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56th 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 I V E S . <D o c . H o . 359,
1st Session.
5
(
P a r t 2.
BULLETIN
OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
No. 27-M ARCH, 1900.
ISSUED EVERY OTHER MONTH.
EDITED B Y
CARROLL D. W RIGHT,
COMMISSIONER.
OREN W . W EAVER,
CHIEF CLERK.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1900.
CONTENTS.
Page.
Wholesale prices: 1890 to 1899, by Roland P. Falkner, Ph. D., of the Univer
sity of Pennsylvania.................................................................................................
Foreign labor laws, by W . F. W illoughby, of the Department of Labor........
Digest of recent reports of State bureaus of labor statistics:
I o w a ................................................................
V irg in ia ..................................................................................................................
Thirteenth report on the annual statistics of manufactures in Massachusetts
Digest of recent foreign statistical publications.....................................................
Decisions of courts affecting la b o r ...........................................................................
Laws of various States relating to labor enacted since January 1, 1896 ........
Recent Government contracts...................................................................................
237-313
314-379
380,381
381-383
384-390
391-403
404-434
435-455
456
BULLETIN
OF THE
D E P A R T M E N T OF L A B O R .
No. 27.
WASHINGTON.
M
arch,
1900.
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.(a)
B Y ROLAND P. F A L K N E R , PH . D.
In the following pages are presented the results of an inquiry into the
course of wholesale^ prices from January, 1890, to July, 1899. It is the
purpose of this inquiry to continue, so far as practicable, the investiga
tion the results of which were contained in the Report on Wholesale
Prices, Wages, and Transportation, submitted by Mr. Aldrich, from the
Senate Committee on Finance, March 3, 1893. That report contained
a study of wholesale prices covering the period from 1840 down to
1891. In its analysis the year 1860 was the starting point and the
figures after that date received fuller treatment than those which pre
ceded it. The distinctive feature of the investigation was the inclusion
of a large number of articles, manufactured products being presented
in larger proportions than in any previous investigation of prices. The
series of quotations which formed the basis of the principal analysis
numbered 223, and these were combined by various methods in order
to show as fully as possible the nature of the changes which had taken
place since the year 1860.
It has been thought desirable in many quarters to continue that
investigation down to the present time. The project was, however,
beset with perplexities arising from the difficulty of obtaining from
identical sources a continuation of the price quotations for the large
number of articles which figured in that investigation. The rapidly
changing conditions of business rendered the task more difficult than
would appear to the superficial observer. It was a distinctive feature
a The actual prices of the various commodities w hich are shown in the table at the
close of this article, and w hich are the data on which it is based, were collected
under the supervision of Dr. Falkner by the experts of the Department of Labor.
237
238
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
of the Aldrich investigation that the prices quoted were in a great
majority of cases derived from the records of actual sales of the com
modities concerned. A continuation of the prices, such as would
have permitted a comparison of more recent prices with those of
1860 as given in the Aldrich report, could only be had where the
article remained identical in kind and quality and where the same
sources of information were accessible. The attempt to carry out
the new investigation on the same lines as the old one revealed the
fact that in many cases the firms and corporations from which the
original figures were derived were no longer in existence. Newer
firms which had taken their places were often unable to identify the
figures quoted in the Aldrich report for the years 1890 and 1891 from
material in their possession. This implied that an article of the exact
grade and quality which had been quoted by the former firms was not
traded in by those to whom subsequent application was made. In
many cases the articles were no longer in the market. Changes, as, for
instance, in the manufacture of woolens and worsted goods, had made
new standards for certain classes of commodities.
In order to avoid giving the impression that the present investiga
tion is in every detail a continuation of the Aldrich report, it has
been deemed best to give it a slightly different form. This does not
destroy its value as a supplement to that investigation, for, though dif
fering in form, it remains in substance on the same basis. The sub
stantial identity of the new work with the old is exhibited by the
following statement, which gives the classes of articles included in the
Aldrich report and in the present investigation:
WHOLESALE PRICE QUOTATIONS INCLUDED IN THE ALDRICH REPORT AND IN THE
PRESENT INVESTIGATION, BY ARTICLES AND GROUPS OP ARTICLES.
Aldrich
report.
Articles in each group.
FOOD.
Baked beans............................................ .......................................................
Beans............................................................................................. ...................
Bread............ .................. .................................................................................
B u tter............................................................................................................ .
Cheese....................................... .......................................................................
Coffee, Rio, fa ir ................................................................................................
Effffs...................................................................................................................
F is h ...................................................................................................................
Flour, w h e a t....................................................................................................
F lo u r ,r y e .........................................................................................................
Lard.................................................................................................. ................
Meal, com , yellow, kiln-dried.......................................................................
Meat, b a co n ......................................................................................................
Meat, b e e f.......................................................................................... ............
Meat, hann, sugar-cured...................................................................................
Meat. la m b __________ ______________________________________________
Meat, mutton....... ............................................................................................
Meat, salt..........................................................................................................
Milk, fr e sh ........................................................................................................
Molasses............................................................................................................
Present investiga
tion.
Series of
actual Series of Series of
and
actual
relative
relative
prices.
prices.
prices.
1
8
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
3
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
i
l
X
l
239
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
WHOLESALE PRICE QUOTATIONS INCLUDED IN THE ALDRICH REPORT AND IN THE
PRESENT INVESTIGATION, BY ARTICLES AND GROUPS OF ARTICLES—Continued.
Aldrich
report.
Articles in each group.
food—
Present investigation.
Series of
actual Series of Series of
and
actual
relative
prices.
prices.
relative
prices.
c o n c lu d e d .
R ice............................................
Salt..............................................
Spices, nutm egs........................
Spices, pepper, whole, Sumatra
Starch, c o r n ...............................
Sugar...........................................
T a llo w .......................................
Vegetables, potatoes.................
T ota l.................................
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
53
43
28
1
1
4
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
5
1
2
1
2
4
1
1
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
28
35
20
5
2
4
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
CLOTHS AND CLOTHING.
Bags, 2-bushel, Amoskeag................................
Blankets.............................................................
Boots and sh oes................................................
Broadcloths......................................................
Calico, Cocheco prints.....................................
Carpets...............................................................
Cotton, upland m idd lin g................................
Cotton thread, 6-cord, 200 yards, J. & P. Coats
Denims, Am oskeag..........................................
Drillings.............................................................
Felts.
Flannels, twilled blue, 3-4, Talbot T ........................................................... .
Ginghams, Amoskeag.................................................................................... .
Hides and leather......................................................................................... .
Horse blankets, 6 pounds, all w ool................................................................
Print cloths......................................................................................................
Shawls, standard, 72 by 144 inches, weighing 42 ounces, made of X X
Ohio fleece w ool......................................................................................... .
Sheetings..........................................................................................................
Shirtings.........................................................................................................
Suitings..........................................................................................................
Tickings. Amoskeag, A. C. A ........................................................................
Women’s dress g o o d s....................................................................................
W o o l.................................................................................................................
Total
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
FUEL AND LIGHTING.
Candles, best adamantine.
Coal, anthracite.................
Coal, bituminous....... .......
Matches.............................
7
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
T o ta l........................ .
10
6
4
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
METALS AND IMPLEMENTS.
Anvils, dom estic....................................................................................
Bar iron...................................................................................................
Butts, loose joint, cast, 3 by 3 inches..................................................
C opper.....................................................................................................
Door knobs, mineral.............................................................................
Iron rods, for making common wood screws.....................................
Iron wire, market, No. 10.......................................................................
L e a d ........................................................................................................
Locks........................................................................................................
Meat cutters, Hale’s, No. 12..................................................................
N ails........................................................................................................
Pig ir o n .................................................................................................. .
Pocketknives...........................................................................................
Quicksilver............................................................................................. .
R o p e .......................................................................................................
S aw s........................................................................................................
Scythes............................................................................ ....................... .
Shovels, Ames No. 2, cast steel, D-handle, square point, back strap.
Spelter.....................................................................................................
S te e l........................................................................................................
Wood screws, 1-inch, No. 10, flat head, iron..........................................
Total
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
2
1
1
1
25
1
3
4
1
1
1
1
54
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
21
16
240
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
WHOLESALE PRICE QUOTATIONS INCLUDED IN THE ALDRICH REPORT AND IN THE
PRESENT INVESTIGATION, BY ARTICLES AND GROUPS OF ARTICLES—Continued.
Aldrich
report.
Articles in each group.
Present investiga
tion.
Series of
actual Series of Series of
and
relative
actual
relative
prices.
prices.
prices.
LUMBER AND BUILDING MATERIALS.
Brick, common domestic building................................................
Carbonate of lead..............................................................................
Cement, Rosendale..........................................................................
Chestnut lumber, in the log, not sawed.......................................
Doors, pine, unmolded, 2 ft. 4 in. by 6 ft. 8 in., 1| inches thick
H em lock ...........................................................................................
Lime, R ock lan d ...............................................................................
Maple boards, first quality, 1-inch, rough.....................................
Oak boards, white, plain, first quality, 1-inch, r o u g h .................
Oxide of zinc, American, d r y ........................................................
Pine boards........................................................................................
Plate glass..........................................................................................
P u tty .................................................................................................
Shingles, pine.......................................................! ..........................
Spruce boards...................................................................................
Tar, W ilm ington..............................................................................
Turpentine........................................................................................
Window glass.................................................................................
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
8
6
1
3
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
T ota l........................................................................................
35
17
15
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
’ 18
8
8
3
5
3
4
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
15
7
4
2
1
1
6
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
10
5
4
DRUGS AND CHEMICALS.
A lcohol........................
Alum, lump, crystal...
Bichromate o f potash.
Blue vitriol.................
Brimstone, crude....... .
Calom el........................
Copperas......................
F laxseed......................
G ly cerin ......................
Linseed o il...................
Mercury........................
Muriatic acid.............. .
O p ium ..........................
Q uinine........................
Soda ash...................... .
Sugar of lead, brown .
Sugar of lead, w hite...
Sulphuric a c i d ...........
T ota l.................
HOUSE-FURNISHING GOODS.
Furniture___
Glassware___
Pails, wooden
Tubs, wooden
T ota l. . .
MISCELLANEOUS.
Powder, rifle.
Rubber.........
Soap..............
Starch..........
Total
241
WHOLESALE PBICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICE QUOTATIONS INCLUDED IN THE ALDRICH REPORT AND IN THE
PRESENT INVESTIGATION, BY ARTICLES AND GROUPS OF ARTICLES—Concluded.
SUMMARY.
Aldrich
report.
Group.
Present investigation.
Seiies of
actual Series of Series of
and
actual
relative
relative
prices.
prices.
prices.
F o o d ............................................
Cloths and cloth in g ...................
Fuel and lighting......................
Metals and im plem ents............
Lumber and building materials
Drugs and chemicals.................
House-furnishing g o o d s............
Miscellaneous.............................
53
28
10
54
35
18
15
10
43
35
6
21
17
8
7
5
28
20
4
16
15
8
4
4
T ota l..................................
223
142
99
The purpose of maintaining in the present investigation as nearly
as possible the class of articles which figured in the former report has
been fairly well attained. Exceptions to the rule are most conspicu
ous in the groups 44Cloths and clothing,” 44Metals and implements,”
and 64Drugs and chemicals.” In the first group named a number of
articles have been included in the present investigation for which in
the earlier report it was impracticable to secure data covering the
whole period from 1860, but which appeared as incomplete series.
In this list, as compared with the previous investigation, additions
are more conspicuous than omissions. In the group 44Metals and
implements ” there are some omissions, which, however, do not affect
the more important articles in the group. In the group 44Drugs and
chemicals ” the omissions are more numerous. The group was more
numerously represented in the preceding investigation than its impor
tance would justify. To avoid an undue weight to this group in the
final average it was deemed advisable to confine the quotations to the
most important articles.
There has also been a considerable reduction in the number of series
of price quotations. This has been effected by reducing the number
of articles and by giving as a rule a single quotation only for each
article. Still more conspicuous has been the reduction in the number
of relative prices used in calculating the average relative prices for
the groups and for all commodities. While in the Aldrich report
each price quotation has the same weight or importance in reaching
the average for the group under which it is classed, in this report,
where relative prices are given for two or more articles of the same
kind, their average is taken and this represents only a single item in
calculating the average for the group. For instance, the relative
prices of four kinds of bread, viz, Boston crackers, navy ship bread,
oyster crackers, and soda crackers, are shown in this report (page 244),
242
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
but only one item under the head of bread, the average of the four,
is used in computing the average for the group 44F ood” at a given
date. This method has been used in all such cases, except the two
important ones of beef and steel, and also applies in calculating the
general average for all commodities.
The difference is here not so much one of scope as of emphasis. By
increasing the number of articles for which relative prices are given
an undue emphasis is attached to unimportant articles. It is perfectly
obvious that if all prices followed the same or approximately the same
tendencies it would be immaterial whether few or many commodities
were included in the computation of relative prices. Now, a study of
various price investigations shows that prices in general exhibit cer
tain characteristics, but that individual prices do not all show them in
the same degree. The more important the article in the world’s trade
the more subject it is to changes in price arising from general economic
conditions. Hence average relative prices, based upon quotations for
a few leading articles, like those of the Economist, show greater fluctu
ations from year to year than those based upon a larger number of
price quotations. They are more subject to the influence of general
causes, less to that of individual causes. On the other hand, the more
restricted the demand for the article the more slowly does it conform
to the price changes which are in operation. If the relative price
computation contains many such articles, the general course of prices
will show a more deliberate change. No hard and fast rules can be
laid down for the selection of a happy mean between too many and
too few quotations. The ideal is not attained by increasing the num
ber of articles. The articles which are really fundamentally impor
tant in the world’s markets are comparatively few in number, and the
larger the number of articles selected the more probable it is that
some of them are of minor moment, comparatively stable in price
and less subject to the general influences of the market which fix
what it has been agreed to call general prices. The present analysis
does not attempt to solve this question, but an effort has at least been
made to avoid a multitude of prices for the same article, giving to it
an undue importance. It should, however, be remarked that these
doubts as to the number of articles are partially overcome by various
methods of averaging the results. The novel feature of the Aldrich
report was the attempt to indicate the changes in prices with refer
ence to the cost of living by averaging the prices according to impor
tance measured by this standard. This dictated in large measure the
choice of articles and permitted the inclusion of many which were not
especially significant in themselves, because when reduced to their
importance in consumption, they could not greatly influence the result.
On the other hand, under the method of the simple average greater
care must be used in the selection of the articles. As in the present
WHOLESALE PBICES: 1890 TO 1899.
243
investigation it is intended to lay greater weight upon this mode of
combining the results, some departure from the methods of the Aldrich
report seems justified.
A further difference between the methods of the present investiga
tion and those of the Aldrich report lies in the choice of the basis with
which prices are compared. In the former investigation the figures
for January, 1860, were, for reasons fully explained in that document,
taken as a basis. The selection of a single price quotation as a basis
for subsequent calculations was not made without certain misgivings,
and only finally decided upon as the best thing which could be done under
the circumstances. A single price, even though it be normal to all
outward appearances, has never been regarded as the ideal basis for a
calculation of relative prices. The criteria whether a price is normal
are not found in the prices themselves, but in all the surrounding cir
cumstances, and even in the most favorable case there always remains
a doubt whether all the conditions which are pertinent have been
thoroughly scanned and investigated. In the present investigation,
therefore, a somewhat broader basis has been taken— namely, the
average of the 9 quarterly prices from January, 1890, to January,
1892, inclusive, of which January, 1891, the conclusion of the former
report, is the exact center. By thus including a larger number of
prices it has been sought to obviate the irregularity which might arise
from possible abnormal prices in January, 1891. It is, moreover, to
be observed that the averages thus obtained correspond fairly well
with the actual position of prices in January, 1891, since the relative
price of all articles for this date, which is the average of the relative
prices of 99 articles or groups of articles, is 100.6, while if January,
1891, were taken as the base, the relative price would have been 100.
The divergence is not marked, and the difference in the results of the
two methods is insignificant. A further reason for the enlargement
of the basis of calculation lay in the desire to exhibit the prices in
their quarterly movements, and in so far as prices are affected by
seasonal variations any criticism of having selected a time of the year
as a basis when the prices for a given commodity might be particularly
low or particularly high has been avoided.
The results of the investigation into prices are embodied in the tables
of actual prices annexed to this report. In order to bring out the ten
dencies of the changes they have been reduced to series of relative
prices. The following table shows the relative prices for each article
and group of articles at each quarterly period from January, 1890, to
July, 1899.
244
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE PRICES.
FO O D .
Date.
Jan., 1890..
Apr., 1890..
July, 1890..
Oct., 1890..
Jan., 1891..
Apr., 1891..
July, 1891..
Oct., 1891..
Jan., 1892..
Apr., 1892..
July, 1892..
Oct., 1892..
Jan., 1893..
Apr., 1893..
July, 1893..
Oct., 1893..
Jan., 1894..
Apr., 1894..
July, 1894..
Oct., 1894..
Jan., 1895..
Apr., 1895..
July, 1895..
Oct., 1895..
Jan., 1896..
Apr., 1896..
July, 1896..
Oct., 1896..
Jan., 1897..
Apr., 1897..
July, 1897..
Oct., 1897..
Jan., 1898..
Apr., 1898..
July, 1898..
Oct., 1898..
Jan., 1899..
Apr., 1899..
July, 1899..
Bread.
Beans,
pea,
Baked York
beans, State,
Old
Navy Oyster Soda
mar Boston
South
crack ship
crack crack
row,
brand. choice,
ers.
bread.
ers.
ers.
H. P.
100.9
100.9
93.1
97.0
104.7
104.7
104.7
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
104.7
104.7
104.7
100.9
100.9
100.9
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
85.3
85.3
85.3
85.3
85.3
85.3
77.6
77.6
77.6
77.6
77.6
85.3
85.3
86.9
85.7
91.7
121.9
105.0
106.2
114.6
98.9
89.3
85.7
89.3
96.5
94.1
101.3
96.5
91.7
85.7
80.8
94.1
83.2
82.0
106.2
103.8
72.4
62.7
55.5
49.5
56.7
45.8
41.0
41.0
53.1
54.3
51.9
56.7
60.3
61.5
65.1
64.5
92.0
92.0
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
92.0
112.5
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
92.0
92.0
102.3
102.3
102.3
92.0
81.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
81.8
89.8
92.0
81.8
102.3
92.0
81.8
81.8
81.8
112.5
112.5
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
112.4
98.3
98.3
84.3
84.3
98.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
98.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
84.3
98.3
112.4
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
114.5
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
81.8
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
81.8
81.8
81.8
98.2
90.0
81.8
90.0
81.8
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
91.7
91.7
91.7
100.0
91.7
91.7
91.7
91.7
91.7
100.0
91.7
91.7
91.7
91.7
91.7
108.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
Butter,
Eggs,
cream
ery, Cheese, Coffee, West
ern,
New
Rio,
Aver West York,
firsts,
ern,
fair.
age.
extra.
choice,
extra,
fresh.
firsts.
97.1
97.1
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
97.1
109.9
99.7
99.7
96.2
96.2
99.7
96.2
93.6
93.6
96.2
96.2
96.2
87.5
87.0
89.0
94.5
89.0
87.0
86.9
87.5
84.9
96.2
89.5
84.9
87.0
84.9
100.2
107.9
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
106.0
91.2
66.6
98.6
115.9
125.7
85.1
110.9
130.7
106.0
98.6
110.9
140.5
135.6
98.6
130.7
125.7
96.1
83.8
110.9
110.9
88.8
81.4
88.8
106.0
91.2
70.3
71.5
88.8
96.1
71.5
93.7
98.6
101.1
78.9
91.2
87.5
94.9
87.5
107.1
115.9
78.1
95.7
99.5
120.9
81 9
100.8
115.9
123.5
88.2
104.6
114.6
115.9
86.9
112.1
115.9
122.2
85.7
110.9
114.6
114.6
84.4
88.2
103.3
95.7
73.1
93.2
109.6
123.5
73.1
93.2
93.2
83.1
74.3
93.2
109.6
124.7
86.9
101.8
105.8
103.1
108.5
101.8
105.8
100 4
85.7
87.1
92 4
91.1
97.1
100.4
100.4
101.8
104.5
105.8
103.1
100.4
100.4
96 4
103.1
96.4
100.4
95.1
93.8
88.4
79.0
76.3
64.3
64.3
53.6
42.9
38.8
41.5
40.8
41.5
38.2
36.2
107.4
62.8
70.7
104.7
149.3
112.6
85.1
107.4
130.9
75.9
82.5
110.0
157.1
87,7
81.2
115.2
120.5
57.6
66.8
99.5
120.5
70.7
65.5
90.3
112.6
60.2
61.5
90.3
96.9
52.4
55.0
87.7
117.8
52.4
64.2
87.7
96.9
68.1
75.9
245
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OP COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
F O O D —Continued.
Fish.
Pate.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1890..
1890..
1890..
1890..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1893..
1893..
1893..
1893..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1899..
1899..
1899..
Mack
Cod, en erel,
tirely
salt,
boned. x x x x ,
No. 2.
96.0
96.0
96.0
100.0
100.0
104.0
100.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
80.0
80.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
72.0
72.0
76.0
76.0
76.0
76.0
76.0
76.0
76.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
88.0
80.0
103.7
103.7
99.0
108.4
103.7
103.7
94.2
89.5
94.2
113.1
113.1
84.8
94.2
99.0
99.0
89.5
84.8
70.7
61.3
75.4
84.8
99.0
91.9
101.3
108.4
103.7
84.8
75.4
70.7
51.8
51.8
82.5
87.2
89.5
84.8
99.0
101.3
101.3
101.3
Fruit.
Aver
age.
99.9
99.9
97.5
104.2
101.9
103.9
97.1
96.8
99.1
108.6
100.6
86.4
91.1
93.5
93.5
88.8
86.4
75.4
70.7
81.7
86.4
93.5
82.0
86.7
92.2
89.9
80.4
75.7
73.4
63.9
63.9
81.3
83.6
84.8
82.4
89.5
90.7
94.7
90.7
Flour, Flour,
Cur
rye. wheat. Apples,
rants,
evap new,
in
orated. barrels.
79.0
71.7
74.2
94.8
104.6
122.8
114.3
122.8
115.9
102.7
93.4
83.9
79.3
77.6
78.5
80.5
68.6
71.0
71.7
69.1
72.7
97.3
77.6
65.6
65.6
65.6
71.1
75.6
66.4
59.6
73.4
74.9
72.9
85.1
68.9
78.5
83.2
80.2
79.8
92.7
101.1
101.1
104.5
98.6
106.2
101.1
100.3
94.4
86.0
86.0
84.3
84.3
81.7
80.1
80.9
74.2
71.6
73.3
69.9
70.8
69.1
81.7
72.5
71.6
74.2
74.2
75.8
90.2
81.7
78.4
96.9
94.4
96.9
90.2
78.4
72.5
75.8
75.8
73.7
99.8
84.6
138.8
130.1
130.1
112.8
69.4
60.7
52.0
52.0
69.4
78.1
93.3
75.9
88.9
99.8
95.4
121.4
69.4
65.1
68.3
60.7
62.3
64.0
55.3
54.2
46.1
38.0
39.0
39.0
73.7
75.9
75.9
83.5
73.7
78.1
84.6
80.2
109.7
113.9
112.5
108.3
90.0
106.9
94.2
87.2
77.3
60.5
61.9
71.7
80.2
74.5
60.5
46.4
36.6
29.5
45.0
47.8
53.4
77.3
43.6
50.6
63.3
63.3
71.7
88.6
84.4
90.0
113.9
130.8
146.3
140.6
133.6
116.7
105.5
98.4
99.8
Prunes, Rai
Lard,
sins,
Califor Califor
Aver prime,
nia, in
steam.
nia,
boxes, London age.
60s to layer,
70s.
new.
73.8
121.0
121.0
121.0
117.3
107.7
84.7
71.4
82.3
80.4
78.6
99.8
121.0
118.5
104.0
87.7
71.4
58.1
72.6
70.2
75.0
69.0
58.1
61.7
61.7
50.8
52.0
46.0
56.9
50.8
42.3
62.9
49.6
49.6
50.8
55.6
56.9
56.9
53.2
117.9
120.5
117.9
114.1
105.1
103.8
74.4
74.4
71.8
71.8
64.1
73.1
88.5
96.2
88.5
80.8
64.1
50.0
55.1
53.8
75.6
76.9
73.1
78.2
55.1
43.6
51.3
57.7
75.6
69.2
70.5
71.8
71.8
67.9
69.2
75.6
65.4
55.1
59.0
93.8
113.8
109.0
120.6
110.6
112.1
91.5
75.6
73.0
66.2
64.2
78.5
92.0
95.6
82.2
76.0
68.0
58.3
73.5
60.3
67.3
72.9
58.9
63.2
61.0
53.3
57.3
59.6
63.7
62.3
66.4
84.8
85.9
83.5
84.3
80.4
76.5
73.8
73.1
92.6
98.9
92.0
102.2
94.4
107.3
102.2
113.5
96.9
100.3
114.9
131.8
164.6
161.5
154.3
161.5
129.8
112.0
107.9
130.8
109.6
112.8
103.8
94.0
85.9
80.9
59.7
65.4
60.1
65.0
63.4
71.1
75.6
84.2
81.8
74.4
88.3
83.0
80.5
246
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
FO O D —Continued.
Meat.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1890..
1890..
1890..
1890..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1893..
1893..
1893..
1893..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1899..
1899..
1899..
Meal,
Beef on the hoof.
corn,
yellow, Good, Choice, 1,200
kiln 1,200 to 1,350 to
to
Aver
dried. 1,350
1,500
1,500
age.
pound pound pound
beeves. beeves. beeves.
82.0
75.8
75.8
99.0
100.5
116.0
116.0
125.3
109.8
91.2
97.4
95.9
88.1
83.5
83.5
86.6
83.5
82.0
86.6
95.9
89.7
80.4
88.1
78.9
69.6
66.5
63.4
63.4
61.9
52.6
54.1
55.7
61.9
63.4
66.5
63.4
66.5
64.9
66.5
90.4
98.7
95.7
91.0
99.5
120.0
117.3
96.2
91.0
94.6
109.2
96.3
105.7
113.4
101.0
102.2
95.1
92.8
92.8
106.9
99.3
123.3
108.1
102.2
94.0
88.1
91.6
99.3
106.3
106.9
103.4
109.8
108.1
116.3
115.1
114.5
118.6
115.1
123.3
92.2
97.0
92.2
90.7
100.6
115.3
116.6
100.4
94.9
88.5
105.5
95.4
105.0
110.3
94.4
98.6
92.8
86.4
91.7
105.5
94.9
119.8
105.0
95.4
88.0
84.3
85.4
91.7
98.6
100.2
97.5
99.1
99.7
101.3
104.4
106.6
112.4
107.6
114.0
93.9
102.1
97.4
92.8
100.9
116.0
106.7
95.1
95.1
93.9
100.9
99.7
112.5
116.0
98.6
103.2
97.4
96.3
93.9
111.3
99.7
127.6
111.3
99.7
92.8
88.1
95.1
102.1
103.2
105.5
105.5
110.2
110.2
107.9
113.7
117.1
124.1
117.1
125.3
92.2
99.3
95.1
91.5
100.3
117.1
113.5
97.2
93.7
92.3
105.2
97.1
107.7
113.2
98.0
101.3
95.1
91.8
92.8
107.9
98.0
123.6
108.1
99.1
91.6
86.8
90.7
97.7
102.7
104.2
102.1
106.4
106.0
108.5
111.1
112.8
118.4
113.3
120.9
Beef.
Loins.
Ribs.
97.7
97.7
97.7
97.7
97.7
102.9
102.9
102.9
102.9
97.7
97.7
97.7
97.7
108.0
108.0
108.0
113.1
108.0
102.9
108.0
108.0
113.1
108.0
113.1
108.0
102.9
102.9
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
102.9
102.9
102.9
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
103.4
103.4
103.4
103.4
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
103.4
103.4
103.4
109.5
103.4
97.3
103.4
103.4
109.5
103.4
109.5
103.4
103.4
97.3
103.4
103.4
103.4
103.4
103.4
97.3
97.3
97.3
103.4
103.4
103.4
103.4
Salt meat.
Pork,
salt,
Aver Beef,
salt,
mess,
age. family. old
to
new.
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
105.7
105.7
105.7
111.3
105.7
100.1
105.7
105.7
111.3
105.7
111.3
105.7
103.2
100.1
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
100.1
100.1
100.1
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
97.4
85.2
86.9
104.9
92.5
102.2
129.0
107.1
94.9
103.4
100.5
90.1
119.3
119.3
107.1
126.6
143.6
126.6
99.8
107.1
112.0
113.2
116.8
107.1
107.1
107.1
85.2
82.7
90.1
93.7
87.6
93.0
80.3
94.9
99.8
77.9
85.2
87.6
87.6
90.1
101.1
118.7
103.3
96.7
109.9
98.7
100.0
83.5
85.7
101.1
104.4
139.6
160.4
169.2
169.3
124.2
115.4
122.0
133.0
114.3
120.9
119.8
90.1
80.2
80.2
71.4
72.5
74.7
81.3
74.7
83.5
79.1
84.6
90.1
75.8
87.9
81.3
78.0
Aver
age.
93.8
93.2
102.8
104.1
94.6
106.1
112.9
103.6
89.2
94.6
100.8
97.3
129.5
139.9
138.2
143.0
133.9
121.0
110.9
120.1
113.2
117.1
118.3
98.6
93.*
93.7
78.3
77.6
82.4
87.5
81.2
88.3
79.7
89.8
95.0
76.9
86.6
84.5
82.8
247
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OE COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Con tinaed.
F O O D —Continued.
Meat.
Date.
January, 1890.......................................
April, 1890............................................
July, 1890..............................................
October, 1890.......................................
January, 1891.......................................
April, 1891............................................
July, 1891..............................................
October, 1891.......................................
January, 1892.......................................
April, 1892............................................
July, 1892..............................................
October, 1892.......................................
January, 1893.......................................
April, 1893............................................
July, 1893..............................................
October, 1893.......................................
January, 1894.......................................
April, 1894............................................
July, 1894..............................................
October, 1894.......................................
January, 1895.......................................
April, 1895............................................
July, 1895..............................................
October, 1895.......................................
January, 1^96.......................................
April, 1896............................................
July, 1896..............................................
October, 1896.......................................
January, 1897.......................................
April, 1897............................................
July, 1897..............................................
October, 1897.......................................
January, 1898.......................................
April, 1898............................................
July, 1898..............................................
October, 1898 — ................................
January, 1899.......................................
April, 1899............................................
July, 1899..............................................
Bacon, Ham,
short sugar
rib
sides. cured.
89.5
93.5
87.9
96.0
91.7
104.2
106.2
131.0
100.2
99.2
133.1
139.8
148.8
165.6
161.7
182.5
107.1
109.1
117.1
127.0
103.2
107.1
109.1
99.2
81.3
83.3
69.4
63.5
68.5
83.3
81.3
97.2
79.4
88.9
95.2
97.2
85.3
82.5
82.5
100.5
104.2
103.0
105.4
92.0
94.4
103.0
107.9
89.5
96.9
120.2
106.7
120.2
138.6
122.6
122.6
93.2
94.4
109.1
116.5
92.0
95.6
101.8
99.3
96.9
96.9
96.9
103.0
99.3
100.5
100.5
95.6
87.1
83.4
87.1
85.8
84.6
84.6
101.8
Molasses.
Mut
ton,
racks
and
sad
dles.
104.7
104.7
104.7
104.7
94.2
94.2
104.7
94.2
94.2
99.4
115.1
104.7
83.7
83.7
94.2
78.5
68.0
68.0
78.5
68.0
52.3
83.7
73.3
73.3
62.8
62.8
68.0
73.3
57.6
73.3
73.3
68.0
73.3
78.5
78.5
78.5
78.5
78.5
78.5
Milk,
fresh.
105.5
93.8
93.8
105.5
105.5
93.8
93.8
105.5
102.6
88.0
88.0
102.6
102.6
88.0
88.0
102.6
102.6
88.0
88.0
102.6
102.6
88.0
88.0
102.6
96.7
88.0
88.0
96.7
96.7
88.0
88.0
96.7
96.7
88.0
88.0
96.7
96.7
88.0
88.0
New Puerto
Or
leans, Rico,
prime. best.
Aver
age.
113.5
102.7
102.7
102.7
97.3
94.6
94.6
94.6
97.3
91.9
89.2
86.5
94.6
91.9
91.9
86.5
102.7
100.0
100.0
97.3
105.4
100.0
97.3
91.9
97.3
94.6
91.9
91.9
91.9
89.2
83.8
81.1
91.9
89.2
89.2
86.5
97.3
97.3
100.0
114.6
106.4
106.4
103.7
98.2
88.6
91.4
91.4
99.6
92.8
90.0
87.3
96.9
94.1
91.4
85.9
99.5
92.7
91.3
88.6
98.1
92.7
88.6
87.3
95.5
92.7
90.0
88.6
85.9
84.5
80.5
79.1
90.0
85.9
90.0
91.4
96.8
98.2
99.6
115.6
110.1
110.1
104.6
99.1
82.6
88.1
88.1
101.8
93.6
90.8
88.1
99.1
96.3
90.8
85.3
96.3
85.3
82.6
79.8
90.8
85.3
79.8
82.6
93.6
90.8
88.1
85.3
79.8
79.8
77.1
77.1
88.1
82.6
90.8
96.3
96.3
99.1
99.1
Rice,
Caro
lina,
good.
01.0
96.3
103.4
105.7
105.7
101.0
105.7
98.7
89.3
86.9
86.9
79.9
70.5
68.1
51.7
62.3
72.8
82.2
84.6
82.2
77.5
75.2
84.6
75.2
72.8
70.5
75.2
79.9
77.5
84.6
89.3
86.9
86.9
94.0
112.8
96.3
98.7
108.1
105.7
248
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
FOOJD—Concluded.
Salt.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1890..
1890..
1890..
1890..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1893. •
1893..
1893..
1893..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1899..
1899..
1899..
Sugar.
Spices, Spices,
nut
Cen
megs, pepper, Starch, trifu
Fine, Turks Aver 110 nuts whole, corn.
gal,
Suma
boiled. Island. age.
per
96-de
tra.
pound.
gree
test.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
88.5
100.0
111.5
88.5
96.2
107.7
107.7
100.0
100.0
96.2
103.8
115.4
96.2
100.0
92.3
88.5
88.5
96.2
88.5
80.8
103.8
80.8
80.8
80.8
80.8
80.8
84.6
88.5
76.9
80.8
80.8
84.6
76.9
80.8
80.8
84.6
88.5
92.3
80.8
94.3
100.0
105.8
94.3
98.1
103.9
103.9
100.0
100.0
98.1
101.9
107.7
98.1
100.0
96.2
94.3
94.3
98.1
94.3
90.4
101.9
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
92.3
94.3
88.5
90.4
90.4
92.3
88.5
90.4
90.4
92.3
94.3
96.2
90.4
100.5
102.2
105.4
102.2
102.2
97.3
97.3
97.3
95.7
84.3
82.7
81.1
77.8
76.2
71.3
69.7
68.1
63.2
60.0
64.9
64.9
64.9
64.9
64.9
63.2
56.8
55.1,
53.5
51.9
51.9
55.1
53.5
51.9
55.1
51.9
47.0
48.6
43.8
43.8
137.6
126.6
115.6
99.1
93.6
93.6
82.6
79.8
71.6
74.3
68.8
74.3
71.6
60.6
52.3
55.0
55.0
52.3
49.5
52.3
44.0
46.8
52.3
49.5
46.8
49.5
52.3
52.3
55.0
52.3
63.3
79.8
82.6
90.8
96.3
99.1
110.1
115.6
115.6
94.3
94.3
94.3
102.2
110.0
102.2
102.2
102.2
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
102.2
102.2
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
98.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
94.3
110.3
102.0
102.0
114.0
128.5
90.6
82.8
84.4
84.4
78.1
78.1
87.5
86.0
93.8
84.4
96.9
71.9
71.9
78.1
93.8
75.0
75.0
81.3
89.1
93.8
104.7
87.5
76.6
79.7
84.4
87.5
98.4
106.3
103.1
106.3
106.3
107.8
110.9
112.5
Fair
refin
ing, Granu Aver Tallow.
89-de lated.
age.
gree
test.
120.2
118.7
117.1
132.5
112.5
78.6
74.0
70.9
75.5
67.8
67.8
74.0
74.0
80.1
92.5
83.2
64.7
61.6
66.3
77.1
67.8
66.3
70.9
77.1
83.2
92.5
74.0
66.3
69.3
74.0
74.0
81.7
89.4
89.4
89.4
92.5
94.0
97.1
98.6
120.6
112.5
116.0
122.9
110.2
83.5
78.8
81.2
75.0
79.4
78.3
90.9
85.3
89.8
97.8
94.4
69.4
73.8
73.8
81.8
69.4
71.6
80.7
81.8
85.2
90.7
85.3
78.5
76.1
82.9
82.9
89.8
92.0
89.8
94.4
92.0
87.6
89.8
96.7
117.0
111.1
111.7
123.1
117.1
84.2
78.5
78.8
78.3
75.1
74.7
84.1
81.8
87.9
91.6
91.5
68.7
69.1
72.7
84.2
70.7
71.0
77.6
82.7
87.4
96.0
82.3
73.8
75.0
80.4
81.5
90.0
95.9
94.1
96.7
96.9
96.5
99.3
102.6
94.0
94.7
94.0
106.0
96.0
107.3
100.0
106.0
102.0
99.3
92.7
95.4
111.3
116.6
99.3
111.3
107.9
101.3
90.7
103.3
100.7
100.7
92.7
92.7
79.5
77.5
68.9
79.5
72.2
71.5
66.2
74.2
78.1
76.8
66.2
74.2
79.5
99.3
92.1
249
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JAN U ARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1888—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G .
Boots and shoes.
Date.
January, 1890.............................
April, 1890...................... : .........
July, 1890....................................
October, 1890 .............................
January, 1891.............................
April, 1891..................................
July, 1891....................................
October, 1891.............................
January, 1892.............................
April, 1892..................................
July, 1892....................................
October, 1892 .............................
January, 1893.............................
April, 1893..................................
July, 1893....................................
October, 1893 .............................
January, 1894.............................
April, 1894..................................
July, 1894....................................
October, 1894 .............................
January, 1895.............................
April, 1895..................................
July, 1895....................................
October, 1895...............................
January, 1896.............................
April, 1896..................................
July, 1896....................................
October, 1896 .............................
January, 1897.............................
April, 1897..................................
July, 1897....................................
October, 1897 .............................
January, 1898.............................
April, 1898..................................
July, 1898....................................
October, 1898 .............................
J a n u a ry , 1899....... ................ . . .
April, 1899..................................
July, 1899....................................
Men’s
Men’s
Bags, Women’s
calf, bal.
split
Calico,
2-bushel, shoes,
solid
shoes,
boots,
Men’s Goodyear kip top, Average. Cocheco
Amosleather, brogans.
prints.
keag.
16-inch,
grain,
welt,
polish or
dongola k double
sole.
polka.
top.
100.0
100.0
101.6
103.2
100.0
98.4
98.4
100.0
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.4
84.1
85.7
85.7
74.6
77.8
66.7
69.8
73.0
82.5
85.7
77.8
79.4
82.5
82.5
82.5
79.4
85.7
79.4
79.4
88.9
92.1
88.9
92.1
92.1
2193— No. 27-----2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.6
97.6
97.6
97.6
95.2
95.2
95.2
95.2
90.5
88.1
88.1
90.5
100.0
95.2
95.2
95.2
95.2
92.9
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.5
85.7
85.7
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
90.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
93.3
93.3
93.3
93.3
93.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
94.1
94.1
94.1
94.1
88.2
88.2
88.2
88.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
94.1
94.1
94.1
94.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
99.4
99.4
98.7
98.7
98.1
98.1
97.3
97.3
96.2
95.6
94.1
94.7
97.1
95.9
96.6
96.6
96.6
96.0
96.2
96.2
96.2
96.2
95.7
95.7
94.6
94.6
95.4
95.4
96.0
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
97.3
81.1
97.3
97.3
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
97.3
97.3
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
81.1
81.1
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
81.1
81.1
81.1
81.1
81.1
81.1
73.0
73.0
73.0
73.0
73.0
73.0
81.1
250
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1SG9—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G - Continued.
Car]sets.
Date.
January, 1390............
April, 1890.................
July, 1390...................
October, 1890............
January, 1891............
April, 1891.................
July, 1891...................
October, 1891............
January, 1892............
April, 1892.................
July, 1892...................
October, 1892............
January, 1893............
April, 1893.................
July, 1893...................
October, 1893............
January, 1894............
April, 1894.................
July, 1894...................
October, 1894............
January, 1895............
April, 1895.................
July, 1895...................
October, 1895............
January, 1896............
April, 1896.................
July, 1896...................
October, 1896............
January, 1897............
April, 1897....... ..........
July, 1897...................
October, 1897............
January, 1898............
April, 1898.................
July, 1898...................
October, 1898............
January, 1899............
April, 1899.................
July, 1899...................
Cotton
thread,
Cotton,
6-cord, upland,
Brussels, Ingrain, Wilton,
200
yards,
mid
2-ply,
5-frame, Average. J.& P .
5-frame,
dling.
Bigelow. Lowell. Bigelow.
Coats.
95.1
95.1
95.1
95.1
103.9
103.9
103.9
103.9
103.9
95.1
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
90.7
90.7
95.1
95.1
95.1
95.1
95.1
95.1
95.1
102.0
92.8
96.7
97.3
106.6
103.3
106.7
97.9
96.7
96.3
96.7
97.8
101.6
100.1
101.9
93.4
92.2
89.1
87.3
79.0
82.7
78.4
78.9
73.5
78.3
73.6
79.3
72.9
78.7
76.0
82.8
86.3
95.0
88.4
92.9
78.5
80.2
76.9
82.5
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
102.7
102.7
102.7
102.7
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
85.6
90.5
90.5
92.9
92.9
92.9
92.9
92.9
92.9
92.9
98.3
95.2
96.5
96.7
104.4
103.3
104.4
101.5
99.5
96.4
95.1
95.4
96.7
96.2
96.8
94.0
92.1
91.0
90.4
87.7
84.8
83.4
83.6
81.8
83.4
81.8
83.7
81.6
83.5
82.6
88.0
89.2
94.3
92.1
93.6
88.8
89.4
88.3
90.2
101.4
101.4
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.699.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
106.0
118.2
124.0
107.3
96.3
93.0
86.6
89.8
78.8
69.1
76.2
79.5
102.1
87.9
82.7
83.3
82.1
80.1
74.9
64.6
58.8
66.5
73.7
93.7
85.9
81.4
76.9
86.6
72.4
75.6
81.4
67.2
61.4
64.0
64.6
55.6
60.7
64.6
63.3
Denims, Drillings,
Ainos- Stark A.
keag.
101.7
101.7
99.5
103.8
101.7
99.5
97.4
97.4
97.4
99.5
99.5
99.5
99.5
99.5
103.8
103.8
95.2
95.2
95.2
95.2
86.5
84.4
84.4
86.5
90.9
82.2
82.2
86.5
86.5
80.0
77.9
77.9
77.9
77.9
77.9
76.8
71.4
77.9
80.0
100.3
102.6
109.6
105.9
105.1
100.2
96.9
88.6
90.2
86.8
86.3
84.3
91.4
94.3
97.1
89.2
86.6
81.2
78.8
80.1
76.8
75.9
73.4
91.2
87.8
85.5
84.8
83.2
78.8
76.5
74.4
78.6
67.9
72.3
72.6
68.8
69.3
73.9
75.9
251
WHOLESALE PEICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1S90, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G - Continued.
Leather.
Felts.
Date.
January, 1890...........
April, 1890................
July, 1890.................
October, 1890 ...........
January, 1891...........
April, 1891...............
July, 1891.................
October, 1891...........
January, 1892...........
April, 1892...............
July, 1892.................
October, 1892 ..........
January, 1893..........
April, 1893...............
July, 1893.................
October, 1893 ..........
January, 1894..........
April, 1894...............
July, 1894.................
October, 1894..........
January, 1895..........
April, 1895..............
July, 1895.................
October, 1895 ..........
January, 1896..........
April, 1896...............
July, 1896.................
October, 1896..........
January, 1897..........
April, 1897...............
July, 1897.................
October, 1897 .........
January, 1898..........
April, 1898...............
July, 1898.................
October, 1898..........
January, 1899..........
April, 1899...............
July, 1899.................
Wet,
Press,
12 by 5| 24 by 5f
feet, fine feet, fine
FourFourdins.
dins.
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86*6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
«89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
89.5
Flan
Ging
nels,
twilled hams,
AmosAver
blue,
age. 3-4, Tal keag.
bot T.
103.8
103.8
103.8
103.8
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
88.1
102.9
108.4
86.7
300.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
93.0
100.8
100.8
100.8
93.0
83.3
83.3
83.3
80.3
75.5
76.7
76.7
70.4
71.5
71.5
71.5
72.8
72.8
72.8
80.9
80.9
80.9
80.9
84.1
84.1
77.6
77.6
Har
ness.
101.1
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
104.5
97.8
101.7
101.1
104.5
101.7
94.4
101.7
101.7
97.8
101.1
101.7
101.7
97.8
101.7
91.0
101.7
87.6
101.7
84.3
97.8
84.3
97.8
84.3
97.8
80.9
80.2
80.9
74.3
80.9
74.3
80.9
74.3
84.3
72.4
84.3
66.5
86.0
74.3
97.8
78.3
101.1
80.2
104.5
74.3
101.1
66.5 ' 97.8
74.3
101.1
70.4
107.9
66.5
111.2
66.5
114.6
70.4
107.9
66.5
97.8
70.4
101.1
66.5
104.5
66.5
104.5
70.4
101.1
74.3
104.5
78.3
111.2
Sole, first
Hides, quality,
medium Aver
dry.
age.
Buenos weight,
Buenos
Ayres.
Ayres.
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
98.0
98.0
98.0
98.0
95.0
93.2
89.5
93.2
93.2
91.4
84.1
80.4
76.8
80.4
76.8
76.8
87.7
98.7
153.5
175.4
131.6
124.3
117.0
117.0
131.6
135.2
135.2
146.2
146.2
146.2
146.2
153.5
146.2
138.9
153.5
101.7
101.7
101.7
101.7
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
96.4
93.7
96.4
96.4
93.7
101.7
101.7
101.7
99.0
99.0
91.0
88.3
88.3
91.0
123.1
128.5
117.8
96.4
99.0
99.0
107.1
117.8
107.1
117.8
112.4
112.4
112.4
107.1
112.4
117.8
117.8
102.1
100.1
100.1
103.:
99. ‘
100.!
97.1
98.!
97.1
94.(
92.!
92..
90..
92.!
90. <
87.'
85.1
86.!
82.1
83.:
86.!
91.1
124.!
135. (
118.1
107.!
104.1
105.’
115.!
121..
119. <
124.1
118.!
119.1
121. <
121.'
119.1
120..
127.1
252
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Continued.
Date.
January, 1890...
April, 1890.........
July, 1890..........
October, 1890...
January, 1891...
April, 1891.........
July, 1891..........
October, 1891...
January, 1892...
April, 1892.........
July, 1892...........
October, 1892...
January, 1893...
April, 1893.........
July.1893...........
October, 1893...
January, 1894...
April, 1894.........
July, 1894...........
October, 1894...
January, 1895...
April, 1895.........
July, 1895..........
October, 1895...
January, 1896...
April, 1896.........
July, 1896...........
October, 1896...
January, 1897...
April, 1897.........
July, 1897..........
October, 1897...
January, 1898...
April, 1898.........
July, 1898..........
October, 1898...
January, 1899...
April, 1899.........
July, 1899..........
Print
cloths,
28-inch,
64 by 64,
Meta
comet.
Sheetings.
Shawls,
standard,
72 by 144
inches,
weighing
36-inch,
42ounces, Brown,
At Stark Aver
made of 4-4,
age.
AA.
lantic.
X X Ohio
fleece
wool.
110.8
102.9
106.8
104.8
94.9
94.9
93.0
94.9
96.9
96.9
106.8
110.8
126.6
122.6
102.9
87.0
93.0
89.0
85.1
94.9
85.1
79.1
91.0
102.9
93.0
79.1
79.0
81.2
79.1
81.1
77.1
79.1
71.2
63.3
61.3
63.3
75.2
87.0
87.0
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
93.1
93.1
93.1
93.1
78.1
78.1
78.1
78.1
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
81.3
81.3
81.3
81.3
81.3
81.3
81.3
101.0
101.0
101.0
104.8
103.6
102.1
100.6
96.0
90.1
92.0
88.4
85.3
89.9
85.3
95.2
93.3
91.4
85.7
85.7
78.1
76.1
76.1
76.1
87.6
87.6
83.8
80.0
80.0
83.8
72.4
74.3
74.3
72.4
68.6
66.7
68.6
64.8
70.5
72.4
105.0
101.3
108.2
107.5
106.1
98.7
95.3
86.8
90.9
87.8
85.7
82.7
94.7
90.4
87.5
88.0
84.9
80.4
79.0
80.7
85.9
74.2
75.0
90.9
87.0
84.3
83.3
81.4
79.0
72.7
73.0
68.2
63.7
69.8
71.9
64.5
66.9
69.3
72.2
103.0
101.2
104.6
106.2
104.9
100.4
98.0
91.4
90.5
89.9
87.1
84.0
92.3
87.9
91.4
90.7
88.2
83.1
82.4
79.4
81.0
75.2
75.6
89.3
87.3
84.1
81.7
80.7
81.4
72.6
73.7
71.3
68.1
69.2
69.3
66.6
65.9
69.9
72.3
Shirtings, bleached.
4-4,
Fruit
of the
Loom.
4-4,
Hope.
4-4,
Lons
dale.
4-4,
New
York
Mills.
100.2
100.2
103.1
103.1
100.2
100.2
97.7
100.2
94.9
94.9
95.4
95.4
101.0
101.0
95.4
95.4
88.9
85.7
87.0
84.2
84.2
76.8
78.6
89.8
95.4
87.0
73.9
76.-6
76.8
73.9
67.9
67.9
70.9
70.9
67.9
67.9
65.0
76.8
76.8
100.7
100.7
104.1
104.1
100.7
100.7
97.5
97.5
94.1
94.1
90.7
94.1
100.8
100.8
94.1
94.1
89.4
87.4
87.4
87.4
77.2
77.2
84P. 0
97.5
100.8
84.0
80.6
87.4
87.4
80.6
80.6
80.6
75.4
75.4
72.0
72.0
68.7
74.0
77.2
100.6
100.6
103.5
103.5
97.8
100.6
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
103.5
103.5
97.8
97.8
89.7
89.1
89.1
86.3
74.8
77.6
83.4
94.9
97.8
80.5
74.8
80.5
80.5
74.0
76.5
77.6
71.2
71.2
67.9
67.9
65.1
70.8
76.9
100.3
100.3
102.6
102.6
102.6
100.3
97.9
97.9
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
93.0
88.6
88.6
88.6
88.6
88.6
88.6
84.2
84.2
84.2
88.6
88.6
88.6
88.6
83.5
83.5
88.6
88.6
78.6
78.6
78.6
78.6
78.6
78.6
86.4
Aver
age.
100.5
100.5
103.3
103.3
100.8
100.5
97.7
98.4
95.6
95.6
94.9
95.7
100.2
100.2
95.1
94.0
89.2
87.7
88.0
86.6
81.2
79.0
82.6
91.6
95.7
85.0
79.5
83.3
82.1
78.0
78.4
78.7
74.0
74.0
71.6
71.6
69.4
75.1
79.3
253
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Concluded.
Date.
January, 1890...
April, 1890.........
July, 1890..........
October, 1890 . ..
January, 1891...
April, 1891.........
July, 1891..........
October, 1891 . . .
January, 1892...
April, 1892 .........
July, 1892..........
October, 1892 . . .
January, 1893...
April, 1893.........
July, 1893...........
October, 1893 . . .
January, 1894...
April, 1894.........
July, 1894..........
October, 1894 . . .
January, 1895...
April, 1895.........
July, 1895...........
October, 1895 . . .
January, 1896...
April, 1896.........
July, 1896..........
October, 1896 . . .
January, 1897...
April, 1897.........
July, 1897..........
October, 1897 . . .
January, 1898...
April, 1898.........
July, 1898...........
October, 1898 . . .
January, 1899...
April, 1899.........
July, 1899..........
Women’s dress goods.
Wool.
Suitings,
all wool,
Cotton
Cotton
indigo- Tickings, Cotton
blue,
warp
warp
Amoswarp
Ohio,
Ohio,
54-inch,
cashcashalpaca,
Aver
keag,
fine
medium Aver
14-ounce, A.
mere,
mere,
22-inch,
C.
A.
age.
fleece,
fleece,
age.
Middle
27-inch,
Hamil 22-inch,
scoured. scoured.
sex
Hamil
Hamil
ton.
standard.
ton.
ton.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
*100.0
100.0
100.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
75.4
75.4
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
67.6
67.6
67.6
67.6
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
73.5
101.4
101.4
99.3
103.5
101.4
99.3
97.2
99.3
97.2
97.2
97.2
97.2
99.3
101.4
101.4
97.2
96.1
90.8
90.8
88.7
80.3
82.4
88.7
88.7
93.0
82.4
84.5
84.5
88.7
80.3
80.3
80.3
76.1
76.1
76.1
73.9
76.1
78.2
78.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
93.3
93.3
93.3
93.3
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
86.7
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
88.2
88.2
88.2
88.2
88.2
88.2
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
82.4
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.5
97.5
97.5
95.0
95.0
95.0
92.5
92.5
92.5
92.5
87.5
87.5
85.0
85.0
85.0
85.0
85.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
40.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
80.0
85.0
85.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.1
97.1
97.1
96.3
96.3
96.3
92.3
92.3
92.3
92.3
87.5
87.5
86.6
86.6
86.6
86.6
84.7
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
83.0
84.7
84.7
102.8
102.8
102.8
102.8
102.8
99.6
96.5
96.5
93.3
90.2
87.4
90.2
90.2
93.3
74.7
71.6
71.6
65.6
62.5
59.3
54.5
51.4
56.1
56.1
59.3
59.3
53.0
56.1
59.3
65.6
66.9
84.2
90.2
90.2
87.4
88.8
82.5
77.5
88.8
102.3
99.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
96.3
96.3
96.3
93.8
93.8
91.2
91.2
88.2
71.9
65.5
65.5
63.4
58.2
58.2
55.2
55.2
58.2
58.2
59.3
58.2
49.7
52.7
58.2
62.0
65.1
80.1
83.1
81.4
80.1
83.1
80.1
77.1
85.6
102.6
101.1
102.6
102.6
102.6
101.0
96.4
96.4
94.8
92.0
90.6
90.7
90.7
90.8
73.3
68.6
68.6
64.5
60.4
58.8
54.9
53.3
57.2
57.2
59.3
58.8
51.4
54.4
58.8
63.8
66.0
82.2
86.7
85.8
83.8
86.0
81.3
77.3
87.2
254
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
FUEL AND LIUHTINU.
Date.
January, 1890............
April, 1890.................
July, 1890...................
October, 1890............
January, 1891............
April, 1891.................
July, 1891...................
October, 1891............
January, 1892............
April, 1892.................
July, 1892...................
October, 1892............
January, 1893............
April, 1893.................
July, 1893...................
October, 1893............
January, 1894............
April, 1894.................
July, 1894...................
October, 1894............
January, 1895............
April, 1895.................
July, 1895...................
October, 1895............
January, 1898............
April, 1896.................
July, 1896...................
October, 1896............
January, 1897............
April, 1897.................
July, 1897...................
October, 1897............
January, 1898............
April, 1898.................
July, 1898...................
October, 1898............
January, 1899............
April, 1899.................
July, 1899...................
Candles,
best ada
mantine.
94.7
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
102.6
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
Coal, anthracite.
Pea.
90.8
107.3
107.3
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
90.8
90.8
90.8
90.8
90.8
94.1
94.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
99.1
94.1
94.1
94.1
94.1
87.5
94.1
94.1
87.5
94.1
87.5
87.5
87.5
90.8
94.1
90.8
90.8
90
8276
Stove.
105.7
86.9
96.9
104.5
107.0
90.6
98.2
107.0
103.2
98.2
109.5
115.8
115.8
100.7
112.0
112.0
112.0
90.6
100.7
96.9
90.6
83.1
83.1
100.7
91.9
90.6
103.2
109.5
103.2
103.2
109.5
109.5
93.1
96.9
96.9
96.9
90.6
90.6
96.9
Average.
Coal,
bitumi
nous.
98.3
97.1
102.1
101.8
103.1
94.9
98.7
103.1
101.2
94.5
100.2
103.3
103.3
95.8
103.1
103.1
105.6
94.9
99.9
98.0
94.9
88.6
88.6
97.4
93.0
89.1
98.7
101.8
95.4
98.7
98.5
98.5
90.3
93.9
95.5
93.9
90.7
90.7
89.8
103.1
98.4
98.4
98.4
96.9
101.6
101.6
101.6
100.0
100.0
98.4
96.9
100.0
98.4
98.4
98.4
98.4
89.1
89.1
89*1
89.1
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
90.6
90.6
90.6
90.6
81.3
81.3
81.3
82.8
82.8
85.9
79.7
71.9
73.4
68.8
Matches.
8-ea.rd.
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
104.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
120.9
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0*
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
133.0
Parlor.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
78.9
78.9
78.9
78.9
78.9
78.9
Average.
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
102.4
102.4
102.4
102.4
110.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
106.0
106.0
106.0
106.0
106.0
106.0
255
WHOLESALE PRICES*. 1890 TO 1899,
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY. 1899-RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
M E T A L S A N ® IM P L E M E N T S .
Date.
January, 1890 ...
April, 1890.........
July, 1890..........
October, 1890 . . .
January, 1891...
April, 1891.........
July, 1891..........
October, 1891 . . .
January, 1892...
April, 1892.........
July, 1892..........
October, 1892___
January, 1893...
April, 1893.........
July, 1893..........
October, 1893 . . .
January, 1894...
April, 1894.........
July, 1894..........
October, 1894 . . .
January, 1895...
April, 1895.........
July, 1895..........
October, 1895 . . .
January, 1896...
April, 1896.........
July, 1896..........
October, 1896 . ..
January, 1897...
April, 1897.........
July, 1897..........
October, 1897...
January, 1898...
April, 1898.........
July, 1898..........
October, 1898...
January, 1899...
April, 1899.........
July, 1899..........
Bar iron,
best
refined,
rolled,
all muck
iron.
106.9
104.1
101.2
104.1
101.2
95.6
95.6
95.6
95.6
90.0
95.6
93.9
89.4
87.2
85.5
78.7
73.1
67.5
67.5
64.7
61.9
61.9
74.2
79.9
70.3
67.5
67.5
67.5
68.6
64.1
53.4
64.7
64.7
59.1
59.1
61.9
63.0
92.8
112.5
Butts,
loose
joint,
cast,
3 by 3
inch.
102.0
102.0
102.0
104.5
102.0
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
98.9
96.9
89.2
89.2
84.1
84.1
84.1
89.2
84.1
84.1
84.1
84.1
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
89.2
84.1
84.1
84.1
89.2
102.0
Copper.
Sheet.
108.2
108.2
123.0
108.2
108.2
108.2
78.7
78.7
78.7
78.7
78.7
78.7
78.7
78.7
68.9
68.9
73.8
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
73.8
66.4
66.4
73.8
73.8
73.8
76.2
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
68.9
81.1
105.7
110.7
Lead.
Door
Wire,
knobs,
No. 8, B.
and S. Average. mineral.
Ga. and
heavier.
101.9
101.9
116.5
116.5
104.9
99.0
93.2
87.4
78.6
87.4
87.4
81.6
81.6
81.6
78.6
72.8
69.9
69.9
64.1
65.5
65.5
65.5
74.3
83.0
77.2
78.6
81.6
78.6
81.6
81.6
78.6
78.6
75.7
81.6
81.6
81.6
87.4
116.5
110.7
105.1
105.1
119.8
112.4
106.6
103.6
86.0
83.1
78.7
83.1
83.1
80.2
80.2
80.2
73.8
70.9
71.9
69.4
66.5
67.2
67.2
67.2
71.6
78.4
71.8
72.5
77.7
76.2
77.7
78.9
73.8
73.8
72.3
75.3
75.3
75.3
84.3
111.1
110.7
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
110.0
110.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
130.0
Pig.
Pipe.
89.4
89.4
102.8
116.1
94.1
100.5
103.4
105.7
98.7
98.1
97.5
91.7
87.1
91.7
79.0
84.8
74.3
76.6
72.0
70.8
69.7
70.8
72.6
73.2
69.7
69.7
69.7
60.4
67.4
74.3
77.8
92.9
82.5
81.3
88.3
88.8
85.9
96.4
98.7
87.1
87.1
101.6
116.1
105.2
105.2
101.6
101.6
94.4
94.4
94.4
94.4
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
83.5
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
68.0
63.5
65.3
76.2
76.2
90.7
79.8
79.8
87.1
87.1
87.1
98.0
98.0
Aver
age.
88.3
88.3
102.2
118.1
99.7
102.9
102.5
103.7
96.6
96.3
96.0
93.1
88.9
'91.2
84.9
87.8
87.5
80.1
74.1
73.5
73.0
73.5
74.4
74.7
73.0
73.0
68.9
62.0
66.4
75.3
77.0
91.8
81.2
80.6
87.7
88.0
86.5
97.2
98.4
256
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
M E T A L S A N © IM P L E M E N T S —Continued.
Locks.
Pig iron.
Date.
Com
mon
mor
tise.
Com
mon
rim.
Aver
age.
January, 1890.......................................
April, 1890............................................
July, 1890..............................................
October, 1890.......................................
January, 1891...................: ..................
April, 1891............................................
July, 1891..............................................
October, 1891.......................................
January, 1892.......................................
April, 1892............................................
July, 1892..............................................
October, 1892.......................................
January, 1893......................................
April, 1893............................................
July, 1893..............................................
October, 1893.......................................
January, 1894.......................................
April, 1894............................................
July, 1894..............................................
October, 1894.......................................
January, 1895.......................................
April, 1895............................................
July, 1895..............................................
October, 1895.......................................
January, 1896.......................................
April, 1896............................................
July, 1896..............................................
October, 1896.......................................
January, 1897.......................................
April, 1897............................................
July, 1897..............................................
October, 1897.......................................
January, 1898.......................................
April, 1898............................................
July, 1898................. ...........................
October, 1898.......................................
January, 1899.......................................
April, 1899............................................
July, 1899..............................................
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
110.8
110.8
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
114.5
114.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
111.1
111.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
118.3
113.3
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
111.0
111.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
113.9
113.9
Nails,
wire,
base
price.
129.0
106.8
106.8
106.8
98.8
94.3
92.1
84.5
81.0
77.9
75.6
69.8
69.8
73.4
65.4
62.3
52.1
44.5
53.4
46.7
42.3
42.3
86.8
106.8
107.7
113.4
120.1
120.1
65.4
65.4
60.1
68.5
69.0
65.4
60.5
65.0
■70.7
100.1
120.1
No. 1,
Besse anthra
Aver
cite,
mer.
age.
foun
dry.
135.1
102.4
106.8
99.5
91.5
92.4
93.2
88.9
89.8
83.2
80.3
79.7
78.0
79.5
75.8
66.6
62.5
60.2
72.3
63.2
57.7
61.3
81.1
90.5
67.8
76.4
69.5
67.2
61.8
56.9
63.9
61.4
57.4
59.4
59.2
59.7
63.1
86.4
117.3
110.6
101.5
100.1
100.1
97.3
97.3
97.3
98.7
97.3
88.9
83.7
83.4
82.3
81.0
83.4
78.9
74.3
70.0
69.5
69.5
67.2
66.7
76.7
80.6
75.4
73.7
70.9
69.8
70.9
67.4
65.3
66.7
66.7
65.3
62.5
65.0
67.4
91.7
113.2
123.0
102.0
103.5
99.8
94.4
94.9
95.3
93.8
93.6
86.1
82.0
81.6
80.2
80.3
79.6
72.8
68.4
65.1
70.9
66.4
62.5
64.0
78.9
85.6
71.6
75.1
70.2
68.5
66.4
62.2
59.6
64.1
62.1
62.4
60.9
62.4
65.3
89.1
115.3
Quick
silver
100.8
100.8
111.2
117.1
103.8
91.9
90.4
89.0
94.9
86.7
81.5
78.6
77.1
77.1
80.1
77.1
66.7
67.5
71.9
73.4
71.2
70.4
80.1
75.6
78.6
74.1
73.4
72.7
72.5
•79.3
78.6
74.1
76.4
78.6
84.5
78.6
81.5
86.0
86.7
2 57
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899-RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
M E T A L S A N D I M P L E M E N T S —Concluded.
Rope.
Pate.
Shovels,
Ames
No.
2, cast
Saws,
Steel
steel, Spelter,
hand,
rails,
Tarred, Aver standard, Scythes. D handle, domes Steel
billets.
Besse
Manila. Ameri age.
square
tic.
Disston’s.
mer.
can.
point,
back
strap.
January, 1890...............
111.4
April, 1890..................... 126.4
July, 1890...................... 124.3
October, 1890................. 117.9
January, 1891...............
94.3
April, 1891....................
87.9
July, 1891......................
77.1
October, 1891.................
72.9
January, 1892...............
87.9
April, 1892 ....................
92.1
July, 1892......................
92.1
October, 1892.................
87.9
January, 1893............... . 81.4
81.4
April, 1893 ....................
79.3
July, 1893......................
October, 1893.................
66.4
January, 1894...............
62.1
April, 1894....................
60.0
July, 1894......................
64.3
October, 1894.................
64.3
January, 1895...............
64.3
April, 1895 ....................
53.6
July, 1895......................
53.6
October, 1895.................
57.9
January, 1896...............
55.7
April, 1896 ....................
53.6
49.3
July, 1896 ......................
October, 1896.................
49.3
53.6
January, 1897 ...............
April, 1897 ....................
47.1
July, 1897 ......................
45.0
October, 1897.................
45.0
January, 1898...............
49.3
51.4
April, 1898 ....................
85.7
July, 1898 ......................
81.4
October, 1898.................
January, 1899...............
64.3
81.4
April, 1899.....................
83.6
July, 1899......................
98.8
98.8
98.8
98.8
98,8
98.8
98.8
98.8
109.8
107.0
107.0
104.3
101.5
104.3
104.3
104.3
104.3
98.8
98.8
98.8
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
105.1
112.6
111.6
108.4
96.6
93.4
88.0
85.9
98.9
99.6
99.6
96.1
91.5
92.9
91.8
85.4
•83.2
79.4
81.6
81.6
80.2
74.8
74.8
77.0
75.9
74.8
72.7
72.7
74.8
71.6
70.5
70.5
72.7
73.7
90.9
88.7
80.2
88.7
89.8
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
105.9
105.9
105.9
105.9
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
85.8
85.8
85.8
85.8
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
95.3
105.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
110.4
110.4
107.9
103.9
109.9
117.9
84.9
102.4
89.9
89.9
92.9
91.9
95.9
89.9
87.4
85.9
83.0
75.0
70.0
74.0
69.5
68.5
65.5
64.2
72.2
83.2
71.5
82.5
81.5
72.5
81.8
81.8
85.9
84.9
79.0
85.9
99.9
97.4
103.4
127.4
124.9
124.7
120.0
112.6
103.9
88.9
87.8
89.4
86.1
86.6
79.2
80.7
81.6
75.4
78.7
74.0
62.2
55.8
54.4
61.5
55.4
51.2
53.4
73.0
76.9
57.5
68.6
67.6
68.4
55.1
50.8
48.5
57.3
52.0
53.0
51.1
54.7
59.1
87.5
117.1
113.6
108.0
101.5
96.7
93.5
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
93.5
93.5
93.5
88.6
77.3
77.3
77.3
77.3
70.9
70.9
77.3
90.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
80.6
58.0
58.0
58.0
58.0
58.0
54.8
56.4
59.6
83.0
91.0
258
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES. JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
L U H IB E R A N D
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Get.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1890..
1890..
1890..
1890..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1891..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1892..
1898..
1893..
1893..
1893..
1891..
1894..
1894..
1894..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1895..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1896..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1897..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1898..
1899..
1899..
1899..
B U I L D IN G M A T E R I A L S .
Carbon
ate of
Chestnut
Brick, lead
in oil Cement, lumber,
common (Ameri
Rosen- in the log,
domestic can
pure
dale.
not
building. white
sawed.
lead).
119.4
117.3
94.7
107.0
98.8
90.6
84.4
90.6
97.2
93.9
88.9
90.6
105.4
96.0
88.9
86.5
93.0
82.3
76.2
78.2
95.5
88.5
78.2
84.4
90.6
84.4
77.4
77.4
82.8
74.1
72.0
84.4
98.8
90.6
88.5
94.7
102.9
96.8
86.5
103.3
107.0
92.2
99.6
103.3
95.9
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
84.8
92.2
95.9
84.8
75.6
75.6
77.5
77.5
73.8
81.1
81.1
81.1
77.5
77.5
77.5
77.5
77.5
77.5
77.5
81.1
81.1
81.1
81.1
81.1
84.8
84.8
105.9
94.1
94.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
105.9
94.1
94.1
94.1
100.0
94.1
91.2
94.1
100.0
91.2
88.2
88.2
100.0
91.2
88.2
88.2
97.1
88.2
85.3
88.2
94.1
85.3
82.4
82.4
85.3
82.4
79.4
82.4
88.2
82.4
94.1
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
84.9
84.9
84.9
84.9
84.9
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
76.4
84.9
84.9
84.9
84.9
93.4
93.4
Doors,
pine, un
molded,
2 ft. 4 in.
by 6 ft. 8
in., 1£ in.
thick.
114.9
114.9
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
95.7
103.4
95.7
88.1
88.1
84.3
84.3
76.6
76.6
72.8
68.9
68.9
68.9
65.1
65.1
65.1
61.3
61.3
61.3
61.3
65.1
65.1
68.9
72.8
76.6
84.3
88.1
95.7
Oak
Hemlock
Maple
boards,
boards,
Lime,
boards,
white,
first qual Rock
ity, 1-in., land. first qual plain,
ity, 1-m., first qual
not
rough. ity, 1-in.,
planed.
rough.
96 8
Q6 8
106.5
106.5
101.6
101.6
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
101.6
101.6
101.6
96.8
96.8
96.8
91.9
91.9
87.1
87.1
87.1
87.1
84.7
82.3
77.4
77.4
77.4
77.4
79.8
79.8
79.8
82.3
82.3
87.1
87.1
91.9
101.6
111.3
121.0
100.4
111.5
100.4
100.4
100.4
94.8
100.4
94.8
97.0
95.9
105.9
94.8
109.3
100.4
100.4
105.9
98.1
92.6
98.1
94.8
89.2
89.2
83.6
78.1
87.0
78.1
69.1
74.7
72.5
81.4
83.6
83.6
87.0
90.3
72.5
72.5
83.6
89,2
83.6
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
90.9
90.9
90.9
90.9
90.9
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
95.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100,0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
102.9
102.9
2 59
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1390, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
l
i
U
A
N
D
B I7 1 L D 2 N (i M A 1
T E I S I A I jS—Con clu d ed.
Pine boards.
Date.
January, 1890...
April, 1890.........
July, 1890..........
October, 1890...
January, 1891...
April, 1891.........
July, 1891..........
October, 1891...
January, 1892...
April, 1892.........
July, 1892..........
October, 1892...
January, 1893...
April, 1893.........
July, 1893..........
October, 1893...
January, 1894...
April, 1894.........
July, 1894..........
October, 1894...
January, 1895...
April, 1895.........
July, 1895..........
October, 1895...
January, 1898...
April, 1896.........
July, 1896..........
October, 1896...
January, 1897...
April, 1897.........
Julv, 1897..........
October, 1897...
January, 1898...
April, 1898.........
July, 1898..........
October, 1898...
January, 1899...
April, 1899.........
July, 1899..........
White,
clear,
1-inch,
not
planed.
101.8
101.8
99.5
97.2
99.5
99.5
99.5
99.5
101.8
104.1
106.4
108.7
111.1
111.1
111.1
111.1
108.7
106.4
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
104.1
106.4
111.1
118.0
White,
White,
common, culls,
1-inch,
1-inch,
not
not
planed. planed.
Aver
age.
104.5
104.5
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
96.4
96.4
96.4
96.4
100.4
104.5
104.5
108.5
108.5
108.5
108.5
108.5
104.5
100.4
96.4
92.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
88.4
80.4
80.4
80.4
84.4
88.4
88.4
96.4
104.5
112.5
103.8
103.8
99.5
98.7
99.5
99.5
98.1
98.1
98.9
99.7
102.9
105.0
105.8
107.1
106.0
106.0
105.2
104.5
101.8
100.5
98.6
96.2
94.8
94.1
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.7
92.6
92.6
87.8
87.8
87.8
90.2
92.6
93.7
99.4
105.8
114.1
105.1
105.1
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
98.5
98.5
98.5
98.5
96.9
96.9
95.3
92.0
92.0
92.0
88.7
88.7
88.7
88.7
85.4
85.4
78.8
78.8
78.8
82.1
85.4
88.7
95.3
101.8
111.7
Shingles, Spruce
Tar,
boards,
Putty. 16 pine,
inches, No. 2, Wilming
ton,
1-inch.
XXX.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
80.0
91.4
91.4
91.4
91.4
91.4
91.4
91.4
91.4
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
82.9
80.0
97.1
97.1
110.6
110.6
97.0
97.0
107.2
107.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
90.2
88.5
88.5
88.5
88.5
88.5
86.8
86.8
86.8
86.8
86.8
86.8
85.1
85.1
85.1
85.1
86.8
86.8
88.5
88.5
88.5
90.2
90.2
91.9
91.9
93.6
97.0
102.1
97.7
104.7
101.2
101.2
101.2
101.2
97.7
97.7
97.7
101.2
97.7
97.7
97.7
104.7
101.2
97.7
94.2
97.7
94.2
90.7
94.2
101.2
97.7
94.2
94.2
94.2
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
97.7
101.2
104.7
94.4
91.9
96.8
108.9
99.2
99.2
86.8
106.4
106.4
106.4
108.9
101.6
99.2
96.8
94.4
99.2
91.9
87.1
87.1
96.8
89.5
89.5
104.0
99.2
89.5
84.7
94.4
89.5
94.4
87.1
96.8
108.9
89.5
84.7
104.0
108.9
104.0
99.2
121.0
Tur
pen
tine.
112.7
108.9
102.6
99.4
98.8
102.6
95.0
93.7
86.1
95.0
74.7
72.2
78.5
85.5
73.8
69.7
73.5
73.8
76.6
72.2
70.3
98.2
73.5
70.9
76.0
72.2
64.0
70.9
67.1
74.1
67 1
83.0
84.9
81.1
66.5
77.3
115.3
107.7
97.5
260
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
D R U G S AN D C H E M IC A L S.
Date.
January, 1890............
April, 1890.................
July, 1890...................
October, 1890............
January, 1891............
April, 1891.................
July, 1891...................
October, 1891............
January, 1892............
April, 1892.................
July, 1892...................
October, 1892............
January, 1893............
April, 1893.................
July, 1893...................
October, 1893............
January, 1894............
April, 1894.................
July, 1894...................
October, 1894............
January, 1895............
April, 1895.................
July, 1895...................
October, 1895............
January, 1896............
April, 1896.................
July, 1896...................
October, 1896............
January, 1897............
April, 1897.................
July, 1897...................
October, 1897............
January, 1898............
April, 1898.................
July, 1898...................
October, 1898............
January, 1899............
April, 1899.................
July, 1899...................
Alcohol,
94 per
cent.
90.8
90.8
97.2
100.9
101.8
103.7
103.7
105.5
105.5
100.9
103.7
102.8
116.5
104.6
100.0
100.0
102.8
102.8
102.8
115.6
106.9
108.7
107.8
105.5
106.4
106.4
106.0
104.6
103.7
103.7
105.0
106.0
103.7
103.4
108.7
109.6
111.9
111.0
111.9
Brim
stone,
crude.
76.7
76.7
86.6
84.6
102.3
137.7
98.4
118.0
119.0
87.5
94.4
92.5
81.6
76.7
75.7
67.9
69.8
67.9
67.9
62.0
63.9
62.0
62.0
61.0
60.0
62.0
72.8
81.6
82.6
77.7
76.7
81.6
82.6
86.6
90.5
82.6
83.6
85.6
81.6
Glycerin, Linseed
oil,
Amer
ican, re domestic
raw,
in
fined.
barrels.
109.5
109.5
109.5
103.4
97.3
94.3
94.3
91.2
91.2
85.1
85.1
82.1
82.1
82.1
82.1
82.1
79.1
73.0
69.9
69.9
69.9
66.9
66.9
66.9
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
73.0
73.0
73.0
69.9
66.9
79.1
74.5
73.0
73.0
76.0
111.3
115.0
115.0
115.0
107.6
105 8
87.2
74.2
68.7
72.4
77.9
81.6
89.1
92.8
92.8
74.2
87.2
96.5
100.2
100.2
103.9
103.9
107.6
81.6
77.9
74.2
68.7
64.9
57.5
59.4
53.8
63.1
77.9
72.4
76.1
61.2
76.1
87.2
72.4
Opium.
124.7
128.3
135.5
137.3
84.9
75.9
72.3
72.3
68.7
63.3
59.6
58.7
68.7
112.0
94.0
97.6
81.3
94.9
77.7
68.7
84.9
75.9
60.5
61.4
74.1
72.3
72.3
79.5
79.5
86.7
84.9
94.9
98.5
110.2
128.3
131.0
123.8
108.4
113.0
Quinine, Soda ash,
Sul
Amer
carbon phuric
ican,
ate, 48
acid, 66
bulk.
per cent. per cent.
122.6
108.6
108.6
112.1
105.1
87.5
87.5
84.0
84.0
84.0
77.0
70.0
70.0
77.0
77.0
77.0
87.5
96.3
87.5
89.3
89.3
87.5
87.5
87.5
94.6
92.8
91.1
74.4
61.3
52.5
52.5
80.5
87.5
73.5
70.0
68.3
73.5
133.1
119.1
85.8
153.3
85.8
92.0
99.6
98.1
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
93.5
98.1
95.0
82.8
76.6
70.5
70.5
76.6
76.6
70.5
70.5
70.5
58.2
61.3
61.3
67.4
67.4
65.2
65.2
55.2
55.2
55.2
55.2
55.2
46.0
46.0
46.0
46.0
55.2
114.9
114.9
97.7
97.7
80.5
97.7
97.7
97.7
97.7
97.7
114.9
114.9
103.4
103.4
97.7
86.2
86.2
86.2
86.2
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
80.5
114.9
114.9
114.9
97.7
114.9
114.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
261
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
H O U S E -F U R N IS H IN G G O O D S.
Furniture.
Date.
January, 1890..........
April, 1890...............
July, 1890.................
October, 1890 ..........
January, 1891..........
April, 1891................
July, 1891.................
October, 1891...........
January, 1892...........
April, 1892................
July, 1892.................
October, 1892 ...........
January, 1893...........
April, 1893...............
July, 1893.................
October, 1893 ..........
January, 1894..........
April, 1894...............
July, 1894.................
October, 1894 ...........
January, 1895..........
April, 1895...............
July, 1895.................
October, 1895 ...........
January, 1896...........
April, 1896...............
July, 1896.................
October, 1896 ...........
January, 1897...........
April, 1897................
July, 1897.................
October, 1897 ..........
January, 1898..........
April, 1898...............
July, 1898.................
October, 1898 ...........
January, 1899..........
April, 1899................
July, 1899.................
Chairs,
bedroom,
maple,
cane seat.
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
98.1
98.1
98.1
98.1
98.1
98.1
98.1
98.1
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
85.9
71.6
71.6
71.6
71.6
71.6
71.6
71.6
78.8
78.8
89.5
89.5
Chairs,
Tables,
kitchen, kitchen,
common
pine,
spindle. 3|-foot.
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
101.1
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
83.2
77.3
77.3
77.3
83.2
83.2
95.1
101.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
95.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
92.0
100.0
Tubs, wooden.
Glass
ware,
Pails,
tumblers, wood
Aver
en,
i-pint,
Nest of Nest of Aver
age. medium 2-hoop.
3.
8.
age.
grade.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
99.7
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
82.3
82.3
82.3
82.3
80.3
80.3
80.3
84.7
84.7
92.2
96.9
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
103.5
103.5
103.5
103.5
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
91.6
91.6
91.6
91.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
79.6
75.7
75.7
75.7
75.7
79.6
79.6
79.6
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
109.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
90.9
86.4
86.4
86.4
81.8
81.8
80.0
77.3
77.3
72.7
77.3
77.3
72.7
77.3
68.2
81.8
77.3
72.7
77.3
81.8
77.3
81.8
81.8
77.3
72.7
72.7
68.2
68.2
77.3
86.4
95.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
98.4
94.4
84.0
78.4
76.0
72.0
72.0
68.0
68.0
60.0
61.6
56.0
68.0
72.0
72.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
70.4
68.0
64.0
64.0
68.0
68.0
68.0
76.0
88.0
100.0
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
97.7
95.0
92.4
89.7
84.5
79.2
73.9
73.9
71.3
71.3
68.6
63.3
63.3
60.7
58.1
63.3
73.9
71.3
68.6
68.6
67.0
71.3
71.3
68.6
71.3
73.9
73.9
73.9
76.5
87.1
92.4
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
98.9
97.5
96.2
94.1
89.5
81.6
76.2
•75.0
71.7
71.7
68.3
65.7
61.7
61.2
57.1
65.7
73.0
71.7
68.3
68.3
67.5
70.9
69.7
66.3
67.7
71.0
71.0
71.0
76.3
87.6
96.2
262
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Continued.
M IS C E L L A N E O U S .
Date.
January, 1890..........................................................
April, 1890...............................................................
July, 1890................................................................
October, 1890..........................................................
January, 1891..........................................................
April, 1891...............................................................
July, 1891................................................................
October, 1891..........................................................
January, 1892..........................................................
April, 1892...............................................................
July, 1892................................................................
October, 1892..........................................................
January, 1893..........................................................
April, 1893...............................................................
July, 1893................................................................
October, 1893..........................................................
January, 1894..........................................................
April, 1894...............................................................
July, 1894................................................................
October, 1894..................................... ....................
January, 1895..........................................................
April, 1895...............................................................
July, 1895................................................................
October, 1895..........................................................
January, 1896..........................................................
April, 1896...............................................................
July, 1896................................................................
October, 1896...................................................... ..
January, 1897..........................................................
April, 1897...............................................................
July, 1897................................................................
October, 1897..........................................................
January, 1898..........................................................
April, 1898...............................................................
July, 1898................................................................
October, 1898..........................................................
January, 1899..........................................................
April, 1899...............................................................
July, 1899.................................................................
Starch.
Powder,
rifle.
Rubber,
Para,
new
fine.
Soap,
castile,
mottled,
pure.
Pure.
Silver
gloss.
92.8
92.8
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
92.8
78.9
74.2
74.2
64.9
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
60.3
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
74.2
91.5
105.3
112.8
115.3
99.0
113.4
103.4
79.0
80.2
90.3
85.9
85.9
86.5
97.8
84.0
89.6
87.1
83.4
84.0
87.1
92.8
90.9
91.8
95.3
96.5
92.8
103.4
103.4
99.0
102.2
104.0
107.8
103.4
117.8
119.7
115.9
118.5
127.9
124.1
94.5
94.5
102.7
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
106.8
106.8
106.8
106.8
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
102.7
98.6
98.6
92.5
86.3
84.2
82.2
82.2
82.2
82.2
82.2
82.2
86.3
86.3
86.3
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
94.7
94.7
94.7
103.3
103.3
103.3
103.3
103.3
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
103.3
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
94.7
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
100.4
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
Aver
age.
97.6
97.6
97.6
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
101.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
101.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
94.0
263
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JANUARY, 1S90, TO JULY, 1899—RELATIVE
PRICES—Concluded.
SUM M ARY
Date.
January, 1890..
April, 1890.......
July, 1890.........
October, 1890...
January, 1891..
April, 1891.......
July, 1891.........
October, 1891...
January, 1892..
April, 1892.......
July, 1892.........
October, 1882...
January, 1898..
April, 1893.......
Julv, 1893.........
October, 1893 ..
January, 1894..
April, 1894.......
July, 1894.........
October, 1894...
January, 1895..
April, 1895.......
July, 1895.........
October, 1895...
January, 1896..
April, 1896.......
July, 1896 .........
October, 1896...
January, 1897 ..
April, 1897.......
July, 1897.......
October, 1897...
January, 1898..
April, 1898.......
July, 1898.........
October, 1898...
January, 1899..
April, 1899.......
July, 1899.........
Food.
99.2
97.8
95.5
103.3
103.0
104.8
99.6
101.5
98.1
93.3 I
94.8
97.7
103.8
102.6
96.1
101.0
94.2
87.8
87.9
93.3
90.3
91.5
87.9
85.8
84.4
80.2
75.8
78.9
79.6
78.2
76.0
83.1
83.4
82.9
83.2
84.2
86.6
87.1
85.9
Cloths
Fuel
and
and
clothing. lighting.
101.9
102.2
102.1
102.4
100.3
98.5
97.9
97.6
97.0
96.0
96.2
96.3
98.9
98.3
95.6
93.0
90.0
87.8
86.2
85.4
. 80.0
79.4
83.6
88.3
87.2
83.3
81.4
82.8
82.3
81.4
81.4
83.0
80.8
80.9
80.9
80.3
80.7
82.5
84.5
99.0
99.5
100.7
100.6
100.6
99.7
100.7
99.8
99.6
97.9
98.9
99.3
104.1
103.3
105.2
105.2
105.8
100.8
102.0
101.6
100.8
96.4 '
96.4
98.6
97.5
97.7
100.1
100.9
99.3
97.8
97.8
97.8
96.1
94.4
95.5
93.6
90.8
91.2
89.8
BY
Metals
and
imple
ments.
106.8
103.5
105.3
105.7
98.1
97.5
95.1
94.0
94.1
92.3
92.3
90.7
88.9
89.4
87.6
84.4
80.6
79.0
79.4
78.2
76.1
75.9
84.7
89.1
'83.7
85.6
85.4
83.7
80.1
78.8
77.4
80.6
79.4
79.7
81.4
81.6
83.2
98.1
107.9
GROUPS.
Lumber
and
building
mate
rials.
Drugs
and
chemi
cals.
104.1
104.2
98.8
101.1
100.5
99.3
97.1
97.7
97.1
96.9
95.0
94.6
97.7
94.5
92.6
93.1
91.2
88.7
87.4
86.9
87.8
88.4
86.4
85.4
85.6
83.1
81.8
82.4
83.1
83.0
82.6
85.7
86.5
86.7
86.0
88.3
94.1
97.1
99.9
104.5
112.1
104.5
105.4
97.4
100.1
92.0
92.2
91.2
85.7
88.3
87.6
88.3
91.4
87.0
81.9
83.1
86.8
83.6
82.1
83.7
82.0
78.9
75.7
81.9
82.0
82.4
80.1
81.9
77.9
77.0
81.5
86.3
85.4
92.1
88.9
90.7
97.8
95.9
Housefurnish Miscel
All
ing
laneous. articles.
goods.
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
102.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
98.3
96.8
96.5
95.9
92.7
90.7
88.9
87.9
84.2
83.0
83.3
82.7
78.5
79.5
76.2
81.8
79.2
77.8
78.1
79.2
76.7
78.7
78.4
76.4
74.1
74.9
73.8
74.9
79.5
86.5
82.1
94.1
97.6
103.8
104.5
100.4
104.0
101.5
97.5
96.8
99.3
95.9
90.9
89.8
92.7
86.9
87.1
87.0
85.1
86.2
84.5
84.3
83.3
83.1
83.9
84.2
82.3
88.5
88.5
88.4
89.2
89.6
91.6
90.5
94.1
94.6
93.6
94.3
96.6
95.7
102.0
101.9
100.4
103.1
100.6
100.7
97.7
97.9
96.5
94.2
94.5
94.7
97.2
96.6
93.1
93.0
89.6
86.7
80.0
86.9
84.7
84.7
85.2
86.3
85.2
83.0
81.5
82.4
82.0
80.9
79.9
83.6
83.3
83.3
84.2
84.4
86.5
90.8
92.9
The most superficial glance at the table reveals the fact that while
the tendency has been in the main toward falling prices the last months
show a rise. This is by no means equal among the various groups,
the final figures showing considerable variation, though the minimum
figures for the various groups show greater uniformity. O f course it
will be recognized that some of the groups comprise but a limited
number of articles, and are thus not so well suited for comparison as
the larger groups.
It is of interest to know not only the movement of the average, but
also how far the individual articles? vary from the average. In the
Aldrich report the final date of the investigation was selected for such
an exhibit. Here a like course seems unadvisable. Prices in general
move up or down through considerable periods of time, and when the
given movement is well under way it may be surmised that prices
move together and that individual quotations follow more or less
closely the general movement. A period of change from an upward
to a downward movement or vice versa does not impress itself at once
264
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
upon all articles, but upon one after the other. The final date, July,
1899, was in the midst of such a period of change. Certain articles
had felt the upward impulse, others had not. The range of variation
therefore in July, 1899, is greater than at anj^ date before the rise of
prices began, and probably greater than at a later date when the rise
will have been communicated to all the articles included in the inves
tigation. It has been deemed preferable then to choose the date, Jan
uary, 1899, before a conspicuous upward movement began to show the
range of price variation from the general average. The result is
shown in the table which follows:
RELATIVE PRICES OF 99 ARTICLES IN EACH SPECIFIED PRICE CLASS, JANUARY, 1899.
classified accord Rela
Articles classified accord Rela
classified accord Rela
tive Articles
tive Articles
tive
ing to relative prices.
ing to relative prices.
ing to relative prices.
price.
price.
price.
Below 70.
Food:
C offee......................
N utm egs.................
Beans........................
Meal, co rn ...............
Cloths and clothing:
Cotton......................
Sheetings.................
D rillin g s.................
Shirtings.................
Metals and implements:
Steel billets..............
Steel r a ils ................
Bar ir o n ...............
Pig ir o n ...................
Drugs and chemicals:
Soda ash...................
Total below 70-----
41.5
48.6
61.5
66.5
60.7
65.9
69.3
69.4
59.1
59.6
63.0
65.3
46.0
13
70 to 80.
Food:
Flour, w h e a t............
F ru it..........................
Baked beans..............
Meat, mutton............
T a llo w ......................
Cloths and clothing:
Ginghams....... .........
Denims......................
C a lico........................
Suitings.....................
Print cloths................
Tickings.....................
Fuel and lighting:
Coal, bitum inous___
Metals and implements:
N a ils..........................
Drugs and chemicals:
Glycerin.....................
Q uinine.....................
Linseed o i l ................
House furnishing goods:
Tubs...........................
Pails...........................
Glassware.................
Miscellaneous:
Powder......................
Total, 70 to 8 0 .......
72.5
76.5
77.6
78.5
79.5
70.4
71.4
73.0
73.5
75.2
76.1
90 to 100—concluded.
Metals and implements:
Scythes........................
S aw s...........................
Lumber and building
materials:
Shingles......................
M ap le..........................
Spruce..........................
P in e.............................
Miscellaneous:
Soap.............................
Starch.........................
Sr.::::::::::::::
Lumber and building
materials:
Putty...........................
Carbonate of lead___
L im e ...........................
Doors, p in e .................
Chestnut lum ber.......
Cement........................
Drugs and chemicals:
Brimstone...................
House furnishing goods:
Furniture...................
Total, 80 to 90...........
84.6
85.3
86.6
87.5
88.3
81.3
81.3
83.0
84.1
88.1
88.9
89.4
80.2
81.5
84.1
84.3
86.5
70.7
90 to 100.
73.0
73.5
76.1
Food:
F ish ............
Salt..............
Starch, corn
Sugar...........
M ilk.......... .
76.3
77.3
79.6
74.2
20
83.2
B re a d .................
R ice.....................
Cloths and clothing:
Boots and shoes.
Cotton thread. . .
Fuel and lighting:
Coal, anthracite.
C andles..............
Total, 90 to 100.........
95.3
97.1
93.6
95.5
97.7
99.4
90.4
94.0
21
100 to 110.
100.0
100.0
100.8
103.4
84.7
Food:
Meat, b e e f...................
Cheese..........................
Fuel and lighting:
M atches......................
Metals and implements:
Locks...........................
D oorknobs.................
Shovels........................
S pelter........................
Lumber and building
materials:
O a k .............................
H em lock .....................
Brick...........................
T a r...............................
26
Total, 100 to 110.......
11
80.0
81.1
83.6
84.9
88.2
83.6
71.9
80 to 90.
Food:
Flour, r y e .................
80 to 90—concluded.
Food—Concluded.
Meat, ham ................
Meat, b a co n ............ .
Meat, salt.................
Butter...................... .
Lard...........................
Cloths and clothing:
Shawls......................
W o o l........................ .
Dress goods.............. .
F lann els................. .
F e lts........................ .
Bags...........................
Carpets.....................
Metals and implements:
R o p e ........................
Quicksilver...............
Butts........................ .
105.7
109.6
106.0
100.0
101.6
102.9
104.0
110 or over.
90.7
94.3
94.3
•6.5
•6.7
•6.8
96.9
97.8
8.7
95.4
97.3
90.7
94.7
Food:
Pepper ........................
Meat, beef on the
h o o f..........................
Cloths and clothing:
L eather......................
Lumber and building
materials:
Turpentine.................
Drugs and chemicals:
A lcohol........................
Opium..........................
Sulphuric acid....... •...
Miscellaneous:
Rubber........................
Total, 110 or o v e r . . .
110.1
118.4
119.9
115.3
111.9
123.8
137.9
118.5
8
Summarizing the foregoing table, it appears that of the total 99 arti
cles, whose average relative price was 86.5 in January, 1899, 67 articles
WHOLESALE PRICES! 1890 TO 1899.
265
stand between 70 and 100, or within a range of approximately 15 points
above or below the average. The number of articles which exceed
100—that is, which show a rise in price—is 19, while 13 articles show
a fall in price of more than 30 points.
More significant than the final prices has been the course of prices
during the period under discussion, January, 1890, to July, 1899.
From 102.0 in January, 1890, prices fell with only trifling interrup
tions until July, 1897, when they reached the point 79.9. There was a
recovery to nearly 84 in October, and comparative stability at this point
until October, 1898. A slight rise was noticeable in January, 1899,
but the tendency was more conspicuous in April and July.
An examination of prices at each quarter period shows that the ten
dency to fall, which prevailed during the greater part of the period,
was not wholly without interruption, and the question arises as to the
causes of these temporary movements in a counter direction. The
first conspicuous check to the falling tendency appears in October,
1890. A reference to the various groups shows that between July,
1890, and October, 1890, there was a very considerable rise of price
in the food group. This change is due to the inclusion in this group
of certain articles whose prices vary with the seasons, and the study
of the detailed table shows between July, 1890, and October, 1890,
marked changes in the prices of beans, butter, cheese, eggs, and dried
fruit. Returning to general prices, we find another interruption to
the falling tendency occurring in January and April, 1893. Again,
the change is caused by variations in the prices of food products, and
an examination of the detailed table shows changes between October,
1892, and January, 1893, in such seasonal articles as butter, cheese,
and notably eggs, which in that month reached the highest point in
the whole period covered by this investigation. But a more striking
variation occurs in this period in the prices of hog products (lard,
salt pork, bacon, and ham) afid tallow. From July, 1893, the down
ward course of prices is fairly regular until April, 1895, though the
variation of the seasonal articles in October, 1894, causes an almost
inappreciable rise in general prices. July and October, 1895, together
with January, 1896, show a slight rise in prices. But this change is
not due to the food group and must be looked for elsewhere. An
examination shows upward movements in cloths and clothing and in
metals and implements. In the former the movement is not general,
being most noticeable in the leather group. Nor was the advance in
price long sustained, for July, 1896, approximates the former level. In
the group “ Metals and implements,” the changes are most conspicuous
in the distinctively iron products, such as pig iron, steel, and especially
wire nails. Doorknobs, copper, locks, quicksilver, and spelter also
felt the upward movement in a slight degree, but other articles in the
group did not advance. From July, 1896, to July, 1897, the course
2193—No. 27------ 3
266
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
of prices is slightly downward, and the minimum point in the period
under consideration is reached. The subsequent movement of prices,
the rise to October, 1897, the comparatively stationary position until
October, 1898, and the following notable rise in prices have already
been alluded to.
It is to be noted that in the general upward movement of prices,
since October, 1898, food products have played an inconspicuous part.
On the contrary, changes have been very rapid in metals and imple
ments, which reached in July, 1899, a higher point than at any time
during the period, not excepting the initial point, January, 1890.
Lumber and building materials had also risen to a point correspond
ing to the average upon which the relative prices were based.
A study of the individual groups reveals the greatest fluctuations
in food. The cause of these fluctuations has already been noted,
namely, the existence, for a group of articles, of prices varying accord
ing to the seasons. As a rule, the July prices are lower than those
of other periods during the jrear. The advance depends, apparently,
upon the character of the season. It occurs in the fall of the year,
and is sometimes quite marked by October 1, but in other cases does
not conspicuously appear until January prices are noted. It is prob
able in such cases that the real change takes place in November or
December following comparatively mild weather in September and
early October. The effect of these changes on the course of prices
can best be seen by eliminating from the food group the distinctively
seasonal articles, beans, butter, cheese, and eggs. The results of such
a subtraction are given in the following table:
AVERAGE RELATIVE PRICES OF ENTIRE FOOD GROUP AND OF FOOD GROUP EXCLUDING
BEANS, BUTTER, CHEESE, AND EGGS, JANUARY, 1890, TO JULY, 1899.
Average relative prices.
Date.
January, 1890 ____
April, 1890............
July, 1890 ............
October, 1890.......
January, 1891 —
April. 1891............
July, 1891............
October, 1891.....
January, 1892 ___
A p ril, 1892 ..............
July, 1892............
October, 1892.......
January, 1893___
April, 1893 ..........
July 1893 ............
October, 1893..........
January, 1894-----April 1894 _ ............
July, 1894............
October, 1894........
Entire
food
group.
99.2
97.8
95.5
103.3
103.0
104.8
99.6
101.5
98.1
93.3
94.8
97.7
103.8
102.6
96.1
101.0
94.2
87.8
87.5
93.3
Food
Beans,
ex
butter, group
cluding
cheese, beans, but
and
ter, cheese,
eggs.
and eggs.
101.9
88.9
76.8
105.2
117.4
116.4
91.7
104.5
116.7
97.8
89.7
105.5
126.6
11Q. 1
90.8
112.4
112.0
89.2
82.6
101*1
98.7
99.3
98.6
103.0
100.6
102.9
101.0
101.0
95.0
92.5
95.7
96.4
100.0
101.3
97.0
99.1
91.2
87.6
88.3
92.0
Average relative prices.
Date.
January, 1895___
April, 1895..........
July, 1895............
October, 1895___
January, 1896___
April, 1896..........
July, 1896............
October, 1896....
January, 1897___
April, 1897...........
July, 1897............
October, 1897___
January, 1898—
April, 1898..........
July, 1898............
October, 1898____
January, 1899___
April, 1899..........
July, 1899............
Entire
food
group.
90.3
91.5
87.9
85.8
84.4
80.2
75.8
78.9
79.6
78.2
76.0
83.1
83.4
82.9
83.2
84.2
86.6
87.1
85.9
Beans,
butter,
cheese,
and
eggs.
107.0
95.1
83.8
84.9
96.2
75. .7
63.6
77.9
85.3
78.3
60.2,
81.9
91.0
72.1
68.5
83.1
88.9
88.2
78.7
Food
group ex
cluding
beans, but
ter, cheese,
and eggs.
87.5
90.9
88.6
86.0
82.5
8Q.9
77.9
79.1
78.6
78.2
78.6
83.3
82.1
84.7
85.6
84.4
86.2
86.9
87.1
267
WHOLESALE PEICES*. 1890 TO 1899.
Another method of showing the effect of these seasonal changes is
by noting the variation of the quarterly prices from the average of
the year. In order to make this method clear, the groups “ Food,”
which shows marked seasonal changes, and “ Metals and implements,”
in which seasonal variations have little influence, have been contrasted
in the table following. The average variation is the average of the
differences between the quarterly prices and the average price for the
year.
AVERAGE VARIATION FROM AVERAGE OF YEAR IN RELATIVE PRICE OF FOOD AND OF
METALS AND IMPLEMENTS, 1890 TO 1898.
Food.
Year.
1890...............
1891...............
1892...............
1893...............
1894...............
1895...............
1896...............
1897...............
1898...............
Metals and implements.
Average varia Minimum rela
Average varia Minimum rela
tion.
tion.
tive price.
tive price..
Average
Average
relative
relative
Per
Per
price. Points.
price. Points.
cent. Month. Amount.
cent. Month. Amount.
99.0
102.2
96.0
100.9
90.7
88.9
79.8
79.2
83.4
2.30
1.68
1.93
2.38
3.05
2.03
2.48
2.13
.38
2.32
1.64
2.01
2.36
3.36
2.28
3.11
2.69
.46
J u ly ..
J u ly ..
A p r...
J u ly ..
J u ly ..
O ct. . .
J u ly ..
J u ly ..
A p r...
95.5
99.6
93.3
96.1
87.5
85.8
75.8
76.0
82.9
0.93
105.3
96.2
1.63
92.4
.90
87.6 ► 1.58
79.3
.70
81.5
5.45
.90
84.6
79.2
1.13
80.5
.98
0.88
1.69
.97
1.80
.88
6.69
1.06
1.43
1.22
A p r...
O c t.. .
O ct. . .
O ct. . .
O c t ...
A p r...
(a)
J u ly ..
Jan. . .
103.5
94.0
90.7
84.4
78.2
75.9
83.7
77.4
79.4
a January and October.
In this table the average variation, except in the years which show
notable changes in prices, is much greater in the group “ F ood” than
in the group “ Metals and implements.” While the minimum point
in the food group is usually July, in the other group October usually
occupies this place until the upward movement begins, which tends
to transfer the minimum to the beginning of the year.
Another group which is somewhat conspicuous for its variations
is the group “ Drugs and chemicals.” This is relatively a small
group, and changes in the price of one commodit}^ exercise a marked
influence upon the average for the group. An examination of the
detailed table shows notable changes first in one article and then in
another, notably in brimstone, glycerin, opium, and sulphuric acid.
As these changes are not coincident, we have in the aggregate result
frequent variations. Thus, in this group the minimum price is found
in October, 1895, when low prices prevailed for all the articles.
Otherwise the course of prices, even in this small group, follows
fairly well the general average.
Thus far attention has been directed to the course of prices as
indicated by the simple average of the various relative prices. It has
been seen that individual groups, and even individual articles, may
interrupt or modify the general tendency. Any system of weighting
the articles will accentuate or diminish these tendencies, as the case
may be. It is obvious that the food group would, in a weighted
268
BULLETIN OE THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
average which measured articles according to their importance, have
greater influence upon the aggregate result than it has in the simple
average, and that if such a weighted average were made for each of
the quarterly periods it would show a greater variation than the
simple average. It may be doubted whether such a weighted aver
age would any more accurately represent the price changes in
their relation to the purchases of the community than the simple
average. The fluctuations which are here referred to are those pro
duced by the seasonal variations in prices of certain food products.
Now, it may well be doubted whether these changes represent in fact
increased or decreased costs in family expenditure in anything like
the same ratio as the changes in price. The householder is able, and
does, in fact, meet these changes to a certain extent through decreased
or increased consumption of the commodities in question. It has not,
therefore,’ been deemed advisable to construct a weighted average
upon the basis of the quarterly quotations.
The value of a weighted average in computations of relative prices
has of late been questioned. It has been noted that the weighted
average and the simple average, applied to the same figures, show
approximately the same results. This is not to be contested. It*
would, however, be more accurate to say that where the price move
ment is downward the weighted average is apt to record a higher
price than the simple average, and that where the price movement is
upward the weighted average records, in the main, lower prices than
the simple average. This is due to the fact that in all weighted
averages food products assume a larger influence than in the simple
averages, and that food products, taken in the aggregate, fluctuate in
price from year to year less noticeably than other commodities. The
above statements are true with regard to the comparative inertia of
food products only under the proviso that the same influences are
operating upon the prices of these commodities as upon those of other
classes of goods. The Aldrich report furnished a conspicuous
instance of the contrary situation in the period from 1840 to 1860.
Food products were at that time increased in price and staple articles
generally shared in that movement. On the other hand, the trans
formation of industry, for which that period is conspicuous, brought
about a notable fall in the prices of manufactured articles. While,
therefore, the simple average of the prices quoted in that report
showed a fall in price up to 1860, the weighted average, constructed,
it is true, by crude methods, showed a contrary tendency.
It has, however, been observed that during the briefer period now
under discussion, and for the prices included in the present investi
gation, the tendencies of the individual series are fairly uniform with
those of the average of all. It would, therefore, be expected that the
weighted average would vary little from the simple average. Though,
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
269
recalling the analysis of the movement in prices of the several groups,
a divergence would be expected between the simple and the weighted
average in those cases where the food group was conspicuously high,
as in,January, 1893. Otherwise the weighted average will conform
fairly well with the simple average. It is obvious that if the prices of
a group of articles stand relatively to those of a certain date at 85, no
system of combination or of weights can bring another result than 85.
If, now, the series of articles show an average of 85 and a range in the
individual cases between 80 and 90, no system of averaging can take
the price above 90 or below 80. While the range of prices in the
present investigation is considerably wider than in this illustration,
yet the table on page 261 reveals a concentration of the individual
prices about this average. Unless, therefore, in a system of weights
extreme importance is attached to either the~ maximum or the mini
mum prices, the average price will doubtless be very close to the
simple average. An examination of the table on page 261 will show
that at the date, January, 1899, the articles with the minimum prices,
with the exception of coffee, were not conspicuously important in
household consumption, and that the low price of coffee and a few
articles of clothing would be quite neutralized by high prices for
meats and boots and shoes. Thus it may be said that the principal
advantage of averaging the articles according to importance is to
confirm the results of the simple average.
The words “ average according to importance” have thus far been
used somewhat vaguely, but now an accurate measure of this impor
tance should be obtained. In general, the phrase is not misleading.
The importance of an article has obviously something to do with the
frequency and volume of its sales. Two methods for measuring the
volume of the sales appear to be open. The one takes as its basis the
national consumption of the articles in question. In theory this method
is irreproachable. In practice, however, statisticians are well aware
that accurate figures with regard to the consumption of commodities
are extremely difficult to obtain, and that a fair measure of accuracy
can only be reached in a very few cases. If the number of articles
included in the computations be small, this method can perhaps be
applied with success, but it fails for a larger number of articles, such
as the present investigation includes. The second method endeavors
to ascertain the importance of articles by the part which they play in
household expenditure. This gives an approximate idea of the signifi
cance of those articles which are purchased directly for household con
sumption, and is the only one which can be applied to a large number
of articles. On the other hand, it must be admitted that certain articles
which indirectly affect household expenditures, such as iron products
of all kinds, affecting costs of construction of railways, buildings, etc.,
can not be carefully measured. In a similar w^ay the costs of lumber
270
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
and building materials, which ultimately must affect the rents of
houses to some extent, can not be accurately measured. The adjust
ment of actual prices to their importance in household expenditure can
be no more than a rough approximation. It has, however, this sig
nificance, that it gives to the important articles, food and clothing, a
proportionate influence in the result.
In the Aldrich report there was used as a basis of comparison a
table giving family expenses of 2,561 normal families, selected from
the larger number, which were contained in the reports of the
Department of Labor upon the cost of production. It differs from
Table X L IY of the Seventh Annual Report of the Department by
the omission of one family which was not included in the manuscript
copy of that table, which was at the disposal of the Aldrich committee.
The distribution of expenditure in these families in proportional parts
o f 10,000 was as follows:
R e n t ...................................................................................................................................
F o o d ...................................................................................................................................
F u e l . . . ...............................................................................................................................
Clothing.............................................................................................................................
L ight...................................................................................................................................
A ll other purposes .........................................................................................................
1,506
4,103
500
1,531
90
2,270
T ota l....................................................................................................................... 10,000
This table gives only the main groups of family expenditure. To
ascertain more accurately the expenditure within these groups, the
Department of Labor undertook a special investigation which covered
232 families. The results of this investigation are given in the fol
lowing table:
ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF 232 FAMILIES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
FOOD.
Per
family.
Propor
tion of
10,000.
Group.
Total.
B eef................................................................................................................
Hog products............................................................................................. .
Meat (not specified).....................................................................................
Poultry...................................................................................... ...................
F ish ...............................................................................................................
Efffrs................................................................................................................
M ilk....................................................................... : ......................................
Butter............................................................................................................
Cheese............................................................................................................
Tea ..............................................................................................................
floffftft................................ ...... ................................................................. .
$9,501.76
3,990.03
3,735.09
645.35
690.26
1,920.24
3,484.04
6,737.67
401.66
1,046.36
3,242.92
3,872.69
333.53
1,222.19
6,223.65
2,648.86
144.09
2,040.84
2,764.49
2,910.88
430.37
2,894.51
$40.95
17.20
16.10
2.78
2.97
8.28
15.02
29.04
1.73
4 51
13.97
16.69
1.44
5.27
28.62
11.42
.62
8.80
11.92
12.55
1.86
12.47
1,561
655
614
106
113
316
572
1,107
66
172
532
636
55
201
1,022
436
24
332
454
479
71
476
60,881.48
262.42
10,000
Molasses .......................................................................................................
Lard................................................................................................................
Flour and m eal................................................................................. ...........
B r e a d ........................................................................................... ................
R ic e ............ ...................................................................................................
F ru it..............................................................................................................
Potatoes............................. .....................................................••...................
Vegetables (not specified)..........................................................................
Vinegar, pickles, and condim ents...........................................................
Food Inot snecified’*....................................................................................
T o ta l__________________________ _______
271
WHOLESALE PEICES: 1890 TO 1899,
ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF 232 FAMILIES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES—Concluded.
CLOTHING.
Propor
tion of
10,000.
Per
family.
Group.
Total.
Husband:
Coats, vests, trousers, overcoats...........................................................
Boots and shoes....................................................................................
Hats........................................................................................................
Underclothes.........................................................................................
Shirts.......................................................................................................
Miscellaneous........................................................................................
$3,271.51
1,093.65
401.72
637.23
346.47
2,091.41
$14.11
4.71
1.73
2.75
1.49
9.01
1,407
470
173
274
149
898
T o ta l...................................................................................................
Wife:
Dresses, cloaks, shawls..........................................................................
Boots and shoes....................................................................................
Underclothes.........................................................................................
Miscellaneous........................................................................................
7,841.99
33.80
3,371
1,915.78
826.60
591.92
1,946.56
8.26
3.56
2.55
8.39
824
354
254
836
T o ta l...................................................................................................
Children:
Coats, e t c ................................................................................................
Dresses, e t c .............................................................................................
Boots and sh oes....................................................................................
Hats.................................................................. .,....................................
Underclothes.........................................................................................
Shirts.......................................................................................................
Miscellaneous......................................................................................
5,280.86
22.76
2,268
1,415.50
1,527.72
1,799.66
645.94
686.98
71.29
4,003.42
6.10
6.59
7.76
2.78
2.96
.31
17.25
608
657
774
277
295
31
1,719
T o ta l..................................................................................................
10,150.51
43.75
4,361
H usband.......................................................................................................
W ife...............................................................................................................
C hildren.......................................................................................................
7,841.99
5,280.86
10,150.51
33.80
22.76
43.75
3,371
2,268
4,361
T o ta l...................................................................................................
23,273.36
100.31
10,000
MISCELLANEOUS PU RPOSES.
[All expenditures except for food, clothing, rent, lighting, and fuel are here shown.]
Per
family.
Propor
tion of
2,270. (a)
Group.
Total.
T axes.............................................................................................................
Insurance................................................................................. ...................
Organizations...............................................................................................
Religion.........................................................................................................
Charity.........................................................................................................
Furniture and utensils...............................................................................
Books and newspapers...............................................................................
Amusements................................................................................................
Intoxicating liqu ors...................................................................................
T obacco........................................................................................................
Illness and death.........................................................................................
Other purposes.............................................................................................
$1,936.07
2,546.74
1,118.59
1,556.20
411.72
4,258.27
1,686.90
1,550.20
2,816.15
1,789.77
5,650.56
12,908.90
$8.34
10.98
4.82
6.71
1.77
18.36
7.27
6.68
12.14
7.71
24.36
55.64
115
151
66
92
24
253
100
92
168
107
335
767
T o ta l...................................................................................................
38,230.07
164.78
2,270
a This is the proportion of this class of expenditure in the total of 10,000.
The mode of applying prices to the proportions which result from
these tables is fully set forth.in the Aldrich report and can onty be
briefly indicated here. The prices given in this report are not for
exactly the same articles as those included in the budgets of .the Aldrich
report, and there must, therefore, be a certain adjustment of the present
prices to those conditions. In some cases it has been necessary to
272
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
group the commodities to suit the heads of the tables, grouping those
under food as follows:
FO R M A T IO N OF G ROUP R ATIO S— FOOD.
Beef—
Beef on the hoof.
Beef.
H og products—
Bacon.
Ham.
Meat not specified—
2 beef, as above.
2 hog products, as above.
1 meat, salt.
1 mutton.
Flour and meal—
2 wheat flour.
1 rye flour.
1 corn meal.
Vinegar and condiments—
Salt.
Nutmegs.
Pepper.
This grouping shows the method of finding relative prees for
various groups of articles in the food table below For instance,
the relative price for beef is found by taking the average of the two
items, beef on the hoof and beef, and for hog products, the average of
bacon and ham. In finding the average for flour and meal, wheat
flour is taken twice on account of its greater importance, the other two
items being rye flour and corn meal.
In applying this grouping to the actual figures, it will be noted that
the relative price of meat not specified has been considered equal to
the average of all meats. The relative price of food not specified has
been considered equal to the average of all food except meat. The
table covers 87.89 per cent of the total expenditure for food as indicated
in the following illustration for January, 1899:
RELATIVE PRICES OF FOOD, JANUARY, 1899, MEASURED BY ITS CONSUMPTION.
Group.
Impor
tance.
Index.
Result.
1
2
3
B e e f......................
Hog products.......
Meat not specified
1,561
655
614
112.1
85.0
93.2
174,988.1
55,675.0
57,224.8
Total m eat..
2,830
101.7 .
287,887.9
4
5
F is h .....................................
E ggs.....................................
M ilk .....................................
B utter..................................
Cheese..................................
Coffee....................................
Sugar...................................
Molasses...............................
L ard .....................................
Flour and m eal...................
B read...................................
R ic e ..............,......................
Fruit.....................................
Vinegar and condiments ..
113
316
572
1,107
66
532
636
55
201
1,022
436
24
332
71
90.7
96.9
96.7
87.5
109.6
41.5
96.5
96.8
88.3
73.7
97.8
98.7
76.5
84.3
10,249.1
30,620.4
55,312.4
96,862.5
7,233.6
22,078.0
61,374.0
5,324.0
17,748.3
75,321.4
42,640.8
2,368.8
25,398.0
6,985.3
Total (except meat) .
Food not specified.............
Meat.....................................
5,483
476
2,830
83.6
83.6
101.7
458,516.6
39,793.6
287,887.9
8,789
89.5
786,198.1
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Grand total,
273
WHOLESALE PRICES I 1890 TO 1899.
The adjustment of the clothing prices to the schedule has been made
in the following manner:
FORMATION OF GROUP RATIOS— CLOTHING
Coats, etc.:
Suitings.
Boots and shoes:
Boots and shoes.
Leather.
Dresses, etc.:
2 women’ s dress goods.
1 shawls.
Hats, underclothes, shirts, miscellaneous:
General average of cloths and clothing after deducting bags, boots and shoes,
leather, suitings, shawls, women’ s dress goods, carpets, cotton, and wool.
The method of applying the ratios thus found to the actual propor
tions of expenditure is similar to that used in the case of food, and is
illustrated in the following example:
RELATIVE PRICES OF CLOTHING, JANUARY, 1899, MEASURED BY CONSUMPTION.
Group.
Coats, vests, trousers, overcoats (husband and ch ild ren )......................
Dresses, cloaks, shawls (w ife and ch ild ren )............................................
Boots and shoes (husband, w ife, and ch ilaren ).....................................
Other clothing (husband, wife, and ch ild ren ).......................................
Im por
tance.
Index.
Result.
2,015
1,481
1,598
4,906
73.5
82.4
107.7
76.4
148.102.5
122.034.4
172.104.6
374.818.4
10,000
81.7
817,059.9
Under miscellaneous expenditures, which include all items except
rent, food, fuel, lighting, and clothing, it appears by reference to the
table on page 274 that for one group only, “ Furniture and utensils,”
was there a direct change in the relative price. The relative prices
for the other groups are assumed, as in the Aldrich report, to have
remained unchanged, that is at 100, with the exception of the
group “ Other purposes,” which is considered to have been affected,
in part at least, by price changes. This group includes a great variety
of articles not accounted for under other heads, as well as other
expenditures which are not affected by price changes. It has been
assumed that one-half the expenditures for other purposes were for
the purchase of the commodities not otherwise accounted for, and the
index or relative price for this part of the group has been found by
taking the average relative price of these commodities, which are as
follows: Cornstarch, bags, carpets, cotton, wool, matches, and all the
articles in the groups “ Metals and implements,” “ Lumber and build
ing materials,” “ Drugs and chemicals,” and “ Miscellaneous.” The
relative price for the other half of the expenditures for other purposes
has been assumed to remain unchanged.
274
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Having thus obtained relative prices for the principal groups, they can
now be applied to the table following, which gives the relative impor
tance of these groups in the total. In so doing it has been assumed
that the index or average relative price for food, embracing as it does
b y far the greater force of the food consumption, was sufficiently
characteristic to stand for the whole group. In the computations it
has been assumed, in order to follow the practice of the Aldrich report,
that those portions of expenditure not directly affected by price
changes have remained uniform. This assumption has been criticised,
and it must be confessed that as applied to the longer period covered
by the Aldrich report such criticism is justifiable, but it is less cogent
in its application to the shorter period now under consideration. It
is, however, a supposititious element which is unnecessary, and it has
only been repeated here for the purpose of furnishing a parallel to
the computations made in the Aldrich report. In the family budgets
it has been possible to apply price changes to 68.6 per cent of the
aggregate expenditure, which seems to be directly affected by such
price changes as it has been possible to measure. A statement, which
applies exclusively to this portion of expenditure which does not
involve any assumption as to the other expenditure whatever, has
been added to the computations, and is therefore the true weighted
average according to expenditure. The method of combining the
figures is given in the following illustration, and the results of various
computations in the table which follows:
RELATIVE PRICES OF ALL ARTICLES, JANUARY, 1899, MEASURED BY CONSUMPTION.
Group.
R en t............................................... ....................................................
F ood......................................................................................................
F u e l........................ ............................................................................
L igh tin g..............................................................................................
C loth in g............................................................. .................................
T axes....................................................................................................
Insurance.................................. ...........................................................
Organizations......................................................................................
R elig ion ....................................... .......................................................
C harity.................................................................................................
Furniture and u te n sils.....................................................................
Books....................................... ............................................................
Amusem elits................. ......................................................................
L iqu or..................................................................................................
T obacco................................................................................................
Illness and death................................................................................
Other purposes..................................................................................... j\
T otal............ ................................................................................
Less items assumed to be invariable...............................................
Im por
tance.
1,506
4,103
500
90
1,531
115
151
66
92
24
253
100
92
168
107
335
384
383
Index.
100.0
89.5
81.3
94 7
81.7
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
79.5
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
89.1
Result.
150,600.0
367,218.5
40.650.0
8.523.0
125,082 7
11.500.0
15.100.0
6.600.0
9.200.0
2.400.0
20,113.5
10 , 000.0
9,200 0
16.800.0
10.700.0
83,500. 0
38.400.0
34,125.3
10,000
91.0
3,140
100.0
909,713.0
314,000.0
6,860
8 6 .8
595.713.0
275
WHOLESALE PRICES l 1890 TO 1899.
RELATIVE PRICES IN JANUARY OF EACH YEAR, 1890 TO 1899. FOR ALL ARTICLES
GROUPED BY DIFFERENT METHODS.
Date.
January, 1890...................................................................................
January, 1891..................................................................................
January, 1892...................................................................................
January, 1893...................................................................................
January, 1894...................................................................................
January, 1895...................................................................................
January, 1896...................................................................................
January, 1897...................................................................................
January, 1898...................................................................................
January, 1899................................................................ ^................
A ll articles
averaged
according to
A ll articles im portance,
sim ply
certain ex
averaged. penditures
being con
sidered
uniform .
102.0
100.6
96.5
97.2
89.6
84.7
85.2
82.0
83.3
86.5
A ll articles
averaged
according to
im portance,
com prising
68.6 per
cent o f total
expendi
ture.
100.1
102.2
100.0
100.2
103.4
97.5
93.5
92.8
90.3
91.0
91.0
105.0
96.4
90.5
89.5
85.9
103.2
100.1
86.8
86.8
This table confirms what has already been said as to the comparative
identity of the first and last series. The changes in price which the
final column records are, in the main, in the same direction as those
which the first column records. The only exceptions to this statement
are in January*, 1891, and January, 1893, when the food products,
and in 1893, particularly the meat products, were high in price. It
will be noted, furthermore, that as a rule the figures in the final col
umn are superior to those in the first column, and it is undoubtedly
due to the somewhat greater emphasis laid upon food in the average
according to importance.
It only remains now t o . consider what is the relation between the
results which have been set forth here and the results of the former
investigation. A t the outset of the investigation it was hoped that the
figures would furnish substantially a direct continuation of the former
investigation. This hope has not been realized to the full extent. It
is evident that if the present investigation covered the prices of all
the articles of the former report secured from identical sources rela
tive prices could then be calculated upon the basis of 1860, as in the
former report, and would form a continuous series with that report.
But it was not possible in all cases, as already explained, (1) to secure
the same sources of information, as many changes in business had
naturally occurred, and (2) even when the same sources were avail
able, it was in a considerable number of cases found that the identical
articles for which prices were given in the former report were no
longer sold.
With regard to prices obtained from new sources or for articles
which were practically identical, except as to a slight difference in
grade, it is believed that differences in prices which may be found on
dates which are common to the two investigations may be ignored.
For while it is true that two series of relative prices for an article of
the same description obtained from different sources or differing
276
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
slightly in quality might not exactly coincide, yet if a large number
of articles be taken representing the classes covered by these investi
gations, it must be assumed that an average of their relative prices
would accurately represent the tendency of prices in general to rise
or fall, for such an. assumption is the basis of all investigations into
the course of prices. It maybe assumed, therefore, that if only those
articles or groups of articles which are common to the two investiga
tions, 90 in number, were taken, and the earlier series could be
extended to July, 1899, and the later series carried back to January,
1860, the average relative prices for the entire number of articles cal
culated upon the basis of 1860 in the two series would be identical, or
substantially so.
The average relative price for January, 1891, upon the basis of 1860,
obtained in the former investigation by the simple average, was 92.2.
This, however, included a considerable number of articles not covered
in the present inquiry and the present inquiry on the other hand
includes 9 articles, viz, baked beans, bags, boots and shoes, cot
ton thread, felts, ginghams, women’s dress goods, steel billets, and
steel rails, not in the former. But 90 articles or groups of articles
were covered by both reports. If an average be made for January,
1891, for these 90 articles, using the figures of the Aldrich report, a
relative price on the basis of 1860 of 96.6 is shown, while in the
present investigation the 99 articles show on the basis here used a
relative price of 100.6, which is changed to 100.8 when only the 90 are
used. In order to express the relative prices of the present investiga
tion in terms of the 1860 prices, and at the same time make them
comparable with the Aldrich report, it is only necessary to take out
the 9 extra articles and make appropriate changes in the present
series, so that each new figure bears the same relation to 96.6 as it now
bears to 100.8. The results of such calculations are as follows, the
first column showing the average relative prices of 90 articles or
groups of articles according to the present investigation, and the
second column those averages expressed in terms of 1860 prices:
AVERAGE RELATIVE PRICES AS SHOWN BY THE PRESENT INVESTIGATION OF THE 90
ARTICLES COMMON TO THE ALDRICH REPORT AND THE PRESENT INVESTIGATION
FOR JANUARY OF EACH YEAR, 1890 TO 1899.
Average relative prices of 90
articles.
Date.
January, 1890..................................................................................................
January, 1891..................................................................................................
January, 1892..................................................................................................
January, 1893..................................................................................................
January, 1894..................................................................................................
January, 1895..................................................................................................
January, 1896..................................................................................................
January, 1897..................................................................................................
January, 1898..................................................................................................
January, 1899..................................................................................................
A ccording to
of i860
present investi In terms
prices.
gation.
101.7
100.8
96.4
97.3
89.8
85.1
85.1
82.0
83.9
87.2
97.5
96.6
92.4
93.2
86.1
81.5
81.5
78.6
80.4
83.6
WHOLESALE PEICES: 1890 TO 1899.
277
These figures then express the results of the present inquiry in
rernis of the prices of 1860, but they do not, it will be observed, fur
nish a complete series continuous with the figures of the Aldrich report.
Such a continuous series could be obtained if the articles which are
identical to the two investigations were selected from the figures of the
Aldrich report and a new series of relative prices for the whole period,
1860 to 1891, calculated. The advantage of such a calculation would
be that it would enable us to compare relative prices since 1891 with
dates lying between 1860 and 1891. It would exhibit no new features
with regard to the course of prices, the common object of both inves
tigations, and might create confusion by establishing two series of
relative prices, differing probably in minor details, for the years 1860
to 1891. It seems, on the whole, better that the two investigations
should stand on separate bases, each exhibiting the course of prices
during its own period. A continuous series of relative prices for a
long period of time, except for a very restricted number of articles,
is an ideal which is impossible of realization in practice. From time
to time the lists of articles must be revised because of the changing
character of our consumption. New commodities, on account of
these changes, displace the older ones and become the staples of trade
and representative of prices. The holding to the old commodities
after they have ceased to be distinctive would be an obvious error.
Whenever, therefore, an investigation into prices includes any con
siderable number of articles, a revision of the list becomes imperative.
A series of investigations, each of which should be characteristic for
the period to which it relates, seems best, therefore, rather than a
single list extending over a very long period, which loses in accuracy
an}7 advantages which it may appear to gain from uniformity.
The table following gives in detail the wholesale prices of various
commodities at the beginning of each quarterly period from January,
1890, to July, 1899.
278
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY , 1899.
FOOD.
3 A K E D B E A N S : O ld S o u t h b ra n d *
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$1.30 per dozen cans. Apr., 1893
44
1.30 “
July, 1893
44
1.20 “
Oct., 1893
a
1.25 “
Jan., 1894
a
1.35 “
Apr., 1894
a
1.35 “
July, 1894
u
1.35 “
Oct., 1894
a
1.25 “
Jan., 1895
a
1.25 “
Apr., 1895
u
1.25 “
July, 1895
a
1.25 “
Oct., 1895
a
1.35 “
Jan., 1896
a
1.35 “
Apr., 1896
Price.
Date.
$1.35 per dozen cans. July, 1896
44
1.30 “
Oct., 1896
<4
1.30 “
Jan., 1897
44
1.30 “
Apr., 1897
44
1.25 “
July, 1897
44
1.25 “
Oct., 1897
44
1.25 “
Jan., 1898
44
1.25 “
Apr., 1898
44
1.25 “
July, 1898
44
1.15 “
Oct., 1898
44
1.15 “
Jan., 1899
44
1.15 “
Apr., 1899
44
1.15 “
July, 1899
Price.
$1.10 per dozen cans.
1.10 “
44
1.10 “
44
1.10 “
44
1.10 “
1.10 “
1.00 “
1.00 “
44
1.00 “
44
1.00 “
44
1.00 “
44
1.10 “
1.10 “
B E A N S : P e a , Y o r k S t a t e , m a r r o w , c h o ic e , H . P*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.80
per bush. Apr., 1893 $2.10
per bush. July, 1896
44
44
44
1.75 @ 1.80 “
July, 1893
2.00
Oct., 1896
44
44
44
1.90
Oct., 1893
1.90
Jan., 1897
44
44
44
2.50 @ 2.55 “
Jan., 1894
1.75 @1.80
Apr., 1897
44
44
44
2.15 @ 2.20 “
Apr., 1894
July, 1897
1.67*
44
44
44
2.20
July, 1894
1.95
Oct., 1897
44
44
44
2.35 @ 2.40 “
Oct., 1894
1.70 @ 1.75
Jan., 2898
44
44
2.00 @ 2.10 “
Jan., 1895
1.70
Apr., 1898
44
44
44
1.85
Apr., 1895
2.20
July, 1898
44
44
1.75 @ 1.80 “
July, 1895
2.15
Oct., 1898
44
44
44
1.85
Oct., 1895
1.50
Jan., 1899
44
44
44
2.00
Jan., 1896
1.30
Apr., 1899
44
44
44
1.95
Apr., 1896
1.15
July, 1899
BREAD:
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0405 per pound.
44
.0405 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0405 “
44
.0495 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.00 @ 1.05 per bush.
1.15 @1.20 “
“
44
.95
44
.85
44
.85
1.10
“
<4
1.10 @1.15 “
(4
1.05 @ 1.10 “
44
1.15 @ 1.20 “
1.25
“
44
1.25 @ 1.30 “
44
1.35
“
44
1.32* @ 1.35 “
B o s to n c ra c k e rs*
$0.0450 per pound.
44
.0405 “
44
.0405 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0450 “
44
.0405 “
44
.0360 “
44
.0395 “
44
.0395 “
44
. .0395 “
44
.0360 “
44
.0395 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0405 per pound.
tt
.0360 “
tt
.0450 “
tt
.0405 “
(i
.0360 “
««
.0360 “
tt
.0360 “
it
.0495 “
ti
.0495 “
it
.0405 “
t<
.0405 “
it
.0405 “
it
.0405 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0300 per pound.
44
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0400 “
44
.0360 “
.0360 “
44
.0360 “
44
.0360 “
B R E A D : N a v y s l i i p b re a d *
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0350 per pound.
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0400 “
44
.0350 “
44
.0350 “
<4
.0300 “
44
.0300 “
44
.0350 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0300 per pound.
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0300
“
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0350 “
.0300 “
.0300 “
.0300 “
279
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899—Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
B R E A D : O y s te r c r a c k e r s *
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct,,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$0.0540 per pound.
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0630 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
Date.
$0.0540 per pound.
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0450 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0450 “
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct,,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct,,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0450 per pound.
.0450 “
.0540 “
.0495 “
.0450 “
.0495 “
.0450 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
18%
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0495 per pound.
.0495 “
.0540 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0585 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
.0540 “
“
.0540 “
“
B R E A D : So d a c ra c k e rs.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$0.0540 per pound.
4444
.0540 “
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
((
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
.0540 “
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
18%
1896
$0.0540 per pound.
4444
.0540 “
.0540 “
44
.0540 “
a
.0540 “
a
.0540 “
a
.0495 “
44
.0495 “
44
.0495 “
a
.0540 “
a
.0495 “
.0495 “
.0495 “
R U T T E R : C re a m e ry , W e s t e r n , e x tr a , firs ts .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
18%
1890
18%
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.20 @
.18®
.13®
.19®
.23®
.25®
.17©
.2 2 ®
.26®
.21 @
0.23 per
.19 “
.14 “
.21 “
.24 “
.26 “
.17* “
.23 “
.27 “
.22 “
“
.20
.22 @ .23 “
.28® .29 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
lb.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.27® 0.28 per lb.
.20
“ “
.26® .27 “l ii
.25® .26 “i a
.19® .20 ‘ i a
i
a
.17
.22 @ .23 “t a
t
a
.2 2 ® .23 ‘
.17® .19 ‘ ( a
.16® .17 “i a
.17© .19 ‘ ; a
.21 @ .22 *'t a
.18® .19 ,(i a
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
18%
1899
$0.14
.14
.18
.19
.14
.19
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.07 ©0.07* per lb.
.09 @ .09* “ i%
.10* @ .11 “ ii
.12 ® .12* “ a
.07 @ .07* “ a
.09 @ .09* “ 44
.09 @ .09* “ 44
.08 @ .08* “ 44
.07*® .07* “ 44
.09 @ .09* “
.10 * ® .11* “
.12 @ .12* “ 44
.08* @ .08* “ 44
® 0.141 per lb.
@ .15
a
@ .20
® .15 a a
a
a
tt u
.20
a
((
.20 @ .21
a
a
.16
a
a
.18 m .19
.171 ® .18 a a
.19 @ .19* a a
.17| ® .18 a a
C H E E SE : N ew Y o r k , e x tra .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jail.,
18%
1890
18%
18%
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0 .10* @ 0 .10* per lb.
(4
. 11*
44
44
.07f
44
44
.09*
44
44
.09 f® .10
.12
.08 @ .08*
.10
.11*
. 12*
.08*
.10* ® .10*
.11* ® .11*
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0 .11*
per lb.
.08* @0.08* “ 44
.11 @ .11* “ 44
44
44
.11*
.12 @ .12* “ 44
44
44
.08*
.11
.11* ®
.11* ®
.11*
.11*
.08*© .08*
.08*® .09
.10 @ .10 *
.09 @ .10
44
44
“
“
“
“
“
“
44
44
44
44
44
280
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
C O F F E E : R i o , F a ir.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
80.19 per pound.
.19$ “
.19$ “
.20$ “
“
.19 “
.19$ “
.18$ “
.16 “
.16$ “
.17$ “
.17 “
.18$ “
.18$ “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
Date.
80.18$ per pound.
.19 “
“
.19$ “
.19$ “
.19$ “
.18$ “
.18$ “
.18 “
.19$ “
.18 “
..18$ “
.17$ “
“
.17$ “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
80.16$ per pound.
.14$ “
.14$ “
.12
“
.12
“
.10
“
.08 “
“
.07$ “
.07$ “
“
.07f “
.07$ “
.07$ “
.06$ “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.11$© 0.12 perdoz.
.17 © .17$ it it
.18 © .19 ii it
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.09$ per pound.
.09$ “
.09$ “
“
.09$ “
*
.09$ “
.10
“
.10
“
“
.10
“
.10
“
.10
“
.10
“
.11
“
.10
“
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$18.00 per barrel.
16.00 “
15.00 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
17.50 “
18.50 “
19.00 “
18.00 “
21.00 “
21.50 “
21.50 “
21.50 “
E G ^ S : W e s t e r n , f i r s t s , c h o i c e , Fresh*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.20 @ 0.21 per doz.
it
.12
ti
it
.13© .14 “
.20
.28© .29
.21 © .22
.16 © .16$
.20 @ .21
.25
.14$
.15$ @ .16
“
“
“
“
tt
it
a
tt
ii
“
.21
.30
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
•Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$0.16$ © 0.17 per doz.
ii
ii
.15$
.22
.23
.11
.12$ © .13
.19
.23
.13$
.12$
.17 © .17$
.21 © .2 2
.11$
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ti
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
.10
.10$
.16$© .17
.22 © .23
.10
.12 ©
.12$
.16$© .17
.18 © .19
.13
.14$
ii
ii
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
F I S H : C od , e n t ir e ly honed*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
'1892
1892
1893
$0.12 per pound.
.12
.12
.12$
.12$
ii
ii
.13
.12$
.13
.13
.13
ii
ii
ii
ii
ti
.11
.11
.11
it
it
it
ii
it
it
it
ii
ti
it
ii
ii
ii
ii
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.11 per pound.
.11
.11
.11
.10
.10
.11
.11
.11
.09
.09
.09$
.09$
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
tt
it
ii
it
ti
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
ii
F I S H : M a c k e r e l, s a l t , X X X X , N o. 2*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$22.00 per barrel.
ii
22.00 “
ii
21.00 “
ii
23.00 “
ii
22.00 “
ii
22.00 “
ii
20.00 “
ti
19.00 “
ii
20.00 “
it
24.00 “
ii
24.00 “
it
18.00 “
ii
20.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A'pr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$21.00 per barrel.
ii
21.00 “
ii
19.00 “
ii
18.00 “
it
15.00 “
ii
13.00 “
ii
16.00 “
ii
18.00 “
ii
21.00 “
ii
19.50 “
ii
21.50 “
ii
23.00 “
ii
22.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
, Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
281
WHOLESALE PRICES*. 1890 TO 1899.
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
FLO U R: R ye.
Date.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Date.
Price.
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$3.25 per barrel.
2.95 “
3.05 “
3.90 “
4.30 “
5.05 “
4.70 “
5.05 “
4.76* “
4.22* “
3.84* “
3.45 “
3.26 “
“
Price.
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Date.
$3.19 per barrel.
3.23 “
3.31 “
2.82 “
2.92 “
2.95 “
2.84 “
2.99 “
4.00 “
3.19 “
2.70 “
“
2.70 “
2.70 “
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.92* per barrel.
3.11 “
2.73 “
“
2.45 “
3.02 “
“
3.08 “
“
3.00 “
“
3.50 “
2.83* “
3.23 “
“
3.42* “
3.30 “
“
3.28 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$4.40 per barrel.
44
4.50 “
44
5.35 “
44
4.85 “
44
4.65 “
44
5.75 “
44
5.60 “
44
5.75 “
44
5.35 “
44
4.65 “
44
4.30 “
44
4.50 “
44
4.50 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.05* ©
6.04|©
.03*©
.04 ©
.04 ©
.08 ©
.08*©
.08*©
.09*©
.08 ©
.08 ©
.09 ©
.08*©
F L O U R : W h e a t.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$5.50 per barrel.
a
6.00 “
«
6.00 “
44
6.20 “
44
6.85 “
44
6.30 “
44
6.00 “
44
5.95 “
44
5.60 “
44
5.10 “
44
5.10 “
44
5.00 “
44
5.00 “
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
F R U IT :
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.08 ©
.1 1 ©
.09©
.15©
.14©
.14©
.1 2 ©
.07©
.06©
a .05©
a .05©
a .07©
a . 08©
0.09 per lb.
.12
.10*
.17
.16
.16
.14
.09
.08
.07
.07
.09
.10
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oet.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$4.85 per barrel.
44
4.76 “
44
4.80 “
44
4.40 “
44
4.25 “
44
4.35 “
44
4.15 “
44
4.20 “
44
4.10 “
44
4.85 “
44
4.30 “
44
4.25 “
44
4.40 “
A p p le s , e v a p o r a t e d .
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.10 @
.08 ©
.09*©
.10 ©
.10 ©
.13 ©
a .07 ©
a .06* ©
.07*©
.06*©
6.06* ©
.06* @
.05*©
0 .11* per lb.
.09*
.11
.13
.12
.15
.09
.08*
.08*
.07*
.07*
.08
.07
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
0.07 per lb.
.06 44 44
.05 44 44
.05 44 44
.05 44
.09 44 44
.09 44 44
.09 44 44
.10 44 44
.09 44 44
.10
.10*
.10
44
44
44
44
44
44
F R U I T : C u rra n ts , n e w , in b a r re ls .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
per lb.
$0.04*
.05 ©0.05* 44 44
44
.05
.04*© .04* 44 44
44
.04
44 4
4
.04*
.04*© .04* 44
44 44
.03*
.03*© .03* 44 44
.02 * © .02* 44 it
44 44
.02*
.03*© .03* 44 44
44
.03*© .03*
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$0.03* ©0.03* per lb. July, 1896
.02* © .02* 44 44 Oct., 1896
.02 © . 0 2 * 44 44
Jan., 1897
.01* © .01* 44
Apr., 1897
.01* © .01* 44 44 July, 1897
44 44
.02
Oct., 1897
44 44
.02*
Jan., 1898
44 44
.02*
Apr., 1898
.03*© .03* 44 44 July, 1898
44 44
.02
.01* ©
Oct., 1898
44 44
.02*
Jan., 1899
.02* © .02 * 44 44 Apr., 1899
.02* © .02* 44
July, 1899
a Includes “ prim e” grade.
6 Estimated price, no quotations.
2193— No. 27
4
$0.03* @0.03* per lb.
.03*© .04 44 44
44 44
.03*
44 44
.04
.04*© .05* 44 44
.05* © .06 44 44
.06*© .06* 44 44
.06*© .06* 44 44
.05*© .06 44 44
.05*© .05* 44 44
44
.04*© .04*
.04*© .04* 44 44
44
44
.04*© .04*
282
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
F R U I T : P r u n e s , C a lifo r n ia , in b o x e s , 6 0 s to 7 0 s.
Bate.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Bate.
80.074 @0.07| per lb.
(( u
.124
“ “
.124
<< <i
.124
.12 @ .124 <« l<
.11 # .114 “ “
.084# .09 “ “
.07 4# .074 “ “
.084® .084 “ “
a. 074# •08| “ “
.074# .09 “ “
“ “
a. 10*
•124
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
Price.
1893 80.12 # 0.124 per lb.
1893
.10 @ .114 “ fi
1893 a .0 8 f@ .094 “ it
1894
.074# -074 “ ifif
1894
.06
if
1894
.074
1894
.07 @ .074 “ if
if
1895
.074
1895
.07 # .074 “ ifif
1895
.054# -064 “ it
1895
.064# -064 “
1896
.064# -064 “ ifif
1896
.05 @ .054 “
Bate.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
80.054 @ 0.054 per lb.
.044# .05 ti it
.054# .06 ii if
.05 # .054 if it
.044# .044 if if
if
it
.064
.05 # .054 it if
.05 @ .054 . if if
.05 # .054 ii if
.054# .064 tiii ii
ii
.054# .06
.054# .06 iiif if
ti
.054
F R U I T : R a is in s , C a lifo r n ia , L o n d o n la y e r , n e w .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
.1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
82.20 @ 2.40 per box. Apr., 1893
if
July, 1893
2.25 @ 2.45 “
Oct., 1893
2.20 @ 2.40 “ if
ii
Jan., 1894
2.10 @ 2.35 “
ii
Apr., 1894
2.00 @ 2.10 “
July, 1894
1.80 @ 2.25 “ if
Oct., 1894
1.35 # 1 .5 5 “ if
Jan., 1895
1.40 # 1 .5 0 “ ft
if
Apr.,
1895
1.20 @ 1.60 “
July, 1895
1.35 @ 1.45 “ if
if
Oct., 1895
1.15 @ 1.35 “
Jan., 1896
1.35 @ 1.50 “ if
Apr., 1896
1.60 @ 1.85 “ if
$1.75 # 2.00 per box. July, 1896
1.65 @ 1.80 “ ii
Oct., 1896
1.50 # 1 .6 5 “ ft
Jan., 1897
1.10 # 1 .4 0 “ ff
Apr., 1897
.80 @ 1.15 “ if
July, 1897
1.05 @ 1.10 “ if
Oct., 1897
ti
1.00 @ 1.10 “
Jan., 1898
1.45 # 1 .5 0 “ ft
Apr., 1898
ft
1.50
July, 1898
1.35 # 1 .5 0 “ it
Oct., 1898
if
1.45 # 1 .6 0 “
Jan., 1899
if
.90 # 1 .2 5 “
Apr., 1899
if
.8 0 # .90 “
July, 1899
$1.00
per box.
ii
1.10 @ 1.15 “
1.45 @ 1.50 “ if
1.30 @ 1.40 “ if
1.25 @ 1.50 “ if
1.30 # 1 .5 0 “ if
1.35 @ 1.45 “ ti
1.25 # 1 .4 0 “ if
ti
1.30 @ 1.40 “
1.45 @ 1.50 “ it
1.20 @ 1.35 “ fi
ii
1.00 @ 1.15 “
if
1.15
L A R D : P rim e , ste a m .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
lb.
1890 $0.0564# 0.0564 per
if
it
.0604
1890
1890
.0664
if
ii
.0624
1890
1891
.0674@ .058 ii if
.0664
.065 @
1891
it
if
1891
.0624
.0684 @ .070
1891
it
fi
.059 @ .0594
1892
.0614 # .0614
1892
.070 @ .0704 if ff
1892
.080 @ .081f if if
1892
1893
.0974# .1034 it it
Apr., 1893 $0.0974 @0.100 per lb. July, 1896 $0.0364
per lb.
ii
Oct., 1896
July, 1893
.040
.0934# .095 ifi f ifif
Oct., 1893
.0974# .100 fi if Jan., 1897
.0364 #0.037 ii
Jan., 1894
Apr.,
1897
.0784# .080 if if
.0394# .040 ii
ii
Apr., 1894
.068 @ .069
July, 1897
.0384
it
ff
ii
it
July, 1894
Oct., 1897
.066
.0434
it
if
if
ii
Oct., 1894
.080
Jan., 1898
.0464
it
if
ti
ii
.067
Apr., 1898
Jan., 1895
.0514
ii
if
ti
.069
A pr., 1895
July, 1898
.050
if
if
ii
ii
Oct.,
1898
July, 1895
.0634
.0454
if
ff
ii
ti
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1899
.054
.0574
ii
ii
ii
it
Jan., 1896
Apr.,
1899
.0524
.0504
if
if
ii
it
July, 1899
Apr., 1896
.0494
.0494
M E A L : C o r n , y e l l o w , k i l n dried .*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$2.65 per barrel.
ii
2.45 “
if
2.45 “
it
3.20 “
if
3.25 “
ft
3.75 “
ft
3.75 “
ft
4.05 “
it
3.55 “
ft
2.95 “
ft
3.15 “
it
3.10 “
it
2.85 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oet.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$2.70 per barrel.
ft
2.70 “
ff
2.80 “
it
2.70 “
ii
2.65 “
if
2.80 “
ft
3.10 “
ff
2.90 “
it
2.60 “
if
2.85 “
it
2.55 "
if
2.25 “
ti
2.15 “
a Estimated price, no quotations.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.05 per barrel.
2.05 “
2.00 “
1.70 “
1.75 “
1.80 “
2.00 “
“
2.05 “
2.15 “
2.05 “
2.15 “
2.10 “
2.15 “
283
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
H E A T : B e e f o n t li e l i o o f , g o o d , 1 , 2 0 0 t o 1 , 3 5 0 p o u n d b e e v e s .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$2.85 @ 4.85 per 100 lbs.
3.55 @ 4.85 “
3.50 @4.65 “
2.75 @5.00 “
3.58 @ 4.89 “
4.5b @5.72 “
4.19 @ 5.80 “
2.91 @5.28 “
3.00 @4.75 “
3.30 @ 4.75 “
3.45 @5.85 “
2.85 @5.35 “
3.35 @ 5.65 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
Price.
Date.
Price.
$4.15 @ 5.50 per 100 lbs. July, 1896 $3.25 @ 4.55 per 100 lbs.
Oct., 1896 3.20 @ 5.25 “
3.25 @ 5.35 “
Jan., 1897 3.80 @5.25 “
3.00 @5.70 “
3.00 @ 5.10 “
Apr., 1897 3.75 @5.35 “
3.05 @ 4.85 “
July, 1897 3.65 @ 5.15 “
3.00 @ 4.90 “
Oct., 1897 4.00 @ 5.35 “
Jan., 1898 3.80 @5.40 “
3.00 @ 6.10 “
3.15 @5.30 “
Apr., 1898 3.95 @ 5.95 “
July, 1898 4.25 @ 5.55 “
4.25 @6.25 “
3.45 @ 5.75 “
Oct., 1898 4.00 @ 5.75 “
3.20 @5.50 “
Jan., 1899 4.20 @ 5.90 “
3.20 @ 4.80 “
Apr., 1899 4.20 @5.60 “
3.00 @4.50 “
“
July, 1899 4.65 @5.85 “
M E A T : B e e f o n t l i e l i o o f , c lio i c e , 1 , 3 5 0 t o 1 , 5 0 0 p o u n d b e e v e s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$3.45 @ 5.25 per 100 lbs.
3.85 @5.30 “
3.70 @5.00 “
3.30 @ 5.25 “
4.13 @5.36 “
4.96 @ 5.91 “
5.01 @5.99 “
3.56 @5.91 “
3.45 @ 5.50 “
3.50 @4.85 “
3.85 @6.10 “
3.25 @5.75 “
3.90 @6.00 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 18%
Apr., 1896
$4.40 @6.00 per 100 lbs.
3.50 @5.40 “
3.50 @ 5.80 “
3.15 @ 5.60 “
3.30 @ 4.85 “
3.60 @ 5.05 “
3.60 @6.35 “
3.50 @ 5.45 “
5.00 @ 6.30 “
4.00 @ 5.90 “
3.50 @ 5.50 “
3.40 @4.90 “
3.20 @4.75 “
July, 1896
Oct. 18%
Jan., 1897
A pr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$3.40 @ 4.65 per 100 lbs.
3.35 @5.30 “
3.80 @ 5.50 “
3.95 @ 5.50 “
4.00 @ 5.20 “
4.00 @ 5.35 “
3.90 @ 5.50 “
4.05 @ 5.50 “
4.20 @5.65 “
4.20 @ 5.85 “
4.60 @6.00 “
4.40 @5.75 “
4.85® 5.% “
M E A T : B e e f o n t li e l i o o f , 1 , 2 0 0 t o 1 , 5 0 0 p o u n d b e e v e s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$4.05 per 100 pounds.
4.40 “ “
“
4.20 “ “
4.00 “ “
4.35 “ “
5.00 “ “
4.60 “ “
4.10 “ “
4.10 " “
“
4.05 “ “
4.35 “ “
4.30 “ “
4.85 “ “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$5.00 per 100 pounds.
4.25 “ “
4.05 “
4.80 ' “
4.30 “
5.50 “
4.80 “
3.80
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$4.10 per 100 pounds.
4.40 “ “
“
4.45 “ “
“
4.55 “ “
“
4.55 “ “
“
4.75 “ “
4.75 “ “
4.65 “ “
“
4.90 “ “
“
5.05 “ “
“
5.35 “ “
5.05 “ “
“
5.40 “ “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.20 per pound.
.21 “
.21 “
.21 “
.21 “
.21 “
“
.20 “
.20 “
.20 “
2i «
.21 “
“
.21 “
M E A T : B e e f, lo i n s .
Jan.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
18%
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.19 per pound.
<(
.19 “
ii
.19 “
ii
.19 “
ii
.19 “
ii
.20 “
ii
.20 “
ii
.20 "
ii
.20 “
ii
.19 “
a
.19 “
a
.19 “
.19 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.21 per pound.
<<
.21 “
ii
.21 “
ii
.22 “
ii
.21 “
a
.20 “
a
.21 “
a
.21 “
a
.22 “
a
.21 “
a
.22 “
a
.21 “
a
.20 “
.21
“
284
BULLETIN- OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
M E A T : B e e f, r i b s .
Date.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$0.16 per pound.
14
.16 II
it
.16 1 1
II
.16 it
II
II
.16
II
.17 II
II
.17 II
II
.17 II
II
II
.17
II
.16 it
V
.16 it
II
.16 II
II
II
.16
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.17 per pound.
.17 “
.17 “
.18 “
.17 “
.16 “
“
.17 “
.17 “
.18 “
17
«
«
.18 “
“
.17 “
“
.17 “
“
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.16 per pound.
.17 “
.17 “
“
.17
.17 “
.17 “
“
.16 “
.16 “
.16 “
“
.17 “
“
.1
“
“
.17 “
“
.17 “
“
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$8.50 @ 9.00 per
8.00 @ 9.00 “
8.50 @10.00 “
9.00 @10.25 “
8.50 @ 9.50 “
9.10 @10.00 “
8.00 @ 8.50 “
9.50 @10.00 “
10.00 @10.50 “
8.00
“
8.50 @ 9.00 “
9.00
“
9.00
“
M E A T : B e e f, s a lt , fa m ily .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$9.75 @10.25 per bbl.
8.00 @ 9.50 “ II
8.35 @ 9.50 “ II
10.15 @11.40 “ II
II
9.00 @10.00 “
II
10.00 @ 11.00 “
12.50 @14.00 “ II
10.50 @11.50 “ II
9.50 @10.00 “ II
9.50 @11.75 “ II
9.75 @10.90 “ II
8.50 @10.00 “ II
11.50 @13.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $11.50 @13.00 per bbl.
1893 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1893 12.00 @14.00 “ “
1894 14.00 @15.50 “ “
1894 12.00 @14.00 “ “
1894
9.50 @11.00 “ “
1894 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1895 10.50 @12.50 “ “
1895 10.75 @12.50 “ “
1895 10.50 @13.50 “
“
1895 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1896 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1896 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
bbl.
“
“
“ ,
“
“
“
“
“
“ ,
“
“
“
M E A T : P o r k , s a l t , m e s s , old . t o n e w .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $10.00 @10.50 per bbl.
1890 11.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1890 13.25 @13.75 “ “
1890 11.25 @12.25 “ “
1891 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
“
1891 11.50 @13.50 “
1891 10.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1891 10.75 @12.00 “ “
9.00 @10.00 “ “
1892
9.50 @10.00 “ “
1892
1892 11.00 @ 12.00 “ “
1892 11.25 @12.50 “ “
1893 15.25 @16.50 “ “
Apr., 1893 $18.00 @18.50 per bbl.
July, 1893 19.00 @19.50 “
“
Oct., 1893 18.00 @18.25 “ “
Jan., 1894 13.75 @14.50 “
“
Apr., 1894 13.00 @13.25 “ “
July, 1894 13.75 @14.00 “ “
Oct., 1894 14.75 @15.50 “ “
Jan., 1895 12.75 @13.25 “ “
Apr., 1895 13.50 @14.00 “ “
July, 1895 13.25 @14.00 “ “
Oct., 1895 10.00 @10.50 “
“
9.00 @ 9.25 “ “
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
8.75 @ 9.50 “ “
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
A pr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
A pr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$8.00 @ 8.25 per bbl.
u
8.00 @ 8.50 “
8.25 @ 8.75 “ it
it
9.00 @ 9.50 “
<8.25 @ 8.75 “ it
9.00 @10.00 “ <<
8.75 @ 9.25 “ <<
9.50 @ 9.75 “ it
10.00 @10.50 “ <<
8.50 @ 8.75 “ it
it
9.75 @10.25 “
it
9.00 @ 9.50 “
a
8.75 @ 9.00 “
M E A T : B a c o n , s lio r t r i b s id e s .
Jan., 1890 $0,056* @ 0.056* per lb.
A pr., 1890 .058* @ .059
July, 1890 .053* @ .057
Oct., 1890 .060 @ .061 II
Jan., 1891 .057* @ .058 II
A pr., 1891 .065 @ .066* II
July, 1891 .066* @ .067* II II
II
II
Oct., 1891 .082*
Jan., 1892 .062* @ .063* II II
14
44
Apr., 1892 .062*
July, 1892 .083*@ .084 II 41
Oct., 1892 .087* @ .088* II 44
Jan., 1893 .092* @ .095 II
Apr., 1893 $0,103* @0.105 per lb.
July, 1893 . 101* @ .102* 41 44
Oct., 1893 .112* @ .117* II 14
Jan., 1894 .066* @ .068* II 44
Apr., 1894 .067* @ .070 44 44
July, 1894 .072* @ .075 II 41
14
44
Oct., 1894 .080
44
44
Jan., 1895 .(365
41
II
Apr., 1895 .067*
44
44
July, 1895 .068*
II
44
Oct., 1895 .062*
44
14
Jan., 1896 .051*
44
44
Apr., 1896 .052*
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $0,043*
per lb
14
1896 .040
1897 .042* @0.043* “ II
14
44
1897 .052*
44
44
1897 .051*
44
44
1897 .061*
44
44
1898 .050
44
44
1898 .056
44
44
1898 .060
44
44
1898 .061*
44
44
1899 .053*
44
44
1899 .052
44
44
1899 .052
285
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W H O LESALE PEICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
M E A T : H a m , s u g a r c u re d .
Bate.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
$0.09 ©
.09$©
.09$©
.10 ©
.08* ©
.08$ ©
.09$©
.10 ©
.O8 5 ©
.09$©
.11$ 0
.10$ ©
.11$ ©
0.11$ per lb.
44
.11$ “ 44
.11$ “ a
.11$ “
.10$ “ (t
.10$ “ a
. 11$ “ a
.12
“ tt
.09$ “ 44
.10$ “ u
.12$ “ 44
.11$ “ a
.13 “ a
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.13$ ©
.12 ©
.12 ©
.09 ©
.09$©
.10$ ©
.11$ ©
.09 ©
.09$©
.09$©
.09$©
.09 ©
.09 ©
Date.
10.14$ per lb.
.13
.13
.10
.10
.12
.12$
.09$
.10
.11
.10$
.10$
.10$
44
44
44
a
tt
44
it
44
tt
tt
it
it
it
tt
ti
tt
tt
tt
tt
tt
it
tt
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$0.09 © 1 1.10$ per lb.
a
.09$© .11$
it
.09$© .11
tt
.09$© .11$
tt
.09$© .11$
tt
.09 © .10$
tt
it
.08 © .09$
.07$© .09$ tt tt
ti
tt
.07$© .10
.07$© .10 tt
.07$© .10 ti
.07$© .09$ tt
.10 © .10$
M E A T : M u t t o n , r a c k s a n d s a d d le s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.20 per pound.
ii
.20 “
.20 44
.20 “
.18 “
.18 “
.20 “
.18 44
.18 “
.19 “
.22
44
.20 “
.16 “
ti
it
a
tt
tt
tt
it
tt
tt
tt
tt
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.16 per pound.
.18 “
.15 44
.13 “
.13 “
a
.15 “
tt
.13 44
it
.10 “
it
.16 “
tt
.14 “
it
.14 “
tt
.12 “
tt
.12 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $0.13 per pound.
1896
.14 “
1897
.11 “
1897
.14 “
1897
.14 44
1897
.13 “
1898
.14 “
1898
.15 “
1898
.15 “
1898*
.15 “
1899
.15 “
1899
.15 44
.15 “
“
1899
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.30 per
.33 44
.33 44
.30 44
.30 44
.33 44
.33 44
.30 44
.30 44
.33 44
.33 44
.30 44
.30 M
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.32 per gallon.
.31 44
.29 44
.29 44
.28 44
.28 44
.32 44
.30 44
.33 44
.35 44
.35 44
.36 44
.36 44
M IL K : F re sh .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.36 per can. (a)
ii
.32 “
it
.32 “
tt
.36 “
ii
.36 “
ii
.32 “
ii
.32 “
tt
.36 “
ti
.35 44
.30 14 it
.30 44 ti
.35 44 ti
.35 44 tt
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.30 per can.
.30 44 i i
.35 44 i i
.35 44 it
.30 44 tt
.30 44 ii
.35 44 it
.35 44 tt
.30 44 i i
.30 44 ti
.35 44 i t
.33 44 i i
.30 44 i i
(a)
can. (a)
“
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
“
“
44
“
M O L A S S E S : N e w O r le a n s , p r i m e .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.42 per gallon.
ii
.40 44
ii
.40 44
it
.38 44
a
.36 44
tt
.30 44
a
.32 44
a
.32 44
a
.37 44
a
.34 44
tt
.33 44
a
.32 44
44
.36 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.35 per gallon.
14
.33 44
ti
.31 44
ti
.35 44
ti
.31 44
it
.30 44
44
.29 44
44
.33 44
44
.31 44
44
.29 44
44
.30 44
44
.34 44
44
.33 44
a A can contains 8 quarts and 1 pint.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
286
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D — Continued.
M O L A S S E S : P u e r t o R i c o , best*
Bate.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$0.42 per gallon.
.38 “
“
.38 “
“
.38 “
.36 “
.35 “
.35 “
.35 “
.36 “
.34 “
.33 “
.32 “
.35 “
“
Bate.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.34 per gallon.
.34 “
.32 “
“
.38 “
.37 “
.37 “
.36 “
“
.39 “
“
.37 “
.36 “
.34 “
.36 “
.35 “
Bate.
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.34 per gallon.
.34 “
.34 “
.33 “
.31 “
.30 “
.34 “
.33 “
.33 “
.32 “
.36 “
.36 “
.37 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.04 per pound.
it
.044 “
it
.044 “
it
.044 “
ii
.044 “
ii
.044 “
ii
.044 “
ii
.05 “
ii
.06 “
ii
.054 “
ii
.05* “
ii
.054 “
ii
.054 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.*,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.65 per barrel, (o)
.65 “
.65 “
“
.65 “
.65 “
.65 “
“
.65 “
.65 “
.65 “
.65 “
.65 “
.65 “
“
.65 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.22 per bushel.
.23 “
.20 “
.21 “
.21 “
“
.22 “
.20 “
.21 “
.21 “
.22 “
.23 “
.24 “
.21 “
R IC E s C a r o lin a , g o o d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.05 per pound.
it
.054 “
it
.05| “
it
.05f “
it
.05f “
l(
.05f “
i(
.054 “
it
.05* “
t<
.044 “
it
.04| “
it
.04| “
it
.044 “
it
.034 “
Apr., 1893 $0,034 per pound.
July, 1893
.024 “
Oct., 1893
.03 * “
“
Jan., 1894
.034 “
Apr., 1894
.04f “
“
July, 1894
.044 “
Oct., 1894
.044 “
Jan., 1895
.044 “
Apr., 1895
.04 “
July, 1895
.044 “
Oct., 1895
.04 “
Jan., 1896
.034 “
"
Apr., 1896
.034 “
“
S A L T : F i n e , b o ile d *
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.65 per barrel, (a)
ii
.65 “
it
.65 “
if
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
It
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
ii
.65 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.65 per barrel, (a)
it
.65
ii
.65
ii
.65
ii
.65
it
.65
ii
.65
ii
ii
.65
ft
.65
ii
.65 ii
ti
.65 ii
it
.65 ii
ii
.65 ii
S A L T ; T u r k s is la n d *
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.23 per bushel.
it
.26 “
ii
.29 “
it
.23 “
it
.25 "
it
.28 “
it
.28 “
ii
.26 “
it
.26 “
if
.25 "
it
.27 “
ii
.30 “
ii
.25 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $0.26 per bushel.
it
1893
.24 “
it
1893
.23 “
it
1894
.23 “
it
1894
.25 “
it
1894
.23 “
it
1894
.21 "
if
1895
.27 “
ft
1895
.21 “
it
1895
.21 “
it
1895
.21 “
ii
1896
.21 “
ii
.21 “
1896
a Barrel of 280 pounds.
287
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
F O O D —Continued.
S P I C E S s N u tm e g s , I lO n u t s p e r p o u n d .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
$0.62 per pound.
.63 “
.65 “
.63 “
.63 “
.60 “
.60 “
.60 “
.59 “
.52 “
.51 “
.50 “
.48 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.47 per pound.
.44 “
.43 “
.42 “
.39 “
.37 “
.40 “
.40 “
.40 “
.40 “
.40 “
.39 “
.35 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.34 per pound.
.33 “
.32 “
.32 “
.34 “
M
.33 “
.32 “
.34 “
.32 “
.29 “
.30 “
.27 “
.27 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.04*
.04*
.05
.04*
.05*
.07*
.07*
.08*
.08*
.09
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.05400 per pound.
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
ii
.05400 “
ii
.05400 “
ii
.05400 “
.05400 “
.05400 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.035000 per pound.
ii
.030625 “
ii
.031875 “
.033750 “
.035000 “
.039375 “
.042500 “
.041250 “
.042500 “
.042500 “
.043125 “
.044375 “
.045000 “
S P I € E S : P e p p e r, w h o le , S u m a tra .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0 .12* per pound.
.11* “
.10* “
.09 “
.08* “
ii
.08* “
it
.07* “
It
.07* “
u
.06* “
it
.061 “
.06* “
.06* “
.06* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.05* per pound.
.04| “
.05 “
.05 “
.04| “
It
.04* “
ii
.04* “
It
.04 “
II
.04* “
u
.04* “
.04* “
u
.04* “
ii
.04* “
per pound.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
.10
“
.10* “
.10* “
S T A R C H : C o rn .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.05400 per pound.
.05400 “
11
.05400 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.06300 “
.05850 “
.05850 “
.05850 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.05625 per pound.
.05625 “
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05625 "
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05400 “
S U G A R : C e n t r i f u g a l, 9 6 - d e g r e e t e s t.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jail.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.044100 per pound.
ii
.040800 “
ii
.040800 “
ii
.045600 “
.051400 “
ii
.036250 “
ii
.033100 “
ii
.033750 “
ii
.033750 “
.031250 “
ii
.031250 “
ii
.035000 “
ii
.034400 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $0.037500 per pound.
1893
.033750 “
II
1893
.038750 “
ii
1894
.028750 “
II
1894
.028750 “
ii
1894
.031250 “
Ii
1894
.037500 “
it
1895
.030000 “
ii
1895
.030000 “
ii
1895
.032500 “
ii
1895
.085625 “
ii
1896
.037500 “
ii
1896
.041875 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
288
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899—Continued.
F O O D — Concluded.
S U G A R : F a i r r e fin in g , 8 9 -d e g r e e te s t.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
Price.
80.048750 per pound.
if
.048125 “
If
.047500 “
ff
.053750 “
if
.045625 “
if
.031875 “
ff
.030000 “
ff
.028750 “
ff
.030625 “
ff
.027500 “
ff
.027500 “
ff
.030000 “
ff
.030000 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
80.032500 per pound.
.037500 “
.033750 “
.026250 “
.025000 “
.026875 “
.031250 “
.027500 “
.026875 “
.028750 “
.031250 “
.033750 “
.037500 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
80.030000 per pound.
.026875 “
.028125 “
.030000 “
.030000 “
.033125 “
.036250 “
.036250 “
.036250 “
.037500 “
.038125 “
.039375 “
.040000 •
“
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
80.046000 per pound.
.042300 “
.041000 “
.044700 “
.044700 “
.048400 “
.049600 “
.048400 “
.050900 “
.049600 “
.047200 “
.048400 “
.052100 “
S U G A R : G r a n u la te d .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
80.065000 per pound.
ff
.060625 “
ff
.062500 “
ff
.066250 “
ff
.059375 “
ff
.045000 “
ff
.042500 “
ff
.043750 “
ff
.040400 “
ff
.042800 “
ff
.042200 “
ff
.049000 “
ff
.046000 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
80.048400 per pound.
ff
.052700 “
ff
.050900 “
ff
.037400 “
ff
.039800 “
if
.039800 “
.044100 “
ff
.037400 “
.038600 “
ff
.043500 “
ff
.044100 “
ff
.045900 “
ff
.048900 “
TALLOW .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
80.04*
per lb.
.04 * ©0.04* “
.04*
.05
.04* © .04* “
.05*
.04**® .04f “
.05
.04*|
.04}*
.04*
.04*
.05*
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
CLOTHS
80.05*
per lb.
.04**
.05*
.05 * ©0.05* “
.04* © .04*1 “
.04* © .0 4 * “
.04*
.04*
.04*
.04*
.04*
.03*
.03* © .03** “
AND
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 80.03*
per lb.
1896
.03*
“
1897
.03* ©0.03* “
1897
.03*
1897
.03*
1897
.03*
1898
.03* © .03* “
1898
.03*
1898
.03*
1898
.03*
1899
.03*
1899
.04* © .04* “
1899
.0 4 * © .04* “
C L O T H IN G .
R A G S : 2 -b u s lie ] , A m o sk e a g *
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
189°
1892
1892
1892
1893
80.15* each.
.15* “
.16
“
.16* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
.15* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 80.15* each.
1893
.15* “
1893
.13* "
1894
.13* “
1894
.13* “
1894
.11* “
1894
.12* “
1895
. 10* “
1895
.11
“
1895
.11* “
.13
“
1895
1896
.13* “
.12* 44
1896
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
80.12* each.
.13
.13
.13
“
.12* “
.13* “
.12* “
.12* “
.14
“
.14* “
.14
.14* “
.14* “
289
WHOLESALE PRICES*. 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
C L O T H S AN TB C E O T H IN T G — Continued.
B O O T S AN D SH O E S: W o m e n ’s sh o e s , s o lid le a t h e r , g r a in , p o lis h o r p o lk a .
Date.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$0.85 per pair. *
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.85 per pair.
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
Date.
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
Price.
$0.85 per pair.
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
.85 “
“
, B O O T S AND S H O E S : M e n ’s b ro g a n s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.05 per pair.
4444
1.05 “
1.05 “
ii
1.05 “
44
1.05 “
a
1.05 “
a
1.05 “
a
1.05 “
a
1.05 “
44
1.05 “
1 .02* “
1 .02* “
1 .02* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.02* per pair.
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
.95
.92*
.92*
.95
1.05
1.00
1.00
1.00
44
44
ii
44
ii
ii
ii
ii
ii
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$1.00 per pair.
.97| “
"
.95 ‘
.95 ‘
.95 ‘
.95 ‘
.90 ‘
.90 ‘
.92* ‘
.92*
.92*
.92*
.95
BO O T S AND S H O E S : M e n ’s c a lf , b a l. s h o e s , G o o d y e a r w e l t , d o n g o la to p .
*r*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$2.40 per pair.
2.40 “
4“4
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
2.40 “
2.40 “
2.40 “
Apr., 1893
Ju ly, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$2.40 per pair.
2.40 “
“
44
2.40 “
2.40 “
4444
2.40 “
2.40 “
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
2.40 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.40 per pair.
2.40 “
“
44
2.40 “
(4
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.40 “
44
2.24 “
44
2.24 “
44
2.24 “
44
2.24 “
2.24 “
B O O T S A N D S H O E S : M e n ’ s s p l i t b o o t s , k i p t o p , 1 6 - i n c h , * d o u b le s o le .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $17.00 per doz. pairs.
44
44
1890
17.00 “
44
44
1890
17.00 “
44
44
1890
17.00 “
44
44
1891
17.00 “
44
44
1891
17.00 “
44
44
1891
17.00 “
44
44
1891
17.00 “
44
44
1892
17.00 “
44
44
1892
17.00 “
44
44
1892
17.00 “
44
44
1892
17.00 “
44
44
1893
16.50 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $16.50 per doz. pairs.
1893
16.50 “
“
44
44
1893
16.50 “
44
44
1894
16.00 “
44
44
1894 16.00 “
44
44
1894 16.00 “
44
44
1894
16.00 “
44
44
1895
15.00 “
44
44
1895 15.00 “
44
44
1895
15.00 “
44
44
1895
15.00 “
44
44
1896
15.50 “
44
44
1896
15.50 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$15.50 per doz. pairs.
44
15.60 “
44
16.00 “
44
44
16.00 “
44
44
16.00 “
44
44
16.00 “
44
44
16.50 “
44
44
16.50 “
44
44
16.50 “
44
(4
16.50 »
44
44
17.00 “
44
44
17.00 “
44
17.00 “
290
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE. PRICES
OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y ,
1899— Continued.
1890,
TO JU LY ,
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Continued.
C A L IC O : C o c h e e o p r i n t s .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$0.06* per yard.
.06? “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06 “
“
.05 “
“
.06 “
“
.06 “
“
.m “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.061 “
“
.06* “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.06* per yard.
.06 “
.06 “
.05* “
.05* “
.05* “
.05* “
.05 “
.05 “
.05* “
.05* “
.05* “
.05* “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$0.05 per yard.
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
“
.05 “
.04* “
.04* “
.04* “
.04* “
.04* “
.04* “
.05 “
C A R P E T S s B r u s s e ls , 5 - f r a m e , B ig e lo w .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.07* per yard.
1.07* “
44
1.07* “
(4
1.07* “
44
1.17* “
a
1.17* “
1.17* “
44
1.17* “
1.17* “
44
1.07* “
44
1 .02 * “
1 .02* “
1 .02* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.02* per yard.
44
1 .02* “
4444
1 .02* “
.97* “
ii
.97* “
ii
.97* “
ii
.97* “
a
.97* “
a
.97* “
a
.97* “
a
.97* “
44
.97* “
.97* “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.97* per yard.
.97* “
<<
.97* “
«<
.97* “
(t
1 .02* “
it
1 .02* “
“
1.07* “
ii
1.07* “
««
1.07* “
“
1.07* “
ii
1.07* “
it
1.07* “
ii
1.07* “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.4127 per yard.
44
.3796 “
44
.4096 “
44
.3956 “
44
.4311 “
44
.4492 “
44
.4944 “
44
.4599 “
44
.4838 “
44
.4088 “
44
.4173 “
44
.4004 “
44
.4293 “
C A R P E T S : I n g r a in , 2 - p ly , L o w e ll.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.5310 per yard.
44
.4829 “
44
.5031 “
44
.5065 “
44
.5547 “
44
.5379 “
44
.5554 “
44
.5098 “
44
.5032 “
44
.5014 “
44
.5035 “
44
.5089 “
ii
.5289 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.5208 per yard.
44
.5302 “
44
.4864 “
44
.4801 “
44
.4636 “
44
.4542 “
44
.4112 “
44
.4305 “
44
.4079 “
44
.4108 “
44
..3825 “
44
.4074 “
44
.3832 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
OcE,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
C A R P E T S : W i lt o n , 5 - fr a m e , B ig e lo w .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $2.00 per yard.
1890
2.00 ‘
1890
2.00 ‘
1890
2.00 ‘
1891
2.10 ‘
1891
2.10 ‘
1891
2.10 ‘
1891
2.10 ‘
1892
2.00 ‘
1892
2.00 ‘
1892
2.00 ‘
1892
2.00 ‘
1893
2.00 ‘
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan .,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $2.00 per yard.
1893
2.00 “
1893
2.00 “
1894
2.00 “
1894
2.00 “
1894
2.00 “
1894 2.00 “
1895
1.75 “
1895
1.75 “
1895
1.75 “
1895
1.75 “
1896
1.75 “
1896
1.75 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $1.75 per yard.
1896
1.75 “
1897
1.75 “
1897
1.75 “
1897
1.85 “
1897
1.85 “
1898
1.90 “
1898
1.90 “
1898
1.90 “
1898
1.90 “
1899
1.90 “
1899
1.90 “
1899
1.90 “
291
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899— Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G — Continued.
COTTON T H R E A D : 6 - c o r d , 2 0 0 y a r d s , J . a n d P . C o a ts .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
Price.
Date.
Price.
$0.0324375 per spool.
II
.0324375 “
It
.0318750 “
It
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
it
.0318750 “
it
.0318750 “
It
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
It
.0318750 “
it
.0318750 “
It
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct,, 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$0.0318750 per spool.
(4
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
(I
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
(I
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
II
.0318750 “
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$0.0311250 per spool.
.0311250 “
.0311250 “
It
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
It
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
It
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
II
.0311250 “
C O T T O N : U p la n d , m i d d l i n g .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0,101 per pound.
II
•11/ b “
II
.12
“
II
.10* “
II
•09& “
II
.09
“
II
.08* “
It
.08** “
II
.07| “
II
.06** “
II
.07* “
II
.07** “
II
.09* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.08* per pound.
li
II
.08
II
.08^ II
II
II
.07*|
II
II
.07*
II
.07* II
II
II
.06*
It
•05*| II
II
•06& It
II
K
•07*
II
II
.09*
II
II
•08*
II
.07* II
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.07* per pound.
II
.08* “
II
.07
“
II
•07* “
(I
.07* “
II
.06* “
II
.05*f “
.0 6 * “
II
.06* “
II
.05* “
II
.05* •*
II
.06* “
.06* “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.09* per yard.
.10
“
“
.10
“
“
.09* “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.08* “
“
.08* “
“
.09 “
“
.09* “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0520 per
.0510 “
.0483 “
.0469 “
.0456 “
.0482 “
.0416 “
.0443 “
.0445 “
.0422 “
.0425 “
.0453 “
.0465 “
© E N IM S: A m o sk e a g .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0 .11* per yard.
.11* “
II
.11* “
.12
“
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
II
.11* “
.11* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0 .11* per yard.
.12
.12
.11
.11
.11
.11
.10
.09*
.09*
.10
.10 *
.09*
II
II
II
II
II
II
U
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
It
D R IL L IN G S: S ta rk A .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0615 per yard.
.0629 “
“
.0672 “
“
.0649 “
“
.0644 “
“
.0614 “
“
.0594 “
“
.0543 “
"
.0553 “
“
.0532 “
“
.0529 “
“
.0517 “
“
.0560 “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0578 per
.0595 “
.0547 “
.0531 “
.0498 “
.0483 “
.0491 “
.0471 “
.0465 “
.0450 “
.0559 “
.0538 “
.0524 “
yard.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
yard.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
292
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899— Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
FELTS
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$21.00 each.
<<
21.00
<<
21.00
21.00
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
18.53
<«
M
<4
44
44
44
44
44
44
s
C L O T H I N G — Continued.
P r e s s , 1 2 b y 5f f e e t , lin e F o u r d in s *
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$18.53 each.
18.53 “
18.53 “
18.53 "
18.53 “
18.53 "
17.00 “
17.00 “
17.00 "
17.00 “
17.00 44
17.00 44
17.00 44
Date.
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
Price.
$17.00 each.
17.00 u
17.00 a
17.00 ii
17.00 a
17.00 u
17.00 44
17.00 44
17.00 ti
17.00 ii
17.00 ii
17.00 ii
17.00 a
F JS I jT S : W e t , 2 4 b y 5 f f e e t , f i n e F o u r d i n s .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$21.38 each.
21.38
21.38 44
21.38 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$21.17 each.
21.17
21.17 ii
21.17 44
21.17 44
21.17 ii
19.04 ii
19.04 ii
19.04 44
19.04 14
19.04 44
19.04 44
19.04 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$19.04 ■
each.
19.04
19.04
19.04 44
19.04
19.04 44
19.04
19.04 (4
19.04
19.04
19.04
19.04
19.04
F L A N N E L S: T w i lle d b in e , 3 -4 , T a lb o t T .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.308750 per yard.
44
.325000 44
44
.260000 44
44
.300625 44
44
.300625 44
44
.300625 44
44
.300625 44
44
.300625 “
44
.302250 44
44
.302250 44
44
.302250 44
44
.302250 44
44
.279000 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.302250 per yard.
44
.302250 44
44
.302250 44
44
.279000 44
44
.249900 44
44
.249900 44
44
.249900 44
44
.240760 “
44
.226420 44
44
.229980 44
44
.229980 44
44
.211130 44
44
.214500 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.214500 per yard.
.214500 “
44
44
.218250 “
44
.218250 44
44
.218250 44
44
.242500 44
44
.242500 44
44
.242500 44
44
.242500 44
44
.252200 44
44
.252200 44
44
.232800 44
44
.232800 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.04* per yard.
.04* 44
.04* 44
44
.04* “
44
.04* 44
“
.04* 44
44
.04* 44
44
.04* 44
44
.04* 44
.04* 44
.04* 44
“
.04* 44
“
.05 44
44
G IN G H A M S: A m o s k e a g .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.06* per yard.
.06* “
“
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44
44
.06* 44 44
.06* 44
44
.06* 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.06* per yard.
.06* 44
44
.06* 44
44
.05* 44
44
.04* 44
44
.04| 44
44
.04* 44
44
.04* 44
44
.04* 44 44
.04* 44
44
.05 44 44
.05* 44
44
.04* 44
44
293
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
C L O T H I N G — Continued.
L E A T H E R : H a rn e ss.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Date.
Price.
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.30 per pound.
.29 “
“
.29 “
.31 “
.30 “
.31 “
.28 “
.29 “ . “
.30 “
.29 “
.27 “
.26 “
“
.25 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.25 per pound.
.25 “
.24 “
.24 “
.24 “
.24 “
.25 “
.25 “
.25* “
.29 “
“
.30 “
.31 “
.30 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$0.29 per pound.
.30 “
.32 “
.33 “
.34 “
.32 “
.29 “
.30 “
.31 “
.31 “
.30 “
.31 “
.33 “
L E A T H E R : H id e s , d r y , B n e n o s A y r e s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.1412 per pound.
.1412 “
(4
.1412 “
44
.1412 “
44
.1341 “
44
.1341 “
44
.1341 “
44
.1341 “
it
.1300 “
it
.1275 “
it
.1225 “
it
.1275 “
it
.1275 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.1250 per pound.
44
.1150 “
it
.1100 “
it
.1050 “
it
.1100 “
n
.1050 “
it
.1050 “
it
.1200 “
it
.1350 “
it
.2100 “
it
.2400 “
it
.1800 “
it
.1700 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.1600 per pound.
.1600 “
.1800 “
.1850 “
.1850 “
.2000 “
.2000 “
.2000 “
.2000 “
.2100 “
.2000 “
.1900 “
.2100 “
L E A T H E R : S o le , fir s t q u a lit y , m e d iu m w e ig h t , B u e n o s A y re s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $0.1900 per pound.
44
.1900 “
1890
it
1890
.1900 “
it
1890
.1900 “
n
.1852 “
1891
n
.1852 “
1891
it
.1852 “
1891
it
.1852 “
1891
ti
1892
.1800 “
44
1892
.1750 “
it
1892
.1800 “
it
1892
.1800 “
it
.1750 “
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.1900 per pound.
44
.1900 “
it
.1900 “
it
.1850 “
it
.1850 “
it
.1700 “
it
.1650 “
it
.1650 “
.1700 “
ti
.2300 “
it
.2400 “
it
.2200 “
it
.1800 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.1850 per pound.
.1850 “
.2000 “
.2200 “
.2000 “
.2200 “
“
.2100 “
.2100 “
.2100 “
.2000 “
.2100 “
.2200 “
.2200 “
“
P R IN T C L O T H S: 2 8 - in c h , 6 4 b y 6 4 , M e ta c o m e t.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.035000 per yard.
44
.032500 “
it
.033750 “
tt
.033125 “
tt
.030000 “
it
.030000 “
it
.029375 “
it
.030000 “
it
.030625 “
tt
.030625 “
tt
.033750 “
ti
.035000 “
tt
.040000 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.038750 per yard.
44
.032500 “
(4
.027500 “
ti
.029375 “
ti
.028125 “
tt
.026875 “
ti
.030000 “
ti
.026875 “
it
.025000 “
tt
.028750 “
it
.032500 “
it
.029375 “
tt
.025000 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.024962 per yard.
44
.025658 “
44
.025000 “
.025625 “
.024375 “
.025000 “
.022500 “
.020000 “
(»
.019375 “
44
.020000 “
44
.023750 “
44
.027500 “
44
.027500 “
294
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Continued.
S H A W L S : S t a n d a r d , 72 b y 1 4 4 in c h e s , w e i g h i n g 4 2 o u n c e s , m a d e o f X X O h io
fle e c e w o o l*
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$4,461 each.
4.461 “
4.461 “
4.461 “
4.411 “
4.411 “
4.411 “
4.411 “
4.331 “
4.331 “
4.331 “
4.331 “
4.331 “
Price.
1893 $4,331 each.
1893
4.331 “
1893
4.331 “
1894
4.121 “
1894- 4.121 “
1894
4.121 “
1894 4.121 “
1895
3.46
“
1895
3.46
“
1895
3.46
“
1895
3.46
“
1896
3.551 “
1896
3.551 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$3,551 each.
3.551 it
3.551 i i
3.551 it
3.551 a
3.551 a
a
3.60
it
3.60
a
3.60
a
3.60
a
3.60
tt
3.60
a
3.60
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.05250 per yard.
ii
.05250 “
ii
.05500 “
a
.04750 “
a
.04875 “
a
.04875 “
a
.04750 “
tt
.04500 “
a
.04375 “
tt
.04500 “
a
.04250 “
a
.04625 “
a
.04750 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0519 per yard.
ii
.0507 “
a
.0492 “
it
.0453 “
it
.0455 “
it
.0425 “
it
.0397 “
it
.0435 “
it
.0448 “
ii
.0402 “
it
.0417 “
ii
.0432 “
it
.0450 “
S H E E T IN G S : B r o w n , 4 - 4 , A tla n tic .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
O ct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July.
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.06625 per yard.
it
.06625 “
((
.06625 “
ii
.06875 “
it
.06800 “
ii
.06700 “
ii
.06600 “
ii
.06300 “
ii
.05910 “
a
.06040 “
a
.05800 “
a
.05600 “
a
.05900 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.05600 per yard.
ii
.06250 “
ii
.06125 “
ii
.06000 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05625 “
ii
.05125 “
a
.05000 “
ii
.05000 “
ii
.05000 “
a
.05750 “
ii
.05750 “
.05500 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
SH E E T IN G S : 3 6 - in c h , S t a r k A A .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0654 per yard.
ii
.0631 “
ii
.0674 “
a
.0670 "
a
.0661 “
a
.0615 “
a
.0594 “
ii
.0541 “
a
.0566 “
tt
.0547 “
a
.0534 “
a
.0515 “
a
.0590 “
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
JanM 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$0.0563 per yard.
ii
.0545 “
ii
.0548 “
ii
.0529 “
ii
.0501 “
ii
.0492 “
ii
.0503 “
ii
.0535 “
a
.0462 “
a
.0467 “
a
.0566 “
a
.0542 “
a
.0525 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
S H IR T IN G S : B le a c h e d , 4 - 4 , F r u i t o f th e L o o m .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.083125 per yard.
ii
.083125 “
ii
.085500 “
ii
.085500 “
it
.083125 “
ii
.083125 •“
ii
.081050 “
ii
.083125 “
ii
.078731 “
it
.078731 “
ii
.079135 “
it
.079135 “
it
.083790 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.083790 per yard.
ii
.079135 “
it
.079135 “
a
.073696 “
ii
.071050 “
ii
.072153 “
a
.069825 “
a
.069825 “
a
.063700 “
a
.065170 “
a
.074480 “
ii
.079135 “
it
.072153 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.061250 per yard.
.063700 “
“
ii
.063700
it
.061250
a
.056350 “
u
a
.056350
it
.058800 a
a
it
.058800
it
.056350 “
a
it
.056350
ii
.053900
ii
.063700
ii
.063700 a
295
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899— Continued.
CLOTHS A N B
C L O T H I N G — Continued.
S H I R T I N G S s B le a c h e d , 4 - 4 , H o p e .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Price.
1890 $0.0712 per yard.
.0712 “
1890
1890
.0736 “
1890
.0736 “
1891 ' .0712 “
.0712 “
“
1891
1891
.0689 “
1891
.0689 “
1892
.0665 “
1892
.0665 “
“
1892
.0641 “
"
1892
.0665 “
“
1893
.0713 “
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.0713 per yard.
.0665 “
“
.0665 “
.0632 “
.0618 “
.0618 “
.0618 “
“
.0546 “
.0546 “
.0594 “
.0689 “
.0713 “
.0594 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0570 per yard.
.0618 “
.0618 “
.0570 “
.0670 “
.0570 “
.0533 •“
.0533 “
.0509 “
.0509 “
.0486 “
.0523 “
.0546 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0618 per yard.
.0665 “
.0665 “
.0611 “
“
.0632 “
.0641 “
“
.0588 “
.0588 “
.0561 “
.0561 “
.0538 “
.0585 “
.0635 “
S H I R T I N G S : B l e a c h e d , 4 - 4 , L o n s d a le .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0831 per yard.
II
.0831 “
u
.0855 “
(i
.0855 “
ii
.0808 “
ii
.0831 “
ii
.0808 “
ii
.0808 “
ii
.0808 “
.0808 “
.0808 “
.0808 “
.0855 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0855 per yard.
.0808 “
II
.0808 “
II
.0741 “
.0736 “
.0736 “
.0713 “
.0618 “
.0641 “
.0689 “
II
.0784 “
II
.0808 “
II
.0665 “
July,
O ct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.10210 per yard.
.10210 “
.10450 “
.10450 “
II
.10450 “
It
.10210 “
II
.09975 “
II
.09975 “
II
.09726 “
II
.09726 “
14
.09726 “
14
.09726 “
14
.09726 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
>.09726 per yard.
14
.09476 “
44
.09025 “
.09025 “
.09025 “
.09025 “
.09025 “
.09025 “
.08574 “
.08574 “
.08574 “
.09025 “
.09025 “
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
1
s
I
S H I R T I N G S : B l e a c h e d , 4 - 4 , N e w Y o r k H i l ls .
.09025
.08500
.08500
.09025
.09025
.08000
.08000
.08000
.08000
.08000
.08000
.08799
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
SU IT IN G S : A l l w o o l, in d ig o b lu e , 5 4 - in c lt, 1 4 - o u n c e , M id d le s e x s t a n d a r d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.70 per yard.
1.70 “
1.70 “
Ii
1.70 “
II
1.70 “
It
1.70 “
II
1.70 “
II
1.70 “
14
1.70 “
44
1.70 “
II
1.70 “
1
4
1.70 “
1.70 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.70 per yard.
1.61* “
II
1.61* “
44
1.61* “
44
1.61* “
41
1.61* “
II
1.61* “
14
1.28* “
41
1.28* “
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$1.25 per yard.
1.25 “
“
1.15 “
“
1.15 “
“
1.15 “
“
1.15 “
“
1.25 “
“
1.25 “
“
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
296
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
C L O T H I N G — Continued.
T I C K I N G S : A m o s k e a g , A* € • A*
Date.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$0.12 per yard.
.12 44 “
.111 “
“
.12| “
“
.12 “
“
.111 “
“
.H i “
“
.111 “
“
.11* “
“
.11* “
“
.11* “
“
.11* “
“
.11* “
“
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.12 per yard.
.12 “
“
.11* “
“
.I lf “
“
.10* “
“
.10* “
“
.10* “
“
.09* “
“
.09* “
“
.10* “
44
.10* “
“
.11 “
44
.09* 44 “
Date.
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
Price.
$0.10 per yard.
.10 “
.10* “
“
.09* “
“
.09* “
“
.09* “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.08* “
44
.09 “
“
.09* “
“
.09* “
“
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S G O O D S : C o t to n w a r p a l p a c a , 2 2 - i n c h , H a m i l t o n .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.07* per yard.
.07* “
44
.07* “
“
.07* “
“
.07* 44 “
.07* “
“
.07* “
“
.07* “
“
.07* “
44
.07* “
“
.07* “
44
.07* “
“
.07* “
“
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
$0.07* per yard.
ii
.07* «<
ii
.07* i t
<<
(I
.07
it
ii
.07
ii
ii
.07
ii
.07 i i
ii
.06* i i
ii
M
.06*
a
a
.06*
a
it
.06*
it
.06* a
ii
.06* a
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.06* per yard.
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* “
“
.06* 44 44
.06* “
“
.06* 44 “
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S G O O D S : C o t to n w a r p c a s h m e r e , 2 2 - i n c h , H a m i l t o n .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.08* per yard.
.08* ‘
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
:08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
.08* 4
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.08* per yard.
.08* 44
.08* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
.07* 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $0.07 per yard.
1896
.07 44
1897
.07 44
1897
.07 44
1897
.07 44
1897
.07 “
1898
.07 44
1898
.07 44
1898
.07 44
1898
.07 44
1899
.07 44
1899
.07 44
1899
.07 44
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S G O O D S s C o t to n w a r p c a s h m e r e , 2 7 - i n c h , H a m i l t o n .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.10 per yard.
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.10 44 44
.09* 44 44
.09* 44 44
.09* 44 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $0.09* per yard.
1893
.09* 44 44
1893
.09* 44 44
1894
.09* 44 44
1894
.09* 44 44
1894
.09* “
44
1894
.09* 44 44
1895
.08* 44 44
1895
.08* 44 44
1895
.08* 44 44
1895
.08* 44 44
1896
.08* 44 44
1896'
.08* 44 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.08* per yard.
.08 “
“
.08 44 “
.08 44 44
.08 44 44
.08 44 “
.08 44 44
.08 44 44
.08 44 44
.08 44 44
.08 44 44
.08* 44 44
.08* 44 “
297
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
C L O T H I N G — Concluded.
W O O L s O h io , fin e fle e c e , s c o u r e d .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Price.
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
$0.73* per pound.
.73* “
.73* “
“
.73* “
.73* “
“
71 «
.68* “
.68* “
.66* “
“
.64* “
.62* “
“
.64* “
.64* “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.66* per pound.
.53* “
.51 “
.51 “
.46* “
.44* “
.42* “
“
.38* “
.36# “
44
.40 “
.40 “
.42* “
.42* “
“
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$0.37* per pound.
.40 “
.42* 44
“
.46* “
•47& “
“
.60 44
.64* “
44
.64* “
.62* “
.63 * “
“
.58* “
.55* “
“
.63* “
W O O L : O liio , m e d i u m fle e c e , s c o u r e d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.59* per pound.
.58 ‘
.59* 4
.59* ‘
.59* *
.59* 4
.56* 4
.56* 4
.56* 4
.54* 4
.54* 4
.53* 4
.53* 4
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
FUEL
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.51* per pound.
.42
.38*
.38*
.37
.34
.34
.32*
.32*
.34
-.34
•34f
.34
AND
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.29 per pound.
.30* 4
.34 4
.36* 4
.38 4
.46* 4
.48* 4
•47* 4
.46* 4
.48* 4
.46* 4
.45 4
.50 4
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.12 per pound.
.12 “
.12 44
.12 44
.12 “
.12 “
.12 44
.12 44
.12 “
“
.12 “
.12 44
.12 44
.12 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.85 per
2.85 44
2.65 44
2.85 44
2.65 44
2.65 44
2.65 44
2.75 44
2.85 44
2.75 44
2.75 44
2. 75 44
2.50 44
L IG H T IN G .
C A N D L E S : B e s t a d a r » » n tin e .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.12 per pound.
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.13 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.13 per pound.
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.13 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
ii
.12 44
C O A L : A n th ra c ite , p e a .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
*1892
1892
1893
$2.75 per
3.25 44
3.25 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
2.75 44
2.75 44
2.75 44
2.75 44
ton.
“
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 1896
2193—No. 27----- 5
$2.75 per
2.85 44
2.85 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
3.00 44
2.85 44
2.85 44
2.85 44
2.85 44
2.65 44
ton.
ii
ii
ii
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
a
ton.
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
44
298
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
FUEL
AND
L I G H T I N G — Concluded.
C O AL: A n th ra c ite , sto v e .
Bate.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$4.20 per
3.45 “
3.85 “
4.15 “
4.25 “
3.60 “
3.90 “
4.25 “
4.10 “
3.90 “
4.35- “
4.60 “
4.60 “
ton.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Bate.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$4.00 per
4.45 “
4.45 “
4.45 “
3.60 “
4.00 “
3.85 “
3.60 “
3.30 “
3.30 “
4.00 “
3.65 “
3.60 “
ton.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Bate.
Price.
July,
Oct..,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$4.10 per
4.35 “
4.10 “
4.10 “
4.35 “
4.35 “
3.70 “
3.85 “
3.85 “
3.85 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.85 “
ton.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
/ Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.90 per gross ton.
2.90 “
“
“
2.90 “
“
“
2.60 “
“
“
2.60 “
“
“
2.60 “
“
2.65 “
“
2.65
“
2.75 “
“
2.55 “
“
2.30 “
“
“
2.35 “
“
2.20 “
“
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0,494 per gross.
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
.494 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$4.75 per gross.
ii
4.75 “
ii
4.75 “
ii
4.75 “
if
4.75 “
ii
4.75 “
if
4.75 “
ft
3.75 “
ft
3.75 “
ii
3.75 “
if
3.75 “
ft
3. 75 “
if
3.75 “
C O A L: B itu m in o u s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$3.30 per gross ton.
it
if
3.15 “
ii
it
3.15 “
it
ft
3.15 “
if
it
3.10 “
ft
it
3.25 “
it
it
3.25 “
it
ft
3.25 “
it
u
3.20 “
it
u
3.20 “
ft
it
3.15 “
ii
it
3.10 “
it
it
3.20 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$3.15 per gross ton.
ii
u
3.15 “
ii
it
3.15 “
it
it
3.15 “
it
it
2.85 “
ii
it
2.85 “
it
it
2.85 “
it
it
2.85 “
ii
it
2.75 “
ii
it
2.75 “
ii
it
2.75 “
ti
it
2.75 “
ii
2.90 “
M A T C H E S: 8-ca rd . .
[Sales of 50 gross.]
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.37 per gross.
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.37 “
“
.39 “
"
.39 “
“
.39 “
“
.39 “
“
.45 “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.49£ per gross.
it
.49£ “
it
.494 “
ii
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
it
.494 “
M A T C H E S: P a rlo r.
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $4.75 per gross.
it
1890
4.75 “
it
1890
4.75 “
it
4.75 “
1890
it
4.75 “
1891
it
4.75 “
1891
if
1891
4.75 “
if
1891
4.75 “
it
1892
4.75 “
it
1892
4.75 “
if
1892* 4.75 “
if
4.75 “
1892
if
4.75 “
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$4.75 per gross.
4.75 “
“
ft
4.75 “
ft
4.75 “
it
4.75 “
ft
4.75 “
ft
4.75 “
it
4.75 “
if
4.75’ “
if
4.75 “
it
4.75 “
if
4.75 “
ii
4.75 “
299
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
M E T A L S A N D IM P L E M E N T S .
B A R IR O N : R e s t r e fin e d , r o lle d , a l l m u c k Iro n .
[Average m onthly price at Pittsburg.]
Date;
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
$1.90 per 100 pounds.
1.85 “ “
1.80 “ “
1.85 “ “
1.80 “ “
1.70 “ “
“
1.70 “ “
1.70 “ “
“
1.70 “ “
“
1.60 “ “
1.70 “ “
“
1.67 “ “
1.59 “ “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$1.55 per 100 pounds.
1.52 “ “
1.40 “ “
“
1.30 “ “
1.20 “ “
1.20 “ “
1.15 “ “
1.10 “ “
1.10 “ “
1.32 “ “
“
1.42 “ “
1.25 “ “
1.20 “ “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$1.20 per 100 pounds.
1.20 “ “
1.22 “ “
1.14 “ “
.95 “ “
1.15 “ “
1.15 “ “
1.05 “ “
1.05 “ “
1.10 “ “
1.12 “ “
1.65 “ “
2.00 “ “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.33 per dozen pairs.
.33 “
t
((
.35 “
(
<i
.35 “
.35 “
i
U
.35 “
i
u
.35 “
i
u
.35 “
i
a
.33 “
i
a
.33 “
t
a
.33 “
t
a
.35 “
.40 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.15 per pound.
.15 “
.15 “
“
.151 “
.14 “
.14 “
.14 “
.14 “
.14 “
.14 “
.161 “
.211 “
.221 “
B U T T S : L o o se jo i n t , c a s t, 3 b y 3 in c h .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Ock,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.40 per dozen pairs.
.40 “
.40 “
.41 «4
.40 “
.38 “
.38 “
.38 “
.38 “
.38 “
.38' “
.38 “
.38 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.38 per dozen pairs.
.38 “
.38 “
.38 “
.38 “
.35 “
.35 “
.33 “
.33 “
.33 “
.35 “
.33 “
.33 “
C O P P E R : S h e e t.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.22 per pound.
.22 “
.25 “
“
.
.22 “
.22 “
.22 “
.16 “
.16 “
“
.16 “
.16 “
“
.16 “
.16 “
“
.16 “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.16 per pound.
(<
.14 ii
«<
.14 a
H
«
<
.15
«<
.14 a
«<
.14 ii
u
.14 ii
«(
.14 ii
ii
<«
.14
<<
.14 ii
ii
««
.15
««
.131 ii
(<
u
.131
C O P P E R : W i r e , N o. 8 , R . a n d S . G a . a n d h e a v i e r .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0,171 per pound.
a
.171 ii
ii
.20 ii
a
ii
.20
a
.18 i i
a
.17 ii
a
.16 ii
ii
ii
.15
ii
.131 ii
ii
ii
.15
ii
.15 ii
ii
.14 ii
a
.14 a
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.14 per pound.
ii
.131 “
ii
.121 “
ii
.12 “
ii
.12 “
ii
.11 “
ii
.111 “
ii
.111 “
ii
•111 “
ii
.121 “
ii
.141 “
ii
.131 “
ii
.131 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.14 per pound.
.131 “
.14 “
.14 “
.131 “
.131 “
.13 “
14 «
14 «
14 «
.15 44
.20 “
.19 “
300
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
M ETALS AN D
I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
J>OOR K N O B S : M i n e r a l .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$0.05 per pair.
.05 44 M
.05 44 u
.05
44
.05 a
.05 44 44
.05
.05 44 44
.05 <4 44
.05 44 44
.05 44 44
.05 44 44
.05 44 44
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
Price.
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.05 per
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.05 “
.054 “
.054 “
.05 “
.05 “
pair.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Date.
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.05 per pair.
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.05 “
“
.064 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $3.00 per
1896 2.60 “
1897 2.90 “
1897 3.20 “
1897 3.35 “
1897 4.00 “
1898 3.55 “
1898 3.50 “
1898 3.80 “
1898 3.82* “
1899 3.70 “
1899 4.15 “
1899 4.25 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $3.75 per 100 pounds.
3.50 “ “
“
1896
1897
3.60 “ “
“
1897
4.20 “ “
“
1897
4.20 “ “
5.00 “ “ • “
1897
1898
4.40 “ “
1898
4.40 “ “
1898
4.80 “ “
1898
4.80 “ “
1899
4.80 “ “
1899
5.40 “ “
1899
5.40 “ “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $0.08* each.
1896
.08 * “
1897
•08* “
1897
•08* ‘
1897
•08*
1897
•08*
1898
•os*
1898
•08*
1898
•os*
1898
•os*
1899
•08*
.09*
“
1899
.09*
“
1899
L E A D : P ig .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $3.85 per 100 pounds.
44
1890 3.85 “ “
44
1890 4.424 “ “
44
1890 5.00 “ “
44
1891 4.05 “ “
1891 4.324 “ “
44
1891 4.45 “ “
3891 4.55 “ “
44
1892 4.25 “ “
44
1892 4.224 “ “
44
1892 4.20 “ “
44
1892 3.95 “ “
44
1893 3.75 “ “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $3.95 per 100 pounds.
4444
1893 3.40 “ 44
1893 3.65 “ 44
44
1894 3.20 “ 44
44
1894 3.30 “ 44
44
1894 3.10 “ 44
44
1894 3.05 “ 44
44
1895 3.00 “
44
44
1895 3.05 “
44
1895 3.124 “ 44
4444
1895 3.15 “ 44
1896 3.00 “ 44
44
1896 3.00 “
100 pounds.
“
“
<(
(<
a
tt
ft
tt
it
tt
“
“
'*
“
L E A D : P ip e .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $4.80 per 100 pounds.
44
1890 4.80 “ 44
1890 5.60 “ 44
4
4
1890 6.40 “ 44
44
1891 *5.80 “ 44
1891 5.80 “ 44
1891 5.60 “ 44
1891 5.60 “ 44
44
1892 5.20 “ 44
44
1892 5.20 “ 44
44
44
1892 5.20 “
44
1892 5.20 “ 44
44
1893 5.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $5.00 per 100 pounds.
“
1893 5.00 “
44
“
1893 5.00 “ 44
tt
1894 5.00 “
tt
1894 4.60 “ 44
“
1894 4.20 “ 44
“
1894 4.20 “ 44
“
1895 4.20 “ 44
1895 4.20 “ 44
tt
1895 4.20 “ 44
tt
1895 4.20 “ 44
“
1896 4.20 “ 44
44
1896 4.20 “
L O C K S : C o m m o n m o rtis e .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
O ct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.08* each.
.08 *
“
.0 8 *
“
.0 8 * “
.0 8 * “
.0 8 * "
.0 8 * “
.0 8 * “
.0 8 *
“
.0 8 *
“
.0 8 *
“
.0 8 *
“
.08 *
“
Apr., 1893 $0.08* each.
July, 1893
.08 *
“
Oct., 1893
.0 8 *
“
Jan., 1894
.0 8 *
“
Apr., 1894
.0 8 *
“
July, 1894
.0 8 *
*;
.0 8 *
‘
O ct, 1894
.0 8 * “
Jan., 1895
.0 8 * “
Apr., 1895
.0 9 * »
July, 1895
.0 9 * ‘
O ct., 1895
.08 *
“
Jan., 1896
.08*
“
Apr., 1896
301
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
M ETALS
AND
I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
LO CKS:
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
80.07* each.
.07* “
.07| “
.07| “
.07| “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.071 “
.07| “
.07k “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
N A IL S :
C om m on rim .
Price.
80.07| each.
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.08* “
.08* “
.07* “
.07* “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
80.07* each.
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.07* “
.08* “
.08* “
W ir e , b ase p ric e .
[A\rerage m onthly price at Chicago, carload lots from factory.]
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
82.90 per 100-lb. keg.
ti
a
2.40 “
ii
a
2.40 “
tt
a
2.40 “
tt
tt
2.22 “
a
. ti
2.12 “
tt
a
2.07 “
a*
a
1.90 “
tt
1.82 “
tt
1.75 “
a
1.70 “
a
1.57 “
a
1.57 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
81.65 per 100-lb. keg.
1.47 “
ii
ii
1.40 “
ii
ii
1.17 “
ii
ii
1.00 “
ii
ii
1.20 “
ii
ii
1.05 “
ii
ii
.95 “
ii
ii
.95 “
ii
ii
1.95 “
ii
ii
2.40 “
ti
ti
2.42 “
ii
ii
2.55 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
82.70 per 100-lb. keg.
ii
2.70 “
ii
1.47 “
ii
ii
1.47 “
ii
ii
1.35 “
ii
ti
1.54 “
ii
ii
1.55 “
ii
ii
1.47 “
ii
ii
1.36 “
ii
ii
1.46 “
ii
it
1.59 “
ii
ii
2.25 “
ii
ii
2.70 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
812.12 per gross ton.
11.71 “
10.77 “
9.91 “
9.39 “
it
10.70 “
10.00 “ itii
10.35 “
ii
10.31 “
it
10.40 “
P I G IR O N s B e s s e m e r .
[Average m onthly price at Pittsburg.]
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
823.60 per gross ton.
ii
ii
17.85 “
ii
ii
18.62 “
ii
it
17.35 “
ii
ii
15.95 “
ii
it
16.10 “
ii
ii
16.25 “
ii
ii
15.50 “
ii
ii
15.65 “
ii
ii
14.50 “
ii
ii
14.00 “
ii
ii
13.90 “
ii
ii
13.59 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
813.86 per gross ton.
13.21 “
“
“
ii
ii
11.60 “
ii
ii
10.90 “
ii
10.49 “
ii
ii
12.60 “
it
ii
11.02 “
ii
ii
10.06 “
ii
it
10.69 “
ii
ii
14.14 “
it
ii
15.77 “
ti
11.81 “
ii
13.32 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
11.00
15.06
20.45
“
“
“
it
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
P I G IR O N : No. 1 , a n t h r a c i t e , f o u n d r y .
[Average m onthly price at Philadelphia.]
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
819.90 per gross ton.
ii
ii
18.25 “
ii
ii
18.00 “
ti
ii
18.00 “
ii
ii
17.50 “
ii
ii
17.50 “
ii
it
17.50 “
ii
ii
17.75 “
ii
it
17.50 “
ii
ii
16.00 “
ii
ii
15.06 “
ii
ii
15.00 “
ii
ii
11.80 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
814.58 per gross ton.
15.00 “
“
“
ii
ii
14.20 “
ii
ti
13.37 “
ii
ti
12.60 “
ti
it
12.50 “
tt
ii
12.50 “
ii
12.08 “
ii
it
12.00 “
ii
ti
13.80 “
ii
ti
14.50 “
ti
tt
13.56 “
ti
ti
13.25 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
812.75 per gross ton.
12.56 “
12.75 “
ti
12.12 “
it
11.75 “
ii
it
12.00 “
ii
ii
12.00 "
ii
ii
11.75 “
ti
ii
11.25 “
ti
ii
11.70 “
ii
ii
12.12 “
ii
it
16.50 “
it
ii
20.37 “
302
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
ly iE T A I iS A N D I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
Q U IC K S IL V E R .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$0.68 per pound.
.68 “
.75 “
.79 “
.70 “
.62 “
.61 “
.60 “
.64 “
“
.58* “
.55 “
.53 “
.52 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
Price.
1893 $0.52 per pound.
1893
.54 “
1893
.52 “
1894
.45 “
1894
.45$ “
1894
.48$ “
1894
.49$ “
“
1895
.48 “
1895
.47$ “
“
1895 .. .54 “
“
1895
.51 “
1896
.53 “
1896
.50 “
Date.
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.49$
.49
.48$
.53$
.53
.50
.51$
.53
.57
.53
.55
.58
.58$
per pound.
“
“ . “
“
“
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.',
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.05$
.05$
.06$
.05$
.05$
.05$
.05f
.06
.10
.09$
.07$
.09$
.09$
per pound.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.08$ per pound.
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
.08$ “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$12.15 per dozen.
44
12.15 “
12.15 “
4ii1
12.15 “
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 •*
«i
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 "
“
“
“
“
“
“
R O P E : M a n ila .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.13 p'er pound.
.14| “
“
.14$ “
“
.13f “
.11 “
.10$ “
.09 “
“
.08$ “
.10$ “
.10$ “
.10$ “
.10$ “
.09$ “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.09$ per pound.
ii
.09$ “
ii
.07$ “
a
.07$ “
a
.07 “
ii
.07$ “
ii
.07$ “
u
.07$ “
ii
.06$ “
«
.06$ “
u
.06$ “
ii
.06$ “
ii
.06$ “
R O P E : T a r r e d , A m e ric a n .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.09 per pound.
.09 “ * “
.09 “
“
.09 “
“
.09 “
.09 “
.09 “
“
.09 “
.10 “
.09$ “
.09$ “
.09$ “
“
.09$ “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.09$ per pound.
ii
.09$ “
ii
.09$ “
ii
.09$ “
a
.09 “
ii
.09 “
ii
.09 “
a
.08$ “
u
.08$ “
ii
.08$ “
u
.08$ “
a
.08$ “
u
.08$ “
S A W S : H a n d , s t a n d a r d , D i s s t o n ’ s.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
.July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$12.15 per dozen.
it
12.15 “
<<
12.15 “
<<
12.15 “
n
12.96 “
(<
12.96 “
M
12.96 “
««
12.96 “
<<
12.15 “
((
12.15 “
«(
12.15 “
<«
12.15 “
<<
12.15 “
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$12.15 per dozen.
ii
12.15 “
(1
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
ii
12.15 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
303
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
M E T A L S AN TE I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
SC Y T H E S.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Price.
Date.
1890 $4.00 per dozen.
1890
4.00 “
1890 ' 4.00 “
1890
4.00 “
rt
3.60 “
1891
3.60 “
1891
3.60 “
1891
3.60 “
1891
1892
3.60 “
1892
3.60 “
1892
3.60 “
1892
3.60 “
3.60 “
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$3.60 per dozen.
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$3.60 per dozen.
3.24 “
3.24 “
3.24 “
3.24 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
3.60 “
4.00 “
S H O V E L S : A m e s N o. 2 , c a s t s t e e l , D H a n d le , s q u a r e p o i n t , b a c k s t r a p .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$7.87 per dozen.
7.87 “
7.87 “
it
7.87 “
ti
7.87 “
7.87 “
7.87 “
7.87 “
7.87 “
7.87 “
7.87 “
it
7.87 “
a
7.87 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$7.87 per dozen.
ii
7.87 “
ti
7.87 “
ti
7.45 “
ti
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
ti
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
it
7.45 “
it
7.93 “
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$7.93 per dozen.
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
7.93 “
8.69 “
8.69 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.04074 per pound.
.03624 “
i(
.0409 “
ii
.0409 “
ii
.0430 “
ii
.0425 “
ii
.0395 “
ii
.0430 “
ii
.0500 “
ii
.04874 “
ii
.05174 “
ii
.06374 “
ii
.0625 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$19.50 per gross ton.
ii
ii
19.73 “
ii
ii
15.90 “
ii
ii
14.65 “
ii
ii
14.00 “
ii
ii
16.55 “
ii
ii
15.00 “
ii
ii
15.30 “
ii
it
14.75 “
ii
it
15.80 “
ii
it
17.06 “
ii
ti
25.25 “
ii
ii
33.80 “
S P E L T E R : D o m e s t ic .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
18§1
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0540 per pound.
.0520 “
it
.0550 “
ii
.0590 “
ii
.0425 “
.05124 “
ii
.0450 “
ii
.0450 “
ii
.0465 “
ii
.0460 “
ii
.0480 “
ii
.0450 “
ii
.04374 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0430 per pound.
.0415 “
ii
.0375 “
ii
.0350 “
ii
.0370 “
ii
.0347* “
ii
.03424 “
ii
.03274 “
ii
.0321 “
ii
.0361 “
ii
.0416 “
ii
.03574 “
.04124 “
ST E E L B IL L E T S.
[Average m onthly price at m ill at Pittsburg.]
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$36.00 per gross ton.
ii
it
34.63 “
it
ii
32.50 “
it
ii
30.00 “
it
ii
25.65 “
it
ii
25.35 “
it
ii
25.80 *“
it
it
24.85 “
it
it
25.00 “
ii
ti
22.87 “
ii
ii
23.29 “
it
ii
23.55 “
ii
ii
21.75 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$22.72 per gross ton.
ii
21.37 “
ii
17.94 “
it
16.10 “
ii
ii
15.6{f “
ii
ii
17.75 “
ii
ii
16.00 “
ii
ii
14.79 “
ii
ii
15.42 “
ii
ii
21.06 “
ii
22.19 “
ii
ii
16.60 “
ii
19.80 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
304
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY ,
1899— Continued.
M E T A L S A N D I M P L E M E N T S — Concluded.
S T t lE L R A I L S : B e s s e m e r .
[Average m onthly price at m ills in eastern Pennsylvania.]
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Price.
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$35.25 per gross ton.
33.50 “
tt
31.50 “
“
ii
30.00 “
it
29.00 “
it
30.00 “
it
30.00 “
it
30.00 “
“
it
30.00 “
it
30.00 “
tt
30.00 “
it
30.00 “
ti
29.00 “
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
18%
Price.
Date.
Price.
$29.00 per gross ton.
ii
29.00 “
ii
27.50 “
“
it
24.00 “
“
ii
24.00 “
ii
24.00 “
“
ii
24.00 “
ii
22.00 “
“
ii
22.00 “
“
it
24.00 “
ii
28.00 “
“
it
28.00 “
“
ii
28.00 “
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$28.00 per gross ton.
28.00 “
“
“
25.00 “
“
“
18.00 “
18.00 “
18.00 “
“
18.00 “
“
“
18.00 “
“
“
17.00 “
“
“
17.50 “
18.50 “
“
25.75 “
28.25 “
“
“
D U M B E R A N D B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S .
B R I C K : C o m m o n d o m e s t ic b u i l d i n g .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$7.25 per M.
7.12* “ i i
5.75 “ i i
6.50 “ ti
6.00 “ i i
5.50 “ i i
5.12| “ it
5.50 “ i i
5.90 “ i i
5.70 “ i i
5.40 “ i i
5.50 “ a
6.40 “ a
Apr., 1893
July, 1893
Oct., 1893
Jan., 1894
Apr., 1894
July, 1894
Oct., 1894
Jan., 1895
Apr., 1895
July, 1895
Oct., 1895
Jan., 1896
Apr., 18%
$5.83 per M.
5.40 it a
5.25 it it
5.65 ii ii
5.00 ii a
4.62* i i a
4.75 it a
5.80 it a
5.37* ii a
4.75 ii a
5.12* a a
5.50 it a
5.12* a a
July, 1896
Oct., 18%
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$4.70 per M.
4.70 it a
5.00 ti a
4.50 a tt
4.37* a a
5.12* tt a
6.00 it a
5.50 a a
5.37* a a
5.75 a a
6.25 a a
5.87* a a
5.25 a a
C A R B O N A T E O F L E A D : I n o il ( A m e ric a n p u r e w h i t e le a d ) .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
18%
18%
18%
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$7.00 per 1% lbs.
7.25
ii
6.25 i i
it
6.75 i t
a
a
7.00
<{*"**
6.50 a
a
6.75 a
a
6.75 u
a
a
6.75
a
6.75 a
tt
6.75 i i
a
6.75 a
6.75
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
18%
1896
$5.75 per 100 lbs.
<<
6.25 “
(<
6.50 “
<(
5.75 “
<<
5.12* “
u
5.12* “
(«
5.25 “
ii
5.25 “
it
5.00 “
it
5.50 “
tt
5.50 “
((
5.50 “
it
5.25 “
July, 18%
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
A pr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
O ct, 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$5.25 per 1% lbs.
5.25 “
5.25 “
5.25 “
5.25 “
5.25 “
5.50 “
“
5.50 “
5.50 “
“
5.50 “
“
5.50 “
5.75 “
5.75 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
$0.72* per barrel.
.75 “
.80 “
“
.72* “
.70 “
“
.70 “
.72* “
“
.70 “
.67* “
.70 “
“
.75 “
“
.70 “
.80 “
“
C E M E N T : R o s e n d a le .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
18%
18%
18%
18%
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.90 per barrel.
.80
<1
.80 it
ii
.85 ti
ii
ti
.85
ii
.85 ii
.85
ii
.85 it
a
.% a
a
.80 a
a
a
.80
a
.80 a
.85
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
18%
18%
$0.80 per barrel.
n
.77* “
<<
.80 “
<«
.85 “
<
«
.77* “
a
.75 “
ii
.75 “
it
.85 “
tt
.77* “
tt
.75 “
tt
.75 “
tt
.82* “
ii
.75 “
1896
18%
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
305
WHOLESALE PRICES*. 1890 TO 1899,
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
LUM BER AN D
B U I L D I N G M A T E R I A L S — Continued.
C H E S T N U T s L u m b e r , I n t li e lo g , n o t s a w e d .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$12.00 per M feet.
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
10.00 “
“
10.00 “
10.00 “
10.00 “
10.00 “
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$9.00 per M feet.
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
D O O R S : P i n e , u n m o l d e d , 2 fe e t 4 I n d i e s toy 6 f e e t 8 I n d i e s ,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
$1.50 each.
1.50 “
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 44
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 44
1.25 “
1.25 “
1.25 44
1.25 “
1.35 “
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.25 each.
1.15 “
1.15 “
1.10 “
1.10 “
1.00 “
1.00 “
.95 44
.90 “
.90 “
.90 44
.85 “
.85 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$9.00 per M feet.
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
10.00 “ “
10.00 “
10.00 “
10.00 “
11.00 •“
11.00 “
I n d ie s th ic k .
$0.85 each.
.80 “
.80 “
.80 “
.80 “
.85 “
.85 “
.90 “
.95 “
1.00 “
1.10 “
1.15 “
1.25 “
H E M L O C K : B o a rd s , fir s t q u a lity , 1 - I n d i, n o t p la n e d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$10.00 per M feet.
ii
10.00 “
a
11.00 “
a
11.00 “
10.50 “
ii
10.50 “
a
10.00 “
a
10.00 “
a
10.00 “
a
10.00 “
10.50 “
10.50 “
10.50 “
i Apr.,
July,
1 Oct.,
! Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
j
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$10.00 per M feet.
ii
10.00 “
ii
10.00 “
ii
9.50 “
ii
9.50 “
ii
9.00 “
ii
9.00 “
a
9.00 44
a
9.00 “
a
8.75 “
a
8.50 “
a
8.00 “
8.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$8.00 per M feet.
8.00 “
8.25 “
8.25 “
8.25 “
8.50 “
8.50 “
9.00 “
9.00 “
9.50 “
10.50 “
11.50 “
12.50 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.62 per barrel.
.67 “
.65 “
.73 44
.75 “
.75 “
.78 “
.81 “
.65 44
.65 “
.75 “
.80 44
.75 “
“
L IM E : R o c k la n d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.90 per barrel.
ii
1.00 “
it
.90 “
a
.90 “
.90 “
a
.85 “
a
.90 “
a
.85 “
.87 “
a
.86 “
a
.95 “
a
.85 “
a
.98 44
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.90 per barrel.
ii
.90 “
ii
.95 44
ii
.88 “
ii
.83 “
ii
.88 44
ii
.85 “
ii
.80 “
ii
.80 44
a
.75 “
a
.70 “
a
.78 "
a
.70 “
306
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1880, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
L U M B E R AN TI) B U I L D I N G
M A T E R I A L S — Continued.
JV IA P L E : B o a r d s , f i r s t q u a l i t y , 1 - i n c h , r o u g h .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
P fice.
$22.00 per M feet.
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
“
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
22.00 “
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$22.00 per M feet.
22.00 “
22.00 “
“
21.00 “
21.00 “
21.00 “
21.00 “
“
21.00 “
“
21.00 “
“
21.00 “
21.00 “
20.00 “
20.00 “
Date.
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
Price.
$20.00 per M feet.
44
20.00 (4
44
20.00 44
44
44
21.00
44
44
21.00
44
21.00 44
44
21.00 44
44
21.00 44
21.00
44
21.00 44
44
21.00 44
44
22.00 44
22.00
O A K : B o a rd s , w h it e , p la in , fir s t q u a lity , 1 -in c h , ro u g h .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$35.00 per M feet.
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$35.00 per M feet.
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
44
35.00 “
34.00 “
44
34.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$34.00 per M feet.
34.00 “
34.00 “
34.00 “
34.00 “
34.00 “
“
35.1)0 “
35.00 “
35.00 “
35.00 “
35.00 “
“
36.00 “
36.00 “
P IN E : B o a rd s , w h it e , c le a r , 1 - in c h , n o t p la n e d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $44.00 per M feet.
44
44.00 “
1890
44
1890 *43.00 “
44
1890
42.00 “
44
1891
43.00 “
44
1891
43.00 “
44
43.00 “
1891
44
1891
43.00 “
44
1892
44.00 “
44
1892
45.00 “
44
1892
46.00 “
44
1892
47.00 “
44
48.00 “
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$48.00 per M feet.
44
48.00 “
44
48.00 “
44
47.00 “
44
46.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
44.00 “
44
44.00 “
44
44.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$44.00 per M feet.
44
45.00 “
(4
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
45.00 “
44
46.00 “
44
48.00 “
44
51.00 “
P 1N S2: B o a r d s , w h i t e , c o m m o n , 1 - i n c h , n o t p l a n e d .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$16.00 per M feet.
44
16.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.50 “
44
15.50 “
44
15.50 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$15.50 per M feet.
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
15.00 “
44
14.75 “
44
14.75 “
44
14.50 “
44
14.00 “
44
14.00 “
44
14.00 “
44
13.50 “
13.50 “ • 44
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$13.50 per M feet.
13.50 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.50 “
13.00 “
13.50 “
14.50 “
15.50 “
17.00 “
307
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899.
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
LUM BER
AND
B U IL D IN G
M A T E R I A L S — Continued.
P IN E : B o a rd s , w h it e , c u lls , 1 - in e li, n o t p la n e d .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$13.00 per M feet.
13.00 “
12.50 “
12.50 “
“
12.50 “
12.50 “
“
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.00 “
12.50 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$13.50 per M feet.
13.50 “
13.50 “
13.50 “
13.50 “
13.00 “
12.50 “
12.00 “
11.50 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
Date.
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$11.00 per M feet.
11.00 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
10.00 “
10.00 “
10.00 “
10.50 “
11.00 “
11.00 “
12.00 “
13.00 “
14.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0145 per pound.
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0145 “
.0140 “
.0170 “
.0170 “
“
PUTTY •
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0175 per pound.
<<
.0175 “
.0175 “
<
(
.0175 “
t(
.0175 “
((
.0175 “
a
.0175 “
u
.0175 “
((
.0175 “
44
.0175 “
44
.0140 “
44
.0160 “
44
.0160 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0160 per pound.
44
.0160 “
44
.0160 “
44
.0160 “
44
.0160 “
44
.0160 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
44
.0145 “
S H IN G L E S : P in e , 1 6 in c ite s , X X X .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1890 $3.25 per M.
3.25 “
1890
2.85 “
1890
2.85 “
1890
3.15 “
1891
3.15 “
1891
2.65 “
1891
2.65 “
1891
1892
2.65 “
1892
2.65 “
1892
2.65 “
1892
2.65 “
2.60 “
1893
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$2.60 per M.
2.60 “
2.60 “
2.60 “
2.55 “
2.55 “
2.55 “
2.55 “
2.55 “
2.55 “
2.50 “
2.50 “
2.50 • “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $2.50 per M.
1896
2.55 “
1897
2.55 “
1897
2.60 “
1897
2.60 “
1897
2.60 “
1898
2.65 “
1898
2.65 “
1898
2.70 “
1898
2.70 “
1899 * 2.75 “
1899
2.85 “
1899
3.00 “
S P R U C E : B o a r d s , N o. 2 , 1 - I n c li .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$14.00 per M feet.
(<
15.00 “
a
14.50 “
a
14.50 “
a
14.50 “
a
14.50 “
a
14.00 “
a
14.00 “
a
14.00 “
u
14.50 “
a
14.00 “
u
14.00 “
<i
14.00 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$15.00 per M feet.
U
14.50 “
u
14.00 “
a
13.50 “
a
14.00 “
<
<
13.50 “
a
13.00 “
a
13.50 “
u
14.50 “
a
14.00 “
a
13.50 “
<<
13.50 “
a
13.50 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$13.00 per M feet.
13.00 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
13.00 “
“
13.00 “
13.00 “
14.00 “
14.50 “
15.00 “
308
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
LUM BER
AND
B U IL D IN G
M A T E R I A L S — Concluded.
T A R : W ilm in g to n .
. Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
Date.
$1.95 per barrel.
1.90 “
2.00 “
2.25 “
2.05 “
2.05 “
2.00 “
“
2.20 “
2.20 “
2.20 “
“
2.25 “
2.10 “
“
2.05 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$2.00 per barrel.
1.95 “
2.05 “
1.90 “
1.80 “
1.80 “
“
2.00 “
“
1.85 “
1.85 “
2.15 “
2.05 “
1.85 “
1.75 “
“
Date.
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$1.95 per barrel.
1.85 “
1.95 “
1.80 “
2.00 “
“
2.25 “
1.85 “
1.75 “
2.15 “
2.25 “
2.15 “
2.05 “
2.50 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.25* per gallon.
.28 “
“
.26* “
.29* “
“
.26* “
.32* “
.33* “
.32 “
“
.26* “
.30* “
.45* “
.42* “
.38* “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.31 per gallon.
2.28 “
2.26 “
“
2.26 “
2.29 “
2.31 “
2.26 “
2.25* “
2.37 “
2.39 “
2.44 “
2.42 “
“
2.44 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$18.50 per
20.75 “
21.00 “
19.75 “
19.50 “
20.75 “
21.00 “
22.00 “
23.00 “
21.00 “
21.25 “
21.75 “
20.75 “
T U R P E N T IN E .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
O ct.:
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.44* per gallon.
44
.43 “
44
.40* “
44
.39* “
44
.39 “
44
.40* “
44
.37* “
44
.37 “
44
.34 “
44
.37* “
44
.29* “
44
.28* “
44
.31 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
DRUGS
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.33* per gallon.
.29* “
.27* “
.29 “
.29* “
.30* “
.28* “
.27* “
.36 “
.29 “
“
.28 “
.30 “
.28* “ •
“
AND
C H E M IC A L S .
A liC O H O U : 9 4 p e r c e n t .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.98 per gallon.
1.98 “
44
2.12 “
44
2.20 “
44
2.22 “
44
2.26 “
44
2.26 “
44
2.30 “
44
2.30 “
44
2.20 “
44
2.26 “
44
2.24 “
2.54 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $2.28 per gallon.
44
1893
2.18 “
44
1893
2.18 “
44
1894
2.24 “
44
1894
2.24 “
44
1894
2.24 “
44
2.52 “
1894
44
1895
2.33 “
44
1895
2.37 “
44
1895
2.35 “
44
1895
2.30 “
44
1896' 2.32 “
2.32 “
1896
B R IM S T O N E : C ru d e .
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$19.50 per
19.50 “
22.00 “
21.50 “
26.00 “
35.00 “
25.00 “
30.00 “
30.25 “
22.25 “
24.00 “
23.50 “
20.75 “
ton.
“
“
“
"
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$19.50 per
19.25 “
17.25 “
17.75 “
17.25 “
17.25 “
15.75 “
16.25 “
15.75 “
15.75 “
15.50 “
15.25 “
15.75 “
ton.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
ton.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
309
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
D R U G S AN TD C H E M I C A L S — Continued.
G L ¥ € E R I N : A m e r i c a n , r e f in e d .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct,,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$0.18 per pound.
.18 “
.18 “
.17 “
.16 “
.15* “
.15* “
.15 “
.15 “
.14 “
.14 “
.131 “
.13* “
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$0.13* per pound.
.13* “
.13* “
“
.13 “
.12 “
.H i “
.11* “
.11* “
.11 “
.11 “
.11 “
.16* “
.16* “
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$0.16* per pound.
.16*
“
.16* “
“
.12 “
“
.12 “
“
.12 “
“
.11* “
.11
44
.13 it
a
.12* a
t(
tt
.12
.12 a
.12*
L IN S E E D O IU : D o m e s t ic r a w , i n b a r r e l s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jail.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.60 per gallon.
.62 “
it
.62 “
i4
.62 “
44
.58 “
44
.57 “
44
.47 “
.40 “
.37 “
.39 “
44
42 “
44
.*44 “
44
.48 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.50 per gallon.
44
.50 “
44
.40 “
44
.47 “
44
.52 “
44
.54 “
44
.54 “
44
.56 “
.56 “
44
.58 “
44
.44 “
44
.42 “
44
.40 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.37 per gallon.
.35 “
.31 “
.32 “
.29 “
.34 “
.42 “
.39 “
41 “
.33 “
.41 “
.47 “
.39 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$2.00 per pound.
2.20 “
2.20 “
2.40 “
2.35 “
2.62* “
2.72* “
3.05 “
3.55 “
3.62* “
3.42* “
3.00 “
•8.12* “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.26 per ounce.
.21* “
.17* “
.15 “
.15 “
.23 “
.25 “
.21 “
.20 “
.19* “
.21 “
.38 “
.34 “
O P IU M .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$3.45 per pound.
44
3.55 “
44
3.75 “
44
3.80 “
44
2.35 “
44
2.10 “
44
2.00 “
44
2.00 “
44
1.90 “
44
1.75 “
44
1.65 “
44
1.62* “
44
1.90 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$3.10 per pound.
2.60 “
2.70 “
2.25 “
2.62* “
44
2.15 “
44
1.90 “
44
2.35 “
44
2.10 “
44
1.67* “
44
1.70 “
44
2.05 “
44
2.00 “
Q U IN IN E : A m e r i c a n , b u l k .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.35 per ounce.
.31 “
44
.31 “
44
.32 “
44
.30 “
44
.25 “
44
.25 “
44
.24 “
44
.24 “
44
.24 “
44
.22 “
44
.20 “
44
.20 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $0.22 per ounce.
1893
.22 “
“
.22 “
1893
1894
.25 “
1894
.27* “
1894
.25 “
.25* “
1894
1895
.25* “
1895
.25 “
1895
.25 “
.25 “
1895
1896
.27 “
“
1896
.26* “
310
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y , 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
D R U G S A N D C H E M I C A L S — Concluded.
S O D A A S H : C a r b o n a t e , 4 8 p e r c e n t.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
$0.01400 per pound.
.02500 “
.01400 “
.01500 “
.01625 “
.01600 “
.01550 “
.01550 “
.01550 “
.01550 “
.01525 “
.01600 “
.01550 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
Price.
Date.
1893 $0.01350 per pound.
1893
.01250 “
1893
.01150 “
1894
.01150 “
1894 ' .01250 “
1894
.01250 “
1894
.01150 “
1895
.01150 “
1895
.01150 “
1895
.00950 “
1895
.01000 “
“
1896
.01000 “
1896
.01100 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Price.
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.01100 per pound.
.00900 “
.00900 “
“
.00900 “
.00900 “
.00900 “
“
.00900 “
.00900 “
.00750 “
.00750 “
.00750 “
.00750 “
.00900 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.0070 per pound.
.0070 “
.0100 “
.0100 “
.0100 “
.0085 “
.0100 “
.0100 “
“
.0120 “
.0120 “
.0120 “ . “
.0120 “
.0120 “
“
S U L P H U R I C A C I D : 6 6 p e r c e n t.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.0100 per pound.
44
.0100 “
tt
.0085 “
.0085 “
U
.0070 “
ti
.0085 “
it
.0085 “
ti
.0085 “
U
.0085 “
it
.0085 “
ti
.0100 “
.0100 “
.0090 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.0090 per pound.
ii
.0085 “
ti
.0075 “
ti
.0075 “
it
.0075 “
ti
.0075 “
a
.0070 “
a
.0070 “
a
.0070 “
tt
.0070 “
tt
.0070 “
a
.0070 “
tt
.0070 “
H O U SE F U R N IS H IN G
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
GOODS.
F U R N I T U R E : C h a i r s , b e d r o o m , m a p le , c a n e s e a t .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$7.00 per dozen.
7.00 “
tt
7.00
ti
7.00 “
a
7.00 “
it
7.00 “
it
7.00 “
a
7.00 “
tt
6.85 M
it
6.85 “
tt
6.85 “
a
6.85 “
a
6.85 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
, Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$6.85 per dozen.
ii
6.85 “
tt
6.85 “
ii
6.00 “
tt
6.00 “
ti
6.00 “
6.00 “
ti
6.00 “
ii
6.00 “
tt
6.00 “
ti
6.00 "
ti
6.00 “
it
6.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$6.00 per dozen.
6.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.00 “
5.50 “
5.50 “
6.25 “
6.25 “
F U R N I T U R E : C h a i r s , k i t c h e n , c o m m o n s p i n d le .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $4.20 per dozen.
ti
1890" 4.20 “
ti
1890
4.20 “
it
1890
4.20 “
a
1891
4.20 “
it
1891
4.20 “
it
1891
4.20 “
ii
1891
4.20 “
a
1892
4.25 “
tt
1892
4.25 “
tt
1892
4.25 “
ti
1892
4.25 “
a
1893
4.25 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893 $4.25 per dozen.
1893
4.25 “
1893
4.25 “
1894 3.50 “
1894 3.50 “
1894 3.50 “
1894 .3.50 “
1895
3.50 “
1895
3.50 “
1895 3.50 “
1895
3.50 “
1896
3.50 “
1896
3.50 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$3.50 per dozen.
3.50 “
3.50 “
3.50 “
3.50 “
3.50 “
“
3.25 “
“
3.25 “
“
3.25 “
3.50 “
3.50 “
“
4.00 “
4.25 “
311
WHOLESALE PRICES I 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A R Y, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Continued.
H O U S E F U R N I S H I N G G O O D S — Continued.
F U R N I T U R E !: T a b le s , k i t c h e n , p i n e , 3 i - f o o t .
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Price.
$15.00 per dozen.
15.00 *•
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
“
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
15.00 “
Date.
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$15.00 per dozen.
15.00 “
15.00 “
14.25 “
14.25 “
“
14.25 “
14.25 “
14.25 “
14.25 “
14.25 “
14.25 “
13.80 “
“
13.80 “
“
Date.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
Price.
$13.80 per dozen.
13.80 “
13.80 “
13.80 “
“
13.80 “
“
13.80 “
13.80 “
13.80 “
13.80 “
“
13.80 “
“
13.80 “
13.80 “
15.00 “
G L A S S W A R E : T u m b le r s , o n e - h a l f p i n t , m e d i u m g r a d e .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.25 per dozen.
44
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
u
.25 “
44
.26 “
44
.26 “
u
.26 “
a
.26 “
a
.25 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.25 per dozen.
44
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.25 “
a
.23 “
u
.23 “
(4
.23 “
a
.23 “
a
.20 “
a
.20 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.20 per dozen.
.20 “
.20 “
.20 “
.20 “ • “
.20 “
.19 “
.19 “
“
.19 “
“
.19 “
.20 “
.20 “
.20 “
“
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.85 per dozen.
.90 “
.85 “
.90 “
.90 “
.85 “
.80 “
.80 “
.75 “
.75 “
.85 “
.95 “
1.05 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$0.85 per nest of 3.
44
.85 “
44
44
.85 “
44
44
.88 “
44
.85 “
44
.80 “
44
44
.80 “
44
44
.85 “
4(
44
.85 “
44
.85 “
44
44
.95 “
44
<4
1.10 “
44
*4
1.25 “
P A I L S : W o o d e n , 3 -h o o p .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.10 per dozen.
1.10 “
1.10 “
1.10 “
1.20 “
1.10 “
1.10 “
“
1.10 “
“
1.00 “
.95 “
.95 “
.95 “
.90 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.90 per dozen.
44
.88 “
(4
.85 “
(4
.85 “
44
.80 “
44
.85 “
44
.85 “
44
.80 “
44
.85 “
44
.75 “
44
.90 “
44
.85 “
44
.80 “
T U B S: W ooden.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$1.25 per nest o f 3.
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.25 “
44
44
1.23 “
44
44
1.18 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$1.05-per nest of 3.
44
.98 “
44
it
.95 “
44
tt
.90 “
44
tt
.90 “
44
tt
.85 “
44
tt
.85 “
44
tt
.75 “
44
tt
.77 “
44
<i
.70 “
44
it
.85 “
44
ti
.90 “
44
tt
.90 “
312
BULLETIN OB' THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
W H O L E S A L E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, J A N U A R Y , 1890, TO J U L Y ,
1899— Continued.
H O U S E F U R N I S H I N G G O O D S — Concluded.
T U B S : W ooden*
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
Date.
Price.
$1.90 per
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.90 “
1.85 “
1.80 “
1.75 “
1.70 “
1.60 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
nest of 8.
U
“
a
“
ii
“
44
“
a
“
a
“
a
“
tt
“
a
“
a
“
44
“
“
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
$1.50 per
1.40 “
1.40 “
1.35 “
1.35 “
1.30 “
1.20 “
1.20 “
1.15 “
1.10 “
1.20 “
1.40 “
1.35 “
Date.
nest of 8.
ii
“
it
“
it
“
i
i
“
it
“
i
i
“
it
“
ii
“
it
“
ii
“
ii
“
ii
“
Price.
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$1.30 per
1.30 “
1.27 “
1.35 “
1.35 “
1.30 “
1.35 “
1.40 “
1.40 “
1.40 “
1.45 “
1.65 “
1.75 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
$4.00 per 25-lb. keg.
4.00 “
ii
it
4.00 “
ii
ii
4.00 “
4.00 “
a
4.00 “
a
4.00 “
4.00 “
4.00 “
a
4.00 “
ii
ii
4.00 “
ii
ii
4.00 “
ii
4.00 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
1896 $0.80 ©
1896
.81 ©
1897
.79
1897
.81 ©
1897
.83
1897
.86
1898 ' .82 ©
1898
.94
1898
.95*
1898
.92 ©
1899
.94 ©
1899
1.02
1899
.99
nest
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
of 8.
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
“
M IS C E L L A N E O U S .
P O W D E R : R ifle *
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $5.00 per 25-lb. keg.
ii
a
1890
5.00 “
it
a
1890
5.50 “
a
it
1890* 5.50 “
a
a
1891
5.50 “
it
a
1891
5.50 “
a
a
1891
5.50 “
it
a
1891
5.50 “
a
a
1892
5.50 “
it
a
1892
5.50 “
a
a
1892
5.00 “
a
a
1892
4.25 “
a
4.00 “
1893
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$4.00 per 25-lb. keg.
a
a
3.60 ii
a
a
3.25 ii
a
a
a
3.25
a
a
3.25 a
a
3.25 a
a
3.25 a
a
a
a
3.25
a
a
3.25 a
a
a
a
3.25
a
a
3.25 a
a
a
3.25 a
a
3.25 a
R U B B E R : P a r a , n e w fine*
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.73
.84
.90
.92
.78 ©
.90 @
.82 ©
.63
.63 @
.72
.68 ©
.68 ©
.68 @
per lb.
“
0.80
.91
.83
.65
.69
.69
.70
ii
it
a
a
44
44
<<
a
a
a
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.77 ©
.66 ©
.71 ©
.69 ©
.66 ©
.664 ©
.68 ©
.73 ©
.72 ©
.72| ©
.75 ©
.77
.74
0.79 per lb.
<<
.68
«<
.72
«<
.70
a
.67
.67* u
a
.71
a
.75
a
.73
a
.74
a
.77
a
a
0.85 per lb.
ii
.84
.82
.83
.93
.95
ii
ii
ii
it
ii
ii
ii
ii
a
a
a
S O A P : C a s t il e , m o t t l e d , p u re *
Jan*,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
A pr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
1891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1893
$0.05* per pound.
.05? ‘
.06* ‘
.06 ‘
.06 ‘
.06 ‘
.06 ‘
.06* ‘
.06* ‘
.06* ‘
.06* ‘
.06* ‘
.06* ‘
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.06* per pound.
.06*
.06|
.06*
.06
.06
•05f
.05*
.05*
.05
.05
.05
.05
July, 1896
Oct., 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
A pr.,-1899
July, 1899
$0.05 per pound.
“
.05 “
a
.05* “
a
.05*
a
.05* “
u
.05* “
a
.05* "
a
.05* “
H
.05* “
ii
.05* “
ii
.05* “
*i
.05* “
.05* “
“
313
WHOLESALE PRICES: 1890 TO 1899,
W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, JA N U A RY, 1890, TO JU LY,
1899— Concluded.
MISCEX<X<ANTEOTJ S — Concluded.
ST A R C H : P u re.
Date.
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Date.
Price.
1890
1890
1890
1890
1891
*891
1891
1891
1892
1892
1892
1892
1898
$0.04950 per pound.
.04950 “
.04950 “
“
.05400 “
“
.05400 “
“
.05400 “
.05400 “
“
.05400 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
“
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
Price.
Date.
Price.
$0.05175 per pound.
.05175 “
.05175 “
“
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05400 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.05175 “
.04950 “
July, 1896
Oct,, 1896
Jan., 1897
Apr., 1897
July, 1897
Oct., 1897
Jan., 1898
Apr., 1898
July, 1898
Oct., 1898
Jan., 1899
Apr., 1899
July, 1899
$0.04950 per pound.
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
.04950 “
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
$0.05850 per pound.
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05850 “
ii
.05850 “
a
.05850 “
.05850 “
.05850 “
a
.05850 “
a
.05850 “
a
.05850 “
S T A R C H : S i l v e r g lo s s .
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
1890 $0.06300 per pound.
ii
1890
.06300 “
ii
1890
.06300 “
a
1890
.06300 “
ii
1891
.06300 “
ii
1891
.06300 “
ii
1891
.06300 “
a
1891
.06300 “
a
1892
.06075 “
a
1892
.06075 “
a
1892.
.06075 “
a
1892
.06075 “
a
1893
.06075 “
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
July,
Oct.,
Jan.,
Apr.,
2193—No. 27----- 6
1893
1893
1893
1894
1894
1894
1894
1895
1895
1895
1895
1896
1896
$0.06075 per pound.
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06300 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.06075 “
ii
.05850 “
1896
1896
1897
1897
1897
1897
1898
1898
1898
1898
1899
1899
1899
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS,
(a )
BY W . F. WILLOUGHBY.
GERMANY, (b)
To understand the existing system of labor legislation in Germany
it is essential that its historical development should be traced at least in
outline, Germany, like Austria, has refused to break with the past,
and there can, therefore, be found in her present legislation many reg
ulations the significance o f which can be understood only by reference
to prior legislation.
The history of the development of German labor legislation must
be sought for in that of Prussia. Not only did Prussia, almost alone
among German States prior to their federation in the Empire* reso
lutely attempt to free industry and labor from the restrictions charac
teristic o f former centuries, and seek to bring her industrial legisla
tion in harmony with changed conditions, but she afterwards imposed
this legislation, with few modifications, upon the whole Empire.
a In Bulletin Nos. 25 and 26 the labor laws of Great Britain, France, Belgium,
and Switzerland have been considered. In the present Bulletin those o f Germany
are shown. The labor legislation of Austria and other countries will be given in
subsequent Bulletins.
b In the summary here given of the laws in Germany use has in all cases been
made of copies of the laws themselves. These can easily be consulted in the three
numbers of the Guttentag ’ sche Sammlung deutscher Reichsgesetze:
Reichs-Gewerbeordnung, nebst Ausfuhrungsbestimmungen. Text-Ausgabe mit
Anmerkungen und Sachregister, von T. Ph. Berger; fortgefiihrt von Dr. jur. L. W ilhelmi, 15th edition, Berlin, 1899.
Das Vereins- und Yersammlungsrecht in Deutschland. Text-Ausgabe mit Anmer
kungen und Sachregister, von Dr. Ernst Ball, Berlin, 1894.
Reichsgesetz betreffend die Gewerbegerichte, von L. Mugdan, 4th edition, Berlin.
In the analysis, and especially in the statement of prior existing legislation, use has,
however, been made of other works, among w hich the following should be men
tioned:
La legislation du travail, par Ch. Morisseaux, Bruxelles, 1895.
Conrad’ s Handworterbuch der Staatswissenschaften, and the two supplemental
volumes published in 1895 and 1897.
Royal Commission on Labor, Great Britain. Foreign Reports: Germany, 1893.
Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops for the year 1895. Great
Britain, 1896 (contains a report b y Miss A. M. Anderson on Protection .of Labor in
Industry, Germ any).
Annuaire de la legislation du travail. l re ann£e, 1897; 2° annee, 1898. Office du
Travail, Belgique, 1898 and 1899.
Le d&veloppement de la legislation protectrice des ouvriers en Allemagne depuis
1890, par A. W eber. A report made to the Congres International de Legislation
du Travail, a Bruxelles, 1897.
314
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
815
In tracing this development it is desirable to distinguish and follow
separately two distinct movements, though legislation in respect to
both is frequently found in the same acts. The first relates chiefly to
the effort to liberate industry from old restrictions, and to determine
the sphere and functions of the old guilds so as to bring them into har
mony with modern conditions. The second relates to the gradual
growth of a body o f legislation concerning factory work, necessitated
by the development of manufacturing upon a large scale, the regula
tion anew of the labor contract, the arbitration of labor disputes,
the right of workingmen to form organizations, etc. It is exceedingly
important to bear in mind this twofold development, as it has resulted
in the formation of two distinct schemes of labor regulation; the one
relating solely to the handicraft trades, and fixing the conditions that
workingmen must fulfill in order to be apprentices, journeymen, and
masters, and the character and powers of their organizations, the
guilds, and the other relating to employees working in factories and
mills, though under this head are considered some laws, such as that
concerning the right of association, that are of general application.
The starting point for the first movement is found in the edict of
October 9, 1807, which abolished serfdom, and made free the right
to possess land. This was followed in the next year by the circular
of December 26,1808, which proclaimed the right of citizens freely to
engage in such occupations as they desired. Exclusive privileges to
conduct certain trades and industrial monopolies were gradually abol
ished by subsequent orders. November 2, 1810, a law was passed
which made the exercise of a trade conditional upon securing a “ patent”
from the Government, but this could not be refused to anyone pro
ducing a certificate of good conduct. For certain trades, the pursuit
of which was attended by considerable danger, or for which a special
knowledge or skill was required, a special authorization was neces
sary. Certain differences between cities and rural districts in respect
to the prosecution of trades and other restrictions upon the freedom
of labor, such as fees and special taxes, were at the same time removed.
This process of freeing industry was continued by the law of Sep
tember 7, 1811, in respect to trade guilds (Innungen). This law main
tained the old guilds as institutions necessary to unite persons engaged
in the same trade, but provided that membership in them should not
be compulsory. Persons not members were permitted to employ
labor and have apprentices. It is important, however, to note that
the Government reserved to itself the right to unite in guilds per
sons exercising the same trade, if it was believed that the public inter
ests would be served thereby.
A law, dated May 80, 1820, removed the obligation of obtaining a
“ patent,” and provided that a simple declaration to the local author
ities would suffice.
316
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
This movement for the freeing of industry was consummated in
1845 by the enactment of the very important general labor code
( Gewerbeordnung) of January 17 of that year. The character and
significance o f this act is described by M. Morisseaux as follows:
This law was the first act the provisions of which applied uniformly
to all the provinces of Prussia. It was the result of ten years’ study
and investigation by an official commission and various public bodies.
It confirmed and extended industrial liberty and removed in all the
provinces of the Kingdom a large number of restrictions which were
still contrary to this principle. It subordinated the exercise of a
trade only to the possession of the necessary aptitude for its prosecu
tion, to a fixed domicile, and to a declaration to the local authorities.
In exceptional cases only, where special intelligence was required or
the industry was dangerous to the public, were special authorizations
required. The law enumerates these dangerous or unhealthy trades,
and the special conditions regulating their prosecution. Finally all the
old industrial privileges, including those consequent upon the owner
ship of land, the right of granting monopolies which certain author
ities still retained, the right to sell in the city and environs (Bannrecht)
to the exclusion of strangers, the prohibition of the right to exercise
several trades simultaneously, the monopoly of exercising certain trades
until then reserved to the cities—all these privileges, all these rights,
the remnants of old legislation, and already in part suppressed by the
laws of 1810 and 1811—were completely swept away.
The law, however, made the effort to bolster up and maintain the
old guilds. The reason for this action was chiefly the desire to pre
serve the apprenticeship system. It was thought that the education
of apprentices was a matter that should not be left to the hazards o f a
purely private contract. A t the same time the Government was not
ready to introduce a system for the official examination and regulation
of apprentices. The law, therefore, defined anew the duties and rights
of guilds and assigned to them the care of the interests of their trades,
the regulation o f apprenticeships, and the establishment and mainte
nance of relief funds for their members. Membership in the guilds,
however, continued to be upon the voluntary basis.
The country at this time was apparently not prepared for so large a
measure of freedom. An industrial depression occurring about this
time was attributed in part to this legislation. Changes were demanded,
and in. consequence some modifications in the sense of limiting the lib
erty that had been granted were made by the two ordinances of Feb
ruary 9, 1849. The exercise of a handicraft trade was made dependent
upon affiliation with the guild for the trade and certain other condi
tions. New importance was thus given to the guilds.
Commencing with 1860, the current again set strongly toward lib
eralism. During the years 1860 to 1865 a large number of the German
States enacted industrial laws having for their purpose the freeing of
industry. In Prussia laws of this character were enacted June 22,
1861, July 1, 1861, and September 13, 1865, though the provisions
o f the general law of 1845 were not materially changed.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
317
In 1867 the Confederation of the North German States was formed.
The Federal constitution, adopted July 26, gave to the central gov
ernment the power to enact general industrial regulations. It was by
no means an easy task to frame a law to supplant the diverse laws of
the different States. Success, however, was finally achieved, and a
general industrial code (Gewerbeordnung) was enacted June 21, 1869.
After the founding of the German Empire this law was extended by
successive acts to those States which were not embraced in the Con
federation of the North. The final step was taken in 1889, when its
extension to Alsace-Lorraine was practically completed.
In general character this law was similar to the industrial code of
1845. Its provisions, however, were even more liberal, and an indus
trial system approaching in freedom that of Great Britain was
established. As in 1845, however, almost immediately upon the
enactment of the code, a reaction set in, and a movement for the modi
fication of its provisions in the sense of making the right to be an
employer, a journeyman, or an apprentice dependent upon certain
conditions was started, which, continuing- to the present day, has
radically modified the system of the legal regulation of labor and
industry in the country.
The reason for this dissatisfaction with the legislation of 1869 is
found in the rapid growth of the factory system after the war with
France, and the corresponding decline in importance and dignity of
the old handicraft trades and trade guilds. This change was looked
upon by many as a real misfortune. Coming at this time, it was
attributed largely to the code of 1869, which left the formation of,
and membership in, guilds entirely voluntary.
The means for restoring the handicrafts to their old importance
was sought in the restoration to power of the trade guilds. During
the last 30 years there has consequently been a determined, and to a
considerable extent successful, agitation for the enactment of laws
giving increased powers to the guilds. The most radical demanded
the organization of the handicraftsmen in each trade into compulsory
guilds, with large powers for the regulation of trade matters.
Though conducted with great energy, this agitation was not pro
ductive of important results until 1881. A law was enacted July 18
of that year which introduced a number of the changes demanded.
While failing to establish the principle of compulsory guilds, this law
gave voluntary guilds a very privileged position. It made them
organizations of employers and journeymen carrying on a trade on
their own account, with an authority of their own, and power to enact
certain regulations, especially as regards apprenticeship, which should
have all the force of law even in respect to journeymen not affiliated
with the guilds. They were to create and maintain aid funds and
arbitration tribunals ( Schiedsgerichte) for the adjustment of trade dis
318
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
putes and organize technics schools and other institutions for the
advancement o f the interests of their trades. An important change
was the removal o f the restriction, contained in the law of 1869, that
each guild should embrace only members of the same trade, a restric
tion that had prevented the formation of guilds in small places. The
guilds were made civil bodies, and given the power to hold land, to
contract obligations, and sue and be sued in their corporate capacity.
Finally, the collection of properly imposed dues was made enforcible
by law.
This law was far from being as radical as was demanded, and the
agitation for the extension o f the guilds continued unabated. Decem
ber 8, 1884, a law was passed which provided that a journeyman not
a member of a guild could not have an apprentice. April 23, 1886,
another law was enacted, having for its purpose the encouragement of
federations of guilds and outlining for them certain fields of activity.
The movement was advanced another step by the law of July 6, 1887,
which gave additional privileges to guilds, the most important of
which was the power conferred on administrative authorities to com
pel employers and journeymen not affiliated with guilds of their trades
to bear their share of the guild expenses for journeymen’s shelters,
trade schools, and arbitration tribunals.
Finally, this long series of laws reached its consummation in the very
important law of July 26,. 1897, in which are consolidated all the legal
provisions regarding guilds, journeymen, and apprentices. In bring
ing together in one act these various provisions the Parliament at the
same time introduced a number of important modifications in the prior
existing laws. Most, if not all, of these changes have for their pur
pose the increase in power and importance of the guilds, and the more
rigid regulation of the right to work as journeymen, to have appren
tices, etc. While a general system of compulsory guilds is not created,
it is provided that where a majority of the persons interested are in
favor of it a compulsory guild, to include all members of a trade in a
certain district, can be created by the authorities.
R I G H T OF A S S O C IA T IO N .
In Germany, as in most European countries, the formation by
workingmen of organizations o f any kind was for many years looked
upon as a danger to the State and was prohibited by law. The labor
code o f 1869, in completing the freeing of industry from many old
restrictions, at the same time removed the restriction on the formation
o f labor organizations. Under this law workingmen have the right
to form unions for the purpose o f jointly attempting to raise their
wages or improve their condition in other respects.
In granting this privilege the law, however, introduced certain pro
visions to guard against its abuse. The law provides that anyone,
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
319
whether employer or employee, who seeks to induce another person or
other persons, by physical force, threats, insults, or injuries to take
part in any combination or organization, or to induce another or others
to withdraw from such combination or organization, may be punished
by imprisonment for not more than 3 months.
As yet no general law has been enacted for the purpose of regu
lating the right of workingmen to form trade unions or other trade
organizations. With the exception of certain isolated provisions of
the general industrial code relating to this subject, the nature of which
has been given, the right of association is, therefore, a matter which
is regulated by the laws of the individual States of the Empire.
As yet labor organizations have not been given the right o f becom
ing legal persons through incorporation or otherwise. They can not
hold property, sue or be sued, or perform other similar acts in a cor
porate capacity.
There are special laws relating to the formation of joint stock, coop
erative, and other similar kinds of organizations, but their consideraation does not come within the scope of this paper.
T R A D E G U IL D S .
The whole system of the legal regulation of trade guilds and appren
ticeship, as has been said, is now set forth in the law of July 26,1897.
The essential features of this system are fully shown in the following
paragraphs.
Persons carrying on trades on their own account can form guilds for
the advancement of their common trade interests. The objects of these
guilds shall be: (1) The cultivation of esprit de corps and professional
pride among the members of a trade; (2) the maintenance of amicable
relations between employers and their employees, the securing of work
for unemployed journeymen, and their shelter during the period of
their nonemployment; (3) the detailed regulation of the conditions of
apprenticeship and the care for the technical and moral education of
apprentices; (1) the adjustment of disputes between guild members
and their apprentices, as contemplated by the law of July 29,1890,
concerning industrial arbitration.
In carrying out these purposes the following lines of action are spe
cifically recommended by the law to the guilds: (1) The creation of
institutions for the development of the industrial and moral character
of masters, journeymen, and apprentices, and notably the mainte
nance of technical schools and the promulgation of orders for their
administration; (2) the determination of the conditions under which
persons may become masters or journeymen and the granting of cer
tificates to that effect; (3) the establishment of funds to aid guild mem
bers and their families, journeymen, apprentices, and helpers in cases
of sickness, invalidity, death, or other trouble; (1) the organization
320
BULLETIN
OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
of arbitration tribunals to take the place of the ordinary arbitration
authorities for the adjustment of disputes between members and their
employees; (5) the creation of a general business organization for the
purpose of advancing the trades for which the guilds are created.
In general the jurisdiction of a guild is limited to that of the admin
istrative district in which it is located. Exceptions, however, can be
authorized by the central authorities.
Each guild must have its individual constitution, setting forth the
rules for its government, the rights of members, and its own obliga
tions. This constitution must contain provisions concerning: (1) The
name, location, and district of the guild, and the branch of industry
for which it was created; (2) the objects of the guild and the perma
nent institutions, especially those for the benefit of apprentices, that
it intends to create; (3) the conditions of admission, resignation, and
expulsion of members; (4) the rights and duties of members, and
especially the basis upon which dues will be assessed; (5) the appoint
ment of a board of managers and the determination of its powers, the
composition and powers of the guild assembly, the manner of voting,
the verification of accounts, and generally the provision of a scheme
of government for the guild; (6) the establishment and attributes of a
journeyman’s commission; (7) the enforcement of regulations concern
ing the employment of journeymen, apprentices, and helpers, and the
attendance upon schools by apprentices; (8) the creation and fixing of
the mode of procedure of arbitration tribunals between members and
their employees;. (9) the levying and enforcement of fines; (10) the
manner in which the constitution can be amended or the guild dissolved.
The constitution must not contain any provisions which do not
relate to the duties of the guilds as determined by the present law, or
which contravene any legal provisions. It must be approved by the
superior administrative authorities of the district in which the guild
is located. This approval can only be refused when the constitution
does not. conform to legal requirements, or when there is already in
existence in the district a guild for the same industry or industries.
When any of the institutions enumerated above, such as aid funds,
arbitration tribunals, etc., are organized by a guild, special regulations
for their administration must be prepared, which must also be sub
mitted to the authorities for approval. These officers can exercise
their discretion in granting or refusing their approval, but must give
their reasons when adverse action is taken. An appeal from this
decision can be taken to the central government.
Separate accounts must be kept of the receipts and expenditures of
each institution, and the funds of each must be kept separate from the
general funds o f the guild.
Guilds are corporate bodies, and can acquire property, make con
tracts, and sue and be sued in their corporate capacity. Their creditors
have recourse only against the corporate funds of the guilds.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
321
Membership in guilds is limited to the following classes of persons:
Those who exercise on their own account in the district the trade for
which the guild is created; those who hold the position of foreman or
a similar office in a large establishment; those who fulfill the condi
tions of the above two classes, but have ceased to work without taking
up any other trade, and handicraftsmen (Ilandw erker) working for
wages in agricultural and industrial pursuits. Other persons, how
ever, may be admitted as honorary members.
The admission of members can only be made subject to such exami
nations as are prescribed by the constitution, and this examination
can only relate to the test of the capacity of the applicants to carry
on their trades. Membership can not be refused to anyone fulfilling
the legal and statutory requirements, nor can anyone be admitted
without fulfilling these conditions.
Members can resign at the end of any official year, provided a prior
notice is not required by the constitution. This notice can not be for
a longer period than 6 months. Members upon resigning lose all
right to a share in the property of the guild, and, unless it is otherwise
specifically provided in their constitutions, in the funds of the subsid
iary institutions. Upon the death of a member his interest devolves
upon his widow or heirs, and the latter can be permitted by. the con
stitution to vote in his stead in the guild assembly.
No member can be required by his guild to do anything or to pay
any dues not having reference to the objects of the guild, nor can
the funds of the guild be diverted to other purposes. Dues properly
levied for the support of the guild or its subsidiary institutions, and
fines, can be compulsorily collected in the same way as communal
taxes. Disputes concerning dues are decided in the final instance by
the superior administrative authorities.
Guild funds must be invested in the manner provided by the civil
code in the case of orphan funds, and an accurate account must be
kept of all receipts and expenditures. The approval of the super
vising authorities is required for all important financial transactions,
such as the purchase, encumbrance, Or sale of real estate, or the alien
ation of property having an historical, scientific, or artistic value.
The guilds are given the power to create sick funds, through which
the obligations imposed by the sick-insurance law may be fulfilled.
The administration of these funds may be intrusted exclusively to the
journeymen and helpers, but if the guild members consent to pay half
the dues required, the president and half the committee of administra
tion can be named by the guild.
A rbitration T ribunals . —The arbitration tribunals organized by
the guilds must be composed of a president, designated by the super
vising authorities, and not necessarily a member of the guild, and at
least two members, chosen half from among the guild members and
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BULLETIN OF THE DEPABTMENT OF LABOB.
half from among the journeymen and other employees of the guild
members. The representatives of the guild members are elected by
the guild and those representing the workingmen by the workingmen
themselves. Their expenses and an indemnity for loss of time are
paid to members for each meeting they attend. The amount of this
indemnity and the payment to the president are fixed by the special
regulations for the arbitration tribunal.
Whenever a request is made for the intervention of this body it
must convene within at least 8 days thereafter and must give its deci
sion as soon as possible. If the decision is that something must be
done, the defendant shall, if the plaintiff demands it, be ordered to
pay a fixed sum in case he fails to obey the order within the time fixed
by the tribunal. This penalty can be collected by a civil action.
Decisions must be in writing. They acquire an executory force, unless
an appeal is taken to the ordinary arbitration authorities within one
month. In certain cases, as where an irreparable damage may result
and the matter in dispute does not exceed 100 marks ($23.80) in value,
the decision can be declared immediately executory. This can be
avoided, however, by the person obligated giving a suitable guarantee.
The decision can be enforced by the police authorities, or in con
formity with the procedure for enforcing civil judgments.
G overnment . —The administration of the affairs of the guild is
intrusted to a guild assembly, a board of managers, and commissions
for the management of the subsidiary institutions that may be created
within the guild. The assembly is either composed of all the guild
members or of a certain number of representatives, as may be pro
vided by the constitution of each guild. The board of managers is
elected by secret ballot by the assembly or by acclamation, if there is
no objection. A record must be kept of all elections.
The law sets forth in cpnsiderable detail the respective spheres of
action of the assembly and the board of managers. Without entering
into these particulars, it is sufficient to say that all the more important
acts, such as the voting of the budget, the acquisition of property,
etc., must be approved by the assembly, while those of less importance
may be settled by the board of managers.
The guilds have the right to supervise by delegates the execution of
the laws concerning industrial work in their trades, and to examine
the places of work and rooms destined for apprentices. If this power
is availed of, the delegates must report their action to the inspectors
of factories whenever requested to do so by those officers.
The journeymen employed by the guild members are permitted to
participate in the management of the guild affairs within certain
limits as prescribed by law and by the constitutions of the guilds.
This they do through a journeymen’s commission ( Gesellenausschuss), whose mission is to participate in the regulation of the con
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
823
ditions of apprenticeship, the examination for journeymen’s certifi
cates, and the establishment and administration of all institutions in
which the journeymen participate, or for the support of which they
are required to pay dues. The manner in which this participation is
exercised must be regulated in detail by the constitution of each guild
upon the following basis: A t least one member of the journeymen’s
commission must take part in the deliberations o f the board of man
agers; all members of the commission must take part in the work of
the guild assembly; and, in all bodies for the administration of institu
tions for the support of which the journeymen contribute, the com
mission must elect members equal in number to those elected by the
guild, not including the president.
A dministrative C ontrol. —All guilds are subject to the oversight
of the superior administrative authorities of the districts in which they
are located. This oversight consists especially in the duty of the
authorities to see that all legal and statutory requirements are fulfilled
by the guilds. Compliance with these obligations can be compelled
by the imposition of fines. The authorities adjust disputes relative to
the admission or exclusion o f members and elections. They have the
right to have a representative present at examinations They convoke
and direct guild assemblies When the board of directors of a guild
refuses or neglects to summon them. The presence of a representa
tive o f the authorities is necessary at all deliberations at which the
subjects of the modification of the constitution of the guild, or of the
regulations o f any of its institutions, or the dissolution of the guild
are under consideration. The authorities can dissolve a guild when
ever it refuses to comply with the legal requirements, does not prop
erly perform its duties, or becomes so reduced in membership as no
longer to be able effectively to accomplish its mission. The method
to be pursued in bringing about the dissolution of a guild is carefully
stated in the law, but is not of sufficient importance to be here repro
duced.
C ompulsory G uilds . —As has already been pointed out, the Ger
man Parliament, while desiring to foster the growth of trade guilds,
wa$ unwilling to take the radical step of making the creation of such
institutions compulsory upon employers and journeymen. Instead it
adopted the compromise measure by which compulsory guilds shall be
created only under certain circumstances and when the persons inter
ested seem to be in favor of their establishment.
The law thus provides that when the majority of the interested par
ties in a certain district consent to the introduction of the principle of
compulsory guilds, the superior administrative authorities can create
such an institution. When this is done membership is compulsory
upon all persons carrying on the trade to which the guild relates
on their own account, whether they were in favor of a compulsory
324
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,
guild or not. Exception is made in favor of those persons who are at
the head of large industrial establishments (factories) and those who
do not employ journeymen or apprentices. These persons, however,
can become members if they desire to do so. The constitution of each
guild will determine, subject to the approval of the higher administra
tive authorities, the extent to which handicraftsmen (Handw erker ) who
are employed in agricultural and industrial pursuits for wages and as
a regular thing employ journeymen or apprentices, and persons con
ducting a household industry, shall be members of the guilds.
The boundaries of a guild district must be so fixed that no member
will be so far removed from the guild headquarters that he can not
participate in the corporate life of the guild or benefit by its institu
tions. A compulsory guild, moreover, can only be created where
there are a sufficient number of persons qualified to become members
to insure that the guild will have sufficient strength to support the
burden of its necessary expenditures.
The action of the authorities upon a request for the establishment
of a compulsory guild, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, can be
appealed from to the central government. An appeal also lies to the
same body when the authorities have refused to approve the constitu
tion of a compulsory guild.
The central government, upon the request of the parties interested,
advances the money necessary to meet the first expenses of adminis
tration.
When a compulsory guild is created, all voluntary guilds in the dis
trict in the trades to which the new guild relates must be dissolved.
When this is done the property of the voluntary guilds, except in cer
tain special cases, goes to the compulsory guild that replaces them.
In those cases where sick funds have been created by virtue of the sick
insurance law they are transferred with all their rights and obligations
to the new corporation. The superior administrative authorities,
however, can abolish these funds if the guilds do not correspond in
respect to their boundaries or trades comprehended. A ll questions
regarding the equitable adjustment of rights or duties growing out of
this transaction are settled by the superior administrative authorities,
subject to an appeal to the central government.
Members of compulsory guilds can not be compelled against their
wish to contribute to aid funds which are not comprehended by the
law for the compulsory insurance of workingmen against sickness.
The guild also is prohibited from carrying on any common industrial
undertaking, but it can promote the creation of institutions which
have for their purpose the advancement of the trade and economic
interests of its members, such as loan funds and organizations for the
purchase in common of materials or for the sale of products. It can
also aid such works by subsidies, but can not impose special dues for
that purpose.
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
325
Guilds can not restrict in any way the freedom of their members in
fixing the wages of their employees, or the prices for their goods, or
the acceptance of clients. A ll contracts to the contrary are void.
A t least two-thirds of the members of the board of managers and of
the various guild commissions must be persons having the right to
employ apprentices, and must regularly-employ apprentices or journey
men. The members of the commission on apprentices must employ
both these classes.
In order to meet the expenditures required by the operations of the
guilds and journeymen’s commissions, dues must be provided for by the
constitution upon such a basis that the contribution of each industrial
enterprise will be in proportion to its financial capacity. Where an
industrial tax is levied by the central government, jthese dues can be
collected as an addition to this tax. The constitution of a compulsory
guild can provide that members who do not regularly employ appren
tices or journeymen may be wholly or partially exempted from the
obligation to pay dues. It can also provide that those persons who
voluntarily affiliate themselves with the guild shall only pay certain
fixed dues. The levying of entrance fees is prohibited^ and the
imposition of dues for the maintenance of institutions within the guild
must receive the sanction of the supervising authorities.
Compulsory guilds must prepare annual statements of their expend
itures and must present annual reports to the supervising authorities.
A compulsory guild will be dissolved at the request of its assembly
when one-fourth of the members obligatorily affiliated with the guild
have requested the board of managers to take action, a notice of at
least 4 weeks of the assembly meeting at which the subject of dissolu
tion was discussed has been given, and three-fourths of the members
at this assembly have voted for dissolution. When dissolution takes
place, any surplus funds that the guild may possess are distributed by
the supervising authorities to the aid funds belonging to the guild, or
to the free guild, if such a one is created to take the place of the com
pulsory guild dissolved, or to the chamber of trades. This action must
be approved by the superior administrative authorities, from whose
action an appeal can be taken to the central government.
G uild U nions . — Several or all of the guilds subject to the same
supervising authorities may form a union for the care of their common
interests. When created, certain of the rights and duties belonging
to the individual guilds can be transferred to it. The constitution of
the guild union must be approved by the superior administrative
authorities, from whose decision an appeal can be taken to the central
government. The union can be given the power to acquire property,
to contract obligations, and sue and be sued in its own name. In gen
eral, these unions are subject to the same supervision and control by
the Government authorities as the individual guilds.
326
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
G uild F ederations . —Guilds not subject to the same supervising
authorities can form federations. These federations have as their
mission the protection of the interests of the trades represented, the
assistance of the guilds, guild unions, and chambers of trades in car
rying on their work, and the assistance of the Government authorities,
by recommending action when the occasion seems to require it. They
are authorized to take charge of securing employment for working
men out of work and to establish trade schools.
The constitutions of federations must be approved *by the superior
administrative authorities when the jurisdiction of the guilds included
does not extend beyond the jurisdiction of those authorities; by the
central government when it relates to guilds in a number of districts,
and by the chancellor of the Empire when it relates to guilds in two or
more federated States. Approval can be refused only when the con
stitution does not conform to legal requirements, or contemplates
action by the guild not authorized by law, or if the number of the
guilds composing the federation is not sufficient to properly carry out
the object of the federation.
The law regulates in great detail the manner in which these federa
tions shall be governed and the extent to which their acts are subject
to the approval of the Government. These provisions, however, are
so similar in principle to those governing the guilds and guild unions
that it is unnecessary to reproduce them. Like these bodies, the fed
erations can hold property, create aid funds, and act in a corporate
capacity. They can be dissolved in much the same way as guilds or
guild unions.
C hambers of T rades . —The central government can create cham
bers o f trades to look after the handicraft trades of the districts for
which they are created. These chambers have for their mission: The
detailed regulation of the conditions of apprenticeship; the supervision
of the execution of these apprenticeship provisions; the assistance of
the central and communal authorities in their efforts to advance the
interests of the handicraft trades, by furnishing information and
making reports concerning trade matters; the giving of advice on
action proposed in relation to these trades, and the preparation of
annual reports giving information collected by them concerning trade
conditions; the creation of commissions to conduct examinations for
the granting of journeymen’s certificates, and the creation of commis
sions to adjust disputes arising out of the action of these examining
commissions.
These chambers can also create institutions to promote the indus
trial and moral welfare of employees and apprentices, and especially
can establish or subsidize trade schools. The regulations regarding
apprenticeship must be submitted to the central government for
approval and must afterwards be published. These regulations will
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
327
supersede any provisions of the constitution of the guilds or guild
unions that may be in conflict with them. These bodies are required
to execute the orders made by the chambers when acting within their
powers.
The constitutions of the chambers are formulated by the central
government, and must set forth in detail the name, powers, purposes,
and scheme of government of the chambers. The number of mem
bers of each chamber will be determined by its constitution. The
members are chosen by the guilds from among their members, and by
the trade unions ( Gewerbevereine) and similar organizations, one-half
of whose members, at least, are journeymen working within the dis
trict. To be eligible for election, candidates must fulfill various
requirements, the most important o f which are that they shall be 30
years of age, have carried on a trade on their own account for. at least
3 years in the district, and have the right to employ apprentices.
The chambers can provide by their constitutions that not more than
one-fifth of the members shall be experts selected by the other mem
bers, and that, furthermore, other experts with a consultative voice
only can be summoned to the meetings.
All the more important affairs of the organizations are managed by
the full chambers. Matters of detail are left to a board of managers
elected from among the members. It is the duty of the supervising
authorities to appoint an official commissioner, who must be sum
moned to every meeting of the chamber, of the board of managers, or
o f the different commissions. This commissioner has the right to be
heard whenever he desires to speak, to examine all the papers of the
chamber, to bring forward propositions for consideration, to demand
the convening of the chamber, and to suspend its decisions or those of
any of its organs whenever he deems that their legal powers have been
exceeded.
A journeymen’s commission must be established in connection with
each chamber. The duties of this body are to give advice and assistance
in the preparation of reports concerning the situation of journeymen
and apprentices, and to assist in the preparation of regulations for the
government of apprentices, and in the adjustment of appeals against
the decisions of the examining boards. The members of these com
missions are chosen by the journeymen’s commissions of the guilds
under the direction of the supervising authorities. Their number and
apportionment among the different journeymen’s commissions are
determined by the constitution of each chamber.
The expense of organizing and administering the chambers, as far
as it is not met in some other way, must be defrayed by the communes,
which will apportion it among the different trades as determined by the
superior administrative authorities. The chambers have the right t o .
impose fines, not exceeding 20 marks ($4.76) in value, as penalties for
the infraction of their rules.
328
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
The chambers are subject to the supervision of the superior admin
istrative authorities of the districts in which they are located. If a
chamber is repeatedly guilty of opposing the supervising authorities,
or neglects to fulfill its obligations, or breaks the law for its regulation,
either by acts o f commission or omission, or pursues objects foreign to
those authorized by law, it can be dissolved by the authorities and the
election of a new chamber proceeded with. An appeal against this
action can be made to the central government.
The administrative authorities and the chambers and their various
commissions are required to render each other all possible assistance
in carrying out the objects of the present law.
TH E LA B O R CONTRACT.
The general principle of the German law regarding the labor con
tract is that the fixing of the relations between employers and
employees, except in so far as it is restricted by the imperial law, is a
matter for voluntary agreement. The restrictions here referred to
are those in relation to the employment of women and children, Sun
day and night work and the like, and those concerning the requirement
of notice when it is desired to sever the contract, the damages that
can be claimed when the contract is broken, etc., which will now be
given.
The labor contract between employees and their employers may,
unless otherwise agreed upon, be dissolved at any time by either party
by giving 14 days’ notice. I f a longer or shorter notice is agreed
upon, it must be the same for both parties. Agreements contrary to
this provision are void. To this rule the following exceptions are
permitted: Before the expiration of the term of work agreed upon,
an employee may be dismissed without notice (1) if at the time of
making the contract he deceived his employer by presenting a false
labor pass book or certificate, or if at the time he was under a con
tract to work for another person; (2) if he is guilty of theft, embez
zlement, fraud, or other bad conduct; (3) if he leaves his work or
otherwise persistently refuses to fulfill the obligations imposed uponj
him by his contract; (4) if in spite of warnings, he is reckless in the
handling of fire or light; (5) if he is guilty of acts of violence or'
gross insult toward his employer, his representatives, or members of
their families; (6) if he intentionally and unlawfully commits an
injury to the detriment of his employer or a fellow-worker; (7) if he
incites or seeks to incite members of the employer’s family or other
employees to commit illegal or immoral acts, or has illegal or immoral
relations with members of the family of his employer, or the latter’s
agents; and (8) if he is unable to continue his work, or is afflicted
with a repulsive disease. In the first seven cases action must be taken
by the employer within a week from the time the employer becomes
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
329
aware of the facts justifying this action. In the last case the extent
to which the employee is entitled to an indemnity depends upon the
particular circumstances of the case.
The employee, on his part, can leave without giving notice (1) when
he is unable to perform his duties; (2) when the employer or his rep
resentative is guilty of violence or other serious misconduct toward
him or his family; (3) when the employer or his agent, or any member
of their families, attempts to incite workingmen or members of their
families to commit illegal or immoral acts, or has illegal or immoral
relations with any member of the workingman’s family; (4) when his
wages are not paid as agreed upon or sufficient work is not furnished
him when he is working by the piece system; and (5) when his con
tinuance at work exposes his life or health to danger which was not
apparent-when the contract was made. In the second case action must
be taken within a week from the time he became aware of the circum
stances justifying his taking action. Finally, the law of 1891 added
the provision that the contract could be severed without notice by
either party for other important reasons (aus wichtigen Grunden),
which expression was subsequently defined to relate to such occur
rences as deaths, serious illness in the family, or marriage of female
employees, if the contract was for 4 or more weeks’ work, or a notice
of more than 2 weeks was stipulated.
When the labor contract is illegally broken the injured party is
entitled to damages, which can be collected through the regular law
courts. In addition to this mode of procedure the law of 1891 makes
provision for a system by which certain classes of workers can obtain
an indemnity without going to the trouble of proving actual damages,
it being sufficient if it is shown that the contract was broken without
just cause. In this case the amount of the indemnity is limited to the
ordinary daily wages of the district for the number of days still to
run before the termination of the contract as agreed upon, but in no
case for more than 6 days. By the payment of this claim all other
claims arising out of the breach of the contract are nullified. This
provision by which indemnification can be secured without proving
actual damages does not apply to apprentices, assistants in mercantile
or apothecary establishments, employees in mines, nor in the case of
home workers or factories where at least 20 workingmen or women
are employed. It does apply, however, to officials, superintendents,
and technical experts.
An employer who persuades a workingman to break an existing
labor contract before its expiration is equally liable for damages as
above provided. In like manner an employer is liable if he employs
or retains in his employ a workingman whom he knows to be still
under contract with another employer. An employee must obey the
orders of his employer in reference to the work given to him to per2193—No. 27-----7
330
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
form, but he can not be required to perform household duties unless
he has specially agreed to do so.
The foregoing provisions regarding the labor contract apply only to
workingmen, properly speaking. The law regarding the contract for
labor between employers and overseers, managers, technical experts,
etc., is somewhat different. As the principle of this regulation is the
same it is unnecessary to reproduce it in detail.
A P P R E N T IC E S H IP .
The law of 1897 contains detailed, provisions for the regulation of
apprenticeship in the Empire. These provisions are in the main but
reenactments of prior existing regulations, the chief changes being
in relation to the powers given to the various guild organizations to
draft the details of the regulations for the different trades and their
enforcement when promulgated. The following is a condensed trans
lation of the provisions of the law of 1897 concerning this subject:
Only persons enjoying all their civil rights shall have the privilege
of having and directing apprentices. This right can be temporarily
or permanently withdrawn from persons who have repeatedly failed
in a material respect to fulfill their obligations toward apprentices, or
who have been guilty of acts contrary to morality and of a nature to
make them unfit to have charge of apprentices. This right can also
be withdrawn from persons afflicted with physical or mental diseases
incapacitating them for the proper performance of that duty. The
power of thus withdrawing the right to have or direct apprentices is
intrusted to the lower administrative authorities, from whose action
an appeal can be taken to the higher authorities.
Tne apprenticeship contract must be in writing, and be concluded
within 4 weeks from the commencement of the service. The con
tract must show the industry to which the apprenticeship relates, the
length of service agreed upon, an indication of the reciprocal duties of
the parties, and the cases in which the contract can be terminated by
one of the parties without the previous consent of the other. It must
be signed by the employer or his representative, the apprentice, and
the latter’s father or guardian. These provisions do not apply to
apprentices employed in apprenticeship shops recognized by the Gov
ernment.
The duties imposed upon the employer are to instruct the appren
tice in all matters relating to his trade; to require him to attend an
industrial or finishing school; to see that he applies himself zealously
and conducts himself properly; to guard him against bad habits, and
to protect him from bad treatment on the part of members of his
household or companions. The employer must personally direct the
work o f the apprentice, or j)lace him under the direction of a com
petent person charged with his special instruction. He can not require
o f him work beyond his strength or which may be injurious to his
health, and must not deprive him of the time necessary for his school
instruction or for divine worship. Apprentices not living at the houses
of their employers must not be required to perform household duties.
The apprentice must show himself faithful and obedient to his mas
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
331
ter, or those put in charge of his instruction, and must submit to the
paternal discipline of the former.
Provision is made for a probationary period, which usually embraces
the*first 4 weeks of the apprenticeship term, but which may be ex
tended so as to embrace not more than 3 months. The purpose of this
provision is to afford an opportunity for the parties to determine
whether the contract is satisfactory, and especially whether the appren
tice has such an aptitude for the trade as to justify his continuance in
it. During this period the contract can be terminated at will by either
party. After the expiration of this period, however, the apprentice
can not be dismissed unless he refuses to comply with the provisions of
the contract, neglects his school work, or is guilty of some overt act,
such as theft.
The apprentice, on his part, can terminate the contract if his
employer neglects to carry out his obligations toward him, exposes
his health to danger, abuses his right to correct him, neglects his
education, or becomes incapable of fulfilling the conditions imposed
upon him by the terms of the contract.
Upon the completion of the apprenticeship term, the employer
must furnish the apprentice with a certificate showing the industry in
which the apprentice has been employed, his length of service, degree
of skill acquired, etc. When there are guilds or similar organizations
for the trade, this certificate can be replaced by a diploma given by
these bodies.
'I f the father or guardian, or the apprentice himself if he is of age,
makes a written declaration that the apprentice desires to enter
another trade, the contract can be terminated after 4 weeks’ notice.
In this case the transaction must be entered in the apprentice’s pass
book, or certificate, and the apprentice can not be employed in the
same trade until after the expiration of 9 months, unless he obtains
the consent of his former employer.
If an apprentice breaks his contract without due cause, his return
can be compelled through the intervention o f the police authorities.
A demand for such assistance must be made within 1 week from the
time of the departure of the apprentice. When the contract has
been thus broken by the apprentice without justification, the employer
is also entitled to damages. When definite provisions for damages
have not been made in the contract, they will be calculated at a rate
not exceeding one-half the wages paid in the district to journeymen or
helpers in that trade for each of the days remaining until the end of
the term agreed upon, but not to exceed 6 months. The obligation
of paying this indemnity rests upon the apprentice’s father, or the
employer who induced the apprentice to break the contract or took
him as an apprentice knowing'that he was already bound.
If the number of apprentices of any employer is out of proportion
to the amount of the latter’s business and the instruction of the
apprentices is thereby jeopardized, the lower administrative authorities
can compel the dismissal of some of the apprentices and forbid the
taking of new ones, so as to bring their number within a certain figure.
The Bundesrat can determine for special categories of industries
the maximum number of apprentices that can be employed. Until
fixed in this way the central government can take similar action, and
when this government fails to act the chambers of trades can limit the
number of apprentices.
332
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
In the handicraft trades, only those persons have the right to direct
apprentices who are 24 years of age and have completed the term of
apprenticeship prescribed by the chamber of trades in the trade in
which it is desired to instruct apprentices, or have exercised that trade
without interruption for 5 years either on their own account, or as
foremen, or in a similar capacity. The superior administrative author
ities can, however, accord this right to persons not fulfilling these con
ditions. Before doing so they must take the advice of the guild to
which the applicant belongs.
Apprenticeship can be served in a large industrial establishment or
be replaced by work in an apprenticeship shop or other establishment
for industrial education.
If an employer is a member of a guild, he is required to communi
cate to it copies of all apprenticeship contracts made with him within
15 days after their conclusion. The guilds can require the contracts to
be made before them.
In the absence of regulations promulgated by the Bundesrat or
central State authorities, the chambers of trades and guilds can make
provisions limiting the number of apprentices that can be allowed.
In general, the term of apprenticeship is 3 years, though it may be
extended by the addition of not more than another year. The cham
bers of trades, with the approval of the superior administrative author
ities, and after having consulted with the guilds and associations rep
resented, may fix the duration of apprenticeship in each trade.
Upon completing his term of service, the apprentice must be admit
ted to the examination for a journeyman’s certificate. This examination
is taken before commissions, of which there is one for each compulsory
guild. Other guilds can only have an examining commission when
permission has been obtained from the chambers of trades. When
provision has not been made for the examination of candidates for
each trade, either by guild commissions, apprenticeship shops, trade
schools, or State boards of examiners, the necessary commissions will
be created by the chambers of trades.
The examining boards must consist of a president, appointed by the
chambers of trades, and at least 2 members, half of whom are elected
by the guilds and half by the journeymen’s commission. The exam
ination must show that the apprentice is able to perform the duties of
his trade with sufficient skill, that he knows the character and value
o f the materials he must make use of, and that he knows how to take
care of them. The knowledge of bookkeeping and accounts may also
be required. The result of the examination is entered upon the
apprentice’s certificate.
The title of master can only be borne by journeymen who, in their
trade, have acquired the right to have apprentices, and who have passed
the master’s examination. In general, this examination can only be
taken by those who have exercised their trade for at least 3 years as
journeymen. The examination is given by a commission composed of
a president and 4 other members created by the superior administra
tive authorities, and must show that the candidate is able to value and
execute the ordinary work of his trade, and that he possesses other
knowledge, especially that he is able to keep books and accurate
accounts, fitting him to carry on the trade on his own account.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
H IS T O R Y
OF
FACTORY
333
L E G IS L A T IO N .
From the consideration of laws concerning the organization of
industry, attention is now turned to those regarding the regulation of
the relations between employers and employees, the fixing of the con
ditions under which labor can be performed, etc., or what is known in
Germany as protective labor legislation (.Arbeiterschutzgesetzgelmng).
The development of this branch of labor legislation was begun much
later than that in relation to trade guilds, apprenticeship, etc. The
first important step in this direction was made by Prussia, through the
act (R egulativ) of March 9,1839, which prohibited the regular employ
ment of children under 9 years of age in mines, factories, stamping
mills, blast furnaces, etc.; limited the maximum working day for
young persons under 16 years of age to 10 hours, and prohibited their
employment at night or on Sundays and holidays. There were also a
number of provisions making it obligatory upon employers to take
certain precautions for the maintenance of the health and morality of
the employees. It thus contained many of the features of the modern
factory act.
In 1845 a very decided advance was made in the enactment of a
general labor law, bearing date of January 17 of that year, which
made further provisions for the benefit of employees. February 9,
1849, other important changes were introduced by an order in council.
This order declared that no person should be compelled to work on
Sundays or holidays, provided for the establishment of industrial
councils, and ordered that the hours of labor for journeymen, helpers,
apprentices, and factory employees should be fixed by these councils.
It also prohibited the truck system and required wages to be paid in
cash.
A further advance was made by the law of May 16, 1853. The
minimum age at which children could be employed in factories was
raised to 12 years, and the hours of labor of children under 14 years
of age were limited to 6 per day. Other provisions of the law regu
lated the granting of periods of rest, the times of beginning and end
ing work, school attendance, etc. Finally, power was given to the
authorities to appoint factory inspectors to enforce the law, if they
deemed it advisable to do so.
In the following 15 years but little^br no change was made in the
labor legislation of Prussia. After the founding of the North German
Confederation, however, a general labor code, embodying, with some
changes, the then existing Prussian legislation, was enacted June 21,
1869. Upon the creation of the German Empire this law was gradu
ally extended to the other States of the Empire, and remains today,
though with important amendments, the fundamental law regulating
labor in Germany.
334
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
The first of these amendments introducing other than minor modifi
cations was the law of July IT, 1878. This law made a number of
radical changes, the most important of which were those in relation to
the employment of women and the protection of the health and lives
of factory employees. For the first time the labor of women was sub
jected to special conditions, through the provision that women could
not be employed for the 3 weeks after their confinement, and through
the large powers given to the Bundesrat to regulate or prohibit their
employment in industries detrimental to their health, or at night in
certain trades.
In 1884 a special law was passed to regulate match factories, and in
the same year the duties of employers with regard to the provision of
safety appliances and the prevention of accidents were further defined
by the accident insurance law of that year.
In 1890 was held the famous International Congress in Relation to
Labor Legislation, summoned at Berlin by the Emperor for the pur
pose of considering the whole question of protective labor legislation.
The work of this congress led to the enactment of the law of June 1,
1891. This law, which embodies most of the changes recommended
by the German representatives at this congress, subjects the employ
ment of women and children to a far more rigid regulation than ever
before attempted; lays down in a definite manner the conditions under
which Sunday labor is permissible; contains provisions concerning
the framing o f factory regulations, the making and breaking of the
labor contract, and the payment of wages, and generally revises th&
whole labor code in the direction of subjecting labor to a more rigid
legislative control.
The only other important labor act, apart from those relating to
compulsory insurance, is that of July 29,1890, concerning the creation
of tribunals for the arbitration of labor disputes, which will be con
sidered in the section relating to that subject.
Before entering upon a statement o f the provisions of the industrial
code regarding particular subjects regulated, some explanation should
be given of the general scope of that part of it now to be considered
which constitutes factory legislation proper. It is unfortunate that
this can only be done in a general way. The labor code, as a whole,
relates to almost all kinds of industrial work with the exception of
transportation, agriculture, the fisheries, and mining; and different
parts of the code relate to different categories of work. The regula
tions concerning such' subjects as the employment of women and
children, the making o f shop regulations, etc., are restricted to the
definite class of factories (.Fdbriken ), but this class of work has never
been definitely and authoritatively defined. Whether a particular
establishment will be deemed to be a factory must be determined in
each case according to the particular circumstances, such as the num
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
335
ber of persons employed, the importance of the work carried on, the
use of machinery, etc. In case of dispute the matter is decided by
the courts.
The term factory, moreover, is used with a different signification in
different parts of the code treating of factory regulations. Thus the
provisions concerning the framing and posting of shop rules apply
only to factories employing at least twenty persons. On the other
hand, the provisions regarding the employment of women and chil
dren are made to apply to 4‘ employers and employees in all work
places ( Werkstdtten) m which mechanical power (steam, wind, water,
gas, electricity, etc.) is employed otherwise than temporarily ” sub
ject to the power of the Bundesrat to make exceptions in certain cases.
It is also expressly provided that an imperial decree can extend these
provisions to classes of work which are not carried on in places which
can be called factories, as well asi to building operations, with the
exception that they can not be made to relate to a person employing
only members of his or her own family. In point of fact, this power
has been exercised but once, when the industry of clothing and under
wear making was subjected to these provisions of the code.
An exceedingly broad application has been ordered of those sections
relating to the protection of the lives and health of employees. They
are made to relate to practically all kinds of industrial work, whether
carried on in factories or not, and thus embrace places in which the
handicraft trades are prosecuted. They do not refer, however, to such
industries as mining, and transportation, for which special regulations
are provided by other laws.
P R E V E N T I O N OF A C C ID E N T S A N D P R O T E C T IO N
EM PLOYEES.
OF H E A L T H OF
Each factory law enacted has required the taking of more stringent
precautions for the prevention of accidents and the protection of the
health of employees than its predecessors. Prior to 1891 these require
ments were for the most part expressed in general terms, that all need
ful precautions should be taken. The law of 1891 reproduces these
provisions, but also mentions more specifically the measures that must
be observed.
Employers must so install and maintain their machinery and appli
ances that the lives and health of employees are protected as far as
possible. They must in particular see that there are provided suffi
cient light and air; that injurious dust and gases are removed; that
dangerous machinery is properly guarded; that precautions are taken
against fire, and that regulations to this effect are prepared and
enforced.
Employers must also see that all needful precautions are taken, when
both men and women are employed, to protect the morality and good
336
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
conduct of employees. They must, as far as possible, separate the two
sexes; provide separate lavatories and dressing rooms for the two
sexes when the nature of the work requires the employees to change
their clothes after finishing their work, and provide a sufficient num
ber of water closets, so arranged that they can in no way lead to
improper conduct on the part of the employees.
Where p.ersons'under 18 years of age are employed, special precau
tions must be taken for their protection. In the case of industries
presenting unusual danger to life or health, or of such a nature as to
make them nuisances to their neighbors, special permission for their
operation must be obtained from the authorities, and these officers can
make such regulations regarding their location and methods of work
as they deem proper.
To insure compliance with these provisions, the police authorities
have the power to order such changes in the methods of work in indi
vidual establishments as they deem proper. An appeal from these
orders can be made, first, to the superior administrative authorities,
and then to the central government. The police authorities can also
require employers to provide, without expense to the employees, suita
ble places, properly heated during cold weather, and apart from the
workrooms, where the latter can eat their meals.
Unless the orders issued refer to some imminent danger to life or
health, time must be allowed to employers in which to comply with
the orders. * In the case of establishments existing at the time of the
passage of this law, orders for considerable alterations can not be
issued, unless they are necessary for the removal of a serious menace
to life, health, or morality, except in the case of rebuilding or the
making of extensive additions to the establishment.
Finally, and most important of all, the Bundesrat is given the power
to draw up detailed regulations, setting forth the manner in which par
ticular industries must be carried on. In the case of those industries
where the Bundesrat does not make use of this power, the central
authorities of each State (Landes - Centralbehorde) can take action, and
in case of nonaction by them the police authorities can prepare such
regulations. Before doing so, however, they must give the trade asso
ciations ( Berufsgenossenschaften) interested an opportunity to express
their opinion, regarding the proposed action.
As will be subsequently noted in the section relating to the regula
tion of the hours of labor of adult males, the Bundesrat has also the
power of prescribing the duration and time of beginning and ending
work in establishments where the working of long hours is believed
to be injurious to the health of the employees.
The orders issued by the Bundesrat in pursuance of the foregoing
powers must be published in the official journal (Reichsgesetzblatt) and
be laid before the Reichstag at its next session. A t the present time
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
337
orders have been issued by the Bundesrat in respect to the follow
ing industries: Match factories, July 8, 1893; lead-paint and sugar-oflead works, July 8, 1893; cigar factories, July 8, 1893; alkali chrome
works, February 2, 1897; printing offices and type foundries, July 31,
1897; establishments for the manufacture of electrical accumulators
by means of lead or lead compounds, May 11, 1898. Various orders
have also been issued by the authorities of the different States of the
Empire. The orders in detail follow:
M atch F actories. —The manufacture of matches by the use of
white phosphorus (order of July 8, 1893) is subject to the following
conditions:
1. A separate room must be provided for each of the following oper
ations: (1) The preparation of the ignition materials, (2) the dipping of
the matches, (3) the drying of the dipped matches, and (4) the filling
of the boxes and the first operations of packing. These rooms may
communicate directly with each other, but must not so communicate
w7ith other workrooms or sleeping or business rooms. A direct com
munication, however, is permitted between the dipping and the filling
or setting room (Em legem um ) and between the boxing and first pack
ing room and the wareroom for finished products. Only that work
can be carried on in the four rooms first indicated which is absolutely
necessary, except, however, that the application of the sulphur or
paraffin can be done in the dipping room.
2. The rooms provided for the first three operations indicated must
be at least 5 meters [16.4 feet] high, the dipping and the boxing rooms
must have fireproof roofs, and the drying room be entirely fireproof.
The walls of the rooms for the preparation of the materials, drying,
and boxing must be whitewashed at least once every 6 months, after
the previous coat has been removed.
3. The rooms in which the materials are mixed must be so arranged
that a complete change of air is secured, so that any phosphorus fumes
generated are conducted outside. The materials must be prepared in
air-tight closed vessels, whose opening through which they are filled
serves also as a safety ventilator. The vessels containing the materials
must always be kept well covered.
4. In the dipping of the matches, appliances of such a character
must be used that the phosphorus fumes can not escape into the room.
In case warmed dipping material is used, only those appliances can
be employed which have been approved by the higher administrative
authorities for this use.
5. The rooms used for drying the dipped matches must be thor
oughly ventilated. If the drying rooms are artificially heated, the tem
perature must not be allowed to exceed 35° Celsius [95° Fahrenheit].
A thermometer must be placed in each drying room on which is plainly
indicated the highest temperature that is permitted. The rooms must
only be filled or emptied, when it is necessary that they should be
entered, after a complete change of air is brought about by opening
the doors and windows for at least half an hour or by special ventilat
ing appliances.
6. The rooms in which the matches are placed in boxes {A b fu llrdume) and those in which the first packing is done, where this is done
in special rooms, must be so arranged that there are at least 10 cubic
338
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
meters [353 cubic feet] of air space for each person emplo}^ed in them.
Rooms which are roofed oyer must have windows which can be opened,
and must be provided with sufficient means for an effective ventilation.
7. The rooms for preparing the material and for dipping and box
ing the matches must be cleaned every day after the cessation of work.
A ll refuse collected as the result of this cleaning must be immediately
burned.
8. The employer must see that all the employed working in the
rooms for mixing the materials and for dipping, drying, and boxing
the matches, are provided with special work clothes, that the work
ingmen remove these clothes on quitting work in a special room apart
from the workrooms, and that cases are provided in this room in which
the work clothes and the ordinary clothes can be hung up.
9. The employer must not permit the workingmen to bring or eat
food inside the workrooms. Me must see that the meals are taken in
rooms specially prepared for that purpose, which must be completely
separated from the workrooms and the dressing room. Provision
must also be made outside the workrooms for the heating of food.
10. There must be provided outside the workrooms, but in conve
nient proximity to them, a sufficient number of washing utensils, in
proportion to the number of employees, and vessels for the rinsing
out of the mouth.
11. The employer must see that his employees thoroughly wash their
hands, rinse out their mouths with water, and remove their work clothes
before taking their meals or leaving the establishment.
12. The employer must permit only those persons to be employed
in the rooms mentioned in (1) who are provided with certificates from
a duly authorized physician that they are not suffering from phospho
rus necrosis and that their physical condition is not such as to make
them susceptible to this disease. These certificates must be collected,
preserved, and shown to the inspectors whenever they so request.
13. The employer must intrust the supervision of the health of his
employees to a duly authorized physician, whose name must be given
to the inspector, and who must examine each employee at least every
3 months, and inform the employer of every case where evidence of
phosphorus necrosis is discovered. The employer, in turn, as soon
as he receives such notice or learns of a case of phosphorus necrosis
in any other way, must inform the factory inspector in writing. He
also must not employ a workingman suffering from such a disease in
any of the rooms mentioned in (1).
14. The employer must keep a register showing the employment and
discharge of workingmen, their full names, ages, residences, and the
dates of their employment and discharge. The examining physician
must enter in this book the date and result of the physical examinations
made by him. The register must be shown to the inspectors whenever
they so request.
15. There must be posted in a conspicuous place in each workroom
a notice giving a copy of section 2 of the law of May 13, 1884, and
of the preceding sections of the present order, and also instructions
for the persons employed in the room. A copy of these instructions
must be given to. each person employed in the rooms mentioned in (1).
16. New establishments for the manufacture of matches by the use
of white phosphorus may only begin operation after notice has been
given to the inspectors. These officials must, as soon as possible after
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
339
the receipt of this notice, assure themselves by a personal examination
that the conditions of the order are observed.
17.
The local police authorities may close any establishment in which
the present order is not observed until such order is complied with.
L ead P aint and Sugar of L ead W orks. —Establishments for the
manufacture of lead paints or sugar of lead (order of July 8, 1893)
shall be operated subject to the following conditions:
1. A ll the workrooms in establishments in which lead paints or
sugar of lead are manufactured must be roomy, have high ceilings,
be well ventilated, and be kept damp and clean. Suitable appliances
must be provided to prevent the entrance into them of lead powder or
lead-laden gases and vapors.
2. Apparatus which develop dust must be covered over at all points
with thick layers of felt or woolen cloth, or other material equally
effective, so that the escape of the powder into the room is prevented.
These kinds of apparatus must also be provided with devices preventing
a disturbance (Spannung) of the air within them. They must not be
opened until the powder which has been generated has completely
settled and cooled.
3. In dry grinding, packing, and shipping, and in emptying the
black litharge and lead oxide furnaces, ana the putting in sacks of the
lead oxide, and in other operations where lead powder can find its
way into the room, such escape of lead powder must be prevented by
means of draft and other appliances for carrying off the powder.
4. Rooms which can not be completely protected against the entrance
of lead powder or gases or vapors containing lead by means of the
precautions above prescribed must be cut off from other rooms in
such a way that the powder, gas, or vapor can not penetrate into the
latter.
5. The inner surface of the oxidation and drying chambers must
be as smooth and tight as possible. The oxidation chamber must be
kept damp while it is being charged or emptied. After the oxidation
process is complete, the contents of the oxidation chamber must be
thoroughly wet before the chamber is entered for the purpose of
emptying it, and must be kept moist while *this work is taking place.
In the same way the raw white lead materials must be kept moist
while being transported to the washing or deposit room ( Schlemmraum ) and during its storage there.
6. In the transportation and the manipulation of the wet lead paint
materials, and especially in the depositing of material by washing and
wet grinding, hand labor must, wherever practicable, be replaced by
mechanical apparatus, so that the soiling of the clothes and hands of
the persons who are employed in the work is reduced to the lowest
possible degree. The extraction by pressure of the white lead deposit
must only be undertaken after the lead salts which are in solution
have been precipitated.
7. The employment or presence of children under 16 years of age is
prohibited in places used for the manufacture of lead paints or sugar
of lead. Women may only be employed in such places in those rooms
and occupations which do not bring them in contact with the lead prod
ucts. This section is in force until May 1, 1903.
8. The employer must permit only those persons to be employed in
rooms in which lead paints or sugar of lead are made or packed who
are in possession of certificates from a duly authorized physician
340
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
stating that they are neither weakly nor suffering from a lung, kidney,
or stomach trouble or alcoholism. These certificates must be collected,
preserved, and shown to the inspectors whenever they so request.
9. Workingmen who, in the course of their work, come in contact
with lead materials or products must not be employed more than 12
hours in any 24 hours.
10. The employer must provide all employees who come in contact
with lead materials or products with work clothes completely covering
them and caps covering the head.
11. In work generating lead powder which can not be immedi
ately and completely removed, the employer must permit only those
persons to be employed who have the nose and mouth protected by
respirators or damp sponges.
12. The employer must permit only those persons to be employed
in work bringing them in contact with lead salts in solution who have
the hands greased or covered with impermeable gloves.
13. Special work clothes, respirators, sponges, and gloves, as above
mentioned, must be furnished by the employer to each workingman
requiring them in sufficient number and in such condition as to effect
the purpose for which they are intended. The employer must also
see that these articles are only used by the persons to whom they are
assigned, that they are kept in the places provided for them, that the
work clothes are cleaned at least once a week, and the respirators,
mouth sponges, and gloves each time before they are used, and that
they are put away when not in use in the places provided for them.
14. A toilet or dressing and an eating room separate from each
other, and in a part of the establishment free from powder, must be
placed at the disposition of the employees. These places must be
kept constantly clean and free from powder and be heated during cold
weather. The dressing room must be provided with sufficient vessels
for rinsing the mouth, soap and towels, and appliances for storing the
ordinary clothes which are removed before work is begun. Appli
ances for heating food must be furnished in the eating room or other
suitable place. Those employers having 5 or more employees must
provide means by which the latter can take a warm bath at least once
a week.
15. The employer must intrust the supervision of the health of his
employees to a duly authorized physician, whose name must be given
to the inspector, and who must examine each employee at least once a
month, and inform the employer of every case where evidence o f lead
poisoning is discovered. The employer must not employ any person
giving evidence of such symptoms in work which brings him in contact
with lead materials or products until he is entirely cured.
16. The employer must keep, or cause to be kept, on his responsi
bility for its completeness and accuracy, by the physician having charge
of the health conditions of the employees, or by an official of the estab
lishment, a sick register, which must contain (1) the name of the person
who keeps the book, (2) the name of the physician having charge of the
health of the employees, (3) the name of every sick workingman, (4)
the nature of the sickness and the occupation followed prior to its
occurrence, (5) the date of the sickness, (6) the date when the person is
cured, or, if he does not return to work, when he is discharged. This
book must be shown to the inspector or proper health officers whenever
they so request.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
341
17. The employer must make regulations which, in addition to instruc
tions in respect to the use of the protective appliances above mentioned,
must contain the following provisions: Workingmen must not bring
spirits, beer, or other strong drink inside the establishment. W ork
ingmen must not bring articles of food inside the workrooms, and
these articles must be kept only in the eating room. Meals, so far as
they are not taken outside the establishment, must be eaten in the eat
ing room. The workingmen must use the work clothes, respirators,
mouth sponges, and gloves in those workrooms and kinds of work where
their use has been ordered by the employers. The workingmen must
not enter the eating room, eat their meals, or leave the establishment
until they have first removed their work clothes, cleaned their hair
from powder, carefully washed their hands and faces, cleaned their
noses, and rinsed out their mouths. Mention must be made in these
regulations that the workingmen who persistently violate them may
be dismissed before the termination o f their engagement. In those
establishments in which at least 20 persons are employed these regula
tions must be incorporated in the general shop rules required by the
code.
18. There must be posted in a conspicuous place in each workroom,
as well as in the eating and dressing rooms, a copy of the provisions of
the present order and the rules required by the preceding section.
The employer is responsible for the carrying out of the provisions of
the preceding section, and must discharge any employee repeatedly
disregarding them.
19. New establishments for the manufacture of lead paints or sugar
of lead shall not begin operations until notice of their establishment
has been given to the inspectors. These officers must at once see by
a personal examination that the erection of the establishment is in
conformity with the prescribed provisions.
20. The local police authorities may close any establishment in which
the present order is not observed until such order is complied with.
C igar F actories. —Cigar factories (order of July 8, 1893) must be
established and operated in accordance with the following conditions:
1. This order applies to all places in which the necessary appliances
have been installed for the making of cigars in so far as persons other
than the members of the employer’s family are employed.
2. The stripping of the tobacco and the making and sorting of the
cigars must be performed in rooms the floors of which are not more
than 0.5 meter [19.7 inches] below the level of the ground. If the
room is next to the roof the ceiling must be ceiled or plastered. The
workrooms in which tobacco-making appliances are installed must
not be used either as living, sleeping, cooking, or provision-storage
rooms, or as rooms for the storage of the tobacco. These rooms must
be provided with tight doors, which must be kept closed during work
ing hours.
3. The workrooms must be at least 3 meters [9.8 feet] high and be
provided with windows sufficient in number and size to furnish ade
quate light. The windows must be so made that they can be opened
to the extent of at least half their area.
4. The workrooms must have hard and tight floors.
5. The number of persons who may be employed in a room must
be so limited that there will be at least 7 cubic meters [247 cubic feet]
of air space per person.
342
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
<
6. Only the tobacco or partly manufactured product necessary for
a day’s work, or the cigars made during the course of the day, shall
be allowed to remain in a workroom. All further storage of tobacco
or partly manufactured product, as well as the operations of drying,
separating, or twisting of tobacco after work hours, is prohibited m
workrooms.
7. The workrooms must be thrown open for a complete airing at
least twice a day for half an hour, and also during the noon rest and
after the ending of the work, by opening the windows to their full
extent and the doors which do not lead to the living, sleeping, cook
ing, and storage rooms. During these times the employees must not
be allowed to remain in the rooms.
8. The floors and worktables must be washed or thoroughly cleaned
from dust at least once a day.
9. The clothes taken off during the work period must be cared for
outside the workrooms. They may, however, be kept inside the
workrooms if closed cases are provided in which to place them.
These cases must be closed while the work is being carried on.
10. Exceptions to the provisions of (3), (5), and (7) may be granted
by the higher administrative authorities, upon the request of the
employer, if the workrooms are provided with adequate means of
ventilation. In the ^sarne way the height of room required by (3) may
be reduced if more than the air space required by (5) is provided.
11. Until May 1,1903, the employment o f women and children under
16 years of age shall be subject to the following conditions: Women
and children must be employed and paid directly by the persons for
whom they work, and not through or on account of a third person.
Separate water-closets with separate entrances must be provided for
the men and women, and when a change of clothes is made before
beginning and after ending work, separate dressing rooms. The pro
vision regarding employment does not apply where the employees
stand in the relation to each other o f husband and wife, brothers or sis
ters, or direct ascendants or descendants; and that concerning waterclosets and dressing rooms does not apply to places in which not more
than 10 persons are employed.
12. A notice, signed by the local police authorities attesting its cor
rectness, must be posted at the entrance of each workroom showing the
length, breadth, and height o f the room, the cubic meters o f air space
that it contains, and the number of persons who may consequently be
there employed. A notice must also be posted in each workroom giv
ing in clear letters the provisions of the present order.
A lkali C hrome W orks. —Alkali chrome works (order of February
2,1897) shall only be established and operated subject to the following
conditions:
1. The trituration and mixture of the raw materials must only be
made in apparatus so arranged that it prevents, as far as possible, the
escape of the powder into the workrooms.
2. A ll apparatus employed in the manufacturing operations that
produce chrome powder or vapor must be provided with appliances
to prevent, as far as possible, the escape of such powder into tne work
rooms. The reduced materials must only be transported when in a
liquid state or in tightly closed vessels. They must be placed in rooms
apart from the workrooms, except when they must be near the fur
naces. The crystallization and evaporation basins and ail other vessels
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS,
343
holding solutions of a temperature of more than 50° C. [122° Fahren
heit], as well as acidification jars, must be provided with tight pipes
leading directly to the open air or a chimney.
3. The subsequent work with solid chromates, and especially the
operations of drying, sifting, trituration, and packing, must be per
formed in places apart from the other workrooms. The grinding of
the chromates must be done in hermetically closed apparatus.
4. The workrooms and courts must be kept as far as possible from
contamination by chromates. Any chromates that may penetrate by
leakage or otherwise must be removed as soon as possible. The floors,
walls, stairways, and railings must be kept clean. The workrooms
must be cleaned whenever necessary, and at least once a month.
5. The employer must furnish his employees with work clothes and
caps appropriate for the work performed.
6. That work in t!he course of which it is impossible to prevent the
giving off of powder, and the complete and immediate removal of
the same can not be accomplished through ventilation, must be given
only to workingmen who are provided with protection appliances fur
nished by the employer, such as respirators, sponges, cloths, or other
means for protecting the mouth and nose. This provision applies par
ticularly to the work of extracting the pulverized material from the
drying furnaces, placing it in the fusion furnaces, the emptying of the
latter, and the placing of the dry material by means of a shovel in
receptacles for shipment, and the work of drying, sifting, and packing
of the finished chromates.
7. The employer must make regulations concerning, and exercise a
supervision over, the use and care of the work clothes of the emploj^ees
and the respirators and other protective appliances, to insure that they
are regularly used and only by the persons for whom they are intended;
that the clothes are cleaned at least once a week; that the respirators,
mouth sponges, etc., are cleaned each time they are used; and, finally,
that during the time they are not in use that they are kept in the place
specially provided for their guarding.
8. The employer must provide for his employees, in a part of the
establishment protected from powder, a room in which they can wash
and change their clothes, and another room in which they can eat
their meals. These rooms must be kept clean and free from powder
and be heated during cold weather.
The toilet room must be
furnished with a sufficient quantity of water, vessels for rinsing the
mouth, brushes for cleaning the hands and nails, soap and towels, as
well as a place in which to keep the clothes taken off before work is
begun. The employer must also provide means whereby the employees
working with chromates can take a warm bath twice a week.
9. Women and children under 16 years of age must not be employed
in places where they are brought in contact with chromates.
10. The employer must only employ in the preparation of chro
mates those persons who are supplied with a certificate from a duly
authorized physician stating that they have no wound in the skin,
sore, or skin eruption. These certificates must be collected, preserved,
and be shown to the factory inspectors whenever they so request.
11. The employer must place a physician in charge of the super
vision of the health conditions of the employees occupied in the making
of chromates and inform the inspector of his name. This physician
must examine all the employees at least once a month and state for
344
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
each one specially whether he has a sore in the skin or any disease of
the nose or pharyngeal cavity.
12. The employer must take all necessary precautions to insure
that the employees are on the lookout for even slight abrasions of the
skin, especially on the hands, and in case such are found that bandages
supplied for that purpose are applied by the physician or some one
duly authorized by the latter to perform such services. A duly author
ized person must examine the faces, forearms, and hands of all the
emploj^ees every day before they begin or during their work.
13. When so ordered by the physician, those workingmen who
exhibit symptoms of any malady due to the action of chromates—such,
for example, as a sore in the skin or an erosion of the mucus membrane
of the nasal passages—must be removed from the work of preparing
chromates until they are completely cured. Those who show them
selves to be especially susceptible to injurious effects from this work
must be definitely prohibited from its performance.
14. The employer must keep, or cause to be kept, a register of all
cases of sickness of employees in the establishment. He is responsible
for all omissions or inaccuracies of entries, except those emanating
from the physician. This register must show the name of the person
who keeps the book, the name of the physician charged with the super
vision of the pltysical condition of the employees, the names of
employees attacked by disease, the nature of the disease and the occu
pations pursued prior to its attack, the date when the disease is declared,
the date when the person is declared cured, or, if the invalid does not
return to work, when he is discharged, and the date and results of the
general medical examinations above prescribed.
15. The employer must prepare a set of regulations, which, in addi
tion to the rules prescribed for (5) and (6), must contain the following
provisions: Workingmen must not bring articles of food or drink
inside, and meals must be consumed outside, the workrooms. Each
workingman must make use of the clothes, masks, respirators, and
other protective appliances that are assigned him in the shops and for
the work designated in the regulations prepared by the employer.
Workingmen must carefully wash their faces and hands before eating
their meals. A t the end of their day’s labor, and before leaving the
establishment, they must take off their work clothes, carefully wash
their hands and faces, and rinse their mouths and noses without the
use of any appliance. Mention must be made in these regulations
that the workingmen who persistently violate them may be dismissed
without notice before the termination of their engagement. If 20
workingmen or more are regularly employed in an establishment, these
regulations must be incorporated in the general shop rules of the
establishment.
16. There must be posted in each workroom, as well as in the toilet
and eating rooms, a copy of the present order and of the rules required
by the preceding section.
P rinting O ffices and T ype F oundries . —Printing offices and type
foundries (order of July 31, 1897) must be operated in conformity
with the following provisions:
1.
In places where persons are employed in setting type or in making
type or stereotype plates the following rules must be observed: The
floors of the rooms must not be more than 1 meter [3.3 feet] below
the level of the ground. Exemptions from this rule, however, can be
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
345
authorized by the higher administrative authorities where it is shown
that hygienic conditions are maintained by a proper isolation of the
floor, ventilation, and lighting. Booms immediately under the roof
must not be used unless the ceilings are ceiled or plastered.
2. In places where type or stereotype plates are made there must
be provided at least 15 cubic meters [529.7 cubic feet] of air space per
person employed. In other places there must be at least 12 cubic
meters [423.8 cubic feet] per person. In urgent cases, however, the
authorities may permit, during not more than thirty days in a year,
places to be occupied by a larger number of persons, but there must
be not less than 10 cubic meters [353.1 cubic feet] of air space for each
person.
3. The height of workrooms must be at least 2.60 meters [8.5 feet]
when they contain not less than 15 cubic meter« [529.7 cubic feet] of
air space per person, and 3 meters [9.8 feet] in other cases. The
rooms must be provided with windows sufficient in number and size to
light the places properly when work is being carried on. The windows
must be so constructed that the rooms can be properly ventilated by
their means. When the ceilings are slanting the average height must
be* not less than that indicated above.
4. Workrooms must be provided with hard and tight floors, from
which dust after it is moistened can be easily collected. Wooden
floors must be planed and made impermeable to moisture. The walls
and ceilings, so far as they are not covered with a hard glazed surface
capable of being easily washed, or oil painted, must be whitewashed at
least once a year. The glazed or painted surfaces must be washed at
least yearly, and the paint must be renewed every ten years if it is
varnished, or every five years if not so treated. The stands and cases
containing the type must either descend to the floor in such a way that
dust can not accumulate under them, or be raised on legs, so that the
floor under them can be easily swept.
5. The workrooms must be completely aired once a day at least,
and in addition must be properly ventilated during the progress of the
work.
6. The furnaces for fusing the metals must be furnished with a
strong draft for the purpose of conducting outside or up a chimney
the vapors which are generated. The alloying of the metals, as well
as the melting of the waste, must take place either in special rooms
or in other rooms after the workingmen, other than those engaged in
that work, have been made to leave the room.
7. The workrooms and their adjuncts, as well as the walls, windows,
and door frames and beams, must be thoroughly-washed twice a year.
The floors must be swept or washed at least daily.
8. The cases containing the type must be cleaned before they are
made use of, and as often as is necessary during their use, but in any
case at least twice a year. The blowing of the dust out of these cases
must be by means of bellows in the open air, and must not be per
formed by young persons.
9. Cuspidors in the proportion of at least 1 for every 5 persons must
be provided in the workrooms, and must be filled with water which
must be renewed each day. The employer must prohibit expectoration
upon the floor.
10. Washing utensils and soap must be placed at the disposal of the
compositors, as well as the founders, polishers, and grinders, in the
2193— No. 27----- 8
346
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
workrooms or rooms adjoining them. A t least 1 towel per week
must be furnished each workingman. Unless there is a sufficient
supply of running water, there must be at least 1 wash basin for 5
persons, and a sufficient supply of pure water, which, after it has been
used, can be poured out on the spot. The employer must see that the
workingmen make use of these appliances before taking their meals
in the establishment and before leaving~the establishment.
11. The clothes taken off during the work must be taken care of
outside the workrooms. They may, however, be kept inside the work
rooms if closed cases or ones covered by curtains are provided, in
which they will be protected from dust. These cases must be closed
during the progress of the work.
12. Lighting apparatus which gives forth considerable heat must be
provided with devices or so arranged that the heat thus generated does
not discommode the inmates.
13. The employer must issue rules making it obligatory upon his
employees to observe the regulations given above concerning their
action. If 20 workingmen or more are regularly employed, these
regulations must be incorporated in the general shop rules.
14. A notice, signed by the local police authorities attesting its cor
rectness, must be posted in each workroom, which shows the length,
breadth, and height of the room, the number of cubic meters of air
space that it contains, and the number of persons who consequently can
be employed in it. There must also be posted in a conspicuous place
a copy o f the foregoing provisions.
Certain exceptions to the provisions of this order, so far as it relates
to the number of persons who may be employed in proportion to the
amount of air space in workrooms, may be accorded by the higher
administrative authorities during the 10 years following the taking
effect of the order in the case of establishments already in operation.
These provisions, being but temporary, are not reproduced.
E stablishments for th e M anufacture of E lectrical A ccumu
lators . — Establishments for the manufacture of electrical accumulators
by the use of lead or lead compounds (order of May 11, 1898) must be
arranged and operated subject to the following provisions:
1. In establishments for the manufacture of electrical accumula
tors by the use of lead or lead compounds, the places where lead or
lead compounds are prepared or applied must be at least 3 meters
[9.8 feet] high, and be furnished with windows that can be opened,
permitting the air to be renewed in sufficient quantity. Places in
which the plates are formed or loaded must be furnished with appli
ances for inducing an energetic ventilation.
2. In places where powder of lead or lead compounds are produced
or diffused during the course of the work, the floor must be made
water-tight. The walls and ceiling, so far as they are not covered
with a continuous coat susceptible of being washed or oiled, must be
whitewashed at least once a year. The employment of wood, soft
asphalt, or linoleum to cover the floor, or of wall paper or draperies to
furnish the walls, is prohibited.
3. The furnaces for melting the lead must be provided with hoods,
inducing a strong draft leading directly into the open air or a chimney.
4. In places where the lead plates are made mechanically by means
of a belt saw, a circular saw, a planing machine, or other similar
apparatus, all possible care must be taken that the pieces of lead that
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
347
are detached, as well as the lead powder formed, are immediately col
lected at the moment they are produced by means of suitable appliances.
5. Apparatus used for the manufacture of metallic lead powder must
be so inclosed and constructed that no powder can escape during either
its production or removal.
6. The sifting, moistening, and mixing the material for applying to
the plates, so far as it contains lead or lead compounds, the raising of
the covering, consisting of paper or other similar material, of the dried
plates, as well as all otter manipulations of the dry or dried material
which produces powder, must be done under appliances having a strong
draft, or so constructed that the powder can not possibly escape.
7. The open vessels which contain the lead or lead compound powder
must be placed upon a grate, which in turn must be on a plate with a
raised border, so that in emptying the vessel any material escaping
will be collected upon the plate.
8. The following operations must be conducted in special rooms
apart from the other work places: (1) The mechanical preparation of
the lead plates (grates or frames); (2) the mechanical preparation of lead
compounds; (3) the making and mixing of the material to be applied
to the plates (.Fullmasse ), so far as it is accomplished mechanically.
9. The tables used in applying the material to the plates must have
a hard and smooth surface and must be washed with water at least
once a day.
10. The work of soldering, which is done by means of a hydrogen
or coal gas blow flame, must be done, as far as the nature of the work
permits, in special places provided with strong drafts. This pro
vision, however, does not apply to soldering work having for its pur
pose the uniting of elements, and which can not be performed outside
of the preparation rooms.
11. The zinc used in the preparation of the hydrogen gas and the
sulphuric acid used in the course of the work must be chemically pure.
12. The workrooms must, as far as possible, be guarded against
contamination by lead or lead compounds. In the places indicated
in (2) the floors must be washed at least once a day after the cessation
of work.
13. The employer must place at the disposition of all his employees
who are engaged in the making of accumulators a sufficient number
of properly made work clothes and caps. He must insure, by the
preparation and enforcement^)f special regulations, that the garments
are only used by the persons to whom they are assigned; that they are
washed at least once a week, and that while not in use they are kept
in places specially prepared for them.
14. A toilet and an eating room separate from each other, and in a
part of the establishment to which powder can not penetrate, must be
placed at the disposition of the employees. These places must be
kept constantly clean and free from powder and be heated during cold
weather. The toilet room must be supplied with a sufficient quantity
of water, vessels for rinsing the mouth, brushes for cleaning the
hands and nails, soap and towels, and places in which to keep the
clothes taken off before beginning work. Employers must provide
means whereby their employees can take a warm bath at least once a
week.
15. Women and children under 16 years of age must not be employed
in work which brings th«m in contact with lead or lead compounds.
348
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
16. The employer must employ only those persons in the making of
accumulators who are provided with certificates from a physician
duly authorized by the higher administrative authorities, stating that
their health is such that they can exercise this occupation. These cer
tificates must be collected, preserved, and shown to the inspectors upon
their request to see them.
17. The employment of workingmen charged with the making,
mixing, or application of the material to the plates must be so regu
lated that their work period either does not exceed 8 hours per day
and is broken by an interval of rest of at least 1£ hours or does not
exceed 6 hours per day without interruption. In the second case the
workingmen may still be employed elsewhere in the establishment,
>rovided that during this work they are not brought in contact with
ead or lead compounds and that a rest of at least 2 hours intervenes
between the two kinds of work. The employer must, within the
week following the taking effect of this order or the opening of his
establishment, inform the local police authorities of tne manner in
which he elects to organize the periods of work, and no change shall
be made in this arrangement until the police authorities are notified.
18.
The employer must confide the examination of the physical con
dition of his employees to a physician, whose name must be given to
the inspector, and who must examine each employee at least once a
month to see if he shows any symptoms of a disease that can be traced
to lead. If the physician so orders, employees presenting such symp
toms must not be employed in work bringing them in contact with
lead or lead compounds until they are cured. Those who show that
they are specially susceptible to lead poisoning must be permanently
taken off of such work.
19.
The employer must keep a register showing the employment
and discharge of workingmen, the number actually employed, and
their condition as regards health. He is responsible for the exactness
and completeness of these entries so far as they do not emanate from
the physician. This register must show the full name, age, residence,
date of employment ana discharge of each employee, and the nature
of his work; the name of the person who keeps the register; the name
of the physician charged with the examination of the employees; the
date and nature of any illness of an employee and the date of his cure;
the dates and results of the general physical examination above pre
scribed.
20.
The employer must make regulations, obligatory upon employ
ees engaged in making accumulators, covering the following points:
Workingmen must not bring food or drink inside the shops. The
introduction or consumption of spirits in the establishment is pro
hibited. Meals must be eaten outside the workrooms. Workingmen
must use the work clothes provided for them in accordance with the
regulations concerning them. Workingmen must not enter the eating
room, take their meals, or leave the establishment until they have
removed their work clothes and carefully washed their hands and faces
and rinsed their mouths. Smoking or chewing of tobacco or the tak
ing of snuff during working hours is prohibited. Mention must be
made in these regulations that the workingmen who persistently vio
late them may be dismissed without notice before the termination of
their engagement. In those establishments which are required by the
{
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
349
code to have general shop regulations, these rules must be incorpo
rated in those regulations.
21. There must be posted in each workroom, as well as in the toilet
and eating rooms, a copy of the present order and the rules required
by the preceding section.
22. The local police authorities may close an}^ establishment in which
the present order is not observed until such order is complied with.
H O U R S OF L A B O R OF A D U L T M A L E S .
The number of hours of labor that can be required of ad.ult male
laborers is not directly limited by law. The Bundesrat, however, has
been given the power of fixing the time that work shall begin and end
and the maximum duration of a day’s labor in those industries in which
it deems that long hours are especially injurious to the health o f the
employees. It is evident that, under this provision, the Government
has the power of limiting the hours of labor of adult workingmen in
particular industries.
The extent to which the hours of labor of adult males has actually
been limited can be seen by reference to the orders promulgated by
the Bundesrat regarding the conduct of work in particular industries,
as given in the section in relation to the prevention of accidents and
the protection of the health of employees, and to the order of March
4, 1896, in relation to bakeries and confectioneries, a summary of
which follows. This is the only order that has been issued having as
its main purpose the protection of the health or lives of employees by
limiting their hours of labor. The other orders provide for such lim
itation only indirectly, their main purpose being to regulate the con
ditions under which labor must be performed in those establishments
presenting dangerous or unhealthy features.
The essential provisions of the order of March 4, 1896, in relation
to bakeries and confectioneries, are as follows :
Bakeries and those confectioneries in which workingmen or appren
tices are employed in manufacturing bakery products at night—that
is, between the hours of 8.30 p. m. and 5.30 a. m.—are subject to the
following regulations:
1. The duration of the work shift of employees shall not exceed 12
hours per day, except when it is broken by a rest of 1 hour, when it
may equal 13 hours, including the hour for rest. No employee shall
work more than 7 shifts per week. Workingmen may be employed
occasionally in supplemental work, such as the preparation of yeast,
in addition to their regular shifts, but not regularly, and then for not
more than half an hour. In all cases not less than 8 hours’ intermis
sion must be allowed employees between shifts.
2. The hours of labor of apprentices must be 2 hours less than those
of other workingmen during the first year of apprenticeship, and 1
hour less during the second, and the duration of the intervals of rest
between the work shifts must be correspondingly increased.
3. Workingmen and apprentices may, however, be permitted to
350
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
work overtime (1) on holidays and other special occasions when the
permission of the lower administrative authorities has been obtained,
and (2) on not more than 20 days, as selected by the employer, in which
must be included every day on which an apprentice or workingman is
so employed. Moreover, with the exception of the days before Christ'mas, Easter, and Pentecost, the workingman must in no case be
deprived of his 8 hours’ uninterrupted rest between shifts, or the
apprentice of 9 or 10 hours’ rest, as the case may be.
4. The employer must post in a conspicuous place in his workshop
a copy of the present order and a calendar on which is plainly marked
in ink the 20 days selected by the employer for overtime work.
5. Workingmen and apprentices may be employed on Sunday and
holidays in accordance with the provisions of the industrial code only
in so far as no infraction of the present regulation results.
6. In those establishments in which the employees are allowed a
period of rest of not less than 24 hours, beginning not later than 10
o’clock Saturday evening, the length of the labor shift on the two
preceding days may be increased 2 hours, provided that the regulation
duration of the rest periods between shifts is not lessened.
7. The foregoing provisions do not apply to establishments in which
the only work performed at night is such supplemental work as the
preparation of ices, creams, etc. Neither do they apply to establish
ments in which not more than 3 bakings are had per week, or which
only employ workingmen or apprentices at night on unusual occasions
in accordance with the permission of the lower administrative authori
ties, which permission shall not be granted for more than 20 nights in
a year.
W O R K I N G M E N ’ S P A S S BO O K S.
The possession of a labor certificate or pass book (Arbeitsbuch) is not,
as in Austria, obligatory upon workingmen 18 years of age or over.
The law however, provides that any workingman can, upon leaving
the employment of another person, demand a certificate setting forth
the nature and duration of his employment, his conduct, and the skill
with which he has performed his duties. If the employee is a minor,
his legal representative can require that the certificate be handed to
him, unless the communal authorities order otherwise. If the employee
so desires, the police authorities must attest the certificate free of cost.
In order to protect the employee from injury in any way, the employer
is prohibited, under heavy penalties, from placing any marks or signs
on the certificate conveying any information not expressed in the
certificate.
E M P L O Y M E N T OP W O M E N A N D C H IL D R E N .
Since the enactment of the first law regarding the employment of
women and children, the tendency has constantly been to make such
regulations more and more restrictive. The law of 1891 introduced
notable changes, and its provisions constitute the law now in force.
The employment of children under 13 years of age in industrial
establishments is absolutely prohibited, and children over that age
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
351
can not be employed until they have fulfilled the legal requirements
concerning school attendance, (a)
Children who have not completed their fourteenth year can not be
employed more than 6 hours a day, which must be broken by a rest
of at least half an hour; and children not having completed their six
teenth year can not be employed more than 10 hours a day, broken by
intervals of rest of at least 1 hour in the middle of the day and half an
hour in the morning and in the afternoon. During these intermissions
the children must not be employed in any way in the factory, and may
only be permitted to remain in the workrooms if those parts of the
machinery at which they are employed are completely stopped, or
when on account of bad weather or sickness it is not desirable to have
the children go outside, or the provision of special accommodations
presents special difficulties.
For persons under 16 years of age work must not begin before 5.30
a. m. nor continue later than 8.30 p. m .; nor can these persons be
employed on Sundays or holidays or during the time set aside by their
pastor for religious service and instruction.
Especial precautions are taken to enable children to receive an ade
quate general and technical education. Employers are required to
permit all of their employees under 18 years of age to attend finishing
schools (.Fortbildungsschulen ), or schools for the training of women in
household duties if they desire to do so, or if they are so obligated by
local statutes. A commune, or a union of communes, may make it
obligatory for male workers under 18 years of age to attend finishing
schools, provided a provincial law to that effect does not already exist.
This obligation may be dispensed with in the case of persons attending
a guild or other technical school if the higher administrative authorities
regard the instruction there given sufficient to replace that of a regular
finishing school. These provisions regarding schooling apply equally
to apprentices in mercantile establishments.
a Children under 14 years of age are also prohibited b y the law from offering
goods for sale or peddling in public highways, streets, or places, or from house to
house, except that in places where this is customary the local police authorities can
permit such work at specified periods, the total duration of which must not exceed
4 weeks in any one calendar year. This prohibition, however, does not apply to the
selling of raw agricultural, garden, forestry, apiary, or fishing products, or poultry
raised or directly obtained by the persons themselves, or the selling of goods pro
duced at home, within 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of the home, and which are regarded
as pertaining to the weekly market trade, though the local police authorities may
prohibit the employment of children under 14 years of age in this way.
It is likewise prohibited for persons employed in itinerant work taking them from
town to town to have children under 14 years of age accompany them. Where per
missions have been granted prior to the going in force of this provision, they must be
revoked unless sufficient provision is made for the education of the children. The
foregoing provisions likewise apply in respect to persons of the opposite sex accom
panying itinerants unless they are -married to the persons they accompany or are
their children or grandchildren over 14 years of age.
352
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
In order to facilitate the execution of the law concerning the employ
ment of children, it is obligatory upon all minors not of compulsory
school age, as a condition precedent to employment, to be provided
with a pass book {Arheitsbiwh). This obligation was first imposed by
the law of 1878. The book must contain the name, address, date of
birth, and signature of the owner, and the name and last address of
the father or guardian, and must be duly stamped by the authorities,
and the latter must keep a record of all books issued.
Upon the owner being employed, the book is surrendered to the
employer, who retains it until the owner leaves his service. The
employer must enter in it the dates at which its owner entered and
left his service and the nature of the employment. When employ
ment ceases, the book is surrendered by the employer to the father or
guardian of the employee, if they so request, or if the employee has
not completed his sixteenth year. Otherwise it is handed directly to
the employee. The purpose of this provision is to strengthen parental
authority, the parent or guardian thus having control over the action of
the child or ward in respect to the making and breaking of labor
contracts.
Employers and not the employees are punished in cases where minors
are employed who do not have in their possession pass books, as above
provided. These books are furnished gratuitously by the communal
authorities upon the request or with the consent of the parent or
guardian. When the parent or guardian refuses his consent, to the
injury of the employee, the communal authorities can give the book
without it. Before a book is granted it must be certified that the
minor is no longer of compulsory school age, and that the recipient
has never had a pass book. When a new book is issued on account of
the loss, destruction, or completion of a former book the fact must
be noted in the new book. A charge of 50 pfennigs ($0.12) can be
made for the new book issued under these circumstances. The form
of the pass book is determined by th& imperial chancellor.
The entries in the books must be made in ink by the employer or a
manager of the establishment specially authorized. No marks can be
made which may be construed favorably or unfavorably to the owner,
nor can entries be made regarding the latter’s conduct or capabilities,
nor concerning any matters not specified in the law.
If an employer fails to surrender promptly a pass book when legally
required to do so, or refuses to make the necessary entries, or unlaw
fully enters remarks or signs in the book he is liable to a fine of not
more than 20 marks ($4.76) or imprisonment not exceeding 3 days.
He is also liable for damages to the employee provided the latter enters
suit or makes a formal complaint within 4 weeks.
As a further protection to children, the law provides that wherever
persons under 18 years of age are employed special precautions must
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
353
be taken for the preservation of their health and their protection against
accidents and immoral influences.
In regard to the employment of females, no distinction is made
between girls under 16 years and boys of the same age. The most
important provision regarding the employment of women is that
females over 16 years of age shall not be employed in industrial estab
lishments more than 11 hours per day and on the days preceding Sun
day and holidays not more than 10 hours. Women also must not be
employed at night, that is between the hours of 8.30 p. m. and 5.30
a. m., nor on Saturday and days preceding holidays after 5.30 p. m.
All women must be given not less than 1 hour for rest in the middle of
the day, and females over 16 years of age who have household duties
to perform must at their request be dismissed half an hour before the
noon intermission when the latter is not at least l i hours long.
Women are not allowed to work during the 4 weeks following
their confinement, and this period must be extended to 6 weeks unless
they can obtain a certificate from a physician stating that the}7 are
physically fit for work.
In addition to these restrictions upon the employment of women and
children, specifically set forth in the law itself, the broad power is given
to the Bundesrat to draw up regulations prohibiting, or permitting
only under certain specified conditions, the employment of these classes
in those industries in which the conditions of work are especially dan
gerous to the health, lives, or good conduct of the employees. In
virtue of this power the Bundesrat has promulgated a number of
important orders specifying the conditions under which children and
women can be employed in particular industries, (a)
That exceptions to the general restrictions upon the employment of
women and children should be permitted in certain cases where their
enforcement would work a hardship is fully recognized by the law.
These exceptions are of two kinds, those of a temporary nature and
due for the most part to accidental occurrences, and those which are
permanent and have their justification in the nature of the work per
formed or the conditions under which it must be prosecuted.
Exceptions of the first kind are granted by the local or superior
administrative authorities. The local authorities can, upon the request
of an employer, permit the employment of women over 16 years of
age until 10 p. m. on week days, with the exception of Saturday, pro
vided the duration of the day’s work does not exceed 13 hours, in cases
where there is an unusual pressure of work—as, for example, in those
industries which are prosecuted with exceptional activity during cer
tain seasons of the year. This permission can not be for more than
14 days at any one time, and no employer can be accorded the privi
lege for more than 40 days in any one calendar year. I f the privilege
a For a synopsis of these orders see pages 356-363.
354
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
is desired for more than 14 days at any one time, or more than 40
days in the same calendar year, the permission of the superior admin
istrative authorities must be obtained, which can not be granted unless
the hours o f labor are so regulated that the average yearly working
day does not exceed that fixed by law.
The requests for permission to work overtime must be made in
writing, and must state the reason why the permission is asked, the
number of females to be so employed, the extent of the overtime
work proposed, and the period during which it will continue. The
reply to these requests must be given by the lower authorities in writ
ing within 3 days. If permission is refused an appeal can be made to
the superior authorities. The lower authorities must keep a record
of all cases where permission for overtime work has been gianted,
which must show the name of the employer and the other matters
contained in the prescribed application.
Further exceptions to the general regulations may be granted when
the work of an establishment is interrupted in consequence of an acci
dent or some other unforeseen cause. In such cases permission may be
granted by the superior administrative authorities to further extend
the hours of labor o f women and to shorten their 1-hour intermis
sion during a period of 4 weeks, and by the chancellor for a longer
period. In cases of emergency, as where disasters may be averted,
the lower authorities may grant this permission for a period not
exceeding 14 days. For the same reason and in the same manner the
provisions regarding the hours of labor of children may be suspended.
In case the character of the work or the labor conditions are such
that further alterations in the hours of labor are desirable in individual
cases where women or children are employed, special permission may
be granted by the superior administrative authorities, or by the chan
cellor, provided, however, that in no case can children under 16 years
o f age be allowed to work continuously for more than 6 hours with
out an intermission of 1 hour, and that no change in the legal maximum
working day prescribed for them is made in virtue of this provision.
The lower administrative authorities may also permit the employ
ment of women over 16 years of age who have no household duties
to perform, or who do not attend a finishing school on Saturday and
days preceding holidays after 5.30 p. m., but not later than 8.30 p. m.,
in such supplementary work as cleaning up, guarding establishments,
etc., or when their labor is necessary to prevent the loss of raw mate
rials or products. The permission must be given in writing and pre
served by the employer.
The permanent exceptions which are granted by the Bundesrat are
much more important, not only because they are permanent, but
because they refer to whole industries rather than particular establish
ments. The Bundesrat has large powers in this respect.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
355
In industrial establishments requiring the maintenance of a contin
uous fire, or in which regular night and day work is necessary, or where,
on account of the peculiar character of the work, regular hours of
labor can not well be maintained, or the work is limited to certain
seasons, it can set aside the provisions regarding the hours of labor of
women and children, their employment on Sundays and holidays, their
hours of rest, etc. In these cases the weekly hours of labor can not
exceed 65 (in tile works 70) hours for women, 36 hours for children
under 14, and 60 hours (in tile works 70) for children from 14 to 16
years of age. The night work, in the case of both women and chil
dren, can not exceed 10 hours in every 24, with at least 1 hour
intermission in each shift. The day and night shifts must be changed
weekly.
In industries where a pressure of work occurs regularly at certain
seasons the hours of labor of women may be extended to not more
than 13 hours per day, except on Saturday, when the 10-hour limit can
not be exceeded. This permission can not be granted for more than
40 days in any one year, except when the hours of labor are so regu
lated that the average working day for the year does not exceed that
fixed by law.
Finally, the Bundesrat may shorten or dispense with the intermis
sions prescribed for children under 16 years of age, where the nature
of the operations or consideration for the employees makes it desirable,
provided that the children are not employed more than 6 hours without
one or more intermissions aggregating 1 hour.
The orders of the Bundesrat may relate to the whole Empire or
only to certain districts. They must be published in the official jour
nal (.Reichs - Gesetzblatt) and be placed before the Reichstag at its next
session.
In pursuance of the powers above enumerated given to the Bundesi*at, both to further restrict the employment of women and children
in particular industries, and to permit exemptions from the general
regulations contained in the law concerning their employment, it has
issued a series of orders, reproduced at the end of this section, which
set forth in detail the particular conditions under which these classes
can be employed in the special industries to which the orders relate.
In order that a proper control may be exercised, the law requires
all employers contemplating the employment of women or children to
make a written declaration to the local police authorities before they
begin operations. This declaration must contain all the information
necessary for the maintenance of a rigid control by the authorities;
the name and location of the establishment; the hours of labor; the
time of beginning and stopping work; the hours and length of inter
vals of rest; and the nature of the work prosecuted. No change can
be made in this arrangement until the police have been notified.
356
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Employers must also post in a conspicuous manner in the rooms
where women or children are employed a notice, in a form prescribed
by the authorities, giving an extract of the provisions regarding the
employment of women and children; and where children are employed,
a list of the children there employed, their working days, hours of
labor, and periods of rest.
Following are the orders setting forth the conditions under which
women and children may be employed in the special industries to
which the orders relate:
I ndia -R ubber W orks. —In india-rubber works (order of July 21,
1888) the employment of women and children under 16 years of age
in the preparation of so-called “ preservatives,” or materials serving
the same purpose, is prohibited.
G lass W orks. —The employment of women and children under 16
years of age in glass works (order of March 11, 1892) is subject to the
following conditions:
1. Females must not be employed nor their presence permitted in
rooms where furnaces (smelting, annealing, flattening) are installed,
or in other places in which a high temperature is maintained. Excep
tions, however, may be granted by the Bundesrat.
2. Boys under 14 years of age and girls under 16 years of age must
not be employed in grinding In plate-glass works boys under 14
years of age must not be employed at the smelting or flattening ovens
or in the carrying of rollers if they weigh more than 5 kilograms (11
pounds).
3. Boys under 16 years of age, so far as their work in glass works is
permitted according to the present order, may only be employed when
they are in possession of certificates from a physician duly authorized
by the higher administrative authorities to issue such documents, that
their bodily development is such that their employment will not be
detrimental to their health. These certificates must be surrendered
to the employer, who will treat them as he must the labor pass books
according to the code.
In glass works in which the glass is at the same time smelted and
made into finished products the general provisions of the code regard
ing the hours of labor, intervals of rest, night work, etc., of boys
under 16 years of age apply only as modified by the following regu
lations:
1. Boys under 14 years of age must not be employed more than 6
hours, including the intervals of rest, in any 24 hours, nor more than
36 hours, including intervals of rest, in a week.
2. The labor period of boys from 14 to 16 years of age must not
exceed 12 hours, inclusive of intervals of rest, or 10 hours, exclusive
of intervals of rest; nor must they be employed more than 60 hours,
exclusive of rest periods, in a week. Intermissions of work of less
than a quarter of an hour’s duration are not considered as rest periods;
and one o f the intervals of rest must be for at least half an hour.
3. Where work is prosecuted day and night, there must be a weekly
change of shifts. This provision does not apply to glass works in which
the work is so regulated that the boys have an interval of rest o f at
least 24 hours’ duration between the two shifts. The work in each
shift must be broken by one or more intermissions, the total duration
of which is at least 1 hour.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
357
4. Boys under 16 years of age must not be employed during the
intermissions for adults, and boys under 14 years must not be employed
during the intermissions for boys from 14 to 16 years of age.
5. There must be an intermission of at least 12 hours between two
labor periods.
6. On Sunday and holidays the work period must not fall between
the hours of 6 a. m. and 6 p. m. This provision only applies to the
first day when several holidays follow each other.
In glass works in which the smelting shift and the manufacturing
shift change with each other the provisions of the code limiting the
hours of labor of children, their intervals of rest, and employment at
night and on holidays and Sunday, apply only as modified by the
following regulations:
1. The labor period of boys under 14 years of age must not exceed
in duration half that of the adults, nor be longer than 6 hours, unless
intervals of rest of a total duration of at least 1 hour are permitted
between the working hours. The total number of hours worked in a
week must not exceed 36. Not more than h?Jf the total duration of
work in any 2 weeks must fall between the hours of 6 p. m. and 6 a. m.
2. Boys from 14 to 16 years of age must not be employed more than
60 hours, exclusive of intervals of rest, in a week, and not more than
half the time worked in any 2 weeks must fall between the hours 6
p. m. and 6 a. m. The duration of the periods of rest must be at least
1 hour for shifts of not more than 10 working hours and l i hours for
longer shifts. Intermissions of work of less than a quarter of an hour’s
duration are not counted in reckoning the duration of rest periods.
One of the rest periods must be at least half an hour in duration.
3. The work period, exclusive of intervals of rest, must not exceed
10 hours during the hours from 6 p. m. to 6 a. m.
4. Boys under 16 years of age must not be employed during the
intermissions for adults, and boys under 14 years must not be employed
during the intermission for boys from 14 to 16 years of age.
5. There must be an interval of rest between two labor shifts. For
boys under 14 years of age this period must be at least as long as a
complete labor shift for adults; and for boys from 14 to 16 years of
age the period must be at least as long as the shift just ended. During
the interval of rest boys under 14 years of age must not be permitted
to perform supplementary work. Such work is permitted to boys
from 14 to 16 years of age if they are, before the beginning or
after the ending of such employment, without work for a time
equal to the last ended shift. The time employed in supplementary
work must be included in the total duration of employment permitted
during the week.
6. The work period must not fall between the hours of 6 a. m. and
6 p. m. on Sunday more than once in 2 weeks.
In glass works subject to the foregoing provisions in respect to works
in which the glass is at the same time smelted and made into finished
products, and in which the smelting and manufacturing shifts change
with each other, the provisions of the code regarding the giving of
notice to the authorities and the posting of notices by establishments
employing children apply as modified by the following regulations:
1.
The list of children to be posted must be so prepared that the
persons employed in the same shift must be shown in separate divi
sions for the boys under 14 years of age and those from 14 to 16 years
of age.
358
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
2. In glass works in which the smelting and manufacturing shifts
change with each other the notice need not show the labor day, the
labor period, and the intermissions of work. Instead there must be
annexed to the notice a table showing, according to the prescribed
form, the information required by it. This table must give informa
tion concerning at least the last 14 manufacturing shifts.
3. In rooms in which children are employed there must also be dis
played, in addition to the notice required by the code, a second notice
giving the provisions of the present order applicable to the estab
lishment.
W ir e -D rawing M ills . —The employment of women and children in
wire-drawing mills making use of water power (order of March 11,
1892) is subject to the following conditions:
1. When a division of the work into equal shifts can not be tem
porarily adhered to on account of drought, frost, or flood, children
under 14 years of age and women must not be employed in the manu
facture of the wire, nor their presence permitted in the rooms devoted
to that purpose.
2. For the employment of boys from 14 to 16 years of age under
the circumstances above indicated the general provisions of the code
apply, with the following modifications:
(a) The total duration of their labor, exclusive of intervals o f rest,
must not exceed 60 hours in a week, and the duration of work between
the hours of 6 p. m. and 6 a. m., exclusive of periods of rest, must not
exceed 10 hours. The duration of the periods of rest must be at least
1 hour for shifts of not more than 10 working hours and 1£ hours for
longer shifts. Interruptions of work of less than a quarter of an hour
are not taken into consideration in estimating the rest periods. Where
there are a number of rest periods, one must be of at least half an hour’s
duration.
(b) A period of rest must be allowed between two labor shifts of a
duration at least that of the shift just ended. Supplementary work
must be included in calculating the total duration of a week’s labor.
(c) The children must not be employed during the intervals of rest
for the adults.
(d) On Sunday the work period must not fall oftener than once in
2 weeks during the hours from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m.
3. In wire-drawing mills coming under the foregoing provisions the
requirements of the code regarding the posting of notices apply, sub
ject to the following modifications:
(a) The list of children employed, the posting of which is required,
must be so prepared that those employed in the same shifts form sep
arate lists.
(b) The notice need not contain information concerning the work
periods, the work day, and the intermissions. Instead, there must
be a table in which must be entered during, or immediately after,
each shift the prescribed entries. This table must give information
concerning at least the last 14 shifts. The name of the person keep
ing the record must also be given.
(e) A notice giving the provisions of the present order must be
posted in rooms in which children are employed in the establishments
to which this order relates.
C hicory W orks. —In chicory works (order of March 17, 1892)
women and children under 16 years of age must not be employed nor
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
359
permitted in rooms used for drying. A copy of the present order
must be posted in all rooms of establishments haying drying rooms
in which establishments women or children are employed.
S ugar F actories and R efineries . —In sugar factories and refin
eries (order of March 24, 1892) the employment of women and chil
dren under 16 years of age is permitted only subject to the following
conditions:
1. The employment of women and children is absolutely prohibited
in the washing and soaking of beet root, on the hoists, or in the
transportation of beets and cut-up beets in trucks difficult to move.
Their employment or presence is also prohibited in the filling house
(.Fullhaus ), in the centrifugal rooms, in the crystallizing, drying, and
mash rooms, and in other places where a very high temperature is
maintained while the work is in progress.
2. The following modifications are made in the provisions of the
code regarding night work, rest periods, etc., of working women over
16 years of age:
(a) They must not be employed at night on the sugar floor (Zuckerboden) or in the drying of the cut-up beets, and furthermore may
only be employed in such work as is necessary for the maintenance of
the continuous prosecution of the industry.
(b) Their employment at night must not exceed 10 hours in every
24, and there must be in each shift several intervals of rest, one of
which must be at least 1 hour in duration. The total duration of labor
in both day and night shifts must not exceed 65 hours in a week. An
interval of rest of at least 12 hours must intervene between two night
shifts. The women must alternate between night and day shifts
weekly. This change from day to night shifts must be so arranged
that the women employed in the day shifts do not commence work
in a night shift, or vice versa, until they have had a rest of tit least
21 hours. The change from one shift to another must not fall between
the hours of 8.30 p. m. and 5.30 a. m.
(c) The number of women employed in day and night shifts in sugar
factories and in sugar refineries which are not in operation during the
whole year must not exceed the average number employed during
the last two periods of operation; and in those refineries which are
in operation during the whole year they must not exceed the average
number employed during the two preceding calendar years. Begin
ning with April 1, 1891, the number of women who can thus be
employed in day and night shifts must not exceed two-thirds, and
beginning with April 1, 1896, one-third of the number usually
employed, as above indicated.
(a)
The workrooms and passages, stairways, and other means of
communication must be properly lighted after dark. The workrooms
must have an adequate amount of air space, means of ventilation, and
be heated in cold weather.
(e) Special suitably arranged and cleanly kept washing and dressing
rooms, and rooms in which to wait during the intervals of rest, must
be provided the working women. These rooms must be heated dur
ing cold weather. When the higher administrative authorities so
order, appliances for the preparation of food and drink must be fur
nished the women. The women must not be permitted to remain in
the workrooms during the 1 hour intermission, except while the
industry is not being carried on.
360
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
(f) Separate water-closets, with separate entrances, must be pro
vided for the two sexes, in a number proportionate to the number of
employees. They, and thejr entrances, must be properly lighted after
dark, and be so arranged that persons working in warm rooms may
reach them without danger of taking cold.
(g) There must be conspicuously posted in every room in which
women are employed at night a notice showing the work day, the
times for beginning and ending work, and the intervals of rest. This
notice must give separate lists of the women employed in the day and
night shifts.
(h) There must also be posted in a conspicuous place, in the rooms
indicated in the preceding paragraph, a notice giving the provisions
of the present order.
F orges and R olling M ills . —The employment of women and chil
dren in forges and rolling mills maintaining continuous fires (order of
April 29,1892) is subject to the following conditions:
1. Women must not be employed in the direct operations of the
work, and children under 14 years of age must not be employed any
where in metal,* forge, and rolling mills.
2. The limitations of the code concerning the employment of boys
from 14 to 16 years of age apply with the'following modifications:
(a) Before they may be employed they muafr obtain certificates from
a physician, duly authorized by the higher administrative authorities
to issue such documents, that their bodily development is such that
their employment will not be detrimental to their health. These cer
tificates must be surrendered to the employer, who will treat them, as
he must the labor pass books, according to the code.
(b) The labor period must not exceed 12 hours, inclusive of inter
vals of rest, or 10 hours exclusive of intervals of rest, and each shift
must bb broken by intervals of rest of a total duration of at least 1
hour. Intermissions of less than a quarter of an hour are not to be
taken into account. If, however, the work in an establishment is of
such a nature that the children in the course of the work are not sub
ject to exacting labor, and have interruptions in their work affording
adequate opportunities for rest, the higher administrative author
ities may, upon request, and with the reservation that they can at any
time revoke their action, provide that such interruptions of work,
even though they are less than a quarter of an hour in duration each,
may be taken into account in estimating the 1 hour intermission
required by law. If the children are employed in more than 8-hour
shifts there must be one interval of rest of at least half an hour, which
must fall between the fourth and the eighth hours of work. In no
case shall children be employed more than 60 hours in a week, exclu
sive of intervals of rest. When the work is carried on by means of
day and night shifts the children must change from one to the other
at least weekly. In such establishments the children must not be
employed in more than 6 night shifts, or those falling between the
hours 8.30 p. m. and 5.30 a. m., in a week.
(c) An interval of rest of at least 12 hours must be allowed between
two shifts, and supplementary work must not be permitted during this
time.
(d) On Sunday and holidays the children must not be employed
between the hours of 6 a. m. and 6 p. m., nor must they be employed
on Sunday during the hours before or after this period unless they
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
361
have enjoyed an uninterrupted interval of rest of at least 24 hours
before the beginning or after the close of the labor shift.
(e)
The children must not be employed during the intervals of rest
of the adults.
3.
The provisions of the code regarding the giving of notice to the
authorities and the posting of notices by establishments employing
children apply, as modified by the following regulations:
(a) The list of children employed, the posting of which is required,
must be so prepared that those employed in each shift form separatelists.
(b) When regular intervals of rest are provided for, the times at
which they begin and end must be given separately for each shift.
(c) When there are no regular rest periods, the notices need make
no mention concerning them. Instead, a table must be annexed to the
notice in which must be entered during or immediately after each
labor shift the beginning and the end of the rest periods that were
allowed. This table must give information concerning the last 14
labor shifts in the case of establishments employing the two-shift
system, and the last 20 shifts in the case of establishments using the
three-shift system.
(d) The foregoing table need not be prepared in the case of children;
who are employed exclusively at the trains ( Walzenstrasse), and who are
not employed in connection with furnaces in continuous operation, se
far as these make at least 8 charges in 24 hours and are not recharged
during the work at the trains.
(e) The higher administrative authorities may grant exemptions
from the foregoing provisions regarding notices in certain special cases.
(f) A notice giving the provisions of the present order must b&
posted in rooms in which children are employed in the establishments
to which this order relates.
T ext ile F actories.—In hackling and other preparing rooms in
textile factories (order of April 29, 1892) children under 16 years o f
age must not be employed, nor their presence permitted in hackling
rooms, or rooms in wnich machines are used for opening, loosening,,
grinding, dusting, greasing, or mixing of raw or used textile fibers,.
or waste, or rags. This prohibition does not apply to cards for wool
or cotton. A copy of this order must be posted in all factories, hav
ing rooms as above enumerated, which employ children.
Spinning W orks. —In spinning works (order of December 8,1893)
which the local police authorities designate as desiring to take advan
tage of this order, the afternoon intermission prescribed by the code?
for children under 16 years of age may be omitted on Saturday, and
days before holidays, when the following conditions are observed:
When the interval of rest is omitted, the work period for the children
must not be longer than 9 i hours, and must not extend beyond 5.30
p. m., or more than 4 hours after the midday rest. On these days the;
children must be permitted to take their afternoon meal while at
work. If advantage is taken of this order, a copy of its provisions
must be posted.
D airies , etc .— In dairies and establishments for sterilizing milk
(order of July 17, 1895) the provision of the code which requires tha
work period of women to be between the hours of 5.30 a. m. and 8.30
p. m. is modified to the extent that the work period of women over 10
2193—No. 27----- 9
362
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
years of age may, from March 15 to Oetoberl5, fall between the hours
4 a. m. and 10 p. m.
P reserving F actories .—In preserving factories (order of March
11, 1898) women over 16 years of age can, notwithstanding the re
strictions concerning their employment contained in the code, be
employed on those days other than Saturday, when manual labor is
most required, under the following conditions:
1. The work period shall not exceed 13 hours, and must not fall
between the hours 10 p. m. and 5.30 a. m.
2. When the normal work period i^ exceeded on more than 40 days
during the industrial year, beginning May 1 and ending April 30, the
hours of labor of the women so employed must be so regulated that
the average duration of their daily labor does not exceed the normal
work day fixed for them by the code.
3. A table must be posted in a conspicuous place in every establish
ment taking advantage of this order, upon which the director of the
enterprise must enter on the day when overtime work is had the date
and the number of hours worked by all women over 16 years of age
in the establishment or that particular branch of the work concerned.
A copy of the present order must also be conspicuously posted in all
such places.
B rick and T ile W orks. —In brick and tile works (order of Octo
ber 18, 1898) it is prohibited to employ women or children under 16
years of age, (1) in the work of extracting or transporting the raw
material, including the wet clay; (2) in molding bricks by hand, with
the exception of roof tiles and porous bricks; (3) in work performed
in furnaces, or in firing the latter, with the exception of charging and
drawing drying furnaces ( Schmauchofeii) which are open at the top;
(4) in the transportation of molded bricks and tiles, including dried
and baked bricks, so far as this work is done by wheelbarrows or
other similar means, and use can not be made of a hard, even road or
one with firm rails.
In works which are operated only during the period from the
middle of May to the middle of November, the following exceptions
are permitted to the provisions of the code restricting the employ
ment of women and children from 14 to 16 years of age: (1) Children
of the age specified may be employed every day on which work can
be performed, except Saturday and the days before holidays, 11
instead of 10 hours. (2) In works which are conducted without
employing a fixed plant, or where the fixed plant consists of but one
furnace, women, and children from 14 to 16 years of age, may be
employed 12 instead of 10 hours each day, except Saturday and days
before holidays. In this case, however, these employees must be given
three intervals of rest, one at noon of not less than 1 hour’s duration,
and one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon, of not less than onehalf hour each. In no case shall more than 4 hours’ work be per
formed without an intermission. (3) The work period of the children
and women can, by derogation of the code, begin as early as 4.30 a. m.
and continue as late as 9 p. m.
In those works which take advantage of the provisions regarding
establishments which are operated only from the middle of May to
the middle of November, a notice must be posted containing the pro
visions of this order regarding brick and tile works generally, and,
instead of a copy of the general provisions of the code regarding
FOREIGN LABOR LAW S.
863
women and children, so much of the latter and so much of the pro
visions of this order as apply in the particular case. In all other
works there must be posted a copy of the provisions of the code
regarding the employment of women and children, and a copy of those
provisions of this order which relate to brick and tile works generally.
M ines and C oke W orks . —The order of February 1,1895, in rela
tion to the employment of women and children in coal mines, and
that of March 24,1892, in relation to their employment in coal mines,
lead and zinc mines, and coke works in Oppeln do not fall within the
scope of the present work, which is intended in no case to reproduce
the laws concerning labor in mines. Their provisions are, therefore,
not reproduced.
SU N D AY LABOR.
The regulation anew of Sunday labor was one of the most impor
tant features of the labor law of June 1,1891. Prior to its enactment
the law concerning this subject was in a very unsatisfactory condition.
The industrial code simply provided that employers could not require
their employees to work on Sunday except in certain cases of great
necessity. In other words, the meaning of this provision was that a
contract calling for Sunday work could not be enforced. There was,
however, nothing to prevent workingmen from voluntarily working,
and Sunday work was consequently ve ry prevalent.
The law of 1891 changed this. It set forth in detail the conditions
under which work might be performed on Sunday, and made the
infraction of any of its provisions punishable by a fine, which in some
cases amounted to as much as 600 marks ($142.80). The essential pro
visions of this law are reproduced in the following paragraphs.
The general principle of the act is that all labor on Sunday and
holidays is prohibited in those cases specifically mentioned by the law.
This prohibition applies to almost all categories of industrial and com
mercial work, except when a workingman labors alone or is aided only
by the members of his family. It does not, however, apply to agri
culture, forestry, fishing, and the liberal arts and professions, nor to
concerts, theaters, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and the like, nor to trans
portation, except when it is a part of 'the work of an industrial or
commercial establishment.
The law further provides that the prohibition of Sunday and holiday
work may be extended by an imperial decree approved b}^ the Bundesrat to industries other than those specified in the law. Such decrees
must be placed before, the Reichstag at its next session. No use has as
yet been made of this power.
The determination of the days to be considered as legal holidays is
made by the State government in taking account of the religious
customs of the people. The cessation from labor must be for 24
364
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
continuous hours on each Sunday and holiday, 36 hours when a
Sunday and holiday or two holidays succeed each other, and 48 hours
at Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. When a Sunday and holiday or
two holidays succeed each other the rest period must always last until
6 p. m. of the second day, and as it must begin at midnight in estab
lishments working only in daytime or in irregular shifts, in such cases
it lasts 42 instead of 36 hours. In establishments working continuously
night and day by shifts, it may for a holiday or Sunday begin not
earlier than 6 p. m. of the day preceding nor later than 6 a. m. of the
day itself, and last for 24 hours, in which case the whole establish
ment shuts down for that length of time.
In commercial establishments ( Handelsgewerbe ) no labor shall be
performed on Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost. On other holidays
and on Sunday employees may be allowed to work not more than- 5
hours. Power, however, is given to the local authorities to limit still
further or even to suppress this privilege.
To this general prohibition of commercial work on Sunday there
are a number of exceptions. During those periods of the year when
trade is unusually active, as the 4 weeks prior to Christmas and cer
tain times when the people from the rural districts come to the cities
to make their purchases, the police authorities can permit stores to
remain open for as many as 10 hours on Sunday and holidays. The
exception made in the case of persons working alone or only aided by
members of their families in industrial work does not apply to com
mercial establishments. The prosecution of business by shops con
ducted in this way or by peddlers on Sunday is equally prohibited with
that of other commercial establishments.
The impracticability of attempting to restrict all Sunday work, no
matter what its nature or circumstances under which it must be per
formed within the limits described above, has necessarily been recog
nized by the German Parliament. The law, therefore, provides in
detail the cases in which these restrictions shall not apply. These
exceptions are in part enumerated in the law itself and in part are left
to the Bundesrat or other governmental authorities to determine.
The following classes of work are enumerated by the law as exempt
from the prohibition of Sunday and holiday work: (1) W ork which
public convenience requires shall be promptly executed; (2) the mak
ing of inventories required by law; (3) the guarding of plants, and
the cleaning, repairing, and other work necessary for the maintenance
of the equipment or to insure that the work shall not be inter
rupted, and which can not be performed on other days; (4) work
indispensable in order to preserve materials employed or goods man
ufactured, as far as this work can not be done on week days.
In order to prevent an improper advantage being taken of these
exceptions, it is provided that, whenever work of this kind is per
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
365
formed, the employer must keep a record showing for each Sunday
or holiday the number of persons employed, the duration of their
labor, and the nature of the work performed. This record must be
always open to the inspection of the factory inspectors or local
authorities.
In those cases where workingmen have been employed, as provided
in the third and fourth cases, for more than 3 hours, or have been
prevented from attending divine worship, the employer must give to
them 12 hours’ rest every other Sunday between the hours of 6 a. m.
and 6 p. m ., or 36 hours’ uninterrupted rest, including Sunday, every
third week. The local authorities, however, can abrogate this provi
sion where the workingmen are not prevented from attending divine
service and enjoy a 24-hours’ uninterrupted rest during the. week.
By far the most important exceptions, however, are those which the
law permits the Bundesrat or the superior or local authorities to
accord. The Bundesrat can frame regulations permitting Sunday
work in those industries which must be prosecuted without interrup
tion, which can remain in operation only during certain seasons of the
year, or which manufacture goods that are only in demand during
certain months. Practically the only limitation to the power of the
Bundesrat in this respect is that the regulations must be general and
apply to all establishments in the same industry. All such orders
must be published in the official journal and must be placed before the
Reichstag at its next session.
In pursuance of this power the Bundesrat on February 5, 1895,
promulgated a very comprehensive order regulating the conditions
under which Sunday and holiday work was permissible in a large
number of industries. This order has been subsequently modified by
other orders relating to particular industries. As thus amended the
order now relates to all or certain designated branches of the follow
ing industries: (1) Mining and quarrying, the manufacture of iron
and steel and other metals, and salt works; (2) stone and earthenware
manufacture; (3) enameling, electroplating, and the installation of
electrical machines and apparatus; (4) chemical industries; (5) forestry
by-products, lighting materials, fats, oils, and varnish; (6) paper and
leather; (7) food and food products, and (8) industries which are unusually
active at certain times of the year, as confectioneries, toy factories,
tailoring and shoemaking on a small scale, millinery, furrier’s trade,
straw hat factories, and the chemical cleaning and dyeing of wearing
apparel. For particular classes of industries under these general groups
there is indicated the specific character of the work permitted on Sunday
and holidays, and the conditions under which such work is allowed.
The order further provides that employees engaged on work accessory
to the real work of establishments such as attending to the motive
power, lighting plants, etc., must be allowed the minimum rest period
366
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
provided for by law. The prescribed rest indicated for employees
whose work is permitted on Sunday by this order for single or suc
cessive holidays and Sundays must be granted without interruption,
and must for the most part or wholly be between 6 p. m. of the preced
ing work day and 6 a. m. of the succeeding work day. Finally, the
employer must post in a conspicuous place in the establishment a
notice showing the general provisions of this order and that portion
that relates particularly to the industry to which his establishment
belongs.
The power of the superior administrative authorities to grant
authorizations for Sunday work relates to those industries the opera
tion of which is necessary to satisfy the daily needs of the public, or
where the power used is irregular, as water flow and wind.
The local authorities can grant similar authorizations to particular
establishments where such work is necessary to prevent great loss on
account of an accident or other unforeseen circumstance. In these
cases the authorization must be in writing, and a copy must be posted
in the place of work where it can be easily seen by the employees.
The authorities must also prepare a statement showing all the cases
where this permission has been granted, the number of persons whose
employment was permitted, the length of time worked, the reasons
for granting the permission, etc.
Finally, it is important to note that not only were the existing laws
of the individual States regarding Sunday work not repealed, except
in so far as they were in opposition to the imperial law, but full free
dom was left to the States to further restrict through legislation Sunday
Labor within their boundaries.
FACTO RY A N D W ORKSHOP RULES.
The question o f shop rules or regulations received considerable
attention by those having charge of the framing of the law of 1891,
and important provisions concerning it were incorporated in the law.
Prior to the passage of this act great complaint was made by the
employees that, not only were the regulations governing the conduct
of work in each establishment framed by the employer in an arbi
trary manner, but that owing to the fact that they were often not
reduced to writing, the employees had no way of knowing exactly
what the regulations were, nor when they would be changed.
To remedy this the law of June 1, 1891, provided that in every
industrial establishment in which 20 or more persons were employed
a set of shop rules or regulations should be prepared, and that these
regulations, as far as they were not contrary to law, should constitute an
integral part of the labor contract. These regulations must be dated,
signed, and posted where "they can easily be seen by the employees,
within 1 weeks after the establishment begins operations. In addition,
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
367
a copy must be given to each employee upon his entering the service
of the establishment. Special regulations can be prepared for partic
ular branches of the work. The regulations do not enter into force
until 2 weeks after they are posted.
Though the main purpose of this law is to make the conditions of
labor certain and generally known, the law also specifies the essential
points that must be covered by the regulations. They must contain
provisions concerning the hours of beginning and stopping work and
the intervals allowed adult employees for rest; the manner of fixing
wages and the times of their payment; the notice required in ter
minating the labor contract and the grounds upon which it can be dis
pensed with; the kinds and amount of fines, the manner in which they
are levied, and when they are money fines, the method of their collec
tion and the purpose for which they are employed; and the disposi
tion that will be made of money retained on account of the improper
breaking of the labor contract.
The law limits the amount of fines that can be levied to not more
than one-half the average daily earnings of the employee, except that,
in cases relating to the punishment of acts of violence toward fellowworkers, serious transgressions against good morals, or against the
orders of the establishment for insuring the safety of the establishment
or for the enforcement of the regulations enacted for the carrying out
of the provisions of the industrial code, the fines may equal the full
amount of the average daily earnings. No fines or penalties can be
imposed which are hurtful to the sense of honor or good morals of the
employees. In all cases the proceeds from fines must be expended for
the benefit of the employees of the establishment in which they are
levied. This provision of course does not refer to compensation
obtained by employers on account of damages sustained.
The fines levied must be entered in a register kept for that purpose.
The entry must show the name of the person fined, the date, cause,
and amount of the fine, and the register must be open at all times to
the inspection of the proper authorities. The penalties must be fixed
without delay and must be made known to the employee.
Causes for dismissal or giving up of work other than those specified
in the factory regulations or in the law can not be agreed upon in the
labor contract, nor can penalties other than those provided for in those
regulations be imposed.
It will be observed from the foregoing that, with the exception of the
matter of fines, the law merely fixes the points to be covered, but
leaves the parties quite free in determining their exact nature. The
law of 1891, however, contains a very important provision in its
requirement that the workingmen shall be given an opportunity to be
heard in the framing of the regulations or of supplements thereto.
The law thus provides that before the regulations are promulgated the
368
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
adult workingmen of the establishment shall be given an opportunity
to make known their wishes regarding them.
In a considerable number of the more important industrial estab
lishments permanent workingmen’s committees {stwidige Arbeiteraus Bohusse) had been voluntarily created by the employers for the purpose
of having a body which could represent the collective interests of
employees. The law recognized the utility of these institutions, and
provided that where they were in existence their advice should be taken
in the formulation of the regulations. In their absence certain other
workingmen’s organizations, such as the committees for the manage
ment of the sick funds, when the majority of their members were
elected from among the workingmen, could act in this capacity as the
representatives of the employees.
I f there is a permanent workingmen’s committee, and its consent is
obtained, provisions can be introduced in the regulations concerning
the operation of factory institutions created for the benefit of the
employees and the conduct of minors outside of the establishment.
Though the employers must thus afford their employees an oppor
tunity to be heard in regard to the framing of the factory rules, they
are not bound to conform to their wishes in any respect. Experience,
however, has demonstrated that the opportunity to be heard is never
theless a valuable one for both parties. Conditions that would lead to
trouble are often foreseen and modified, and points of little moment
to the employers, and yet objectionable to the employees, are frequently
eliminated.
After considerable discussion it was decided that it would not be
necessary for these rules to receive the approval of the Government.
The only administrative control exercised is that copies of all rules
must be filed in duplicate with the local authorities within 3 days after
their promulgation, with the observations of the workingmen if made
in writing or the report of the meeting at which they had expressed
their opinion. If, however, the regulations do not conform to legal
requirements, the authorities can order their modification.
Changes in regulations must be made in the form of supplements or
in such a manner that a new set of rules replaces the old, and are sub
ject to the same provisions and formalities as the original regulations.
IN S P E C T IO N OF F A C T O R IE S .
The duty of creating a service for the inspection of factories and
the enforcement of the law in relation to them is left to the individual
States. Formerly each State was left free to determine whether the
execution of the factory laws should be left to the ordinary police or
local administrative authorities, or special officials should be appointed
for that purpose. The law of 1891 changed this and made it obligatory
upon the States to appoint special industrial councilors and inspectors
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
369
( Gewerleaufsiclitsleamten ). Each State thus possesses its own partic
ular service, and fixes the powers and duties of its inspectors and their
relation to the local police authorities. The general law of the Empire,
however, provides that these officials shall have the right to enter and
inspect all industrial establishments at any time, and the employers
are bound to furnish them such statistical information as the Bundesrat
or provincial authorities may require.
The inspectors must furnish annually to their governments reports
setting forth the manner in which they have performed their duties.
These reports must be transmitted in their entirety or in abstract to
the Bundesrat and Reichstag. From the information contained in
them the central government prepares and publishes an annual report
under the title of Amtliche Mittheilungen aus den Jahresberichten der
Gewerbeaufsichtsbeamten. A number of the individual States also
publish the reports of their inspectors independently.
In addition to this regular service for the inspection of factories the
accident insurance institutions can appoint special officers to oversee
the observance of those provisions having for their object the preven
tion of accidents.
P A Y M E N T OF W A G E S : T R U C K S Y S T E M .
As in other .countries, it has been found necessary in Germany to
enact laws for the purpose of insuring that workingmen shall receive
their wages in cash and at regular intervals of time. Provisions with
this object in view were contained in nearly all of the earlier labor
codes. The present law is contained in the act of June 1, 1891, and
introduces important modifications in prior existing legislation.
Employers are required to reckon wages in the money of the Empire
and to pay them in cash. Employees must not be charged with goods
furnished them except under the following conditions: Food may be
furnished at actual cost price; the use of land and dwellings may be per
mitted at the rental customary in the vicinity; fuel, light, regular board,
medicine, and medical attendance, as well as tools and materials, ma}r
be supplied at their average cost price, and the proper deduction be
made from wages on this account.
In the casg of contract work, tools and materials may be furnished
at more than their cost price provided that the price has been pre
viously agreed upon and does not exceed that usually charged in the
neighborhood. This higher price is permitted so that the workingmen
will be prevented from selling the tools or materials to other parties at
a profit.
In all cases the goods, etc., must be furnished directly by the em
ployer and not through a third party, and this can only be done with
the consent of the employees^
870
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Payment of wages can not be made in restaurants or saloons with
out the permission of the lower administrative authorities. The money
must be paid to the workingmen themselves and never to third parties
for the satisfaction of debts, etc., except as provided by the law in
respect to attachments.
If wages are paid otherwise than as above provided, the employees
may nevertheless at any time demand their payment according to law,
and any defense that may be interposed to the effect that something
else has been given in lieu of wages will be held invalid. In this case,
jf any supplies received are still on hand, they must be turned over to
the sick fund to which the employee belongs, and if there is no such
fund to the local workingmen’s relief fund designated by the commu
nal authorities, and in the absence of such a fund, to the local charity
fund. When payments have been made to third parties, they will be
considered as null and void.
All contracts in violation of the above provisions are null and void.
The same nullity attaches to all agreements between employers and
employees regarding the purchase of necessities by the latter from
certain stores, or regarding the application of the wages of the
employees to any purpose other than their participation in institutions
for improving their condition or that of their families. This, how
ever, does not apply to deductions from wages which are authorized
by law on account of the breaking of the labor contract, injury to
goods, breaking of machinery, etc. Claims for goods furnished and
credited in violation of this law can not be sued for by the creditor,
nor can they b e . charged against the debtor, nor made good in any
other way, no matter whether the claim is made directly or transferred
to another party.
All the provisions regarding the payment of wages apply equally to
members of families of employees, to managers, overseers, etc.
Deductions from wages can be made by employers to secure them
selves againt loss on account of a breach of the labor contract, or to
enforce the payment of fines when they have been previously “agreed
upon, not in excess of one-fourth of the wages due, nor more than the
average wages for one week. Agreements may, however, be made
for larger deductions to secure employers against loss on account of
the loss or destruction of materials.
In addition to these general provisions applicable to the whole
Empire, the individual communes, or a union of communes, are author
ized to enact regulations, for all or for specified industries, of the
following character: (1) That wages must be paid at fixed intervals of
time, which must not be longer than one month nor shorter than one
week; (2) that wages earned by minors must be paid to the parents or
guardians, or that they shall only be paid to the minors upon the
written authorization of the parents or guardians, or upon the
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
871
acknowledgment by the latter of the receipt of the previous wages;
(8) that the employers must report to the parents or guardians at
certain intervals of time the amount of wages paid to minors.
The provisions regarding wage payments apply also to persons
engaged in productive work outside the establishments of their
employers even when such employees furnish their own raw or other
materials.
A R B IT R A T IO N T R IB U N A L S .
In the consideration of the laws relating to guilds, it will be remem
bered that one of the important functions of those bodies was the
constitution of arbitration committees. The jurisdiction of these
committees, however, is limited to the adjustment of disputes in which
guild members are concerned. They, therefore, scarcely affect any
but the handicraft trades, and play little or no part in the settlement
of the more important strikes and difficulties affecting the large indus
trial establishments.
Independently of these bodies, various other kinds of arbitration
tribunals had gradually arisen in different parts of the Empire. Some
of these had been organized by the local authorities in virtue of a per
mission to do so given to them by a provision of the labor code of
1869, and continued in the law of July 17,1878. Others were organized
similar, in a number of respects, to the French councils of prudhommes.
None of these were very efficient institutions, and the lack of uni
formity in their character and methods of operation constituted a real
disadvantage.
To remedy these evils a general arbitration law was enacted July
29, 1890. This law is not a radical measure. It does not provide for
the obligatory creation of arbitration courts, but, instead, leaves the
matter of their establishment to the initiative of the individual com
munes or provincial authorities. It, however, introduces the provision
that if the communes do take action, the tribunal created must be of
the character fixed by the law. The main purpose of the law is, there
fore, to make more uniform the arbitration tribunals created by the
communes, and to define more accurately their powers and modes of
action. While this law is treated under the caption of arbitration
tribunals, it really provides for a system of special courts for the
decision of labor cases, much in the same manner as the ordinary civil
courts. The principle of conciliation and arbitration, however, is
given great prominence.
It is important to note that this law relates to the settlement of dis
putes only among a particular class of industrial workers, that covered
by section 7 of the industrial code, or factory employees proper. In
this class are included officials, superintendents, and technical experts
whose annual earnings or wages do not exceed 2,000 marks ($476). In
372
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
no case, however, does the law apply to the handicraft trades. Fol
lowing is a summary of the provisions of this law:
Tribunals for the decision of industrial disputes between employers
and their employees, as well as between employees of the same estab
lishment ( Gewerbegerichte), may be created in virtue of this law by
the communes, unions of communes, or, in certain cases, by the pro
vincial authorities. The creation of an arbitration court by a com
mune must be by an act of the communal council, in accordance with
section 142 of the industrial code. This section provides that such
action shall be taken only after the employers and employees affected
have had an opportunity to express their opinion, and that the consti
tution of the court must receive the approval of the higher adminis
trative authorities and be published in the customary way of making
communal proclamations. The higher administrative authorities must
make known their decision regarding the matter within 6 months.
When their decision is adverse, the grounds for the disapproval must
be given. Much the same provisions apply to the creation of arbitra
tion courts by a union of communes.
When the employers and workingmen interested petition for the
establishment of a tribunal, but the communal authorities fail to act,
the provincial government {Landes- Centralbehorde) may provide for
the creation of such a body.
An arbitration tribunal may be created for all or for only particular
categories of industries of a district, and may be for a single com
mune, a part of a commune, or a union of communes. The law con
tains special provisions concerning the creation of arbitration courts
for the industries of coal mining, salt manufacture, quarrying, etc.,
which will not be reproduced here. After a court is created, its juris
diction may be extended by the provincial authorities, after the local
authorities have first been heard.
When created, the jurisdiction of these tribunals as regards matters
to be adjudicated extends to the following questions without regard
to the value of the matter in dispute: (1) The making, continuance, or
breaking of the labor contract, and the surrender of, or making of
entries in, labor pass books or certificates; (2) claims on account of
services rendered, or for indemnities arising out of such relations, and
the payment of fines; (3) the calculation and charging of dues required
of employees for the sick-insurance funds; and (4) claims of employees
against one another when work was undertaken jointly .under the same
employer. The courts do not have jurisdiction regarding disputes in
respect to fines agreed to be paid if, at the termination of the labor
contract, the employee enters the service of another person, or enters
into business for himself. The jurisdiction of the courts as regards
the first three classes of disputes includes those between persons work
ing for definite employers outside the establishments in industrial pro
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
373
ductions and their employers, in so far as their work relates to the
manipulation of raw or partly manufactured articles furnished by the
employer. The purpose of this provision is to bring home workers
under the operation of the law. The same is true of disputes between
home workers when working as described under the fourth class of
disputes given above. Disputes among home workers who furnish
their own raw or partly manufactured materials may come under the
jurisdiction of the courts if their special statutes so provide. In all
cases the jurisdiction of an arbitration court excludes that of the ordi
nary civil courts.
Each arbitration tribunal must consist of a president ( Vorsitzer), at
least 1 deputy (S tellvertreter), and not less than 4 associates (.B eisitzer ).
Where a tribunal is organized in a number of sections, a presiding offi
cer may be designated for each one.
The president and deputy are elected by the local authorities for
terms of not less than 1 year. Neither can be an employer or an
employee, and their election must be approved by the higher adminis
trative authorities of the district in which the court is situated. This
provision, however, does not apply to State or communal officials who
hold office by virtue of a State appointment or confirmation so long as
they are incumbents of such offices.
The associates must be elected in equal number by the employers
and employees voting by secret and direct ballot in separate assem
blies. The term of office must be for not less than 1 nor more than 6
years, and members are reeligible. Only those persons shall be electors
who have completed their twenty-fifth year, have been domiciled or
employed at least 1 year within the territorial jurisdiction of the court,
and are eligible for the office of constable or sheriff. I f the jurisdic
tion of a court is limited to certain classes of industries, only the
employers and employees in those industries may take part in the elec
tions or be elected. Neither members of a guild having an arbitration
committee, nor their employees, may take part in the constitution of a
court under this law.
To be eligible for election as members of a court, persons must be
30 years of age and must have resided or worked in the district for at
least the 2 preceding years. Persons are not eligible for election if
they or their families have been recipients of public relief which has
not been repaid, and if they are disqualified from holding the office of
constable or sheriff.
The details of the method of holding elections are prescribed by acts
of the local authorities. These may provide that specified industrial
groups may each elect one or more associates. They may also specify
to what extent home workers shall be eligible as electors or members
of the courts.
Objections to the legality of an election must be made within 1
374
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
month to the higher administrative authorities. If the objection is sus
tained, the election must be declared void and a new election be held.
In cases where no elections are held, or where they have been repeat
edly declared void after having been held, the higher administrative
authorities ma}r order that such elections be held by the local authori
ties where they should have been held by employers or employees, or
may themselves appoint members where the election should have been
held by the local authorities.
The office of associate is an honorary one, there being no salary
attached to it. Acceptance may be refused only upon the same grounds
that would justify a person refusing an unsalaried communal office.
Where there are no legal provisions regarding the declination of com.
munal offices, a person elected as an associate may decline to serve
upon the same grounds that would justify him in declining the position
of guardian.
Any person, however, who has been an associate for 6 years may
decline to serve for the ensuing 6 years. In all cases the reasons for
declining to serve must be put in writing, and will be acted upon by
the local authorities.
Though they receive no salary, associates must be allowed a compen
sation for time lost and be reimbursed for traveling expenses incurred
in attending sessions of the court. The amount to be so allowed is
determined by local statutes, and can not be declined by the members.
If circumstances arise or become known which would make a mem
ber ineligible for election to the office, he must be removed by the
higher administrative authorities, after an opportunity has been given
to the interested parties to be heard. If a member is guilty of a gross
violation of his duties, he may be removed by the provincial court
(Landgericht) of the district. Proceedings in such cases are instituted
by the state’s attorney.
Before entering upon their duties the presidents and their deputies
must take oath of office before an official designated by the higher
administrative authorities, and the associates must take oath of office
before the president of the tribunal.
Associates who, without sufficient excuse, do not attend the sessions
of the court with promptness, or who in other ways fail to fulfill their
obligations, may be sentenced by the president to the payment of a
fine not exceeding 300 marks ($71.40), in addition to such costs as may
have been incurred. If a sufficient excuse is afterwards given, the
fine may be partially or wholly remitted. An appeal from the action
of the president in this matter may be taken to the provincial court of
the district in which the arbitration court has its seat.
An arbitration tribunal when exercising its functions must consist
of 3 members, including the president, unless otherwise provided by
local statute, which may provide that in general or for certain classes
FOKEIGItf LABOE LAWS.
375
of disputes a larger number of associates must be called. In all cases
there must be an equal number of employer and employee associates.
A registrar’s office must be created for each court.
The law contains detailed provisions concerning the method of pro
cedure in the arbitration courts, which need not be here reproduced
except in brief summary form. In general the rules governing pro
cedure in the civil courts are followed, except in so far as they are
expressly modified by the present law. Parties can not be represented
by attorneys or persons making a business of court proceedings. The
terms of the courts will be fixed by their presidents. Parties must be
formally summoned by the registrar. When a complaint is entered
upon the docket, the president must appoint the earliest possible time
for its trial. On regular court days the parties to a dispute may vol
untarily appear without having been previously summoned or a day of
trial fixed. The filing of a complaint in such a case consists simply of
a verbal statement. The complaint must be recorded if the matter
remains in dispute. Except in certain special cases, proceedings must
be public.
If the complainant fails to appear at the time of trial, judgment will
be rendered against him in default, and the case dismissed if the
defendant so requests. If the defendant fails to appear, and the com
plainant makes a motion to that effect, the facts alleged in the bill of
complaint will be considered as admitted, and so far as they justify the
redress asked judgment will be rendered; otherwise the action will be
dismissed. Parties against whom judgment by default has been ren
dered may within 3 days file a petition that it be set aside. This
petition must be heard by the court, and if acted upon favorably the
case will be restored to the status in which it was before judgment
was rendered.
If the parties duly appear, the effort must first be made by the arbi
tration tribunal to effect an amicable settlement of the dispute. This
attempt at conciliation may be renewed at any stage of the proceedings,
and must be renewed at the close of the proceedings if both parties
are present. If an agreement is reached, its terms must be recorded
in the minutes, and be read to the parties. The minutes must state
that the agreement has been read to the parties, and must record its
approval by the parties, or any objections that were made to it.
If an amicable agreement is not reached, the action will go to trial.
The president will conduct the proceedings. His aim must be to have
the parties make a full declaration of all. important facts, to indicate
the evidence required to establish the claims made, and to make such
orders as may be necessary. He may at an j time order the personal
appearance of the parties, and in the case of their failure to appear
may impose a fine not exceeding 100 marks (123.80) in amount. Objec
tion to this fine may be made according to the ordinary rules of civil
procedure.
376
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
If the continuance of a case to another term is necessary, especially
when this is required because necessary evidence can not be immedi
ately obtained, the future term and the time for the taking of the
evidence must be immediately designated.
Evidence must, as a rule^be taken before the arbitration tribunal.
A record must be kept of all proceedings, which must be signed by
the president and the registrar.
The judgment must be announced at the term during which the
proceedings are terminated; or, if this can not be done, within 3 days
at a specially appointed term. The judgment must show: (1) The
members of the court who have participated in the trial of the cause;
(2) the parties; (3) a brief summary of the matters in dispute and the
important grounds for the decision, and (4) the terms of the judg
ment rendered and the amount of the costs as far as they can be imme
diately ascertained.
If the judgment requires the performance of an act, the party obli
gated may, at the request of the .other party, be held to pay an
indemnity as fixed by the court in case of its nonperformance within
a specified time. ♦In the assessing of costs the tribunal, when requested
by the successful party, may in its judgment include an indemnity for
the time lost by the successful party in his attendance at the trial.
Decisions regarding the fixing of costs are final. Appeals from judg
ments regarding the matters in dispute, however, may be made to the
district court when the amount involved exceeds the sum of 100 marks
($23.80). Decisions are enforced according to the general rules con
tained in the law relating to civil procedure. The civil courts must
render all assistance within their legal powers.
Careful provisions are made by the law that the prosecution of
actions in the industrial courts shall be as inexpensive as possible.
The law thus provides that only one fee shall be charged in each-case,
which shall be proportionate to the amount of the sum in dispute.
1/Vhere this sum does not exceed 20 marks ($4.76) the fee is 1 mark
($0.24); where it is more than 20 marks ($4.76), but not more than 50
marks ($11.90), l i marks ($0.36), and where the sum is more than 50
marks ($11.90), but not more than 100 marks ($23.80), 3 marks ($0.71).
Three marks ($0.71) additional are charged for each additional 100
marks ($23.80). In case judgment is acknowledged or rendered by
default, or the case is withdrawn before actual trial, only half fees
will be charged. If a conciliation is effected at any stage of the pro
ceedings the fee will be remitted altogether. The constitution of each
court also may provide for a lower scale of fees or their entire remis
sion. The losing party is responsible for costs. They will be assessed
according to the ordinary method in judicial proceedings, and their
collection may be enforced in the same way as communal taxes.
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
377
In addition to sitting as formal courts for the adjudication of labor
cases, the arbitration tribunals may act as boards of conciliation to
adjust disputes affecting the relations between employers and their
employees. In order to act in this capacity they must be formally*
requested to serve by both employers and employees. When the lat
ter are more than 3 in number they may appoint delegates to represent
them. Such delegates must be at least 25 years of age and in the pos
session of their full legal rights.
When sitting as a board of conciliation (.Einigungsam t), the tribunal
must consist of the president and 2 employer and 2 employee associates.
The board, however, may be increased by the addition of an equal num
ber of prudhommes ( Vertrauensm anner) for employers and employees.
This will be done when both parties request it and designate the names
of the persons to be selected. None of the persons on the board must
be interested in the dispute.
The board of conciliation, after hearing both parties or their dele
gates, must determine the points in dispute and the circumstances
regarding them that must be taken into account in arriving at a deci
sion. Any associate or prudhomme has the right to put questions
through the president to the delegates and witnesses. After a clear
understanding concerning the circumstances of the dispute is had, each
party must be given an opportunity in a general discussion to express
himself regarding the matters alleged by the other party or in the way
of testimony by witnesses. This done, the effort to effect a concilia
tion will be made.
If a conciliation is arrived at its terms must be reduced to writing
and signed by all the members of the board and the delegates of both
parties. If a conciliation is not effected the board must render a
decision covering all the points in dispute between the parties. This
decision will be arrived at by a simple majority vote. If, as the
result of this vote, it is found that all the employer associates and
prudhommes voted one way and all the employee associates and prud
hommes voted another, the president may withhold his vote and
declare that a decision has not been reached.
When a decision is given it must be announced to the delegates of
both parties, with the notice that they must declare within a specified
time whether they will abide by the decision or not. A t the expira
tion of the time specified the board must issue a public notice, signed
by all the members of the board, containing the decision rendered and
the declarations made by the parties regarding the same. I f neither a
conciliation nor a decision is obtained this fact must be published by
the president of the board.
As in the case of councils of prudhommes in other countries, these
bodies may be called upon by the State authorities or the officers of
2193—No. 27----- 10
378
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
the union of communes for which they are created to report upon
industrial question^. For this purpose the tribunals may form special
committees, which, if the questions to be considered interest both
employers and employees, must be composed of equal numbers of
employer and employee associates. The tribunals may also upon their
own initiation make recommendations concerning labor matters.
The cost of creating and maintaining the labor courts, as far as they
are not covered by receipts, must be defrayed by the communes or
unions of communes in which they are located.
Provision is finally made for the settlement of labor disputes in dis
tricts in which labor courts, as provided by this law, are not created.
In such districts the chief officer of the communes (B urgerm eister,
SehultJieiss, Ortsvorsteher, etc.) is empowered to hear disputes in rela
tion to the making, continuance in, or breaking of the relations between
employers and employees, or in relation to the dues required of
employees for insurance against sickness.
The parties to a dispute must be given an opportunity to make known
their contentions and to introduce evidence. If a conciliation is arrived
at its terms must be reduced to writing and be signed by the parties
and the communal authority. The decision of the latter must be in
writing and may be immediately enforced, if an appeal is not taken
within 10 days to the ordinary courts by the local police authorities.
The chief officer of a commune may delegate the duty of deciding
labor disputes as above described to a special officer. Instead of leav
ing this matter to the communes, the provincial authorities may pro
vide for a general conciliation board for the adjustment of disputes
within their districts.
L A B O R C O M M IS S IO N .
Efforts for the establishment of a bureau of labor statistics after the
American model were made in Germany as far back as 1872. Unwill
ing to create a permanent bureau, the central government has, how
ever, created by decree a commission to collect information in relation
to labor. This commission (Com m ission f u r ArbeiterstatistiJc) was
definitely organized April 1, 1892. It is composed of a president
appointed by the chancellor of the Empire* 6 members chosen by the
Bundesrat, 7 by the Reichstag, and 1 by the chancellor from among
the statistical officers of the Empire.
The work of the commission is declared to be to give its advice, on
the request of the Bundesrat or chancellor, concerning proposed
statistical works and their execution and results, and to submit to the
chancellor propositions for the carrying out of such inquiries. It will
be seen from this description of the character of the commission that
it may be said to occupy a medium position between industrial com
FOREIGN LABOR LAWS.
379
missions and labor bureaus. It is a commission in form, but possesses
to a considerable extent the permanency of a labor bureau. As regards
its mode of action, it formulates inquiries and considers the results
obtained, but the information gathered is compiled and prepared for
publication by the imperial statistical bureau.
Thus far it has issued 10 or more volumes of reports giving the
results of its investigations. They relate to the conditions of labor in
various industries, and have furnished the information upon which
the Bundesrat has based a number of regulations promulgated by it
for the regulation of labor in particular trades.
RECENT REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OP LABOR STATISTICS.
IO W A.
E ig h th B ie n n ia l R ep o rt o f the B u reau o f Labor Statistics fo r the State
o f Iowa^ 1897-1898 . W . E. O’Bleness, Commissioner. 108 pp.
The following subjects are treated in this report: Letter of trans
mittal, introduction, and recommendations, 10 pages; cooperative rail
roading, 3 pages; manual training, 3 pages; labor organizations, 2 pages;
industrial statistics, 45 pages; railroad statistics, 14 pages; strikes, 1
page; pearl-button industry, 27 pages.
C ooperative R ailroading . —This chapter relates to the progress
made by the Illinois Central Railroad Company in its system of selling
on the installment plan shares of stock to employees.
M anual T raining . —This chapter consists of extracts from the
report of the instructor of manual training in the schools of West
Des Moines, giving an outline of the courses of study and system of
instruction, and a brief account of manual training in the public schools
of Mason City.
L abor O rganizations. —Brief mention is made of the general con
dition of labor organizations in the State.
I ndustrial Statistics. —Tables are given showing the returns, by
counties and industries, of the various individuals, companies, firms,
and corporations in the State employing 5 or more persons each,
such establishments being required by law to make returns. The
statistics presented show the number of male and female employees,
the number of apprentices, the total yearly wages paid, and the num
ber of weeks in operation for 1,311 establishments in 1897 and 1,625
establishments in 1898. The following is a recapitulation of the
returns for the entire State for the years 1896, 1897, and 1898:
STATISTICS OF ESTABLISHMENTS EMPLOYING 5 OR MORE PERSONS, 1896,1897, AND 1898.
Items.
1896.
1897.
Establishments reporting..................................................................
1,752
1,311
Total employees:
Males...............................................................................................
40,854
40,127
Fem ales...........................................................................................
7,732
7,696
Apprentices.....................................................................................
687
Aggregate wages paid........................... ..................................... .
$17,369,622 $17,656,724
Average weeks in operation:
Full time with m il fo r c e ...............................................................
40
44
Short time with reduced fo r c e .....................................................
8
5
Weeks during w hich business was suspended..................................
4
3
380
1898.
1,625
45,006
9,800
623
$19,623,892
45
4
3
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— IOW A.
381
The above figures show a general improvement in business activity
in the State during 1898 as compared with the preceding years.
R ailroad Statistics. —Tables are given showing, by groups of
occupations, for the years 1897 and 1898, the number of officials and
other employees in the service of the railroad companies, and their
total yearly and average daily earnings as obtained from the reports
of the railroad commissioners. During 1897, 26,690 persons were
employed by the railroads in the State, of whom 118 were general
officers. In 1898 there were 30,009 persons employed, of whom 119
were general officers.
Strikes . —In 1897, 18 strikes were reported, involving 1,191 persons
and resulting in a wage loss of 119,341. The average duration of the
strikes was 13 days. Sixteen of these strikes were due to wage dis
putes. In 1898, 11 strikes were reported, involving 739 persons, and
resulting in a wage loss of $63,540. They lasted an average of 18
days, and were all due to wage disputes.
T he P earl -B utton I ndustry . —This chapter consists mainly of an
extract from a report'of the United States Fish Commission regard
ing the pearl-button industry.
VIRGINIA.
F ir s t A n n u a l R ep o rt o f the B ureau o f Labor and In d u s tria l S tatistics
o f the State o f V irg in ia , f o r the Years 1898 and 1899 . Archer P.
Montague, Commissioner,
xi, 120 pp.
The law(^) creating the present bureau was approved March 3,1898,
and as this report was presented to the governor September 1, 1899,
the work of the bureau for the two years is given in one report. The
commissioner of labor has power under the law to require the furnish
ing of information for the use of the bureau.
The present report relates to the following subjects: Letter of trans
mittal, introduction, etc., 8 pages; agricultural and county statistics,
133 page£; principal cities, 11 pages; manufactures, 207 pages; penal
institutions, reformatories, etc., 5 pages; organized labor, 7 pages;
steam and electric railway employees, 11 pages; coal mines, 3 pages;
newspapers, 2 pages; laws and court decisions relating to labor, 30
pages; recommendations, 1 pages.
A gricultural and C ounty Statistics. —In this chapter a descrip
tion is given of each county, showing among other things the character
of the land surface and soil, water courses, per cent of land under cul
tivation, character of products, wages, etc., and statistical tables show
ing crop products, prices, and cost of production, and the assessed
valuation of real and personal property in 1898.
ctFor a copy of
this law see Bulletin No. 18, pages 778, 779.
382
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
P rincipal C ities . —An account is given of the location, transporta
tion facilities, chief industries, schools, churches, etc., o f each of the
15 principal cities of the State.
M anufactures . —The statistics presented embrace chiefly compara
tive data for the years 1896 and 1897 regarding capital invested, stock
used, goods made, persons employed, wages paid, proportion o f busi
ness done, days in operation, etc.
The following summary of manufactures is given in the report:
Of the 1,182 blank forms sent to the operators of manufacturing
plants, 690 were returned. O f these, 394 were tabulated, and the
remaining 296 were found to be insufficient for use, either in conse
quence of the meager data contained therein, or the fact that cer
tain of the establishments were not in active operation during the
period covered. These untabulated reports represented an aggregate
capital invested in business o f $374,640.
O f the 394 tabulated reports, 109 were from incorporated companies
and 285 from private firms. The aggregate capital invested in busi
ness amounted to $22,691,799.75, and the total value of all goods manu
factured during the year 1897 was $22,872,659.09. The total number
o f days worked in 1896 and 1897 were 86,501 and 94,262, respectively.
The total amount paid in wages in the mechanical departments in 1896
was $5,039,673.31; in 1897 it was $6,406,528.42, or an increase of
$1,366,855.11. The total amount paid for rent was $111,576.31; for
taxes, $149,514.86, and for insurance, $143,072.25, a total of $404,163.42.
The average amount paid for office help per month was $78,379.64, or
$940,555.44 per year. This office help included 466 managers and fore
men, 241 salesmen and 4 salesladies, 167 male and 11 female book
keepers, 191 male and 11 female clerks, and 29 male and 19 female
stenographers.
O rganized L abor. —The following table gives some of the impor
tant facts reported by labor organizations in the State:
HOURS OF LABOR AND AVERAGE DAILY WAGES OF MEMBERS OF LABOR ORGANIZA
TIONS, AND AVERAGE DAYS WORKED DURING 1898, BY OCCUPATIONS.
Occupations.
Unions
report
ing.
Hours of Average
Member labor
per
daily
ship.
day.
wages.
Barbers................................... ....................................
Blacksmiths................................................................
Boiler makers and shipbuilders...............................
Brick masons..................................... - .......................
Car builders, railw ay.................................................
Cigar m akers...............................................................
Engineers, railw ay............................ _.....................
Firemen, railway__. . . . . ........ ........................... . . . .
M achinists..................................................................
Molders ....... ................................................................
Painters and decoraters............................................
Plumbers, gas fitters, e t c ..................................
P rinters......................................................................
T ailors........................................................................
T i n n e r s . ..................................................................
Trainmen .................................................... ...............
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
7
5
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
(<l>25
35
67
T o ta l..................................................................
30
61,436
a Not reported.
7
31
124
40
61
126
194
161
364
130
35
36
12
9
10
9
10
8
12
11
10
9
9
9
9
(a)
9
10
$1.67
2.35
2.62
4.00
1.60
1.73
4.35
1.91
2.38
2.57
2.50
2.75
2.25
(a)
2.00
1.85
6 Not including 2 printers’ unions, membership not reported.
Average
days worked
during
1898.
316
288
306
(«>
*(a)
(a)
275
260
360
820
295
230
228
230
306
365
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR---- VIRGINIA.
383
R a ilw ay E mployees . — Statistics are given showing the number of
persons employed, days worked, and wages paid by each of the 25
principal steam railroads operating in the State, as reported by the
railway commissioner. There was a total of 23,649 persons employed
by these companies, exclusive of general officers, receiving during
the year $11,491,350.88 in salaries and wages, or $1.61 per employee
per day.
Returns from 14 electric railways were obtained directly by the
bureau. The following table gives the total number of employees,
average hours of labor, and wages per day as reported by the companies:
AVERAGE HOURS OF LABOR AND WAGES OF EMPLOYEES OF 14 ELECTRIC STREET RAIL
WAYS, BY OCCUPATIONS.
Occupations.
Hours of Wages
Em
labor
ployees. per
day. per day.
Electricians............
Foremen.................
M otorm en..............
Conductors....... *...
Engineers...............
F irem en.................
Machinists..............
W oodworkers.........
20
19
267
247
32
34
12
7
11.4
10.5
11.5
11.0
11.0
11.1
11.0
10.4
$2.18
2.38
1.57
1.50
2.20
1.34
2.23
1.90
Occupations.
Hours of Wages
Em
labor
ployees. per
day. per day.
Blacksmiths..........
Painters.................
Trackm en..............
Track oilers..........
Laborers.................
Coal passers..........
7
8
70
8
63
10
T o ta l............
804
10.4
10.5
10.0
10.5
10.2
10.5
$1.79
2.40
1.05
1.08
.99
1.03
C oal M ines . —This chapter contains a brief account of the coal
mining industry in the State and statistics of coal production in 1896
and 1897.
N ewspapers . — Statistics are given showing the hours of labor and
daily wages of employees in each of 11 newspaper offices in the State.
THIRTEENTH REPORT ON THE ANNUAL STATISTICS OF MANU
FACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
The A n n u a l S tatistics o f M anufactures , 1898.
Thirteenth Report.
xxvii, 311 pp. (Issued by the Bureau of Statistics of Labor, Horace
G. Wadlin, Chief.)
The present report contains, in addition to the statistics of manu
factures regularly presented, a monograph on the history and present
condition of the textile industries. The contents of this report are
arranged as follow s: Statistics of manufactures, 111 pages; selected
industry presentations, 43 pages; analysis, 55 pages; the textile indus
tries, 51 pages; industrial chronology, 47 pages.
M anufactures . —The statistics presented are mainly based upon the
returns made for 1897 and 1898 by 4,701 identical establishments repre
senting 80 industries in the State. No attempt was made to include all
the manufacturing establishments in the State, but a sufficient number
o f leading typical establishments are given to show the general trend
o f industrial progress.
The 4,701 establishments considered were conducted, in 1898, by
3,464 private firms and 1,172 corporations, a decrease of 1.28 per cent
in the number of private firms and an increase of 2.63 per cent in the
number of corporations as compared with 1897. There was likewise
a decrease in the number of partners from 5,572 in 1897 to 5,424 in
1898, and an increase in the number of stockholders from 46,407 in
1897 to 46,872 in 1898. The average number of partners to a private
firm in 1898 was 1.57 and the average number of stockholders to a
corporation was 39.95. The private firms and corporations enumer
ated were managed by 52,251 persons in 1898, of whom 5,424, or
10.38 per cent, were partners and#46,827, or 89.62 per cent, were
stockholders.
The following tables show the aggregate capital invested, the value
o f goods made and work done, the value of stock used, and the wages
paid during the years 1897 and 1898 for each of the 9 leading indus
tries, for the remaining 71 industries collectively, and for all of the
4,701 identical establishments:
384
385
MANUFACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS,
CAPITAL INVESTED AND GOODS MADE AND WORK DONE IN 80 INDUSTRIES, 1897 AND 1898.
Capital invested.
lishments.
Industries.
1897.
1898.
644 $23,200,058 $22,414,665
6,582,652
6,784,921
12
169 113,437,432 112,702,330
6,231,541
6,533,029
95
Boots and shoes..............
Carpetings......................
Cotton g o o d s ...................
L eath er...........................
Machines and machin
ery ................................
Metals and metallic
goods.............................
Paper and paper goods..
Woolen g o o d s .................
Worsted goods.................
Other industries..............
1897.
1898.
a 3.39 $104,042,441 $107,188,460
a 2.98
6,364,709
6,016,943
a . 65 88,272,454 88,374,733
4.84 19,317,480 19,647,769
.03
26,979,408
3.02
a 5.46
.12
1.71
28,964,913
7.36
a 1.01 21,702,203 23,328,223
.91 18,131,485 20,104,855
a 3.10 29,622,054 31,633,903
2.17 24,694,793 25,818,780
1.34 273,441,315 289,793,264
7.49
10.88
6.79
4.55
5.98
4,701! 413,290,097 413,373,953
1
a Decrease.
.02 612,568,342 640,871,843
4.62
32,677,927
32,686,813
Per cent
of
increase.
380 17,367,796 17,191,783
80 20,546,478 20,733,967
142 27,792,875 26,930,024
35 16,802,284 17,166,388
2,785 148,448,785 150,432,302
359
T o ta l......................
Goods made and work done.
Per cent
of
increase’.
STOCK USED AND WAGES PAID IN 80 INDUSTRIES, 1897 AND 1898.
Stock used.
Estab
lish
ments.
Industries.
Boots and shoes..............
_
•
Cotton g o o d s ...................
L ea th er...........................
Machines and machin
ery ................................
Metals and metallic
goods.............................
Paper and paper g ood s..
Woolen g o o d s .................
Worsted goods.................
Other industries..............
T o ta l......................
flR r p ft t lT lg S -
Wages paid.
Per cent
of
increase.
1898.
1897.
1897.
1898.
$65,182,608 $67,386,674
3,638,475
3,898,404
50,857,806 47,294,087
14,532,557 14,929,168
3.38
a 6.67
a 7.01
2.73
10,142,326
9.34
10,068,181
5.92
380
80
142
35
2,785
9,845,655 10,734,998
10,175,492 11,166,843
17,415,255 19,184,735
15,070,871 15,923,830
158,060,200 162,445,281
9.03
9.74
10.16
5.66
2.77
6,634,101 . 6,842,531
3,493,786
3,719,611
7,052,842
7,205,613
4,655,439
4,789,876
51,606,233 53,314,548
3.14
6.46
2.17
2.89
3.31
4,701
354,314,944 362,846,417
2.41
137,986,438 140,212,103
1.61
644
12
169
95
359
9,276,096
$23,560,417 $23,904,714
1,431,921
1,605,379
27,193,335 26,294,240
2,679,496
2,640,868
Per cent
of
increase.
9,505,410
1.46
a 10.80
a 3.31
a 1.44
a Decrease.
The above tables show that in the 4,701 establishments, taken as a
whole, there was an increase in each of the four items, namely, capital
invested, goods made, stock used, and wages paid. Of the 9 leading
industries, 3 show an increase in each of these items, 5 show an increase
in only part of the items, while 1, carpetings, shows a decrease in
each of the four items.
A comparison of the increase or decrease of the total production
each year since 1886, as shown by the present and former reports, is
given in the following table:
INCREASE OR DECREASE IN VALUE OF GOODS MADE AND WORK DONE, BY YEARS,
1886 TO 1898.
Years.
1886 and
1887 and
1888 and
1889 and
1890 and
1891 and
1887...
1888...
1889...
1890...
1891...
1892...
Increase in value of
goods made and
Number of
establish work done in each
ments con year as compared
sidered in with the previous
year.
each year
compared.
Amount. Percent.
1,027
1,140
1,364
3,041
3,745
4,473
$13,919,859
11,168,095
9,653,992
22,838,970
8,068,053
33,180,865
5.29
3.61
2.45
4.37
1.33
5.37
Years.
1892 and
1893 and
1894 and
1895 and
1896 and
1897 and
a Decrease.
1893 ..
1894 ..
1895 ..
1896 ..
1897 ..
1898 ..
Increase in value of
goods made and
Number of
establish work done in each
year as compared
ments con
sidered in with the previous
year.
each year
compared.
Amount. Per cent.
4,397 a $51,793,852
4,093 a 56,793,448
43,048,021
3,629
4,609 a 31,376,727
16,996,553
4,695
4,701
28,303,501
a 8.10
a 10.27
9.18
a 5.51
3.04
4.62
386
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
An examination of the above table shows that from 1886 to 1892,
inclusive, there was an increase each year in the value of goods pro
duced and work done in the industries considered; in 1893 and 1894
there was a decline; in 1895, an*increase; in 1896, another decline;
and in 1897 and 1898 increases are again noted.
The average number of employees and their average yearly earn
ings in 1897 and 1898 in the 4,701 identical establishments are shown
in the table following. The persons included are wage-earners only,
the officers, clerks, or other salaried persons not being considered.
AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND AVERAGE WAGES IN 80 INDUSTRIES, 1897 AND
1898.
Industries.
Estab
lish
ments.
Average number of em
ployees.
1897.
1898.
Per cent
of in
crease.
Average yearly earnings.
1897.
1898.
Per cent
of in
crease.
Boots and shoes..................................
Carpetings............................................
Cotton g o o d s .......................................
Leather.................................................
Machines and machinery...................
Metals and metallic goods.................
Paper and paper goods......................
Woolen g o o d s.....................................
Worsted goods.....................................
Other industries..................................
644
12
169
95
359
380
80
142
35
2,785
50,055
4,623
81,195
5,597
18,261
13,444
8,510
19,285
12,975
112,833
51,897
4,203
81,385
5,465
18,658
13,450
8,797
19,438
13,107
116,269
3.68
a 9.09
.23
a 2.36
2.17
.04
3.37
.79
1.02
3.05
$470.69
347.26
334.91
478.74
520.53
493.46
410.55
365.72
358.80
457.37
$460.62
340.69
323.08
483.23
539.62
508.74
422.83
370.70
365.44
458.54
a 2.14
a 1.89
a 3.53
.94
3.67
3.10
2.99
1.36
1.85
.26
T o ta l..........................................
4,701
326,778
332,669
1.80
422.26
421.48
a . 18
a Decrease.
The average number of persons employed as wage earners in all of
the establishments considered was 326,778 in 1897 and 332,669 in 1898,
an increase of 5,891 persons, or 1.80 per cent. Seven of the 9 leading
industries show an increase in 1898 as compared with 1897, the great
est relative increase being 3.68 per cent, in the boot and shoe industry.
The carpetings industry shows the greatest relative decrease, or 9.09
per cent.
The average yearly earnings per individual employed in the 4,701
establishments was $422.26 in 1897 and $421.48 in 1898, a decrease of
$0.78, or 0.18 per cent. Six of the 9 leading industries show an increase
and 3 a decrease in this average. The greatest relative increase was
3.67 per cent, in the machines and machinery industry, and the great
est relative decrease was 3.53 per cent, in the cotton goods industry.
The following table shows, for the 80 industries, the percentage of
males and females of the whole number employed at each specified
weekly rate of wages.
387
MANUFACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS,
PER CENT OF MALES AND FEMALES OF THE WHOLE NUMBER EMPLOYED AT SPECIFIED
WEEKLY WAGES IN 80 INDUSTRIES, 1897 AND 1898.
1898.
1897.
Weekly wages.
Males.
Females.
Males.
Females.
Under $5.........................................................................................
$5 or under $6.................................................................................
§6 or under $7.................................................................................
$7 or under $8.................................................................................
$8 or under $9.................................................................................
$9 or under $10....... .......................................................................
$10 or under $12..............................................................................
$12 or under $15..............................................................................
$15 or under $20..............................................................................
$20 or o v e r ......................................................................................
38.90
37.44
47.72
57.53
64.92
81.47
86.83
94.01
97.41
98.64
61.10
62.56
52.28
42.47
35.08
18.53
13.17
5.99
2.59
1.36
38.60
39.33
48.32
58.21
67.22
82.35
86.69
93.30
97.65
98.86
61.40
60.67
51.68
41.79
32.78
17.65
13.31
6.70
2.35
1.14
Total............ .........................................................................
66.40
33.60
66.31
33.69
Of the whole number of persons reported as receiving less than f 5
per week in 1898, 38.60 per cent were males and 61.40 per cent were
females. The proportion of males in each class increased as the wages
advanced, while the proportion of females decreased correspondingly.
The proportion of females in 1898 in the 4,701 establishments shows a
very slight increase over the proportion in 1897.
The fluctuations in the different wage classes are shown in the follow
ing table, the total number of males, females, and both sexes, respec
tively, being each considered as representing 100 per cent and the
number of employees in each class constituting parts of this aggregate:
PER CENT OF THE TOTAL MALES AND FEMALES AT SPECIFIED WEEKLY WAGES IN 80
INDUSTRIES, 1897 AND 1898.
1897.
Weekly wages.
Males.
Females.
1898.
Total.
Males.
Females.
Total.
Under $5......................................................
$5 or under $6.......................................... ..
$6 or under $7..............................................
$7 or under $8............ - ...............................
$8 or under $9..............................................
$9 or under $10............................................
$10 or under $12..........................................
$12 or under $15..........................................
$15 or under $20..........................................
$20 or over ..................................... ...... ......
8.52
5.71
8.64
9.37
9.12
12.18
14.20
16.60
11.88
3.78
26.45
18.88
18.70
13.67
9.74
5.48
4.26
2.09
.63
.10
14.54
10.14
12.02
10.81
9.33
9.93
10.86
11.73
8.10
2.54
9.12
6.18
8.62
9.55
9.10
12.22
14.01
15.78
11.73
8.69
28.57
18.78
18.16
13.49
8.74
5.15
4.24
2.23
.56
.08
15.67
10.42
11.84
10.88
8.98
-9.84
10.72
11.22
7.96
2.47
Total...................................................
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
388
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
The class in which the proportion of the sexes was about the same
each year is that receiving $8 or under $9 per week. The percentages
of males in this class in 1897 and 1898 were 9.12 and 9.10, respectively,
and of females, 9.74 and 8.74, respectively. The number of female
employees, as expressed in percentages, shows an increase in 1898 as
compared with 1897 in only two classes, namely, under $5, and $12 or
under $15, and a decrease in each of the other classes.
The per cent of business done of the maximum capacity of the
establishments and the number of days in operation in 1897 and 1898
are shown in the following table:
PER CENT OF BUSINESS DONE AND AVERAGE DAYS IN OPERATION IN 80 INDUSTRIES,
1897 AND 1898.
[The per cent of business done represents the relation of the actual production to the greatest
amount of goods that can be turned out with the present facilities, the latter being considered as
100 per cent.]
Industries.
Estab
lish
ments.
Per cent of busi
ness done of
maximum capac
ity of
establishments.
1897.
1898.
Average days in
operation.
1897.
1898.
Boots and sh oes....................................... ....................
Carpetings....................................................................
Cotton g o od s................................................................
L eath er.........................................................................
Machines and m achinery...........................................
Metals and metallic g o o d s .........................................
Paper and paper goods...............................................
W oolen g o o d s...............................................................
Worsted goods...............................................................
Other industries...........................................................
644
12
169
95
359
380
80
142
35
2,785
61.35
67.33
81.83
62.97
55.11
57.65
75.70
78.32
82.63
58.52
59.88
66.83
84.42
61.43
57.77
59.14
81.23
75.77
76.74
59.25
285.88
243.78
286.50
291.83
275.71
278.17
271.18
285.45
293.58
284.32
286.80
223.08
293.08
290.44
288.71
280.79
281.95
279.58
266.50
287.29
T ota l....................................................................
4,701
60.60
61.19
284.05
286.28
The average proportion of business done of the total capacity in all
the establishments in 1897 is represented by 60.60 per cent and in
1898 by 61.19 per cent, a slight advance in the latter year. Five
of the 9 leading industries show a decrease and 4 an increase in this
proportion.
The average number of days in operation in all establishments con
sidered was 284.05 in 1897 and 286.28 in 1898, a slight increase during
the latter year. Five of the 9 leading industries show an increase in
the average days worked in 1898 and 4 a decrease.
389
MANUFACTURES IN MASSACHUSETTS.
The next table presents, for the year 1898, the actual product per
$1,000 of capital invested in each of the 9 leading industries, the aver
age product per employee, the percentage of industry product paid in
wages, and the percentage devoted to other expenses.
INDUSTRY PRODUCT, WAGES, AND PROFIT AND EXPENSES IN 9 SPECIFIED INDUS
TRIES, 1898.
[By “ industry product” is meant the actual result of the productive forces in the industry; that is,
the added value created above the value of stock and materials consumed. The values presented in
this table ifnder the designation “ industry product” are obtained by deducting from the total value
of goods made and work done in each industry the value of stock used, the difference being added
value or actual product due to the industry. In the division of the proceeds of each industry, one
part of this industry product is paid to the labor force in the form of wages, this being labor’s share
of the product. The balance constitutes a fund from which are paid freights, insurance, interest
on loans (credit capital), interest on stock (fixed or invested capital), rents, commissions, salaries,
etc.; in fact, all expenses other than those for stock and wages. The remainder, if any, is the profit
of the employer. The entire balance of the industry product remaining after the deduction of the
amount paid in wages becomes a “ profit and minor expense fund,” and is thus designated in the
table. Of course it will be understood that the term “ minor expense ” is relative. The expenses paid
out of this balance are in themselves considerable in amount, and are only to be classed as minor in
comparison with the generally larger amounts expended for materials (stock) and wages.]
Industry product.
Industries.
Industry
product.
WTages.
Profit and
minor ex
$1,000 Average
pense fund. Per
of capi per em
tal.
ployee.
Boots and shoes.............. $39,801,786 $23,904,714 $15,897,072 $1,775.70
1,431,921
Carpetings...................... 2,378,468
946,547
361.32
Cotton g oo d s................... 41,080,646 26,294,240 14,786,406
364.51
L eath er........................... 4,718,601
2,640,868
2,077,733
722.27
Machines and machinery 18,822,587 10,068,181
575.85
8,754,406
Metals and metallic
goods ........................... 12,593,225
6,842,531
5,750,694
732.51
3,719,611
5,218,401
Paper and paper goods.. 8,938,012
431.08
Woolen g o o d s................. 12,449,168
7,205,613
5,243,555
462.28
576.41
Worsted goods................. 9,894,950
4,789,876
5,105,074
Per cent of industry
product—
Paid in
wages.
Devoted
to profit
and
minor
expenses.
$766.94
565.90
504.77
863.42
1,008.82
60.06
60.20
64.01
55.97
53.49
39.94
39.80
35.99
44.03
46.51
936.30
1,016.03
640.46
754.94
54.34
41.62
57.88
48.41
45.66
58.38
42.12
51.59
The largest industry product per $1,000 of capital invested is shown
in the boot and shoe industry, namely, $1,775.70, while the smallest,
$361.32, is found in the carpetings industrj^. When the percentage
o f industry product paid in wages is considered, that of cotton goods
leads, with 64.01 per cent, and the paper goods industry ranks lowest,
the percentage being 41.62.
T he T ext ile I ndustries . —This monograph contains a brief histor
ical sketch of the introduction of textile manufacturing in Massachu
setts and statistics showing the development and present condition
of the industry. A comparative table is given showing the value of
textile goods made in Massachusetts at the time of each National and
State census from 1837 to 1898, the year 1837 indicating the first State
census and the year 1898 a return of manufacturing statistics. Other
tables are given showing the number of establishments engaged and
the value of goods made in each branch of the textile industry in 1895
and 1898, and the value of goods made in 1895 and 1898 by cities and
towns and in 1898 by selected cities.
In presenting the textile statistics for 1898 a new system of classi
fication of textile branches was adopted, in order to make the figures
390
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
comparable with those of the United States census. The following
table shows the value of goods made in Massachusetts in 1895 and 1898
in each branch of the textile industry on the basis of the classification
adopted in 1898:
VALUE OF GOODS MADE IN TEXTILE INDUSTRIES. 1895 AND 1898.
Value of goods made.
Industries.
1895.
1898.
Per cent
of in
crease.
Carpetings............................................................................................
Cordage and twine............................................................................
Cotton g o o d s........................................................... ..........................
Flax, hemp, and jute goods .............................................................
Hosiery and knit g o o d s ....................................................................
Print works, dye works, and bleacheries.......................................
Silk and silk g oods............................................................................
Woolen g o o d s ...................................................................................
Worsted goods.....................................................................................
$6,631,659
4,937,180
95,661,548
3,064,787
5,367,404
22,409,660
4,043,189
33,087,490
21,761,261
$5,298,216
4,917,489
89,702,330
3,451,650
5,183,760
20,531,893
4,629,757
33,734,793
25,926,280
a 20.11
a . 40
a6.23
12.62
a3.42
a8.38
14.51
1.96
19.14
T o ta l..........................................................................................
196,964,178
193,376,168
a 1.82
a Decrease.
The above figures show the value of goods made in the purely
textile branches, such nontextile industries as oil-cloth manufacturing,
dyeing, bleaching, and cleansing of clothing, etc., which had been
classed under textile branches in the census of 1895, having been
omitted. It will also be noticed that the figures presented are only for
the value of goods made, and not for work done.
It will be seen from the above table that there was a falling off of
1.82 per cent in the value of textile products in 1898 as compared with
1895. The decrease in value of products was 20.11 per cent in the
carpetings industry, 8.38 per cent in print works, dye works, and
bleacheries, 6.23 per cent in cotton goods, 3.42 per cent in hosiery and
knit goods, and 0.40 per cent in cordage and twine. On the other
hand, there was an increase in the value of goods made of 19.14 per
cent in worsted goods, 14.51 per cent in silk and silk goods, 12.62 per
cent in flax, hemp, and jute goods, and 1.96 per cent in woolen goods.
This monograph further contains statistics of exports and imports of
textile materials and fabrics, the production of cotton and wool in
various countries, the production and consumption of cotton in and
exportation from the United States from 1791 to 1898, the number of
spindles, looms, cards, and combs in use in the various States of the
Union in 1896 and 1898, and the estimated number of spindles in oper
ation in the various countries of the world during the commercial
season ending 1898. This information was obtained mostly from
official, but to some extent, also, from private, sources.
RECENT FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
DENMARK.
DamnarJcs Ilaandvcerh og In d u s tri ifa lg e Tcellingen d m % M ag , 1897.
Udgivet af Statens Statistiske Bureau.
68*, 214 pp.
The present work of the Danish statistical bureau is based on census
returns for May 25,1897, of manufacturing industries and handicrafts.
The main part of the report consists of a series of 18 tables containing
the detailed results o f the enumeration. These tables are preceded by
a comprehensive analysis and by a reproduction of the schedules of
inquiry used and instructions issued in the prosecution of the work of
enumeration.
The inquiry included in its scope all the manufacturing establish
ments and the persons engaged in the same, both as employers and
employees. The data are not shown for individual localities, but are
grouped for Copenhagen, for other cities and towns collectively, for
the rural districts, and for the whole of Denmark. In the industry
classification the data are shown for 11 principal and 233 minor groups
of industries. The statistical presentation shows, in various combina
tions, the number of establishments, the number having mechanical
motive power, the character and amount of such power, the quantity
and value of products in certain establishments having mechanical
motive power, the persons occupied in ail establishments according to
the character of employment, the age, sex, conjugal condition, and
birthplace of the wage workers, the number of wage workers engaged
in home work, and persons occupied in manufacturing in prisons,
hospitals, and asylums.
The enumeration disclosed the existence of 77,256 manufacturing
establishments in Denmark on May 25, 1897, employing a total of
270,622 persons either as employers or employees. Following is a
summary of the more important results of the enumeration:
Total establishments............................................................... ................ - .................
77,256
Principal establishments.....................................................................................
Accessory establishments...................................................................................
62,308
14,948
Establishments using mechanical motive p o w e r .................................................
7,139
Establishments using wind or w ater...............................................................
Establishments using steam, gas, petroleum, hot air, or electricity........
3,134
4,005
391
392
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Total person n el............................................................................................................. 270,622
Proprietors, superintendents, and m anagers............................ .................... 78,031
Overseers, foremen, clerks, and salesmen........................................................
8,854
Messengers and other inferior salaried em ployees........................................
7,129
Wage workers proper........................................................................................... 176,608
Male wage workers....................................................................................................... 139,848
Female wage workers................................................................................................... 36,760
4,672
W age workers under 14 years of a g e.......................................................................
Of the 77,256 establishments enumerated 62,308 were conducted as
the principal business of the owners, and 14,94:8 were conducted in
connection with and accessory to some other manufacturing, commer
cial, or agricultural enterprise. O f the 270,622 persons engaged in
manufacturing and handicraft occupations 78,031 were heads of estab
lishments, either as proprietors, superintendents, or managers; 8,854:
were overseers, foremen, clerks, and salesmen; 7,129 were messen
gers and other inferior salaried employees, and 176,608 were wage
workers.
In the presentation regarding age, sex, conjugal condition, etc., only
those perspns were considered who are classed as wage workers
(A rbejdere). The 176,608 wage workers enumerated were employed
in 34,697 establishments, 42,559, or over one-half of the establish
ments, employing no wage workers proper. In the following table
the establishments are grouped according to the number of wage
workers employed, the number of persons and percentage of each
class of occupations being given for each group:
PERSONS EMPLOYED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, BY OCCUPATIONS, AND
NUMBER OF WAGE WORKERS TO AN ESTABLISHMENT, MAY 25, 1897.
Establishments em Estab
lishploying—
ments.
No wage workers . . . . . 42,559
1 wage w orker............ 13,471
2 wage w orkers.......... 7,817
8 wage workers........... 4,138
4 wage w orkers.......... 2,360
5 wage w orkers........... 1,465
6 to 10 wage workers.. 2,835
11 to 20 wage workers.. 1,384
802
21 to 50 wage workers..
260
51 to 100 wage workers.
165
Over 100 wage workers.
Administrative per
sonnel of establish
ments conducted in
rnm fn on 1)MtttrfT..
Messengers
Proprietors,
fore and other
superintend Overseers,
men,
clerks,
inferior
sal
ents, and
and salesmen.
aried em
managers.
ployees.
Total
persons
Per
Per
Per
Per
em
cent of
cent of
cent of
cent of ployed.
Num total Num total Num total
Num
total
ber. persons ber. persons ber. persons ber. persons
em
em
em
em
ployed.
ployed.
ployed.
ployed.
42,293
13,273
7,819
4,125
2,425
1,499
3,042
1,652
1,113
437
352
98.7
47.7
31.7
23.5
19.1
15.8
11.6
7.0
8.9
2.0
1.0
209
392
476
448
385
296
1,103
1,163
1,562
1,117
1,544
28.8
8,854
0.5
1.4
1.9
2.5
3.0
3.1
4.2
4.9
5.6
5.4
4.2
364
661
729
572
452
374
1,000
844
724
716
639
3.3
7,129
159
21
T ota l................... 77,256 78,031
Wage workers.
0.8
13,471
15,634
12,414
9,440
7,325
21,073
19,946
24,662
18,402
34,241
48.5
63.4
70.7
74.3
77.2
80.4
84.5
87.9
89.1
93.1
42 866
27^ 797
24,658
17,559
12,702
9,494
26,218
23,605
28,061
20,652
36,776
2.6 176,608
65.3
270,622
2.4
3.0
3.3
3.6
3.9
3.8
3.6
2.6
3.5
1.7
54
234
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— DENMARK.
393
Of the establishments employing wage workers, the per cent of wage
workers of the total persons employed increased steadily, while the
per cent of heads of establishments diminished with the size of the
establishment. The per cent of salaried employees likewise increased
with the size of the establishment, but in establishments employing
over 100 wage workers a decrease in this proportion is noticeable.
In the table following the establishments employing wage workers
are grouped according to the number of wage workers employed,
the number and per cent of establishments and of wage workers in
each group being shown:
NUMBER AND PER CENT OF WAGE WORKERS IN ESTABLISHMENTS GROUPED ACCORDING
TO NUMBER OF WAGE WORKERS EMPLOYED, MAY 25, 1897.
Establishments.
Establishments employing—
Wage workers.
cent
Per cent
Number. Per
of total. Number. of total.
1 to 5 wage workers. . ..................................................................
6 to 10 wage workers.....................................................................
11 to 20 wage workers....................................................................
21 to 50 wage workers...................................................................
51 to 100 wage workers..................................................................
Over 100 wage w orkers................................................... ...........
29,251
2,835
1,384
802
260
165
84.30
8.17
3.99
2.31
.75
.48
58,284
21,073
19,946
24,662
18,402
34,241
33.00
11.93
11.29
13.97
10.42
19.39
Total......................................................................................
34,697
100.00
176,608
100.00
It will be seen from the two preceding tables that establishments
manufacturing on a small scale still largely predominate in Denmark.
It is shown in the first place that 42,559 establishments employed no
wage workers, consisting as a rule simply of a handicraftsman work
ing on his own account. Of the 34,697 establishments employing
wage workers, 29,251, or 84.30 per cent, employed from 1 to 5 each,
and only 165, or 0.48 per cent, employed oyer 100 wage workers each.
O f the wage workers enumerated 58,284, or 33 per cent, were
employed in establishments haying from 1 to 5 each, and 34,241, or
19.39 per cent, in establishments haying over 100 wage workers each.
Of the 165 establishments having over 100 wage workers each, 22 were
State or communal institutions.
With regard to the 11 principal groups of industries, it appears that
the group of furniture and building trades embraces the largest num
ber of persons, namely, 63,208. Next in order were the groups of
clothing and toilet articles with 55,419 persons, food products with
47,386 persons, and machinery, metals, and metallic goods with 38,801
persons. This is shown in the table following.
2193—No. 27----- 11
394
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
ESTABLISHMENTS AND PERSONS EMPLOYED, BY INDUSTRIES, MAY 25, 1897.
Persons employed.
Industries.
Over Messen
Proprie seers,
Estab tors, su
and
fore gers
lish
perin
other
ments. tendents, men, inferior Wage
clerks, salaried workers.
and
and
mana
em
sales ployees.
gers.
men.
Food products.....................................................
Textiles................................................................
Clothing and toilet articles...............................
Furniture and building trades........................
Wooden w are......................................................
Leather and leather goods................................
Glass and earthenware......................................
Machinery, metals, gnd metallic goods...........
Chemical and technical industries.................
Paper and paper g o o d s .....................................
Printing, publishing, e t c ....................................
11,301
4,358
23,557
19,781
4,896
227
1,757
9,383
666
82
1,248
11,237
4,452
23,907
19,716
4,839
252
1,828
9,637
690
105
1,368
2,910
682
1,690
516
310
68
355
1,256
555
170
342
2,722
259
1,531
587
299
33
140
606
265
92
595
Total...........................................................
77,256
78,031
8,854
7,129
30,517
12,53328,291
42,389
8,119
1,227
13,700
27,302
5,115
2,057
5,358
176,608
Total.
47,386
17,926
55,419
63,208
13,567
1,580
16,023
'38,801
6,625
2,424
7,663
270,622
The presentation regarding sex shows that of the 176,608 wage
workers 139,848, or 79.2 per cent, were males, and 36,760, or 20.8 per
cent, were females. The number of female wage workers exceeded
the number of male wage workers in the textile and in the clothing
industries, the percentages of the female of the total wage workers in
those industries being 62.1 and 52.4, respectively. In the paper and
paper goods group of industries the sexes were about equally divided.
The proportion of females was smallest in the furniture and building
trades group, being but 0.6 per cent of the total number of wage workers
in that group of industries.
The age was reported in the case of 171,013 o£ the 176,608 wage
workers enumerated. O f this number 4,672 were 10 and under 14
years of age, 26,555 were 14 and under 18 years of age, 29,495.were
18 and under 22 years of age, and 110,291 were 22 years of age or
over. The following table shows, according to sex, the number and
proportion of wage workers in each age period:
NUMBER AND SEX OF WAGE WORKERS, BY AGE PERIODS, MAY 25, 1897.
Males.
Age periods.
Number.
Females.
Total
Per cent
Per cent
wage
of total Number. of total workers.
report
report
ing age.
ing age.
10 and under 14 years...................................................
14 and under 18 years...................................................
18 and under 22 years...................................................
22 years or over.............................................................
3,820
23,036
21,611
88,227
2.8
16.9
15.8
64.5
852
3,519
7,884
22,064
2.5
10.2
23.0
64.3
4,672
26,555
29,495
110,291
Total reporting age............................................
Not reporting a g e ....................................... ................
136,694
3,154
100.0
34,319
2,441
100.0
171,013
5,595
Total wage w orkers..........................................
139,848
36,760
176,608
Of the children of 10 and under 14 years of age employed as wage
workers, 3,820 were males and 852 were females. The proportion of
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— DENMARK.
395
children of the total wage workers in any industry group was greatest
in the paper and paper goods group, namely, 9.9 per cent, although
by far the largest number of children were employed in the food-prod
ucts group, or 2,409 out of a total of 4,672 children employed in all
industries. The smallest proportion of children employed as wage
workers, or 0.4 per cent, was in the furniture and building trades
group of industries. O f 22,064 female wage workers 22 years of age
or over, 8,722, or 39.5 per cent, were married.
With regard to home work, the enumeration shows that of the
176,608 wage workers 12,585 worked at their own homes. This home
work was done largely by females, 9,786, or 26.6 per cent of all female
wage workers, being thus employed. The following table shows by
sex and age periods the number and per cent of wage workers employed
at home work:
WAGE WORKERS EMPLOYED AT HOME WORK, BY SEX AND AGE PERIODS, MAY 25, 1897.
Males.
Females.
Employed at
home.
Employed at
notne.
Age periods.
Total.
Num
ber.
Per
cent.
Total.
Num
ber.
Per
cent.
10 and under 14 years........................... .................
14 and under 18 years..............................................
18 and under 22 years..............................................
22 years or o v e r ........................................................
Age not reported ....................................................
3,820
23,036
21,611
88,227
3,154
8
17
110
2,505
159
0.2
.1
.5
2.8
5.0
852
3,519
7,884
22,064
2,441
125
143
531
6,827
2,160
14.7
4.1
6.7
30.9
88.5
Total wage workers.......................................
139,848
2,799
2.0
36,760
9,786
26.6
The population of Denmark at the time of this enumeration of man
ufacturing establishments was estimated to be 2,291,000. The number
of wage workers over 10 years of age therefore constituted 7.7 per
cent of the entire population.
There were 1,916 inmates of prisons, hospitals, asylums, etc., engaged
in manufacturing, of whom 1,447 were males and 469 were females.
With regard to the motive power the enumeration shows that of the
77,256 establishments considered 3,134 were operated by wind or water
power, and 4,005 by steam, gas, petroleum, hot air, or electricity, the
power in 270 of the latter being supplemented either regularly or occa
sionally by wind or water power. Establishments having mechanical
motive power employed 76,500, or 43.3 per cent, of the wage workers
enumerated.
FRANCE.
Statistique des Greves et des Recours a la C onciliation et a V A rbitrage
Survenus P endant V A n n ie 1898. Office du Travail, Ministere du Com
merce, de l’lndustrie, des Postes et des Tel^graphes.
xviii, 334 pp.
The present report for 1898 is one of a series of annual publications
on strikes, and conciliation and arbitration, issued by the French
396
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
bureau of labor. The information is presented in form similar to the
the preceding annual reports.
Strikes . —The year 1898 was marked by a decided increase in the
number of strikers, although the number of strikes was but slightly
greater than in 1897. The report shows that in 1898 there were 368
strikes affecting 1,967 establishments and participated in by 82,065
strikers. Of the latter 71,348 were men, 7,955 were women, and 2,762
were children. These strikes resulted in a total loss of 1,216,306
working days, in which are included 155,934 days lost by 5,900 persons
who were not strikers, but who were thrown out of employment as a
result of strikes. The average time lost per striker was 15 days.
In the preceding year, 1897, there were 356 strikes, affecting 2,568
establishments and involving 68,875 strikers, resulting in a loss of
780,944 working days or 10£ days per striker. The large number of
strikers in 1898 was due mainly to a strike of excavators in Paris
followed by a general strike in the building trades, which together
involved over one-half of all the strikers reported.
As regards the results of the disputes in 1898, 75 strikes; involving
10,594 strikers, were successful; 123 strikes, involving 32,546 strikers,
were partly successful, and 170 strikes, involving 38,925 strikers,
failed. While the proportion of successful strikes was slightly greater
than in 1897, the proportion of strikers who succeeded was consider
ably smaller. This was due to the failure of the above-mentioned
general strike in the building trades.
The following table shows the per cent of strikes of total strikes and
the per cent of strikers of total strikers that succeeded, succeeded
partly, and failed, as compared with similar data for 1897:
RESULTS OF STRIKES, 1897 AND 1898.
Strikes.
Result of strikes.
1897.
Strikers.
1898.
1897.
1898.
S ucceeded......................................................................................
Succeeded p a rtly .....................................................................
F a ile d .............................................................................................
19.10
34.27
46.63
20.38
33.42
46.20
28.80
41.77
29.43
12.91
39.66
47.43
Total......................................................................................
100.00
100.00
100.00
lOd.OO
In 211 of the 368 strikes reported, the participants were either all
or in part members of trade unions. Six labor organizations were
created while strikes were in progress, and in two strikes, one of
which failed, and the other was compromised, the employees were
obliged by their employers to leave their labor organizations. In 113
strikes the employers were organized. Regular aid was given by
labor organizations for the relief of strikers in 32 strikes, and in the
case of 41 strikes the intervention of labor organizations was accepted
by employers.
O f the 368 strikes reported 286 involved but 1 establishment each,
397
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— FRANCE,
26 involved from 2 to 5 establishments, 27 from 6 to 10 establishments,
17 from 11 to 25 establishments, 4 from 26 to 50 establishments, 5 from
51 to 100 establishments, and the 3 remaining strikes involved over
100 establishments each.
The two following tables show the number of strikes, strikers, and
establishments involved, according to the results of the strikes, as
well as the number of working days lost, and the proportion that the
number of strikers is to the total number of working people, according
to 17 groups of industries:
STRIKES IN 1898, BY INDUSTRIES.
Succeeded
partly.
Succeeded.
Industries.
Strikes.
Agriculture, forestry, and fish
eries ..........................................
Mining..........................................
Q uarrying....................................
Food products..............................
Chemical industries...................
Paper and printing.....................
Hides and leather g o o d s............
Textiles p rop er...........................
Clothing, cleaning, and uphol
stery ...........................................
Woodworking...............................
Building trades (woodwork)___
Metal refining . ...........................
Metallic g o o d s.............................
Precious-metal w ork...................
Stone, earthenware, and glass..
Building trades (stone, tile,
excavating, etc., w ork,)..........
Transportation and handling...
Total....................................
2
4
2
2
1
7
3
25
Failed.
Total.
Estab
Estab
Estab
Estab
lish Strikes. lish Strikes. lish Strikes.
lish
ments.
ments.
ments.
ments.
8
4
6
2
1
16
12
147
3
4
4
5
2
46
4
7
107
B
2
4
3
6
55
6
13
6
11
37
26
50
7
19
42
7
20
46
2
2
2
21
1
4
2
7
20
74
5
7
2
1
33
19
25
8
1
33
.
7
12
9
13
3
14
33
104
109
14
26
115
4
23
58
243
6
26
47
103
1
129
1
32
6
20
4
16
19
1
6
76
1
10
6
6
13
6
1
58
1
16
14
1
67
6
21
3
854
4
23
10
45
60
58
14
966
70
75
328
123
1,289
170
350
368
1,967
STRIKERS AND DAYS OF WORK LOST BY ALL PERSONS AFFECTED BY STRIKES IN 1898,
BY INDUSTRIES.
Strikers in—
Partly
Success success
ful
ful
strikes.
strikes.
Industries.
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
Mining..............................................
Q uarrying.......................................
Food products................................
Chemical industries........................
Paper and p rin tin g.................................. .
Hides and leather goods...........................
Textiles p rop er..........................................
Clothing, cleaning, and upholstery.......
W oodworking............................. - ...........
Building trades (woodwork) .................
Metal refinin g...........................................
Metallic g o o d s...........................................
Precious-metal work................................
Stone, earthenware, and glass.................
Building trades (stone, tile, excavating,
etc., w ork)..............................................
Transportation and handling.................
Total.
a Census of 1891.
5 Includes quarrying.
c Included in mining.
390
1,321
290
59
868
179
102
4,864
97
310
360
576
491
1,205
614
306
2,468
615
289
1,039
4,807
140
601
443
680
2,838
120
347
76
500
1,681
208
27,629
1,067
32,546 * 38,925
'748*
724
350
18,085
291
10,594
Strikers
Days
per 1,000 of work
Total
lost by all
strikers. working
people, persons
(a)
affected.
1,056
4,365
1,396
1,553
1,482
280
1,821
12,509
260
1,045
829
500
5,605
31
1,187
3,632
31
231
292
Strikes
which
failed.
101
0.6
11.12
3,875
23,579
19,041
8,731
758
1,304
13,952
232,568
2,569
23,271
3,793
2,800
140,289
1,020
13,877
46,438
1,708
e 109.79
7.22
718,349
6,530
82,065
/16.07
1,216,306
527.80
llo9
27.53
2.89
14.56
17.32
.37
4.43
(18.58
t..24
.44
d Included in building trades (stone, tile, excavating, etc., w ork).
e Includes building trades (woodwork).
/R elates to all industrial working people in France.
398
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Out of a total of 368 strikes, the largest number, 104, occurred in
the textile industry. If, however, the extent of the labor disputes is
measured by the number of persons involved, the building trades
(stone, tile, excavating, etc., work) greatly exceeded any of the other
groups, 46,438 out of a total of 82,065 strikers belonging to this group of
industries. Next in importance with regard to the number of strikers
were the groups of textiles proper with 12,509, metallic goods with
5,605, and mining with 4,365 strikers. A majority of the strikers
succeeded in the chemical, paper and printing, and stone, earthenware,
and glass industries, while in the groups of mining, metal refining,
building trades (stone, tile, excavating, etc., work), and transportation
and handling over one-half of the strikers failed.
Considering the number of persons actually engaged in the various
industries according to the census of 1891, it is shown that the relative
prevalence of strikes was greatest in the building trades (wood, stone,
tile, excavating, etc., work), 109.79 out of every 1,000 employees hav
ing taken part in labor disputes during the year. The two groups-of
mining and quarrying and the group of chemical industries came next
with 27.80 and 27.53 strikers per 1,000 employees, respectively.
In the two following tables the strike data are shown by causes:
STRIKES IN 1898, BY CAUSES.
[A considerable number of strikes were due to two or three causes, and the facts in such cases have
been tabulated under each cause. Hence the totals for this table necessarily would not agree with
those for the preceding tables.]
Succeeded
partly.
Succeeded.
Cause or object.
Strikes.
For increase of w a g e s ...............
Against reduction of wages.......
For reduction of hours of labor
with present or increased
w ages.........................................
Relating to time and method of
payment of wages, e t c ............
For or against modification of
conditions of w o r k .................
Against piecework......................
For or against modification of
shop rules..................................
For abolition or reduction of
fin e s..........................................
Against discharge of workmen,
foremen, or directors, or for
their reinstatement.................
For discharge of workmen, fore
men, or d irectors...............
Against employment of women.
For limitation of number of ap
prentices....................................
Relating to deduction from
wages for the support of in
surance and aid fu nd s............
O ther............................................
Failed.
Total.
Estab
Estab
Estab
Estab
lish Strikes. lish Strikes. lish Strikes.
lish
ments.
ments.
ments.
ments.
32
16
176
131
58
15
1,106
• 19
78
24
242
44
168
55
1,524
194
10
16
168
6
20
12
52
28
240
57
8
93
15
21
39
171
12
8
21
91
9
1
79
1
12
5
15
19
33
14
115
111
12
14
7
7
10
10
29
31
4
5
3
2
6
7
13
14
5
5
2
2
22
26
29
33
7
1
7
1
5
5
20
3
20
3
32
4
32
4
1
8
2
8
1
1
4
17
5
4
96
4
2
2
11
681
5
8
5
34
12
14
112
719
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— FRANCE.
399
STRIKERS AND DAYS OF WORK LOST BY ALL PERSONS AFFECTED BY STRIKES IN 1898,
BY CAUSES.
[A considerable number of strikes were due to two or three causes, and the facts in such cases have
been tabulated under each cause. Hence the totals for this table necessarily would not agree with
those for the preceding tables.]
Strikers inPartly Strikes
Success success
ful
which
ful
strikes. strikes.
failed.
Cause or object.
For increase of wages............ ..........................................
Against reduction of wages..............................................
For reduction of hours of labor with present or
increased w ages.............................................................
Relating to time and method of payment of wages, etc.
For or against modification of conditions of work.......
Against piecework.............................................................
For or against modification of shop rules......................
For abolition or reduction of fines..................................
Against discharge of workmen, foremen, or directors,
or for their reinstatement............................................
For discharge of workmen, foremen, or directors.......
Against employment of w o m e n .....................................
For limitation of number of apprentices......................
Relating to deduction from wages for the support of
insurance and aid funds...............................................
Other...................................................................................
Days of
lost
Total work
by all
strikers. persons
affected.
4,285
2,404
24,513
1,715
7,103
1,750
35,851
5,869
562,117
165,226
1,350
3,800
2,776
8912,208
785
979
952
1,738
58
761
1,145
1,149
1,154
541
178
893
740
3,478
5,906
5,055
1,127
3,862
2,670
27,082
51,268
34,019
13,244
32,153
32,468
316
1,101
4
140
66
644
171
1,715
2,097
89
22
2,097
3,842
93
333
23,624
44,900
1,861
2,893
1,236
513
120
16,515
773
27,468
2,129
44,496
105,933
700,965
Strikes due to wage disputes, either for an increase or against a
reduction of wages, continued in 1898, as in the preceding year, to be
the most numerous, 223 strikes, involving 41,720 strikers, being due
to this cause. By far the greater number of persons engaged in
strikes on account of wages were partly successful, or 26,228 out of a
total of 41,720 strikers. O f the others engaged in wage disputes,
6,639 succeeded entirely and 8,853 failed. O f the other important
causes of strikes, those relating to time and method of wage payments
and to modifications of conditions of work were most prevalent. Per
sons inyolved in strikes on account of these causes were largely suc
cessful. On the other hand, those involved in strikes for or against
the discharge of workmen, foremen, etc., or for their reinstatement,
and against the employment of women, were largely unsuccessful.
The next two tables show the results of strikes according to their
duration and according to the number of strikers involved, respectively:
STRIKES AND STRIKERS IN 1898, BY DURATION OF STRIKES.
Strikes.
Days of duration.
Suc
ceeded.
Suc
ceeded
partly.
Strikers.
Failed.
Total.
Suc
ceeded.
Suc
ceeded
partly.
Failed.
Total.
7 or under......................
8 to 15.............................
16 to 30...........................
31 to 100..........................
101 or o v e r ....................
57
13
3
2
79
16
13
13
2
106
31
19
13
1
242
60
35
28
3
5,693
3,300
185
1,416
8,958
1,974
2,673
18,807
134
4,557
5,017
27,502
1,726
123
19,208
10,291
30,360
21,949
257
Total....................
75
123
170
368
10,594
32,546
38,925
82,065
400
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
DURATION OF STRIKES IN 1898, BY NUMBER OF STRIKERS INVOLVED.
Strikes.
Strikers involved.
Suc
ceeded.
Suc
ceeded
partly.
Days of duration.
Failed.
Total.
1 to 7. 8 to 15. 16 to 30.
31 to
100.
25 or u n der...................
26 to 5 0 ..........................
51 to 100........................
101 to 200 ......................
201 to 500 ......................
501 to 1,000....................
1,001 or o v e r .................
24
14
12
12
7
5
1
21
81
26
22
14
8
1
77
39
24
18
9
1
2
122
84
62
52
30
14
4
93
53
41
33
18
4
15
15
11
6
8
4
1
12
6
5
7
2
2
1
2
9
4
5
2
4
2
T ota l...................
75
123
170
368
242
60
35
28
101 or
over.
1
1
1
3
As in the preceding year the strikes were mostly of short duration,
242 of the 368 strikes lasting 7 days or less, 60 lasting from 8 to 15
days, 35 from 16 to 30 days, 28 from 31 to 100 days, and 3 lasting
more than 100 days.
Over one-half of the strikes involved 50 strikers or less each. The
smaller strikes, involving 25 strikers or less each, were mostly failures,
while most of the larger strikes were either wholly or partly suc
cessful. Of the 18 strikes involving more than 500 strikers each, 6
succeeded, 9 succeeded partly, and 3 failed.
C onciliation and A rbitration . —The law of December 27, 1892,
r e g a lin g conciliation and arbitration^) in trade disputes was applied
in 94 cases during the year, and in 2 cases before work was suspended.
As there were in all 368 strikes during the year, these 94 cases con
stitute 25.54 per cent of all disputes. The proportion for the 5
preceding years, taken collectively, in which the law was applied, was
21.53 per cent. In the 94 cases the initiative in demanding the
application of the law was taken by the employees 57 times, by the
employers 3 times, by both employers and employees twice, and in
32 cases the initiative was taken through the intervention of the Justices
of the peace.
As regards the results of the application of the law, it was found
that in 4 of the 94 cases work was resumed before committees of con
ciliation were constituted. In 2 of these the employees abandoned
their claims, in 1 they were successful, and in the fourth case they
obtained employment elsewhere. In 38 of the remaining 90 cases the
demands for conciliation were refused, in 32 cases by employers, in 1 by
the employees, and in 5 cases by both employers and employees. In
4 of these 38 cases the workingmen renounced their demands, receiv
ing partial satisfaction in one instance. In the remaining 34 cases
o f refusal of conciliation strikes were declared, 3 of which were suc
cessful, 10 partly successful, and 21 failed.
Deducting the 42 cases above considered from the total number, there
remain 52 cases, for the settlement of which 52 committees of con-
*----------------- *5--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ------a F o r # copy of this law see Bulletin No. 25, pages 854-856.
401
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— FRANCE.
ciliation were created. In 18 of these cases the disputes were settled
directly by the committees of conciliation, in 2 cases they were settled
by arbitration, and in 2 other cases they were adjusted by the parties
themselves after having had recourse to committees of conciliation.
This leaves 30 cases in which the attempted conciliation and arbitra
tion failed and strikes resulted or continued, which succeeded in 3
cases, succeeded partly in 15, and failed in 12.
The following statement gives a summary of the cases in which
recourse was had to the law of 1892 regarding conciliation and arbitra
tion, and the results of such recourse in 1898 and for the preceding
five years collectively:
SUMMARY OF CASES IN WHICH RECOURSE WAS HAD TO CONCILIATION AND ARBITRA
TION, 1893 TO 1897 AND 1898.
1893 to
1897.
Items.
1898.
Total number of strikes...................................................................................................
Cases in which the law of 1892 was applied...............................................................r.
2,262
a 487
368
94
Disputes settled—
Before the creation of committees of conciliation...............................................
After refusal of demands for conciliation..............................................................
Directly by committees of conciliation..................................................................
By arbitration............................................................................................................
Directly by parties after having had recourse to conciliation...........................
41
26
6129
16
9
4
4
18
2
2
Total cases settled through the application of the la w ....................................
218
30
Strikes resulting or continuing—
After refusal of demand for con ciliation ...............................................................
After failure of recourse to conciliation and arbitration.....................................
145
cl22
34
30
Total cases of failure after application of the la w ............................................
268
64
a The 487 cases of recourse to the law relate to but 486 disputes.
6 There were but 126 disputes settled by committees of conciliation, 3 of them being counted twice
because 2 committees were formed in each of these 3 cases.
c Figures here apparently should be 123; those given, however, are according to the original.
From the above summary it will be seen that there were, in 1898, 30
cases in which disputes were settled directly or indirectly through the
application of the law of 1892, and 64 cases where recourse to the law
proved fruitless, a showing which is somewhat unfavorable when com
pared with the figures for the five preceding years.
O f the 30 disputes settled as a result of the application of the law, 4
were favorable to the demands of the employees, 20 resulted in a
compromise, and 6 were unfavorable to the employees. O f the 64
disputes which continued after the failure of attempts at conciliation
and arbitration, 6 succeeded, 25 succeeded partly, and 33 failed.
ITALY .
A t ti della R . Commissione d ' Inehiesta sui R a p p o rti f r a le Societa,
esercenti le tre p rm c ip a li re ti d i strade fe rra te del Regno e i l loro
Personale. Volume I, 563 pp.; Volume II, 588 pp.; Volume III,
590 pp.; Volume IV , 518 pp.
This elaborate report is the result of an investigation undertaken
by a commission instituted by a royal decree, dated July 30, 1896, for
402
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
the purpose of investigating the relations between the companies oper
ating the three principal railway systems in Italy and their employees.
The commission consisted of 13 members selected from among the
members of both houses of the Italian Parliament, Government offi
cials, and the presidents of the chambers of commerce of Turin and
Florence. Although originally appointed for 4 months, its work was
of such magnitude that subsequent decrees extended its term to
December 31, 1898.
The investigation has special reference to the manner in which the
companies carried out that part of their contract of July 1, 1885,
which relates to the treatment to be accorded employees after the man
agement of the roads passed from the Government into the hands of
the private companies. The railroads coming under this investigation
include what are known as the Mediterranean, the Adriatic, and the
Sicilian systems.
Volume I contains the report proper of the commission, while the
other, three volumes consist of the papers and documents accompany
ing the report. In the prosecution of its work the commission adopted
every means at its command, through schedules of inquiry, the taking
of testimony, and otherwise, to study the subject under investigation,
the information being obtained from the officials, employees, and
others who were in a position to aid in the work. The report of the
commission consists of three parts. The first part is devoted to the
relations of the company and its employees with regard to the terms
of the contract, the scond part with regard to the public service,
while the third part contains the recommendations of the commission.
The particular terms of the contract which constitute the special
object of the inquiry provide that the companies accept as employees
all persons designated by the Government as being in the active rail
way service at the time of the transfer, referred to in the report as
the organic roll {ruolo ovganico) ; that in regulating the assignments and
wages, the companies will have due regard to the functions, merits,
and seniority of the employees then in service; that the organic roll
o f employees must be submitted to the Government for examination
as to its conformity with the terms of the agreement, and that the
regulations regarding promotions, suspensions, discharges, etc., before
going into force must be submitted to the Government for examination.
The first part of the report, which relates to the observance of the
terms of the contract, takes up and discusses in turn each item, such as
the roll of employees, their employment, wages, promotion and dis
charge, rules and regulations, provident institutions, etc., giving in
each case a review of the commission’s work and its conclusions. The
same form was observed in the second part of the report, relating to
the management with regard to the good of the public service. Under
this head are considered the sufficiency of the force employed, the
FOBEIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS---- ITALY.
403
hours of labor of employees, their efficiency, causes of discontent,
labor disputes, etc.
The conclusions of the commission were generally adverse to the
railway companies, showing in many cases a disregard of the terms of
the contract, and a justification of the discontent on the part of the
employees and others. The commission recommended, among other
things, the annual submission of a list of employees and wages to the
Government, the adoption of uniform regulations by the 3 companies,
the appointment of a Government commission to see that a sufficient
number of employees are engaged to meet the needs of the public
service, the governmental regulations concerning the efficiency of
employees, the establishment of a minimum of 7 hours of continu
ous rest per day for employees, etc. The commission also recom
mended that the Government provide the necessary safeguards against
the violations of the terms of the contract, or the provisions regarding
the numerical sufficiency of the personnel, their efficiency, etc. In
general, therefore, the commission recommended a greater govern
mental suspervision over the relations between the companies oper
ating the 3 great railway systems and their employees than had been
exercised before.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
[This subject, begun in Bulletin No. 2, has been continued in successive issues. A ll
material parts of the decisions are reproduced in the words of the courts, indicated
when short by quotation marks and when long b y being printed solid. In order to
save space, immaterial matter, needed simply b y way of explanation, is given in the
words of the editorial reviser.]
DECISIONS UNDER STATUTORY L A W .
C onstitutionality of Statute — C oal M ine I nspection— Chicago,
W ilm ington and V erm ilio n Coal Co. v. People, 54> Northeastern R e
porter*', page 961.—Action was brought by the people of the State of
Illinois against the above-named coal company to recover the fees due
under the law for the inspection of the company’s mines. A judgment
against the company was rendered in the circuit court of Sangamon
County, 111., and thereupon the company appealed the case to the
supreme court of the State, which rendered its decision October 16,
1899, and affirmed the judgment of the circuit court.
Judge Phillips, in delivering the opinion-of the supreme court,
which sufficiently shows the facts in the case, used the following
language:
Section 29 of article 4 of the constitution is as follows: “ It shall be
the duty of the general assembly to pass such laws as may be necessary
for the protection of operative miners, by providing for ventila
tion when the same may be required, and the construction of escape
ment shafts, or such otner appliances as may secure safety in all coal
mines, and to provid'e for the enforcement of said laws by such pen
alties and punishments as may be deemed proper.” This provision
requires the legislature to pass such laws as may be necessary, etc.,
and leaves to that body the determination of the policy of the State
as to what legislation is necessary to conform to its requirements. The
legislature has seen proper, in the act entitled “ An act providing for
the health and safety of persons employed in coal mines,” approved
May 28, 1879, and in force July 1, 1879, and by the amendments
thereto, to require certain duties to be done and performed by the
owner, operator, or manager of a coal mine. Section 11 provides for
the division of the State into districts, for the appointment of inspect
ors, and prescribes their duties and fixes their salaries. This latter
section was amended in 1895. Prior to that time the inspector was
paid wholly by the State, but after the amendment of 1895, and by
the amendment of 1897, it was provided that fees might be charged,
which were required to be paid by the.mine owner. It is these two
amendatory statutes which the appellant contends are unconstitutional,
as placing a burden that is unreasonable and unjust onto the mine
owner.
404
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
405
The object and purpose of the statute are the protection of miners
working in coal mines. While the act is an effort on the part of the
general assembly to strictly comply with section 29 of article 4 of the
constitution, by providing for the ventilation of mines, the construc
tion of escapement shafts, and such other appliances as shall secure
safety in all coal mines, the general assembly has seen proper to include
a provision for the preparation of maps and the filing of the same with
the chief mine inspector of the district, and that on neglect or default
of the owner to make such map the inspector may make the same at
his expense, and this is one of the requirements of the statute which
has been held constitutional by this court.
To a much greater extent the provisions of section 11, which pre
scribe the duties of the inspector, and require his reports and state
ments to be posted in a conspicuous place, showing the condition of
the mine and what, in his judgment, is necessary for the protection of
the lives and health of persons employed in such mine, etc., call for an
exercise of the police power of the State. The examination of the con
dition* of the mine would also necessarily require the inspector to
examine and report as to whether the manner of construction of escape
ment shafts, air shafts, and the ventilation of the mine is in conformity
with the requirements of the statute. Inspections are necessary in
determining health and quarantine laws, and also with reference to the
examination of articles to be used as food, and it never has been held
that a provision looking to the inspection of certain articles that may
be offered for sale for the purposes of human food, or a law providing
for inspection with reference to health, required an improper exercise
of the police power. Nor could it be held that the provision of the
statute with reference to the appointment of inspectors for coal mines,
who are to discharge the duties imposed upon them by section 11, does
not call for a proper exercise of the police power of the State. The
very purpose and object of the statute are in regard to the health and
safety of miners, and requiring that mine owners should permit an
inspection of their mines for this purpose is but an exercise of such
police power.
W e do not understand the contention of the appellant to be, how
ever, that these provisions of the statute call for an improper exercise
of tne police power, but understand the contention is that the pro
visions of the statute which require a fee to be paid for such inspec
tion by the mine owner require an improper exercise of the police
power.
With a recognition of the fact that under the police power the legis
lature has the right to provide for the inspection o f mines, it may
also provide for the payment of fees for such inspection, and may
place the burden of tne payment of such fees on the business that
requires the employment of men in such dangerous and hazardous
work, to an equal extent as it may place the burden on commerce in
the shipment of grain, and appeals much more strongly for a proper
enforcement of mis character of law by proper inspection than the
mere protection of trade. If an inspection is to be had, it is attended
with expense. The expense thus incurred is imposed because of the
peculiar dangers of the surrounding situation, and subserves not only
the interest of the miners, but alike protects the mine owner, and hence
the burden of the payment of the fee can be properly imposed upon
the mine owner without violating any provision oi the constitution.
406
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Appellant contends that legislation, under the provisions of section
29 of article 4, can only be had with reference to ventilation and
escapement shafts. Such contention can not be sustained, because that
section requires legislation for a particular purpose, having in view
the safety of miners, and submits to the legislature the policy to be
pursued for the accomplishment of that end, and which can not lightly
be interfered with by a court. Appellant, from the position taken,
seems to disregard the fact that the legislature may legislate, under
the police power which it possesses, outside of the mere mandates of
that provision of the constitution. The contention is entirely too
narrow. Judgment affirmed.
C onstitutionality of Statute — E ight -H our L aw - M ines and
S melters— In re M o rgan, 58 P a cific Reporter*, page 1071 .—This was
an original application to the supreme court of Colorado by one Thomas
A. Morgan for a writ of habeas corpus. The decision of said court
was rendered July 17,1899, and the petition for such writ was granted.
The statement of facts in the case shows the following:
A t a preliminary examination before a justice of the peace upon a
charge of contracting to labor in a smelter in excess of eight hours
per day, the defendant was committed to jail in default of giving the
required bail, and to secure his liberty has filed in this court his peti
tion for a writ of habeas corpus. The prosecution was under section
2 of “ An act regulating the hours of employment in underground
mines and in smelting and ore reduction works, and providing penal
ties for violations thereof,” passed by the twelfth general assembly,
the material provisions of which are embraced in the first two sections:
“ S ection 1. The period of employment of workingmen in all under
ground mines or workings shall be eight (8) hours per day, except in
cases of emergency, where life or property is in imminent danger.
“ S ec . 2. The period of employment of workingmen in smelters and
in all other institutions for the reduction or refining of ores or metals
shall be eight (8) hours per day, except in cases of emergency, where
life or property is in imminent danger.”
Section 3 makes the violation of th§ foregoing provisions a misde
meanor, and provides the penalty therefor. (Sess. Laws, 1899, c. 103.)
The following sections of the constitution are referred to in the opinion:
Article 2—
“ S ection 1. That all poKtical power is vested in and derived from
the people; that all government of right originates from the people,
is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of
the whole.
“ S ec . 3. That all persons have certain natural, essential, and inalien
able rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and
defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and
property, and of seeking and obtaining their safety and
“ S ec . 28. The enumeration in this constitution of certain rights shall
not be construed to deny, impair, or disparage others retained by thepeople.”
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING- LABOR.
407
Article 5—
46S ection 25. The general assembly shall not pass local or special
laws in any of the following enumerated cases, that is to say: * * *
[Subdivision 23.] Granting to any corporation, association, or individ
ual any special or exclusive privilege, immunity, or franchise whatever.
[Subdivision 24.] In all other cases where a general law can be made
applicable no special law shall be enacted.”
The opinion of the supreme court was delivered by Chief Justice
Campbell, who, after stating the facts in the case, as above, continued
in the following language:
The petitioner challenges the validity of the statute, as inhibited by
the foregoing clauses of the organic law. The position of the attorney general is that it was passed as a health regulation, and may be vindi
cated as coming within the range of the police powers of the State.
Four years before it became an act this court, to an inquiry of the
house of representatives of the tenth general assembly as to the con
stitutionality of a bill reading 44Eight hours shall constitute a legal
day’s work for all classes of mechanics, workingmen, and laborers
employed in any mine, factory, or smelter of any kind whatsoever in
the State of Colorado,” replied that it was 44not competent for the
legislature to single out the mining, manufacturing, and smelting
industries of the State and impose upon them restrictions with refer
ence to the hours of their employees from which other employers of
labor are exempt.” And it was further said that the section 44violates
the right of parties to make their own contracts—a right guaranteed
by our bill of rights.” (In re Eight-hour bill, 21 Colo., 29; 39 Pac.,
328.) The twelfth general assembly must have been aware of this,
and another decision concerning the power of the legislature to pass
what is called a 44coal-screening bill” —the opinion being reported in
21 Colo., 27, and 39 Pac., 431 (In re House bill No. 203)—in which
this species of legislation was condemned as hostile to the constitution.
But, wholly disregarding these decisions, binding alike on all depart
ments of government, it proceeded to enact the measure now before
us. Though it affords no justification for such legislative action in
defiance and against the solemn decision of this court, we presume the
excuse that might be offered therefor is that, after these decisions were
handed down, in a sister State [Utah] an act in the same language was
passed and approved by its highest court, and, as is claimed, sanctioned
by the Supreme Court of the United States. [See Holden v. Hardy,
U. S. Department of Labor Bulletin No. 10, page 387; State v. Holden,
U. S. Department of Labor Bulletin No. 11, page 508; and Holden v.
Hardy, U. S. Department of Labor Bulletin No. 17, page 625.]
The question presented for our determination is, Does the act under
which the petitioner is being prosecuted violate any constitutional
provision ? In this resolution the provisions of our own constitution
must govern. Decisions of other jurisdictions defining the limits of
legislation under their constitutions are not always to be followed else
where, upon the supposition that the same limitations everywhere
prevail. A comparison of many other constitutions with ours shows
that the latter probably contains more restrictions upon the power of
the legislature than are to be found in any other instrument.
Except as to the penalty, the act is identical in terms with a law of
Utah, which, in three cases in the supreme court of that State, has
408
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
been held valid; and in two of the cases, on writ of error from the
Supreme Court of the United States, the judgment of the State court
has been affirmed.
In the constitution of Utah there is an entire article (16) devoted to
the rights of labor. For our present purpose, sections 1, 6, and 7 only
need be here reproduced. They are:
“ S ection 1. The rights of labor shall have just protection through
the laws calculated to proipote the industrial welfare of the States.
“ S ec . 6. Eight hours shall constitute a day’s work on all works or
undertakings carried on or aided by the State, county, or municipal
overnments; and the legislature shall pass laws to provide for the
ealth and safety of employees in factories, smelters, and mines.
“ S ec . 7. The legislature, by appropriate legislation, shall provide
for the enforcement of the provisions of this article.”
While disclaiming any expression of opinion as to whether the act
in question might or might not be upheld as an exercise of the police
power, which, though unexpressed in the constitution, resides in every
sovereign State, the supreme court of Utah clearly grounded its deci
sion upon the mandatory nature of the foregoing section 6. The
imperative command thereof was thought to operate both upon the
legislature and the courts—upon the legislature as an express injunc
tion requiring the enactment of legislation to protect the health of the
classes enumerated, and upon the courts as an implied restriction, with
drawing from them an inquiry into such legislation as should be passed
in obedience to that command, upon which investigation, in the absence
of the constitutional limitation, and with respect to such legislation
as comes within the range of the general police power, the court might
enter to ascertain if it accords with the constitution.
After quoting from a number of authorities the chief justice con
tinues as follows:
In the light of these authorities it is clear: First, that the deci
sion of the supreme court of Utah in construing the Utah statute
is not an authority here, for the reason that the decision there was
based entirely upon the mandatory nature of a provision of the Utah
constitution which is not present in our organic act; second, in affirm
ing the judgment of the Utah court, the decision of the Supreme
Court of the United States in the Holden cases is not a precedent for
this court in construing our act, for the reason that the sole question
before the Federal court was whether or not the Utah act violated the
Federal Constitution. If, however, it could be maintained that this
affirmance was in effect a determination that the Utah law was in har
mony with the Utah constitution, the decision of the Federal court
would not be an authority here, because we have no such constitu
tional provision.
The extent and meaning of the act in question are not difficult of
ascertainment, though it is not a model of statutory composition. That
it operates as a limitation both upon the employer and the employee
seems clear. It forbids a certain kind of employment. There can be
no employment without the concurring acts of him who contracts for
employment and of him who contracts to be employed. Both are
within the inhibitions of the enactment, and if it is valid each is liable
to the penalty for making the forbidden contract. The petitioner,
therefore, as a laboring man, is prohibited from entering into a con
g
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
409
tract to work in a smelter more than eight hours in any one day. If
in our constitution there was, as there seems to be in that of Utah, a
specific affirmative provision enjoining upon the general assembly the
enactment of laws to protect the health of the classes of workmen therein
enumerated, it might be that acts reasonably appropriate to that end
would not be obnoxious to that provision of our constitution forbidding
class legislation. The two provisions should be construed together so
as to harmonize, if that be possible under sound canons of con
struction, and the general clause forbidding class legislation might be
regarded as qualified by the special one which authorizes such legisla
tion in respect to the enumerated classes. Article 16 of our constitu
tion is devoted to mining and irrigation, and section 2 directs that64the
general assembly shall provide by law for the proper ventilation of
mines, the construction of escapement shafts, and such other appliances
as may be necessaiy to protect the health and secure the safety of the
workmen therein.” These regulations manifestly embrace only such
reasonably necessary mechanical appliances as will secure the end in
view, and do not include other kinds of health regulations. W e have
no constitutional provision which authorizes the legislature to single
out workingmen in underground mines and smelters and impose upon
them restrictions as to the number of hours they shall work at these
industries, from which workingmen in all other departments of industry
are exempt.
The act is equally obnoxious to the provisions of our bill of rights
set out in the statement which guarantee to all persons their natural
and inalienable right to personal liberty, and the right of acquiring,
possessing, and protecting property. Liberty means something more
than mere freedom from physical restraint. It includes the privilege
of choosing any lawful occupation for the exercise of one’s physical
and mental faculties which is not injurious to others. The right to
acquire and possess property includes the right to contract for one’s
labor. The latter is essentially a property right. That this act
infringes both the right to enjoy liberty and to acquire and possess
property seems too clear for argument. While not conceding that
this limitation is not permissible, counsel for respondent, as we under
stand them, recognize the fact (but, if they do not, the same is only
too apparent) that these natural rights are violated by the pro
visions of the act. The limitation is claimed to be warranted on the
ground that these and all other constitutional guaranties must yield to
the paramount and sovereign right of the State to exercise its police
power to protect the public health, and to this, the principal question
in this proceeding, we now address ourselves.
Starting then with the premise, which is practically admitted to be
true, that this act contravenes the constitutional provisions quoted in
the statement, let us see if, notwithstanding this conflict, it can be
justified as a valid exercise of the police power. It is difficult to
define, or with precision to describe, the police power. Prof. Tiedeman in his work on the Limitations of Police Power, in section 1, says:
44The object of government is to impose that degree of restraint upon
human actions which is necessary to the uniform and reasonable con
servation and enjoyment of private rights. * * * The conserva
tion of private rights is attained by the imposition of a wholesome
restraint upon their exercise—such a restraint as will prevent the
infliction of injury upon others in the enjoyment of them.” He fur2193— No. 27----- 12
410
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
ther quotes with approval the language of Judge Redfield in the ease
of Thorpe v. Railroad Co., 27 Vt., 140: “ This police power of the
State extends to the protection of the lives, limbs, health, comfort, and
quiet of all persons, and the protection of all property within the
State.
According to the maxim, 4Sic utere tuo ut alienum non
lsedas’ [one must so use his own as not to injure others], which being
of universal application, it must of course be within the range of leg
islative action to define the mode and manner in which everyone may
so use his own as not to injure others.” And Prof. Tiedeman immedi
ately follows this quotation with the statement that: 44Any law which
goes beyond that principle—which undertakes to abolish rights, the
exercise of which does not involve an infringement of the rights of
others, or to limit the exercise of rights beyond what is necessary to
provide for the public welfare and the general security— can not be
included in the police power of the government.” It thus appears
that, in proceeding under this power, the legislature must choose
proper subjects for its exercise, and must observe constitutional lim
itations just as closely as when it enacts laws pertaining to the public
revenue, or provides for the exercise o f the power of eminent domain.
In the light o f these principles every act o f this character must be
tested. W hile invoking as a warrant for this act that phase of the
police power extending to the public health, its supporters do not
claim that its real and primary object is to protect the public health,
or the health o f that portion of the community in the immediate
vicinity, or affected by the operation of smelters. Were the object
of the act to protect the public health, and its provisions reasonably
appropriate to that end, it might-be sustained; for in such a case even
the constitutional right of contract may be reasonably limited. But
the act before us is not of that character. In selecting a subject for
the exercise of the police power, the legislature must keep within its
true scope. The reason for the existence o f the power rests upon
the theory that one must so use his own as not to injure others, and so
as not to interfere with or injure the public health, safety, morals, or
general welfare. How can an alleged law that purports to be the
result of an exercise of the police power be such in reality when it
has for its only object, not the protection of others, or the public
health, safety, morals, or general welfare, but the welfare of him
whose act is prohibited, when, if committed, it will injure him who
commits it, and him only? What we mean to decide, is that in a
purely private lawful business, in which no special privilege or
license has been granted by the State, and the carrying on of which is
attended by no injury to the general public, it is beyond the power o f
the legislature under the guise of the police power to prohibit an
adult man who desires to work thereat from working more than eight
hours a day, on the ground that working longer may, or probably
will, injure his own health.
The result of our deliberation is that this act is an unwarrantable
interference with, and infringes the right of both the employer and
employee in making contracts relating to a purely private business
in which no possible injury to the public can result; that it unjustly
and arbitrarily singles out a class of persons, and imposes* upon them
restrictions from which others similarly situated and substantially in
the same condition are exempt; and that it is not, under our constitu
tion, a valid exercise o f the police power of this State, either in the
subject selected or in the reasonableness of the regulation.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
411
Constitutionality of S tatute — P ayment of W ages—- V alidity
A greement for E xtension of T ime for P ayment of W ages
on C onsideration of P art P ayment — S kin n er v. G arnett G old -
of
M in in g Co., 96 F ederal R eporter, page 735 .—This was an action by
attachment originally brought in the superior court of Sierra County,
Cal., to recover from the above-named defendant corporation for labor
performed by the plaintiff, one Skinner, and on assigned claims for
labor performed by others. The case was transferred to the United
States circuit court for the northern district of California, oh the
ground that the defendant was a foreign corporation, having been
organized under the law of West Virginia. The plaintiff relied
upon the provisions of chapter 170 of the acts of California of 1897,
page 231, an act relating to the payment of wages. The defendant
alleged that said act was unconstitutional, and, while admitting that it
owed the amount for which the suit was brought, claimed that an
agreement was entered into between the plaintiff and his assignors
and the defendant to wait a certain time for all wages earned prior to
a certain date, and that under said agreement, as to such wages, the
action had been prematurely brought. The decision of the circuit
court was rendered September 6, 1899, and a judgment was rendered
in favor of the plaintiff.
In the course of the opinion of said court, delivered by Circuit
Judge Morrow, the following language was used:
The title of the act the benefit of which has been claimed by plain
tiff, and the constitutionality of which defendant contests, reads:
“ An act requiring every corporation doing business in this State to
pay their employees, and each of them, at least once in each and
every month, the wages earned by such employee; to limit the defenses
which may be set up by such corporation to assignments of wages, set
off or counter claims, or the absence of such employees at the time of
making payment, and in case of such absence the wages are payable
upon demand; to prohibit assignments of wages for the purpose of
evading the provisions of this act and agreements to accept wages at
longer periods than as herein provided as a condition of employment;
to fix a penalty for this violation of the provisions of this act by such
corporation, and to provide for the disposition of any fines recovered
from corporations violating the same.”
The purpose of the act is expressed in section 1, which provides that—
“ Every corporation doing business in this State shall pay at least
once a month each and every employee employed by such corporation
in transacting or carrying on its business or in the performance of
labor for it the wages earned by such employee during the preced
ing month: P ro vid ed , however, That if at the time of payment an}^
employee shall be absent or not engaged in his usual employment he
shall be entitled to said payment at any time thereafter upon demand.”
The provisions of all the sections of this act, with the exception of
sections 2 and 6, are referred to in the title as quoted above. Section
2 provides:
“ A violation of any of the provisions of section one of this act shall
entitle each of said employees to a lien on all the property of said cor
412
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
poration for the amount of their wages, which lien shall take prefer
ence over all other liens except duly recorded mortgages or deeds of
trust; and in any action to recover the amount of such wages or to
enforce said lien the plaintiff shall be entitled to a reasonable attorney’s
fee, to be fixed by the court, and which shall form part of the judg
ment in said action, and shall also be entitled to an attachment against
said property. An unrecorded deed shall be no defense to such
actions.”
Section 6 is as follows:
44A ll wages earned by any employee engaged in the service of any
corporation in this State shall be paid in lawful moneys of the United
States or in checks negotiable at face value on demand.”
The constitution of California (section 24, art. 4) declares that
44 every act shall embrace but one subject, which subject shall be
expressed in its title.” Defendant contends that, since the provisions
of sections 2 and 6 of the above act are not specifically referred to in
its title, these two sections are unconstitutional. The unconstitu
tionality of these two sections, even if established, does not invalidate
the entire act, but merely the sections involved. Section 24, art. 4, of
the constitution of California also provides:
44But if any subject shall be embraced in an act which shall not be
expressed in its title, such act shall be void only as to so much thereof
as shall not be expressed in the title.”
It will be observed that we are not concerned with section 6 in the
present controversy, and it may therefore be omitted from considera
tion. The subject of the act is comprised in section 1, which enacts
that corporations shall pay their employees regularly each month.
The other sections contain provisions designed to secure compliance
with section 1, and section 2 provides a penalty for the violation of
this section. Two sections in this act (sections 2 and 7) provide
against violation of its provisions. It is evident that these sections
are intended to enforce compliance with the regulations of the act
regarding its subject comprised in section 1, and there is consequently
no reason why their provisions should have found expression in the
title of the act.
Defendant further attacks the statute in question upon the ground
that it contravenes the following provisions of the constitution of the
State: (1) Section 13, art. 1: 44No person shall * * * be deprived
of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. ” (2) Section 1,
id.: 64A ll men * * * have certain inalienable rights, among which
are those of * * * acquiring, possessing, and protecting prop
erty.” (3) Section 21, id.: 44Nor shall any citizen or class of citizens
be granted privileges qt immunities which, upon the same terms, shall
not be granted to all citizens.” (4) Fourteenth amendment to the
Constitution of the United States: 44Nor shall any State deny to any
person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law.” Defend
ant contends that the statute discriminates unreasonably against cor
porations and destroys the liberty and property of private contracts
m several of its provisions. Section 2 of the act, supra, is regarded
by defendant as an unjust discrimination against corporations.
The opinion at this point refers to and comments on a case cited by
the defendant, and then continues in the following words:
It will be perceived that the case under discussion bears no resem
blance to the case cited above. In that case there was a direct attack
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
413
upon the property of corporations, an attempt to make corporations
submit to a system of taxation different from that generally employed
in this State, and to saddle them with more than their proper share of
the burdens of State taxation. In this case no peculiar burden is
imposed. The statute in question merely provides for the payment of
wages already due at certain regular periods, and lays down regula
tions framed to secure compliance with its provisions in this respect.
The court here refers to an act concerning the payment of wages
passed by the legislature of California in 1891 (St. Cal. 1891, p. 195),
cites and quotes from several decisions of the California supreme
court, in which said act was declared to be unconstitutional, and then
goes on to say:
The statute of 1897 appears to dispose of the constitutional objection
urged against the act of 1891. The statute of 1891 was declared uncon
stitutional because of its arbitrary classification of laborers, according
to which those who were employed by the week or month enjoyed
advantages over those not so employed. The statute of 1897 provides
specifically that all employees of corporations shall be paid at least
once a month, and makes no such discrimination as the statute of 1891,
but entitles all employees of corporations to the same remedies. The
question here is whether the statute of 1897 so discriminates between
corporations and other persons as to render it unconstitutional for that
reason.
The court here refers to a case decided in a Federal court holding a
certain statute of the State of Tennessee to be unconstitutional, and
then continues in the following language:
The statute in the above Tennessee case was properly considered as
discriminating against railroad corporations. It professed to provide
“ for the regulation of railroad companies and persons operating rail
roads in this State,” and in so providing it discriminated as regards
penalties and in other respects against corporations operating rail
roads. Such a statute can not be regarded as parallel with the Cali
fornia statute under consideration. The California statute imposes
certain legal duties upon corporations in general, and makes certain
provisions intended to secure the performance of these duties by cor
porations. This interpretation of the statute as not being a special
law is in accord with the decisions of the supreme court of this State.
The constitution of this State contains the usual provisions concern
ing corporations, and provides that:
“ All laws now in force in this State concerning corporations, and
all laws that may be hereafter passed pursuant to this section, may be
altered from time to time or repealed.” (Article 12, section 1.)
Under this provision the act of 1897 must be held as a legitimate
exercise of the plenary power of the legislature to modify, by general
laws, within reasonable limits, the rights and privileges which corpora
tions of the State possess as such; and this legislation may be justified
upon the ground that the purposes of the State in creating corpora
tions will be the better accomplished by such amendment.
Defendant’s contention that the statute of 1897 unjustly discrimi
nates against corporations can not be sustained in regard to the pro
visions of sections 1 and 2 of that statute. There is no discrimination
414
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
involving the breach of any of the constitutional enactments invoked
by the defendant. The provisions that corporations shall have a reg
ular monthly pay day, and that the employees of a corporation shall,
in the event of a violation of the provisions of section 1 by the corpo
ration, be entitled to a lien on the property of the corporation, taking
precedence of all other liens except recorded mortgages and deeds of
trust; to a reasonable attorney’s fee if he is obliged to bring an action
at law to recover his wages, and to an attachment against the property
of the corporation, and that an unrecorded deed shall not be a defense
to such an action, are not such as unjustly discriminate against the
defendant.
Defendant further contends that the act is unconstitutional upon the
ground that it deprives the employee and the corporation of the liberty
and property of making contracts, without due process of law. In the
course of its argument in this respect defendant attacks various sec
tions of the statute of 1897 other than sections 1 and 2 of that statute.
Plaintiff, however, bases his action upon these two sections, and the
remaining sections may therefore be left out of consideration in this
case. As far as these two sections are concerned there does not appear
to be good ground for the contention of defendant. Section 1 provides
for the monthly payment of wages which have been already earned,
and which are due from the corporation to the employee, and section
2 provides penalties in case such provision is not complied with. It
does not appear in what respects defendant is deprived of any liberty
in making contracts by reason of these enactments. They simply con
stitute an effort to secure the regular payment to the employee of a
corporation, by such corporation, of the wages to which he is entitled
by virtue of his work performed, and an effort to make his legal
remedy for the irregular payment of such wages as little troublesome
and as little expensive as possible. The contention of defendant as to
the unconstitutionality of the statute must be denied.
Defendant also urges that the action is premature as to the sum of
$1,814.48, or “ back pay,” claimed therein. Defendant admits indebt
edness to that extent, but argues that under the terms of an agreement
made by the parties on or about the 8th of October, 1897, plaintiff and
his assignors agreed to wait until the following February for one-half
of their wages due on August 23, 1897, the other half of which “ back
pay ” they received upon the 8th of October, 1897, at the same time
that they entered into the agreement to wait. This action was com
menced on December 17, 1897, prior to the time for the expiration of
the alleged agreement. A copy of the pay roll of the Garnett Gold
Mining Company was admitted in evidence. This pay roll contained
nine parallel columns, namely: The first column, “ Names;’’ the second,
“ Total amt. due wages;” the third, “ Board deducted;” the fourth,
“ No. of days;” the fifth, “ Cash j>aid;” the sixth, “ Balancedue;” the
seventh, “ raid on
the eighth, “ Bal. payable six months
from Aug. 23, ’97;” and the ninth and last, “ Received payments.
Bal. payable 6 mos. Accepted. ” The plaintiff and his assignors signed
their names in the last column. It is contended by defendant that this
constitutes an agreement on the part of plaintiff and his assignors to
wait until February, 1898, for the balance of the amounts due them.
Plaintiff denies that any such agreement was made, and his evidence
was to the effect that when he signed the alleged agreement he thought
he was receipting an ordinary pay roll. The evidence of defendant’s
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
415
witnesses was altogether unsatisfactory upon the point whether
plaintiff and his assignors were informed of the character of the
alleged agreement, and that it differed from an ordinary pay roll.
But, even conceding the fact of the agreement, plaintiff urges that
such an agreemert, if made, is merely a nudum pactum, and can have
no legal value for want of consideration. Defendant maintains that
there was good consideration for the agreement, and alleges that suits
have been brought for “ back pay55 by some of plaintiff’s assignors,
and that the company had informed the men that, unless the six
months’ extension was given and all the suits dismissed, the company
could do nothing more, and litigation would have to take its course.
Defendant claims that the benefit derived by the men from this settle
ment was sufficient consideration to support the agreement. Section
1605 of the Civil Code of California defines “ consideration ” as follows:
“ Any benefit conferred, or agreed to be conferred, upon the promisor
by an}r other person, to which the promisor is not lawfully entitled,
or any prejudice suffered or agreed to be suffered by such (other)
person, other than such as he is at the time of consent lawfully bound
to suffer, as an inducement to the promise, is a good consideration for a
promise.”
It can not be maintained that plaintiff and his assignors had any benefit
conferred upon them by such an agreement as is here set forth by defend
ant. Half of their wages was overdue, and it was the duty of defend
ant to pay such wages upon demand. The promise to perform that
duty after an interval of six months can not be called good considera
tion for the agreement. The supreme court of this State, in the case
of Sullivan v. Sullivan, 99 Cal., 187, 193; 33 Pac., 862, 864, declares:
“ It is well settled that neither a promise to perform a duty nor the
performance of a duty constitutes the consideration of a contract.”
The plaintiff is entitled to a reasonable attorney’s fee, to be fixed
by the court (section 2, act March 29,1897; St. Cal., 1897, p. 231),
which shall form part of the judgment in said action. I am of the
opinion that the attorney’s fee should be fixed at $300, and such will be
tne order. A judgment will therefore be entered for the plaintiff for
the amount claimed and attorney’s fee of $300 and costs.
C onstitutionality of S tatute — S tore O rders , S crip, etc .,
I ssued in P ayment of W ages to be R edeemed in C ash — H arbison
v . K n o xville Iro n Co., 53 Southwestern R eporter, page 955 .—Action
was brought by Sam Harbison against the above-named company in
the chancery court of Knox County, Tenn. A decree was rendered
for the plaintiff, Harbison, and the same was affirmed on appeal by
the court of chancery appeals. The defendant company then appealed
the case to the supreme court of the State, which rendered its decision
November 8, 1899, and affirmed the decrees of the lower courts.
The opinion of the supreme court, delivered by Judge Caldwell,
shows the facts in the case as well as the reasons for the decision, and
the following is quoted therefrom:
The defendant is a domestic corporation, engaged in the manufac
ture and sale of iron and in the mining and sale of coal. It employs
416
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
about 200 laborers, and has one regular pay day each month, being
that Saturday which is nearest to the 20th of the particular month.
On this day each employee is paid in cash the amount due him up to
the 1st day of the month, but never up to the day of payment. On
every Saturday in the month, however, the defendant holds itself in
readiness to pay all of its employees the full amount then due them if
they will receive it in orders for coal at 12 cents per bushel; and the
afternoon of every Saturday, from 1 o’clock to 5 o’clock, is set apart
for that purpose. About 75 per cent of all the wages earned by the
laborers is paid in these coal orders. The orders are in the following
form: “ Let bearer have ------ bushels of coal, and charge to my
[Signed] --------- . Accepted ------ , 1899. Knoxville Iron
account.
Company.” The complainant purchased 614 of these orders, aggre
gating $1,678, and thereafter presented them to the defendant on a
regular pay day, and demanded payment in cash. Payment being
refused, he brought this suit to collect the several orders. He bases
his action on sections 1 and 2 of chapter 11 of the acts of 1899. [See
laws of Tennessee, page 452, post.]
The company defends upon three grounds: (1) That the act does not
apply to a case like this; (2) that complainant is not a bona fide holder,
and (3) that the act is unconstitutional. These defenses will be consid
ered in the order named.
1. The substance of the first contention is that by a correct construc
tion it must be held that “ all persons, firms, corporations, and compa
nies using coupons, scrip, punchouts, store orders, or other evidences
of indebtedness to pay their or its laborers or employees” means only
such persons, firms, corporations, and companies as are accustomed
to use coupons, scrip, punchouts, store orders, or other evidences of
indebtedness to pay their or its laborers or employees, and as so use them
arbitrarily; and that the defendant has no such custom, and is, there
fore, not included in the terms of the act. No reason is perceived by
the court for so restricting and limiting the broad and unqualified
words of the statute. The evident intention of the legislature was to
include every person, firm, corporation, and company using coupons,
scrip, punchouts, store orders, or other evidences of indebtedness to
pay their or its laborers and employees, whether such use be habitual
and arbitrary or only occasional and without constraint. But if this
were not true, the defendant is included by its own construction. The
court of chancery appeals found that the defendant is so accustomed
to use coal orders that it in that “ way pays off about 75 per cent of the
wages earned by its employees,” and that its course of business* in that
respect is one “ whereby employees are systematically, in the main,
settled with in coal orders instead of cash, and where, though there is
no compulsion in form, yet in fact, by holding back their wages, such
a motive power is brought to bear upon their freedom of choice as to
practically amount to coercion;” that “ the facts of the case show a
species of compulsion whereby the defendant takes advantage of the
necessities of the improvidence of its employees, and so places them
in a position where they feel compelled to take their wages in coal
orders.” So that by the true construction, and also by that suggested
by the defendant, it is included in the provisions of the statute.
2. It is next contended that complainant is not a bona fide holder,
because he purchased the coal orders sued upon at a discount of 15
cents on the dollar. It is true that complainant gave only 85 cents on
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
417
the dollar for these orders, but that does not prevent him from being
a bona fide holder within the meaning of the statute. He made the
purchases -upon the open market, fairly ^nd honestly, and gave 10
cents more on the dollar for the orders than they had usually sold for.
To constitute him a bona fide holder it is only necessary that he should
have bought the orders fairly, honestly, and for a reasonable price, in
good faith, as contradistinguished from bad faith. The suggestion
that complainant’s recovery, if allowed at all, should be limited to the
price paid, is conclusively answered by .the provisions of the statute
that the redemption or recovery shall be for 46the face value of such
scrip, punchouts, coupons, store orders, or other evidences of indebted
ness. ”
3.
Finally, it is said that the act abridges the right of contract, and
for that reason it is challenged as repugnant to that part of section 1
of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States
which declares that no State shall 44deprive any person of life, liberty,
or property without due process of law,” and to that part of section 8
of article 1 of the constitution of Tennessee which declares that 44no
man shall be * * * deprived of his life, liberty, or property but
by * * * the ]aw Gf the land.” A corporation is a 44person”
within the provision against deprivation of life, liberty, or property
44without due process of law,” and it is a 44man” within the provision
against deprivation of liberty or property otherwise than by 44the lav/
of the land. ” Hence the defendant, which is a corporation, is entitled to
the protection guaranteed by both provisions. The 44liberty ” contem
plated in each provision means not only the right of freedom from
servitude, imprisonment, or physical restraint, but also the right to
use one’s faculties in all lawful ways, to live and work where he cliooses,
to pursue any lawful calling, vocation, trade, or profession, to make
all proper contracts in relation thereto, and to enjoy the legitimate
fruits thereof. 44Property,” as the word is there used, signifies not
only those tangible things of which one may be the owner, but every
thing he may have of an exchangeable value. It includes the right to
acquire and dispose of property and to make all lawful contracts essen
tial to those ends, and such contracts are entitled to the same protec
tion as the property itself. The right of contract is undoubtedly an
inherent part of the right of liberty and also of the right of property,
and deprivation of it is equally forbidden. But none of them are unlim
ited rights. All are subject to the law’s control, and may at any time
be abridged or enlarged, or even destroyed, within constitutional
bounds. None of them can be affected or taken away except by 44duo
process of law” or the 44law of the land;” yet all of them may be cur
tailed or destroyed by that means. The declaration against deprivation
44without due process of law,” or otherwise than by the 44law of the
land,” necessarily implies that deprivation may be rightly accomplished
and justified by such process or law. What, then, is 44due process of
law,” or the 44law of the land?” The two phrases have exactly the
same import, and that which is entitled to recognition as the one is to
be recognized as the other also. The present statute, if valid, is 44the
law of the land” as to the provisions thereof, and that which is accom
plished by it is done 44by due process of law.” A ll valid laws, statu
tory and otherwise, now existing in this State constitute the aggregate
body of our present44law of the land,” and each part, each separate
law that is complete in itself, may properly be called the 44law of the
418
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
land” as to the matter or matters embraced therein. Some of these
laws are old and some are new. They are constantly changing, and
for that reason it is impossible to formulate a definition that will at all
times include everything that may be or come within, and exclude
everything that may be or fall without, the true meaning'of the phrase,
“ law of the land.”
It is sufficient, for the purposes of this case, to say that legislation
is not open to the charge of depriving one of his rights without “ due
process of law” if it be general in its operation upon the subjects to
which it relates, and is enforceable in the usual modes established in the
administration of government with respect to kindred matters—that is,
by process or proceedings adapted to the nature of the case. When
applied to general legislation, the clause “ law of the land” was defined
in our earlier cases to mean a general and. public law equally binding
upon every member of the community; but by our later cases it is
defined to mean a law which embraces all persons who are or may come
into like situation and circumstances; and when applied to special or
class legislation it means, in addition, that “ the classification must be
natural and reasonable, not arbitrary and capricious.” Though oper
ating equally on all persons in like condition, while in existence, the
“ law of the land” on no subject can be truly said to be immutable.
On the contrary, it is always subject to change, by diminution or
enlargement, by repeal or substitution, as different and new conditions
arise; otherwise there could be no advance in legislation or legal
development, and the legislative department of the government would
be wholly unnecessary and superfluous. The law is, in fact, a pro
gressive science, and its growth must be allowed to keep pace with the
advance of civilization.
. When first adopted in Magna Charta, the phrase Hthe law of the
land ” had reference to the common and statute law then existing in
England; and when embodied in our Constitution it referred to the
same common law as previously modified, and so far as suited to the
wants and conditions of our people in a new country. At present
“ the law of the land” embraces the same body of laws as still further
modified; those parts validly cut off being now excluded, and those
validly added being now included. Every valid statute of the State
now in existence, whenever enacted in the present “ law of the land”
in respect to the subject-matter of that statute, and every existing en
actment passed with due form and ceremony, and not in conflict with
some provision o f the State or Federal constitution, is a valid statute;
and no statute otherwise valid is unconstitutional because affecting
one’s life, liberty, or property, if when being general, it embraces all
persons who are or may be in like situation and circumstances; or when,
being special, it is, in addition, natural and reasonable in its classifica
tion; or, as otherwise expressed: “ If it be general in its operation
upon the subjects to which it relates, and is enforceable in the usual
modes established in the administration of government with respect to
kindred matters” (Dent v. West Virginia, 129 U. S., 124; 9 Sup. Ct.,
234; 32 L. Ed., 626). Confessedly, the enactment now called in ques
tion is in all respects a valid statute, and free from objection as such,
except that it is challenged as an arbitrary interference with the right
of contract, on account of which it is said that it is unconstitutional,
and not the “ law of the land,” or “ due process of law.”
The act does undoubtedly abridge or qualify the right of contract,
DECISIONS OF COUBTS AFFECTING LABOB.
419
in that it requires that certain obligations, payable in the first instance
in merchandise, shall in certain contingencies be paid in money. Yet
it is as certainly general in its terms, embracing equally every em
ployer and employee who is or may be in like situation and circum
stances, and it is enforceable in the usual modes established in the ad
ministration of governments with respect to kindred matters. Under
the act the present defendant may issue weekly orders for coal as for
merly, and may pay them in that commodity, when desired by the
holder; but, instead of being able, as formerly, to compel the holder
to accept payment of such orders in coal, the holder may, under the
act, compel defendant to pay them in money. In this way, and to this
extent, the defendant’s right of contract is affected. Under the act,
as formerly, every employee of the defendant may receive the whole
of [or] a part of nis wages in coal orders, and may collect the orders
in coal, or transfer them to some one else for other merchandise or for
money. His condition is bettered by the act, in that it naturally en
ables him to get a better price for his coal orders than formerly, and
thereby gives him more for his labor; and yet, although the defend
ant may not in that transaction realize the expected profit on the
amount of coal called for in the orders, it in . no event pays more in
dollars and cents for the labor than the contract price.
The scope and purpose of the act are thus indicated: The legislature
evidently deemed the laborer at some disadvantage under existing laws
and customs, and by this act,undertook to ameliorate his condition in
some measure by enabling him, or his bona fide transferee at his elec
tion, and at a proper time, to demand and receive his unpaid wages in
money, rather than in something less valuable. Its tendency, though
slight it may be, is to place the employer and employee upon equal
ground in the matter of wages, and, so far as calculated to accomplish
that end, it deserves commendation. Being general in its operation,
and enforceable by ordinary suit, and being unimpeached and unim
peachable upon other constitutional grounds, the act is entitled to full
recognition as the “ law of the land” and “ due process of law” as to
the matters embraced, without reference to the State’s police power.
Furthermore, the passage of the act was a legitimate exercise of polite
power, and upon this ground also the legislation is well sustained. The
first right of a State, as of a man, is self-protection, and with the State
that right involves the universally acknowledged power and duty to
enact and enforce all such laws, not in plain conflict with some pro
vision of the State or Federal constitution, as may rightly be deemed
necessary or expedient for the safety, health, comfort, and welfare of
its people.
Besides the amelioration of the employees’ condition * * * the
act was intended and is well calculated to promote the public peace and
good order, and to lessen the growing tendency to strife, violence, and
even bloodshed in certain departments of important trade and business.
In the case of Holden v. Hardy, already referred to (169 U. S., 392;
18 Sup. Ct., 383; 42 L. Ed., 780), the court held that a statute of Utah,
making it a misdemeanor to employ laborers to work under the ground
or in smelters for a period of more than eight hours per day, except
in cases of emergency, was valid as a police regulation. In that case,
as in this one, the counsel of the employer urged that the act worked
a peculiar hardship upon the employee, in that it violated his right to
contract as he pleased. To that contention the court aptly replied:
420
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
“ The argument would certainly come with better grace and greater
cogency from the latter class. But the fact that both parties are of
full age, and competent to contract, does not necessarily deprive the
State of the power to interfere where the parties do not stand upon an
equality, or where the public health demands that one party to the
contract shall be protected against himself. The State still retains an
interest in his welfare, however reckless he may be. The whole is no
greater than the-sum of all the parts, and when the individual health,
safety, and welfare are sacrificed or neglected the State must suffer.”
The court here mentioned certain acts touching the question of
contracts between employers and employees which had been passed
by many of the States, and cited numerous decisions thereon, and
then continued as follows:
The act before us is perhaps less stringent than anyone considered
in any of the cases mentioned. It is neither prohibitory nor penal;
not special, but general; tending toward equality between employer
and employee in the matter of wages; intended and well calculated
to promote peace and good order, and to prevent strife, violence, and
bloodshed. Such being the character, purpose, and tendency of the
act, we have no hesitation in holding that it is valid, both as general
legislation, without reference to the State’s reserved police power,
and also as a wholesome regulation adopted in the proper exercise of
that power.
C onstitutionality of Statute — T rade -M arks , etc ., of T rade
U nions , etc .— State v. B ra d t , 53 Southwestern R eporter , page 91$ . —
George M. Bradt was indicted in the circuit court of Hamilton
County, Tenn., for the alleged violation of certain provisions of
chapter 107 of the acts of 1897, relating to the trade-marks, etc., of
trade unions, associations of workingmen, etc. The judge of the
circuit court quashed the indictment on the ground that the act above
referred to was unconstitutional and the State thereupon appealed to
the supreme court of the State, which rendered its decision November
20, 1899, and affirmed the action of the lower court.
From the opinion of the supreme court, delivered by Judge Cald
well, the following is taken:
The indictment is in good form. It contains three counts, the first
being preferred under section 1, the second under section 2, and the
third under section 6 of the act mentioned. The indictment is
undoubtedly good if the act is a valid law; otherwise, it is bad, having
no other law to rest upon.
The court here recited the title of the act as follows:
“ An act to provide for the filing and recording, by any person or
association, or union of workingmen, of a label, trade-mark, term,
design, device, or form of advertisement for the purpose of designa
ting or making known or distinguishing any goods, wares, or other
products of labor, as having been 'made, manufactured, produced, or
put on sale by such person, association, or union of workingmen, or
421
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
by a member of such union or association; and to prohibit the counter
feiting or imitation or unauthorized use of such label, trade-mark,
term, design, device, or form of advertisement, and to prescribe pun
ishment for a violation of the provisions of this act.”
The court at this point quoted the act in full and then continued as
follow s:
The objection urged by defendant’s counsel against the validity of
the enactment is found in the contention that it violates the second
clause of section 17 of article 2 of the State constitution, which declares
that “ no bill shall become a law which embraces more than one sub'
ject, that subject to be expressed in the title.” The objection is a fatal
one, for the act, as framed, embraces three subjects; that expressed in
the title and two others. The subject expressed in the title is only
“ the filing and recording of labels, trade-marks, etc., and their pro
tection,” while the act treats of that subject in sections 3 and 4, and
of another subject, “ adopting and using labels, trade-marks, etc., not
filed and recorded and their protection,” in sections 1, 2, 5, and 6, and
of still another subject, “ the unauthorized use of the name or seal of
one person by another,” in the seventh section. It may be that a title
could have been framed in such general language as to express one
general subject embracing and warranting all the legislation found in
the body of this act, but that was not done. On the contrary, the title
actually employed is self-limiting and restrictive. It relates alone to
the filing and recording of labels, trade-marks, etc., and their protec
tion, and4by its narrow terms limits the legislation permissible there
under to that narrow subject. Obviously, the subject, as expressed in
the title, is not broad enough in its scope to include the other subjects
embraced in the act, hence their presence brings the legislation within
the prohibition of the constitution, and renders it null and void.
Constitutionality
of
Statute — W
eighing of
Coal
at
M ine —
State v. W ilson , 58 P acific R eporter, page 981 .—Henry Wilson was
convicted for the violation of section 1 of chapter 188, acts of Kansas
of 1893, in a district court of .that State. From a judgment of the
court of appeals of Kansas for the southern department, eastern divi
sion, affirming the judgment of the district court, he appealed to the
supreme court of Kansas, which rendered its decision November 11,
1899, and affirmed the decisions of the lower courts; The statute regu
lating the weighing of coal at the mine, for a violation of which Wil
son was convicted, and the constitutionality of which was affirmed in
the above-mentioned decisions, reads as follows:
S ection 1. It shall be unlawful for any mine owner, lessee, or oper
ator of coal mines in this State, employing miners at bushel or ton rates,
or other quantity, to pass the output of coal mines by said miners over
any screen or other device which shall take any part from the value
thereof before the same shall have been weighed and duly credited to
the employees and accounted for at the legal rate of weights as fixed
by the laws of Kansas.
422
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Sec . 2. The weighman employed at any mine shall subscribe an oath
or affirmation, before a justice of the peace or other officer authorized
to administer oaths, to do justice betweeen employer and employee,
and to weigh the output of coal from mines in accordance with the pro
visions of section 1 of this act. Said oath or affirmation shall be kept
conspicuously posted in the weigh office, and any weigher of coal, or
persons so employed, who shall knowingly violate any of the provisions
of this act, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon convic
tion, shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more
than one hundred dollars for each offense, or by imprisonment in the
county jail for a period not to exceed thirty days, or by both such fine
and imprisonment.
Sec. 3. The miners employed by or engaged in working for any
mine owner, operator, or lessee in this State shall have the privilege,
if they so desire, of employing at their own expense a check-weighman,
who shall have Uke rights and privileges in the weighing of coal as the
regular weighman, and be subject to the same oath and penalties as the
regular weighman.
S ec . 4. Any person or persons having or using any scale or scales
for the purpose of weighing the output of coal at mines so arranged
or constructed that fraudulent weighing may be done thereby, or who
shall knowingly resort to or employ any means whatever, by reason of
which such coal is not correctly weighed and reported in accordance
with the provisions of this act, shall be deemed guilty of a misde
meanor, and shall, upon conviction, for each offense be punished by a
fine o f not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred
dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed
sixty days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
S ec . 5. Any provisions, contract, or agreement between mine own
ers or operators thereof and the miners employed therein whereby the
provisions of section 1 of this act are waived, modified, or annulled
shall be void and of no effect; and the dbal sent to the surface shall be
accepted or rejected, and if accepted shall be weighed in accordance
with the provisions of this act; and right of action shall not be invali
dated by reason of any contract or agreement
S ec . 6. The provisions of this act shall also apply to the class of
workers in mines known as loaders, engaged in mines wherein mining
is done by machinery. Whenever the workmen are under contract to
load coal by che bushel, ton, or any quantity the settlement of which
is had by weight, the output shall be weighed in accordance with the
provisions of this act.
The decision of the supreme court was not unanimous, Justice Smith
dissenting. The syllabus of the opinion of the majority of the judges,
which was prepared by the court, reads as follows;
1. “ An act to regulate the weighing o f coal at the mine,” being chap
ter 188 of the laws of 1893, is constitutional and valid as a proper
exercise of the police power. It does not purport to prevent the
operators of coal mines and the miners employed by them from mak
ing such agreements as they choose concerning the amount of wages
to be paid, or in any wise infringe upon the freedom of contract.
2. w here miners are employed at bushel, ton, or other quantity
rates, it is a valid requirement of the law that the output of coal mined
by them shall not be passed over any screen or other device which
DECISIONS OF COUBTS AFFECTING LABOB.
428
shall take any part from the value thereof before the same shall have
been weighed and duly credited to the employees and accounted for
at the leg al rate of weights. Information is by this means furnished
to the miner by which he may act intelligently, and rest his demand
for wages upon the calculated results of what he has accomplished in
the past. It also affords the operator knowledge, from the use of
which wages may be adjusted based upon known facts. Such law is
further beneficial in that it supplies the public with statistics showing
the total amount of coal produced in the State.
In a strong dissenting opinion Judge Smith used the following
language:
The construction applied to this law by the majority of the court
seems to me to be a provision of legislative intent, and we need not
go beyond the language of its several sections to ascertain that the
obvious and sole purpose of the enactment was to control and restrict
the right of contract.
The judge at this point reviewed and quoted from the provisions of
the act and then said:
The obvious meaning is that if a miner contracts to take out coal for,
say, one dollar per ton for all screened coal mined by him, he must
be paid one dollar per ton for the mine run—that is, the total weight
of the substance extracted from the earth by him having a marketable
value—and all contracts for determining the amount of his compensa
tion on any other basis, when he works by ton or quantity rates, are
invalidated. It means that, when the miner, makes a contract to take
out coal at so much per ton for screened coal, the bargain does not
bind him; that when he sues his employer for wages the court must
give him judgment, not on the contract, but, finding the weight of all
coal he has taken out (both screenings and lump), the gross product is
to be credited to him, and compensation given on the basis of its
weight. Section 5 can certainly have no reference to a right of action
brought by a miner to recover wages computed on the basis of screened
coal, for he had such a right of action independent of the statute.
But it was manifestly the purpose of the act to give the miner a right
of action to recover his wa^es computed on the basis of coal weighed
in accordance with the provisions of the law—that is, computed on the
basis of coal weighed before screening—and that notwithstanding any
contract to the contrary. This seems to me to be the plain, palpable,
and obvious meaning of the statute.
In determining legislative intent we have the right to consider the
nature of the demands upon the lawmakers which induced legislation
for the remedy of an existing evil. W e know that the demand fo r
such legislation was based upon the claim that coal miners were not
paid enough for their labor; that they were at the mercy of the oper
ators, wbo, by screening the product, robbed them of a portion of
the proceeds of their labor, which- should have been paid for. The
object was to right this wrong, and to this end the statute under con
sideration was passed. To rule otherwise is a wresting of obvious
language from its purpose. No clamor rang in the ears of the law
makers from oppressed and starving miners demanding a law which
would furnish them with statistics, when they were crying for bread.
As against the remote probability that the act, as interpreted by the
424
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
majority, wi.ll result in any benefit to the miner is the certainty that
the public at large will suffer by its enforcement if the quantity or ton
rate of payment prevails. The total output of coal in the State for the
year 1898 was, in round numbers, 3,860,000 tons. It is estimated that
about one-third of the production is slack coal, which goes through the
screens. The cost of this compulsory weighing must be added to the
price of the fuel, which the consumer (the public) is compelled to pay in
order that it may be known with mathematical certainty how many tons
the mines of the State have yielded. This tribute is exacted from the
consumers of Kansas coal to satisfy the contention that the law con
templates some other object than the regulation of wages.
In justifying this legislation as a proper exercise of the police power,
I think that power has been unwarrantably extended. Such power
must have relation to the health, comfort, safety, or necessities of the
people. It can not include matters which are connected merely with
the convenience of the public. In the case of Millett v. People (111.
Sup.), 7 N. E., 631-636, the supreme court of Illinois passed upon the
validity of an act quite similar to this, relating to the weighing of coal
at the mines. In holding the law unconstitutional, as infringing upon
the right to contract, the court answered the argument that the act
might be defended on the ground that it required the keeping of a public
record for the information of the public. Schofield, J., says: u W e
recognize fully the right of the general assembly, subject to the para
mount authority of Congress, to prescribe weights and measures and to
enforce their use in proper cases, but we do not think that the general
assembly has power to deny to persons in one kind of business the
privilege to contract for labor and to sell their products without regard
to weight, while at the same time allowing to persons in all other kinds
of business this privilege, there being nothing in the business itself to
distinguish it in this respect from any other kind of business. And we
deny that the burden can be imposed on any corporation or individual,
not acting under a license or by virtue of a franchise, of buying prop
erty and hiring labor merely to furnish public statistics, unless upon
due compensation to be made therefor.55
In my judgment the design of the framers has been misconstrued
and perverted. A law thought by them to be endowed with strength
and virility, aiming at the correction of abuses in the field of labor,
has been disfigured by its interpreters, its true purpose denied. Strange
and imaginary reasons are put forward as excuses for its existence,
and explanations made of its utility which are highly fanciful and specu
lative. B y a process of refined construction its original identity has
been effectively destroyed, until recognition by its creators is now
impossible.
E mployers 5 L ia b il it y — C onstruction of Statute — C ontribu
N egligence— W hitcom b v. S tan d ard O il Co., 55 N ortheastern
tory
R eporter, page
—Action was brought in the circuit court of Porter
County, Ind., by James E. Whitcomb against the above-named com
pany to recover damages for injuries incurred by him while in the
employ of said company. Judgment was rendered in favor of the
defendant company, and the plaintiff, Whitcomb, appealed the case to
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
425
the supreme court of the State, which rendered its decision November
28, 1899, and affirmed the judgment of the lower court.
The opinion of the court was delivered by Chief Justice Hadley,
and the syllabus of the same, which sufficiently shows the facts in the
case, reads as follows:
Plaintiff, a brakeman in defendant’s employ, whose hand was mashed
by being caught between deadwoods while coupling cars in defend
ant’s yard, testified that there was nothing to prevent his seeing that
both the cars coupled had deadwoods, and that he could have seen the
deadwoods perfectly if he had looked. H e ld , that his injury might
have been avoided by the exercise of due care.
Coemployees’ liability act (Act 1893, page 294), section 1 [section
7083, Annotated Statutes of 1894], which makes every railroad or other
corporation operating in the State liable for damages for personal
injury suffered by any employee while in its service who is in the
exercise of due care and diligence, when such injury is caused by any
defect in the plant, tools, or machinery in use by such corporation,
which is the result of negligence; or when such injury results from
the negligence of any person in the service of such corporation to
whose order the injured employee was bound to conform, and did con
form, does not relieve an employee of any such company from that
caution and care of himself required by the common law.
E mployers ’ L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— B reach of M as
D uty — F ellow -S ervants , etc . — Kansas C ity , F o rt Scott a n d
ters ’
M em phis R a ilro a d Co. v. Becker, 53 Southwestern R eporter, page Jfi6 .—
Action was brought by William Becker against the above-named rail
road company for personal injuries sustained by him while in the
employ of the defendant as a locomotive fireman. The evidence showed
that he was injured by the turning of the step on the left-hand side of
his engine as he jumped upon it in order to get on the engine cab, the
engine being at the time in motion. A judgment in favor of the plain
tiff, Becker, was rendered in the circuit court of Craighead County,
Ark., and the defendant company appealed the case to the supreme
court of the State, which rendered its decision June 17, 1899, and
affirmed the decision of the lower court.
From the opinion of the supreme court, delivered by Judge Battle,
the following is quoted:
The maintenance of the steps in good repair and safe condition was
intrusted to two employees of the defendant. It was the duty of the
engineer, when his engine was on the road and away from Thayer, to
examine and keep the steps in safe condition by means of the tap at
the end of the rod, for which purpose he was provided with the nec
essary tools. It was also his duty, when he ran his engine into the
roundhouse at Thayer, where the engines operated on the road between
Thayer and Memphis, on their return from the latter place, were
inspected and repaired, to report any defects in his engine which
2193—No. 27----- 13
426
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
needed repairing, and blanks were furnished him for the purpose. At
Thayer was a machinist, named Johnson, whose duty it was to inspect
the lower part of the locomotives, including the steps, when they came
in, as a protection against any neglect of the engineer. Johnson also
made repairs. The bad condition of engine numbered 30, if attributed
to the fault of any one, was due to the negligence of one or both of
these employees.
The railroad of appellant is built and operated in part in this State.
In regard to such railroads the constitution provides as follows: “ All
railroads which are now or may hereafter be built and operated, either
in whole or in part, in this State, shall be responsible for all damages
to persons and property, under such regulations as may be prescribed
by the general assembly.” (Article 17, section 12.)
The court here recited in full sections 6249 and 6250 of the Digest
of Arkansas, the law regulating the liability of railroad corporations
for injuries of their employees, and then continued as follows:
The effect of these statutes is to limit the risk assumed by an
employee on account of the acts or omissions of persons in the service
of the same employer to the neglect of those who are fellow-servants
within the meaning of the statutes, and to impose upon the master the
duty to protect him against the neglect of all other fellow-employees
in the discharge of their duties, and to render the employer liable in
damages for injuries suffered on account of the failure to discharge
this duty.
The appellant was and is subject to and governed by these statutes,
and is liable to its employees in tort for injuries caused by the failure
to discharge any duties growing out of them.
A t the request of the appellant, and with the consent of the appellee,
the court instructed the jury that Bennett, the engineer, and appellee,
the fireman [Becker] were fellow-servants at tne time the injury
occurred. Now appellant’s counsel says: “ If we admit * * *
that Bennett, the engineer, did not inspect this step at Memphis, and
did not apply the usual test to ascertain, its condition, and that he was
negligent, it being admitted in this ease by the record that Bennett
and the plaintiff were fellow-servants, then we submit that there is no
room for reasonable minds to differ on the proposition that Bennett’s
negligence was the direct and promoting cause of this injury, because,
but for his negligence (admitting that he was negligent, an<1admitting
that the step was defective at Memphis), the injury could not have
happened, and his negligence, i f he was negligent, was not a contrib
uting cause, but was the direct, immediate, last moving, and approxi
mate cause of the accident.” * * * But this is not correct. The
trial court told the jury that if they found that the step by which the
appellee was injured was defective, that Johnson negligently failed to
discover that it was in that condition, that his negligence contributed
to the injury, and that he was not a fellow-servant of Becker, to
return a verdict in favor of appellee. I f such findings were true,
Johnson’s negligence was a proximate cause of the injury; for there
is no evidence tnat he fastened the step when the engine was at Thayer,
the last time before the accident occurred. He testified that he did
not. The failure of the engineer to fasten the step did not render the
negligence of Johnson harmless or less effective, but left it free to
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING- LABOE.
427
work the injury it was lying in wait to inflict. The injury was prob
ably the result of the concurring negligence of the two employees,
and may not have occurred in the absence of either. It is no defense,
however, for the appellant to prove that the negligence of the engineer
contributed to it.
The court here stated in effect that the company complained because
the lower court refused to instruct the jury that the plaintiff and John
son, the machinist, were fellow-servants, and that therefore the com
pany was not liable for the negligence of Johnson, and then continued
as follows:
Were Johnson and Becker fellow-servants? Under the statutes of
this State four conditions must concur to constitute different employees
of the same railroad company fellow-servants: First, they must be
engaged in the common service of the railway company. Second,
while so engaged they must be working together to a common pur
pose. Third, neither of them must be intrusted by the railway^ com
pany with any superintendence or control over their fellow-employees.
Fourth, they must be engaged in the same department of service.
Did the relations of Johnson and Becker conform to all these con
ditions? Johnson was an inspector and repairer of all appellant’s
engines at Thayer, about 50 or 60 in number, and Becker was a fire
man on one of them. Johnson’s duty was to inspect the engines in the
roundhouse, and make such repairs as he could in the way of screw
ing up bolts and nuts and putting in springs and other work. His
[Becker’s] chief duties were performed on his engine while on the road.
Johnson was in the mechanical department, and subject to the authority
of the roundhouse foreman, and Becker, while on the road in the dis
charge of his duties, was in the transportation department, and subject
to the authority of the superintendent of the same. As they were not
working together in the same department at the time the accident
occurred, it follows that they were not fellow-servants at the time
when Becker was injured, and that the instruction asked for by the
appellant to the contrary effect was properly refused. Judgment
affirmed.
E mployees ’ L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— C onstruction of
Statute — Benson v. Chicago , S t. P a u l , M in neapo lis and Om aha R y .
Co., 80 Northw estern R eporter, page 1050 .—This action was brought
in the district court of Hennepin County, Minn., by Andrew Benson
to recover damages from the above-named railway company for
injuries incurred while in its employ. His right to such damages
depended upon the construction of a section of chapter 220 of the acts
of Wisconsin of 1893, which reads as follows:
Every railroad or railway company operating any railroad or railway,
the line of which shall be in whole or in part within this State, shall be
liable for all damages sustained within this State by any employee of
such company, without contributory negligence on his part; first, when
such injury is caused by any defect in any locomotive, engine, car,
rail, track, machinery, or appliance required by said company to be
428
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
used by its employees in and about the business of such employment,
when such defect could have been discovered by such company by
reasonable and proper care, tests, or inspection, and proof of such
defect shall be presumptive evidence of knowledge thereof on the part
of such company; second, or while any such employee is so engaged
in operating, running, riding upon, or switching passenger or freight
or other trains, engines, or cars, and while engaged in the performance
of his duty as such employee, and which such injury shall have been
caused by the carelessness or negligence of any other employee, officer,
or agent of such company in tie discharge of, or for failure to dis
charge his duties as such.
The district court rendered a judgment for the defendant company
after a hearing, and Benson appealed the case to the supreme court of
Minnesota, which rendered its decision December 11,1899, and affirmed
the decision of the lower court.
The opinion of the supreme court was delivered by Judge Brown,
and the syllabus of the same, which clearly states the facts in the case,
reads as follows:
Defendant was engaged in repairing its track at a point in the State
of Wisconsin, and employed a large number of men in and about such
work, including plaintiff. Boarding cars were kept and maintained at
or near the work, at which such employees were boarded and lodged.
As the work progressed the men became farther removed from the
boarding cars, and at their request and for their convenience defend
ant furnished them hand cars on which to transport themselves to and
from their work. Defendant did not manage the boarding cars, nor
operate nor have control of the hand cars. Such hand cars were oper
ated exclusively by the men, and they had full charge and control
thereof. A collision occurred between two of such hand cars while
the men were transporting themselves thereon to the boarding cars
for their dinner, and plaintiff was injured. The collision was caused
by the negligence of the employees in charge of one of such cars, and
plaintiff was free from fault. H e ld , that the employees were not,
within the purpose and meaning of chapter 220, Laws W is., 1893, at
the time of such collision and injury, engaged in the discharge of their
duties under their employment, and defendant is not liable.
DECISIONS UNDER COMMON LA W .
E mployers ’ L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— D uties of the
M aster — Galveston , Houston and S an A ntonio R y . Co. v. Hughes et
ux., 5If, Southwestern R eporter, page #&£.—Edward P. Hughes and wife
brought suit in the district court of El Paso County, Tex., to recover
damages for the death of their son, W . E. Hughes, who was killed
while in the employment of the above-named railroad company. A
judgment was rendered for the plaintiffs, and the company appealed
the case to the court of civil appeals of the State, which rendered its
decision November 1, 1899, and affirmed the decision of the district
court.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR,
429
The opinion was delivered by Judge Fly, and from the same the
following, sufficiently stating the facts in the case, is quoted:
The deceased, an inexperienced young man, whose inexperience was
known to appellant, applied for and obtained from appellant employ
ment in its switch yard in El Paso. About two hours after his employ
ment deceased, while performing the duties incumbent upon him, got
his foot fastened in an unblocked frog and was run over and crushed
in such a manner by appellant’s cars that he died.
The testimony clearly demonstrated that deceased had been in the
employ of appellant about two hours at the time of his death; that
he was inexperienced and unacquainted with the dangers of his em
ployment, and that appellant knew of his inexperience. The rule is:
“ I f there are any dangers, either latent or patent, of which the mas
ter has knowledge, either actual or presumed, which the employee,
either from his youth, inexperience, want of skill, or other cause,
does not, or is presumed not to, understand or comprehend, they must
be made known to him by the master; and this duty of the master is
the same as to the machinery or appliances used or to be used by him.
It is presumed that the master, or the person placed in charge of a
hazardous business or department thereof, is familiar with the dangers,
latent or patent, ordinarily accompanying the business which he has
in charge. The obligation is not discharged by informing the servant
generally that the service in which he is engaged is dangerous, and
more especially is this so when the servant is a person who neither
by experience nor by education has, or would be likely to have, any
knowledge of the perils of the business, either latent or patent. In
such case the servant should be informed not only that the service is
dangerous, but of the perils of a particular place and the particular
or peculiar dangers that attend the service, if any.” (Bailey, Mast.
Liab., pages 111, 112.)
Ordinarily a person who accepts employment from another assumes
all ordinary risks incident thereto and can not recover for injuries
resulting therefrom; and doubtless, in the absence of knowledge on
the part of the employer of an applicant for employment coming
within the exceptions furnished by youth, inexperience, or want of
skill, the employer could assume that he was not within the exceptions,
and would not be under obligations to warn him of the dangers inci
dent to his employment; but in this case appellant knew deceased was
inexperienced, and its yard master recognized the necessity of instruct
ing him as to the work, but for some reason failed to do it.
It was in proof, and we find, that unblocked frogs and guard rails
are dangerous to persons working in switch yards, and that this was
unknown to deceased and was known to appellant, but it gave no
warning to deceased, although it knew him to be inexperienced. The
evidence was sufficient to establish negligence on the part of appellant,
and that deceased was not guilty of contributory negligence.
E mployers’ L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— F ellow -S ervants ,
etc . — N ew
E n g la n d R a ilro a d Co. v. Conroy , W Supreme Court
R eporter, page 85 .—This was an action against the above-named rail
road corporation brought by one Conroy, a brakeman in its employ,
430
BULLETIN OE THE PEPABTMENT OF LABOK.
to recover damages for personal injuries caused by the negligence of
the conductor of one of its trains. It was brought before the Supreme
Court of the United States upon a certificate from the United States
circuit court of appeals for the first circuit for answer to questions as
to whether a conductor was (1) a fellow-servant of a brakeman, or (2)
whether he was a vice-principal, for whose negligence his employer is
responsible.
The decision of the Supreme Court was rendered December 4,1899,
to the effect that the conductor and brakeman aforesaid were fellowservants. In the opinion of the Supreme Court, Mr. Justice Shiras,
who delivered the same, laid down the common-law rule of fellow-serv
ants or coemployees as interpreted by the court, and the following is
quoted therefrom:
There is a general rule of law, established by a great preponderance
of judicial authority in the English and in the State and Federal courts,
that one who enters the service of another takes upon himself the ordi
nary risks of the negligent acts of his fellow-servants in the course of
the employment. But there have been conflicting views expressed in
the application of this rule in cases where the employer is a railroad
company or other large organization, employing a number of servants
engaged in distinct and separate departments of service; and our
present inquiry is whether the relation between the conductor and the
brakeman of a freight train is that of fellow-servants, within the rule,
or whether the conductor is to be deemed a vice-principal, represent
ing the railroad company in such a sense that his negligence is that of
the company, the common employer.
Unless we are constrained to accept and follow the decision of this
court in the case of Chicago, M. and St. P. R. Co. v. Ross, 112 U. S., 377;
28 L. Ed., 787; 5 Sup. Ct. Rep., 184, we have no hesitation in holding,
both upon principle and authority, that the employer is not liable for
an injury to one employee occasioned by the negligence of another
engaged in the same general undertaking; that it is not necessary that
the servants should be engaged in the same operation or particular
work; that it is enough to bring the case withm the general rule of
exemption if they are in the employment of the same master, engaged
in the same common enterprise, both employed to perform duties tend
ing to accomplish the same general purposes, or, in other words, if the
services of each in his particular sphere or department are directed to
the accomplishment of the same general end; and that, accordingly, in
the present case, upon the facts stated, the conductor and the injured
brakeman are to be considered fellow-servants within the rule.
A t this point the court cited and quoted from several of the cases
in which the above principles were enunciated, and then continued in
the following language:
Without following further the history of this subject in the courts
of the several States, we may state that, generally, the doctrine there
upheld is that of the cases herein previously cited, except in the courts
of the States of Ohio, Kentucky, and perhaps others, in which the rule
seems to obtain that while the master is not liable to his servant for
any injury committed by a servant of equal degree in the same
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
431
sphere of employment, unless some negligence is fixed on the master
personally, yet that he is liable for the gross negligence of a servant
superior in rank to the person injured, and is also liable for the ordi
nary negligence of a servant not engaged in the same department of
service.
Leaving the decisions of the State courts and coming to those of
this court, we find the latter to be in substantial harmony with the
current of authority in the State and English courts. From this state
ment the case of Chicago, M. and St. P. R. Co. v. Ross, 112 U. S., 377;
28 L. Ed., 787; 5 Sup. Ct. Rep., 184, must perhaps be excepted, and
to it we shall revert after an examination of our other cases.
The court here referred to and quoted from a number of leading
cases decided by itself, and then continued as follows:
Without attempting to educe from these cases a rule applicable to
all possible circumstances, we think that we are warranted by them in
holding in the present case that, in the absence of evidence of special
and unusual powers having been conferred upon the conductor of the
freight train, he, the engineer, and the brakeman must be deemed to
have been fellow-servants within the meaning of the rule which exempts
the railroad company, their common employer, from liability to one
of them for injuries caused by the negligence of another. This con
clusion is certainly sound unless we are constrained to hold otherwise
by the decision in Chicago, M. and St. P. R. Co. v. Ross, 112 U. S.,
377; 28 L. Ed., 787; 5 Sup. Ct. Rep., 184, already referred to.
In so far as the decision in the case of Ross is to be understood as
laying it down, as a rule of law to govern in the trial of actions against
railroad companies, that the conductor merely from his position as
such is a vice-principal, whose negligence is that o f the company, it
must be deemed to nave been overruled, in effect if not in terms, in
the subsequent case of Baltimore and O. R. Co. v. Baugh. [149 U. S.,
368; 13 Sup. Ct. Rep., 914.]
At this point the court quoted quite largely from the opinion of the
court in the Baugh Case, above, delivered by Mr. Justice Brown, and
then continued as follows:
Accordingly the conclusion reached was that, although the party
injured was a fireman, who was subject to the orders and control of
the engineer, in the absence of any conductor, there was no liability
on the company for negligence of the ad interim conductor.
That this reasoning and conclusion were inconsistent with those in
the Ross Case is not only apparent on comparing them, but further
appears in the dissenting opinion in the Baugh Case o f Mr. Justice
Field, who was the author of the opinion in the case of Ross.
To conclude, and not to subject ourselves to our own previous crit
icism of proceeding upon assumptions not founded on the evidence in
the case, we shall content ourselves by saying that, upon the facts
stated and certified to us by the judges of the circuit court of appeals,
we can not, as a matter of law, based upon those facts and upon such
common knowledge as we, as a court, can be supposed to possess, hold
a conductor of a freight train to be a vice-principal within any safe
definition of that relation. Accordingly we answer the first question
put to us in the affirmative and the second question in the negative.
432
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Mr. Justice Harlan delivered a dissenting opinion in language as
follows:
I concurred in the opinion and judgment of this court in Chicago,
M. & St. P. R. Co. v. Ross, 112 U. S., 377; 28 L. Ed., 787; 5 Sup.
Ct. Rep., 184, and do not now perceive any sound reason why the
principles announced in that case should not he sustained. In my
judgment the conductor of a railroad train is the representative of the
company, in respect to its management; all the other employees on
the train are his subordinates in matters involved in such manage
ment, and for injury received by any one of those subordinates during
the management of the train, by reason of the negligence of the con
ductor, the railroad company should be held responsible. As the con
ductor commands the movements of the train, and has general control
over the employees connected with its operation, the company repre
sented by him ought to be held responsible for his negligence resulting
in injury to other employees discharging their auties under his
immediate orders. I f in sucn case the conductor be not a vice-principal,
it is difficult to sajr who among the officers or agents of a corporation
sued by one of its employees for personal injuries ought to be
regarded as belonging to that class. Having these views, I am com
pelled to withhold my assent from the opinion and judgment in this
case.
E mployers 5 L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— N egligence of I n
C ontractor— N o rfo lk and Western R a ilw a y Com pany v.
dependent
Stevens, 34 Southeastern R eporter, page 525 .—Action was brought in the
hustings court of Roanoke, Y a., by Charles R. Stevens, administrator of
the estate of Joseph Stevens, deceased, to recover damages from the
above-named railroad company for the death of said Stevens while in
its employ as a locomotive fireman, caused by the negligence of the
Phoenix Bridge Company, which was putting in a new bridge over a
river under a contract with the railroad company. A judgment was
rendered for the plaintiff, and the defendant company carried the case
upon writ of error before the supreme court of appeals of the State,
which rendered its decision November 16,1899, and reversed the judg
ment of the lower court upon the ground, among others, that where
it is the custom of railroad companies to have certain work, not essen
tially hazardous, done by independent contractors, and ordinary care
is used in the selection of such contractor, the railroad company can
not be held responsible for injuries resulting to its employees through
the negligence o f such independent contractor, since the railroad com
pany is not ah insurer of the safety of its employees, but is bound
only to exercise ordinary care for their safety.
The opinion of the court, delivered by Judge Keith, reads, upon this
point, as follows:
It is shown in the evidence that it is the general custom of railroad
companies to construct bridges as was done in this case, and that it is
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
433
not an essentially hazardous undertaking; that while it requires care
to substitute a new bridge for an old one without the interruption
of traffic, with ordinary care it may be done with entire safety. It
further appears that the Phoenix Bridge Company is an established
and reputable concern, largely engaged in such work, and has the
confidence of the business public. As we have before said, the con
tract between the bridge company and the railroad company seems
carefully to have guarded, as far as human foresight could do, against
the dangers incident to the work. I f the bridge company had com
plied strictly with its contract, the accident would not have occurred.
It was due to the removal of the false work before a sufficient number
of rivets had been put into the new bridge to sustain the train that
undertook to pass over it. But the railroad company is not responsi
ble for the negligence of the Phoenix Bridge Company. It is respon
sible only for its own negligence and that of its agents and employees,
while the Phoenix Bridge Company was an independent contractor.
The railroad company is not an insurer of the safety of its employ
ees. It is bound by law only to exercise ordinary care for their
safety, no matter how hazardous the business may be in which the
servant is engaged, and the degree of care in the particular case is to
be ascertained by the general usages of the business.
E mployers ’ L iability — R ailroad Companies— R elease of Claim
D amages— C onsideration — P o tter v. D e tro it , G ran d H aven and
for
M ilw aukee R a ilw a y Co., 81 Northw estern R eporter, page 8 0 .—In the
circuit court of Shiawassee County, Mich., Frank A. Potter recovered
a judgment in a suit brought by him against the above-named railway
company for damages for injuries incurred by him while in its employ.
The company then appealed the case to the supreme court of the State,
which rendered its decision December 12, 1899, and affirmed the judg
ment of the lower court.
In the opinion of the supreme court, delivered by Judge Montgom
ery, the following, showing an interesting point decided in the case,
appears:
Some time after plaintiff received his injuries, and on October 31,
1892, he signed a release reciting that he had received certain injuries,
as follows: “ A t Milwaukee Junction, while riding on a ladder of car,
was knocked off by a post standing a little west of the road crossing,
cutting my head and bruising my shoulder;” and, after reciting that
the company denied liability, for the purpose of determining and end
ing the question of liability and to avoid litigation, in consideration
of reemployment by the company, the release proceeds: “ I do hereby
waive and relinquish all claims that I may have against the said com
pany for damages for the aforesaid injuries, .and do hereby release the
said company o f and from all claims as aforesaid.” The recited con
sideration for this release is “ the reemployment by said company for
such time only as may be satisfactory to the said company.” The
testimony shows that at the time when the release was signed the
plaintiff was already again in the defendant’s employ. No change as
434
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
to the terms of employment was made, nor was the defendant com
pany hound to retain him in its employ for any length of time what
ever. There was no consideration for the release. W e discover no
material error. The judgment should be affirmed.
E mployers’ L iability — R ailroad C ompanies— V ice -P rincipals—
Galveston , Houston and Sa?i A ntonio R a ilw a y Company v. R obinett, 5£
Southwestern R eporter, page £63.—Action was brought in the district
court of Bexar County, Tex., by D. C. Robinett against the abovenamed railroad company to recover damages for injuries incurred by
him while in the employ of said company as a brakeman. He was
injured in a collision of the train he was working on with another,
through the negligence either of the superintendent of the road in
issuing orders to the trains or of those immediately in charge of the
trains. Besides showing the above, the testimony also showed that
the plaintiff, Robinett, was not guilty of any negligence proximately
contributing to his injury.
A judgment was rendered in his favor and the defendant company
appealed to the court of civil appeals of the State, which rendered its
decision November 29, 1899, and affirmed the judgment of the lower
court. Judge Neill, in delivering the opinion of the court, spoke in
part as follows:
But, apart from the question of orders, the undisputed evidence
shows that a vice-principal of plaintiff caused the collision. Robinett
was the brakeman, having no control over the train, and knowing
nothing about the orders which controlled it. The conductor had
absolute control over him, and ordered the train out. It could make
no difference, so far as Robinett was concerned, whether the collision
was brought about by improper orders from the superintendent or by
the negligence of those in immediate charge of the trains. None of
these parties were his fellow-servants, and the company was liable to
him for the negligence o f any or all of them.
LAWS OF VARIOUS STATES RELATING TO LABOR ENACTED SINCE
JANUARY 1, 1896.
[The Second Special Report of the Department contains all laws of the various States and Terri
tories and of the United States relating to labor in force January 1, 1896. Later enactments are
reproduced in successive issues of the Bulletin from time to time as published.]
A R IZ O N A .
ACTS OF 1899.
A ct N o. 19.— Trade-marks of trade unions,
etc.
Section 1. W henever any corporation, association, or union of workingmen have
adopted or shall hereafter adopt for its or their protection any label, trade-mark, or
form of advertisement announcing that goods to wThich such label, trade-mark, or
form of advertisement shall be attached were manufactured b y it or by a member
or members of such union, it shall be unlawful for any person or corporation to
counterfeit or imitate such label, trade-mark, or form of advertisement. Every per
son violating this section shall, upon conviction, be punished b y imprisonment in
the county jail for not less than three months nor more than one year, or by a fine
of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than two hundred dollars, or by fine
and imprisonment.
Sec. 2. Every person who shall use any counterfeit or imitation of any label, trade
mark, or form of advertisement of any such corporation, union, or association, know
ing the same to be counterfeit or imitation, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and
shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail tor a term of not less than three
months nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor
more than two hundred dollars, or by both.
Sec. 3. Every such association, union, or corporation that has heretofore adopted
or shall hereafter adopt a label, trade-mark, or form of advertisement, as aforesaid,
shall file the same in the office of the secretary of the Territory, b y leaving two copies,
counterparts or facsimiles thereof, w ith the secretary of the Territory. Said secretary
shall deliver to such corporation, association, or union so filing the same a duly
attested certificate of the record of the same, for wrhich he shall receive a fee of three
dollars; such certificate of record shall in all suits and prosecutions under this act be
sufficient proof of the adoption of such label, trade-mark, or form of advertisement,
and the right of said union, corporation, or association to adopt the same.
Sec. 4. Every person who shall use or display the genuine label, trade-mark, or
form of advertisement of any such association, corporation, or union in any manner
not authorized by such association, corporation, or union shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not less than
three m onths nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than one hundred dol
lars nor more than two hundred dollars, or both.
Sec. 5. A n y person or persons w ho shall in any way use the name or seal of any
such association, corporation, or union, or officer thereof, in and about the sale of
goods, or otherwise, not being authorized to use the same, shall be guilty of a mis
demeanor, punishable by imprisonment in the county jail of not less than three
months nor more than one year, or b y a fine of not less than one hundred dollars
nor more than two hundred dollars, or both.
Sec. 6. It shall be the duty of the secretary of the Territory to see that all associa
tions, unions, or corporations enjoying the benefits of labels, trade-marks, or forms
of advertisement herein described shall com ply with 'the foregoing provisions in all
respects.
Sec. 7. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Approved March 6, 1899.
A ct No. 34.—Convict labor.
Section 1. W hen any person shall be lawfully sentenced for a misdemeanor b y
any district court or justice of the peace to serve a certain number of days in any
435
436
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
county jail in this Territory, it shall be competent for the court awarding such sen
tence to incorporate therein a provision that the person so sentenced shall be kept at
hard labor during the term of such sentence, or for any specified portion thereof as
may be adjudged by said court.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the keepers of said several jails within said Territory,
when any such person shall be sentenced to hard labor therein, and any m ode oi
labor shall be provided, to cause such prisoner to be kept constantly employed during
every day, Sunday excepted, and when such prisoner is discharged to report to the
board of supervisors of such labor, and in all such cases it shall be lawful for said
custodian of such prisoner, with the consent of the board of supervisors of such
county in which such jail may oe situated, to provide labor for such prisoners, if
they deemed it expedient and profitable to do so, either inside oi said jail or outside
of its limits.
Sec. 3. The several keepers of said [county] jails shall respectively have power,
with the consent of the board of supervisors of said county, from time to time to
cause such of the prisoners under their charge as are capable of hard labor to be
em ployed on any of the public avenues, streets, highways, or other works, where the
same w ill not conflict in any manner or form with free labor in the county in w hich
such prisoners shall be confined.
In any case tried before a justice of the peace of any precinct, and the party so
tried and convicted for a petit offense, and sentence given not to exceed thirty days
within the jurisdiction of a justice court, and provided the party so convicted is in a
precinct having a subcounty jail or calaboose, it shall be lawful for such party so
convicted to be employed upon the highways, public roads or streets or avenues of
the precinct in w hich the offense was committed.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the several road overseers of this Territory to receive
and work prisoners sentenced to hard labor as heretofore provided and ordered to be
employed by the board of supervisors of his county, and said overseer is hereby
made a special constable to regulate and control such prisoners so turned over to him
for the purposes of this act, provided that such overseer shall not receive any addi
tional compensation to that w hich he receives as road overseer when working such
prisoners.
Sec. 6. W henever any prisoner w ho shall be sentenced b y any of the courts afore
said to pay a fine, and to be committed until paid, shall be employed at hard labor
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, he shall be allowed the sum of one dollar for
each day’ s labor, to be credited on such fine, and when he shall have earned the
amount of such fine he shall be discharged.
Sec. 7. A ll acts and parts of acts in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 8. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Approved March 14, 1899.
F L O R ID A .
ACTS OF 1899.
C hapter 4762.—Seatsfor
employees in mercantile and other business establishments.
Section 1. A ll merchants, storekeepers, and employers of male or female clerks,
salesmen, cash boys, or cash girls, or other assistants in mercantile or other busi
ness pursuits requiring such employees to stand or walk during their active duties,
be, and are hereby, required to furnish, at their own cost or expense, suitable chairs,
stools, or sliding seats attached to the counters or walls for the use of such employees
when not engaged in their active work and not required to be on their feet in the
proper performance of their several duties; and such merchants, storekeepers, and
employers be, and are, required to permit their said employees to make reasonable
use of said seats during business hours for purposes of necessary rest, and when such
use w ill not interfere with humane or reasonable requirements of their employment.
Sec. 2. A n y merchant, storekeeper, or employer refusing or neglecting to com ply
with the requirements of section 1 of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor,
and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished b y a fine of not more than one hundred
dollars or imprisonment not exceeding sixty days.
Sec. 3. A ll laws or parts of laws in conflict with any of the provisions of this act
are hereby repealed.
Sec. 4. This act shall go into effect immediately upon its passage and signature b y
the governor.
Approved June 3, 1899.
LABOR LAWS---- FLORIDA-----ACTS OF 1899.
Chapter
437
4769.— Convict labor.
S e c t io n 4. All persons confined, or who may hereafter be confined in the county
jail under sentence of a court for crime, or imprisonment for the nonpayment of costs
and fines, and all persons who have been sentenced or may hereafter be sentenced
in such county to the county jail for a term of one year or less, shall be worked on
the roads of the cou n ty : Provided, That in any case the number of such persons in
any county at any time be less than five, the county commissioners of such county
may arrange with the county commissioners of any other county, or counties, for
such an exchange of prisoners as will enable each county to thereby increase the
number of prisoners at work on its public roads at any given tim e: Provided, Noth
ing in this act shall be construed to require convicts to be worked upon the public
roads when there is no contract between counties to this effect, and the number of such
convicts in any county is, in the opinion of the county commissioners, insufficient to
justify the employm ent of guards to work them.
S e c . 5. W hen the county commissioners of any county shall have made provisions
for the expenses of supporting and guarding, while at work on the public roads, a
larger number of prisoners than can be supplied from that county, upon the application
of the county commissioners of such county, the county commissioners of any other
county w hich has not otherwise provided for the working of their convicts, or other
wise disposed of their convicts, or may hereafter dispose of their convicts, shall
deliver to said county, or counties, applying for same, in the order of their applica
tion, such convicts as may be confined in the county jail, or hereafter be sentenced
to such county ja i l : Provided, That the costs of guarding and maintaining such pris
oners shall be paid b y the county applying for and receiving the same : Provided,
That any and all such prisoners from such other counties may, at any time, be
returned to the sheriff of such other counties, at the expense of the county having
received and used th e m : Providedfurther, That no convicts shall be sent out of the
county in w hich they have been convicted and sentenced to w ork to any other
county unless a contract for that purpose shall have been entered into b y the boards
of county commissioners of the respective counties, and arrangements made for their
safe-keeping, proper care, and safe return b y the employing pounties to the county
or counties from w hich such prisoners were sentenced.
S e c . 10. This act shall be in force from and after its approval b y the governor.
Approved June 3, 1899.
ID A H O .
ACTS OF 1899.
Appointment and importation of nonresidents as peace officers prohibited.
(Page 9.)
1. The governor, the sheriff of any county, any United States marshal or
deputy United States marshal, mayor of a city, or other person authorized b y law to
appoint special deputy sheriffs, special constables, marshals, policemen, or other peace
officers in this State to preserve the public peace and prevent or quell public dis
turbance, shall not hereafter appoint as such special deputy sheriff, special consta
ble, marshal, policeman, or other peace officer any person who is not a citizen of the
State of Idaho.
S e c . 2. A n y person or persons w ho shall in this State unlawfully exercise or
attempt to exercise the functions of, or hold himself or themselves out to anyone as,
a deputy sheriff, nlarshal, policeman, constable, or peace officer, or any person,
whether acting in his own behalf or as an officer of the law, or as the authorized or
unauthorized agent or representative of another, or of any association, corporation, or
company w ho shall bring or cause to be brought, or aid in bringing into this State
any armed or unarmed police force or' detective agency or force, or any armed or
unarmed bod y of men for the suppression of domestic violence, shall be guilty of a
felony, and, on conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the State
prison for not less than tw o (2) years and not more than five (5) years: Provided,
That the legislature, or the executive when the legislature can not be convened, may
call upon the lawfully constituted authorities of the United States for protection
against invasion and domestic violence, as provided in section four (4), article four
(4), of the Constitution of the United States.
S e c t io n
Sec. 3. Any person, officer, company, association, or corporation who shall know
ingly bring, or cause to be brought, or aid in bringing into this State any armed or
438
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
unarmed police force, detective agency or force, or armed or unarmed body of men
for the suppression of domestic violence, shall be liable in a civil action to any per
son for any injury to person or property through the action or as the result of the
coming or bringing into the State of such bod y of men, or any of them, whether
acting together or separately in carrying out the purpose for w hich they were brought
or came into the State.
S e c . 4. A ll acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed:
Provided, That nothing contained in this act shall be construed to repeal b y implica
tion or otherwise any of the provisions of Chapter IV , of Title I, of Part II, of the
penal code of the State.
Sec. 5. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 2, 1899.
Convict labor— Penitentiary.
(Page 13.)
Section 2. The governor, the secretary of state, and attorney-general be, and the
same are hereby, constituted a board of State prison commissioners, of w hich the
governor shall be chairman, and said board shall have the control, direction, and
management of the penitentiary of the State, and it shall be the duty of said board
either b y direct expenditure or b y contract w ith a responsible person or persons to
provide for the care, maintenance, and em ploym ent of all inmates confined or that
may hereafter be confined in the State penitentiary: Provided, Said em ploym ent
shall be within the limits of said penitentiary grounds, if such board shall provide
b y contract for the care, maintenance, and em ploym ent of the inmates of said peni
tentiary. Authority on behalf of the State is hereby vested with a majority of the
members of said board to make and sign said contract and, in such manner as shall,
in their judgment, appear to be for the best interests of the State, to arrange all the
necessary details thereof, including the cost per diem to the State, the terms and time
of payment, and the appointment and compensation of the warden and employees:
Provided, That no contract shall be let to perform any labor which w ill conflict with
any existing manufacturing industries in the State.
Said board shall have the power to make contract with the lowest responsible bid
der, and shall have the privilege of rejecting any and all bids, and any such contract
entered into shall provide that the discipline of the convicts shall be under the con
trol of said board and the warden. And no contract shall be made which shall in
any wise abridge or deprive the convicts of any privileges granted by law.
S e c . 7 (as amended by act approved Marcn 9, 1899, page 433). The board shall
have authority to use the labor of the convicts in the erection of a wall around the
penitentiary buildings and grounds, and in the construction of irrigating and water
ditches for the purpose of bringing water upon said penitentiary grounds as in the
opinion of said board may be necessary for the proper cultivation of said grounds,
and in making such other improvements and repairs to said buildings and grounds
as they may deem proper ana necessary, and in the performance of any labor in and
about or in connection with the said penitentiary and penitentiary grounds or lands
or works necessary for the im provement thereof.
S e c . 18. No officer or em ployee of the penitentiary shall be interested directly or
indirectly in contracts for furnishing such penitentiary w ith provisions, clothing, or
other articles to be used in any manner b y the inmates or for the use of the institu
tion; nor shall any or either of such officers be concerned in, or interested in any
manner in contracts for buildings of any kind connected with the penitentiary, or
for materials to be used in any such buildings, or in any contract for the labor of
any convict; nor shall any officer or em ployee be permitted to receive in any way any
perquisites for themselves or families, or any compensation or reward from any con
tractor or em ployee or other person. Should any officer or employee violate or
w illfully or negligently fail to observe the provisions and prohibitions of this section,
he shall be at once dismissed from office b y the board of commissioners; and further,
upon conviction of such violation b y a court of competent jurisdiction, he shall be
fined a sum not exceeding one thousand dollars and not less than one m onth’ s pay,
and shall forfeit his interest in any and all contracts or rewards w hich he may nave
received or agree to receive in violation of the provisions of this section.
Sec. 48. W hereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 2, 1899.
LABOR LAW S— IDAHO— ACTS OF 1899.
439
Employment of aliens on public ivories.
(Page 71.)
Section 3. No person not a citizen of the United States, or who has not declared
his intention to become such, or w ho is not eligible to become such, shall be
em ployed upon any State or municipal works; nor shall any such person be em ployed
b y any contractor to work on any public works of the State or any municipality:
Provided, That any State prisoner may be employed within the State prison grounds
and as provided in section 3, article 13, of the constitution.
Sec. 5. It shall hereafter be unlawful for any county government or municipal or
private corporation organized under the laws of this State, or organized under the
laws of another State or Territory or in a foreign country and doing business in this
State, to give employment in any way to any alien who has failed, neglected, or
refused, prior to the time such employment is given, to become naturalized or declare
his intention to become a citizen of the United States.
Sec. 6. W henever employment has been innocently given to any alien by any
county government, municipal or private corporation mentioned in section 1 of this
act, and complaint shall be made in writing by any person to the officers of the
county government, or municipal corporation, or general manager, superintendent,
foreman, or other agent of the private corporation, having charge or superintendency
of the labor of such alien employee, that such employee is an alien, he shall forth
with discharge such employee from employment unless said employee shall produce
his declaration to become a citizen, or his certificate of naturalization, or a duly cer
tified copy thereof.
Sec. 7. A n y public officer or any county government, or municipal corporation, or
any general manager, superintendent, foreman, or other agent of any private corpora
tion, or any contractor or agent of any company engaged in public work, w ho shall
violate any of the provisions mentioned in this act, w ho shall knowingly give employ
ment to any alien or who, having innocently given such employment, shall, on com
plaint being made to him by any person, fail or refuse to discharge any such employee
forthwith on the failure or refusal of such employee to produce for his inspection
and the inspection of the complainant his declaration of intentions to become a citi
zen, or certificate of naturalization as provided in section 2 of this act, shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 8. Whereas an emergency exists this act shall take effect and be in force from
and after its passage. Approved February 2, 1899.
Hours of labor—Public ivories.
(Page 113.)
Section 1. Not more than eight hours actual work shall constitute a lawful day’ s
work on all State, county, and municipal works: Provided, That nothing in this act
contained shall be construed as meaning any labor except manual labor, em ployed
by the day, and nothing in this act contained shall apply to State, county, or munic
ipal officials, or to any employees of the State, or any county or municipality, who
are paid m onthly or yearly salaries.
Sec. 2. A n y and all bids for work on public buildings or other public works of
the State, or of any county or municipality of the State, shall expressly state and
declare that all laborers and mechanics employed by the day on such buildings
or public works, or in the preparation of materials to be directly used for or in the
construction of such buildings or public works, shall be employed on the basis of
eight hours as a lawful day’ s work.
Sec. 3. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 6, 1899.
Repeal of act creating office of boiler inspector, etc.
(Page 180.)
Section 1. An act entitled “ An act creating the office of boiler inspector for the
State of Idaho and defining his duties, powers, and liabilities, and fixing his salary
and mileage, and providing for the examination and licensing of engineers, and pre
scribing the duties and liabilities thereof,” approved February 23, 1893, is hereby
repealed.
440
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
S e c . 2. An emergency existing therefor this act shall be in force from and after
its passage.
Approved February 9, 1899.
Injuring and obstructing railroad#, etc.
(Page 182.)
S e c t io n
1. A ny person or persons who shall willfully or maliciously place any
obstruction on any railroad track or roadbed or street-car track in this State, or w ho
shall loosen, tear up, remove, or misplace* any rail, switch, frog, guard rail, cattle
guard, or any part of such railroad track or roadbed or street-car track, or w ho shall
tamper with or molest any such road, roadbed, or track, or who shall destroy or
damage any locomotive, motor, or car on said track, or who shall otherwise interfere
with the maintenance or operation of such road so as to endanger the safety of any
train, car, motor, or engine, or so as to endanger or injure any passenger or person
riding thereon or being about the same, shall, upon conviction thereof, be pun
ished b y imprisonment in the penitentiary for any term not exceeding twenty years
nor less than five years.
S e c . 2. A n y person or persons w ho shall within this State willfully or maliciously
place any obstruction upon any railroad track or roadbed or street-car track, or shall
misplace, remove, obstruct, detach, damage, or destroy any rail, switch, frog, guard
rail, cattle guard, or any other part of such railroad track or roadbed or street-car
track, or w ho shall otherwise interfere with the maintenance and operation of such
road, thereby causing the death of any person, whether passenger or employee of
such railroad, or street railway, or otherwise, shall, upon conviction thereof, be
deemed guilty of a felony and be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for
a term not less than five years and w hich may extend to the natural life of such
person so found guilty, or may be tried and punished for murder; but this section
shall not in any way lessen the liability of the railroad company where a wreck may
hereafter occur in the State of Idaho.
S e c . 3. Whereas an emergency is declared to exist this act shall take effect and be
in force from and after its approval b y the governor.
Approved February 9, 1899.
Public printing to be done within the. State.
(Page 183.)
1. A ll printing, binding, and stationery work executed for or on behalf of
the State, and for w hich the State contracts or becomes in any way responsible for,
shall be executed within the State of Idaho, except as provided in section 3.
S e c . 2. A ll county printing, binding, and stationery work, executed for or on behalf
of the several counties throughout the State for w hich the said counties contract or
becom e in any way responsible, shall be executed within the com ity for w hich said
w ork is done, when there are practicable facilities within the said county for execut
ing the same; but when it shall becom e necessary, from want of proper facilities, to
execute the work without the said county, then the same shall be executed at some
place within the State of Idaho, except as provided in section 3.
S e c . 3. W henever it shall be established that any charge for printing, binding, or sta
tionery work is in excess of the charge usually made to private individuals for the
same kind and quality of work, then the State or county officer or officers having such
w ork in charge shall have power to have such work done outside of said county or
State, but nothing in this act shall be construed to oblige any of said officers to ac
cept any unsatisfactory work.
S e c . 4. A ll contracts entered into in violation of the provisions of this act shall be
void.
S e c t io n
Sec. 5. A ll acts or parts of acts in conflict with the provisions of this act are hereby
repealed.
S e c . 6. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 9, 1899.
Protection of employees as members of labor organizations.
(Page 221.)
1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to make or
enter into any agreement, either oral or m writing, by the terms of w hich any
S e c t io n
LABOR LAW S---- IDAHO---- ACTS OF 1899.
441
em ployee of such person, firm, or corporation, or any person about to enter theemploy of such person, firm, or corporation, as a condition for continuing or obtain
ing such employment, shall promise or agree not to become or continue a member of.
a labor organization.
S e c . 2 . A n y person or persons or corporation violating the provisions of section T
of this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall befined in a sum not less than fifty or more than three hundred dollars, or be impris
oned in the county jail for not more than six months, or by both such fine and.
imprisonment.
S e c . 3. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be ins?
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 10, 1899.
Inspector of mines, etc.
(Page 221.)
S e c t io n 1. The office of inspector of mines for the State of Idaho is* hereby created.S e c . 2. The inspector of mines shall receive as full compensation for his services a^
salary of twelve hundred dollars per annum, and ten cents a mile for each m ileactually traveled in the discharge of his official duties, and all necessary expenses forclerk hire, postage, stationery, printing, and the compensation of deputies: Provided,.
The total amount of such mileage and expense shall not exceed the sum of two**
thousand dollars for any one year; such compensation to be paid as the salary a n d
fees of other State officers are paid. H e shall hold his office for the term of tw oyears, or until his successor is appointed and qualified. Before entering upon the aischarge of his duties as inspector of mines he shall file an official bond m the sum*
of five thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of hisoffice, in form and manner as are other official bonds of State officers.
S e c . 3. The inspector of mines shall not at the time of his appointment or any tim eduring his term of office be an officer, director, or em ployee in or of any mining;;
corporation in this State, or in or of any milling corporation in the State engaged in
the business of smelting or reducing ores; and such inspector shall devote his w holes
time to the duties of his office and shall take and subscribe to the follow ing oath:
State of Idaho,
\
County o f --------- . / ss*
I, o f --------- County, do solemnly swear that I will perform each and every duty*
required of me as inspector of mines for the State of Idaho; that I w ill at all times
while acting in m y official capacity fulfill the duties of such office according to lawand to the best of m y skill and understanding; that I will never at any time while:
holding the office of inspector of mines disclose to anyone, directly or indirectly,
under any circumstances, any information relative to ore bodies, chutes, or deposits*
of ore, or the location, course, or character of underground workings, or give m y
opinion founded on any examination made in the performance of m y official duties
relative to the value of any mine or mining property, unless by permission of the
person or persons in charge of the same, to all of which I pledge m y sacred honor.,
So help me God.
Nothing in said oath, however, shall be construed to prevent such mining inspector
from making full and complete statistical reports as required by law.
S e c . 4. It shall be the duty of the inspector of mines, at least once each year, to*
visit in person each mining county in the State o f Idaho and examine all such mines*
therein as, in his judgment, may require examination for the purpose of determining
the condition o f such mines as to safety, and to collect information and statistics
relative to mines and mining and the mineral resources of the State, and to collect,
arrange, and classify nm.eral and geological specimens found in this State and toforward the same to the State school of mines.
S e c . 5. Said inspector shall have full power and authority, at all reasonable hours,,
to enter and examine any and all mines in this State, and shall have the right to
enter into any and all mine stopes, levels, winzes, tunnels, shafts, drifts, crosscuts,,
workings, and machinery for the purpose of such examination; and the owner, lessor,
lessee, agent, manager, or other person in charge of such mine or mines shall render
the inspector such assistance as may be required by the inspector to enable him tomake a full, thorough, and complete examination of each and every part of such,
mine or mines, and whenever, as a result of the examination of any mine
(whether such examination is made in consequence of a complaint, as hereinafter
provided, or otherwise) the inspector shall find the same to be in an unsafe
condition, he shall at once serve or cause to be served a written notice upon.
2193—No. 27------14
442
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
the owner, lessor, lessee, agent manager, or other person in charge of such mine,,
stating in detail in what particular or particulars the mine is dangerous or insecure,
and shall require all necessary changes to be made without delay, for the purpose of
making said mine safe for the employees therein. U pon the neglect or refusal of
any owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other person in charge so notified to
com ply with the requirements stated in such notice so served such owner, lessor,
lessee, agent, manager, or other person in charge of such mine shall be deemed
guilty o f a misdemeanor, and is punishable by ^ fine of not more than five hundred
dollars, and each day’ s continuance of such neglect or refusal shall be a separate
offense, and in case of any criminal or civil proceeding at law against the party or
parties so notified, on account of the loss of life, or bodily injury sustained by any
em ployee subsequent to the service of such notice, and in consequence of a neglect
or refusal to obey the inspector’ s requirement, a certified copy of the notice served
by the inspector shall be prima facie evidence of the culpable negligence of the
party or parties so notified.
S e c . 6. The inspector of mines shall be provided with a properly furnished office,
at the statehouse in Boise City, Idaho, in w hich he shall carefully keep a complete
record of all mines examined, showing the date of examination, the condition in
w hich the mines were found, the manner and method of working, the extent to
w hich the laws are obeyed, and wrhat recommendations, if any, were ordered by the
inspector.
It is hereby made the duty of the owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other
person in charge of eaeh and every mine, of whatever kind or character, within the
State to forward to the inspector of mines at his office, not later than the first day of
June in each year, a detailed report showing th e character of the mine, the number
of men then employed, and the estimated maximum number of men to be em ployed
therein during the ensuing year, the method of working such mine and the general
condition thereof, and such owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other person in
charge of any mine within the State must furnish whatever information relative to
such mine as the inspector of mines may from time to time require for his guidance
in the proper discharge of his official duties.
S e c . 7. Whenever the inspector of mines shall receive a formal complaint in writing,
signed b y three or more persons, setting forth that the mine in w hich they are
em ployed is dangerous in any respect, h e shall, in person, visit and examine such
mine: Provided, Every such formal complaint shall in all cases specifically set forth
the nature of the danger existing at the mine and shall describe with as much cer
tainty as is possible how much danger, apparent or real, renders such mine dangerous,
and shall set forth the time when such danger w as first observed, and shall distinctly
set forth whether or not any notice of such defect o r danger has been given by the
complainants or anyone else to their knowledge to the superintendent or other per
son in charge of such mine, and if no such complaint has been made to such superin
tendent o r other person in person in charge the reason w h y it has not been made:
And providedfurther, That all complaints shall be duly verified b y the parties com
plaining before some officer authorized by law to administer oaths. After such com
plaint snail have been received b y the inspector of mines, it shall be the duty of such
inspector to serve a certified copy thereof, but without the names of the complain
ants, upon the owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other person in charge, and,
as soon as possible after receiving such complaint to visit and examine such mine, and
if from such examination he shall find such complaint to be just, he shall give notice
in writing of the dangei existing to the owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, o r other
person in charge thereof, and in such notice may, in his discretion, order such mine
or workings in w hich such danger exists closed until such danger has been removed.
The names of complainants complaining as in this section provided shall not under
any circumstances oe divulged to any person b y said inspector, except such action be
necessary in the administration of justice in the courts o f the State.
S e c . 8. And it shall be the duty of the inspector o f mines upon the neglect or
refusal of any owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, o r other person in charge of any
mine or working, notified of the unsafe or dangerous condition of his mine, promptly
to com ply with the requirements o f the notice served upon him, to at once notify
the attorney-general of such neglect o r refusal, and the attorney-general must there
upon immediately commence action in the name o f the State against the party so
notified for the recovery o f the penalty mentioned in section 5, in any court of com pe
tent jurisdiction, and the amount so recovered shall be paid into the general school
fund of the State and constitute a part thereof.
S e c . 9. W ith the consent and approval of the governor, the inspector o f mines
may appoint such deputy inspectors as in his judgment may be necessary. Such
deputy inspectors shall be allowed as full compensation for all services five dollars
per day for each day actually engaged in the performance of their duties.
LABOR LAWS-----IDAHO---- ACTS OF 1899.
443
Sec. 10. W henever a serious or fatal accident shall occur in any mine in the State of
Idaho, it shall be the duty of the owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other person
in charge thereof, immediately and by the quickest means, to notify the inspector
of mines or his deputy, as may be most convenient, of such accident; and upon
receiving such notice the inspector or his deputy, or both, shall at once repair to the
place of the accident and investigate fully the cause of such accident; and the
inspector or his deputy shall be present at any coroner’ s inquest held over the remains
of any person or persons killed in any such accident, and shall have power at such
inquest to examine and cross-examine witnesses, and may have process to compel
the attendance of necessary witnesses at such inquest. If the inspector or deputy
inspector can not be immediately present in case of a tatal or serious accident occur
ring,. it shall be the duty of the owner, lessor, lessee, agent, manager, or other person
in charge of the mine in which such accident has occurred, to have statements made
and verified by those witnessing such accident; in case of no person being present
at the time of the accident, then the statement of those first present thereafter shall
be taken, w hich statement shall be verified, and such verified statements shall be
placed in the hands of the inspector or deputy inspector, upon the demand of such
officer. W henever any deputy inspector is present at any coroner’ s inquest and
assists in the examination, he shall at the conclusion thereof at once prepare and
forward to the inspector a full and detailed report of the accident, giving all infor
mation obtainable regarding the same.
Sec. 11. The duties of deputy inspectors shall only be such as are indicated in
section 10 of this a c t; that is, to attend and act either with or in place of the inspector
of mines in cases of accident, at the scene of such accident, and at coroner’ s inquests,
and to make reports.
Sec. 12. The inspector of mines shall, on the first M onday of December of each
year, file with the governor of the State a printed report g ivin g :
First. A list of all accidents that have occurred during the year, the nature and
cause of the same, together with the persons killed and injured.
Second. The number of mines visited or examined during the year; the number
of mines in operation; the number of mines idle; the number of men employed; the
wages paid, and the nationality of employees.
Third. The name and location of each mine in the State, which has been examined
and from w hich the inspector has received a report as provided in section 6 of this
act, and all data possible in regard to the manner of working the same; whether b y
shaft, tunnel, incline, or otherwise; the condition of the hoisting machinery, boilers,
whims, engines, cars, buckets, ropes, and chains used in the mines; also the
appliances used for the extinguishing of fires; the manner and method of working
ana timbering the shafts, drifts, inclines, stopes, winzes, tunnels, and upraises
through w hich persons pass to and fro while engaged in their daily labor; the char
acter of the exits from the mine, the methods of ventilation, and the system of signals
used in the mine.
Fourth. The number and character of notices served, together with suggestions
and recommendations made; the manner in which such suggestions and recommenda
tions were complied with.
Fifth. The number of complaints received and actions therein.
Sixth. The number of prosecutions for neglect or refusal to com ply with notices.
Seventh. A summary of the reports received from mine owners and deputy
inspectors.'
Eighth. A full statement containing all available statistical arid other information
calculated to exhibit the mineral resources of the State and to promote the develop
ment of the same.
Ninth. Generally, such other information and suggestions as may be deemed
advisable.
Sec. 13. A t the next general election held in this State, and biennially thereafter,
the office of inspector of mines mentioned in this act shall be filled by election by
the qualified electors of the State of Idaho as other State officers.
Sec. 14. A n emergency existing therefor this act shall take effect and be in force
from and after its passage.
Approved February 14, 1899.
Convict labor— Jails.
(Page 253.)
Section 1. Every male prisoner 18 years of age or over, who shall hereafter be
»
imprisoned in any county jail upon conviction of misdemeanor, shall be liable
shall be required to perform manual labor in and about the jail or court-house
444
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
of the county, for the betterment, improvement, cleanliness, or maintenance of the
jail or court-house or the grounds upon which either of the same is located, not to
exceed eight hours for each day of his imprisonment, Sundays and legal holidays
excepted; and such manual labor to be so performed shall in all cases be taken and
be deemed to be included in and a part of all judgments hereafter given or made
directing the imprisonment of such persons in a county jail.
S e c . 2. The county commissioners of each county are hereby empowered, and it
is their duty, to make orders and to prescribe proper rules and regulations consistent
with econom y and the safe guarding of such prisoners, for the employm ent of all
prisoners referred to in the preceding section.
Sec. 3. The sheriff of each county is hereby required, and it is his duty, to faith
fully observe and carry out all the orders, rules, and regulations of the county com
missioners of his county, made or given for the employm ent of prisoners in his charge
as herein provided.
S e c . 4. No prisoner liable to employm ent as herein provided shall be exem pt
therefrom except by reason of physical disability.
Sec. 5. Whereas an emergency exists this act shall take effect and be in force
from and after its passage.
Approved February 14, 1899.
Trade-marks of trade unions, etc.
(Page 316.)
S e c t io n 1. W henever any person, or any association or union of workingmen, has
heretofore adopted or used, or shall hereafter adopt or use, any label, trade-mark,
term, design, device, or form of advertisment for the purpose of designating, making
known, or distinguishing any goods, wares, merchandise, or other products of labor,
as having been made, manufactured, produced, prepared, packed, or put on sale b y
such person or association or union of workingmen, or b y a member or members of
such association or union, it shall be unlawful to counterfeit or imitate such label,
trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement, or to use, sell, offer for
sale, or in any way utter or circulate any counterfeit or imitation of any such label,
trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement.
S e c . 2. W hoever counterfeits or imitates any such label, trade-mark, /term, design,
device, or form of advertisement, or sells, offers for sale, or in any way utters or cir
culates any counterfeit or imitation of any such label, trade-mark, term, design,
device, or form of advertisement, or keeps or has in his possession with intent that
the same shall be sold or disposed of, any goods, wares, merchandise, or other prod
uct of labor to w hich or on w hich any such counterfeit or imitation is printed,
painted, stamped, or impressed; or knowingly sells or disposes of any goods, wares,
merchandise, or other product of labor contained in any box, case, can, or package
to w hich or on which any such counterfeit or imitation is attached, affixed, printed,
painted, stamped, or impressed; or keeps, or has in his possession, with intent that
the same shall be sold or disposed of, any goods, wares, merchandise, or other prod
uct of labor in any box, case, can, or package to w hich or on w hich any such coun
terfeit or imitation is attached, affixed, printed, painted, stamped, or impressed shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor and be punished b y a fine of not more than one hundred
dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than three months.
Sec. 3. Every such person, association, or union that has heretofore adopted or
used, or shall hereafter adopt or use, a label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or
form of advertisement, as provided in section 1 of this act, may file the same for
record in the office of the secretary of state, b y leaving two copies, counterparts or
facsimiles thereof, with said secretary, and b y filing therewith a sworn application
specifying the name or names of the person, association, or union on whose behalf
such label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement shall be filed;
the class of merchandise and a description of the goods to which it has been, or is
intended to be, appropriated, stating that the party so filing, or on whose behalf such
label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement shall be filed, has
the right to the use of the same; that no other person, firm, association, union, or
corporation has a right to such use, either in the identical form or in any such near
resemblance thereto as may be calculated to deceive, and that the facsimiles or
counterparts filed therewith are true and correct. There shall be paid for such filing
and recording a fee of one dollar. Said secretary shall deliver to such person, asso
ciation, or union so filing or causing to be filed any such label, trade-mark, term,
design, device, or form of advertisement so many duly attested certificates of the
recording of the same as such person, association, or union may apply for, for each
of w hich certificate said secretary shall receive a fee of one dollar. A n y such cer
LABOB LAW S-----IDAHO-----ACTS OF 1899.'
445
tificate of record shall, in all suits and prosecutions under this act, be sufficient proof
of the adoption of such label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of adver
tisement. Said secretary of state shall not record for any person, union, or associa
tion any label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement that would
probably be mistaken for any label, trade-mark, term, design, device, or form of
advertisement theretofore filed by, or on behalf of, any other person, union, or
association.
S ec. 4. A ny person who shall for him self or on behalf of any other person, asso
ciation, or union procure the filing of any label, trade-mark, term, design, or form
of advertisement in the office of the secretary of state, under the provisions of this
act, by making any false or fraudulent representations or declarations, verbally or in
writing, or by any fraudulent means, shall be liable to pay any damages sustained in
consequence of any such filing, to be recovered by or on behalf of the party injured
thereby in any court having jurisdiction, and shall be guilty of misdemeanor and be
punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or by imprisonment not
exceeding three months.
Sec. 5. Every such person, association, or union adopting or using a label, trade
mark, term, design, device, or form of advertisement as aforesaid may proceed by
suit to enjoin the manufacture, use, display, or sale of any counterfeits or imitations
thereof, and all courts of competent jurisdiction shall grant injunctions to restrain
such manufacture, and may award the complainant in any such suit damages result
ing from such manufacture, use, sale, or display, as may be by the said court deemed
just and reasonable, and shall require the defendants to pay to such persons, associa
tion, or union all profits derived from such wrongful manufacture, use, display, or
sale, and such court shall also order that all such counterfeits or imitations in the
possession or under the control of any defendant in such cause be delivered to an
officer of the court, or to the complainant to be destroyed.
S e c . 6. Every person w ho shall use or display the genuine label, trade-mark,
term, design, device, or form of advertisement of any such person, association, or
union, in any manner, not being authorized so to do by such person, union, or asso
ciation, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by imprison
ment for not more than three months or b y fine of not more than one hundred
dollars ($100.00). In all cases when such association or union is not incorporated,
suits under this act may be commenced and prosecuted b y an officer or members of
such association or union on behalf of, and for the use of such association or union.
S e c . 7. A n y person or persons who shall in any way use the name or seal of any
such person, association, or union, or officer thereof, in and about the sale of goods
or otherwise, not being authorized to so use the same, shall be guilty of a misde
meanor, and shall be punishable b y imprisonment for not more than three months
or by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
S e c . 8. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall be in force from and
after its passage and approval.
Approved February 18, 1899.
Arbitration of labor disputes.
(Page 319.)
S e c t io n 1. The governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, shall, on or
before the 4th day of March, eighteen hundred and ninety-seven [sic], appoint three
competent persons to serve as a State board of arbitration and conciliation in the
manner hereinafter provided. One of them shall be an employer or selected from
some association representing employers of labor; one of them shall be selected from
some labor organization and not an employer of labor; the third shall be appointed
upon the recommendation of the other two: Provided, however, That if the two
appointed do not agree on the third man at the expiration of thirty days, he shall
then be appointed b y the governor. On or before the 4th day of March, eighteen hun
dred and ninety-seven [sic], the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate,
shall appoint three members of said board in the manner above provided; one to
serve for six years, one for four years, and one for two years, or until their respective
successors are appointed; and on or before the fourth day of March of each year dur
ing w hich the legislature of this State is in its regular biennial session thereafter, the
governor shall in the same manner appoint one member of said board to succeed the
member whose term then expires and to serve for the term of six years or until his
successor is appointed. If a vacancy occurs at any time, the governor shall in
the same manner appoint some one to serve out the unexpired term; and he may
in like manner remove any member of said board. Each member of said board shall,
446
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
before entering upon the duties of his office, be sworn to a faithful discharge thereof.
They shall at once organize by the choice of one of their members as chairman.
Said board shall choose one of its members as secretary and may also appoint and
remove a clerk of the board, who shall receive pay only for time during which his
services are actually required, and that at a rate of not more than four dollars per
day during such time as he may be employed.
S e c . 2. The board shall, as soon as possible after its organization, establish such
rules of procedure as shall be approved by the governor and senate.
S e c . 3. W henever any controversy or difference, not involving questions which
may be the subject of a suit at law or bill in equity, exists between an employer,
whether an individual, copartnership, or corporation, and his employees, if at the
time he employs not less than twenty-five persons in the same general line of
business in any city or town or village or county in this State, the board shall, upon
application as hereinafter provided, and as soon as practicable thereafter, visit the
locality of the dispute and make careful inquiry into the cause thereof, hear all per
sons interested therein wrh o may come before them, advise the respective parties
what, if anything, ought to be done or submitted to b y either or both to adjust said
dispute, and make a written decision thereof. This decision shall at once be made
public, shall be recorded upon proper books of record to be kept by the secretary of
said board, and a short statement thereof published in the annual report hereinafter
provided for, and the said board shall cause a copy thereof to be filed with the
county recorder of the county where such business is carried on.
S e c . 4. Said application shall be signed b y said employer or b y a majority of his
employees in the department of the business in w hich the controversy or difference
exists, or their duly authorized agent, or by both parties, and shall contain a concise
statement of the grievance complained of and a promise to continue in the business
or at work without any lockout or strike until the decision of said board, if it shall be
made in three weeks of the date of filing said application. W hen an application is
signed by an agent claiming to represent a majority of such employees, the board
shall satisfy itself that such agent is duly authorized in writing to represent such
employees, but the names of the employees giving such authority shall be kept
secret b y said board. As soon as may be after the receipt of said application, the
secretary of said board shall cause public notice to be given of the time and place for
the hearing thereof; but public notice need not be given when both parties to the
controversy join in the application and present therewith a written request that no
public notice be given. W hen such request be made, notice shall be given to the
parties interested in such manner as the board may order, and the board may, at any
stage of the proceedings, cause public notice to be given, notwithstanding such
request. Should the petitioner or petitioners fail to perform the promise made in
said application, the board shall proceed no further thereupon without the written
consent of the adverse party. The board shall have the power to summons as wit
ness any operative in the departments of business affected, and any person w ho
keeps the records of wages earned in those departments, and to examine them under
oath, and to require the production of books containing the record of wages paid.
Summons may be signed and oaths administered b y any member of the board.
Sec. 5. U pon the receipt of such application and after such notice the board shall
proceed as before provided and render a written decision, w hich shall be open to
public inspection; shall be recorded upon the records of the board and published at
the discretion of the same in an annual report to be made to the governor of the
State on or before the first day of February of each year.
S e c . 6. Said decision shall De binding upon the parties who join in said applica
tions for six months, or until either party has given the other notice in writing of his
intention not to be bound b y the same at the expiration of sixty days therefrom.
Said notice may be given to said employees b y posting the same in three conspicuous
places in the shop or factory, mill, or at the mine where they work or are employed.
Sec. 7. The parties to any controversy or difference, as described in section 3 of
this act, may submit the matters in dispute, in writing, to a local board o f arbitration
and conciliation. Such board may either be mutually agreed upon, or the employer
may designate one of the arbitrators, the employees or their duly authorized agent,
another, and the two arbitrators so designated may choose a third, w ho shall be
chairman of the board.
Such board shall, in respect to the matters referred to it, have and exercise all the
powers w hich the State board might have and exercise, and its decision shall have
whatever binding effect may be agreed b y the parties to the controversy in the
written submission.
The ju risd ictio n ^ such board shall be exclusive in respect to the matters sub
mitted to it, but it may ask and receive the advice and assistance of the State board.
LABOR LAW S---- IDAHO---- ACTS OF 1899.
447
The decision of such board shall be rendered within ten days of the close of anyhearing held by i t ; such decision shall at once be filed with the recorder of the
county in w hich the controversy or difference arose, and a copy thereof shall be for
warded to the State board. Each of such arbitrators shall be entitled to receive from
the treasury of the county in w hich the controversy or difference that is the subject
of the arbitration exists, if such payment is approved in writing by the board of
commissioners of such county, the sum of three dollars for each day of actual service,
not exceeding ten days for any one arbitration. W henever it is made to appear to the
mayor .of a city or the board of commissioners of a county that a strike or lockout,
such as described in section 8 of this act, is seriously threatened or actually occurs,
the mayor of such city or the board of commissioners of such county shall at once
notify the State board of the facts.
S e c . 8. Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the State board, either by
notice from the mayor of a city or the board of commissioners of a county, as pro
vided in the preceding section or otherwise, that a strike or lockout is seriously
threatened or has actually occurred in any county or town of the State involving an
employer and his present or past employees, if at the time he is employing, or up to
the occurrence of the strike or lockout wras employing, not less than twenty-five per
sons in the same general line of business in any cou n ty or town in the State, it shall
be the duty of the State board to put itself in communication as soon as may be with
such em ployer and employees, and endeavor by mediation to effect an amicable
settlement between them, or to endeavor to persuade them: Provided, That a strike
or lockout has not actually occurred, or is not then continuing, to submit the matters
in dispute to a local board of arbitration and conciliation, as above provided, or to
the State board; and said State board may, if it deems it advisable, investigate the
cause or causes of such controversy and ascertain which party thereto is mainly
responsible or blameworthy for the existence or continuance of the same, and maymake and publish a report finding such cause or causes and assigning such responsi
bility or blame. The board shall have the same powers for the foregoing purposes
as are given it b y section 3 of this act.
S e c . 9. Witnesses summoned by the State board shall be allowed the sum of fifty
cents for each attendance and the sum of twenty-five cents for each hour o f attend
ance in excess of two hours, and shall be allowed five cents a mile for travel each
way from their respective places of employm ent or business to the place where the
board is in session. Each witness shall certify in writing the amount of his travel and
attendance, and the amount due him shall be paid forthwith b y the board, and for
such purpose the board shall be entitled to draw from the treasury of the State
for the payment thereof any of the unappropriated moneys of the State.
S e c . 10. The members of said board shall be paid six dollars per day for each day
that they are actually engaged in the performance of their duties, to be paid out of
the treasury o f the State, and they shall be allowed their necessary traveling and
other expenses, w hich shall be paia out o f the treasury of the State.
S e c . 11. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after its passage.
Approved February 18, 1899.
Attorneys’ fees in suits for wages.
(Page 394.)
Section 1. W henever a mechanic, artisan, miner, laborer, servant, or employee
shall have cause to bring suit for wages earned and due, according to the terms of
his employment, and shall establish b y the decision of the court or verdict of the jury
that the amount for w hich he has brought suit is justly due, and that a demand has
been made in writing at least fifteen days before suit was brought for a sum not to
exceed the amount so found due, then it shall be the duty of the court before which
the case shall be tried to allow to the plaintiff a reasonable attorney's fee in addition
to the amount found due for wages, to be taxed as costs of suit. In a justice’ s court
such attorney’ s fee shall not be more than five dollars, and in the district court not
more than ten dollars, except in cases on appeal from justice’s court, when the plain
tiff may recover an attorney’ s fee not exceeding twenty-five dollars.
S e c . 2. Whereas an emergency exists therefor this act shall take effect and be in
force from and after the time of its passage.
Approved February 16, 1899.
448
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
Bureau of immigration, labor, and statistics.
(Page 894.)
Section 1. In conformity with the requirements of section 1, article 13, of the con
stitution of the State of Idaho, a bureau of immigration, labor, and statistics for the
State is hereby established.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the governor, by and with the consent of the senate,
to appoint immediately after the, passage of this act a competent person as commis
sioner of immigration, labor, and statistics, w ho shall have charge of said bureau,
and who shall hdld his office for the term provided in said article 13 of the constitu
tion. He shall receive a salary of $1,800 per year and all necessary traveling
expenses, not exceeding $600 per annum, w hile traveling in the discharge of his
official duties, to be paid as is the salary and fees of other State officers. Before
entering upon the duties of his office he shall take oath for the faithful discharge of
the,duties thereof, the same as other State officers. The secretary of state shall pro
vide suitable room for the use of said bureau, and furnish the necessary fuel, light,
and appurtenances. A ll books, papers, and documents in the office of said commis
sioner shall be deemed public records of the State, and shall be transferred by him to
his successor in office.
Sec. 3. It shall be and is hereby made the duty of said commissioner to collect and
compile all reliabfe data and information at his command concerning the climate,
soil, and yarious respurces of the State; its agricultural, horticultural, mineral, timber,
and grazingI^nds and industries, and the development thereof; the water courses and
lakes of the Sta-te in reference to irrigation, manufacturing, mechanical, and other
uses; the various crop products and the adaptability of different soils and localities
for the production of different crops; the number, kinds, and values of domestic
animals in the State, with the useful information regarding the same; the number of
public schools, educational institutions, churches, charitable and fraternal organiza
tions; health and pleasure resorts and health statistics of the State; the number and
mileage of railroads and other transportation lines; the number and capacity of irri
gation canals and the lands covered by the same; the number and location of news
papers and periodicals in the State; the amount of public and school lands and that
belonging to various public institutions of the State; the wages and hours of labor,
both skilled and common, and its relation to capital; and, generally, any information
w hich, if disseminated abroad, would tend to the development of the State by
inducing population and capital within its borders. Said commissioner shall also
inform himself in regard to suitable locations for agricultural and horticultural colonies
in the State, and use all facilities at his command for encouraging and promoting
desirable enterprises of this kind. To this end he shall endeavor to secure low rates
of transportation favorable to immigrants b y urging the cooperation of railroads and
other corporations interested in the settlement of the State. H e shall also open cor
respondence with and answer any and all inquiries from those seeking information
in regard to the resources of the State.
Sec. 4. In order to enable said commissioner to secure the above-required infor
mation, he is hereby clothed with the power to call upon officers of State, county
assessors, superintendents of public instruction, and other officers for such informa
tion as he may desire and deem valuable in his department.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of the commissioner to keep in his office for exhibit
such samples of the productions of the State, including grains, grasses, fruits, vege
tables, minerals, manufactured articles, and other products, as may be contributed
b y tow n and counties, without expense to the State, the same to be arranged so that
each town or county shall receive due credit therefor. H e shall, whenever practi
cable, organize and encourage local exhibits at such points as would tend to advertise
the resources of the State, and, whenever funds are available for such purposes, shall
also make, or cause to be made, exhibits of the products and industries of the State
at such industrial and international exhibitions n other States as the governor shall
direct.
Sec. 6. Said commissioner shall cause to be printed and distribute such pamphlets,
circulars, cards, and maps, and to publish, from time to time, through the public
press, such information as, in the judgment of said commissioner, would tend to carry
out the objects sought by this act and result in the largest possible benefit to the
State.
Sec. 7. Said commissioner shall receive the salary and mileage heretofore provided
for, and be allowed the actual cost of the printing and supplies necessary for the
publication and distribution of the matter heretofore mentioned: Provided, That the
allowance for such printing and supplies shall not exceed the aggregate sum of tw o
thousand dollars in any one year.
LABOR LAW S— IDAHO— ACTS OF 1899.
449
S e c . 8 . The commissioner shall, on or before the first day of January in each year,
transmit to the governor a full and complete report of the doings of his office (includ
ing a tabulated statement of all statistics accumulated in his office) and a detailed
and itemized account of the expenses thereof.
S e c . 9. The commissioner shall collect information upon the subject of labor, its
relation to capital, the hours of labor, and the earnings of laboring men and women,
and the means of promoting their material, socxal, intellectual, and moral prosperity,
and assort, systematize, print, and present in annual reports to the governor, on or
before the first day in January of each year, statistical details relating to all depart
ments of labor in this State, including the penal institutions thereof, particularly
concerning hours of labor, the number of laborers and mechanics employed, the
number of apprentices in each trade, with the nativity of such laborers, mechanics,
and apprentices; wages earned, the savings from the same; the culture, moral and
mental, with age and sex of laborers employed, and number and character of acci
dents; the sanitary condition of institutions and other places where labor is employed,
as well as the influence of the several kinds of labor, and the use of intoxicating
liquors upon the health and mental condition of the laborer; the restrictions, if any,
which are put upon apprentices when indentured; the proportion of married laborers
and mechanics w ho live in rented houses, with the annual rental of same; the aver
age number of members in the families of married laborers and mechanics; the value
of property owned by laborers and mechanics, together with the value of property
owned by such laborers and mechanics (if foreign born) upon their arrival in this
country, and the length of time they have resided here; the subject of cooperation,
strikes, or other labor difficulties, trade unions, and other labor organizations, and
their effects upon labor and capital, with such other matter relating to the commer
cial, industrial, and sanitary condition of the laboring classes, and permanent pros
perity of the respective industries of the State, as such bureau may be able to gather,
accompanied by such recommendations relating thereto as the bureau shall deem
proper.
S e c . 10. That the sum of $7,500, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is
hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated,
for the salary of said commissioner and the expenses of his office, as in this act pro
vided, for the period of two years from and after this act shall take effect.
S e c . 11. Whereas an emergency exists this act shall take effect and be in force
from and after its passage.
Approved March 2, 1899.
KANSAS.
ACTS OF 1899.
Ch apter
24.—Convict labor—Penitentiary twine plant.
S e c t io n 1. The warden of the Kansas State penitentiary is hereby empowered, b y
and with the advice and approval of the board of directors of the Kansas State peni
tentiary, at a cost of not exceeding thirty-five thousand dollars, to purchase, erect,
and maintain the necessary machinery and equipments for the manufacture of twines
known as hard-fiber twine, and for the necessary repairs and betterments of the
buildings for the purposes herein named.
S e c . 2. The warden of the Kansas State penitentiary, by and with the advice and
approval of the board of directors of the Kansas State penitentiary, is hereby empow
ered to purchase a three hundred horsepower engine of approved pattern and design,
together with boilers of sufficient capacity to operate the same, to be used in the
operation of said plant.
S e c . 3. There is hereby appropriated, out of any funds in the State treasury not
otherwise appropriated, for the purposes set forth in sections 1 and 2 of this act, the
sum of forty thousand dollars.
S e c . 4. There is hereby appropriated, out of any funds in the State treasury not
otherwise appropriated, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which
shall be known as a revolving fund, w hich said fund shall be used only for the pur
pose of purchasing of raw material to be used in the manufacture of binding twine,
as herein provided, and for the purpose of carrying, handling, and marketing the
manufactured product until disposed of according to the provisions of this act.
S e c . 5. The m oney in said revolving fund shall be paid by the State treasurer
upon warrants issued by the auditor of state upon verified vouchers of the warden
of the Kansas State penitentiary.
S e c . 6. All moneys derived from the sale of the manufactured product shall be
collected by the warden, who shall convert the same into the State treasury to the
450
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
credit of the revolving fund created by this act, and it is hereby made the duty of
the said treasurer of state to carry as a separate account upon the books of his office
the said revolving fund, w hich said fund shall be used for the payment oi warrants
drawn against the same b y the warden of said penitentiary without further appro
priation.
Sec. 7. Upon the installation of said plant and the deposit of the said one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars in the State treasury to the credit’ of the said revolving
fund, the said warden of the Kansas State penitentiary shall enter into £ good and
sufficient bond to the State 01 Kansas (to be approved by the governor) in the sum
of one hundred thousand dollars, conditioned that he w ill faithfully perform the
duties of his office and faithfully and prom ptly account for and pay over all moneys
w hich may come into his possession from the sale of the manufactured product or for
use in the purchase of raw material.
Sec. 8. Said warden of the Kansas State penitentiary, b y and with the approval
of the board of directors thereof, is hereby vested with power and authority to sell
and dispose of to the best advantage of the State, giving preference to orders from
residents of this State, all the manufactured product of said plant.
Sec. 9. This acu shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in
the official State paper.
Approved February 21, 1899.
Published in official State paper March 1, 1899.
Chapter
26.—Convict labor— Penitentiary.
S e c t io n 5. The sum of four thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may b e neces
sary, is hereby appropriated out of any m oney in the State treasury n ot otherwise
appropriated, to the penitentiary, for the purpose of erecting and equipping a brick
plant at the State penitentiary for the manufacture of building and vitrified brick for
the State’ s use; and the auditor of state is hereby authorized to draw his warrant
upon the treasurer of state for the amount and purposes herein stated.
S e c . 7. It shall be unlawful to allow any convict in the penitentiary to perform
any labor for private citizens outside of the penitentiary grounds, for hire or other
wise, and it shall be the duty of the warden to em ploy the surplus convict labor in
extending and repairing the State road, and upon other work exclusively for the
benefit of the State.
Approved March 7, 1899.
C hapter
152.—Payment
of wages—Use of time checks, duebills, orders, etc., forbidden.
S e c t io n 1. A n y time check, duebill, order, or orders for merchandise, issued b y
any person, firm, or corporation to any person__in their or its em ploy in payment
of wages for labor, shall b e dated at the time of its issuance, and, after fifteen days
from the date of issuance, shall, at the option of the holder thereof, be payable by
the maker in lawful m oney-of the United States: Provided, That nothing in this act
shall be construed to repeal any law now on the statute book.
Sec. 2. In the event the maker of any time check, duebill, or orders for merchan
dise issued in payment of wages for labor shall refuse to redeem and pay the same in
lawful m oney of the United States, and the holder thereof brings an action to recover
thereon, said maker shall be liable for double the amount of said time check, duebill,
or order for merchandise to the holder thereof, together with a reasonable attorney
fee, to be recovered in such action.
Sec. 3. This act shall take effect from and after its publication in the official State
paper.
Approved February 28, 1899.
Published in official State paper March 8, 1899.
f
Chapter
165.—Coal mine regulations— Shafts.
S e c t i o n 1. In all coal mines that are now or have been in operation or which may
hereafter be put in operation in the State of Kansas, prior to the 1st day of March,
1899, and w hich are worked b y or through a shaft, slope, or drift, and in w hich more
than ten miners are em ployed in each twenty-four hours, if there is not already an
escapement shaft to each and every said mine, or communication between each and
every mine and some other contiguous mine, then there shall be an escape shaft or
some other communication such as shall be approved by the secretary of mine indus
tries or mine inspector, making at least two distinct means of ingress or egress for ail
persons em ployed or permitted to work in such mine. Such escape shaft or other
LABOR LAWS— KANSAS— ACTS OF 1899.
451
communication with a contiguous mine aforesaid shall be constructed in connection
with every vein or stratum of coal worked in any mine, and the time to be allowed
for such construction shall be four months when such mine is under one hundred
feet in depth, and eight months when said mine is over one hundred and not over
two hundred feet in depth, and one year for all mines over tw o hundred and not
over three hundred feet in depth, two years for all mines over three hundred feet
and not over four hundred feet in depth, three years for all mines over four hundred
feet and not over five hundred feet in depth, and five years for all mines over five
hundred feet in depth.
Sec. 2. Said escape shaft shall be constructed at least three hundred feet from main
or hoisting shaft or any buildings connected therewith, and said escape shaft shall be
provided with stairways securely fastened so as to bear the combined weight of not
less than fifteen men ascending or descending the same. Said stairways shall be so
constructed as not to exceed forty-five degrees of elevation by each section of said
stairway, and each section shall have substantial guard rails securely fastened, and
the stairways shall be separately partitioned from the parts of such shafts used as
upcasts or downcasts, and the traveling ways between the bottom of main shaft and
the escape shaft or stairway shall be at least five feet in height; said traveling ways
shall be kept clear of all obstructions, and stagnant or standing water shall not be
allowed to accumulate in any traveling way between the upcast and downcast shafts.
Sec. 3. W henever the owner, agent, or operator of any mine shall neglect, fail, or
refuse to com ply with sections 1 and 2 of this act, it shall be the duty of the secretary
of mine industries or State mine inspector, when apprised of this fact, to enter com
plaint with the county attorney of the county in w hich such mine or mines are
located, and such county attorney shall immediately prosecute said owner, agent, or
operator of said mine the same as in other cases; and in all prosecutions under this
act it shall be conclusive evidence against the party charged if it shall be conclu
sively proved that said escape shaft was not constructed according to the provisions
of this act and within the time heretofore stated. A n y owner, operator, agent, or
lessee w ho fails to com ply with sections 1 and 2 of this act shall be deemed guilty of
a misdemeanor, and shall on conviction be fined in a sum not less than five hundred
dollars nor more than two thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not less than six
months nor more than two years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 4. A ll acts or parts of acts in conflict; with this act are hereby repealed.
Sar. 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in
the official State paper.
Approved March 4, 1899.
Published in official State paper March 29, 1899.
Chapter 171.—Output of
coal at the penitentiary.
Section 1. No coal mined at the penitentiary shall hereafter be sold on the market
by contract or. otherwise.
Sec. 2. The output of coal at the penitentiary mine shall be lim ited to the needs
of the public buildings and institutions of the State.
Sec. 3. Chapter 163 of the session laws of 1897 and all other acts and parts of acts
in conflict w ith this act are hereby repealed.
Sec. 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and pub
lication in the official State paper.
Approved March 4,1899.
Published in official State paper April 1, 1899.
M A IN E .
ACTS OF 1899.
Chapter 3.—Licensing of
intelligence offices by municipal officers.
Section six of chapter one hundred and fifty-six of the public lawrs of eighteen hun
dred and ninety-five is hereby amended * * *, so that said section, as amended,
shall read as follows:
Section 6. The municipal officers of any town may, on payment of one dollar each,
grant licenses to suitable persons for one year, unless sooner revoked after notice and
for cause, to keep offices for the purpose of obtaining employm ent for domestics,
servants, or other laborers, except seamen, or of giving information relating thereto,
or of doing the usual business of intelligence offices. W hoever keeps such an office
452
BULLETIN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.
without a license forfeits not exceeding fifty dollars for every day that it is so kept.
The keeper of an intelligence office shall not retain any sum of money, in excess of
one dollar, received from a person seeking employm ent through the agency of such
intelligence office, unless em ploym ent of the kind sought for is actually furnished.
The keeper of a licensed intelligence office shall cause tw o copies of this act, printed
in type of sufficient size to be legible and easily read, to be conspicuously posted in
each room used or occupied for the purposes of such intelligence office. W hoever
violates the provisions of this act shall have the license revoked, and shall be pun
ished b y fine not exceeding twenty dollars for each offense.
Approved February 9,1899.
Chapter
53.— PenaUy for
aiding sailors to desert.
S e c t io n 1. W hoever entices or persuades or attempts to entice or persuade, or aids,
assists, or attempts to aid or assist a member of the crew of any vessel arriving in or
about to sail from a port in this State to leave or desert such vessel before the expira
tion of his term of service therein, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding one hundred
dollars for each offense and be punished b y imprisonment for not more than six
months nor less than thirty days, at the discretion of the court.
S e c . 2. Municipal courts ana trial justices shall have original jurisdiction in all
cases arising under this act.
Approved March 9, 1899.
TENNESSEE.
ACTS OF 1899.
C hapter
11.— Payment
of wages—Scrip, etc,, issued to pay employees to be redeemed in
money.
S e c t io n 1. All persons, firms, corporations, and companies using coupons, scrip,
punchoiits, store orders, or other evidences of indebtedness to pay their or its laborers
and employees, for labor or otherwise, shall, if demanded, redeem the same in the
hands of such laborer, employee, or bona-fide holder in good and lawful m oney of the
United States: Provided, The same is presented and redemption demanded o^ such
person, firm, company, or corporation using same as aforesaid at a regular pay day
of such person, firm, company, or corporation to laborers or employees, or if presented
and redemption demanded as aforesaid b y such laborers, employees, or bona fide
holders at any time not less than thirty days from the issuance or delivery of such
coupon, scrip, punchout, store order, or other evidences of indebtedness to such
employees, laborers, or bona fide holder. Such redemption to be at the face value of
said scrip, punchout, coupon, store order, or other evidence of indebtedness: Provided
further, Said face value shall be in cash the same as its purchasing power in goods,
wares, and merchandise at the commissary company store or other repository of such
company, firm, person, or corporation aforesaid.
S e c . 2. A n y employee, laborer, or bona fide holder referred to in section 1 of this
act, upon presentation and demand for redemption of such scrip, coupon, punchout,
store order, or other evidence of indebtedness as aforesaid, and upon refusal of such
person, firm, corporation, or company to redeem the same in good and lawful money
of the United States, may maintain in his, her, or their ow n name an action before
any court of competent jurisdiction against such person, firm, corporation, or com
pany using same as aforesaid for the recovery of the value of such coupon, scrip,
punchout, store order, or other evidence of indebtedness as defined in section 1 of
this act.
S e c . 3. Nothing herein in this act contained is to be so construed as to legalize the
issuance or use of scrip. A ll laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed.
S e c . 4. This act [shall] take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed March 17, 1899.
A pproved March 23, 1899.
[See decision of Tennessee supreme court on constitutionality of statute, etc., page
415, ante.]
C hapter
38.— Exemption from execution,
etc.
S e c t io n 1. Thirty dollars shall be exempt from execution, seizure, or attachment
of the wages of any employee in the State.
LABOB LAW S-----TENNESSEE-----ACTS OF 1899.
453
Sec. 2. This act [shall] take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed March 23, 1899.
Approved March 27, 1899.
C h apter
182.— Protection of
the wages of laborers on public works— Contractor's bond.
S e c t io n 1. Hereafter no contract shall be let for any public work in this State, by
any city, county, or State authority, until the contractor shall first execute a good
ana solvent bona to the effect that he will pay for all the materials and labor used
in said contract m lawful money of the United States. The bond to be given under
this section shall be for one-half of the contract price on all contracts of two thou
sand dollars, or under; one-half of the first two thousand dollars, and thirty-five
er cent of all over that amount on all contracts between two thousand dollars and
ve thousand dollars; and one-half of the first two thousand dollars, thirty-five per
cent on the next three thousand dollars, and twenty-five per cent on the balance on
all contracts over five thousand dollars. W here advertisement is made the condi
tion of the bond shall be stated in the advertisement: Provided, That this act shall
not apply to contracts under $100.
Sec. 2. A n y laborer or furnisher of material may bring an action on such bond,
and make recovery in his ow n name, upon giving security or taking the oath pre
scribed for poor persons as provided b y law, and in the event of such suit, the
city, county, or State shall not be liable for any costs accruing thereunder.
Sec. 3. If any public officer, whose duty it is to let or award contracts, shall let or
award any contract without requiring bond for the payment of labor and material,
in compliance with the provisions of section 1 hereof, such officer shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor.
Sec. 4. The laborer or furnisher of materials, to secure advantage of this act, shall
file with the public officer who has charge of the letting of any contract an itemized
statement of the amount owed by the contractor for materials and labor used within
thirty (30) days after the contract is completed.
Sec. 5. This act [shall] take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed March 15,1899.
Approved March 17, 1899.
E
C hapter
338.— Payment of check weighmen at mines.
S e c t io n 1. W hen miners of coal or other minerals in this State elect a check weighmaii or measurer, as provided by chapter 206 of the acts of March 26, 1887, the oper
ators, company, or firm employing said miners shall, upon receiving notice in writing
from the miners of said election of check weighman, withhold from each miner an
equal amount, agreed upon by the miners and check weighman, and pay the same to
the check weighman at each regular pay day.
Sec. 2. Upon failure of any operator, company, or firm to comply with section 1 of
this act, they shall be liable to the check weighman for the full amount of his wages,
and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined at the dis
cretion of [the] court having jurisdiction.
Sec. 3. This act [shall] take effect from and after, its passage, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed April 20, 1899.
Approved April 21, 1899.
Chapter
358.— Convict labor— Jails.
S e c t io n 1. The judge or chairman of the county court, the county court clerk, and
the sheriff of each county in the State of Tennessee are hereby constituted a board
for their respective counties, whose duty it is hereby made to enter into contracts
with public road commissioners or other officers or road contractors having the super
intendence of working the public roads of this State, for the employm ent on the pub
lic roads of prisoners confined in the county jails for the nonpayment of fines and
costs adjudged against them by the courts. The said contracts are to be made with
out delay when a prisoner is confined in the county jail, and it is hereby made the
duty of those having the superintendence of the working of the public roads, or road
contractors, to enter into contracts immediately with the above-named board for the
employment of said prisoners.
454
BULLETIN OP THE DEPARTMENT OP LABOR.
Sec. 3. Said prisoners shall be worked on any of the public roads of the county,
and the same number of hours of labor per day as required by the public road laws
of the State shall constitute a day’ s work, and said prisoners shall be allowed seventyfive cents for each day’ s work in addition to twenty-five cents now allowed b y la w ,
w hich amount shall be credited to his fine and costs. * * *
Sec. 4. The provisions of this act shall not be construed to conflict with the pro
visions of chapter 123 of the acts of 1891, providing for the construction of workhouses in any county in this State, or declaring any county jail in this State a workhouse, but shall be construed as supplementary to said act of 1891, chapter 123, and
this act shall apply to such counties as are not now actually working all of their
prisoners confined in the county jail of this State for nonpayment of fines and costs
adjudged against them, or that may hereafter not be actually working said prisoners,
according to the provisions of chapter 123 of the acts of 1891.
Sec. 5. The county employm ent boards created b y this act, of any two or more ad
joining counties, when they deem it advisable, may combine the prisoners of said
counties and w ork them on the public roads of said counties according to the rules
and regulations provided for in the foregoing sections of this act.
Sec. 7. This act [shall] take effect thirty days after the adjournment of this general
assembly, the public welfare requiring it.
Passed April 20,1899.
Approved April 21,1899.
C hapter
388.—Convict
labor—Jails and workhouses—Hours of labor on public roads.
S e c t io n 7. A ll county prisoners subject to labor shall be em ployed hereafter, as far
as practicable, upon the public highways. In counties having separate workhouses,
or where the jails have been declared workhouses, the workhouse commissioners
may let the convicts to contractors for road labor; in all other counties the judge or
chairman of the county court may let them to contractors, w ho w ill em ploy them
upon the highways. In either case the county authorities shall name the guards,
and the prisoners shall be treated at all times with humanity. Eight hours shall be
a day’ s w ork upon the highways, whether performed b y convicts or free road hands.
Nothing in this act shall affect the present law in regard to working county prisoners
in counties having a population of 35,000 or over, by the last Federal census or any
subsequent Federal census.
Sec. 11. A ll laws and parts of laws in conflict with this act are hereby repealed;
and this act [shall] take effect from and after January 1, ;900, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed April 21, 1899.
Approved April 22,1899.
Chapter
401.— Inspection,
etc., of factories and workshops.
S e c t io n 1. The governor, with the consent and advice of the senate, shall appoint
an officer to be known as a shop and factory inspector, w ho shall hold office for a
term of tw o years or until his successor shall be appointed and qualified: Provided,
That he may be removed at any time by the governor for cause.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the shop and factory inspector to inspect all work
shops and factories where machinery is used at least once every six months, and he
shall have authority to enter such workshops or factories at all proper times for the
purposes of such inspection. H e shall, on or before the first day of January of each
year, make a report to the governor of the condition as respects safety to life and
health of workshops and factories visited b y him, and said report shall be printed
for the use of the general assembly at its regular sessions. The expense of printing
said report shall be paid out of the general appropriation for printing the reports of
State officers.
Sec. 3. A ll workshops and factories where machinery is used shall be w ell venti
lated and kept as clean as the nature of the business w ill permit. The belting, shaft
ing, gearing, machinery, and drums of ail workshops and factories where machinery
is used, when so placed as in the opinion of the shop and factory'inspector to be
dangerous to persons employed therein w hile engaged m their ordinary duties, shall,
as far as practicable, be securely guarded.
Sec. 4. The shop and factory inspector may order the opening of all hatchways,
elevator wells, ana wheel holes upon every floor of any workshop or factory where
machinery is used, to be protected b y good trapdoors, self-closing hatches, or safety
catches or other safeguards such as will insure the safety of the employees in such
workshop or factory when engaged in their ordinary duties.
LABOR LAWS-----TENNESSEE---- ACTS OF 1899.
455
Sec. 5. Every person, firm, or corporation running or operating any workshop or
factory where fifteen or more persons are employed at labor, shall provide separate
water-closets for males and females, and keep the same in good sanitary condition.
Sec. 6 It shall be the duty of the shop and factory inspector to enforce the pro
visions of this act by giving proper notices to the person, firm, or corporation operat
ing or running workshops or factories inspected b y him, and also to make complaint
to the attorneys-general of the respective districts of all violations of this act.
Sec. 7. A n y person, firm, or corporation operating or running any workshop or
factory where machinery is used, upon conviction of a violation of this act, shall be
fined not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than one hundred dollars
($100) for each offense: Provided, No action shall be taken until after four weeks’
notice shall have been given b y the shop and factory inspector to any firm, person,
or corporation operating or running a workshop or factory of the changes necessary
to be made, and not then if in the meantime said changes have been made.
Sec. 8. The orders or notices given by the shop and factory inspector shall be
written or printed, and signed by him officially, and served by himself or by leaving
an attested copy thereof at the usual place of business of the person upon whom
service is to be made, and a copy o f the same shall be filed in the office of the county
court clerk of the county in which the workshop or factory is located, and such copy
shall be prima facie evidence that notice was given.
Sec. 9. For the inspection of each factory the inspector shall receive a fee of $5, to
be paid b y the factory inspected: Provided, That when his fees reach $1,500 per
annum he shall cover all amount of fee above the sum of $1,500 per annum into the
State treasury: Provided, That this act shall apply to and have force and effect only
in counties having a population of over 30,000 b y the Federal census of 1890, or any
subsequent Federal census.
Sec. 10. This act [shall] take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare
requiring it.
Passed April 21, 1899.
Approved April 22, 1899.
.
RECENT GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS.
[The Secretaries of the Treasury, War, and Navy Departments have consented to
furnish statements of all contracts for constructions and repairs entered into by them.
These, as received, w ill appear from time to time in the Bulletin.]
The following contracts have been made by the office of the Super
vising Architect of the Treasury:
E l l i s I s l a n d , N. Y .—February 20, 1900.
Contract with Daniel A.
Garber, New York, N. Y ., for the construction of the hospital build
ing, except electric wiring, heating, and. ventilating and elevators,
$121,319.65. W ork to be completed within ten months.
C o l u m b u s , G a . —March 8,1900.
Contract with Richardson & Bur
gess, Washington, D. C., for extension to post-office, except heating
apparatus, $29,466. W ork to be completed within ten months.
T o p e k a , K a n s . —March 8, 1900. Contract with Charles A. Moses,
Chicago, 111., for extension to court-house and post-office, except heat
ing apparatus, electric wiring and conduits, $61,130. W ork to be
completed within ten months.
456
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