f ways that can not well be classified. O f these, the principal items
255
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
of expense are the furnishing of fuel free to all o f its employees, the
furnishing o f the first working suit to its miners when they commence
work below ground, the granting o f 50 centimes ( 9 ^ cents) per day
to wives of workingmen during the latter’s period of military service,
to which is added 25 centimes ( 4 ^ cents) per day for each child they
may have, the aiding of oiphans until they are of an age to commence
work, and the aiding o f workingmen generally and their families in
cases of distress.
The expenditures of the company for these purposes, as well as for
the maintenance o f its medical service for the eleven years, 1883 to
1893, inclusive, are given in the following table:
E X P E N D IT U R E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N F O R M E D IC A L
SE R V IC E , A I D , E T C ., 1883 TO 1893.
Year.
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
M edical
service
Old em
(salaries o f
ployees,
p h y si 1 Sick and
their w id Employees
cians, m ed
injured. ows or par in need.
icines,
ents, and
m edical
orphans.
supplies,
etc.).
.....................
$25,908.70
.....................
25,208.13
.....................
22,338.24
.....................
24,195.44
23,710.02
.....................
23,946.23
.....................
.....................
24,285.21
27,439. 79
.....................
28,643.96
.....................
.....................
30.208.12
.....................
34,737.99
$11,484.08 $14,019.78
10,222.69 12,118.64
10.009.18 14,240.28
11,474.29 11,163.26
12.375.26 10,125.12
12,819.24 10,185.97
13,856.41 10,242.93
9,672.24
15,967.15
14.790.26 10, 211.20
9,749.06
17.708.19
20,626.65 10,458.47
RECAPITULATION
OF
THE
$1,397.25
1,537.88
4,447.32
2,928.20
3,200.76
2, 696.99
4,406.18
5,426.46
4,430.58
2,270.74
3,907.96
F irst
w orking
W ives and
suits,
children o f grants to
em ployees mothers
doing 1m ili on first
tary" serv- com m u
nion o f
* ice.
their ch il
dren, etc.
$1,623.47
1.663.61
1,399.11
1,758.23
1.441.27
1,640.02
1,270.95
1.186.28
1,560.65
2.468.61
1,188.97
EXPEND ITU RES
T otal e x
penditures
(aid to em
ployees
and m edi
cal serv
ice).
$1,837.57 $56.270.85
1,592.44 52.343.39
1.042.39 53,476.52
1,243.38 52,762.80
1,287.43 52,139.86
1,208.72 52,497.17
1,288.70 55,350.38
1,314.33 61,006.25
1.376.40 61,013.05
1,210.42 63,615.14
1,386.36 72.306.40
OF
THE
Value o f
fuel given
to em ploy
ees and
pension
ers.
$87,764.32
66,923.60
59,845.48
63, 679.00
69,763.71
69,312.09
71,991.70
76,544.96
81,069.26
84,366.-09
81,249.91
COAL MINING-
COMPANY OF ANZIN FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS EM PLOYEES.
A survey has been made in considerable detail in the foregoing pages
of all o f the various institutions in which the workingmen of Anzin par
ticipate. Concerning the general question o f workingmen’s institutions
it is important to know what is the total expense that the maintenance
of these institutions entails upon the company, what pecuniary advan
tage the sum total of these efforts confers upon the workingmen, and
what relation this latter bears to the amount they receive in the way of
wages. A recapitulation of the total expenditures o f the company for
the benefit of its employees has therefore been made in such a way as
to bring out these facts for the eleven years, 1883 to 1893.
Following this table is another one similarly constructed, giving the
same information for a number of the most important coal mining com
panies other than that of Anzin. The data for this table were taken
from a work entitled L’Organisation du Travail dans les Mines et Particulierement dans Les Houill&res, by Charles Ledoux, engineer in chief
o f mines, Paris, 1890, and relate to the year 1888.
256
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
From tlie second table it is evident that the company o f Anzin by no
means holds a unique position in respect to the creation by it o f work
ingmen’s institutions. The existence o f institutions such as have been
described for Anzin is almost universal among the large coal mining
companies of France. Wherever material for a comparison of conditions
at Anzin with those existing in other mining centers o f France could be
obtained, the original statement, that in choosing Anzin for a detailed
study a typical center had been selected, seems to be justified.
E X P E N D IT U R E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G- C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N F O R T H E B E N E F IT OF
E M PLO Y EE S, B Y OBJECTS OF E X P E N D IT U R E , 1883 TO 1893.
E xpenditures for—
D irect
Pensions. H ousing. Schools. M edical Free fuel. pecuniary
service.
and other
aid.
Year.
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
....
P er
E x
Total
pendi cen t o f
expen
expendi tures
tures.
per em ditures
ployee. o f earn
ings.
$38,917.21 $45,159.70 $8,260.91 $25,908.70 $87,764.32 $30,362.15 $236,372.99 $17.34
41,848.79 44.763.66 7.169.10 25,208.13 66,923.60 27,135.26 #225,665.53 19.55
53,417.08 44.349.28 4.750.29 22,338.24 59,845.48 31,138.28 215,838.65 20.40
56,201.53 42,324.80 5.255.30 24,195.44 63,679.00 28,567.36 220,223.43 19.35
63,953.66 42,878.19 5,194.55 23,710.02 69,763.71 28,429.84 233,929.97 20.55
83,707.45 43.193.66 5,223.^1 23,946.23 69.312.09 28,550.94 253,933.88 22.05
90,769.40 43,125.42 5,160.57 24,285.21 71,991.70 31,065.17 266,397.47 22.58
96,970.05 42,401.23 5,121.47 27,439.79 76,544.96 33,566.46 282,043.96 22.53
123,301.15 43,284.97 5,342.35 28,643.96 81,069.26 32,369.09 314.010.78 24.63
126,261.71 42,221.30 5.452.11 30,208.12 84.366.09 33,407.02 321,916.35 25.61
128,915.76 42,179.65 5,447.07 34,737.99 81,249.91 37,568.41 330.098.79 26.01
7.98
9.99
10.12
9.55
9.99
10.70
10.52
9.56
10.08
10.74
10.84
T o t a l... 904,263.79 475,881.86 62,377.23 290,621.83 812,510.12 342,159.98 a2,900,431.80
A vera ge fo r
the 11 years. 82,205.80 43,261.99 5,670.66 26,420.17 73,864.55 31,105.45 6263,675.62
a T his total is $12,616.99 m ore than the sum o f the item s.
figures are given as reported to the Department,
ft See preceding note.
The explanation is not know n.
T he
E X P E N D IT U R E S O F V A R IO U S C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N IE S I N F R A N C E F O R
B E N E F IT OF E M P L O Y E E S , B Y O B JEC TS OF E X P E N D IT U R E , 1888.
THE
E xpenditures fo r—
Name o f
com pany.
Per
E x
pendi cent o f'
T otal
D irect
exp
en
tures
M edical Free fuel. pecuniary exp en d i per em ditures
tures.
service.
and other
o
f
earn
ployee.
aid.
in gs.
Pensions. H ousing. Schools.
1
A n z in ............. $83,707.45 $43,193.66 $5,223.5l' $23,946.23 $69,312.09 $28,550.94 $253,933.88 $22.05
227.16 2 , 688.77 9,919.10 7,017.55 40, 791.12 29.92
8,051.60 12,886.94
D o u c h y .........
181.03 35,291.63 5,2§8.38 5,519.55 11.904.86 7,786.69 65,952.14 30.02
L i 6v i n ............
7,561.91 7.847.96 20,059.77 22,887.32 66,727.13 28.73
B esseges........ 8,370.17
B la n z y ........... 19,251.46 30,176.03 33,701.11 7.776.97 61.716.86 50,554.56 203,176.99 38.28
3,849.76 21,616.00 a5,450.38 8,479.40 24,704.00 7,000.57 71,100.11 20.07
Courri&res. . .
"R A t.T m n i* ______
96.500.00 31.46
V ^pnx - _____
114,935.36 28.14
L e n s ( f t ) ______
158,453.00 29.92
40.144.00 18.34
M ontram bert.
Roche-la-M oli&re et F ir43,260.18 16.02
m in y ______
10.70
13.00
15.00
10.92
10.80
9.00
16.00
i5 . 66
8.00
7.00
i
a
b
This includes contributions fo r religious purposes.
The figures given are for 1885.
From the first o f these tables it is possible to follow in a very clear
way the progress o f institutions and work undertaken by the company
o f Anzin for the benefit o f its employees. Taken in its entirety, the
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
257
average expenditure per member has steadily increased. From a sum
o f 89.83 francs ($17.34) in 1883 the amount increased every year, with
the exception of 1886, until it stood at 134.77 francs ($26.01) in 1893.
I f the table be still further examined in order to determine the par
ticular items of expenditure that are responsible for this increase, it
will be seen that the item of peusions accounts for the entire augmen
tation. Pensions have increased from 201,643.57 francs ($38,917.21) in
1883 to over three times that sum, or 667,957.30 francs ($128,915.76)
in 1893. This fact is but illustrative o f the direction toward which
more than any other the attention of employers and employees alike
throughout France has been turned during the past decade for the
improvement o f the condition of the working classes. The one great
aim o f those trying to better the condition of these classes is to
insure that in some way or other provision shall be made for working
men after they have become old and incapacitated for labor. A t the
present time very nearly a consensus of opinion has been reached that
this can only be accomplished through an insurance system to be main
tained through the mutual efforts o f employers and their employees.
The final column of this table has been introduced in order to show,
from year to year, the relative value of these supplemental advantages
as compared with the amount the workingmen receive in the way of
wages, strictly speaking. It is a matter o f considerable importance in
considering the whole question o f workingmen’s institutions, to deter
mine whether with their development the tendency is for the working
men to receive a larger or smaller portion o f their reward in this indirect
way, or directly, through the payment o f cash wages. The information
here afforded is direct upon this point. Though the absolute value of
the supplementary advantages per member has increased from 89.83
francs ($17.34) in 1883 to 134.77 francs ($26.01) in 1893, this represents
but a slightly greater percentage o f wages in later than in earlier years.
In the year 1883 the percentage of supplementary advantages o f wages,
7.98, seems to have been abnormally low. In 1884, however, it was
9.99, or less than 1 per cent less than it was ten years later, in 1893?
when the percentage of supplementary advantages of wages was 10.84.
CONCLUSION.
A position has now been gained from which it is possible to make a
general survey of the life of miners and other mine employees at
Anzin. Until 13 years of age the future workingman attends a
school supported by the joint efforts of the State and the mining com
pany o f Anzin. When 13 he enters the employ of the company, and
is assigned to light surface work, such as sorting or washing coal.
In the course of a few years he is drafted below ground and commences
his actual life as a miner. Meanwhile he has become a member
o f a mutual aid society, from which he is entitled to receive certain
benefits in case of sickness or accident. I f at all industrious he can
258
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
commence the acquisition of a house and a garden o f sufficient size to
allow him to raise vegetables for his own consumption ; and in 15 or 20
years, or when he is 35 or 40 years o f age, he will have made all the
necessary payments and have become the absolute owner o f the prop
erty. I f a miner proper his average daily wages are 5.45 francs ($1.05)
per day, or 1,510.15 francs ($291.46) per year ; if not, his wages will
vary from an average of 4.84 francs (93 cents) to 3.46 francs (67 cents)
per day, or 1,371.81 francs ($264.76) to 1,104.94 francs ($213.25) per
year, according to whether he is employed below or above ground.
His supplies he will purchase at the stores o f the cooperative society
o f which he is a member, and on which he receives at the end of each
half year a participation in profits to the extent of 12 or 13 per cent
o f the value o f his purchases. Fuel, a no inconsiderable item of
expense, he receives free from the company.
In the meantime, through payments o f an amount equal to 2 per
cent o f his wages to the National Bank for Old-Age Pensions, the com
pany making payments of a like amount, he is acquiring the right to
a modest pension after he has reached the age o f 50 years for the
remainder of his life. If, however, as is frequently the case, he does
not desire to cease work, he can postpone the enjoyment o f his pension,
in which case its amount will be considerably increased.
O f all the data available, however, for determining the success of
the means employed for improving the condition o f workingmen o f a
particular establishment, those of the stability o f employment are,
undoubtedly, of the greatest significance. The desire on the part of
employers for a stable body of employees has been the inspiration
o f almost all the institutions created or encouraged by the former for
the latter’s welfare. A s far as such an index is obtainable, statistics
of the length of time that workingmen continue in the employment o f
a company will register the extent to which the advantages there
offered are appreciated.
Stability o f employment is not only a desirable result; it is indis
pensable to the continued working o f the various institutions that have
been described. A slight inspection, for example, of the plans upon
which pension funds are organized, or o f the conditions which regulate
the acquisition of homes by workingmen, shows that without such sta
bility their successful operations would be impossible. It is therefore
o f prime importance that all available information bearing on this point
should be sought.
The most perfect stability is that which corresponds to the case
where an establishment recruits its employees from young workingmen
who remain in its employ continuously until incapacitated by sickness
or old age. The ratio o f stability in this case would correspond with
the mortality and invalidity table o f such workingmen.
The elements involved in the presentation of information concerning
stability of employment relate to the ages o f employees on commencing
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
259
work, tlie number of years that they have been employed, and the num
ber leaving the service o f the establishment and for what reason. Infor
mation on all these points has been secured for the mining company of
Anzin.
In the six tables that follow are presented all the facts necessary for
establishing the stability of the personnel at Anzin. In the main the
tables are self-explanatory and call for but little comment. In them is
shown a continuity and stability o f employment which, under the condi
tions of modern industry, it would seem almost impossible to exceed.
This is the more remarkable when one considers that Anzin is in the
center of the greatest coal-mining region of France and in close prox
imity to the coal mines of Belgium, and it would be easy for a miner to
go from mine to mine in search o f employment.
By reference to the table on page 231, giving the ages o f employees
when they commenced work for the company of Anzin, it will be seen
that the service of the company is almost exclusively recruited by the
engagement of youths under 15 years of age. During the six years
from 1888 to 1893, 49.29 per cent of the total number of new working
men employed were under that age, and if there be omitted those
recorded as commencing work between £he ages of 20 and 25, as the
result o f the completion of their terms o f military service, the statement
can be made that nearly two-thirds o f the employees of the company
enter its service as children between the ages o f 13 and 14 years.
The first three tables that follow show in detail the ages and length
o f service of all employees. It is important to know their ages, for, as
can be seen in the present case, practically all o f those who have been
employed but a short time are so youthful that their longer employment
would be impossible.
The fourth table is in the nature o f a summary, with the element of
age, however, omitted. It shows that 12.17 per cent of all employees
below ground have been employed 30 years, 27.63 per cent 20 years,
and 60.10 per cent 10 years or over. The percentages of all employees
are 12.32, 27.83, and 59.82, respectively. If, in calculating these per
centages, all employees under 30 years of age be omitted, it will be seen
that the very high percentage o f 94.58 have been employed 10 years,
63.59 per cent have been employed 20 years, and 28.14 per cent 30 years
or more.
The second table on page 263 shows a calculation of the stability of
employment on three different dates, in order to determine if there has
been any material difference in this respect in recent years. An estab
lishment that is constantly adding to the number o f its employees is
o f course constantly increasing the number o f employees that have
been employed but a short time, an element which should be taken
into consideration in attempting to make any comparisons.
The final table is an analysis of the reasons for which employees left
the service o f the company. The number leaving voluntarily bears but
260
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
an insignificant relation to the total number o f employees. Much the
larger number leaving resulted from death, old age, or from the neces
sity o f entering the military service.
E M P L O Y E E S OE T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z I N A T W O R K B E L O W GROU N D,
B Y A G E S A N D Y E A R S OF S E R V IC E , F E B R U A R Y , 1892.
Years o f service.
A ge.
10 or 15 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or Total.
5 or
1 or
2 or
U nder under
under under under under under under under under under under
1.
40.
15.
20.
30.
10.
25.
2.
5.
35.
45.
50.
|
1 2 ___
1 3 ___
14
1 5 ___
1 6 ___
17___
18___
1 9 ___
2 0 ___
21. . . .
2 2 ___
23___
2 4 ....
25___
26___
27___
28___
29___
30___
31___
3 2 ___
3 3 ___
34___
35___
3 6 ....
37___
3 8 ___
3 9 ___
4 0 ....
4 1 ....
42___
4 3 ___
44___
4 5 ___
4 6 ___
4 7 ___
48___
4 9 ___
50
51___
52___
5 3 ....
5 4 ....
55
56___
57___
58___
59___
60___
6 1 ___
6 2 ___
T otal.
141
138
55
43
50
24
23
19
9
9
4
5
3
5
3
3
3
8
2
224
132
39
28
16
258
310
232
22
22
66
19
22
2
2
1
1
1
16
5
3
5
39
6
2
6
3
7
47
1
1
4
4
2
2
1
4
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
'*
1
140
246
300
351
331
90
44
28
20
27
29
239
12
19
13
14
12
13
1
2
1
11
12
9
10
6
5
9
7
1
1
1
1
2
151
378
445
393
450
358
384
412
365
385
348
322
340
337
296
294
276
280
298
251
237
218
203
190
185
187
187
* * ! ..............
3
4
1
7
3
1
7
278
297
282
310
237
69
26
24*
25
23
36
20
12
13
13
32
15
32
9
5
9
11
11
10
1
5
3
1
2
1
2
7
4
4
4
4
2
1
2
2
1
1
3
56
192
234
234
223
97*
63
39
29
24
21
44
18
37
17
16
16
26
8
22
7
16
13
17
16
22
12
5
14
2
7
3
2
1
i
2
29
113
123
141
142
92
61
85
32
82
23
23
19
13
15
18
8
6
9
i
... i
i
12
53
80
115
39
55
18
21
20
14
10
6
9
7
8
13
5
6
10
8
6
4
1
2
2
5
i
55
76
95
108
114
94
31
33
20
21
16
9
5
5
3
4
211
9
16
66
70
71
67
38
16
7
2
8
10
3
1
1
1
2
1
3
2
1
1,528
1,107
1
23
40
36
31
2
4
162
143
162
181
182
168
135
148
141
3
1
122
3
4
17
9
4
9
3
2
i
........... 1............
552 1
519
1,069
i
2,006
1 1
1,845
1
500
694
373
147
51
107
97
72
71
42
25
14
18
7
7
l
5
10,391
261
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES.
EMPLOYEES OF THE COAL MINING- COMPANY OF A N ZIN A T W ORK ABOVE GROUND,
B Y AGES AN D YEA R S OF SERVICE, FEBRUARY, 1892.
Y ears o f service.
2 or
10 or 15 or 20 or 25 or 30 or
35 or 40 or 45 or Total.
Age. Under 1 or
5 or
under under under under under under under under under under under
1.
35.
40.
2.
5.
10.
15.
20.
25.
30.
45.
50.
1 2 ___
1 8 ___
14___
15___
16___
1 7 ___
1 8 ___
19___
20. . . .
2 1 ___
2 2 ___
2 3 ___
24___
2 5 ___
26___
27___
2 8 ___
29___
3 0 ___
31___
3 2 ___
33. .
34___
35___
3 6 ___
3 7 ___
3 8 ___
3 9 ___
4 0 ___
4 1 ___
4 2 ___
4 3 ___
4 4 ___
4 5 ___
4 6 ___
4 7 ___
48___
49___
50___
51___
5 2 ___
5 3 ___
54___
5 5 ___
5 6 ___
57___
58___
5 9 ___
60
6 1 ___
6 2 ___
29
138
T otal.
179
29
147
1
8
2
2
2
l
3
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
1
5
3
1
1
7
4
4
4
2
10
9
4
9
4
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
3
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
i
5
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
6
1
6
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
8
6
10
4
3
6
5
1
2
1
2
4
5
5
5
3
3
3
2
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
1
7
3
16
10
1
8
3
5
3
1
1
5
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
2
1
6
14
7
10
2
1
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
2
1
2
1
4
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
4
5
3
l
1
1
2
1
2
4
2
15
19
24
5
7
6
2
2
2
5
2
5
5
1
1
1
2
3
3
2
1
1
3
2
12
7
13
12
10
12
1
1
2
3
5
4
5
7
3
2
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
17
14
12
20
8
12
3
15
17
8
9
20
22
6
5
5
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
6
9
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
14
16
3
2
1
1
1
1
26
72
77
86
66
41
3
4
5
2
2
1
1
1
18
8
42
40
8
6
661
262
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
EMPLOYEES OF THE COAL M INING COMPANY OF AN ZIN, A T W ORK BELOW AND
ABOVE GROUND, B Y AGES AN D Y E A R S OF SERVICE, FEBRUARY, 1892.
Y ears o f service.
A g e . Under 1 or
2 or
15 or 20 or 25 or 30 or 35 or 40 or 45 or Total.
5 or
10 or
under under under under under under under under under under under
1.
5.
10.
20.
25.
45.
2.
30.
40.
15.
35.
50.
12 . . . .
1 3 ....
14___
15___
16___
1 7 ....
18___
19___
20. . . .
2 1 ___
22. . . .
2 3 ....
2 4 ___
2 5 ....
2 6 ....
2 7 ....
28___
2 9 ....
3 0 ....
31___
3 2 ....
3 3 ....
3 4 ....
3 5 ___
3 6 ___
37___
3 8 ....
3 9 . ...
4 0 . ...
4 1 . ...
42___
43___
4 4 ....
4 5 ___
4 6 ___
4 7 ___
48___
49___
50___
51___
52___
53___
54___
55___
56___
57___
58___
59___
60___
61___
62___
29
279
140
55
45
50
24
23
T otal.
731
21
9
9
4
5
4
6
3
5
3
16
224
132
39
28
22
24
20
2
2
1
2
1
5
4
5
1
4
3
16
259
313
234
67
40
24
16
7
2
7
5
7
47
2
2
20
30
29
241
14
20
14
1
2
20
2
4
1
5
1
3
2
2
1
11
1
1
2
2
1
1
141
247
307
355
335
94
44
30
5
2
2
10
1
1
1
2
*
13
19
8
6
11
14
8
11
5
4
2
12
3
1,095
1
7
282
298
286
313
243
74
3
56
202
1
1
28
25
28
24
43
23
14
13
16
33
17
33
242
238
228
12
10
10
20
102
68
42
32
26
22
44
20
39
17
19
29
24
16
14
19
14
2
2
11
11
6
3
3
3
7
20
2
18
7
16
4
7
3
4
3
1
2
6
4
4
4
5
3 *
3
1
1
1
1
537
29
298
380
446
398%
453
360
394
421
369
394
349
330
346
347
312
300
290
287
308
266
256
242
215
197
198
199
197
223
179
157
174
2,078
1
2
1
1
1
4
1,922
1,614
2
2
1
2
2
29
115
128
148
143
94
64
89
34
83
23
25
20
12
7
24
18
17
23
13
8
12
9
11
11
14
55
84
4
117
43
60
1
2
57
79
21
22
21
100
112
15
119
10
101
10
34
35
7
7
9
13
7
7
5
1
21
22
9
16
69
78
80
201
73
1
18
43
10
6
21
11
24
43
38
32
9
3
3
4
4
3
2
1
2
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
l,i7 3
541
736
2
7
g
1
1
1
1
3
190
180
150
165
161
144
121
3
A
%
17
11
6
11
3
113
83
77
51
33
17
22
12
2
9
3
57
11,052
1
6
413
155
263
INDUSTRIAL COMMUNITIES,
NUMBER AND PER CENT OF EMPLOYEES OF THE COAL M INING COMPANY OF
A N ZIN A T W ORK BELOW AND ABOVE GROUND, B Y Y EA R S OF SERVICE, FEBR U A R Y, 1892.
!
Employees E m ployees
below
above
ground.
ground.
Y ears o f service.
552
519
1,069
2,006
1,845
1,528
1,107
500
694
373
147
51
U nder 1 y e a r .......................................
1 or under 2 yea rs................................
2 or under 6 yea rs................................
5 or under 10 yea rs..............................
10 or under 15 yea rs............................
15 or under 20 y ea rs............................
20 or under 25 years............................
25 or under 30 years............................
30 or under 35 years............................
35 or under 40 yea rs............................
40 or under 45 yea rs............................
45 or under 50 yea rs............................
179
18
26
72
77
Employees Em ployees
above
below
T otal
ground
ground
(p erct.).
(per cent). (per cent).
5.31
4.99
10.29
19.31
17. 76
14.71
10.65
4.81
6. 68
3.59
1.41
.49
27.08
2.72
3.93
10.89
11.65
13.01
9.99
6. 20
6.36
6.05
8
6
731
537
1,095
2, 078
1, 922
1,614
1,173
541
736
413
155
57
.91
3.74
1.40
.52
661
11,052
100.00
100.00
100.00
86
66
41
42
40
10,391 J
|
T o t a l..........................................
Total.
1.21
6.61
4.86
9.91
18.80
17.39
14.60
10.61
4.90
6.66
1
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T OF E M P L O Y E E S OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF
A N Z I N , B Y Y E A R S OF SE R V IC E , S E PTE M B E R 6, 1886, D E C E M B E R 31, 1889, A N D
F E B R U A R Y , 1892.
Number.
Years o f service.
P er cent.
September December February, September Decem ber February,
6,1886.
6,1886.
31,1889.
31,1889.
1892.
1892.
U nder 1 yea r..................
l o r under 2 yea rs.......................... .
2 or under 5 years___ ____. . . . . . . . .
5or under 1 0 y e a rs .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 or under 15 yea rs..........................
15 or under 20 years..........................
732
540
1,032
1,838
1,915
1,792
731
537
1,095
2,078
1,922
1,614
6.84
5.04
9.64
17.16
17.88
16.74
6.61
4.86
9. 91
18.80
17.39
14.60
72.17
10.61
4.90
T otal under 20 yea rs.............
20 or under 25 years..........................
25 or under 30 years..........................
30 or under 35 years..........................
35 or under 40 yea rs..........................
40 or under 45 years..........................
45 or o v e r.............................................
6,649
892
755
660
339
162
62
7,849
1,034
635
683
338
131
38
7,977
1,173
541
736
413
155
57
69.85
• 9.37
7.93
6.94
3.56
1.70
.65
73.30
9.66
5.93
6.38
3.16
.35
3.74
1.40
.52
T o t a l .........................................
9,519
10,708
11,052
100.00
100.00
100.00
1.22
6.66
E M P L O Y E E S L E A V I N G T H E S E R V IC E OF T H E C O A L M IN IN G C O M P A N Y OF A N Z IN ,
B Y R EA SO N S F O R L E A V IN G , 1889 TO 1893.
V olu ntarily.
T o enter service
in —
Y ear.
N ot
N eigh
speci
b orin g in fied.
Other d u strial
mines. establish
m ent.
To
enter
D is
Pen
m ili
missed. tary sioned.
Total.
service.
75
72
34
299
304
277
330
33
29
96
192
117
37
74
56
79
372
637
759
782
694
2 .2
2.2
2.0
861
405
1,244
467
267
3,244
2.0
26.5
12.5
38.4
14.4
8.2
100.0
1889.............
1890...............
1891...............
1892...............
1893...............
54
97
55
103
31
37
46
31
19
167
53
64
48
46
231
187
165
182
96
120
T o t a l........
340
143
378
P er c e n t ..
10.5
4.4
11.6
10
Died.
P er cent o f
employees
leaving
voluntarily
Total.
and
dism issed
o f total
employees.
53
85
21
2.4
1.3
264
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
In conclusion, attention should be drawn to a point concerning which
a study such as the one just made affords information of more than
usual value. The material has been presented in such a way as to
furnish an opportunity for a statistical comparison o f present with
former conditions of a body of men, the general and physical condi
tions o f whose labor have remained practically identical. The evidence
afforded by such a comparison is irresistible that there has been a
steady betterment o f the condition o f the coal miners o f Anzin in
almost every element that enters into their life. The age at which
they commence work has been advanced, and they consequently enjoy
a longer period o f schooling. Their hours of labor have been steadily
reduced. Average wages have constantly advanced, while there is
every reason to believe that the amount o f commodities that they will
purchase has increased in like or greater ratio. The single matter o f
housing shows an enormous increase in comfort. A contrasting o f the
types of houses erected by the company at different periods shows a
striking advance by each period over the preceding one. From a
dweller in a barrack apartment the miner has become the occupier o f an
individual cottage with garden attached, and in many cases the owner
o f his own home. The uncertainties of a possible lack o f employment
or the cares and anxieties o f sickness and approaching old age have
been lessened. A t the same time the workingman enters more into
public life. He comes more into contact with his fellowmen through
the exercise of his political rights, and through his participation in
the management of the mutual benefit, cooperative, and recreative
societies o f which he is a member.
The comparisons which have been made throughout the report with
conditions elsewhere indicate that the experience o f Anzin has been
repeated in the other great coal mining centers of France.
RECENT REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR STATISTICS.
CONNECTICUT.
E le v e n th A n n u a l R e p o r t o f th e B u r e a u o f L a b o r S t a tis tic s o f th e S ta te
o f C o n n e c tic u t f o r
th e y e a r e n d in g N o v e m b e r 3 0 ,1 8 9 5 .
order o f tbe General Assembly.
280 pp.
Printed by
Samuel B. Horne, Commissioner.
This report treats of the following subjects: Poor relief, 101 pages;
building and loan associations, 12 pages; condition o f manufactures,
66 pages; strikes and lockouts, 14 pages; manual training, 46 pages;
laws relating to labor and the first annual report o f the State board of
mediation and arbitration, 19 pages.
P o o r R e l i e f .— The object o f this inquiry was to ascertain the num
ber of poor in the State and the cost o f their maintenance. The statis
tics for 21 selected towns, covering the years from 1875 to 1894, inclusive,
were collected by agents o f the bureau. Schedules were also sent by
mail to the selectmen o f the 168 towns in the State asking for informa
tion concerning the number of poor assisted and the expense incurred
for the same during the years 1892 and 1894. The amounts reported
are only the expenditures by the State and the different towns. They
do not include the charity dispensed by individuals or private boards
o f relief o f any character.
The lack of a uniform system o f distributing aid and of recording the
different transactions, and the paucity o f data, especially for the earlier
years, render the statistics somewhat incomplete. These and various
other matters concerning the advisability o f certain classes o f relief, the
increase or decrease in the numbers assisted and the amounts expended,
and the methods prevailing in the different towns, are explained in the
text. The two statements that follow present the totals given for the
21 selected towns, the 168 towns, and for the State.
265
1884—No. 3-----4
266
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
PE RSO N S A I D E D A N D E X P E N S E S
F O R POO R R E L IE F I N
1875 TO 1894.
21 S E L E C T E D T O W N S,
[T h e follow ing are the 21 tow ns, the facts for w h ich are show n in this ta b le : B ridgeport, Colchester,
Danbury, East Haddam, Fairfield, Glastonbury, H artford, Litchfield, Meriden, M iddletow n, M il
ford, H ew Britain, H ew H aven, H ew London, N orw ich , Plainfield, Tolland, Torrington, Vernon,
W aterbury, and W indham .]
Expenses.
Persons aided.
Tear.
I n in
Outside Total.
stitu
relief.
tions.
502
871
1,144
1,355
1,171
1,045
1,597
2,370
496
643
890
1,003
1,169
1,252
1,456
1,637
1,653
1,829
2,141
2,056
2,126
2,223
2,209
2,285
2,318
3,973
3,311
4,582
1875...................................
1876...................................
1877...................................
1878....................................
1879...................................
1880...................................
1881...................................
1882...................................
1883....................................
1884...................................
1885....................................
1886....................................
1887...................................
1888....................................
1889....................................
1890...................................
1891...................................
1892...................................
1893...................................
1894...................................
2,666
3,344
4,385
4,258
3,553
3,794
3,736
4,406
3,792
4,075
3,678
6,210
In institu
tions.
998
1,514
2,034
2,358
2,340
2,297
3,053
4,007
4,319
5,173
6,526
6,314
5,679
6,017
5,945
6,691
6,110
8,048
6,989
10,792
$53,838.74
72,001.62
105,322.97
131,545.60
125,531.93
127,652.95
136,569.30
160,467.86
173,248.64
166,476.77
182,737.49
193,819.94
223,852.13
216,650.03
205,881.67
234,219.74
234,348.06
244,138.39
228,983.56
255,331.14
Outside
relief.
Total.
Total
expense
to each
dollar o f
assessed
value o f all
property.
$68,017.83 a'$151,856.57
93,729.77 a 196,731.39
164,569.08 a 301,392.05
150,670.00 a 314,215.60
145,060.54 a 302, 592.47
119,420.43 a 279, 573.38
127,566.99 a 297,136.29
116,885.64 a 310,853.50
125,701.95 a 332,950.59
140,364.65 a 341, 341.42
165,187.48 a 382,924.97
159,725.96 a 389, 045.90
163,880.75 a 423, 732.88
163,011.34 a 416,161.37
156,890.34 a 399,772.01
178,222.03
412,441.77
183,995.70
418,343.76
152,768.59
396,906.98
166,238.23
395,221.79
197,794.25
453,125.39
$0.00135
.00170
.00170
.00184
.00173
.00156
.00163
.00167
.00175
.00179
.00199
.00199
.00215
.00209
.00195
.00194
.00194
.00179
.00154
. 00182
a H o d ivision cou ld b e made o f the expenses incurred b y the city o f Bridgeport p rior to 1890; the
amounts are included in the total, but no correspondipg distribution given.
PERSON S A ID E D A N D E X P E N S E S F O R POO R R E L I E F F O R T H E S T A T E , 1892 A N D 1894.
Item s.
B y the 168 tow ns o f the
State.
1892.
A lm sh ou ses:
Persons aided...............
N et expense o f m ain
tenance ......................
H ospitals, homes, e t c .:
P ersons aided...............
E xp en ses......................
Outside relief:
Heads o f families
a id e d ............. ............
Other persons a id e d ...
Paid fiir rent.................
P aid for other r e lie f...
T otal persons aided
Total expense........
1894.
B y the State.
1892.
Total.
1894.
1892.
1894.
2,942
3,535
a 350
312
$178,563.44
$203,322.88
a $6,707.39
$4,180.16
$185,270.83 $207,503.04
2,271
$185,775.48
2,526
1,414
a l , 289
$187,347.37 a $216,245.02 6 $190,567.07
3,560
3,940
$402,020.50 $377,914.44
2,990
4,189
$31,266.13
$290,900.33
4,464
(e)
5,478
(c)
$39,827.22
$363,273.25 Cbd $2,399.65
d $ 6 ,097.23
2,990
4,464
4,189
5,478
$31,266.13 $39,827.22
$293,299.98 $369,370.48
16,003
12,392
a l , 639
$686,505.38 | $793,770.72 a$225,352.06
1,726
$200,844.46
14,031
17,729
$911,857.44 $994,615.18
(c)
(e)
3,292
3,847
F o r one year and three months.
H ot including $19,500 appropriated to build hospitals,
c Inclu ded in num ber fo r almshouses.
d Inclu din g expenses o f State board o f charities, the remainder being amount paid to tow ns for
support o f paupers chargeable to the State.
a
b
B u i l d i n g a n d L o a n A s s o c i a t i o n s .—In accordance with laws
enacted during June, 1895, the building and loan associations of the
State come under the supervision of the banking department, and state
ments as to their condition in the future will be found in the report of
the bank commissioners. Comparative figures, however, are furnished
REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OP LABOR— CONNECTICUT.
267
for each o f the 16 associations, for which data were given in the fourth
annual report. The totals are shown in the following statement:
A SS E T S OF B U IL D IN G A N D L O A N A S S O C IA T IO N S A T T H E CLOSE OF T H E F IS C A L
Y E A E S 1894 A N D 1895.
Items.
3894.
M ortgage lo a n s ...........................................................................................................
Stock lo a n s ................. ................................................................................................
Cash on h a n d ..............................................................................................................
All other assets...........................................................................................................
$704,523.13
28,443.84
48,285.14
9,352.91
$686,723.39
40,603.52
58,010.04
195,298.06
T o t a l ..................................................................................................................
790,605.02
980,635.01
1895.
C o n d i t i o n o f M a n u f a c t u r e s .— Under this title individual reports
from 1,000 establishments, grouped by industries, are published and an
extended analysis made of the returns for each industry. The totals
o f the summary fbr all industries are as follows:
Establishments reporting.................................................................................................
1,000
Employees July 1,1892....................................................................................................... 115,139
Employees July 1,1894....................................................................................................... 98,617
Employees July 1,1895....................................................................................................... 112,002
Establishments advancing wages since July 1,1894 ...............................................
33
Establishments reducing wages since July 1,1894..................................................
28
Establishments restoring former rates.........................................................................
106
There were many establishments reported in 1895 that were not in
existence in 1892. These establishments reported 1,509 employees.
Subtracting this number from the total for 1895, the actual decrease
was 4,646 and the percentage o f decrease 4.04.
The changes in rates o f wages reported were only those that were
general in character, There were 2,624 employees affected by advances
in wages, the average o f the percentages o f increase being 8.52. The
employees affected in establishments reducing wages numbered 1,287,
the average o f the percentages o f decrease being 8.53. There were
20,190 employees affected by the restoration o f wages to a former rate,
the average o f the percentages of increase being 8.5. The average
weekly hours o f labor in the 1,000 establishments for the year ending
July 1,1895, not considering the days closed, were 58.07 $ deducting
hours lost by reason o f days closed, the average was 54.46.
S t r i k e s a n d . L o c k o u t s .—A n historical statement is made for each
labor disturbance that occurred during the year.
M a n u a l T r a i n i n g .— The treatment o f this subject is confined to a
textual discussion which includes a description o f various institutions
for manual training in Connecticut and elsewhere.
L a b o r L a w s a n d M e d i a t i o n a n d A r b i t r a t i o n .— The laws relat
ing to labor enacted at the January session o f the legislature, 1895, are
reproduced, and a short account given of the action o f the board of
mediation and arbitration in assisting in a compromise o f a strike of
the iron molders employed by the Bussell & Erwin Company, o f New
Britain, Conn.
268
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
IO W A.
fS ix th B ie n n ia l R e p o r t o f th e B u r e a u o f L a b o r S t a tis tic s f o r th e S ta te o f
I o w a , 1 8 9 4 -9 5 .
W . E. O’Bleness, Commissioner.
o f the General Assembly. 199 pp.
Printed by Order
The report presents individual tabulations of returns from 4,160
working men and women engaged in different industries throughout
the State. The questions for which the answers were presented were
designed to show the actual condition of the laboring classes. No
totals for the State or conclusions are presented, the individual reports
only being given as a fair and unbiased showing o f actual conditions.
In addition to the individual tabulations, quotations are given from
answers made by workmen to questions concerning the desirability o f
labor organizations, foreign immigration, the character o f work that is
preferable (piece or time), and what action would be o f the greatest
benefit to the wage earners o f the country.
MONTANA.
S e c o n d A n n u a l R e p o r t o f th e B u r e a u o f A g r ic u lt u r e , L a b o r , a n d I n d u s t r y
James H. Mills,
v, 191 pp.
o f M o n ta n a f o r th e y e a r en d ed N o v e m b e r 3 0 , 1 8 9 4 .
Commissioner 5 A . C. Schneider, Chief Clerk,
In the extended introductory, reference is made to various subjects,
such as methods of work o f the bureau, disturbed industrial condi
tions, free public employment offices, and protection o f human life by
means o f fire escapes. The following subjects are treated in the report
proper: Wages and cost o f living, 32 pages; investment, wages, and
production, 16 pages; precious and semiprecious metals, 8 pages; agri
culture and stock growing, 40 pages; miscellaneous, 49 pages.
W a g e s a n d C o s t o f L i v i n g .— The schedule used in collecting the
statistics from wage earners contained 48 questions, designed to cover
all material facts o f public interest relating to the economic and social
condition of the workmen. A ll employees receiving $2,000 or more per
annum were excluded, and the presentation limited to those coming
clearly under the denomination o f “ wage earners.” The results are
summarized for 80 occupations and for the principal labor-employing
counties. The tables show the percentage o f the total number replying
affirmatively or otherwise to the different questions, with the average
and aggregate wages, expenses, etc.
The opinions and suggestions o f wage earners given in reply to the
query, “ W hat legislation, if any, would, in your opinion, promote the
general welfare, particularly o f wage earners following your vocation?”
are reproduced in full.
REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OP LABOR— MONTANA.
269
The mileage, number o f employees, working time, and average pay o f
the different classes o f employees are given for each railroad in the
State.
The average daily wages o f employees in and around mines, mills,
and smelters, as computed from statements made by employees in nine
counties o f the State and covering the occupations o f 2,085 men, are
given as follow s:
A V E R A G E D A I L Y W A G E S OF E M P L O Y E E S OF M IN E S, M IL L S , A N D SM E LTER S.
Occupation.
A verage
wages
per day.
M ine em ployees:
M in ers ......................
Pum pm en.................
T im b erm en .............
Station tenders........
C arm en ....................
Em ployees in mines,
smelters, and quartz
m ills:
F o rem en ...................
A m algam ators........
B la ck sm ith s ...........
B lacksm iths’ help
ers ..........................
B atterym en.............
B oilerm a k ers..........
$3.37
4.00
3.75
8.50
3.12
4.74
4.08
3.85
2.73
3.75
4.12
Occupation.
Em ployees in mines,
smelters, and quartz
m ills—continued.
B ricklayers
and
m asons.................
C arpenters.............
Charge w h eelers..
Concentrator m e n .
Crusherm en...........
Cooling floor m e n ..
D ip p e r s ...................
Dynam o tenders. . .
E n gin eers...............
Firem en...................
F e e d e r s ...................
F um acem en...........
A verage
wages
per day.
$5.33
4.01
2.50
8.00
3.19
3.00
4.00
3.50
3.85
3.00
3.09
3.35
Occupation.
Em ployees in mines,
smelters, and quartz
m ills—concluded.
Furnacem ens’helpe r s ........................
L a b o re rs .................
M a ch in ists.............
M achinists’ helpers
M illm en...................
R efiners...................
R o a s te rs .................
S kim m ers...............
Tram m ers...............
W e ig h e r s ...............
V a n n erm en ............
A verage
wages
per day.
$2.62
2.72
4.02
2.85
3.37
5.00
2.93
4.25
2.87
2.44
3.00
The cost o f living is indicated by a presentation o f the average rates
o f board at hotels and boarding houses, average prices o f articles of
food, and details o f receipts and expenses for representative families in
different sections o f the State.
A* list o f the labor organizations o f the State is accompanied with
statistics o f the membership.
I n v e s t m e n t , W ages , a n d P r o d u c t i o n . —Reports from 146 manu
facturers and 183 establishments engaged in various industries con
taining information concerning investment, product, employees, wages,
hours o f work, etc., are grouped and published in detail. As far as
possible the average wages for the various classes of labor in the dif
ferent industries for 1893 and 1894 are placed in comparison.
P r e c i o u s a n d S e m i p r e c i o u s M e t a l s .— The statistical presenta
tion under this title consists o f extended quotations from the reports o f
the United States assay office at Helena, Mont., and the Director o f the
Mint.
A g r i c u l t u r e a n d S t o c k G r o w i n g .— Comparative figures are
given for 1893 and 1894 of the number and wages of employees o f stock
growers and farmers; also acreage o f land owned and fenced, with char
acter, quantity, and value o f the different agricultural products. The
number o f the different classes o f farm animals that perished during
the winter and that were killed by wolves are shown, and details con
cerning the wool clip of 1893 and 1894.
270
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
NEBRASKA.
F o u r t h B ie n n ia l R e p o r t o f th e B u r e a u o f L a b o r a n d I n d u s t r ia l S ta tis tic s
o f N eb ra sk a f o r 1 8 9 3 a n d 1 8 9 4 .
J. B. Erion, Deputy Commissioner.
530 pp.
The report opens with a treatise on the practical utility o f industrial
statistics and the requirements o f the bureau. The subjects treated in
the report may be grouped as follows: Mortgage indebtedness, 141 pages;
free public employment office, 6 pages 5 larms, homes, mortgages, and
manufactures, 29 pages 5 valuation of real estate, live stock, steam
engines, railroad and sleeping-car property, and telegraph lines, 42
pages; Nebraska’s surplus products, 30 pages; assessed valuations, 7
pages; acres under cultivation, 7 pages; irrigation, 72 pages; miscella
neous, 182 pages.
M o r t g a g e I n d e b t e d n e s s .—The number and amount o f mortgages
filed on different classes o f property and the number satisfied is shown
for each county by months from June, 1893, to May, 1894; also by county
totals for the calendar years 1892 and 1893 and for the twelve months
ending May 31,1894, with the number o f sheriffs’ sales and other deeds
o f foreclosure.
V
a l u a t io n o f
Real E
state,
L iv e S t o c k , S t e a m E n g in e s , R a i l
These
values are shown by county totals. The real estate values show the
true and assessed value for 1890 and the value o f improved and unim
proved property for 1893. The other values are for 1893 only, and show
the number, total, and average value of live stock and steam engines
with the value o f railroad and sleeping-car property and telegraph
lines in the State.
road and
S l e e p i n g -C a r P r o p e r t y , a n d T e l e g r a p h L i n e s .—
N e b r a s k a ’s S u r p l u s P r o d u c t s ; A
C u l t i v a t i o n .—The
ssessed
V
a l u a t io n s ;
A
cres
quantity o f different farm products mar
keted is given by counties under the title “ Nebraska’s surplus.” The
assessed value of property, total assessment in dollars, total levy in
mills and how apportioned, are shown by counties for 1893. The acres
under cultivation in different farm products for 1893 are also shown by
county totals.
I r r i g a t i o n .—Statistics under this title show the miles o f completed
and proposed irrigating canals and acres irrigated, with the size o f the
canals and the cost o f construction. The statistics are accompanied by
an instructive treatise on this subject.
M i s c e l l a n e o u s . —The presentations under this title consist o f quo
tations from other publications, and the results of some original investi
gations concerning agricultural, educational, and other conditions as
existing in Nebraska; also a compilation o f the laws o f the State per
taining to labor, irrigation, etc.
under
271
REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— NEW YORK.
NEW YORK.
Twelfth Annual Report o f the Bureau o f Statistics o f Labor o f the State
o f New York fo r the year 1894. Transmitted to the legislature Febru
ary 4, 1895. Thomas J. Dowling, Commissioner. 675 pp.
The subjects treated in this report are as follows: Part I, labor organ
izations, 423 pages; Part II, prison-made goods, 18 pages; Part III,
strikes, lockouts, and boycotts, 77 pages; Appendix, 126 pages. The
appendix contains a list of the bureaus of labor in the United States
and the proceedings of the tenth annual convention o f the National
Association of Officials of Bureaus o f Labor Statistics.
P a r t I, L a b o r O r g a n i z a t i o n s .—The bureau sent to each trade
organization in the State a letter of inquiry containing the following
questions: Date o f organization; number o f members at time of organ
ization; number of members at present time; rate o f wages previous to
organization; rate o f wages at present time; hours of labor per day
previous to organization; hours o f labor per day at present time. Is
improved machinery used in your trade or calling1? Has the use o f
machinery increased the number employed in your trade or calling; and
what per cent? Has the use of machinery decreased the number
employed in your trade or calling; and what per cent? In your opinion
has a reduction o f wages been prevented by the fact o f the existence
of your organization? Have the general conditions in your trade or
calling been improved owing to the existence of your organization?
Has your organization rendered any aid, financially or otherwise, to its
members during the past year? How much? The answers o f the
various organizations to these questions are printed in detail.
Returns were received from 695 organizations. The following state
ment shows the results of the summarization of the detail tables which
present the statistics relative to wages and hours o f labor:
W A G E S A N D HOU RS OF L A B O R P R IO R TO O R G A N IZ A T IO N A N D I N 1894, B Y
IN D U S T R IE S .
W ages, number o f organiza H ours o f labor, number o f
organizations reporting—
tions reporting—
Industries.
No
In
D e
In
D e
No
Total. crease.
crease. change Total.
crease. crease. change
B uildin g...............................................................
Cigars, cigarettes, and tob a cco ......................
C lothing...............................................................
Coachmen and livery-stable e m p loy ees----F ood p rod u cts....................................................
F u rn itu re ...........................................................
Glass and terra c o t t a .......................................
Hats, caps, and fu r s ..........................................
H otel and restaurant em p loyees...................
Iron and s t e e l ....................................................
L e a th e r ..............................................................
M alt and spirituous liquors and mineral
w aters........................ *....................................
M a rin e .................................................................
M etals..................................................................
M usicians and m usical instrum ents...........
136
31
30
3
18
3
51
7
2
8
1
1
1
6
1
10
4
1
4
25
6
16
2
2
10
1
1
18
3
1
2
2
3
205
41
38
4
19
5
2
1
2
21
1
3
7
64
1
18
4
2
8
6
3
13
177
40
27
30
9
1
2
1
12
4
5
3
3
3
3
6
2
5
10
1
12
2
2
20
1
45
12
1
5
5
3
6
10
12
207
4S
4C
5
IS
6
6
4
7
65
13
18
e
e
13
272
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W A G E S A N D HOU RS O F L A B O R P R IO R TO O R G A N IZ A T IO N A N D I N 1894, B Y
IN D U S T R IE S —Concluded.
W ages, num ber o f organiza
tions reporting—
H ours o f labor, number o f
organizations reporting—
Industries.
No
In
InD e
DeNo
crease. crease. change Total. crease. crease, change Total.
P rinting, binding, engraving, stereotyp
ing, and publishers’ s u p p lie s ....................
Railroad em ployees (steam )...........................
R ailroad em ployees (street s u r fa c e )...........
Stone w ork ers..................................................
Street p a v in g .................................................... .
T e x t ile s .............................................................
T h ea trica l...........................................................
W o o d w o rk e r s ..................................................
M iscella n eou s.................................................. .
T otal
21
2
11
57
3
25
1
13
3
i
8
1
1
6
6
1
402
17
27
20
19
3
2
2
9
10
8
3
6
2
l
12
8
16
9
8
404
247
3
2
20
51
....
2
10
3
11
6
34
85
174
6
2
2
37
80
2
22
9
10
'4
12
17
657
There were 49 divisions o f working time reported by 656 organiza
tions. Eight hours constituted a day’s work in 42 branches o f trade,
and the eight-hour day was enjoyed by 48,411 members of 169 organiza
tions. The number is nearly one-third o f the 155,843 members reported.
The daily hours o f work and the number o f members observing the
indicated working time is shown for each organization reported.
Four hundred and seventy-four organizations, with a membership o f
121,957, report $511,817.59 as having been expended in benefits during
the year, o f which amount $106,801.69 was to assist those out o f work,
$60,207.98 to assist the sick, $93,437.92 in cases o f death, $89,150.04 to
support strikes, $10,676.74 donated to other labor organizations, and
$151,543.22 not classified.
Out of 695 organizations, 371 report that improved machinery is used,
285 report that it is not, and 39 failed to answer the question. Sixtythree organizations report that the introduction of machinery has
increased the working force, while 208 state that it has resulted in a
reduction o f the number o f employees, and 47 failed to answer the
question.
Five hundred and forty-four organizations reported that the exist
ence o f the organization had prevented a reduction in wages, and 96
reported that it had not, while 22 failed to answer the question, and 33
reported that there had been no attempt at reduction o f wages. Six
hundred and twenty-two organizations reported that the general con
ditions o f labor in their trades had been improved by the existence o f
the union, 49 that the union had not improved general conditions, while
24 failed to answer the question.
There were 667 organizations that reported their membership as
46,455 at the date o f organization, and at the time o f reporting in 1894
691 organizations reported their membership at 155,843.
Extended quotations are made from remarks contained in the reports
o f organizations relative to desired legislation, immigration, and miscel
laneous subjects affecting labor.
REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OP LABOR— NEW YORK.
273
P a r t II, P r i s o n -m a d e G o o d s .—A law was enacted limiting the
number of prisoners engaged in the manufacture of brooms and brushes
made o f broom corn to 5 per cent o f the total number in the State
engaged in that industry. This part o f the report deals mainly with
an investigation ordered by this enactment to determine whether the
number employed was in excess o f the 5 per cent permitted. The num
ber being found too large, the governor o f the State accordingly ordered
that it be reduced. The sale o f prison-made goods is also discussed.
P a r t III, S t r i k e s , L o c k o u t s , a n d B o y c o t t s .— These statistics
cover the labor disturbances reported as having occurred in the State
during the nine years from 1885 to 1893, inclusive, the information
being published in detail for each strike, lockout, and boycott.
The details are summarized in the following statements:
R E S U L T S OF S T R IK E S , LOCKO U TS, A N D B O Y C O T TS, B Y Y E A R S , 1885 TO 1893.
Establishm ents involved in strikes
w h ich were—
Total
N um ber o f N um ber o f
establish
persons
Compro
persons
ments
w h o lost
mised or U nsuccess
engaged.
Successful.
involved.
positions.
ful.
partly suc
cessful.
Year.
IftftR...........................................
1886............................................
1887............................................
1888.............................................
1889............................................
1890.............................................
1891............................................
1892.............................................
1893.............................................
1,125
732
501
873
5,580
3,727
1,541
1,719
207
847
190
83
109
170
78
87
89
1,714
755
443
392
512
685
770
225
1,620
3,686
1,677
1,027
1,374
6,262
4,490
2,398
2,033
52,442
175,369
54,240
24,092
32,783
93,894
61,599
35,824
27,545
6,399
8,241
2,271
4,203
5,220
3,531
1,997
2,374
T o t a l..............................
17,000
1,860
5,707
24,567
557,788
34,236
G A IN S A N D LOSSES
Y ea r.
1,202
FROM
L oss in wages.
211
S T R IK E S , LOCKO U TS, A N D B OYC OT TS, B Y Y E A R S ,
1885 TO 1893.
N um ber en
gaged and who
Cost to labor Estimated gain received in
organizations.
in wages.
crease o f wages
where wages
were involved.
L oss to em
ployers.
1885..............................
1886..............................
1887..............................
1888..............................
1889..............................
1890..............................
1891................. ...........
1892..............................
1893..............................
$921,934.50
3,303,281.55
2,103,616.45
1,083,653.99
588,114.81
1,457,554.32
1,071,113.37
846,766.34
305,341.45
$171,689.13
579,857.25
239,692.78
135,357.05
66,068.23
143,123.85
284,057.85
241,784.06
34,535.34
$906,153.88
2,403,616.90
998,693.55
410,053.68
663,819.76
3,122,883.10
787,022.66
497,181.06
535,164.17
10,601
31,198
11,512
3,869
10,624
42,097
22,194
7,977
7,887
$416,426.00
2,606,404.00
1,166,766.20
390,730.00
533,366.95
549,874.43
374,946.50
355,215.90
102,680.10
T otal.................
11,681,376.78
1,896,165.54
10,324,588.76
147,959
6,496,410.08
274
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
NORTH CAROLINA.
Eighth Annual Report o f the Bureau o f Labor Statistics o f North Caro
lina fo r the year 1894. B. R. Lacy, Commissioner. 304 pp.
The report treats o f the following subjects: Statistics o f and letters
concerning cotton, woolen, and other factories, 86 pages; agricultural
statistics and views o f farmers, 100 pages; reports from and views
o f mechanics, 61 pages; the fishery industry, 9 pages; statistics o f
employees and wages o f railroads, 5 pages; organized labor, 17 pages;
miscellaneous, 26 pages.
S t a t is t ic s
of and
L e t t e r s C o n c e r n in g C o t t o n , W
O t h e r F a c t o r i e s .—These
oolen, and
statistics were obtained by means o f a cir
cular letter. Reports were received from a number o f factories engaged
in various industries in different sections o f the State. These reports
relate to the character o f goods manufactured, number o f spindles and
looms, days in operation, hours constituting a day’s work, advisability
o f reducing working time, average daily wages, etc. The data are pre
sented in detail for each establishment, arranged by counties. The
facts are summarized by counties for some industries, but no general
average for the State is attempted.
A g r i c u l t u r a l S t a t i s t i c s a n d V i e w s o f F a r m e r s .— The infor
mation given under this title was obtained from the best and most
influential farmers in the State. The wages and other compensation o f
farm laborers and their condition morally, socially, and financially are
shown. The individual returns are presented in full and the averages
given by counties and for the State. The averages for the State show
that the working day for the year is about nine hours, and the average
wages per month for laborers, $9, with extras for married men. The
average for women was $5 and for children $3 per month. About
66§ per cent o f the farmers report a decrease in wages, and the remain
der say there has been no change. Numerous letters from farmers and
others in different sections o f the State expressing views on various
phases o f agricultural pursuits follow the statistics.
R e p o r t s f r o m a n d V i e w s o f M e c h a n i c s .— This presentation
covers information concerning the condition o f trade, wages, methods
o f payment, effect o f labor-saving machinery on wages, apprenticeship
and age at which children should engage in the different trades, cost o f
living, and social and moral conditions. The individual reports are pub
lished and summarized by trades. The statistics are accompanied by
letters from a number of mechanics expressing views as to the legisla
tion needed for the elevation o f the labor classes.
S t a t i s t i c s o f E m p l o y e e s a n d W a g e s o f R a i l r o a d s .— These
statistics show the number o f the different classes o f employees and
the average daily wages for each class for each railroad of the State.
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— NORTH DAKOTA.
275
Organized Labor .—The chapter on this subject is composed of
letters from various labor organizations in the State, describing the
organization and setting forth its objects and purposes; also expressing
views on various subjects pertaining to labor.
NORTH DAKOTA.
Third Biennial Report o f the Commissioner o f Agriculture and Labor to
the Governor o f North DaTcotafo r the two years ending June 30,1894.
Nelson Williams, Commissioner. 332, lxiii pp.
In addition to introductory remarks concerning the methods o f col
lecting and the use o f statistics, the first 24 pages of this report contain
copies o f letters from a number o f persons who have had experience in
the cheese and creamery business of the State, giving reasons for the
decline of the industry during the past two or three years. Attention
is also called to a pamphlet issued under the direction o f the bureau
containing information concerning the Russian thistle. The subjects
treated in the report may be grouped as follow s: #Agricultural statis
tics, 59 pages; financial and census statistics, 131 pages; cost o f pro
ducing wheat and remarks o f farmers, 159 pages; cost o f producing
corn, world’s crop o f wheat, 9 pages; industrial statistics, 11 pages.
A g r i c u l t u r a l S t a t i s t i c s .—The average yield per acre, and in
some instances the value o f the different crops and other farm products,
are shown in detail by county and State totals. Comparisons are made
of the yearly production, acreage, and average yield per acre o f the
principal products, by county totals, from 1888 to 1893, inclusive, and
the number and size of farms given, with the acreage under cultivation
for 1893 and 1894. The totals for some o f the products enumerated
are as follows:
A C R E A G E A N D P R O D U C T IO N O F V A R IO U S A G R IC U L T U R A L PR O D U C TS, 1893.
1893.
A cres sown.
P roduct.
Number.
W h e a t..............................................
O a ts..................................................
B a rle y ..............................................
F la x ..................................................
gy © ....................................................
flnrrt___________________________
P otatoes__________________ _____
3,019,253
502,447
227,250
57,467
40,959
15,582
15,783
A verage
yield per
acre
(bushels).
10.51
20.89
17.57
5.75
8.98
a 15.80
82.31
A cres harvested.
Number.
2,902,301
483,844
218,255
53,336
38,236
T otal
A verage
product
yield per
(bushels).
acre
(bushels).
10.93
21.70
18.30
6.19
9.62
31,732,169
10,498,451
3,993,236
330,214
367,976
245,734
1,299,090
A cres
sown, 1894.
3,037,643
548,369
258,252
110,365
52,099
38,696
19,627
a T he figures here apparently should be 15.77; those given are, how ever, according to the original.
F i n a n c i a l a n d C e n s u s S t a t i s t i c s .— The number of persons
assessed and the number and assessed value of live stock and o f all
personal property is given by county and State totals. Assessed valu
276
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
ation o f real property, debts, and cash in treasury are shown for the
different political subdivisions o f the State.
C o s t o f P r o d u c i n g W h e a t a n d R e m a r k s o f F a r m e r s .—The
statistics concerning the cost of production o f wheat were obtained by
means o f circulars addressed to representative farmers in different
sections o f the State. The acreage sown to wheat by the farmers
who furnished information as to cost in the different years was as
follows: 1891, 9,734 acres ; 1892,11,496 acres; and 1893,125,253 acres.
The total acreage sown in wheat in the entire State for the same years
was as follows: 1891,2,847,125; 1892, 2,878,089; and 1893, 3,019,253.
The average cost per acre and the total for each item o f cost are shown
in detail for each return, and the totals and averages for counties and
the State summarized. The results are computed separately for the
wheat sown and harvested by the useof—first, drills and binders; second,
broadcast and binders; third, drills and headers; and fourth, broad
cast and headers. The numerous items enumerated in the report as
entering into the total cost should be considered before comparing the
results with other computations concerning the cost o f production. It
is stated that the results shown for 1893 can be taken as an approxi
mately correct average for that year, but the figures for 1891 and 1892
can not be regarded as so accurately representative, as the answers for
those years were not numerous enough to give safe averages. The
average cost per acre and per bushel by the four methods euumerated
is as follows:
A V E R A G E COST OF P R O D U C IN G W H E A T , 1891, 1892, A N D 1898.
1891.
Sown and harvested b y—
1892.
P er acre.
P er acre.
$0,347
.391
.397
.372
$7.873
8.169
6.281
6.496
$0,463
.473
.535
.413
$6,741
6.922
5.442
5.628
$0.562
.573
.864
.692
.365
7.601
.471
6.621
.581
P er acre.
binders .......................................
and bin d ers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
headers .......................................
and headers................................
$9,990
9.084
7.429
7.869
A verag e. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.253
D rills and
Broadcast
D rills and
B roadcast
1893.
P er
bushel.
P er
bushel.
P er
bushel.
I n d u s t r i a l S t a t i s t i c s .— The number o f partners and stockhold
ers, capital invested, cost o f materials, and value o f product are shown
for a number o f establishments that reported for different industries in
1892 and 1893.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Annual Report o f the Secretary o f Internal Affairs o f the Commonwealth
o f Pennsylvania. Vol. X X II, 1894. Part III, Industrial Statistics.
Albert S. Bolles, Chief of Bureau. 974 pp.
This report, the Twenty-second Annual o f the Bureau o f Industrial
Statistics o f Pennsylvania, treats o f the following subjects: Women in
industry, 237 pages; building trades, 446 pages; strikes, 13 pages;
REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— PENNSYLVANIA.
277
manufacture of pig iron, 128 pages; statistics o f manufactures, 113
pages; mine accidents, 26 pages.
W o m e n i n I n d u s t r y ; B u i l d i n g T r a d e s .—The presentations con
cerning these subjects consist o f quotations from numerous letters from
women employees in different industries and from men engaged in the
building trades. These letters pertain to the treatment o f employees,
wages, apprenticeship, etc. Tabulations are also given for a number
o f reports from women engaged in various industries, presenting infor
mation concerning nationality, cost o f board, wages, time o f payment,
comparative wages o f men, hours o f work, and pay for time lost by
sickness or vacation. The reports tabulated for the building trades
show the range o f wages from 1890 to 1894 and answers to numerous
questions concerning wages, hours o f labor, apprenticeship, etc. The
tabulations give detailed information as to conditions prevailing in
different industries throughout the State.
S t r i k e s .—A short history is given o f the most notable strikes that
occurred in the State during the year. The total estimated loss in
wages from strikes and lockouts in Pennsylvania from 1881 to 1894 is
given as $25,179,210. The industry, locality, number of persons
engaged, date o f beginning and ending, and other facts are shown for
the strikes and lockouts that occurred in the State during 1894.
M a n u f a c t u r e o f P i g I r o n .—A detailed description and a his
torical sketch are given of the pig-iron industry of the State. The
results o f chemical analyses are shown for the different kinds o f ore,
the production is compared with the production of other States, and
the present status o f the industry and the methods and cost o f manufac
ture are treated.
S t a t i s t i c s o f M a n u f a c t u r e s .—Facts are given relative to the
number o f persons employed, wages paid, and value o f product for 412
manufacturing plants for which returns were received for 1894 and
comparative figures given for 1892 and 1893. Beports were not secured
from all the plants in the State, but from a sufficient number, it was
believed, to form correct general deductions. The results are sum
marized as follow s:
E M P LO Y E E S , W A G E S , A N D V A L U E OF P R O D U C T O F 412 M A N U F A C T U R IN G E ST A B L ISH M E N T S , 1892, 1893, A N D 1894.
P er cent o f decrease.
Item s.
1892.
1893.
1894.
A vera g e number o f em p loy ees.............
T otal w ages................................................
V alue o f p rod uct.................................
149,690
$72,575,550
$286,402,751
132,653
$60,629,740
$236,919,298
116,310
$48,268,005
$191,492,115
1892 to
1893.
11.38
16.46
17.28
1893 to
1894.
12.32
20.39
19.17
278
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Various reasons are given for the decrease in the different industries.
The following statement is presented to show the decrease in employees
by industries:
E M P L O Y E E S O F 412 M A N U F A C T U R IN G E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , B Y IN D U S T R IE S , 1892, 1893,
A N D 1894.
Industry.
1892.
OftTpP|
t"S ............................ ....................................................................................
H o s ie r y ....................................................................................................................
____________________________________ _________. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
W oolen
Cotton - ___ _________________________________ _____. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
______________________ ____ ___
Misftftllfl,neons________ _____________________ . . . . . ___ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
103,471
4,648
1,786
5,390
3,818
7,239
23,338
92,890
4,097
1,547
4,543
3,490
6 ,579
19,507
79,829
3,623
1,513
4,001
3,093
5,152
19,099
T otal...............................................................................................................
149,690
132,653
116,310
_
_ _ .................................
1893.
1894.
M i n e A c c i d e n t s . —The statistics relating to accidents in coalmines,
were obtained from the reports o f the mine inspectors, and are as
follow s:
A C C ID E N T S I N C O A L M IN E S, 1889 TO 1893,
1889.
A nthracite coal:
P rod u ct per employee, ton s...................................
Fatal accidents.........................................................
Em ployees to each fatal accident........................
Em ployees to each nonfatal a ccid en t.................
T ons mined to each fatal accident......................
T ons mined to each nonfatal accident .............
Bitum inous co a l:
P rod u ct per em ployee, ton s...................................
F atal accidents.........................................................
Em ployees to each fatal accident........................
Em ployees to each nonfatal a ccid e n t.................
T ons m ined to each fatal a ccid ent......................
T ons m ined to each nonfatal a ccid en t...............
242
384
312
1890.
1891.
360
427
288
101,490
39,051*
281
378
311
116
106,260
39,729
103,923
44,253*
565
105
581
203
329,101
114,803
609
146
458
177
273,420
107,609*
564
237
312
235
176,319
133,081*
120
122
1892.
1893.
352
396
327
127
115,501
44,817*
342
455
303
129
103,691
44,134
590
133
592
200
350,199
118,515*
531
131
1,624
236
331,465
125,497
The principal provisions o f the different laws that have regulated
mining and mine inspection in the State are quoted. The methods of
enforcing the various provisions and the effect the enactments have
had in preserving the health and lives o f those engaged in mining are
discussed, numerous quotations being made from the reports o f the
different inspectors.
RHODE ISLAND.
Eighth Annual Report o f the Commissioner o f Industrial Statistics, made
to the General Assembly at its January Session, 1895. Henry E. Tiepke,
Commissioner, viii, 327 pp.
This report contains the result o f an investigation o f the textile
manufactures o f the State, the condition o f skilled labor in that branch
o f industry, and the retail prices o f food and fuel. These three sub
jects were chosen in 1893 as the basis o f a permanent line o f inquiry
which should annually cover certain specific subjects. The space
allotted to each subject in the report for 1894 is as follows: Employees
returns, textile industries, 224 pages,- retail prices, 43 pages; statistics
o f manufactures, textile industries, 55 pages.
279
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— RHODE ISLAND.
E m p l o y e e s R e t u r n s , T e x t i l e I n d u s t r i e s .— These returns show
for each o f 2,299 employees in the cotton, woolen, and mixed textile
industries numerous facts concerning their civil and social conditions.
The returns are summarized by towns and for the State. The totals
for some o f the items shown for all three branches o f the industry are
as follow s:
Number of returns..................................................................................................................... 2,299
M arried....................................................................................................................................... 1,559
Single...........................................................................................................................................
690
W id ow ers...................................................................................................................................
50
Native bora.................................................................................................................................
827
Foreign b o m ............................................................................................................................. 1,472
Largest number in fam ily.....................................................................................................
15
Smallest number in fa m ily ...................................................................................................
2
Number owning homes...........................................................................................................
245
Number free from incumbrance...........................................................................................
88
Number hiring tenements (39 also ownh om es).............................................................. 1,373
Highest daily w ages............................................................................................................... $6.00
Lowest daily wages..........................................................................................................................40
Number receiving an increase in wages during the year..........................................
32
Number receiving a decrease in wagesduring the year.............................................. 1,367
Number unemployed during a portion of the year..................................................... 1,692
R e t a i l P r i c e s .— The average retail prices of different articles of
food and fuel are shown by cities, towns, counties, and for the State.
The summary for the State is as follow s:
AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD AND FUEL FOR THE STATE, 1894.
1894.
Articlos*
January.
A pples, per peelr___________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beans, per p e c k ...................................................................
"Rftfif (snnp nr entned), per p o u n d __________ _____ __________
R e e f (roasting), per p ou n d ____________ . . . . . . _______ . . . ______
B read,per lo a f..........................................................
Blit,tor, por p oun d ______________________ . . . ___. . . ____________
Cabbage, per p o u n d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __ . . . . . . . . . . . . . ____. . . .
Cheese, p er p ou n d -..............................................................................
Coal (white ash stove), per to n .... ..................... ..... . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cod Hah, por p o u n d _______________ __________________________
C om meal, per p o u n d . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... ........... .
C racked wheat, per pound . . . . __ _____. . . . . . . _____ . . . . . . . . . .
Crackers (common), per p ou n d . . . . . . . __ . . . . . . _________. . . . . .
D ried apples, per p o u n d ......................... .
E ggs, per dozen____ ________________________________ ________
"Fresh fish (eod), per p o u n d ____________ _____________________
F resh fish (haddock), per p o u n d ....................................................
F lou r (fam ily),per b a r re l. . . .... .............................. . . . . . . . . . . . .
H am s (sm oked ),per pound ................................... ........... . . . . . . .
Kerosene o il,p e r g a llo n .. . . ...... ........................... ..........................
L ard, per pound _____________________________ ______________
M ackerel (salt),per p o u n d ............. .............................- ____. . . . . .
M ilk ,p er q u a r t . . . . . . ....................................... ..... ............ ...........
Molasses, per g a llo n ..........................................................................
M utton,per p o u n d ..................................... ......... ..... . . . . ____. . . .
Oatmeal, per p o u n d ............................................................................
O nions, p e r q u a r t _______ ______________________ - __________________P i e t i e s , p e r quart,
___________________________________ _____________
P ork (salt),per pound ................................ .....................................
P otatoes,per peck .................... ................... . . . . . ___ . . . . . . . . . . .
"R aisin s, per p o u n d .... ..........................................
R y e meal, per p o u n d ..........................................................................
S a lt, p e r pound ________________ ____________________________ ___
Soap (hard), per p o u n d ...................................... ........................ .
S u g a r, p e r p o u n d ____ ________________________________ ___________
T ea (common), per p o u n d .................................................................
T rip e ,p er p o u n d .. . . . . . . . . . ................... ................. .
Vinegar, per ga llon .............................................................................
Wood (sawed and split), per cord.......... ............ .....................
$0,438
.661
.071
.136
.074
.335
.021
.159
6.450
.072
.026
.053
.076
.134
.338
.094
.080
4.830
.125
A p ril.
$0,532
.640
.068
.131
.074
.289
.026
.160
6.280
.073
.026
.035
.074
.140
.188
.095
.082
4.630
J u ly.
$0.304
.669
.070
.138
.072
.264
.020
.116
.132
.059
.517
.099
.107
.128
.055
.512
.152
5.710
.072
.026
.048
.074
.154
.224
.092
.082
4.510
.142
.098
.107
.124
.053
.507
.1 0 6
.0 4 9
.0 4 3
.1 3 0
.1 1 7
.2 5 0
.1 0 5
.0 3 1
.0 1 7
.0 5 2
.0 5 2
.4 5 3
.0 7 2
.2 4 5
7 .620
.1 0 5
.0 4 8
.0 4 1
.1 2 9
.1 0 5
.2 3 6
.1 0 1
.0 3 1
.0 1 7
.0 5 2
.0 5 1
.4 4 4
.0 6 9
.2 4 5
7 .400
.1 2 3
.0 5 0
.0 5 0
.1 3 2
.1 0 6
.2 6 0
.1 0 1
.0 3 1
.0 1 6
.0 5 3
.0 5 1
.4 4 0
.0 7 2
.2 4 6
7 .6 9 0
.100
.120
October.
$0,243
.655
.066
.132
.066
.304
.019
.155
5.650
.072
.026
.048
.073
.125
.289
.090
.079
4.180
.131
.097
.110
.127
.059
.5 0 7
.0 9 7
.0 4 9
.0 4 2
.1 3 0
.1 1 0
.2 2 2
.0 9 9
.0 3 0
.0 1 6
052
.0 5 2
.4 4 0
.0 7 0
.2 4 1
7 .540
280
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
S t a t i s t i c s o f M a n u f a c t u r e s , T e x t i l e I n d u s t r i e s .— The bu
reau secured reports from 121 manufacturers, covering the operations
o f their establishments during 1893 and 1894. Fifty-six o f these reports
were for the cotton industry, 44 for the woolen industry, 19 for print
works, dyeworks, and bleacheries, 8 for hosiery and knit goods, and 3
for silk and silk goods. The statistics are given in detail for each indus
try. A summary for the 121 establishments is presented in the following
statement:
S T A T IS T IC S OF 121 M A N U F A C T U R IN G E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , 1893 A N D 1894.
Item s.
Increase ( f-) or de
crease (—).
1894.
1893.
A m ount.
E stablishm ents.......................... .
P rivate firm s .................................................................
P ercen t.
121
121
58
57
—1
—1.72
P a rtn ers:
M a le ..........................................................................
Special......................................................................
96
7
86
19
— 10
+12
— 10.42
+171.43
T o t a l ....................................................................
103
105
+2
+ 1.94
Corporations...................................................................
63
64
+1
+ 1 .5 9
Stockholders:
M a le..........................................................................
F e m a le ....................................................................
Banks, trustees, e t c ..............................................
702
347
84
786
382
104
+ 84
+ 35
+ 11.97
+ 10.09
+23.81
+20
T o t a l ....................................................................
1,133
1,272
+139
+12.27
T otal partners and stock h old ers..............................
Capital in v ested ...........................................................
E m ployees:
Greatest n u m b e r ..................................................
S m allest...................................................................
A v e r a g e ...................................................................
T otal w ages....................................................................
A vera g e annual w a g e s ...............................................
A verage days in operation.........................................
Cost o f materials u s e d ................................................
V alue o f goods made and w ork d on e.......................
1,236
$37,578, 111
1,377
$39,113,530
+141
+$1,535,419
+ 11.41
+ 4 .0 9
30,352
26,570
28,704
$10,466,032
$364.62
282.05
$27,496,995
$48,405,877
—1,734
. .28,618
20,822
—5,748
—2,931
25,773
$8,436,246 —$2,029,786
—$37.29
$327.33
251.68
—30.37
$21,130,276 —$6,366,719
$37,404,848 —$11,001,029
— 5.71
—21.63
— 10.21
—19.39
—10.23
— 10.77
—23.15
—22.72
TENNESSEE.
Fourth Annual Report o f the Bureau o f Labor, Statistics, and Mines to
the Forty-ninth General Assembly o f the State o f Tennessee. January,
1895. John E. Lloyd, Commissioner. 200 pp.
The contents o f the report are grouped as follows: Introduction, 54
pages 5 statistics o f mines and mine inspection, 56 pages; miscellaneous,
86 pages.
I n t r o d u c t i o n .—A short sketch is given of the financial and indus
trial depression, which is followed by articles on the relation between
capital and labor, arbitration, and the importance o f statistics, also
recommendations concerning additional legislation pertaining to the
work o f the bureau. Sketches are also given o f the Chicago strike and
the coal miners’ great strike o f April 21,1894.
S t a t i s t i c s o f M i n e s a n d M i n e I n s p e c t i o n .— There was reported
as mined in Tennessee during the year 1894,2,471,437 tons o f coal, show
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— WEST VIRGINIA.
281
ing an increase over 1893 of 1,041,469 tons. The mines o f the State
gave employment to 2,799 miners, 274 labor miners, 251 trappers, 112
drivers, and 328 men employed in offices, shops, and yards.
The number o f the different classes of employees, number o f acci
dents, animals, and locomotives in use, kegs of powder used, wages,
and quantity of coal mined are shown for each mine, the mines being
grouped for the three districts into which the State is divided.
The report o f inspection, in addition to giving the locality o f the
mines and names o f the superintendents, shows the method o f ventilat
ing, condition o f air courses, condition o f entries and doors, also the
cubic feet of air per minute at inlet and outlet, and remarks concerning
the general condition of the mine at time o f inspection and additions
or changes required by the inspector. The results are shown for two
inspections made during the year.
The names o f the men who received injuries resulting fatally are
given with the name and location o f the mine, also the testimony given
and the verdict of the coroner’s jury in each case. The report also
shows the result o f the analysis o f the coal for each mine in the State.
Miscellaneous .—Under this head are grouped articles on different
subjects. The phosphate deposits of the State are treated with con
siderable detail. This mineral was first discovered in Lewis County,
Tenn., during the latter part o f 1893, and the deposits are now shown
to be quite extensive. The article is accompanied with a tabular
description o f the different phosphate beds. In an article on “ man
ganese ” it is stated that the first manganese mined in the United States
was mined in Tennessee in 1837, but comparatively nothing has been
done to develop the deposits, though manganese of a high grade exists
in large quantities in nearly every county in east Tennessee. The
different varities o f marble found in the State are described in an arti
cle on that subject. The names and locations o f the different cotton
and woolen mills in the State are shown 5 also a synopsis o f the statis
tics o f farms, homes, and mortgages for the State, as published by the
Eleventh Census o f the United States. An appendix gives the report
on the Chicago strike by the United States Strike Commission.
W EST VIRG IN IA.
Report o f the Commissioner o f Labor o f the State o f West Virginia,
1893-1894. John M. Sydenstricker, Commissioner. 211 pp.
This is the first annual report of the commissioner of labor of W est
Virginia, and covers the year ending June 30,1894. The introductory,
which refers to the needs o f the bureau, and gives a copy o f the law
under which it was organized, is followed by a discussion of the “ func
tions and value o f labor statistics,” and the volume is closed with a
treatise on the “ financial and industrial depression.” The statistics
1884—No. 3-----5
282
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
presented are grouped as follows: Laborers’ statistics, 23 pages; rail
road statistics, 4 pages; coal-mine operators’ statistics, 11 pages; manu
facturing and mechanical industries, 33 pages; agricultural statistics,
13 pages; coal, coke, and oil statistics, 31 pages; building and loan
associations, 30 pages; farms, homes, and mortgages, 19 pages.
L aborers’ Statistics .—The individual reports o f 189 laborers
engaged in various occupations in different sections o f the State are
given in full. The information was collected by correspondence, and
consists of replies to questions concerning nativity, residence, name o f
employer, occupation, hours of labor, earnings o f self and family, cost
o f living, character of employment o f wife and children, education of
children, deductions from wages, apprenticeship, increase or decrease
in wages, and cost o f living, savings, debts, etc.
Railroad Statistics .—Statistics are given in detail for each o f 25
railroads, showing for the State the miles o f road, the average number
o f employees during the year, the total number at the time o f making
the report, the number o f each class o f employees, and the average
monthly and total wages for the year.
Manufacturing and Mechanical I ndustries .— Reports are
published in full for each o f 77 establishments showing answers to
questions concerning the value o f buildings, land, and machinery, cost
o f materials, value o f product, and details concerning employees and
wages. In addition the report of the Eleventh Census o f the United
States relating to manufacturing and mechanical industries is repro
duced.
A gricultural Statistics .—The bureau secured reports from a
number o f farmers in different sections of the State which are pub
lished in detail, by counties, and contain information pertaining to the
size, the entire value o f farms, and the value of the portion used in
farming operations, value o f personal property and o f farm products,
expenses o f farming, yield, and value o f different crops, etc.
Coal , Coke , and Oil Statistics .—The statistics concerning the
production for each o f these industries in the State are shown in detail
by totals for districts and counties, with percentages of increase or
decrease. It is stated that the State ranks fourth in the coal-producing
States o f the country. The product increased from 672,000 short tons
in 1873 to 10,708,578 short tons in 1893. The coke product increased
from 138,755 short tons in 1880 to 1,062,076 short tons in 1893, and the
petroleum from 120,000 barrels in 1876 to 8,445,412 barrels in 1893. A
list o f the names and addresses of the coal operators o f the State is
given, with statistics concerning investment, thickness o f seam, days
mines were worked during the year, output, number o f miners and
other employees, and total wages paid different classes.
B uilding and L oan A ssociations.— The reports for 56 associations
in the State are shown in detail, and convenient summaries made o f the
statistics for a number o f representative associations.
NINTH REPORT ON THE ANNUAL STATISTICS OE MANUFAC
TURES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
The Annual Statistics o f Manufactures, 1894. Ninth Report. xvi, 229
pp. (Issued by the Bureau o f Statistics o f Labor, Horace G. Wadlin,
Chief.)
This report consists o f an introduction, 3 pages; tables presenting
the statistics in detail, 165 pages; the analysis, 83 pages. There are
also 49 pages devoted to an industrial chronology o f the State, which
gives for each town and city the principal events affecting the industrial
establishments during 1894.
The statistics are not shown for all the manufacturing and mechanical
industries of the State, the report being confined to a comparison of
returns from the same establishments reporting for the different years.
Comparisons are made for 4,093 establishments for 1893 and 1894, for
3,073 establishments for the five years from 1890 to 1894, inclusive, and
for 857 establishments for the ten years from 1885 to 1894, inclusive.
The statistics presented in this synopsis have been selected principally
from those given for 1893 and 1894, to which the major portion o f the
report is devoted.
Reports were received from 4,486 establishments for 1894; o f this
number 4,093 are compared with reports for 1893. These reports are
grouped in 75 classified industries, and reflect the industrial condi
tions prevailing in the State during the two years.
The 4,093 establishments were conducted during 1894 by 3,183 pri
vate firms and 869 corporations, which were managed by 43,337 individ
uals, o f whom 5,056 were partners and 38,281 stockholders. O f the
partners 95.63 per cent were males, 2.49 per cent females, and 1.88 per
cent estates, etc. O f the stockholders 56.45 per cent were males, 32.55
per cent females, and 11 per cent banks, trustees, etc. Considering
the partners and stockholders in the aggregate, 61.02 per cent were
males, 29.05 per cent were females, and 9.93 per cent banks, trustees,
etc.
The increase or decrease in capital invested, wages paid, stock used,
and goods made and work done in 1894 as compared with 1893 are
shown in the two statements which follow for each of the 9 leading
industries o f the State, and for the remaining 66, o f the 75 referred
to above, considered together.
283
284
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
S T A T IS T IC S O F M A N U F A C T U R E S I N 75 IN D U S T R IE S , 1893 A N D 1894.
Year.
Industries.
E stab
lish .
ments.
638
638
W ages paid.
Stock used.
$20,477,354
20,082,006
1,589,019
1,329,350
24,547,036
21,863,643
2,797,042
2,722,360
8,613,264
7,276,856
6,628,730
6,591,555
4,082,892
3,961,597
5,747,269
4,887,984
3,334,653
2,903,940
44,678,678
39,483,794
$49,901,149
48,536,031
4,787,252
3,621,574
46,150,475
41,893,414
11,381,709
10,997,498
9,095,079
7,964,667
10,585,088
9,186,323
14,914,112
13,570,057
16,377,058
13,019,911
10,434,830
8,587,957
146,612,728
129,834,604
$84,425,319
82,479,517
7,427,385
5,760,705
85,829,812
74,985,327
16,063,980
15,563,653
25,387,721
21,774,080
22,361,691
19,363,367
23,682,831
22,217,777
27,778,635
22,284,958
16,240,380
13,347,789
243,740,268
218,367,401
122,495,937
111,103,085
320,239,480
287,212,036
552,938,022
496,144,574
1893
1894
C a rp etin g s.................................. 1893
1894
Cotton g o o d s .............................. 1893
1894
L eather......................................... 1893
1894
Machines and m a ch in ery........ 1893
1894
M etals and m etallic g o o d s ----- 1893
1894
Paper and paper g o o d s ........... 1893
1894
W oolen g o o d s ............................ 1893
1894
W orsted g o o d s .......................... 1893
1894
Other industries (66) ............... 1893
1894
2,272
2,272
$26,084,810
26,125,879
7,993,248
7,277,249
115,110,469
114,013,597
7,939,915
8,344,321
30,447,599
30,414,153
19,924,086
19,367,325
24,497,673
24,881,825
25,233,739
24,094,195
13,738,952
15,225,680
160,150,654
147,903,412
T o t a l.................................. 1893
1894
4,093
4,093
431,121,145
417,647,636
Boots and s h o e s ........................
11
11
148
148
141
141
322
322
327
327
98
98
115
115
21
21
G oods made
and w ork
done.
Capital in
vested.
D E C R E A S E I N M A N U F A C T U R E S I N 1894 A S C O M P A R E D W I T H 1893 I N 75 IN D U S T R IE S .
Decrease in—
Capital.
Industries.
A m o u n t ..
W ages.
P er
cent.
a $41,069 aO. 16
B oots and shoes . . .
715,999
8.96
C a rp etin g s.............
.95
Cotton goods............ 1,096,872
a 404,406 ah. 09
Leather.....................
M achines and m a
33,446
ch in ery .................
.11
M etals and m etal
2.79
lic good s...............
556,761
Paper and paper
a 384,152 a l.5 7
g o o d s .....................
W oolen g o o d s .........
1,139,544
4.52
W o rsted g o o d s ----- a 1,486,728 alO.82
Other
industries
7.65
(66) ......................... 12,247,242
T o t a l.............
13,473,509
3.13
Stock used.
Goods made and
w o rk done.
A m ount.
P er
cent.
A m ount.
P er
cent.
A m ount.
$395,348
259,669
2,683,393
74,682
1.93
16.34
10.93
2.67
$1,365,118
1,165,678
4,257,061
384,211
2.74
24.35
9.22
3.38
$1,945,802
1,666,680
10,844,485
500,327
2.30
22.44
12.63
3.11
1,336,408
15.52
1,130,412
12.43
3,613,641
14.23
37,175
.56
1,398,765
13.21
2,998, 324
13.41
121,295
859,285
430,713
2.97
14.95
12.92
1,344,055
3,357,147
1,846,873
9.01
20.50
17.70
1,465,054
5,493,677
2,892,591
6.19
19.78
17.81
5,194,884
11.63
16,778,124
11.44
25,372,867
10.41
11,392,852
9.30
33,027,444
10.31
56,793,448
10.27
P er
cent.
a Increase.
The term “ capital invested” used in compiling these statistics does
not mean merely cash capital or capital stock, hut includes all forms
o f capital devoted to production, such as notes, bills receivable, and
value o f land, machinery, and stock on hand or in process o f manufac
ture. Inasmuch as some of the elements included as capital are variable
from year to year, it follows that apparently wide fluctuations in the
amount o f capital invested w ill sometimes appear in the returns. A
reduction in capital does not, o f course, imply retrogression.
Four o f the 9 leading industries show an increase and 5 a decrease
in the amount o f capital invested, the decrease for the 75 industries
amounting to 3.13 per cent. A decrease is shown for wages, stock used,
and value o f goods made and work done in each o f the 9 selected and
for the total o f the 75 industries.
285
MANUFACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
The following comparative statement presents statistics for 1893 and
1894 concerning the number o f employees and the average yearly wages
paid in each o f the 9 selected industries, and in the 66 other industries
considered together. This and the two following statements, giving
statistics o f employees, include wage earners only; officers, clerks, or
other salaried persons are not included.
EMPLOYEES AND AVERAGE WAGES IN 75 INDUSTRIES, 1893 AND 1894.
Industries.
Year.
B oots and shoes........................................... 1893.......
1894.......
1893.......
1894.......
fJnt.1on goods____________________ . . . . . . 1893.......
3894.......
Tififtthfir_______________________________ 1893.......
1894.......
M achines and m achinery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1893........
1894........
M etals and m etallic good s........................ 1893........
1894.......
Paper and paper g ood s.............................. 1893.......
1894.......
'Woolen g o o d s .__________________ . . . . . . . 1893.......
1894 . . . .
Worsted goods __________________ _____ 1893.......
1894.......
Other industries (66)__________ ___ . . . 1893.......
1894.......
1893.......
1894.......
Carpetings . . . . . . .......................................
T o t a l ..................................................
a
b
Estab
lish
ments.
N um ber o f employees.
A verage
wages
A verage. Smallest. Greatest. per year.
148
141
141
322
322
327
327
98
98
115
115
21
21
2.272
2.272
41,253
40,863
4,335
3,744
71,506
68,235
5,666
5,728
15,806
13,581
13,067
11,754
9,924
9,665
15,520
14,261
9,404
9,222
94,387
86,345
31,506
32,154
1,917
1,983
59,729
55,164
3,866
4,521
11,772
10,688
10,299
9,580
8,244
8,148
11,215
10,163
6,979
5,590
68,734
68,432
49,744
48,151
5,031
4,667
76,711
76,094
7,289
7,129
19,108
16,140
15,172
13,626
11,012
10,787
17,989
16,703
10,790
11,275
115,917
105,595
$496.38
491.45
366.56
355.06
343.29
320.42
493.65
475.27
544.94
535.81
507.29
560.79
411.42
409.89
370.31
342.75
a 354.28
314.89
b 437.36
457.28
4.093
4.093
280,868
263,398
214,261
206,423
328,763
310,167
436.13
421.81
638
638
11
11
148
Figures here apparently should he $354.60; those given are, how ever, according to the original.
Figures here apparently should be $473.36; those given are, however, according to the original.
The total for the 75 industries given in the above statement shows a
decrease for 1894 in the average, greatest, and smallest number o f per
sons employed, and in the average annual wages. The decrease in the
average wages amounted to $14.32, or 3.28 per cent.
Considering the total for the 75 industries, the per cent o f males and
females o f the whole number employed at each specified weekly rate o f
wages is shown in the following statement:
PER CENT OF MALES AND FEMALES OF THE WHOLE NUMBER EMPLOYED A T
SPECIFIED W EEKLY WAGES, 1893 AND 1894.
1893.
1894.
W e e k ly wages.
Males.
Females.
Males.
Females.
U nder $5.___ _____. . . __________. . . . . . ..........................................
$5 or u n d er $ 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....................
$6 or u n d er $7__. . . ..... ............. ...................................................
$7 or under $8...............................................................................
$8 or under $ 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................ ............. .
$9 or under $10................................... .............................................
$10 or u n d er $12............. ....................................................................
$12 or nnder $15______________________ _____ ____ ___________
$15 nr under $20_____ _____________ __________________ _______
$20 or o v e r .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37.64
34.47
43.39
57.03
63.50
79.03
84.85
93.25
97.02
99.07
62.36
65.53
56.61
42.97
36.50
20.97
15.15
6.75
2.98
.93
36.51
35.42
48.11
58.77
66.02
81.35
87.08
93.28
96.82
98.00
63.49
64.58
51.89
41.23
33.98
18.65
12.92
6.72
3.18
2.00
T o t a l..........................................................................................
66.28
33.72
65.49
34.51
286
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
From the above statement it appears that the proportion of males
in each wage class increases after the u $5 or under $ 6 ” wage limit is
passed, while the proportion o f females correspondingly declines.
In the following statement, which comprises the 75 industries, the
total number o f males, the total number o f females, and the total num
ber o f employees o f both sexes are each considered as representing 100
per cent, and the number o f employees in each wage class constitutes
parts o f this aggregate.
P E R C E N T O F T H E T O T A L M A L E S A N D F E M A L E S E M P L O Y E D A T S P E C IF IE D
W E E K L Y W A G E S , 1893 A N D 1894.
1893.
1894.
W eek ly wages.
Males.
Females.
Total.
U nder $5..........................................................
$5 or under $6 ................................................
$6 o r under $7................................................
$7 or under $8 .........................................
$8 or under $9................................................
$9 or under $10...............................................
$10 o r under $12 .............................................
$12 o r under $15.............................................
$15 or under $20.............................................
$20 or o v e r......................................................
7.50
4.79
7.55
9.00
8.69
12.87
14.67
17.10
13.36
4.47
24.41
17.89
19.37
13.33
9.82
6.71
5.15
2.43
.81
.08
13.20
9.21
11.54
10.46
9.07
10.79
11.46
12.15
9.13
2.99
T o t a l....................................................
100.00
100.00
100.00
Males.
Females.
8.56
5.71
8.86
9.72
8.72
12.25
14.05
16.04
11.91
4.18
100.00 *
Total.
28.27
19.76
18.14
12.95
8.51
5.33
3.95
2.19
.74
.16
15.36
10.56
12.06
10.84
8.65
9.86
10.56
11.26
8.06
2.79
100.00
100.00
The following comparative statement shows the average proportion
o f business done and the average number o f days in operation for the 9
selected industries and for the 66 other industries considered together,
in 1893 and 1894. The proportional amount of business done was com
puted by considering the maximum production—that is to say, the
greatest amount o f goods that can be turned out with the present facil
ities—as representing 100 per cent.
A V E R A G E P R O P O R T IO N OF B U SIN E SS D O N E A N D A V E R A G E D A Y S I N O P E R A T IO N
I N 75 IN D U S T R IE S , 1893 A N D 1894.
Industries.
B oots and shoes...............................................................
C arp etings........................................................................
Cotton g o o d s ....................................................................
L e a th e r..............................................................................
M achines and m achinery..............................................
M etals and m etallic good s............................................
P aper and paper g ood s..................................................
W oolen good s...................................................................
W orsted good s.................................................................
Other industries (66) ......................................................
T otal........................................................... ............
N um ber A vera ge proportion
o f estab o f business done.
lish
ments.
1893.
1894.
638
A ve ra g e days in
operation.
1893.
1894.
2,272
59.19
69.27
85.97
61.60
60.12
59.96
74.72
75.43
77.05
59.49
59.76
61.55
79.58
63.34
53.84
56.93
61.65
73.81
75.33
57.29
275.99
247.53
281.87
280.09
287.42
267.91
278.37
265.01
278.53
280.27
279.16
259.15
273.08
291.59
283.30
266.91
273.21
262.70
270.90
278.53
4,093
61.49
59.06
278.40
275.63
11
148
141
322
327
98
115
21
In the 4,093 establishments making returns in each year, the propor
tion o f business done in 1893 is represented by 61.49 per cent, and in
1894 by 59.06 per cent. Fifteen industries reported a larger proportion
o f business done in 1894.
The average number o f days in operation during 1893 was, for all
287
MANUFACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
industries, 278.40, and during 1894, 275.63, a decrease o f 2.77 days, or
0.99 per cent. Thirty-six o f the 75 industries considered show an
increase in the average number o f days in operation in 1894 as com
pared with 1893.
The actual product per $ 1,000 of capital invested in each o f the 9
leading industries o f the State, with the average product per employee,
the percentages of industry product paid in wages, and the percentages
devoted to other expenses, is shown in the following statement for 1894.
By industry product is meant the actual result o f the productive
forces in the industry; that is, the added value created above the value
of stock and materials consumed. This product was obtained by
deducting from the total value o f goods made and work done the value
o f stock used. In the division o f the proceeds o f each industry, one
part o f the industry product is paid to the labor force in the form of
wages. The balance constitutes a fund from which are paid freights,
insurance, interest on loans and stock, rents, commissions, salaries, etc.,
in fact, all expenses other than those for stock and wages. The remain
der, if any, is the profit o f the employer.
IN D U S T R Y PR O D U C T, W A G E S , A N D P R O F IT A N D E X P E N S E S I N N IN E S P E C IF IE D
IN D U S T R IE S , 1894.
Ind ustry product.
Industries.
Industry
product.
W ages.
P rofitan d
expense
fund.
P er cent
o f industry
p roduct.
A v e r
Devoted
Per
Paid
to profit
$1,000 o f age per
in
em
capital.
wages. and e x
ployee.
penses.
Boots and sh o e s .......................... $83,943,486 $20,082,006 $13,861,480 $1,299.23 $830.67
2,139,131
1,329,350
293.95 571.35
C arpetings...................................
809,781
290.25 484.97
Cotton g o o d s ................................ 33,091,913 21,863,643 11,228,270
4,566,155
2, 722,360
1,843,795
547.22 797.16
L e a th e r.........................................
7,276,856
6,532,557
454.05 1,016.82
M achines and m achinery.......... 13,809,413
6,591,555
3,585,489
M etals and m etallic good s........ 10,177,044
525.47 865.84
3,961,597
4,686,123
8,647,720
P aper and paper g o o d s .............
347.55 894.75
9,265,047
4,887,984
4,377,063
384.53 649.68
W oolen g o o d s ..............................
4,759,832
2,903,940
1,855,892
312.62 516.14
W orsted g o o d s ............................
59.16
62.14
66.07
59.62
52.69
64.77
45.81
52.76
61.01
40.84
37.86
33.93
40.38
47.31
35.23
54.19
47.24
38.99
The following comparative statement shows the value o f goods made
and work done as reported by 857 identical establishments in each
year from 1885 to 1894, inclusive:
V A L U E OF GOODS M A D E A N D W O R K DONE, 1885 TO 1894.
Increase.
Y ear.
V alue.
A m ount.
1885......................................................................................................... $209,500,026
1886......................................................................................................... 239,261,482
1887......................................................................................................... 253,590,055
1888......................................................................................................... 261,009,722
1889.........................................................................................................
270,018,630
1890......................................................................................................... 280,482,516
1891......................................................................................................... 284,042,915
1892......................................................................................................... 296,563,113
1893......................................................................................................... 271,222,640
1894......................................................................................................... 239,816,588
# Decrease.
$29,761,456
14,328,573
7,419,667
9,008,908
10,463,886
3,560,399
12,520,198
a 25,340,473
#31,406,052
P er cent.
14.2i
5.99
2.93
3.45
3.88
1.27
4.41
#8.54
#11.58
288
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
In the following comparative statement a similar showing is made
for 3,073 identical establishments reporting in each o f the five years
from 1890 to 1894, inclusive:
V A L U E OF GOODS M A D E A N D W O K E DONE, 1890 TO 1894.
Increase.
T ea r.
Value.
A m ou nt.
1891.........................................................................................................
1892.........................................................................................................
1893.........................................................................................................
1894.........................................................................................................
a Decrease.
$508,142,367
517,274,796
547,924,725
504,017,695
449,675,930
$9,132,429
30,649,929
«43,907,030
a 5 4 ,341,765
P er cent.
1.80
5.93
a 8.01
a 10.78
RECENT FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
Report o f the Royal Commission on the Liquor Traffic in Canada.
vi, 1,003 pp.
The object o f this commission, which was authorized March 14,1892,
was to obtain the fullest and most reliable data possible respecting “ the
effect o f the liquor traffic upon all interests affected by it in Canada;
the measures which have been adopted in this and other countries with
a view to lessen, regulate, or prohibit the traffic; the results o f these
measures in each case; the effect that the enactment o f a prohibitory
liquor law in Canada would have in respect o f social conditions, agri
cultural business, industrial and commercial interests, o f the revenue,
requirements o f municipalities, provinces, and o f the Dominion, and
also as to its capability o f efficient enforcement; all other information
bearing upon the question o f prohibition.”
The report proper comprises one volume o f 1,003 pages. Numerous
witnesses were examined by the commission in the provinces of Ontario,
Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and in the
United States. The evidence is contained in five volumes, having a
total of 5,617 pages.
The interests affected by the liquor traffic in Canada are so varied,
numerous, and extensive, and the data available so limited, that the
commission was unable to do more than refer to the most prominent o f
these interests and to supply such information in regard to them as they
were able to procure.
During the five years from 1889 to 1893 there were manufactured in
the Dominion, on an average each year, 4,538,000 gallons of whisky
and 17,150,000 gallons o f beer and ale. Estimating the value o f the
whisky at 60 cents and o f the beer and ale at 30 cents per gallon, and
o f the cattle feed and refuse products sold at $800,000, the total value
o f the annual product of the establishments manufacturing spirits and
beer would be $8,667,800.
To illustrate further the extent o f the interests affected by the indus
try, an estimate is presented o f the values o f the products o f other
industries, such as cooperage, fuel, certain farm crops, transportation,
etc., affected by the traffic. The estimates o f the various amounts paid
289
290
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
annually by the distilleries and breweries in the Dominion are sum
marized as follows:
Raw materials, the products o f the farm ...............................................................$2,382,765
W ages................................................................................................................................. 1,194,046
Fuel......................................................................................................................................
170,000
Transportation...............................................................................................................
450,000
Casks, bottles, cases, etc...............................................................................................
206,455
Capsules, corks, etc.......................................................................................................
76,186
Printing, advertising, show cards, etc...................................................................
79,897
Repairs, blacksm iths' work, etc........................................ ........................................
47,005
151,685
Insurance.......... .............................................................................................................
Taxes, gas, water supplies, etc...................................................................................
123,118
I c e .......................................................................................................................................
36,757
Sundries.............................................................................................................................
121,992
T o ta l.......................................................................................................................
5,039,906
There was paid annually $1,038,671 for imported materials, leaving
$4,001,235 as the sum paid for Canadian products, wages, etc.
There are, based on an average for five years, 2,001,318 gallons o f
spirits, malt liquors, and wines imported annually into the Dominion,
which are valued at $1,736,897.
Taking an average o f the total amount o f spirits, wine, and malt
liquors entered for consumption for the five years ending with June,
1893, it was found to be 21,676,749 gallons per annum. The average
population for the same period was 4,834,876, making the per capita
consumption 4.48 gallons. The valuation of the annual consumption
was placed at $15,030,064. Taking an average o f the quantities o f
wine, spirits, and malt liquors entered for consumption in the five years
ending 1893, but excluding cider and native wines, and taking an aver
age o f the retail prices, the calculation shows the sum o f $39,879,854
to be paid for liquor by the consumers.
The total annual Government revenue derived from the traffic, based
on the reports for five years, is given at $7,101,557.22.
How much o f the crime, poverty, and insanity o f the country is to
be attributed to the use o f intoxicating liquors could not be accurately
determined.
The average number o f convictions per year to each 1,000 o f popula
tion for different offenses is shown in the following statement:
C O N V IC TIO N S P E R 1,000 O F P O P U L A T IO N , 1881 TO 1883.
Periods.
FiyA yftnra finding 1885_______ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F iv e years ending 1 8 9 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Three years finding 1803_______________ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F or
F o r offenses
drunken against
T otal.
ness.
liqu or laws.
2.49
2.72
2.46
0.42
.69
.48
2.91
3.41
2.94
A ll con
victions.
7.14
7.87
7.40
In summarizing, it is stated that the statistics show—
1. A n increase in the number o f insane.
2. A decrease in the number o f commitments to the common jails,
and o f those remaining therein.
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
291
3. A decrease in the number o f population in the reformatories o f
Ontario and Quebec.
4. A decrease in the number o f those arrested for offenses in the
principal cities and towns, more particularly in those arrested for
drunkenness.
5. An increase in the number o f convictions for offenses o f all kinds,
comparing the five years ended 1890 with the five years ended 1885,
but a decrease in the convictions per 1,000 of the population in the
three years ended 1893 as compared with those for the five years
ended 1890, and a steady reduction in the yearly ratios from 1889 to
1893.
The returns for the earlier years for which the statistics are given
are supposed to be less accurate than those for the later ones.
6. Taking the statistics o f convictions for drunkenness for the whole
Dominion, it will be found that the average for the five years ended
1885 was 2.49 per 1,000 o f the population. In the five years ended
1890, during the greater portion o f which the Scott act (a) was in force
in a large number o f counties in Ontario, the average was 2.72 per
1,000 o f the population. In the three years ended 1893, the average
per 1,000 fqll to 2.46. The highest ratios were in the years 1889 and
1890. These were the years immediately following the abandonment of
the Scott act throughout the counties in Ontario. In them the ratio
was 2.94, and from that point there was a gradual reduction until, in
1893, the ratio reached 2.35 per 1,000.
7. The statistics o f the committals to, and those remaining in, the
penitentiaries o f the Dominion show a large decrease in the period
between 1880 and 1893.
It was found impracticable to make a summarization o f the legisla
tion affecting the liquor traffic or o f the results o f such legislation.
The elaborate detail presentation concerning this, as well as the other
features o f the inquiry, should be consulted to obtain a correct idea o f
the subjects discussed.
Annual Report o f the Bureau o f Industries fo r the Province o f Ontario,
1894. O. O. James, Secretary. Published by Ontario Department
o f Agriculture, xvi, 339 pp.
This report is for the year 1894, and presents statistics on the follow
ing subjects: Weather and the crops, 58 pages ; live stock, the dairy,
and the apiary, 42 pages; values, rents, and farm wages, 39 pages;
loan and investment companies, 28 pages; chattel mortgages, 4 pages;
municipal statistics, 174 pages.
W eather and the Crops.—Tables giving temperature, sunshine,
and precipitation, as observed at various well-distributed points
throughout the province, furnish an interesting exhibit o f weather
conditions for the years 1893 and 1894, also the average for thirteen
years (1882 to 1894) for temperature and precipitation, and for twelve
years (1883 to 1894) for sunshine.
There were 23,038,974 acres of land assessed in the rural area o f the
province during 1894, o f which 12,292,610 acres were cleared, there
remaining 7,859,714 acres in woodland and 2,886,650 acres in swamp,
a The Canadian temperance law o f 1878, based on the principle o f local option.
292
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
marsh, or waste land. There were 2,703,241 acres in pasture during
the year and 8,215,153 in crops. The average number o f acres per
year sown in crops during the period from 1882 to 1894, inclusive, was
7,655,848. The acreage and yield o f the principal crops is shown in
the following statement:
A C R E A G E A N D Y I E L D OF F A R M PR ODU CTS, 1894.
Y ield in bushels.
P roducts.
A cres.
T otal.
778,992 16,512,106
230,016
B, 367,854
486,261 10,980,404
2,330,766 69,867,716
90,144
1,386,606
785,007 14,022,888
267,348 16,275,352
111, 361 a 1,049,764
145,268
2,534,335
59,281
827,514
167,253 17,163,130
27,670 11,532,127
11,186
3,716,140
147,657 61,694,487
2,576,943 a 3,575,200
F a ll w h e a t .....................
Spring w heat..........•----B a r le y ............................
O ats.................................
R y e ..................................
P ea se...............................
C om , fo r h u s k in g ........
C om , fo r silo and fodde:
B uckw heat.....................
B e a n s..............................
P otatoes..........................
M angel-w urzels............
Carrots............................
T u r n ip s ..........................
H a y and clov er.............
aT
o d s
A verage
per acre.
14. O
22.6
30.0
15.4
17.9
60.9
a 9.43
17.4
14.0
102.6
416.8
332.2
417.8
a l.3 9
.
Live Stock, the D a ir y , and the A p ia r y .— Some o f the totals for
the statistics o f 1894, given under this title, are shown in the following
summarized statement:
Horses, number.........................................................................................................
674,777
1,142,133
Hogs, number...................................- .......................................................................
Hom ed cattle, num ber...........................................................................................
2,099,301
Sheep, number...........................................................................................................
2,015,805
W ool c lip :
Number o f fleeces.............................................................................................
1,092,467
Pounds o f w ool.................................................................................................
6,235,036
Pounds o f wool per fleece.............................................................................
5.71
Poultry, number o f fow ls.....................................................................................
7,552,662
Cheese factories:
Number reportin g...........................................................................................
1,011
M ilk used, pounds........................................................................................... 1,027,577,831
Cheese made, pounds.......................................................................................
97,284,547
Gross value o f cheese.....................................................................................
$9,441,247
Creameries:
Number reporting.............................................................................................
39
Butter made, pounds.......................................................................................
1,072,517
Value o f butter.................................................................................................
$224,605
Apiary outfit:
Hives o f bees, number..........................................................................
200,094
Value o f outfit...................................................................................................
$1,051,574
V alues , Rents , and F arm W ages .—The total values o f farm
property for 1894 are summarized in the following statement:
F a rm la n d ..................................................................................................................... $587,246,117
B uildings.............................- ........................................................................................ 204,071,566
Im plem ents...................................................................................................................
51,530,172
Live stock on hand..................................................................................................... I l l , 547,652
Total
954,395,507
293
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
The total value of live stock sold during the year amounted to
$31,935,589. Based upon market prices, the total value o f crops for
the year aggregated $94,055,392.
The average value of a rented farm, including buildings, in 1894 was
$5,297) the average rental $238, or 4.49 per cent of the value o f land
and buildings. The area of a rented farm averaged 127 acres, with 90
acres cleared.
The average annual wages for farm laborers in 1894 is given at $156
with board, and $247 without board. The average monthly wages for
the working season are reported at $16.55 with, and $25.61 without
board. Domestic servants on farms average $6.23 per month.
L oan and I nvestment Companies.—The following statement gives
totals for the loan and investment companies of the province as
reported for the years 1893 and 1894:
L O A N A N D IN V E S T M E N T C O M P A N IE S , 1893 A N D 1894.
Item s.
1893.
N um ber o f ooinpAniAn______________________ ________________ ____. . . . . . . .
Capital subscribed - - ____________________________ ______________________..
$88,582,985
89
$94,047,711
49,285,824
84,916,664
50,582,921
86,958,820
134,202,488
137,541,741
118,040,915
16,161,573
120,229,818
17,811,923
134,202,488
137,541,741
Liabilities to steolchnlders____ _______________________________________
Liabilities to the p u b lic ......................... ............. .
Total lia b ilit ie s ___________ __________ *____________________________
Secured loan a ssets......................................................... ...............
P rop erty a ssets.. . - .................................................. .
T otal a s s e t s ___ . . . ________. . . __ . . . __ . . . . . . ____ ______. . . . . . ___ _
1894.
86
Chattel M ortgages .—During the year ending December 31,1894,
there were 21,759 chattel mortgages, representing $11,220,205, on record
in the province and undischarged. O f this number 11,687, represent
ing $3,446,884, were against farmers. In 1893 the chattel mortgages
numbered 19,722 and represented $9,333,385, o f which 10,684, repre
senting $3,059,857, were against farmers.
Municipal Statistics .—The details presented for the municipal
statistics o f the province for the year 1893 are summarized in the fol
lowing statement:
P opulation.............................................................................................................
1,910,059
Total assessed valuation..................................................................................... $825,530,052.00
12,522,660.00
Taxes imposed for all purposes......................................................................
Rate per head.................................................................................................
6.56
M ills on the dollar......................................................................................
15.17
Bonded debt...........................................................................................................
48,083,243.00
Rate per head.................................................................................................
a 28.17
Floating debt.........................................................................................................
6,796,422.00
Interest paid on loans and debentures........................................................
2,508,691.00
a Figures here apparently should be $25.17; those given are, however, according
to the original.
294
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
Die Arbeitseinstellungen im Gewerbebetriebe im Jahre 1893 (Beilage der
u Statistischen Monatschriffc,” 1894). Die Arbeitseinstellungen im
Gewerbebetriebe in Osterreich Wdhrend des Jahres 1894. Herausgegeben vom Statistischen Departement iin k. k. Handelsministerium.
31,128 pp.
The Austrian Government has been collecting statistics o f strikes
each year since 1891. Those for the years 1891 and 1892 were printed
by the Government, but not for general distribution. The report for
1893 was published in the form o f a supplement to the monthly statis
tical bulletin, Statistische Monatschrift. The last report, for 1894, is
the first that appeared in the form o f a special report of the bureau o f
statistics o f the Imperial Ministry o f Commerce.
The statistics for 1891 and 1892 appeared in Bulletin No. 1 o f the
Department o f Labor, in an article on strikes in Austria. The article
was prepared from data obtained from Volume X I of the foreign reports
o f the British Royal Commission on Labor. The statistics presented
in the present article are obtained from the above-mentioned official
reports o f the Austrian Government.
The strike statistics in these reports do not cover agricultural, for
estry, or mining industries. These will be separately treated in a
report soon to be published by the Austrian Minister o f Agriculture.
The statistics for the two years here presented were collected accord
ing to such different methods, that it will be necessary to show the
information in separate tables for each year. The report for 1893
embraces but two general tables, one showing strikes according to
localities, and the other by industries affected. The essential features
o f the second are reproduced in the following table:
S T R IK E S I N 1893, B Y IN D U S T R IE S .
Cause or object.
Employees.
Industries.
B u ild in g .............
B r e w in g .............
S ton ecu ttin g----D yeing, bleach
ing, and finish
i n g .....................
Board s a w in g . . .
P r in t in g .............
P aper-box m ak
in g ....................
C e m e n t...............
P ia n o ...................
W o o d tu rn in g ...
R ibbon printing.
Gas and w ater
w o r k s ...............
G lass and ce
ram ics .............
R ubber g o o d s . . .
H a t s .....................
a n d ^ P litfo ■ grap h in g..........
E stab
Strikes. lish
S trik D ays
ments. Total. ers.
lost.
10
7
1
7
249 12,405
16 1,225
135
700
18
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
10
1
1
1
1
37
1
9,892 209,155
222
3,067
700 52,500
1,291
44
48
1,182
19
31
19,109
38
85
30
55
570
196
70
27
. 55
370
150
350
54
935
10,153
1,350
88
1
1
33
33
66
9
229
2,051
243
248
32,580
3,288
534
22
396
2
2
3
3
3,617
1,053
574
1
1
39
F or in
crease
of
wages
or that
and
other
de
mands
R esult.
A gainst
Suc
Suc
reduc A ll
tion o f other. ceeded ceeded Failed.
partly.
wages.
295
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS,
S T R IK E S I N 1893, B Y IN D U S T R IE S -C on clu d e d .
Cause or object.
Em ployees.
F or in
crease
of
wages
D ays or that
lost.
and
other
de
mands
Estab
Strikes. lish
ments. Total. Strik
ers.
Industries.
Coal h a n d lin g ...
L e a th er___ " . . .
M a ch in ery ..........
M e t a l...................
M ineral oil and
lard refining,
and
candle
m a k in g ...........
F lour m illin g .. . .
P aper r u lin g . . . .
Cleaning w o r k s .
T a ilo r in g ________
S hoem aking.. . . .
Sulphuric acid
and fertilizing
1
1
1,000
1,000
12,000
14
48
1,790
56
1,963
2,175
1,685
50,634
1,040
14,493
1
232
190
78
8
8
18
1
2
1
1
3
4
w o r k s __________
1
T e xtiles...............
Furniture and
cabinetm aking
Linen g o o d s .. . . .
B ricks and tile s .
P aintin g
and
decorating —
W h ite w a sh in g..
43
T ota l..........
172
222
1,299
1
489
526
1
83
43 14,128
40
6,423
40
90,771
1
22
546
81
156
523
42
6,577
672
9
6
10
100
50
99
400
990
1
1,207 45,539 28,120 518,511
101
88
1
1
20
8
20
256
4
502
681
11
1
2
36
1
1
36
4
1
2
29
105
A gainst
Suc
red uc A ll
Suc
tion o f other. ceeded ceeded Failed.
partly.
wages.
1
12
2
6
1,520
1,452
16
40
2,415
1,778
9
R esult.
1
2
1
6
10
1
1
6
1
10
1
3
5
7
6
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
4
. 2
1
1
3
8
1
1
2
13
12
9
1
22
2
2
3
6
1
1
1
1
1
20
51
1
1
33
55
I
84
The report for 1894 goes more into details concerning strikes, with
the exception, however, that industries are given in more comprehen
sive groups. The tables embrace information concerning each strike,
with separate recapitulations according to localities and industries, the
number and character of strikes according to the months in which they
began, the results of strikes according to their duration, and the results
by causes. The information contained in these tables is also much more
carefully analyzed in the text preceding them than in the report for
1893. The two following tables give the same information as that for
1893, though somewhat more in detail, concerning strikes in 1894:
S T R IK E S I N 1894, B Y IN D U S T R IE S .
Industries.
Strikes.
130
38
7
1,593
19
46
145
1
22
1
7,717
4,606
579
12,818
765
10,467
422
837
25
7
97
1,021
2
5
358
5
1
2
2
1
2
2
1,612
18,921
152
168
509
99
24
299
1,268
14,975
85
104
249
97
159
2,468
60,718
44,075
Stone, glass, china, and earthen w are. .
M etal and m etallic g o o d s ..........................
M achinery and in stru m en ts.....................
W ooden and caoutchouc good s.................
Leather, hides, brushes, and feath ers.. .
T e x t ile s .........................................................
Paper hanging...............................................
W earing apparel and m illin e ry ...............
P aper...............................................................
F ood p rep a ra tion s.......................................
Chemical w ork s............................................
B uilding trades............................................
P rinting and p u b lish in g ............................
Power, heat, and ligh t s ta tio n .................
T ra n sp ortation .............................................
Other in d u stries..........................................
22
T o t a l ....................................................
Establish T otal em
Strikers.
ployees.
ments.
23
7
23
9
34
1
9
2
11
6,415
2,752
194
9,793
641
6,317
194
668
Strikers N e w em
p loyees
reem
after
ployed.
strikes.
6,235
2,522
103
9,579
421
5,624
194
511
23
283
468
14,397
60
104
165
45
104
107
529
114
14
932
34
24
100
50
97
118
40,567
2,390
bulletin of the department of labor.
296
D U R A T IO N A N D R E S U L T S OF S T R IK E S I N 1894, B T IN D U S T R IE S .
D uration o f strikes.
Succeeded
Succeeded.
Failed.
partly.
lOdays 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 Over
40
days.
days.
days.
under.
days. N um P er N um P er N um P er
ber. cent. ber. cent. ber. cent.
Industries.
Stone, glass, china, and
M etal and
metallic
goods ............................
M achinery and instru
m ents _______________
W ood en and ca ou t
ch ouc g o o d s _________
Leather, nides, brushes,
and fe a th e r s ___________
T e x t i l e s ______ . . . . . . . . . .
P a p e r h a n g i Tig_________
17
2
1
2
6
27.27
10
45.46
6
27.27
15
3
1
3
1
6
26.09
6
26.09
11
47.82
7
100.00
1
1
2
8
34.78
6
26.09
9
39.13
2
2
3
1 11.11
10 29.41
1 100.00
5
2
33.33
5.88
22
55.56
64.71
1
4
44.45
3
33.33
2
1
22.22
100.00
2
28.57
2
28.57
3
42.86
2
100.00
4
36.36
2
18.18
5
45.46
3
60.00
4
3
16
3
5
25
2
6
1
6
1
1
W earing apparel and
m illin ery____________
P a p e r ______________ __.
F ood preparations.
Chem ical wnphs ________
Buildim g trad e s __________
P rin tin g and publish-
1
1
7
2
P ow er, heat, and ligh t
9
1
3
2
_________
1
2
2
T ota l......................
115
BV
f.fl.fin
____________________
D
itU ivull •••••••••*•«.••*
T r o n QTwvi’ f.Ji +,in n ________
Other imJ n st**n
B esults o f strikes.
1
5
24
5
10
1
50.00
1
1
50.00
50.00
39
24.53
43
27.04
2
40.00
1
1
100.00
77
48.43
50.00
C A U S E S O F S T R IK E S I N 1894, B T IN D U S T R IE S .
Industries.
or
A gainst Fin
reduc
tion o f crease
of
wages. wages.
Stone, glass, china,
and earthen w a re ..
M etal and m etallic
g n o d s ___________ _
M achinery and instm m erits________
W ood en and caout
ch ou c g o o d s . . . . . . .
Leather,
hides,
brushes,and feath______________
T e x tiles _______ . . . . .
P aper h a n g in g _____
W earin g
apparel
and muliTuvry_____
P a p e r ___ _____. . . . . .
F ood preparation s...
Chem ical w o r k s .. . . .
B uildin g trades____
P rin tin g and pub
lishin g ___________
Pow er, heat, and
lig h t station______
Transportation
Other industries —
T otal ( a ) ..........
1F o r re
F o r Against instate
F or F o r
dis
A gainst
regu re
m ent
dis
lar d uc charge charge o f dis obnox
tion o f fore
ious
p a y
of
men, o f em charged
rules.
em
ments
hours etc. ployees
ployees
2
17
4
4
12
6
5
14
3
5
16
3
2
4
1
3
2
8
1
3
7
3
2
3
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
2
1
18
88
43
5
9
37
6
10
54
1
10
4
10
47
7
2
4
5
21
17
71
3
1
4
1
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
5
1
7
4
1
5
4
2
8
1
5
7
For
Labor Other
Day,
Total.
M ay causes
1
6
1
26
5
13
1
1
3
17
2
8
1
1
4
4
4
74
318
1
16
23
28
1
2
1
24
a A considerable num ber o f strikes were due t o tw o or three causes, and the facts in such cases have
been tabulated under each cause. H ence the totals fo r this table necessarily do n ot agree w ith those
fo r the last table on page 295.
297
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
An analysis o f these tables shows that a very large proportion o f all
the strikes occurred in the groups o f building trades, wooden and
caoutchouc goods, stone, glass, china, and earthen ware, and textiles.
The exact extent to which each group figures is shown in the following
statement o f percentages:
Industries.
Per cent o f P er cent o f
strikes.
days lost.
"B u ilding t r a d e s ______________________________ _______________________________________ _
33.98
W ooden and caoutchouc g o o d s .....................................................................................
22.21
Ston e, g la ss, ch in a, and earth en w a r e __________________________________________________
T e x t i l e s ........................... ............................................................................................ .................................
Other industries........... .................................................................................................... ..................
14.55
14.33
14.93
23.14
49.85
5.48
8.05
13.48
The duration o f strikes was, in general, very short. Out o f a total
o f 159 strikes, 115 lasted less than 11 days. The longest strike lasted
136 days, while the average duration was 11.68 days.
In giving the causes of strikes, the Austrian bureau has adopted a
peculiar method o f presentation. A s strikes may, and usually do,
result from a variety o f causes, it has been thought preferable to use
the cause instead o f the strike as the unit. The table, therefore, shows
the number o f times that each cause figured as the incentive to a
strike. Thus there is shown a total o f 318 causes for 159 strikes.
It will be seen that the demands for an increase of wages and for a
reduction o f hours are by far the most frequent causes o f strikes. O f
the total o f 318 causes, 88, or 27.67 per cent, were due to the former,
and 43, or 13.52 per cent, to the latter cause.
The bureau has, however, also made a calculation of the causes of
strikes according to the more usual method o f using the strike as the.
unit. Such a presentation, together with the percentage o f strikes
due to each cause, is given in the following statement:
P E R C E N T OF S T R IK E S D U E TO E A C H S P E C IF IE D CAU SE, 1894.
Strikes.
Cause.
Number.
A ga in st reduction o f w ages................................................................................................
A ga in st redaction o f wages in connection w ith various other dem ands...............
F o r increase o f w a g e s .........................................................................................................
F o r increase o f wages and reduction o f hours........................................................... .
F o r increase o f wages and reduction o f hours in connection w ith other demands.
F or increase o f wages in connection w ith other demands, b ut not including
reduction o f hou rs.............................................................................................................
F o r regular p a y m en ts .........................................................................................................
F o r regular payments in connection w ith other dem ands.........................................
F o r reduction o f h o u r s .......................................................................................................
F o r reduction o f hours in connection w ith other demands, hut n o t including
increase o f w ages...............................................................................................................
F o r discharge o f foremen or superintendents...............................................................
F o r discharge o f foremen or superintendents in connection w ith other demands
not specified above.............................................................................................................
F o r reinstatement o f discharged em ployees.................................................................
F o r reinstatement o f discharged employees in connection w ith other demands
n ot specified a bove.............................................................................................................
F o r Labor Day, M ay 1..........................................................................................................
Other d em an d s......................................................................................................................
11
T o t a l..............................................................................................................................
1884—No. 3-----6
7
21
9
24
34
2
1
3
7
P er cent.
6.92
4.40
13.21
5.66
15.09
21.38
1.26
0.63
1.89
6
4.40
3.77
3
13
1.89
8.18
5
1
12
3.14
0.63
7.55
159
100.00
298
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
It is thus seen that 21, or 13.21 per cent o f all strikes, were due to the
single demand for higher wages; 33, or 20.75 per cent, to demands for
higher wages and shorter hours alone and in connection with other
demands, and 34, or 21.38 per cent, to demands for higher wages in
connection with other demands, not including reduction o f hours.
Regarding the results of strikes, the first table for 1894 shows that
39, or 24.53 per cent o f all strikes, were successful; 43, or 27.04 per
cent were partly successful, and 77, or 48.43 per cent, were failures.
The most important information, however, that can be obtained con
cerning the results o f strikes is that where they are shown according
to the causes for which strikes were undertaken. It is possible to
obtain this for the first time for the year 1894. This is done in the fol
lowing table:
R E S U L T S O F S T R IK E S , B Y C AU SES, 1894.
Succeeded.
Cause.
Succeeded partly.
Failed.
T otal.
E s
EsE s
Estab Strik
Strik
Strikes. tabStrikes. tab Strik Strikes. tab- Strik
Strikes. lishlish- ers.
lish- ers.
ers.
lishers..
ments
ments
ments
ments
A g a in st re
duction o f
VAgAR_____
F o r increase
o f w a g e s ...
F o r regular
pa ym en ts..
F o r reduc
tion
of
ho u rs______
10
25
1,525
20
74
3,122
3
3
162
15
41
1,788
2
2
6
3
8
31
314
7,510
9
430
37 1,684 12,779
34
1,955
88 2,072
23,411
18
3
3
162
25 2,013 26,674
43 2,264
28,929
98
14
14
1,062
16
16
1,160
6
479
17
18
1,851
23
24
2,330
3
154
24
24
3,184
28
28
3,401
1
9
295
3
210
467
F or
d is
charge o f
forem en,
fttiC___ _____
A g a in st dis
charge o f
e m p loy ees.
F or
rein
statement
of
dis
charged
em p loy ees.
A g a in st ob
noxious
1
1
63
11
488
1,554
17 1,732 10,690
37 1,943 25,434
24 1,753 15,676
74 2,066 a34,221
619 10,082
179 7,437 82,104
318 8,269 111,540
r u l e s ______
1
9
295
F or
Labor
D ay, M a y 1.
Other causes.
6
10
29
4,498
7,089
1
8
T o ta l (6 ) .
95
213 19,210
44
40
83
(a)
a These figures do n ot represent the totals as shown b y th e other colum ns; they are, how ever, given
as reported.
b A considerable num ber o f strikes were due to tw o or three causes, and the facts in such cases
have been tabulated under each cause. H ence the totals fo r this table necessarily do n ot agree w ith
those fo r some o f the preceding tables.
A s already explained, the systems o f presentations o f results for 1893
and 1894 differ so materially that a comparison o f one year with another
is difficult. However, from figures for the four years given in the last
report, a reasonably accurate idea may be gained of the cause o f strikes
in Austria during that period, namely, 1891 to 1894, inclusive.
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
'
299
The following statement shows the number of strikes, strikers, estab
lishments, etc., for each year:
S T R IK E S B Y Y E A R S , 1891 TO 1894.
Item s.
1891.
1892.
1893.
Strikes ............................ ........................ . . . ___. . . . . . ______. . . . . .
TCstft'bl'ishTYiAiitiH affWitftd . _______________ ____________________
Em ployees in establishm ents.........................................................
S tr ik e r s ................... .
Percentage o f strikers o f total em p loy ees.................................
T otal days l o s t .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ___ . . . . . . . . ___. . . . ___. . . . . . . . . . .
104
1,917
40,486
14,025
34.64
247,086
1,519
24,621
14,123
57.36
150,992
1894.
172
1,207
45,539
28,120
61.75
518,511
101
159
2,468
60,718
44,075
72.59
566,463
The above figures are significant. They show a decided and almost
steady increase from year to year in the number of strikers, the per
centage of employees striking, and the number o f working days lost.
Comparing the figures for 1891 and 1894, it is found that in every case
they are greater for the last year than for the first year.
The last table, prepared from material contained in the reports, shows
the number and percentage of strikes according to the principal causes
and their results:
P E R C E R T O F S T R IK E S , B Y C A U S E S A N D R ESU LTS, 1891 TO 1894.
1891.
Causes and results.
N um
ber.
P er
cent.
1892.
N um
ber.
P er
cent.
1893.
•
N um
ber.
.1894.
P er
cent.
N um
ber.
P er
cent.
CAUSES.
26
16
25.00
15.39
19
19
18.81
18.81
38
20
22.09
11.63
21
11
13.21
6.92
28
26.92
32
31.69
63
36.63
67
42.13
7
7
6.73
6.73
19.23
9
15
7
8.91
14.85
6.93
5
2.91
10
21
12.21
20
25
14.53
19
31
6.29
11.95
19.50
19
29
54
18.63
28.43
52.94
26
29
46
25.74
28.71
45.55
33
55
84
19.18
31.98
48.84
39
43
77
24.53
27.04
48.43
Total s tr ik e s ........................................... a 104
100.00
101
100.00
172
100.00
159
100.00
F o r increase o f w a g e s .....................................
A ga in st reduction o f w a g e s ..........................
F o r increase o f w ages in connection w ith
reduction o f hours and other dem ands. -.
Reduction o f hours alone, or in connection
w ith other demands excep t increase o f
w a g e s ...............................................................
F o r and against discharge o f em p loyees...
Other ca u ses........................................................
RESULTS.
S u cce ed ed ...........................................................
Succeeded p a r t ly ...............................................
F a ile d ..................................................................
a F or tw o strikes results are n ot reported, hence they are omitted under “ Strikes b y results.”
The above table shows that the percentage o f strikes resulting from
demands in reference to wages alone has decreased materially during
the four-year period, while that o f strikes resulting from demands for
increase o f wages in connection with reduction o f hours and other
demands has steadily increased. A t the same time, the percentage o f
successful strikes has increased, while there was a corresponding
decrease in the number o f failures.
300
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Fourth Annual Report o f the Department o f Labor o f New Zealand. Hon.
W . P. Reeves, Minister o f Labor. 67 pp.
This report, which is for the year ending March 31,1895, treats o f the
condition o f the labor market; assistance rendered by the department
in procuring employment; the establishment o f labor colonies on State
farms; the effect of certain features o f the factory inspection and shops
and shop-assistant’s acts of 1894; labor disturbances; methods o f deal
ing with the unemployed; reports o f factory inspectors and wages and
employees in various industries.
During the year the department assisted 2,007 married and 1,023
single men in finding employment. The total number o f men assisted
in this manner since the organization o f the department is as folloV s:
M E N A S S IS T E D I N PR O C U R IN G E M P L O Y M E N T .
Y ear.
N um ber.
Persons
dependent
on them .
June 1,1891, to M arch 31,1892.......................................................................................
A p ril 1,1892, to M arch 31,1893.......................................................................................
A p ril 1,1893, to M arch 31,1894.......................................................................................
A p r il 1,1894, to M arch 31,1895......................................................................................
2,593
3,874
3,371
3,030
4,729
7,802
T o t a l..................................................................................................... ....................
12,868
29,416
8,002
8,883
O f the men assisted during the year ending March 31, 1895, there
were 894 sent to private employment and 2,136 to Government works.
The nonemployment o f 3,004 o f the number was due to slackness o f
trade and similar causes, while sickness was given as the reason for
26 cases. Of the persons dependent on those assisted, 2,007 were
wives, 330 parents and others, and 6,546 children.
The provision o f the factory inspection law o f New Zealand, which
makes it compulsory that the written permit o f the inspector be con
spicuously fastened to the wall o f the room in which overtime is being
worked, is proving a great safeguard. The requirement o f the same
law that all goods given out as piecework to be done in a private
dwelling, or in any place not registered as a factory, shall have attached
to it a printed label describing the place where the work was done and
stating that it is an unregistered workshop, which label shall not be
removed before the goods are finally sold, has had good effect in pre
venting owners o f factories giving out material to be made up by people
whose dwellings are unfit to be used as workshops for the manufacture
o f clothing. It has probably not prevented poor women from obtain
ing work, because where any two persons (such as mother and daughter,
or two friends) choose to work together they can register as a factory,
and their workshop be under proper inspection.
The number o f persons working under the factories act was 29,879,
o f whom 22,324 were men and 7,555 women. This was an increase o f
4,028 over the year ending March 31,1894, the difference being mainly
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
301
caused by the wider grasp o f the new act in including as factories all
places where two persons work at a handicraft. The prior act made
three persons the minimum for factory employment.
Histoire Eeonomique de la PropriStS, des Salaires, des DenrSes et de Tom
les P rix en General, depuis VAn 1200 jusqu’en VAn 1800. Par le
Yicomte G. d’Avenel. 2 vols.: xxvii, 726, 916 pp.
This work was at first undertaken as a purely private enterprise by
the Yicomte d’Avenel. After awarding to it the Rossi prize in 1890 and
in 1892, the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, unable to pub
lish it on account o f its size, earnestly recommended that the Comity
des Travaux Historiques, au Ministere de PInstruction Publique, issue
the work in the collection of Documents In6dits sur FHistoire de France.
Accepted by the latter, it therefore now appears as a public docu
ment.
The nature o f the work is essentially documentary. In general the
author may be said to have undertaken much the same work as that
done for Great Britain by Mr. Thorold Rogers in his History o f Agri
culture and Prices in Great Britain. O f the 1,669 pages embraced within
the two volumes, 521 pages only are devoted to introductory remarks
and critical analysis, the remaining 1,148 pages consisting o f quotations
o f prices, rents, etc. O f these latter pages all but 33 consist of a mere
enumeration o f particular quotations o f prices, values, and rents. Each
quotation shows the source whence derived, the locality, the date,
the measure o f the period, the quantity expressed in the measure now
in use, the price expressed in the old measure quoted and the corre
sponding price expressed in the modern measure, and finally, the price
in francs per unit of the measure in use at the present time. A ll the
quotations concerning each article are given in one place, according to
their dates, thus affording for each article a series o f quotations in
chronological order covering the entire period from 1201 to 1800. These
general tables relate to (1) the value o f different kinds o f agricultural
lands, (2) the value o f houses at Paris and elsewhere in France, (3) the
revenues derived from land, (4) the rents o f houses, and (5) the prices
o f ordinary farm products and o f bread.
In the concluding 33 pages the attempt is made to calculate the aver
age value and revenue-producing power o f land at different periods
and the course o f average prices o f the more important cereals, both
for particular provinces o f France and for the whole country gen
erally. The tables showing the average price o f wheat for each year
for which quotations could be obtained during the period 1201 to 1800,
the same for rye, barley, and oats during the period 1601 to 1800, and
for all four grains by periods 1201 to 1800, are o f such general impor
tance as to warrant their reproduction. As regards the single article
o f wheat, the second volume contains a chart prepared by M. Levasseur,
302
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
based on material contained in the present as well as other publications,
showing graphically the coarse o f prices during these six centuries.
A V E R A G E P R IC E P E R B U S H E L O F W H E A T I N F R A N C E , 1201 TO 1800.
T ea r.
P rice.
1201........... $0,203
1202............
.322
1203...........
1211............
1220............
1222............
1224...........
1226............
1228...........
1229...........
1238............
1237............
1238............
1239............
1241............
1247............
1249............
1250............
1251............
1253............
1255............
1256............
1258............
1259............
1260............
1261............
1263............
1264............
1265............
1268............
1269............
1271............
1272............
1273............
1276............
1277............
1278............
1281............
1282............
1284............
1285............
1287............
1288............
1289............
1290............
1291............
1293............
1294............
1295............
1296............
1297............
1298............
1299............
1300............
1301...........
1302...........
1303............
1304...........
1305...........
1307............
1309...........
1310...........
1311...........
1312............
1313...........
1314............
1315............
1316...........
1317...........
1318............
1319............
1320............
1321............
1322............
1323............
1324...........
1325...........
.162
.231
.277
.324
.171
.524
.303
.174
.204
.595
.317
.473
.171
.441
.372
.743
.218
.394
.280
.583
.398
.318
.205
.554
.224
.148
.373
.112
.596
.628
.602
.136
.152
.182
.197
.333
.531
.080
.762
.240
.169
.250
.484
.642
.662
.536
.645
.380
.302
.484
.884
1.020
.350
.380
.373
1.192
.466
.569
.367
.216
.687
.571
1.711
.363
.840
1.472
.388
.534
.547
.612
.381
.779
.408
.728
.306
T ea r.
P rice.
1326............ $0,493
1327............
.489
1328............
.507
1329............
.459
1331...........
.360
1332............
.452
.584
1333...........
1334............
.371
1335...........
.127
1337............
.326
.154
1338...........
1339............
.407
1340...........
.325
1341...........
.535
1342...........
.224
1343...........
.569
1344...........
.608
1345............
.292
1346............
.748
1347............
.540
1348...........
.758
1349............
.565
1350............ 2.049
1351............ 1.133
1353...........
.318
1354............
.619
1355............
.330
1356...........
.511
1357............
.212
1358...........
.958
1359............
.915
1360............
.529
1361............ 1.059
1362...........
.326
1363...........
.900
1364............
.628
1365...........
.516
1366...........
.644
1367...........
.488
1368............
.318
1369...........
.867
1370...........
.660
1371............ 1.450
1372...........
.310
1373...........
.536
1374...........
1.048
1375............
.345
1376...........
.316
1378...........
.374
1379...........
.224
1380...........
.192
1381...........
.162
1382...........
.272
1384...........
.258
1385...........
.340
1386...........
.227
1387...........
.169
1388...........
.214
1389...........
.364
1390...........
.380
1391...........
.441
1392...........
.478
1393 _
596
1394............
!498
1395...........
.150
1396...........
.336
1397...........
.289
1398...........
.309
1399...........
.340
1400...........
.171
1401...........
.320
1402...........
.224
1403...........
.316
.185
1404...........
1405...........
.414
1406...........
.284
1408...........
.196
T ear.
1409...........
1410...........
1411...........
1412...........
1413...........
1414...........
1415...........
1416...........
1417...........
1418...........
1419...........
1420...........
1421...........
1422...........
1423...........
1424............
1425...........
1426...........
1427...........
1428............
1429...........
1430...........
1431............
1432...........
1433...........
1434...........
1435...........
1436...........
1437...........
1438...........
1439............
1440...........
1441...........
1442...........
1443...........
1444...........
1445...........
1446............
1447...........
1448...........
3449...........
1450...........
1451...........
1452............
1453...........
1454...........
1455...........
1457...........
1458...........
1459...........
1460...........
1461...........
1462...........
1463...........
1464...........
1465...........
1466...........
1467...........
1468...........
1469...........
1470...........
1471...........
1472...........
1473...........
1474............
1475...........
1476...........
1477...........
1478...........
1479...........
1480...........
1481...........
1482...........
1484...........
1485...........
1486............
1487...........
Price.
$0,294
.393
.274
.137
.192
.207
.270
.358
.176
.442
1.422
1.032
.883
1.035
.737
.282
.457
.443
.460
1.311
.609
.707
.509
.745
.694
.476
.243
.274
.579
1.133
.853
.361
.265
.437
.468
.238
.208
.190
.205
119
.214
.186
.179
.112
.120
.236
.616
.335
.280
.226
.172
.542
.183
.148
.125
.154
.245
.144
.127
.144
.087
.141
.095
.154
.226
.134
.277
.252
.280
.092
.463
.375
.539
.291
.208
.405
.240
T ea r.
P rice.
1488........... $0,228
1489...........
.171
1490...........
.335
1491...........
.214
1492...........
.182
.159
1494...........
1495...........
.171
1496...........
.173
.236
1497...........
.202
1498...........
.336
1499...........
1500...........
.202
1501...........
.339
1502...........
.268
1503...........
.127
1504...........
.211
1505...........
.312
1506...........
.117
.158
1507............
.262
1508...........
1509...........
.197
1510............
.093
.155
1511............
.150
1512...........
1513...........
.188
.250
1514...........
1515...........
.468
1516...........
.311
1517............
.322
.594
1518...........
1519...........
.201
1520...........
.237
1521...........
.587
1522...........
.461
1.326
1523...........
.624
1524...........
1525...........
.398
1526...........
.207
.528
1527...........
.580
1528...........
1529...........
.777
1530...........
.549
1531...........
1.606
.756
1532...........
1533...........
.418
1534...........
.335
1535...........
.531
1536...........
.420
.424
1537...........
.298
1538...........
1539...........
.618
1540...........
.360
1541...........
.414
1542...........
.375
1543...........
.517
1544...........
.671
1545...........
.483
1546...........
.461
1547...........
.315
1548...........
.394
1549...........
.551
1550......... .
.390
1551...........
.823
1552...........
.456
1553...........
.457
.509
1554...........
1555...........
.482
1556...........
.824
1557...........
.550
1558...........
.507
1559...........
.558
1560...........
.679
1561...........
.608
1562...........
.947
1563...........
1.408
1564...........
.534
1565...........
1.017
T ear.
P rice .
1566........... $1,087
1567...........
.971
1568...........
.974
1569...........
.946
1570...........
.771
1571...........
.914
1572...........
1.090
1573............ 2.069
1574...........
1.508
1575...........
.963
1576...........
1.032
1577............
.736
1578............
.749
1579...........
.849
1580............ 1.075
1581............
.771
1582...........
1.002
1583...........
1.007
1584...........
1.109
1585...........
1.112
1586............ 2.227
1587...........
2.888
1588............ 1.396
1589...........
.936
1590...........
1.651
1591...........
2.380
1592...........
2.312
1593...........
1.783
1594...........
1.209
1595...........
3.177
1596............ 2.985
1597...........
1.849
1598............ 1.554
1599...........
.832
1600...........
.568
1601............
.741
1602...........
.828
1603...........
1.013
1604...........
.950
1605............ 1.084
1606............ 1.024
1607............
.853
1608...........
1.455
1609...........
.890
1610...........
1.033
1611...........
.934
1612............
.979
1613...........
.788
1614...........
.986
1615...........
.759
1616...........
1.035
1617...........
.921
1618............ 1.172
1619...........
.697
1620...........
.829
1621...........
.704
1622...........
1.242
1623...........
1.366
1624............ 1.691
1625...........
.931
1626...........
1.649
1627............ 1.032
1628...........
1.107
1629............
.970
1630............ 1.353
1631...........
2.322
1632...........
1.763
1633...........
1.479
1634............
.868
1635............ 1.453
1636...........
1.898
1637...........
1.887
1638...........
1.109
1639...........
1.523
1640...........
.808
1641............ 1.225
1.142
1642...........
303
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
A V E R A G E P K IC E P E R B U S H E L OF W H E A T I N F R A N C E , 1201 TO 1800—Concluded.
T ea r.
1643.
1644.
1645.
1646.
1647.
1648.
1649.
1650.
1651.
1652.
1653.
1654.
1655.
1656.
1657.
1658.
1659.
1660.
1661.
1662.
1663.
1664.
1665.
1666.
1667.
1668.
1669.
1670.
1671.
1672.
1673.
Price.
$1,645
1.466
.933
.741
1.189
1.039
1.570
1.598
2.223
1.777
1.264
.821
.816
771
.780
.835
1.506
1.919
1.847
1.977
1.056
1.074
1.004
.947
.881
.576
.888
.550
.888
.780
.745
Y ear.
Price.
1674........... $0.730
1.268
1675...........
1676...........
.877
.607
1677............
1.175
1678...........
.973
1679...........
.928
1680...........
1.161
1681...........
1682...........
.789
.643
1683...........
1684...........
.811
1685...........
1.058
1686...........
.541
1687...........
.709
1688...........
.420
1689............
.663
1690...........
.611
1691...........
.823
1692...........
.913
1693...........
1.713
1694...........
2.590
1695...........
.671
1696...........
.784
1697............
.739
1698...........
1.370
1699...........
1.805
1700...........
1701...........
1702...........
.719
1703............
.835
1704...........
.722
T ea r.
1705.
1706.
1707.
1708.
1709.
1710.
1711.
1712.
1713.
1714.
1715.
1716.
1717.
1718.
1719.
1720.
1721.
1722.
1723.
1724.
1725.
1726.
1727.
1728.
1729.
1730.
1731.
1732.
1733.
1734.
Price.
T ear.
P rice.
$0,513
.465
.450
.669
2.198
1.800
.833
1.298
1.460
1.660
.654
.670
.561
.610
.760
.999
.548
.736
1.027
1.381
1.398
.926
.619
.523
.635
.533
.718
.635
.415
.619
1735...........
1736...........
1737...........
1738...........
1739...........
1740...........
1741...........
1742...........
1743...........
1744...........
1745...........
1746...........
1747...........
1748...........
1750...........
1751...........
1752...........
1753...........
1754...........
1755...........
1756...........
1757...........
1758...........
1760...........
1761...........
1762...........
1763...........
1765...........
1766...........
1767...........
$0,469
.549
.881
.736
.954
1.109
1.148
.745
.529
.565
.471
.548
.827
.640
.834
.885
.860
.801
.573
.549
.830
.724
.993
.846
.602
.743
.709
.648
1.036
.877
T ear.
P rice.
1768............ $1.033
1.190
1769...........
1770...........
1.105
1.166
1771...........
1.173
1772...........
1773............ 1.017
1774...........
.881
.964
1775...........
1776...........
.789
1777...........
.871
.865
1778...........
1779...........
.921
1780...........
.762
1781............
.914
1782...........
.958
1783...........
1.290
1784...........
1785...........
1786............
1787...........
.827
1788............
1789............ 1.362
1.159
1790...........
1791............
.861
1793............ 2.112
1794...........
.633
1795...........
1.067
1796...........
1.051
1798...........
1800...........
1.041
A V E R A G E P R IC E P E R B U S H E L OF R T E , B A R L E Y , A N D O A T S I N F R A N C E , 1601 TO 1800.
P rices.
P rices.
T ear.
T ear.
R ye.
1601....................................... $0,586
1602.......................................
.650
1603.......................................
.696
1604.......................................
.521
1605.......................................
.406
1610.......................................
.422
1614.......................................
.988
1615.......................................
.461
1617.......................................
.952
1618............. ........................
1619.......................................
.883
1620.......................................
.633
1621.......................................
.718
1623.......................................
.830
1625.......................................
.533
1626....................................... 1.049
1627....................................... 1.088
1628.......................................
.939
1629....................................... ’ .716
1630.......................................
.879
1631.......................................
1.739
1632.......................................
.718
1633.......................................
.888
1634.......................................
1635.......................................
.568
1637.......................................
.684
1638.......................................
1639.......................................
.571
1640.......................................
.319
1641.......................................
.752
1643.......................................
1.226
1644.......................................
1645.......................................
.822
1647.......................................
1648.......................................
1650....................................... 1.083
1651.......................................
.432
1652.......................................
1653.......................................
1654.......................................
B arley. Oats.
$0,463 $0,363
.462
.236
.292
.209
.311
.581
.214
.163
.260
.256
.181
.313
.294
.198
.220
.835
.410
.360
.213
.752
1.226
.822
.898
.299
.316
.305
.257
.482
.476
.254
.276
.555
.363
.245
.397
.481
.340
.341
.163
.441
.397
.501
.428
.132
.372
.452
.250
.557
.561
.189
R ye .
1655....................................... $0,316
1656.......................................
.488
1657.......................................
.527
1659.......................................
.540
1660.......................................
1661.......................................
.781
1662.......................................
.887
1663.......................................
.456
1664.......................................
.657
1665.......................................
.414
1668.......................................
1670.......................................
.313
1673.......................................
.664
1675.......................................
.449
1676.......................................
.761
1677.......................................
.184
1678......................................
1680.......................................
.390
1685.......................................
.511
1688.......................................
.354
.269
1690.......................................
1691.......................................
.460
1692.......................................
1694.......................................
2.547
1695........................................
.507
1697.......................................
.258
1698.......................................
1700.......................................
.685
1701.......................................
.575
1702.......................................
.362
1704.......................................
1705.......................................
.353
1706.......................................
.162
1708.......................................
.260
1709.......................................
1.349
1710.......................................
1.093
1711.......................................
.744
1713.......................................
1.338
1715.......................................
.413
.373
1716.......................................
B arley. Oats.
$0.161
.422
.311
.250
.541
.316
.527
$0.211
.563
.240
.235
.311
.380
.248
.241
.350
.426
.172
.210
.303
.126
.201
.320
.428
.171
.237
.241
.231
.285
.378
.327
1.881
.614
.205
.151
.340
.283
.281
*199
.182
.141
.150
.263
1.628
1305
.278
.483
.233
1.094
.499
.386
.212
304
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
A V E R A G E P R IC E P E R B U S H E L OF R Y E , B A R L E Y , A N D O A T S I N F R A N C E , 1601 TO
1800—Concluded.
Prices.
Prices.
Year.
Year.
R ye.
1719....................................... $0.437
1720.......................................
.489
1725.......................................
.862
1726.......................................
.424
1727.......................................
1730................................... .
.294
1735............. ........................
.220
1736.......................................
1738.......................................
.848
.518
1739.......................................
1740.......................................
.622
1741.......................................
.236
1745.......................................
1746.......................................
1747.......................................
.575
1748.......................................
.379
.441
1750.......................................
1 75 1 .....................................
.538
.765
1752.......................................
.349
1755.......................................
.843
1756.......................................
1758....................................... 1.058
.689
1760.......................................
.353
1761.......................................
.581
1762.......................................
.371
1763.......................................
.784
1764.......................................
.469
1765.......................................
Oats.
Barley.
$0.127
.299
.286
.194
.165
.248
.162
.145
$0,456
.573
.348
.292
.178
.452
.343
.475
.168
.517
'
.258
.412
.680
.305
.309
.340
.449
.367
.286
.303
.192
.258
.256
.165
.152
.340
.359
.193
.257
.700
.189
.204
260
.129
.195
.187
.137
R ye.
1766....................................... $0,841
1767.......................................
.499
1768.......................................
1769.......................................
.655
1770.......................................
1.007
1771....................................... 1.017
1772.......................................
1773.......................................
.731
1774.......................................
.628
1775.......................................
.796
1776.......................................
.624
1777.......................... ............
.535
1778........................ .............
.705
1779.......................................
.781
1780.......................................
.552
1781............... ; .....................
.826
1782.......................................
.881
1783.......................................
.632
1784.......................................
.717
1785.......................................
.898
1786................................... .
.690
1787.......................................
.618
1788.......................................
.642
1789.......................................
.921
1790.......................................
.815
1795.......................................
.742
1800.......................................
.639
Barley. Oats.
$0,612
.435
.543
.526
.624
.735
.519
.550
.425
.256
.486
.482
.572
.439
.476
.494
.548
.506
.614
.620
.591
.429
.420
.620
.555
.630
.505
$0,223
.236
.262
.234
.349
.245
.418
*251
.225
.201
.321
.284
.231
.161
.332
.338
.284
.246
.442
.396
.349
.365
.273
.387
.439
.979
.398
.210
A V E R A G E PR IC E P E R B U S H E L OF W H E A T , R Y E , B A R L E Y , A N D O A T S I N F R A N C E ,
1201 TO 1800, B Y P E R IO D S.
Prices.
1201-1225
1226-1250
1251-1275
1276-1300
1301-1325
1326-1350
1351-1375
1376-1400
1401-1425
3426-1450
1451-1475
1470-1500
1501-1525
Prices.
Period.
Period.
W heat.
R ye.
$0,258
.280
.394
.436
.589
.456
.612
.317
.490
.456
$0.129
.256
.340
.417
.408
.340
.340
.190
.238
.313
.156
.204
.224
.221
.272
.272
Barley. Oats.
$0,088
.109
.131
.237
.272
.272
.224
.136
.204
.214
.105
.110
.194
$0.104
.092
.087
.090
.156
.204
.181
.136
.129
.160
.071
.136
.109
W heat.
1526-1550 ............ $0,476
1551-1575............
.816
1576-1600 ...........
1.360
1601-1625 ...........
.969
1626-1650 ...........
1.292
1651-1675 ............ 1.088
1676-1700 ...........
.918
1701-1725 ...........
1.007
1726-1750 ...........
.748
1751-1775 ...........
.901
1776-1800 ...........
1.020
1890..................... 1.360
B ye.
B arley.
$0.272
.612
1.068
.680
.884
.585
.612
.612
.456
.714
.714
.816
$0,252
.408
.595
.313
.612
.388
.442
.592
.326
.499
.517
.680
Oats.
$0,163
.289
.422
.255
.367
.306
.238
.272
.204
.299
.469
.612
Conseil Superieur du Travail, Ministere de VAgriculture, de VIndustrie
et des Travaux Publics. l re Session, 1892: Application des Articles
4,6, et 7 de la Loi du 13 d^cembre, 1889. 2e Session, 1893,1894,1895.
l re Partie: Minimum de Salaire. 2e Partie: Dur6e du Travail dans
les Briqueteries. 3e Partie: Beglements d?Ateliers. 4e Partie: Statistiques du Travail.
By royal order o f April 7,1892, the King o f Belgium created, under
the Department of Agriculture, Industry, and Public Works, a superior
council o f labor, to consist of 16 representatives o f the employers of
labor, 16 representatives o f the laborers themselves, and 16 members
selected on account o f their special familiarity with industrial and
social questions, or 48 members in all. The duties of this council were
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
305
specified to be: To give advice on all propositions relative to labor
legislation; to investigate and report upon questions concerning labor
conditions, such as apprenticeship, industrial education, factory rules,
hygiene, and security o f workingmen in factories and workshops; the
organization of insurance against accidents; or, in a word, all matters
concerning the relations between labor and capital, and, finally, to
report upon the best means for the organization of a statistical service
for the methodical collection of information concerning labor.
In pursuance o f these instructions the council up to the present time
has issued five reports, as enumerated above.
The first o f these represents an investigation concerning the modifi
cations that should be introduced in articles 4, 6, and 7 o f the law of
December 13, 1889, regulating the hours of labor and conditions of
employment o f men, women, and children in industrial establishments.
The councils o f industry and labor, created by the law o f August 16,
1887, in all of the more important industrial centers of Belgium, were
first called upon for a report on this question; and on the basis o f the
information thus obtained the superior council o f labor prepared vari
ous propositions embodying the recommendations upon which its mem
bers were agreed. The reports of the different councils o f industry
and labor and the report o f the deliberations and recommendations of
the superior council make up the contents o f the volume. No attempt
is made to present the information gathered in a statistical form.
The second report presents a discussion had by the superior council
o f labor concerning a proposition making it obligatory upon the Gov
ernment to insert in all contracts for public works a provision requiring
the contractors to pay to their employees wages not inferior to a mini
mum amount as determined by the Government; in other words, to fix a
minimum wage for all workingmen engaged on work for the Government.
This proposition was finally rejected, expression being given at the
same time to the opinion that the Government ought to encourage the
payment of just wages. The fixing o f minimum wages was declared
to be the province o f labor organizations, and it was highly desirable
that labor should be better organized and therefore in a position to
look after its own rights without the intervention o f the State.
The third report relates to a consideration of the regulation of the
employment o f children in brick and tile works.
In the fourth report is given the results of an investigation o f the
question as to how far the State ought to intervene in the way o f regu
lating the character o f shop rules, the imposition o f fines for their
infraction, etc. A schedule o f inquiries covering this subject was first
addressed to all the councils of industry and labor, the answers to
which served as a basis for the discussions by the council. The council
incorporated their conclusions in the proposed law, the nature o f which
was to designate the points that ought to be covered by a set o f shop
rules, to provide means for their publicity, methods o f enforcement, etc.
The fifth report of the council is devoted to a consideration o f the
306
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
proper means of establishing in Belgium a service for the collection o f
statistics o f labor. There is first given a reprint o f a paper by Mr.
Hector Denis, professor at the University o f Brussels, on the organiza
tion of labor statistics. This is followed by special reports on the col
lection o f labor statistics in the United States, in England, in Germany,
Switzerland, France, and Italy. The report o f the deliberations o f the
council follows, with the recommendation for the creation o f a special
statistical bureau for the collection o f labor statistics.
Hygidne et Securite des Travailleurs dans les Ateliers Industriels: Legis
lation Fran$aise et S tra n g le. Office du Travail, Ministfere du
Commerce, de PIndustrie, des Postes et des T616graphes. C. Moron,
Directeur de FOffice du Travail. 659 pp.
In this work the French labor bureau has made the effort to present
a compendium o f the laws and decrees o f France and other countries,
including the United States, which relate to the hygiene, security, and
general conditions o f labor o f workingmen in industrial establishments.
There is not included, however, such special legislation as relates to
the conduct o f particularly dangerous industries, as, for instance, those
requiring the use o f poisons, as lead, copper, sulphur, and phosphorous
compounds, the regulation o f steam engines, or the regulation o f min
ing, transportation, the manufacture o f explosives, etc. Legislation
concerning these subjects will form the subject-matter for a subsequent
report.
The present work consists o f two distinct parts. In the first part
is given an analysis and general study o f the legislation o f each coun
try relating to the conditions under which industry must be carried
on in order to show the successive stages through which this legisla
tion has passed. Here the legislation o f each country is treated under
the following heads:
1. General sanitary regulations.
2. The regulation o f dangerous and unhealthy industries, or those
constituting a nuisance.
3. The employment o f women and children.
4. The employment o f adults.
5. The sanitation and security o f workshops.
6. The responsibility o f employers for accidents to their employees;
insurance of workingmen against accidents.
7. The application o f labor laws; their enforcement; inspection
services; penalties.
In the second part there is reproduced in chronological order accord
ing to the date o f their enactment, either in extenso or in summary
form, the texts of laws and decrees o f each country separately, relat
ing to the matters analyzed in the preceding part. In the case o f the
United States, however, an exception is made. Instead o f reproducing
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
307
the laws, reference is made to the compilation o f labor laws issued by
the United States Department of Labor, and two tables are introduced
showing the regulations of each State concerning the employment of
women and children, the inspection o f factories, etc.
In general, all laws enacted prior to January 1,1895, are included.
Two detailed indexes are provided. The first, or analytical index, fur
nishes a list o f the laws and decrees o f each country according to the
methodical order adopted in the analysis, with reference to the pages
where they are analyzed. The second, or chronological index, gives a
list o f the laws and decrees o f each country according to the order of
the date o f their enactment, with reference to the pages where they are
reproduced.
The bureau announces its intention to continue the work here begun
by the publication o f periodical bulletins reproducing new legislation
as it is enacted.
Les Syndicate Ouvriers aux Ifitats- Unis. Par M. Isidore Finance. Ex
trait du Rapport des Del6gu6s Ouvriers, Exposition Internationale
de Chicago, 1893. Ministere du Commerce, de l’Industrie, des Postes
et des T616graphes. 214 pp.
This volume is a portion o f the official report of a delegation o f
workingmen who visited America on the occasion o f the W orld’s Fair
at Chicago in 1893, under the auspices o f the French Government, to
study the conditions of labor in the United States. It is devoted
entirely to a history and description o f those labor organizations in the
United States which are o f a national character. Two brief chapters
are given, the one concerning the general history of the attempts of
workingmen to form organizations, and the other on the general labor
legislation o f the United States, especially as it relates to the right o f
association. Each individual national labor organization is then taken
up in turn in a separate chapter, and an account given o f its organization,
its principles, the dates and places of its annual conventions, and other
important facts in its history. The histories o f 57 organizations, com
mencing with those o f the Knights o f Labor and o f the American
Federation of Labor, are given in this way. Two concluding chapters
give a description o f the principles and work o f building trades’ coun
cils, a sample workingman’s budget (that o f an employee o f the build
ing trades o f New York City earning $3.50 per day), and brief com
ments on some general features of the condition o f organized labor inthe United States.
The work appears to be based on original sources. It should be said
that M. Finance, the author, is the chief of the division in the Office du
Travail which relates particularly to labor legislation and labor organ
izations.
308
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Jfitude sur les Berniers Besultats des Assurances Sociales en Allemagne
et en Autriche: 1®Partie, Accidents, 1894. 2®Partie, Maladie, Invali
dity et Vieillesse, 1895. Office dn Travail, Ministere du Commerce,
de PIndustrie, des Postes et des T616graphes. C. Moron, Directeur
de POffice du Travail. 180, 229 pp.
The French labor bureau from the moment o f its creation has fol
lowed closely the results o f the operation o f the laws o f Germany
and Austria providing for the compulsory insurance o f workingmen
against accidents, sickness, and old age and invalidity. The present
volume is but the last o f a series o f special reports showing the results
o f the operation o f the systems o f insurance in these two countries.
The prior volumes o f this series are:
1. Statistique des Accidents du Travail, d’apr&s les rapports officiels
sur Passurance obligatoire en Allemagne et en Autriche, 1892. 124 pp.
2. Besultats Financiers de PAssurance Obligatoire contre les A cci
dents du Travail en Allemagne et en Autriche, 1892. 110 pp.
3. Besultats Statistiques de PAssurance Obligatoire contre la Maladie
en Allemagne, 1893. 134 pp.
4. Besultats Statistiques de PAssurance Obligatoire contre la Maladie
en Autriche, 1893. 147 pp.
These reports are* not special studies, but are rather the summaries
and analyses o f the provisions o f the laws relating to the insurance of
workingmen, and the methodical presentation o f the results o f the sys
tems as given in the annual official reports o f the central insurance
bureau o f each country.(a)
The object o f this report is to continue the work thus begun, and to
present the results obtained since the last year comprehended in the
prior reports. In the entire series there is, therefore, given not only
an analysis o f the various laws of Germany and Austria providing for
the compulsory insurance o f workingmen, but statistics o f their opera
tions since the inauguration o f the system down to the latest date for
which official data were obtainable.
Gongrhs International des Accidents du Travail et des Assurances Sociales.
1. Comptes-Bendus et Bapports du l er Congres & Paris, 1889, 2 vols.
2. Comptes-Bendus et Bapports du 2® Congr&s & Berne, 1891,1 vol.
3. Comptes-Bendus et Bapports du 3® Congrfcs &Milan, 1894, 2 vols.
4. Bulletin du Comit6 Permanent, 1890-1895,6 vols. E. Gruner, Sec
retaire General.
A number o f special congresses in relation to social questions were
organized in connection with the International Exposition o f Paris in
aAm tliche Nachrichten des Reichsversicherungsamts, Berlin.
Die Gebarung und die Ergebnisse der Arbeiter-Unfallversicherungsanstalten,
W ien.
Die Gebarung und die Ergebnisse der Krankheitsstatistik der Krankenkassen,
W ien.
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
309
1889. O f these that in relation to accidents to labor and social insur
ance has been productive of by far the most important results. Two
succeeding congresses have been held, the one at Berne in 1891, and
the other at Milan in 1894. In addition to the published reports o f
these meetings, the permanent committee o f the congress has published
a quarterly bulletin since 1890. In these eleven volumes, representing
the work o f the congress up to the present time, is presented the most
valuable body o f literature relating to the question o f accidents to
labor and the insurance of workingmen against sickness, accidents,
and old age that exists in any language.
Bulletin de la Societe Frangaise des Habitations a Bon MarcM. M.
Fleury-Ravarin, Secretaire General. 1890-1895, 6 vols.
The Societe Frangaise des Habitations & Bon Marche was founded at
Paris December 17,1889, as the direct result o f the Congres Interna
tional des Habitations a Bon Marche held in connection with the Inter
national Exposition o f Paris of that year. Its object is to encourage the
construction by individuals, manufacturers, or local societies, o f sanitary
and cheap houses for workingmen, or the improvement o f existing
houses. It seeks especially to diffuse information concerning the best
means for enabling workingmen to become the owners of their own
homes.
To do this its mode of action is to place at the disposition of indi
viduals or societies, plans, models o f constitutions, forms o f official
papers, contracts o f loan, sale, etc., and to act as a technical consulting
commission whose advice, when sought, will be given gratuitously con
cerning any plans for the organization o f societies or for the pro
vision of workingmen’s houses. A ll direct work by it in the way of
making loans, the purchase o f ground, or the erection o f houses is
formally prohibited by its constitution.
Its most important work is, therefore, the publication of a bulletin
which has appeared regularly four times a year since 1890. The greater
portion of the contents o f this bulletin is given up to detailed descrip
tions o f the operations o f societies or individuals for the provision of
workingmen’s houses. These accounts embrace not only a general
description o f the extent o f the work, but statements in detail o f the
cost of erection o f the buildings, accompanied by elaborate architec
tural plans, copies o f the constitutions o f the societies, or the condi
tions under which they are occupied or can be acquired, and analyses
o f the financial results obtained. In this way the society not only pre
sents information concerning what has been accomplished in the past,
but reproduces plans, models o f constitutions, etc., which may serve as
an encouragement and guide to others wishing to undertake operations
in the same field.
310
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Bulletin de la Participation am BenSfices. Public pa" la Soci6t6 pour
PlStude Pratique de la Participation du Personnel dans les B6n6fices.
17® Ann6e, 1895.
The society for the practical study o f profit sharing was organized in
1879, with the sole purpose, as indicated by its constitution, to dissem
inate information concerning all efforts for the practical application
o f profit sharing to industrial enterprises. As its principal means of
action it has regularly published since its creation a bulletin, appear
ing four times a year, in which, in addition to other matter, it notices
all additions to its technical library o f works relating to profit sharing,
and gives accounts o f the operations of industrial concerns in which
profit sharing is practiced.
Bulletin de VInstitut International de Statistique. Tome T ill, l r®Livraison. Luigi Bodio, Secretaire General, cxvii, 343 pp.
This first part o f Volume T i l l o f the publications o f the Interna
tional Statistical Institute is entirely devoted to a report o f the pro
ceedings, including the reproduction o f the papers read, of the fourth
session o f the International Statistical Institute, held at Chicago, Sep
tember 11-15,1893. The list o f papers or memoirs here presented is as
follows:
1. Comparability o f trade statistics of various countries, by A . E.
Bateman.
2. Bapport fait au nom du comity pour la statistique de la naviga
tion maritime [Report o f the committee on statistics o f maritime navi
gation], by A . N. Kiaer.
3. Results o f recent investigations on prices in the United States,
by Prof. F. W . Taussig.
4. The character and volume o f the money o f the United States,
1878-1893, by Maurice L. Muhleman.
5. Currency reform in Austria-Hungary, by Dr. Julius Mandello.
6. The national bank currency, by Charles A . Conaut.
7. Rapport fait au nom du comity des prix [Report o f the committee
on prices], by John B. Martin and R. H. Inglis Palgrave.
8. Rapport fait au nom du comity de la propri6t6 fonciere [Report o f
the committee on real estate], by P. G. Craigie.
9. Contribution statistique A la comparaison entre les transports par
la navigation int^rieure et par les chemins de fer [A contribution con
cerning the comparative statistics o f transportation by internal water
ways and railroads], by E. Cheysson.
10. Some recent results in railway statistics in the United States, by
Henry C. Adams.
11. Geographical concentration, an historic feature o f American agri
culture, by John Hyde.
12. Railway statistics as applicable to earnings o f passenger trains
with a view o f determining approximate revenue and deciding as to
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
311
number and time o f trains to be run for the accommodation o f the
public, by M. Riebenack.
13. Railway freight traffic statistics, by 0. P. Leland.
14. The course o f wages in the United States since 1840, by Carroll
D. W right.
15. Bericht liber die Fortschritte der Statistik in Oesterreich seit
1891 [Report on the progress o f statistics in Austria since 1891], by
Dr. Franz yon Juraschek.
16. Ueber die Berechnung eines internationalen Sterblichkeitsmasses
(Mortalitats-Index) [Concerning the calculation of an international
death rate (index o f mortality)], by Joseph Korosi.
17. Die international Classificierung der Berufsarten [An interna
tional classification o f occupations], by Joseph Korosi.
18. Liste des diagrammes et cartogrammes sur la femme en France,
exposes k Chicago dans le “ Woman Building,1” k la “ W orld Fair”
[List o f diagrams and charts relating to woman in France, exhibited
at Chicago in the Women’s Building o f the W orld’s Fair], by Victor
Turquan.
19. Census classifications o f occupations in the United States, by
Davis R. Dewey.
20. Statistical data for the study o f the assimilation o f races and
nationalities in the United States, by Richmond Mayo-Smith.
21. The geographical distribution o f the population o f the United
States, by Henry Gannett.
22. The condition and mode o f statistics o f marriage and divorce, by
Samuel W . Dike.
23. Nomenclature des professions: Rapport sur les observations faites
par difffirents directeurs de services statistiques, A propos du projet de
nomenclature des professions pr£sent6 k leur examen par l’Institut
International de Statistique (session de Vienne, 1891) [Nomenclature
o f occupations: Report on the observations made by different directors
o f statistical bureaus in regard to the proposition for a nomenclature
o f occupations presented to them for examination by the International
Statistical Institute, Vienna meeting, 1891], by Dr. Jacques Bertillon.
24. Projet de nomenclature des professions [Proposed nomenclature
o f occupations], by Dr. Jacques Bertillon.
25. A preliminary report on anthropometry in the United States, by
Edward Mussey Hartwell.
26. Remarks on the theory o f anthropometry, by Franz Boas.
27. On the application to individual school children o f the means
derived from anthropological measurements by the generalizing method,
by W . Townsend Porter.
28. Anthropometric statistics o f Amherst College, by Edward Hitch
cock.
29. An anthropometrical study of the effects o f gymnastic training
on American women, by Claes J. Enebuske.
312
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
30. Sur une statistique internationale du recensement de la popula
tion [Concerning an international census o f population], by Dr. Jacques
Bertillon.
31. Trois projets de nomenclature des maladies (causes de dechs,
causes d’ incapacity de travail) [Three propositions for a nomenclature
of diseases (causes o f death, causes o f incapacity to labor)], by Dr.
Jacques Bertillon.
32. De la methode A suivre pour dresser une statistique scientifique
de la r^cidive [Concerning the proper mode o f compiling scientific sta
tistics o f relapsed criminals], by L. Bodio.
Bulletin de Vlnstitut International de Statistique. Tome IX , l re Livraison. Luigi Bodio, Secretaire General, viii, 124,54,125-151 pp.
This bulletin contains the following contributions:
1. Die Lebenskosten belgischer Arbeiter-Familien friiher und jetzt:
Ermittelt aus Familien-Haushaltrechnungen und vergleichend zusammengestellt [The cost o f living o f Belgian workingmen’s families in
former times and at the present day: Based on accounts o f household
expenses kept by workingmen’s families, with similar budgets com
bined], by Dr. Ernst Engel.
2. Bulletin bibliographique—Annonces des pubblications statistiques
[List o f publications relating to statistics].
3. Necrologies—Friedrich von Hardeck, Henry Heylyn Hayter.
The contribution o f Dr. Engel constitutes the introductory chapter
o f a proposed comprehensive study o f the cost of living of workingmen
in each of the principal countries o f Europe and in the United States.
The part here published contains, therefore, not only a very detailed
consideration and analysis of the question in Belgium but a valuable
introduction giving a general statement o f the methods pursued and of
the history and literature o f all previous attempts to collect and present
information concerning the cost o f living o f workingmen’s families.
Album de Statistique Graphique de 1894. Ministfere des Travaux Pub
lics. xv pp., 21 charts.
This is, the fifteenth issue o f an annual album published since 1879
by the minister o f public works, showing by means o f graphic charts
the equipment and operation of railways, the amount and nature o f
internal water commerce and o f maritime commerce, and the operations
o f the postal and telegraph services.
DECISIONS OF COVETS AFFECTING LABOE.
[This subject, begun in Bulletin No. 2, will be continued in successive issues, deal
ing with the decisions as they occur. All material parts of the decisions are repro
duced in the words of the courts, indicated, when short, by quotation marks, and
when long, by being printed solid. In order to save space immaterial matter, needed
simply by way o f explanation, is given in the words of the editorial reviser.]
DECISIONS UNDER STATUTORY LAW .
C o n s t i t u t i o n a l i t y o f M e c h a n i c ’ s L i e n L a w .— The constitu
tionality o f the mechanic’s lien law of Indiana was called in question,
and its validity was sustained by the supreme court o f the State,
November 19, 1895, in the case of Smith et al. v. Newbauer et al.,
reported in volume 42 o f the Northeastern Reporter, page 40.
An action was brought by John A. Newbauer and others against
Henry B. Smith and others for the foreclosure of a mechanic’s lien.
From a judgment in favor o f the plaintiffs by the circuit court of
Blackford County, the defendants appealed to the supreme court, bas
ing the appeal on the ground, among others, that the circuit court erred
in overruling their demurrer to the complaint. In passing upon the
validity o f the statute Chief Justice Howard, delivering the opinion of
the court, said:
In support of the demurrer to the complaint it is first contended that
the mechanic’s lien law o f this State is invalid, as repugnant to section 1 ,
article 14, o f the Constitution o f the U nited States, which provides that
no State shall deprive any person o f life, liberty, or property without due
process of law. This contention is based upon the provisions of section
3 o f the mechanic’s lien law (sec. 7257, Rev. Stat., 1894: sec. 1690,
Elliott’s Supp.), which provides that any person wishing" to acquire
such a lien upon any property shall file in the recorder’s office, “ at any
time within sixty days after performing such labor or furnishing such
materials,” notice of his intention to hold such lien. This notice—the
only one provided for in the statute—is insufficient, say counsel, to
secure that due process o f law referred to by the Federal Constitution
before the fixing of a lien upon the citizen’s property. Under the law
as enacted, counsel contend, anyone may perform labor or furnish
material in the construction o f a building for a landowner, without
such owner’s knowledge or consent, and then secure a lien upon the
land and building by notice filed after the work is done or materials
furnished. It is said that the property owner should have notice at or
before the doing of the work or the supplying of the materials, so that
he may, if he wishes, prevent the doing o f such work or the furnishing
o f such materials, and so keep his property free o f the lien.
313
1884—No. 3----- 7
314
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
It has often been held that every statute under which a contract is
made enters into and forms a part o f such contract. The appellants,
in the contract for the erection o f the dwelling house upon their prop
erty, are therefore chargeable with knowledge of, and are bound by, all
the provisions o f our mechanic’s lien law then in force. By the terms
o f the agreement entered into, the contractors were to furnish all mate
rials necessary for the construction o f the building. This was notice
that such materials were to be furnished; and the law under which the
contract was made was further notice that the building and ground
upon which it was to be erected would be liable to a lien for the value
o f the materials so furnished. The only uncertainty left was whether
those who should furnish the material would claim the lien therefor.
That uncertainty is provided for in the statute, which requires that the
notice o f intention to hold the lien be filed in the recorder’s office within
sixty days. The owner has, consequently, ample means o f protection,
and is not liable to a lien without notice, nor to have his property taken
without due process o f law.
It is intimated that the law hampers the freedom o f action o f the
property owner; that he may desire to pay the contractor in advance,
or to pay him by an exchange o f other property for the erection or
the buildings; and that it may be an inconvenience, or induce the con
tractor to bid higher for the work, if paynient is to be delayed for
sixty days after the work is done. These, however, are considerations
that should be addressed to the legislature and not to the courts.
Besides, it is to be remembered that without the right to a lien on the
property laborers and material men would in many cases have no
security for their toil or the materials furnished by them. The laborer
is worthy o f his hire, and the seller o f goods ought to be paid for them.
A s the law stands, all parties are secured in their rights. The owner, by
seeing that laborers and material men are paid, or by keeping back for
sixty days from the contractor sufficient to make such payment, is in no
danger o f having to pay twice for his building; while at the same time
the man whose labor or materials have gone into the building can look
to the building itself, and to the ground upon which it stands, for his
security. The property owner enjoys the benefit o f this work and o f
this material, and it is but just that he should be charged for at least
sixty days, with the responsibility o f seeing that they are paid for.
C o n s t it u t io n a l it y
of
P roposed
L a w R e g u l a t in g
the
P
ay
—By resolution o f the house o f representatives o f
the legislature (general court) o f Massachusetts, the supreme judicial
court o f that State was required to give its opinion upon the following
important question o f law: u Is it within the constitutional power o f
the legislature to extend the application o f the present law, relative to
the weekly payment o f wages by corporations, to private individuals
and partnerships, as provided in the bill entitled ‘ An act relative to
the weekly payment o f wages,’ now pending before the general court?”
The opinion o f the court, given in reply to the above question, on
May 6,1895, was to the effect that under part 2, chapter 1, section 1 ,
article 4, o f the State constitution, which provides that full power and
authority shall be given to the general court to make and ordain all
ment
of
W
ages.
DECISIONS OP COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
315
manner o f wholesome and reasonable laws, so as the same be not repug
nant or contrary to the constitution, as they shall judge to be for the
good o f the Commonwealth, the legislature has power to extend the
application o f the present law, relative to the weekly payment o f wages
by corporations, to individuals and partnerships, and that such legisla
tion is not in conflict with the declaration o f rights (articles 1 , 12) nor
with the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United
States.
In the course o f the opinion, which is reported in full in volume 40 of
the Northeastern Reporter, page 713, the court said:
Your question implies that in your opinion the present law relating
to the weekly payment of wages by certain corporations to their em
ployees is constitutional, and your inquiry is whether it is within the
constitutional power o f the legislature to extend the law to private
individuals and to partnerships.
W e are not informed of the nature of the doubts which your request
implies. It is well known that in some o f the States o f this country
legislation similar to that proposed has been held unconstitutional by
the courts, sometimes on the ground that it is partial in its character, but
more frequently on the ground that it interferes with what is called the
liberty o f contract, which, it is said, either as a privilege or as property,
is secured to the inhabitants o f a State by its constitution, or by the
Constitution o f the United States.
The legislative power granted to the general court by the constitu
tion o f Massachusetts is perhaps more comprehensive than that found
in the constitutions o f some o f the other States. The constitution o f
Massachusetts (part 2, chap. 1, sec. 1, art. 4) provides as follows: “ And
further, full power and authority are hereby given and granted to the
said general court, from time to time, to make, ordain, and establish all
manner of wholesome and reasonable orders, laws, statutes, and ordi
nances, directions and instructions, either with penalties or without,
so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to this constitution, as they
shall judge to be for the good and welfare o f this Commonwealth, and
for the government and ordering thereof, and of the subjects o f the
same, and for the necessary support and defense o f the government
thereof,” etc. There is not in the constitution o f Massachusetts any
thing which in terms relates to the freedom or liberty o f contract, as
there is concerning the liberty of the press. The constitution declares
that “ all men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essen
tial, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right
o f enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that o f acquiring,
possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtain
ing their safety and happiness;” and it is also declared that “ no sub
ject shall be arrested, imprisoned, despoiled, or deprived o f his property,
immunities, or privileges, put out o f the protection o f the law, exiled,
or deprived of his life, liberty, or estate, but by the judgment o f his
peers, or the law o f the land.” (Declaration o f Rights, articles 1 , 12.)
This last declaration was taken from Magna Charta, and in substance
it has been incorporated in the fourteenth amendment o f the Constitu
tion o f the United States, in form as follows: “ No State shall make or
enforce any laws which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of
citizens o f the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person
o f life, liberty, or property, without due process o f law, nor deny to
any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection o f the laws.”
316
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
There has never been at any time in Massachusetts an absolute right
in its inhabitants to make all such contracts as they pleased. Some
contracts have always been held void at common law, and some con
tracts valid at common law have been declared void by statute. Our
statute o f frauds prevents the enforcement in the courts o f many kinds
o f contracts, unless they are shown by a writing, and prohibits the
making o f certain contracts, and this statute was passed for the pro
tection o f persons against fraud and perjury. Seamen have sometimes
been regarded as a class o f persons who could not be trusted to make
their own contracts without supervision, and statutes have been passed
making regulations concerning their wages and shipping contracts.
(Eev. Stat. U. S., tit. 53.) Wages to a certain amount due for personal
labor and services have been exempt from attachment, probably on the
ground that it was thought that workmen generally need their wages
for their support. Usury laws furnish perhaps the best known illus
tration o f the regulation by statute o f the price to be paid for the use
o f a commodity, but the validity o f these laws usually has been regarded
as an exception to the general rule. Rev. Stat. Mass., tit. 12, entitled
“ O f the regulation o f trade in certain cases,” show various forms o f
interference by the legislature with what may be called the freedom of
trade or o f contracts concerning the sale o f commodities. The regula
tion o f the subject o f fire insurance, and the prohibition o f the sale o f
oleomargarine made in imitation o f yellow butter, and the requirement
that an agreement to make a will must be in writing, are some o f the
most recent instances in Massachusetts o f the prohibition or regulation
o f contracts by statute. The constitutionality o f much o f this legisla
tion has never been questioned, and, when questioned, it generally has
been sustained.
In Frisbie v. United States, 15 U. S. Supreme Court, 586, that court
says: “ While it may be conceded that, generally speaking, among the
inalienable rights o f the citizen, is that o f the liberty o f contract, yet
such liberty is not absolute and universal. It is within the undoubted
power o f the Government to restrain some individuals from all' contracts,
as weli as all individuals from some contracts. It may deny to all the
right to contract for the purchase or sale of lottery tickets; to the
minor the right to assume any obligations, except for the necessaries
o f existence; to the common carrier the power to make any contract
releasing himselffrom negligence; and, indeed, may restrain all engaged
in any employment from any contract in the course o f that employment
which is against public policy. The possession o f this power by Gov
ernment in no manner conflicts with the proposition that, generally
speaking, every citizen has a right freely to contract for the price o f
his labor, services, or property.”
The decisions or various courts o f this country upon the authority
o f the legislature o f a State to prescribe rates for transportation by
railroad companies, and in some instances for the use o f elevators, have
proceeded on the ground that these were public employments; and it
is implied in all or nearly all o f these decisions that the legislature
could not constitutionally prescribe the rates o f compensation to be
paid for services or for the use o f property in exclusively private
employments. It is manifest, however, from the examples we have
given that the regulation o f contracts by statute, not amounting to a
determination of rates or prices, has not been confined to public employ
ments, or to business which may be said to be affected with a distinct
public interest. The legislation on this subject, relates to a great variety
o f contracts, and has been passed, some o f it to promote the public
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
317
health or public morals or the public convenience, some o f it for the
protection o f individuals against fraud, and some o f it for the protec
tion o f classes o f individuals against unfair or unconscionable dealing.
The considerations which may influence the legislature to determine
what legislation o f this character is required by good public policy, or
in the words o f the constitution, what laws are “ for the good and wel
fare of this Commonwealth, and for the government and ordering
thereof, and o f the subjects o f the same/’ are not for us to weigh, except
so far as may be necessary to determine whether the legislation pro
posed is repugnant or contrary to the constitution. The legislation on
similar subjects in Great Britain and in other foreign countries which
have no written constitution limiting the powers o f the legislature is
not in all respects pertinent to the present inquiry; but, considering
the history o f legislation in England concerning servants or laborers
from the earliest times, and the statutes which in modern times have
been passed in several foreign countries and many of the States o f this
country regulating the employment of laborers in factories, we can not
say, as matter o f law, that the legislation proposed is so plainly not
wholesome or reasonable that the general court may not judge it to be
for the good and welfare o f the Commonwealth. W e know o f no rea
son derived from the constitution of the Commonwealth or o f the United
States why there must be a distinction made in respect to such legis
lation between corporations and persons engaged in manufacturing,
when both do the same kind o f business. The existing statutes on the
subject, relating to manufacturing corporations, We do not regard as
having been passed necessarily in amendment o f their charters. They
relate to all the corporations described, whether there is any power
reserved in the legislature to amend their charters or not, and they do
not purport to have been passed for the purpose o f restricting the cor
porate powers o f the corporations.
W ithout attempting to define the limits of the power o f the general
court in Massachusetts to control the right o f its inhabitants to make
contracts generally, we can not say that a statute requiring manufac
turers to pay the wages o f their employees weekly is not one which the
general court has the constitutional power to pass, if it deems it expedi
ent to do so. W e have not examined in detail the provisions of the bill
referred to, nor considered whether the bill may not need amendment to
make its meaning clear; but the question submitted, we think, should
be answered in the affirmative.
U n l a w f u l P a y m e n t o f W a g e s .— The Cumberland Glass Manu
facturing Company and John F. Perry were convicted before the court
o f quarter sessions, Cumberland County, N. J., o f unlawful payments
to employees, in violation o f the first section o f an act approved March
12,1880, entitled “ An act to secure to workmen the payment o f wages
in lawful money.” (Supplement to the Bevision o f the Statutes o f New
Jersey, p. 771.)
The case was carried before the supreme court of the State, which
decided, on November 7, 1895, that if a workman agrees with his
employer to take pay for his work in part in merchandise, the merchan
dise so furnished does not constitute a ground o f set-off; it is a pay
ment, and goes in diminution of the claim for work; also, that such a
318
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
bargain is in violation o f the first section o f the act above referred to.
The court, however, retained the case for fixture consideration as to the
power o f the legislature to prevent a workman from contracting as to
the character o f the compensation to be given him for his work.
The decision o f the supreme court, delivered by Chief Justice Beas
ley, as published in volume 33 o f the Atlantic Reporter, page 210, is as
follows:
The defendants were convicted before the Cumberland quarter ses
sions upon an indictment charging them with being engaged in the
manufacture o f glass, and with unlawfully paying to one John M. Quigg,
a workman in the employ of the corporate defendant, the sum o f $81.71
in store goods and merchandise, as and for the wages earned by him
while in the employ of said corporation. A t the trial it was shown
that the workman above named, at the time of his engagement, entered
into the following agreement, to w it: “ Bridgeton, N. J., July 28,1890.
In consideration o f the Cumberland Glass Manufacturing Company
furnishing me with groceries, merchandise, and money, I hereby agree
to work for them at glass blowing for the blast o f 1890 and 1891; and,
should I fail to do so, I hereby waive any plea in defense o f my obtain
ing goods and money under false pretenses.” The work in question
was done and the goods furnished under that contract.
The act alleged to have been violated was the statute entitled “ A n
act to secure to workmen the payment o f wages in lawful money,” passed
in 1880. The first section o f this law makes it unlawful “ for any glass
manufacturer, iron master, foundry man, collier, factory man, employer,
cranberry grower, or his agent or company, their agents or clerks, to
pay the wages o f workmen or employees by them employed in either
store goods, merchandise, printed, written, verbal orders or due bills of
any kind.” By the fourth section it is provided as follows, v iz: “ That
any glass manufacturer, iron master, foundry man, collier, factory man,
employer or company offending against the provisions o f this act, the
same shall be a misdemeanor, and punishable by a fine o f not less than
ten dollars, or more than one hundred dollars for each and every offense,
or imprisonment not to exceed the term o f thirty days, at the discretion
o f the court; but nothing in this act shall apply to or affect any private
individual giving orders as aforesaid on a store in the business or profits
whereof he has no interest, directly or indirectly, or to the offset o f any
debt due from such workman to any glass manufacturer, iron master,
foundry man, collier, factory man, employer or company where the said
debt is voluntarily contracted by the employee or to the payment o f
any debt due from such workman to any glass manufacturer, iron master,
foundry man, collier, factory man, employer, or company.”
By an act approved March 13,1888 (P. L., p. 174), the fourth section
o f the original was amended so as to eliminate from it the proviso or
restrictive clause just recited; and it was the validity o f this supple
ment that forms the topic o f the discussion in the briefs o f counsel.
This argument proceeded on the assumption that the primary act con
ferred upon the defendants the right to set off merchandise that it had
furnished to the employee, and that, if that provision was in force, the
defendants were guiltless. But the court is o f the opinion that this
discussion is irrelevant to the case before us. A s has appeared, the
exceptive clause in section 4 o f the original act relates to set-offs or
debts due from the employee to the employer. In the present instance
the merchandise furnished did not constitute offsets or debts. By force
DECISIONS OP COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
319
o f the contract between the parties, they were payments, pure and
simple. The legal doctrine on this subject is entirely clear. A set-off
is a counter demand growing out o f an independent transaction for
which an action may be maintained by the defendant against the
plaintiff. As, therefore, the defense in this case could not be success
fully rested oh the last clause o f section 4 of the original act, it becomes
o f no importance for present purposes whether that clause has been
repealed or not. It would be a pure waste o f time for the court to supererogate on that subject.
Before closing this branch o f the case it is proper to say that we
have found no ground on which the conviction o f the defendant Berry
can be rested. This man’s only connection with the transaction is that
he was the bookkeeper and a stockholder o f the glass company. On
account o f such relationship he is not responsible for the violation o f
the act by the company. It is section 4 that denounces the punish
ment, and, by its express terms, it is the act of the employer himself,
and not the act o f his agent, that is made the punishable misdemeanor.
W ith respect to this party the judgment must be reversed.
These results dispose of the case so far as it is exhibited in the briefs
o f counsel; but there is another problem that must be resolved before
the court can finally decide upon the alleged criminality o f the defend
ant. That question is whether the legislature, in enacting the law of
1888, did not exceed its authority. It is obvious that the general effect
o f this statute is to prevent a workman who is entirely sui juris from
stipulating as to the character o f the compensation to be given him for
his work. The inquiry thus arising is one o f great importance, touch
ing, as it does, one o f the essential rights o f the citizen and the extent
o f the legislative authority, and therefore should not be settled except
upon the fullest consideration. The result is that the case will be
retained, so that counsel can send in briefs on the point thus reserved.
E m p l o y e r s ’ L i a b i l i t y — R a i l r o a d C o m p a n i e s .— In an action by
Charles Mitchell against the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to
recover damages for injuries received while in the performance o f his
duty as an employee o f said company, through the negligenceof fellowservants, the United States circuit court, district of Minnesota, fifth
division, decided on October 31,1895, that under section 1 , chapter 13,
o f the laws o f 1887 o f Minnesota, Mitchell was entitled to recover
damages.
The opinion o f the court, delivered by Judge Nelson, as published in
volume 70 o f the Federal Reporter, page 15, is as follows:
By consent o f parties, this case was submitted to a referee to report
findings o f fact and conclusions o f law; and, upon confirmation thereof
by the court, judgment to be entered accordingly. The referee reported
in substance that plaintiff, on the 25th day o f February, 1893, was
employed as a car cleaner for defendant at Staples, Minn., and while so
engaged inside a passenger coach on a side track, another coach was
kicked in against it at a dangerous and unusual rate o f speed by a
switching crew, consisting o f a locomotive engineer, fireman, foreman,
and helpers; that, by reason thereof, plaintiff was injured, without neg
ligence on his part; and damages were awarded him in the sum of
$1,500.
320
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Exceptions were filed to the report by defendant’s counsel, and, upon
due consideration o f the case, I am o f opinion that there is sufficient
evidence to warrant the findings of fact and conclusions o f law arrived
at by the referee, and the amount awarded is not excessive. The report
o f the referee is therefore confirmed, and judgment will be entered
accordingly.
The general rule, in the absence o f a controlling statute, is that an
employee, in the performance of certain specified duties, assumes all
the natural and ordinary risks and hazards incident thereto, and those
arising from the negligence or carelessness o f his fellow-servants are
no exception. Mitchell and those composing the switching crew were
fellow-servants, and defendant would not be liable unless plaintiff
comes within the provisions of the statute of Minnesota, modifying the
common-law rule, which reads as follows: “ Every railroad corporation
owning or operating a railroad in this State shall be liable for all dam
ages sustained by any agent or servant thereof, by reason o f the negli
gence o f any other agent or servant thereof, without contributory
negligence on his part, when sustained within this State.”
This statute has been construed to apply, not to all railroad employees,
but only to those exposed to and injured by the dangers peculiar to the
use and operation o f railroads. (Pearson v. Railroad Company, 49
N. W ., 302 ; 47 Minn., 9, and cases cited.)
The question, then, is, Does the plaintiff come within this rule? It
has been held that a car repairer or section man injured by the act o f a
fellow-servant in carelessly and negligently running him down with
a car can recover for such injury, as being exposed to the hazards and
dangers incident to railroading; and I see no reason why this plaintiff,
under the circumstances, was not exposed in like manner. I hold that
the plaintiff is within the terms o f the Minnesota statute, and therefore
can recover in this action.
E m p l o y e r s ’ L i a b i l i t y — E a i l r o a d C o m p a n i e s .—Section 193, arti
cle 7, of the constitution o f Mississippi, which establishes the respon
sibility of railroad corporations for injuries o f employees, provides that
“ knowledge, by any employee injured, o f the defective or unsafe char
acter or condition o f any machinery, ways, or appliances shall be no
defense to an action for injury caused thereby, except as to conductors
or engineers in charge o f dangerous or unsafe cars or engines volun
tarily operated by them.”
This constitutional provision was construed by the supreme court o f
Mississippi, in the case o f Buckner v. Richmond and Danville Railroad
Company et al., on May 27, 1895, and it was held as not precluding
such knowledge by an employee, as a fact controlling the degree o f
care to be exercised by him under the circumstances, from being admis
sible to show contributory negligence.
The decision in this case is reported in volume 18 o f the Southern
Reporter, page 449. In the opinion, delivered by Judge Campbell, the
following language is used in regard to the effect o f the provision
referred to:
The effect o f this is not to destroy the defense o f contributory negli
gence by a railroad company, but to merely abrogate the previously
DECISIONS OP COURTS AFFECTING- LABOR.
321
existing rule that knowledge by an employee of the defective or unsafe
character o f the machinery or appliances shall not, of itself, bar a
recovery. The law was that knowledge by an employee o f defective
appliances, which he voluntarily used, precluded his recovery for an
injury thus received. The constitution destroys that rule, and the mere
fact that the employee knew o f the defect is not a bar to a recovery 5
but knowledge by an employee o f defects is still an element or factor—
and a very important one—in determining whether, with the knowledge
he had, he used that degree o f caution required in his situation with
reference to the appliances causing his injury. The constitution did
not have the effect to free employees o f railroad companies from the
exercise o f ordinary caution and prudence. It does not license reck
lessness or carelessness by them, and give them a claim to compensa
tion for injuries thus suffered. They, like others not employees, must
not be guilty o f contributory negligence, if they would secure a right
o f action for injuries. The fact o f knowledge o f defects shall not, as
heretofore, be a defense, but the same rule that applies to others applies
to them. They must use the degree o f caution applicable to the situa
tion, for the absence o f this is negligence, and, if it contributed to the
injury, no recovery can be had by an employee, any more than by one
not an employee. It was not the purpose o f the makers o f the constitu
tion to place employees on a more favorable footing as to this than
others, but simply to free them from the bar before held to arise from
the fact o f knowledge o f defective conditions. It is not a defense, but
it is a fact or circumstance for consideration, among others, in order to
determine the presence or absence o f contributory negligence, which
is yet a defense, as it was before, but is not to be made out against an
employee by the mere fact o f his knowledge.
T h e F e l l o w -S e r v a n t A c t o f T e x a s .—Chapter 24 o f the acts o f
1891 of Texas, entitled “ Fellow-servants,” provided, in section 2, “ that
all persons who are engaged in the common service o f such railway
corporations and who, while so engaged, are working together at the
same time and place to a common purpose, o f same grade, neither o f
such persons being intrusted by such corporations, with any superin
tendence or control over their fellow-employees, are fellow-servants
with each other; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be so
construed as to make employees o f such corporation, in the service o f
such corporation, fellow-servants with other employees o f such corpora
tion, engaged in any other department or service o f such corporation.
Employees who do not come within the provisions o f this section shall
not be considered fellow-servants.”
The chapter above referred to was repealed by chapter 91 o f the acts
o f 1893, by which the section quoted was practically reenacted and its
scope extended so as to include, in addition to the employees o f any
railway corporation, the employees o f the “ receiver, manager, or per
son in control thereof.”
The foregoing legislation was considered by the court o f civil appeals
o f Texas, November 6,1895, in the case o f the San Antonio and Aransas
322
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Pass Bailway Company v. Keller (vol. 32, Southwestern Reporter, p. 847),
brought before the court, on appeal by the company, from the judg
ment o f the district court o f Bexar County, by which $5,000 had been
awarded Keller, a car repairer employed by the company, as compensa
tion for injuries received by him in a collision while on a car under
orders to proceed to the scene of a wreck to assist in repairing damages.
The court of civil appeals held that the repeal o f the act of 1891, under
which Keller’s right to recover damages accrued, by the act o f 1893,
which substantially reenacted it and amplified its scope, did not deprive
him o f any right he had already acquired; also that in the trial o f the
case it was proper for the jury to consider the reasonable value of
the time lost, the necessary money expended for medical attendance, the
physical and mental pain, and for such injuries as were permanent to
award such a sum as would be a fair compensation therefor; also that
a car repairer working in a separate yard from a “ hostler” is not a
fellow-servant o f such hostler nor o f the switchmen in such other yard,
particularly while on a car under orders to proceed to another place and
assist in repairing damages caused by a wreck.
In the course o f the opinion affirming the judgment o f the lower
court, delivered by Judge Fly, it is said:
W e conclude from the statement o f facts that in December, 1892,
appellee, who was a healthy man, in ftill possession o f the faculties o f
his body, and was an employee o f appellant, receiving from $1.50 to
$1.75 per day, was injured by reason o f a collision o f the cars o f appel
lant. The collision occurred on account of the failure o f appellant to
properly light its yards, and by the negligence o f its employees who
were not the fellow-servants o f appellee. The injuries received by
appellee were permanent, and have totally incapacitated him from
labor. He has suffered great bodily pain since the injuries were
inflicted. He was 45 years old when injured, and had a life expectancy
o f 24 years.
The right to recover damages accrued under the act o f 1891, and the
repeal o f that law by the act o f 1893 did not deprive appellee o f any
right he had already acquired. Kot only had the right accrued, but
the suit was filed before the enactment o f the law o f 1893. The latter
act was simply an amplification o f the scope of the law, and there was
evidently no intention on the part o f the legislature to interfere with
rights acquired under the provisions o f the amended statute. The
only material difference between the acts o f 1891 and 1893 was the
extension o f the scope o f the law so as to include within its purview
railway corporations operated by a receiver, manager, or any other
person. There was at the time o f the repeal o f the former act a reen
actment o f the provisions upon which the right o f action o f appellee is
founded. It is a familiar rule o f construction that when statutes are
repealed by acts which substantially retain the provisions o f the old
laws, the latter are held not to have been destroyed or interrupted in
their binding force.
The following charge was given by the court: “ Should you find for
the plaintiff under the foregoing instructions, then, in measuring the
damages, if any, he has sustained, you may take into consideration
the reasonable value o f the time lost, if any, consequent upon his iiyu-
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING- LABOR.
323
ries; the necessary sums o f money, if any, expended by him for med
ical attendance and medicines, if any, rendered necessary by his
injuries; the physical and mental pain, if any, consequent upon his
injuries received; and if you believe from the testimony plaintiff's inju
ries, if any, are permanent, and will disable him to labor and earn
money in the future, you may, in addition to the above, find such sum
as will be a fair compensation for his future diminished capacity to
labor and earn money." The charge gives the correct measure o f
damages.
Appellee was not a fellow-servant o f either Kinchelow or the switch
man. They were not “ working together at the same time and place, to
a common purpose." While engaged in their ordinary every day labor
they were not fellow servants. Kinchelow, who was in charge o f the
engine when the collision took place, was the u hostler," whose duty it
was to receive incoming locomotives, and carry them to the roundhouse,
and take outgoing locomotives from the roundhouse and deliver them
to the engineers. Appellee was a car repairer, working in a separate
yard. The switchman was also in another department o f the service,
and had no labor in common with appellee. A t the time the collision
occurred and the injuries were indicted appellee was on a car, under
orders to proceed to Beeville to assist in repairing damages caused by
a wreck, and the mere statement o f this fact demonstrates that he was
not working at that time and place to a common purpose with either
the uhostler" or switchman.
DECISIONS UNDER COMMON LAW .
E m p l o y e r s ' L i a b i l i t y .—In the case of Burke et al. v. Anderson,
the United States circuit court o f appeals, seventh circuit, on October
7,1895, affirmed the judgment o f the United States circuit court for
the western district o f Wisconsin, by which $4,000 damages were
awarded T. Knut Anderson for personal injuries caused by an explo
sion of dynamite under the following circumstances: Matthew C. Burke
was a contractor, engaged in making a roadbed for a railroad, and his
codefendant, John Burke, had sole charge o f the work for him as general
manager and superintendent. The work was carried on by blasting
the frozen ground with dynamite and other explosives and afterwards
breaking it up with picks, John Burke having personal charge of the
blasting. Anderson, a common laborer, unfamiliar with the use of
explosives, was hired by John Burke and set to work digging with a
pick at a spot where the blasting had been done the day before,
without warning or knowledge o f possible danger. Anderson was
injured by an explosion caused by striking with his pick a piece of
dynamite remaining from the blast, which was found to have been
negligently conducted.
The court held that, as Matthew C. Burke had created the risk due
to the presence of explosives for his own purposes, and was bound not
only to exercise the utmost care and every available precaution against
possible injury to the workmen, but to give them warning of the risk,
324
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
and as Anderson was ignorant o f the risk when he undertook the work
o f digging, Burke was liable to him for the injury suffered.
The decision delivered by Judge Seaman, as reported in volume 69
o f the Federal Reporter, page 814, is based on the following reasoning:
The question in this case upon which the liability o f the principal
defendant, Matthew C. Burke, depends, is this: What is the rule of
care to be applied to an employer o f labor who uses explosives or other
dangerous means in the prosecution o f the work in which the laborer
is engaged? The liability o f Matthew 0 . Burke is asserted on the
doctrine o f respondeat superior, and based upon the alleged negligence
o f John Burke (1) in so carrying on the blasting, or using the dynamite
and powder, that an unexploded portion was left in the ground; and (2)
in sending the plaintiff into the place where this danger lurked, without
warning o f its existence and without sufficient precautions to guard
against injury. The counter proposition, on which Matthew 0 . Burke
claims exemption from any liability, is substantially this: That the
work o f blasting and removing any unexploded charge was “ not the
personal duty o f the master, but only the work o f an operative,” and
consequently any negligence therein o f John Burke was in the character
of fellow-servant, a risk assumed by the plaintiff, which precludes
recovery against the master.
This conflict must be resolved in accordance with the general -rule
which is clearly pronounced in the recent decision by the Supreme
Court o f the United States in the case o f Mather v. Rillston (156 U. S.,
391). In affirming the judgment, the court, speaking unanimously
through Mr. Justice Field, states the doctrine applicable here:
“ A ll occupations producing articles or works o f necessity, utility, or
convenience may undoubtedly be carried on, and competent persons,
familiar with the business, and having sufficient skill therein, may prop
erly be employed upon themj but in such cases, where the occupation
is attended with danger to life, body, or limb, it is incumbent on the
promoters thereof and the employers o f others thereon to take all rea
sonable and needed precautions to secure safety to the persons engaged
in their prosecution; and for any negligence in this respect, from
which injury follows to the persons engaged, the promoters or the
employers m aybe held responsible and mulcted to the extent o f the
injury inflicted. The explosive nature o f the materials used in this
case * * * was well known to the employers, and was a continuing
admonition to them to take every precaution to guard against explo
sions. Occupations, however important, which can not be conducted
without necessary danger to life, body, or limb, should not be prosecuted
at all without all reasonable precautions against such dangers afforded
by science. The necessary danger attending them should operate
as a prohibition to their pursuit without such safeguards. * * #
I f an occupation attended with danger can be prosecuted by proper
precautions without fatal results, such precautions must be taken by
the promoters o f the pursuit or employers o f laborers thereon. Lia
bility for injuries following a disregard o f such precautions will other
wise be incurred, and this fact should not be lost sight of. So, too, if
persons engaged in dangerous occupations are not informed o f the
accompanying dangers, by the promoters thereof, or by the employers
o f laborers thereon, and such laborers remain in ignorance of the dan
gers and suffer in consequence, the employers will also be chargeable
for the injuries sustained.”
In the case at bar the only explicable cause o f injury to the plaintiff
was the presence in the ground of some remnant o f the explosives
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
325
which had been employed in blasting. The danger was not inherent
in his work; was not one to be anticipated in the labor with pick and
spade in a gravel cut for which he was hired; it was not o f natural or
purely accidental origin, but was produced by the act or requirement
o f the master in using a dangerous agency to advance his undertaking.
Except for the explosive materials carried there for the master’s pur
poses, the plaintiff could have worked safely in the place to which he
was assigned. The testimony is undisputed that he had engaged in
the work only three days before, had no experience in or knowledge o f
the use or danger o f explosives thus employed, and had no information
or suspicion that danger was incurred by digging in this ground. He
obeyed the express order of the superintendent to enter and work there,
relying, as he had a right to rely, upon the implied assurance of the
master that the place was reasonably safe; that there was no other
danger there “ than such as was obvious and necessary.” The master
provides the place for his servants to work, and if his acts create special
danger, he is not alone chargeable with the positive duty to exercise
the utmost care and every available precaution against possible injury to
those who are to work there; but if danger impends notwithstanding
the precautions taken, he is further obligated to give due information
and timely warning to those in his service who are ignorant o f its
extent before calling upon them to incur the risk.
In respect of the employment o f the plaintiff and the directions for his
work, it is unquestionable and conceded that the superintendent repre
sented the master as vice-principal. In the same relation he is charge
able with knowledge of the danger in using explosives, and with the
duty to protect employees and notify them of risk. I f the plaintiff was
not informed o f the peril which compliance with the order involved, or
it was not clearly apparent, the risk thus created can not be held, to
have been contemplated in the service in which he was engaged, and
therefore it was not one assumed by him in his employment. The
instructions requested on behalf o f the principal defendant, and the
theory of the whole defense as well, rest upon the claim that the opera
tion of blasting was common labor, and not the work o f a superintendent
or vice principal; that its performance by the superintendent was in
the character o f a fellow-servant, and the master was not liable for any
neglect therein beyond the exercise o f ordinary care in selecting his
servants. In the same connection it is argued that the use and care o f
the explosives was not a personal duty o f the master.
It is sufficient that the risk was created by the master or for his pur
poses; that there is legitimate finding by the jury o f negligence on the
part of those engaged in the performance, causing the injury; and,
finally, that the plaintiff was ignorant o f the risk, and had not assumed
it. The doctrine which exempts the master from liability arising out
o f the negligence o f fellow-servants is based upon the assumption by
the servant o f the ordinary risks of his employment, in which the negli
gence of fellow-servants is included, but it has no application to risks
which are not contemplated by him in entering upon the service, and
certainly can not govern for this extraordinary risk interposed by the
master without warning.
E m p l o y e r s ’ L ia b il it y — M in in g
C o m p a n i e s . —In the case o f
Western Coal and Mining Company v. Ingraham, the United States
circuit court o f appeals, eighth circuit, on September 16,1895, affirmed
the judgment o f the circuit court o f the United States for the western
326
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
district of Arkansas, by which damages were awarded Ingraham for
injuries received while in the performance o f his duty as an employee
o f the mining company, under the following circumstances: The roof
o f the mine had been timbered or propped by other miners months
before the plaintiff, Ingraham, went to work in the mine, who was set
to work by the mining boss upulling a pillar” in the mine, and, while
so at work, the timbers or props which supported the roof o f the mine
in the room m which he was at work and which were set by other
miners two months or more before he commenced work, were knocked
down by a mule attached to a car used to haul coal out o f the mine,
and thereupon rocks and slate fell from the roof o f the mine upon the
plaintiff and inflicted the injuries complained of. The props would not
have been knocked down or fallen if they had been properly set in the
first instance, and an inspection o f them by a reasonably capable mining boss or inspector would have disclosed the fact that they were
insufficiently and defectively set, and rendered the mine insecure and
dangerous to work in. The mule which knocked the props down was
ungovernable and vicious, and that fact was known to the defendant.
The plaintiff was in the exercise o f due care when he was injured, and
no negligence of his, in any degree, contributed to the accident.
The decision in this case is reported in volume 70 o f the Federal
Reporter, page 219. The opinion o f the court was delivered by Judge
Caldwell, who in the course o f it said:
The contention o f the defendant is that the defect in the timbering
o f the mine was the result o f the negligence o f the miners, who opened
and timbered the room, and o f the pit or mine boss, and that, as these
persons were the fellow-servants o f the plaintiff, he can not recover.
But upon the conceded facts o f the case the fellow-servant doctrine has
no application to this case. The issue was whether the defendant had
discharged his duty to the plaintiff in furnishing him with a reasona
bly safe place in which to work. The mine had been timbered long
before the plantiff went to work therein, and the accident resulted
from a defect in that timbering. It is not claimed that the plaintiff
had anything to do with this timbering, or that it was any part o f his
duty to inspect or repair the same. Whatever may be the duty o f coal
miners with reference to timbering the slopes and roofs o f the rooms
from which they remove coal, the rule is weft settled that, after a mine
is once opened and timbered, it is the duty o f the owner or operator to
use reasonable care and diligence to see that the timbers are properly
set, and keep them in proper condition and repair. For this purpose
it is his duty to provide a competent mining bpss or foreman to make
timely inspections o f the timbers, walls, and roof o f the mine, to the
end that the miners may not be injured by defects or dangers which a
competent mining boss or foreman would discover and remove. This is
a positive duty which the master owes the servant. A neglect to per
form this duty is negligence on the part o f the master, and he can not
escape responsibility for such negligence by pleading that he devolved
the duty on a fellow-servant o f the injured employee. It is an absolute
duty which the master owes his servant to exercise reasonable care and
diligence to provide his servant with a reasonably safe place in which
to work, having regard to the kind o f work and the conditions under
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
327
which it must necessarily be performed; and whenever the master,
instead o f performing this duty in person, delegates it to an officer or
servant, then such officer or servant stands in the place o f the master,
and the negligence o f such officer or servant is the negligence o f the
master; and any servant injured by such negligence may recover from
the master for such injury regardless o f the relation the injured servant
sustained to the officer or servant whose negligence resulted in inflict
ing the injury.
Upon the facts o f the case, therefore, and the issue as it was pre
sented to the jury, the question whether the “ pit boss” was a fellowservant o f the plaintiff was wholly immaterial, and the court might well
have rejected all evidence and all instructions relating to that question.
It was not the negligence o f the pit boss, but the negligence o f the mas
ter in not furnishing a reasonably safe place to work that was com
plained of. The duty rested on the master to exercise reasonable care
and diligence to furnish the plaintiff a reasonably safe place in which
to work, and the master is not relieved from responsibility for failing to
perform this duty because he saw proper, instead o f performing it him
self, to intrust its performance to a servant who neglected the duty.
The servant’s negligence in such cases is the negligence o f the master.
Upon the subject o f the part the mule played in the accident * * *
it would require a great stretch o f the rule which the defendant attempts
to invoke to say the plaintiff should have anticipated that this mule
might at some time be brought to the room in the mine where the plain
tiff was at work, and that, while there, the mule would come in contact
with the timbers which supported the roof of the mine, and knock them
down, because they were insecurely set, and that as a result o f all this
the roof would fall, and he might be injured, and that, anticipating all
this, he ought to have quit the defendant’s service. The case does not
call for any discussion o f what is a primary, proximate, or remote cause.
Here all the causes o f the accident, whether remote or proximate, were
the result of the defendant’s negligence, which the plaintiff was not
required to anticipate.
E m p l o y e r s ’ L i a b i l i t y — R a i l r o a d C o m p a n i e s .— In an action by
Hattie Frost against the Oregon Short Line and Utah Northern Rail
way Company to recover damages for the death o f her husband, James
W . Frost, who was an engineer in the employ of said company and who
was killed in a collision in Montana while in the performance o f his
duty, the plaintiff recovered a verdict, whereupon the railway company
moved for a new trial, basing the motion on the refusal o f the court to
instruct the jury to bring in a verdict for the defendant on the ground
that the company was not liable for the death o f Frost, the engineer, as
his death was due to the negligence o f a fellow-servant, and on the
instruction given by the court to the jury to the effect that the employee
through whose negligence the collision occurred was the representative
o f the company, and that his acts and negligence were the acts and
negligence o f the company.
The motion for a new trial was denied by the United States circuit
court, district o f Montana, S. D., on September 24, 1895. The cir
cumstances o f the case and the decision o f the court rendered by
328
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
Judge Knowles are reported in volume 69 o f the Federal Reporter,
page 936. A synopsis o f the same is herewith given, as follows: On
February 1,1891, one o f defendant’s passenger trains, termed “ No. 5,”
on which James W . Frost was engineer, was running northward on the
railroad track o f the defendant toward the city o f Butte, Mont., and
on the same day there was another train, termed “ No. 32,” running
southward on said track from said city o f Butte to Dillon, Mont. Train
No. 5 was running on schedule time and train No. 32 was behind time.
The train dispatcher o f the company, having his office at Pocatello,
Idaho, finding that train No. 32 was behind time, sent an order by tele
graph to the conductor o f said train, directed to a station on the line
o f the road called Glenn, to go to Dillon, using the time o f train No. 5.
A t the same time he sent an order to Dillon to the conductor o f train
No. 5 to stop at Dillon 2.45 P., for train No. 32. The telegraph
operator, Stuerer, at Dillon did not give the conductor o f train No. 5
this order, as he was required, and he did not change the signals at
the Dillon Station, as required by the rules o f the company. Signal
white, which was displayed, signified that the track was clear. Had
he displayed red, as he should have done, it would have indicated that
the train was to stop for orders. In consequence of this failure to give
the conductor o f train No. 5 the order o f the train dispatcher, and o f
his failure to display the signal red, train No. 5 proceeded north from
Dillon on the regular schedule time, and at a short distance north from
said place collided with said train No. 32, and on account o f this colli
sion Engineer Frost received such injuries as caused his death. It seems
that the telegraph operator, Stuerer, received the dispatch from the
train dispatcher at Pocatello, repeated the same back to said train
dispatcher, and received the dispatch “ O. K .,” which indicated that
the order received at Dillon was correct. Upon this state o f facts the
court rendered its decision, from which the following is quoted:
Under these circumstances there can be no doubt but that the said
Frost was killed on account o f the negligence o f said telegraph opera
tor at Dillon.
The point involved in the position taken by the court is: Was the
telegraph operator at Dillon a fellow-servant o f Frost, or was he, in
the matter of notice o f a change o f running time o f the train upon
which Frost was an engineer, performing a duty which the said railway
company was required to perform itself, and could not intrust to another
without said other person representing the said company and acting
for it? I f the said operator was only a fellow-servant o f Frost in the
matter o f giving notice o f the change o f the time o f running trains,
then the company was not liable for his negligence. Frost, as an
employee o f the said railway company, undertook as one o f the risks
o f his employment, that he would suffer the consequences arising from
the negligence o f a fellow-servant in a common employment with him,
and that the railway company should not be responsible therefor.
It is conceded that it was the duty o f the railway company to estab
lish the time for running trains, the hour o f their departure and arrival
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
329
at stations, and their speed. This is usually done by the train dis
patcher establishing what is termed a u time-table.” This is the act
certainly o f the company. I f a time-table is changed temporarily, this
must be done by the train dispatcher. He acts in both cases in the
name o f the superintendent o f the company or of its road. A railway
company, however, does not perform its whole duty to its employees
when it establishes a time-table, either general or temporary. It
should exercise reasonable care, under all the circumstances, to bring
this time-table to the notice of all persons who are charged by it with
the operating o f trains on its railway track. The notice of a temporary
change in a time-table is as necessary as the notice o f the general time
table. There is more danger to be apprehended from the establishment
o f a temporary time-table when a general one has been in use than from
the establishing o f a general time-table in the first place.
When the act to be performed is one which it was the duty o f the
railway company, as master, to execute, can it, in any way, transfer
this duty to another, and exonerate itself from liability in case #this
other person is negligent in its performance? I think, under estab
lished Federal authority, it can not.
Under what head o f the list of duties required o f a master toward
his servant shall we place the duty o f a railroad company to establish
time-tables, and give notice thereof to those engaged in managing and
running trains? I apprehend we must class that duty under the head
o f the obligation o f the master to provide a suitable place for his servant
to work in. This being the case, the duty o f giving notice to those
running a train devolves upon the railroad company, and those who
undertake or are intrusted with this office personally represent it. A
master can not delegate the duty o f providing a safe place in which
his servant is called upon to work, so as to escape responsibility, if
there is a want o f proper care in providing such place.
In this case it is admitted that the establishing o f a temporary time
table is the work o f the railroad company, and the duty o f giving notice
o f any time-table, general or temporary, devolves upon it. How can it
be claimed then that in one case more than another this duty o f the mas
ter can be turned over to a fellow-servant o f those who are operating
his trains, and be relieved from liability? The duty o f giving notice
in both classes o f time tables is the duty o f \he master, and the master
can not delegate his duty to another without being responsible for his
negligence. Under this rule the telegraph operator Stuerer at Dillon
must be considered as representing the company in the duty assigned
him o f giving notice o f the temporary change o f the time-table, or in
transmitting the notice, intrusted to him to deliver to the conductor of
train No. 5, of the change in the time-table. In doing this duty he was
not a fellow-servant o f those operating the road, but a personal repre
sentative o f the company, for whose negligence the company was
responsible.
E m p l o y e r s ’ L ia b il it y — R a il r o a d
C o m p a n i e s . —The supreme
court o f Pennsylvania decided, on October 7,1895, in the case o f Elkins
r. Pennsylvania Railroad Company, that a railroad company is respon
sible for injuries suffered by one o f its brakemen, through a defect in the
steps of a freight car, while acting as one o f a crew sent to a shipper’s
1884—No. 3---- 8
330
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
yards to shift cars preparatory to their being taken into the company’s
trains.
The circumstances of the case, and opinion o f the court, delivered by
Judge McCullom, reported in volume 33 o f the Atlantic Reporter, page
74, are as follows:
The plaintiff was injured while in the service o f the defendant com
pany as a brakeman. The injury he received was due to a defect in the
step o f a freight car on which he was attempting to get, in the perform
ance o f the duties o f his employment. It is settled by the verdict that
no fault o f his contributed in producing it. The car belonged to, and
was in the yard of, the Atlantic Refining Company. The plaintiff was
one o f a crew sent into the yard by the defendant company to shift some
cars there. The superintendent o f the refining company directed what
cars should be shifted, and where they should be placed. It was while
the crew were engaged in the work they were sent to do that the plain
tiff received the injury for which he seeks compensation in this action.
The cause o f it has already been stated. I f he had received it from the
same cause while transporting the car from one point to another on the
defendant company’s road, the liability o f his employer to compensate
him for it could not be successfully questioned. In the recent case o f
Dooner v. Canal Company (164 Pa. Stat., 17; 30 Atl., 269) this subject
was fully considered in an opinion by our brother Dean, who in the
course o f it said: u The measure o f duty o f the receiving road, as to cars
turned over to it for transportation by connecting roads, is settled by
many cases. It is bound to make such inspection as the nature o f the
transportation requires, and if it pass and haul cars faulty in construc
tion, or dangerously out o f repair, it is answerable to its own employees
who are thereby injured.”
I f the defendant company is responsible to its employees for the con
dition o f the cars it receives for transportation over its own lines, why
is it not so for the condition of the cars it requires them to shift from
one place to another on the tracks and in the yard o f the refining com
pany? They are as clearly in its service in the latter case as in the
former. Their work is o f the same nature in one case as in the other,
and the risks attending it are the same. No sufficient reason appears
for discriminating between"the liability o f a railroad company for injuries
to its employees in handling upon its own line the cars o f another cor
poration which are “ faulty in construction, or dangerously out o f repair,”
and its liability to them for injuries in handling such cars by its orders
elsewhere. It is not the ownership o f the cars, or o f the line on which
they are moved, that imposes the liability upon the company, but it is
the handling or shifting o f them by its orders.
The defendant company was not bound to shift the cars in the yard
o f the refining company without a previous inspection o f them. I f the
latter refused to allow an inspection, the former could have properly
declined to engage in the work o f shifting them. But, having done the
work, it is responsible to its employees for injuries caused by the unsafe
condition o f the cars they were required to handle.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
331
C o n t r a c t o f E m p l o y m e n t .—In the ease o f Hermann v. Little
field (reported in volume 42 o f the Pacific Reporter, page 443) the
supreme court of California decided, on October 9,1895, that a contract
by which an employee agrees to devote his whole time and services to
the interest o f his employer is not broken by doing a little work for
other parties on holidays and at night, such work not resulting in dam
age to the employer; also, that when a person performing labor at an
agreed price and for a stated time continued in the same employment
after the expiration o f the term without a new agreement, it is pre
sumed that the terms o f the original contract were continued, and the
original contract is admissible as evidence in a suit by the employee to
recover the wages earned since the expiration o f the time covered
thereby.
The facts in the case are stated in the opinion delivered by Judge
Garoutte, which is as follows:
This is an action in assumpsit for work and services performed by
plaintiff in assisting defendant in conducting and carrying on the busi
ness o f an architect. Judgment went for plaintiff, and this appeal is
prosecuted from such judgment, and from the order denying the motion
for a new trial.
In the year 1887 the parties entered into a written contract, by the
terms o f which Hermann agreed to give his services “ as a draftsman
and assistant architect during the necessary and reasonable working
hours o f each working day, for the term o f three years.” Hermann
also agreed “ to devote his whole time and services to the interest o f
Littlefield’s business as a draftsman and assistant architect, to use at all
times his utmost reasonable exertion in and for the true and best inter
ests o f Littlefield’s business, as if he were a partner with him.” This
agreement expired in due course o f time, and plaintiff continued to
remain in the employment o f the defendant, and performed the same
character o f services thereafter as before such expiration. By his answer,
defendant claimed that plaintiff had made a substantial default in the
performance of the terms o f the contract upon his part to be performed,
and asked for damages. The court, by its finding o f fact, declared, in
effect, that plaintiff had performed the contract as agreed upon, and
further found that during the time o f his employment he performed
work for persons not clients o f defendant, from which employment he
had received the compensation o f $178; and it thereupon deducted
that sum from the amount found due to plaintiff, and ordered judgment
for the balance.
It is contended that the court committed an error in admitting the
original written contract in evidence. W e think there is no weight in
the contention. The writing was clearly admissible, as showing the
terms o f the contract under which plaintiff performed the labor. It is
elementary that when a person performing labor at an agreed price
and for a stated time continues in the same employment after the expi
ration of the term, without a new agreement, it is presumed by the law,
in the absence o f anything to the contrary, that the terms of the origi
nal contract are continued; and the fact that the present action is one
in the nature o f assumpsit in no way deprives the plaintiff o f the right
to introduce the contract in evidence.
The findings o f fact as to the performance of the contract by plaintiff
are fully supported by the evidence. W e see nothing in the record dis
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BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
closing any substantial breach thereof. Plaintiff appears to have done
some work for other parties during Sundays, holidays, and at night;
but the amount o f this labor was trivial, with a single exception, and
in no way resulted in damage to defendant, nor in any way interfered
with his business. W e see no more cause of complaint by defendant
in this regard than though plaintiff had passed the time so occupied in
harmless amusement. The court allowed the defendant the benefit o f
the money received by the plaintiff from this outside work. Whether
or not there was justification for this action o f the court is immaterial
upon the present appeal, for certainly there can be no cause o f com
plaint upon the part of defendant based thereon. A modification of
the judgment in this respect could hardly be desired by him.
EXTRACT RELATIN G TO LABOR FROM TH E N E W CONSTITUTION
OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The new constitution o f the State o f South Carolina, ratified Decem
ber 4,1895, in a convention held at the city o f Columbia, contains the
following provisions relating to labor:
A r t i c l e Y , S e c t i o n 33. Circuit courts and all courts inferior
thereto and municipal courts shall have the power, in their discretion,
to impose sentence o f labor upon highways, streets, and other public
works upon persons by them sentenced to imprisonment.
A r t i c l e IX , S e c t i o n 15. Every employee o f any railroad corpora
tion shall have the same rights and remedies for any injury suffered by
him from the acts or omissions o f said corporation or its employees as
are allowed by law to other persons not employees, when the injury
results from the negligence of a superior agent or officer, or o f a person
having a right to control or direct the services o f a party injured, and
also when the injury results from the negligence o f a fellow-servant
engaged in another department of labor from that of the party injured,
or of a fellow-servant on another train o f cars, or one engaged about a
different piece o f work. Knowledge by any employee injured o f the
defective or unsafe character or condition o f any machinery, ways or
appliances shall be no defense to an action for injury caused thereby,
except as to conductors or engineers in charge o f dangerous or unsafe
cars or engines voluntarily operated by them. When death ensues
from any injury to employees, the legal or personal representatives of
the person injured shall have the same right and remedies as are
allowed by law to such representatives o f other persons. Any contract
or agreement, expressed or implied, made by any employee to waive the
benefit of this section shall be null and void; and this section shall not
be construed to deprive any employee o f a corporation, or his legal or
personal representative, of any remedy or right that he now has by the
law o f the land. The general assembly may extend the remedies herein
provided for to any other class of employees.
A r t i c l e X II, S e c t i o n 6. All convicts sentenced to hard labor by
any of the courts of this State may be employed upon the public works
o f the State or o f the counties and upon the public highways.
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