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58th C o n g r e s s , j H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T IV E S , j D oc. N o. 343,
8 d Session.
|
j
Part 2.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND LABOR.
BULLETIN
OF THE
BUREAU OF LABOR.
No. 51-M A R C H , 1904.
ISSUED EVERY OTHER MONTH.
W A S H IN G T O N :
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1904.
EDITOR,
CARROLL D. W R IG H T,
COMMISSIONER.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS,
G. W . W . H AN GER,
CHAS. H . V E R R IL L , G. A. W EBER.
CONTENTS.
Page.
Course of wholesale prices, 1890-1903 .................................................................... 219-379
The union m ovem ent among coal m ine workers, by Frank Julian W arne, Ph. D . 380-414
Agreem ents between em ployers and em ployees..................................................... 415-435
Digest of recent reports of State bureaus of labor statistics:
R hode Is la n d ....................................................................................................... 436,437
V irg in ia ................................................................................................................. 437-439
Digest of recent foreign statistical publications..................................................... 440-445
Decisions of courts affecting labor............................................................................ 446-466
Laws of various States relating to labor enacted since January 1, 1896 .......... 467-484
in
B U LLE T IN
OP THE
BUREATJ OF L A B O R .
N o. 51.
W A S H IN G T O N .
M
arch,
1904.
COURSE OF WHOLESALE FRIGES, 1890 TO 1903.
In Bulletin N o. 39, the issue for M arch, 1902, data relating to
wholesale prices fo r the period from 1890 to 1901 were presented, and
in Bulletin N o. 45, the issue fo r M arch, 1903, this compilation was con
tinued fo r the year 1902. In this Bulletin are presented the actual
prices for 1903, and the relative prices fo r the fourteen years from
1890 to 1903.
A s was explained in Bulletin N o. 45, changes in the actual prices
o f single commodities may readily be seen by the inspection o f
a series o f quotations covering a number o f years, but in order
to ascertain the changes in the general price level from year to year,
the quotations fo r a number of commodities o f a more or less dis
sim ilar character must be examined and in some manner combined.
The method quite generally adopted fo r this purpose by statisticians
and economists is the use o f what is commonly known as the index
number or relative price.
Before proceeding to the discussion o f the data which enter into
the present record, it seems desirable to define the index number or
relative price, and explain the various methods adopted in securing
the same.
B riefly, an index number or relative price o f any given article at any
given date is the percentage which the price o f that article at that date
is o f the price o f the same article at a date or a period which has been
selected as a base or standard.
This base or standard varies in the
different series o f index numbers which have been presented to the
public.
In the London Econom ist’s index numbers the average price
fo r the years 1845 to 1850, inclusive, is taken as the base; in those cal
culated by M r. Sauerbeck, and published in the Journal o f the Royal
219
220
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
Statistical Society, the average for the eleven years 1867 to 1877 is
taken; in D octor Soetbeer’s index numbers the average fo r the four
years 1847 to 1850 is used, while in the United States Senate Finance
Com m ittee’s statement o f relative prices (Senate R eport N o. 1394, F ifty second Congress, second session) the price for the year 1860 is taken as
the base or standard. In order to secure the index number or relative
price for any article at any date in the period covered, the price o f
the article fo r that date is divided by the price at the date or by the
average price fo r the period selected as the base.
The quotient
obtained m ultiplied by 100 is the per cent that the price at that date
is o f the base or standard price, and is called the index number or
relative price.
F or exam ple, the percentage fo r flour in 1885 in
M r. Sauerbeck’s series o f index numbers is 63, meaning that the aver
age price o f flour in 1885 was 63 per cent o f the average price o f the
same article during the base period (1867 to 1877).
always 100, a fa ll o f 37 per cent is indicated.
This base being
These percentages having been made in the case o f each separate
article included in the particular scheme under consideration, and for
each year o f the period covered, a series o f total index numbers or
relative prices fo r each o f the years covered is usually constructed by
adding together the index numbers o f all the articles fo r each year and
dividing the result by the number o f articles considered, thus securing
an average o f the same. This course has been follow ed by Sauerbeck,
Soetbeer, the United States Senate Finance Com m ittee, and some
others. In the case o f the London Econom ist index numbers, however,
sim ply the sum o f the index numbers o f the individual articles is used.
F or exam ple, the total o f the index numbers for the base period (1845
to 1850) is 2,200, or the sum o f the base figures (100) fo r the 22 articles
considered, and the total o f the percentages fo r 1873 is 2,947. These
sums, however, may be readily reduced to the average form given in
other series o f index numbers bv dividing each by 22, the number of
articles considered.
It w ill be seen, then, that the index numbers or
relative prices for all the commodities combined do not represent
averages o f the actual prices o f such dissim ilar commodities as a loaf
o f bread, a pound o f m eat, a ton o f pig iron, e tc ., but are averages of
the index numbers or relative prices o f the articles.
In the Bulletin fo r M arch, 1902 (N o. 39), a history o f the principal
price indexes— those published by the London Econom ist, Palgrave,
Sauerbeck, Soetbeer, the United States Senate Finance Com m ittee,
Commons, and Dun— was presented and need not be repeated here.
In the record o f prices fo r the fourteen years from 1890 to 1903 pub
lished by the Bureau o f Labor 250 series o f quotations were secured
fo r the entire period and an additional 11 for some portion o f the
period.
No quotations are shown fo r im ported tin plate since 1898,
which leaves 260 series o f quotations fo r the years 1899 to 1903.
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
221
A lthough in the case o f commodities o f great importance more than
one series o f quotations have been used, in no case has an article o f a
particular description been represented by more than one series o f
quotations. F or this reason the term s “ series of quotations” and
“ com m odities” have been used interchangeably in the pages which
follow . The actual prices from which the index numbers or relative
prices, 1890 to 1901, were computed were shown in Table I , Bulletin
39, in detail; those from which the relative prices for 1902 were com
puted were shown in detail in Table I , Bulletin 45, and those from
which the relative prices for 1903 were computed are shown in detail
in Table 1 in this Bulletin. In securing these prices the effort has
been made to include staple commodities only. In a number of
instances it was found possible to secure prices fo r the same commodi
ties that were included in the Beport on W holesale Prices, W ages, and
Transportation submitted by M r. Aldrich from the Senate Committee
on Finance M arch 3, 1893. M any articles which were included in
that report are no longer manufactured, or, if still m anufactured, have
ceased to be im portant factors in the market. On the other hand, a
number o f articles not shown in that report have become o f such
importance as to render necessary their inclusion in any study o f the
course o f prices.
The commodities covered in 1903 by the 260 series oi quotations
have been classified under 9 general groups, as follow s:
Farm products, 16 series of quotations.
Food, etc., 54 series of quotations.
Cloths and clothing, 76 series o f quotations.
Fuel and lighting, 13 series o f quotations.
M etals and im plem ents, 38 series o f quotations.
Lum ber and building materials, 27 series of quotations.
Drugs and chem icals, 9 series of quotations.
House furnishing goods, 14 series o f quotations.
M iscellaneous, 13 series o f quotations.
The further description o f the kind o f prices quoted, the source o f
these quotations, the market fo r which they were secured, their fre
quency, etc., w ill be taken up in connection with the discussion of
Table I , which follow s:
Table I — Wholesale prices o f commodities in 1903, pages $70 to 319.—
This table shows in detail the actual prices from which the subsequent
tables o f index numbers are calculated.
A s stated previously, the 260
series o f quotations have been classified under 9 groups of commodities,
and this grouping has been uniform ly adhered to in the several tables
which are given.
The prices quoted in every instance are wholesale prices.
W h ole
sale prices have invariably been used in compilations which have been
made fo r the purpose of showing changes in the general price level.
They are m ore sensitive than retail prices and more quickly reflect
222
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
changes in conditions. Retail prices usually follow the wholesale,
but not generally in the same proportion. The m argin between them
in the case o f some commodities is so great that slight changes in the
wholesale price do not affect the retail. Changes in the wholesale
price which last fo r a short time only do not usually result in corre
sponding changes in the retail price.
The net cash prices are shown for textiles and all articles whose list
prices are subject to large and varying discounts. In the case o f a
number o f articles, such as white pine, nails, etc., however, whose
prices are subject to a small discount fo r cash no deduction has been
made.
The prices have been collected from the best available sources, such
as standard trade journals, officials of boards o f trade, chambers o f
commerce, and produce exchanges, and leading manufacturers or their
selling agents.
The prices quoted are usually the prices in the New Y o rk m arket,
except fo r such articles as have their prim ary market in some other
locality.
F or grains, livestock, etc., fo r exam ple, Chicago prices are
quoted; fo r fish, except salmon, Boston prices; for tar, W ilm ington ,
N . C ., prices; for white pine, Buffalo prices; fo r E lgin creamery butter,
E lgin , 111., prices, etc. The prices fo r textiles are the prices in the
general distributing m arkets, such as New Y o rk , B oston, and Phila
delphia; and where no market is mentioned in the prefatory note to
Table I , it should be understood that the prices are fo r the general
market.
The follow ing table shows the different m arkets and the number o f
articles quoted fo r each m arket:
NUMBER OF COMMODITIES OR SERIES OF QUOTATIONS IN 1903, CLASSIFIED BY MARKETS
FOR WHICH SECURED.
Market.
New Y ork ...........................
C hicago..............................
Factory, m ine, w ells, e tc..
Pittsburg.............................
B uffalo................................
P hiladelphia......................
Boston..................................
Trenton, N .J ......................
Cincinnati...........................
Eastern m arkets (B alt.,
Boston, N. Y ., P h ila .). . .
E lgin, 111.............................
Lasalle, 111..........................
Peoria, 111...........................
W ashington, D. C ..............
W ilm ington, N. C ..............
General m arket.................
T ota l.........................
Lum- 1Drugs House
Fuel Metals her
Farm Food, Cloths
and and
Mis
and
and and im build-1
fur cella
prod etc. cloth
Total.
light
ple ing ma- chem nishing neous.
ucts.
ing.
ing. ments. trials. |icals. goods.
2
14
44
5
2
9
3
4
3
1
1
21
1
1
7
21 1
1
i
1
i
12
3
i
1
!
2
1
1
1
2
76
13
1
38
13
260
2
27
9
14
126
20
8
7
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
76
i
1
72
54
6
3
4
. 1
16
9
A s regards the description of the com m odity, it should be stated
that the greatest care has been taken to secure prices throughout the
223
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
period for a commodity o f precisely the same description. Changes
in quality are, o f course, reflected in prices, and for this reason note
has been made o f any important changes which have occurred. In the
case o f certain commodities, such as butter, eggs, etc., prices fo r the
best quality have invariably been taken, in order to avoid frequent
changes in grade. It should also be stated in this connection that in
the case o f commodities for which prices were secured from the O il,
Paint, and D ru g Reporter the lowest quotations were invariably taken
where a range o f prices was found because of the fact that these rep
resent the prices o f large lots, while the high quotations represent the
prices o f sm aller lots.
W eekly quotations have been secured in the case of all articles which
are subject to frequent fluctuations in price, such as butter, cheese,
eggs, grain, live stock, meats, etc. In the case o f articles whose prices
are m ore stable, m onthly or annual quotations have been taken. The
follow ing table shows the number of series o f w eekly, m onthly, and
annual price quotations:
NUMBER OF COMMODITIES OR SERIES OF QUOTATIONS, CLASSIFIED AS TO THEIR FRE
QUENCY OF QUOTATION IN 1903.
Frequency o f quotation.
Farm Food, Cloths
and
prod etc. cloth
ucts.
ing.
Lum
Fuel Metals ber
and
and
and
build
light im ple
ma
ing. ments. ing
terials.
Drugs House Mis
and
fur cella Total.
chem nishing neous.
icals. goods.
W eekly................................
M onthly..............................
A nnually.............................
13
3
22
32
1
64
11
1
12
38
27
9
14
1
12
38
211
11
T ota l.........................
16
54
76
13
38
27
9
14
13
260
The character o f each series o f quotations as regards frequency is
shown in all cases in Table I in a prefatory note which states fu lly the
date o f the quotations and, if w eekly, whether the quotations are for
some particular day o f the w eek, the average fo r the week, or the range
fo r the week. The m ajority of the w eekly quotations show the price
on Tuesday, and if fo r any reason Tuesday’s price was not obtainable,
the first price in the week has been taken.
The quotations from trade
and other journals, when credited to the first o f each m onth, are not
in all instances the price fo r the exact day stated, as it is a common
practice o f the daily papers which make a specialty o f market reports
to devote certain days to the review o f the market o f certain articles.
F or exam ple, the Boston Herald quotes fish on Saturday only.
The
prices are, how ever, the earliest prices quoted in the journal to which
the article is credited.
It should also be stated that the m onthly
prices credited to w eekly publications are the earliest quotations shown
in such publications fo r each month.
The average price for the year was obtained by dividing the sum o f
the quotations fo r a given com m odity by the number o f quotations
shown.
F or exam ple, the sum o f the Tuesdays’ prices o f cotton fo r
224
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
1903 (shown in Table 1) was $5.8420, and the number of quotations 52.
The form er figure divided by the latter gives $0.11235 as the average
price fo r the year. W here a range was shown the mean price fo r each
date was found, and this was used in com puting the yearly average.
The average yearly price of all articles was computed as above
described.
The reader w ill understand that, in order to secure fo r
any com m odity a strictly scientific average price fo r the year, one
must know the quantity marketed and the price fo r which each unit o f
quantity was sold.
It is m anifestly im possible to secure such detail,
and even were it possible the work o f compilation would be much
greater than the results would ju stify. It is believed that the method
adopted here, which is also that used in the construction o f other index
numbers, secures results which are quite as valuable for all practical
purposes.
A n examination o f Table I in the present Bulletin, in connection
with Table 1 in Bulletin Nos. 39 and 45, shows that the prices o f some
o f the commodities included in these index numbers were subject to
frequent and decided fluctuations, while the prices o f others were
alm ost, and in two cases altogether, uniform throughout the period.
The follow ing table shows the lowest and highest quotations and the
dates o f the same fo r each o f the commodities during the fourteen-year
period:
LOW EST AND H IG H EST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
FA R M PR O D U C TS.
Lowest.
A rticle.
Date.
Barley: by sam ple...............
Cattle: steers, choice to ex
tra.
Cattle: steers, good
choice.
to
Com : No. 2, cash.................
Cotton: u p lan d,m id dlin g..
Flaxseed: No. 1 ...................
Hay: tim othy, No. 1............
Highest.
Price.
Price.
4th week Oct 30.58 -30.81
1890.
3d,4thTuesAug, 7.60 - 9.00
. 1st Tues Sept
1902.
2d Tues Jan 1890 3.00 - 3.90
2d, 3d, 4th Tues
6.70 - 7.60
Aug, 1st, 2d
TuesSeptl902.
2dTuesSeptl896 .1 9 1 - .20
5th Tues May
.481- LOO
1892.
IstTuesFeb.lst,
.0 5 * 5th Tues Dec
.1370
2d Tues Nov
1903.
1898.
Sept 1896............ .631 - .64
July 1901............
1.88
3d,4thTuesJuly 6.50 - 8.00
3d TuesApr 1891 15.60 -16.50
1898.
June 1894.......... .0500- .0513 Sept 1902............
.1491
Unit.
3dweekAugl896 30.181 -30.35
Bushel
4th week Apr
1896.
100 lbs
3.85 - 4.25
Hides: green, salted, pack
ers, heavy native steers.
Hogs: h e a v y ........................ 4th Tues July 2.50 - 3.15
1896.
Hogs: lig h t........................... 3dTuesSeptl896 2.80 - 3.35
Hops: N. Y . State, choice .. Sept 1895............ .06 - .07
Oats: cash............................. 2dTuesSeptl896
.141
Rye: No. 2, cash................... 5th Tues June
.281
1896
Sheep: n a tiv e...................... 5thTuesOctl894 .75 - 3.25
Sheep: W estern................... 5th Tues Aug 1.00 - 3.00
1893.
W heat: contract grades, 5th TuesJan 1895 .4 8 1 - .491
cash.
Date.
100 lbs
Bushel
Pound
Bushel
Ton
Pound
2dTues Feb 1893
8.10 - 8.65
100 lbs
2dTues Feb 1893
Nov 1890............
4thTuesJulyl902
3dTuesAugl891
7 .9 0 -8 .2 5
.4 5 - .47
.631- .64
.97 - 1.00
100 lbs
Pound
Bushel
Bushel
4th Tues Mar
1903.
5th Tues M ar
1903.
2dTuesMayl898
4.50 - 7.00
100 lbs
3.50 - 7.00
100 lbs
1 .7 3 -1 .8 5
Bushel
225
COURSE OP WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
LOW EST AND H IG H EST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
FOOD, ETC.
Lowest.
A rticle.
Date.
Highest.
Price.
$0.85
.05
Beans: medium, ch o ice ___ A pr1897 ............
Bread: crackers, Boston X . May, June 1897.
Bread: crackers, sod a ........
Bread: loaf ( Wash, m arket)
Bread: loaf, homemade
(N. Y. m arket).
May to Dec 1897.
May to July 1895
Jan to May 1896.
.05*
.03
.03
Bread: loaf, Vienna (N. Y.
m arket).
Jan to May 1896.
.03
Butter: cream ery, Elgin 1st Mon June $0.13*- .14
1890.
(Elgin m arket).
.13*- .14
Butter: creamery, extra 2d Tues June
1890.
(N. Y. m arket).
Butter: dairy, N. Y. S tate.. 3d Tues Apr 1896 .1 3 - .13*
Cheese: N. Y . State, fu ll
cream.
3d Tues May 1895
.06 -
Coffee: R io No. 7 ................. May, June, Aug, .05*Sept 1903.
Eggs: new -laid, fancy, 1st Tues Apr 1897 .10*near-by.
Fish: cod, dry, bank, large. Mar to Sept 1896, 4.00 Aug 1897.
Fish: herring, shore, round. May to Aug 1892. 2.00 Fish: m ackerel, salt, large June 1897..........
No. 8s.
Fish: salm on, cann ed......... Apr 1898............
Flour: buckw heat............... Apr 1897............
Flour: ry e ................................... July 1897............
Flour: wheat, spring pat 1st Tues Nov 1894
ents.
Flour:
wheat,
winter 2d Tues Oct to
1st Tues Nov
straights.
1894.
Fruit: apples, evaporated, Apr 1897............
choice.
Fruit: apples, sun-dried, May 1897............
Southern, sliced.
Fruit: currants, in barrels.. Apr, May 1894..
Fruit: prunes, California, June 1897..........
in boxes.
Fruit: raisins, California, Apr 1896............
London layer.
Glucose: 41° and 42° m ixing. June 1897..........
Lard: prim e contract.......... 4th Tues July
1896.
M eal: corn, fine w hite........ Sept 1896............
M en!: m m , fine y e llo w .___ Sept 1896............
Meat: bacon, short clear 4th Tues July,
1st Tues Aug
sides.
1896.
4th
Tues July,
Meat: bacon, short rib sides.
1st Tues Aug,
all Sept 1896.
Meat: beef, fresh, native 4th Tues Mar
1894.
sides.
Meat: beef, salt, extra mess. 2d, 3d, 4th weeks
Aug 1892.
.06*
.05*
.10*
4.25
2.25
8.00 - 9.00
1.10
1.00
2.00
3.15
-
1.30
1.15
2.40
3.40
2.40 - 2.65
Sept 1901............
$2.75
June 1898, July
.08
2900 to July
1903.
June 1898..........
.08*
Aug 1896............
.05
Jan 1890 to Dec
.04
1895, June 1896
to Dec 1903.
Jan 1890 to Dec
.04
1895, June 1896
to Dec 1903.
1st Mon Mar $0.34 - .35*
1891.
2d Tues Mar
.35 - .36*
1891.
2d Tues Mar
.33
1891.
4th Tues Mar to
.14*- .14*
4th Tues Apr
1903.
Oct 1890.............
.18*- .19
Bushel
Pound
4th, 5th Tues
.3 6 - .45
Dec 1903.
Feb, Mar 1892... 7 .7 5 -8 .0 0
Dozen
Quintal
Dec 1902 to Sept 5 .7 5 -6 .0 0
1903.
Sept, Oct 1890...
20.00
Barrel
Mar 1890............
Sept 1891............
Nov 1891............
2d Tues May
1898.
2d Tues May
1898.
1.75
3.50
5.15
7.00
-
2.00
3.65
5.90
7.75
6.25 - 6.75
Pound
Loaf
Loaf
Loaf
Pound
Pound
Pound
Pound
Pound
Barrel
12 cans
100 lbs
Barrel
Barrel
Barrel
Feb 1891............
.14*- .15*
Pound
May 1891............
.1 1 - .13
Pound
.01*- .01*
.04 - .04*
Oct 1900..............
Oct 1890..............
.1 2 - .12*
.12*- .13
Pound
Pound
.80 -
.90
Jan 1890............ 2.25 - 2.75
.92*
.0340
.Tune 1902..........
3d Tues Feb
1893.
May 1891............
M ay 1891__
1.67 3d, 4th Tues Oct
.12*1902.
.6 3 - .65
.62 - .63
.04 - .04*
.03*- .04
.0 5 - .07
6.00 - 6.50
7.50 - 8.00
IftOA
low .
M ilk: fresh........................... June 1897, June
1898.
Unit.
.03*- .03*
4th Tues Oct 12.00 -12.50
1890, 2d Tues
Nov 1891, 3d
Tues Oct 1892.
.07*- .07*
Meat: hams, sm oked.......... 3d, 4th Tues
Sept, 1st Tues
Oct 1898.
Meat: m utton, dressed....... 5th Tues Oct
.0 3 - .06
1895.
4th Tues July,
3d Tues Sept
Price.
.01*- .02*
Meat: beef, salt, hams,
Western.
Meat: pork, salt, mess, old
to new.
Date.
.0175
Box
2.32
100 lbs
.1315 Pound
1.69
1.68
.12*
100 lbs
100 lbs
Pound
4th Tues May ‘ .1 2 - .12*
1893, 3d, 4th
Tues Oct 1902.
2d, 3d, 4th, 5th
.0 9 - .12*
Tues July 1902.
3d week May to
14.00
2d week June
1902.
1st Tues Aug 27.50 -29.00
1899.
Pound
4th, 6th Tues
Jan 1893.
Pound
Barrel
Barrel
.1 5 - .16
Pound
1st, 2d Tues
.10*- .12
May 1891, 4th
Tues May 1892.
5th Tues May 21.50 -22.50
1893.
Pound
Dec 1902............
Barrel
tQ376 Quart
226
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OP LABOR
LOWEST AND HIGHEST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[F or a m ore d eta iled d escrip tion o f th e a rticles see T able I, page 270 et seq.]
FO O D , ET C #—C oncluded.
Lowest.
Article.
Date.
New Orleans,
open kettle, prim e.
R ice: domestic, ch o ice ___
Salt: Am erican.
Salt: Ashton’s .
bicarbonate
Am erican.
of,
Spices: nutm egs.................
Spices: pepper, Singapore.
Starch: pure c o m ..............
Sugar: 89° fair refining-----
Highest.
Price.
Date.
Price.
Unit.
June, July 1897. 60.23 -60.24
Jan to July 1900. 60.44 -60.55
Gallon
May, July, Aug,
.04 Sept 1893.
3d week Aug
1896 to 3d
week
Feb
1897,1st, 2d, 3d
weeks
Oct
1898,1st week
May to 5th
week
Sept
1899,1st week
June to 2d
week
July
1903.
Oct 1894 to Mar 2.00 1901.
Oct, Nov 1901,
June to Aug
1902.
Aug to Oct 1902. .18*Feb 1895, Jan,
.04*Feb 1896.
July 1901..........
4th Thurs Apr,
IstThursM ay
1894.
.04*
Aug to Nov 1891
.06*- .07
Pound
.55
1st week Nov
1900 to 1st
week Apr1901.
1.15
Barrel
2.10
Jan to July 1890
2.45 - 2.50
Bushel
1st Thurs Jan,
3d Thurs Apr,
4thThursMay
* 1894.
Sugar: granulated.............. 1st, 2d Thurs
Feb 1895.
T a llo w ................................ 4th Tues May
1897.
Tea: Formosa, fin e............ , Oct 1903 ............
Vegetables, fresh: onions . . May 1896 ..........
Vegetables, fresh: potatoes, 3d week May,
3d, 4th weeks
Burbank.
June 1896.
Vinegar: cider, M onarch.. . Oct 1895 to Sept
1898, July 1900
to Sept 1901,
Nov 1902 to
Dec 1903.
Sugar: 96° centrifugal.......
.0095
Apr 1890, Mar to
June 1891.
.19*
.04*
Mar 1890............
Nov 1900............
.0350
.64 - .65
.13*- .13*
Pound
Pound
Pound
.04
Nov, Dec 1890...
.02310 1st, 2d Thurs
Sept, 2d, 3d,
4th Thurs Oct
1890.
.02750 1st, 2d Thurs
Sept 1890.
Pound
.06*
.05311 Pound
.03680 1st Thurs June
1890.
3d Tues Feb 1893
.06615-. 06676 Pound
.02*- .03
. 20 - .21
. 50 - 1.00
.1 0 - .15
.13
.05921 Pound
.08*
Pound
Sept 1890............ .33 - .35
Feb 1890............ 5.00 -10.00
2d week June 1.10 - 1.35
1891.
Pound
Barrel
Bushel
Nov 1890 to May
1892.
.18
Gallon
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G .
Bags: 2 bushel, A m oskeag..
Blankets: 11-4, 6 lbs. to the
pair, all w ool.
Blankets: 11-4, 5 lbs. to the
pair,cotton warp, all w ool
filling.
Blankets: 11-4, 5 lbs. to the
pair, cotton warp, cotton
and w ool filling.
Boots and shoes: m en’s
brogans, split.
Jan to Mar 1895.
1895 to 1897.......
60.10*
.75
Jan 1900............
1903....................
60.16*
.92*
Bag
Pound
1895....................
.54
1900....................
.75
Pound
1895,1896............
.40
1900....................
.52*
Pound
Jan to June 1898.
.90
Jan 1890 to June
1892, July to
Sept 1895.
Jan 1890 to June
1898.
1.05
Pair
2.40
'P air
Oct to Dec 1901..
19.00
Jan 1890 to Dec
1894.
Jan to July 1900
2.50
Jan 1890 to Dec
1893.
1.97
2.24
Boots and shoes: men’s calf July 1898 to Dec
bal.shoes,Goodyear welt,
1900.
dongola top.
Boots and shoes: m en’s Jan to Dec 1895.
15.00
split boots, kip top, 16-in.,
* double sole. («)
Boots and shoes: m en’s v ici Jan 1897 to Dec
2.00
1903.
kid shoes, Goodyear welt.
.75
Boots and shoes: wom en’s Jan 1893 to Dec
solid grain shoes, leather,
1894.
polish or polka.
1.38
Broadcloths: first quality, Jan 1895 to Dec
1896.
black, 54-in,, made from
X X X wool.
a In 1903, russet bound top, 17-inch,
1 double sole.
.925
12 pairs
Pair
Pair
Yard
227
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
LOWEST AND HIGHEST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[F or a m ore d etailed d escrip tion o f th e a rticles see T able I, page 270 et seq.]
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —C ontinued.
Lowest.
A rticle.
Date.
Calico: Cocheco prin ts....... Jan 1898 to June
1899.
Jan 1894to June
1897.
July 1895 to
June 1897.
Jan 1895 to June
1897.
Jan 1897 to Dec
1898.
Jan to Dec 1898
Highest.
Price.
30.045
Yard
1.128
Yard
.408
.552
Yard
1.680
May to Dec 1903.
2.040
Yard
.936
.16*
Jan to Mar 1899.
.08*
Drillings: brown, Pepperell.
Nov 1898 to Jan
1899.
.04*
.05|
.08*
Yard
.04$
.06*
Yard
Jan 1890 to Dee
1891.
Jan 1890 to Dec
1891, Dec 1903.
.030503 Jan 1900 to Dec
1903.
•13?
Aug 1903............
Drillings: 30-in., Stark A ... Feb 1898............
.0410
Flannels: w hite, 4-4, Bal Aug, Sept 1896..
.29
lard Yale No. 3.
Ginghams: Amoskeag......... Apr to June
.0425
1895, July to
Sept 1896, Apr
to Sept 1897,
Jan to Mar,
July to Dec
1898.
Ginghams: Lancaster......... Feb to May1895,
.04*
June to Aug
1896.
Horse blankets: 6 lbs. each, 1 8 9 6 .................
.52
all w ool.
Hosiery: m en’s cotton half 1901....................
.6860
hose, seamless,fast black,
20 to 22 oz., 160 needles.
Hosiery: m en’s cotton half 1899....................
.62*
hose, seamless, standard
quality, 84 needles.
Hosiery: wom en’s com bed 1899....................
1.75
Egyptian cotton hose,
high spliced heel, double
sole, full-fashioned.
Hosiery: wom en’s cotton 1901....................
.6615
hose, seamless, fast black.
26 to 28 oz., 160 to 176
needles.
Leather: harness, oak, Aug, Sept 1894.. 30.20 - .22
country m iddles, 14 lbs.
and up (except over
weights, 20 lbs. and up).a
Leather:
harness, oak, Sept 1902 ..........
.32
packers* hides, heavy,
No. 1.(6)
Leather: sole, hem lock, May 1892............
.16
nonacid, Buenos Ayres,
m iddle weights, 1st qualLeather: sole, oak...............
Linen shoe thread: 10s,
Barbour.
SepttoNovl896,
June 1897.
JantoJunel890,
Feb,Junel891,
Aug 1894 to
Jan 1895, Sept,
Oct 1896, Apr,
June 1897.
Jan to Dec 1903.
(•Quotations fo r 1890 to 1901.
Unit.
30.065
Dec 1898 to Mar
1899.
Leather: w ax calf, 30 to 40
lbs. to the doz., B grade.
Price.
Jan to Dec 3890,
Jan 1892 to
June 1893.
Jan 1891 to Mar
1892.
Jan to Dec 1891.
Carpets: Brussels, 5-frame,
Bigelow.
Carpets: ingrain, 2-ply,
Lowell.
Carpets: W ilton, 5-frame,
Bigelow.
Cotton flannels: 2f yds. to
the pound.
Cotton flannels: 3* yds. to
the pound.
Cotton thread: 6-cord, 200yd. spools, J. & P. Coats.
Cotton
yarns:
carded,
w hite, mule-spun, Northem , cones, 10/1.
Cotton yam s:
carded,
white, m ule-spun, Northem , cones, 22/1.
Denims: A m oskeag............
July 1896 to Dec
1899.
Dec 1898 to June
1899.
Date.
.037240 Spool
.21
Pound
July 1892 ..........
.24
Pound
Oct to Dec 1890,
July to Dec
1893, Nov, Dec
1903.
Aug, Sept, Nov,
Dec 1890, Feb,
Mar 1891.
Aug 1890.
July to Dec 1903.
.12
Yard
.07
Yard
.0675
.44*
Yard
Yard
Jan 1891 to Mar
1893.
.0650
Yard
May 1890 to Mar
1893.
.07
Yard
1900....................
.68
Pound
1890....................
1.2740
12 pairs
.97*
12 pairs
1890,1891
1901.
.........
1890....................
2.00
12pairs
1.2250
12 pairs
July toN ov 1895, 30.32 - .34
Nov 1899 to
Mar 1900.
Pound
Aug 1903............
.31 - .39
Pound
Apr, May 1900..
.26 - .27
Pound
.28 - .29
Mar 1903..... .
.39 - .40
Pound
.55 - .60
July to Nov 1895.
.80 - .85
Sqfoot
30.8460
Nov 1893 to Sept
1894.
30.9405
&Q uotations fo r 1902 and 1903.
Pound
228
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
LOW EST AND H IG H EST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903— Continued.
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Continued.
Lowest.
Date.
Highest.
Price.
Date.
Price.
Unit.
Linen thread: 3-cord, 200yard spools, Barbour.
Apr to Dec 1891.
30.7623
Overcoatings: beaver, Mos
cow , all w ool, black.
Overcoatings: chinchilla,
B-rough, all w ool.
Overcoatings: chinchilla,
cotton warp, C. C. grade.
Overcoatings: covert cloth,
light
weight,
staple
goods.
Overcoatings:
kersey,
standard, 27 to 28 oz.
Print cloths: 28-in., 64x64...
1895 to 1897 .......
1.7670
Jan 1890 to Mar
1891, Aug 1897
to Dec 1902.
1900....................
2.4994
Yard
1895 to 1897 .......
1.8774
1900....................
2.4994
Yard
Oct 1892, June,
Sept 1893.
1890 to 1893.......
.55
Yard
2.4616
Yard
1.575
Yard
Shawls: standard, all w ool,
72x144 in ., 42-oz., made of
high-grade w ool.
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4,
A tlantic.
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4,
Pepperell.
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4,
Wamsutta S. T.
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, At
lantic A.
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, In
dian Hedd.
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Mas
sachusetts M ills, Flying
Horse brand, (o)
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Pep
perell R.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Stark A. A .(b)
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4,
Fruit o f the Loom.
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4,
Hope.
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4,
Lonsdale.
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4,
N. Y . M ills.
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4,
Wamsutta
Silk: raw, Italian, classical.
Silk: raw, Japan, filatures..
Suitings: clay worsted di
agonal, 12-oz., Washing
ton M ills.
Suitings: clay worsted di
agonal, 16-oz., Washing
ton M ills.
Suitings: indigo blue, all
w ool, 54-inch, 14-oz., Mid
dlesex standard.
Suitings: indigo blue, all
w ool, 16-oz.
Suitings: serge, W ashing
ton M ills 6700.
Tickings: Amoskeag A. C.
Trouserings: fancy worst
ed, 22 to 23 oz.(c)
Underwear: shirts and
drawers, w hite, all w ool,
full-fashioned, 18-gauge.
Underwear: shirts and
drawers, white, m erino,
full-fashioned, 52$ w ool,
48$ cotton, 24-gauge.(d)
Nov 1896............
.41
1897....................
1.9458
Jan to May 1897.
1.00
2d week May
1898.
Jan 1896 to Nov
1897, Apr 1898
to Dec 1899.
Nov 1898............
.04063 Yard
4.90
.2359
Each
Yard
Apr, May 1895..
.15*
Mar to June1900.
.25
Yard
Apr 1894 to Nov
1895.
Dec 1898............
.27
.3290
Yard
.0421
Oct 1890 to Jan
1891.
Oct 1890..............
.0684
Yard
June 1898, Jan
1899.
Apr to Dec 1902
.05
Dec 1903............
.07*
Yard
.05*
Dec 190C............
.06*
Yard
Apr, Nov, Dec
1898.
Nov 1898............
.0450
Aug 1890............
.0675
Yard
.0396
July 1890 ..........
.0684
Yard
Dec 1898............
.0538
Yard
Dec 1898............
.0475
Dec 1898...........
.0523
Mar to Nov 1899.
.0711
Dec 1897 to Jan
1899,
.0807
Feb to Apr 1897.
.6370
June 1890 to Jan
.0855
1891, Jan to
June 1893.
June 1890 to Jan
.0736
1891.
June 1890 to Jan
.0855
1891, Dec 1892
to June 1893.
May 1890 to
.0976
June 1891.
June 1890 to
.1021
Junel891,Apr
to July 1893.
Apr, May 1893.. $5.7213-5.8456
Feb 1890, Dec 5.3350-5.5775
1899.
Nov 1899............
1.2012
Feb to Apr 1897.
.7963
Jan 1900............
1.4625
Yard
Jan to Dec 1897.
1.0465
Jan 1890 to June
1893.
1.5470
Yard
1900..............
June 1894.......... $3.4328-3.4825
Aug 1896............ 2.9100-3.3950
Yard
Yard
Yard
Yard
Pound
Pound
Yard
1895....................
1.5903
2.2669
Yard
Jan 1896 to Aug
1897.
Oct to Dec 1898.
.6143
Oct, N ov 1899...
.9328
Yard
.08*
Oct to Dec 1890.
.12*
Yard
Jan to Dec 1895.
1.7100
Jan to Dec 1900.
2.2871
Yard
Jan 1894 to Dec
1898.
21.6000
Jan 1891 to Dec
1893.
25.6500
12 gar
ments
Jan to Dec 1899.
13.5000
Jan 1891 to Dec
1893.
17.5500
12 gar
ments
a Quotations for 1902 and 1903.
b Quotations for 1890 to 1901.
Jan to Dec 1900,
Jan to Dec 1903.
.01875 2d week Dec
1892.
Jan 1890 to Dec
4.08
1895, Jan 1900
to Dec 1903.
.1402 May 1900 ..........
$0.8910 12spools
c ln 1903, 21 to 22 ounce.
d Quotations for 1890 to 1902,
229
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
LOWEST AND HIGHEST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Continued,
[F or a m ore d eta iled d escrip tion o f th e a rticles see T able I, page 270 et seq.]
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —C on clu d ed .
Lowest.
A rticle.
Underwear: shirts and
drawers, w hite, m erino,
full-fashioned, 60$ w ool,
40$ cotton, 24-gauge, (a)
W omen’s dress goods: al
paca, cotton warp, 22-in.,
Ham ilton.
Women’s
dress
goods:
cashmere, all w ool, 10-11
tw ill, 38-in., A tlantic
M ills J.
Women’s dress
goods:
cashmere, cotton warp,
9-twill, 4-4,
A tlantic
M ills F.
W onien’s dress
goods:
cashmere, cotton warp,
22-in., H am ilton.
W omen’s
dress goods:
cashmere, cotton warp,
27-in., Ham ilton.
W omen’ s dress
goods:
Franklin sackings, 6-4.
W ool: Ohio, fine fleece
(X and X X grade),
scoured.
W ool:
Ohio,
medium
fleece (£ and f grade),
scoured.
W orsted yam s: 2-40s,- Aus
tralian fine.
W orsted yam s; 2-40s, X X X
or its equivalent in qual
ity, white, in skeins. (&)
Date.
Uniform dur
ing year.
Highest.
Price.
$16.20
Date.
Uniform dur
ing year.
T T ^U
Price.
$16.20
Unix*
12 gar
ments
Jan 1895 to July
1899.
.0637
Jan 1890to June
1892.
.0735
Yard
Jan to Dec 1896
.1960
Apr 1891 to Dec
1892, June to
Aug 1900.
.3724
Yard
Oct 1895 to May
1896.
.1127
Jan 1890 to Dec
1891, July to
Dec 1892.
.1813
Yard
July1896 to July
1899.
.0686
Jan 1890to June
1892.
.0833
Yard
Oct 1896 to Mar
1899.
.0784
Jan 1890 to June
1892.
.0980
Yard
.40f
June to Sept
1900.
Dec 1899 to Feb
1900.
.664
Yard
.3478
.7609
Pound
June 1895, June
to Sept 1896.
.2903
June,July,Aug,
Nov 1890.
.6210
Pound
Nov 1895 to Mar
1896, Oct to
Dec 1896.
Oct 1896 to Feb
1897.
.7200
Nov 1899 to Apr
1900.
1.3000
Pound
.7000
Jan, Feb 1900___
1.3500
Pound
July1896to July
1897.
June 1895..........
F U E L A N D L IG H T IN G .
Candles: adamantine, 6s, June 1897 to Jan
14-oz.
1900.
Coal: anthracite, b rok en ... June 1899 to
Aug 1899.
Coal: anthracite, chestnut.. Sept 1895 ..........
Coal: anthracite, egg.......... Sept 1895 ..........
$0,064
3.111
2.701
2.827
Coal: anthracite, stove....... Aug 1895 ..........
2.891
Coal: bitum inous, Georges Apr to July1894,
.75
Creek (at m ine).
Jan to June
1895, Jan to
Mar 1896.
Coal: bitum inous, Georges Apr 1898 to Mar
2.10
Creek (f. o. b. N .Y . Har
1899.
bor).
Coal: bitum inous, Pitts 2d Tues Mar to $0,044- .04$
burg (Y oughiogheny).
1st Tues Apr
1899.
Coke: Connellsville, fur Apr, May 1894..
.92
nace.
M atches: parlor,dom estic.. Sept 1894 to Mar
1.50
1895, May 1902
to Dec 1903.
Petroleum : cru d e............... Oct 1892..............
.51f
Petroleum : refined, for ex May 1893 ..........
.0510
port.
Petroleum : refined, 150° Feb, Mar 1893...
.074
fire test, water w hite.
a Quotations for 1903 only.
Feb 1900 to June
1903.
Aug 1903............
$0.11
Pound
4.4744
Ton
Mar 1903............
Nov, Dec 1902,
Jan to Mar,
Sept to Dec
1903.
Nov 1903............
Oct 1902............
4.952
4.950
Ton
Ton
4.951
5.00
Ton
Ton
Oct 1902..............
8.25
Ton
3d, 4th Tues
Nov 1891.
.11
Bushel
Mar, Apr 1900...
$3.25-4.25
Jan to Oct 1890..
2.00
Dec 1903............
Jan to Mar 1900
1.88f
.0990
Barrel
Gallon
Nov, Dec 1903...
.15
Gallon
*>In 1902 and 1903 designated as X X X X .
Ton
144 box
es
230
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
LOWEST AND HIGHEST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[For a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
M E T A L S A N D IM P L E M E N T S .
Lowest.
A rticle.
Date.
Augers: extra, f-in .............. Oct 1894 to Apr
1896, Feb 1899.
A xes: M. C. O., Y an kee___ Oct 1897 to Dec
1898.
Bar iron: best refined, from July 1897 ..........
m ill (Pittsburg m arket).
Bar iron: best refined, Nov 1894, Jan,
Feb 1895.
from store (Philadelphia
m arket).
Barb wire: galvan ized....... Aug 1897.......... .
Highest.
Files: 8-inch m ill bastard..
Lead: pig..............................
Lead p ip e ............................
Unit.
Jan to Dec 1903.
$0.2310
Each
.3750
Jan 1890 to Sept
1891.
Oct 1899............
.5650
Each
.0260
Pound
.0095
.0120
Sept 1899 to Jan
1900.
.0250
Pound
1.6500
Dec 1899 to Mar
1900.
Feb to May 1900.
4.1300
100 lbs
.0430
Pair
Jan to Dec 1903.,
.2800
Each
May 1899.
July 1890.
.1925
.25
Pound
Pound
July, Oct 1890,
Apr 1899.
May to Dec 1902.
.20
Pound
.2280
Pair
Nov 1899 to Aug
1900.
Jan to Dec 1903.
1.10
Feb to July 1895,
.0292
June 1897 to
Jan 1900.
Chisels:
extra,
socket Apr 1894 to Dec
.1710
1895, Dec 1896
firmer, 1-inch.
to Nov 1898.
Copper: ingot, la k e ............ June 1894.......... 0.0890- .0900
Copper: sheet, hot-rolled Jan, Apr 1896...
.134
(base sizes).
.11
Copper wire: bare............... July 1894 ..........
Hammers: M aydole No. 1£.
Price.
$0.1333
Butts: loose join t, cast,
3x3 inch.
Doorknobs: steel, bronze
plated.
Date.
Price.
.1660
Jan 1890 to Apr
1895, Mar 1896
to June 1900.
.77
July 1896 to June
1897.
.3500
Jan 1890 to Nov
1895.
Sept 1896 .......... .0273- .0275
Nov 1896 to Jan
3.60
1897.
.0750
Jan 1898 to Apr
1902.
.4660
Dozen
Each
Oct 1890...
$0.0538- .0540
Oct to Dec 1890..
6.40
Pound
100 lbs
Each
2.90
100 lbs
3.35- 3.40
100 lbs
July to Sept 1898
1.15
Septl895to June
1896, May 1902
to Dec 1903.
May to Nov 18%.
Dec 1896, Aug
1897, Aug, Dec
1.35
Jan, Feb 1890...
Pig iron: Bessem er.............. July 1897
9.39
Pig iron: foundry No. 1 ___ July 1898
11.25
Dec 1899, Feb
25.00
1900.
Nov 1899 to Jan
25.00
1900.
Nov 1902............ 24.00-25.00
Jan 1903............ 20.75-21.25
Ton
Jan to Dec 1903.
1.53
Each
Oct, Nov 18% ...
Uniform during
period.
Jan to Dec 18%.
.79
1.6038
Pound
Each
14.40
Dozen
Apr to Nov 1902.
9.61
Dozen
Locks: comm on m ortise___
Nails: cut, 8d., fence and
comm on.
Nails: wire, 8d., fence and
com m on.
9.40 - 9.50
Pig iron: foundry No. 2 ___ June 1897
Pig iron: gray forge, South May 1897.
8.00
ern, coke.
1.23
Planes: Bailey No. 5............ Mar 1895 to Dec
1899.
Quicksilver........................... Jan to Mar 1894.
.45
Saws: crosscut, Disston....... Uniform during
period.
12.60
Saws: hand, Disston No. 7 .. Jan 1891 to Dec
1903
7.45
Shovels: Ames No. 2 .......... Jan 1894 to Mar
18%.
Silver: bar, fin e ................... Jan 1% 3............
.48213
Spelter: W estern................. Feb 1895............ .0315- .0325
Steel b ille ts ......................... May 1897............
13.96
17.00
Steel ra ils ............................. July, Nov 1898..
Steel sheets: black, No. 27.. May 1897............ .0180- .0185
T in: p ig ................................ Oct 18% ............
.1270
Tin plates: dom estic, Bes Apr 1898............ 2.724 - 2.774
semer, coke, 14x20 inch.
3.70
Tin plates: im ported, Bes June to Aug
semer, coke, I. C., 14x
1896, Aug 1897
20 inch, (a)
.34
Trowels: M. C. O., brick, Uniform during
104-inch.
period.
3.28
Vises: solid box, 50-lb......... July 1897 to Feb
1899.
.08%
W ood screws: 1-in., No. 10, Apr to Dec 1897.
flat head.
3.56
Zinc: sheet........................... May 1894.......
.0900
Ton
Ton
Ton
Aug 18%............
1.16995
May 18%............ .0695- .07%
Sept, Oct 1899...
41.50
Jan 18% ............
35.25
Sept 1%1............
.0375
Mar 1900............
.3425
Dec 18% to Sept
4.84
19%.
Apr, May 1893..
5.50
Ounce
Pound
Ton
Ton
Pound
Pound
1% lbs
Uniform during
period.
Apr, May, Aug,
Sept 1%3.
Jan 1892 to Mar
1894.
June 1899..........
.34
Each
5.75
Each
a Q uotations fo r 1890 to 1898.
.21(
7.59
108 lbs
Gross
1% lbs
231
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
LOW EST AND H IG H EST QUOTATIONS, 1890 to 1903—Continued.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
L IIM B E R A N D B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S .
Lowest.
A rticle.
Date.
Brick: com m on dom estic -. Sept 1894, Sept
1900.
Carbonate of lead: Ameri Feb 1894............
can, in oil.
Cement: Portland, domes Mar toMay 1902,
Oct 1903.
tic.
Cement: R osendale............ Nov 1898............
Doors: p in e ......................... Last qr 1896,1st
3 qrs 1897.
H em lock.............................. Nov 1894 to Jan
1895.
Lime: com m on.................... Sept to Dec 1896,
July to Sept
1900.
Linseed o il: raw ...................
Maple: hard.........................
Oak: w hite, p la in ...............
Oak: w hite, quartered.......
O xide of zin c........................
Pine: w hite, boards, No. 2
barn.
Pine: white, boards, uppers.
Feb, July 1897..
June toSept 1901
June to Aug 1901
Jan, Feb 1890...
Jan to June 1895.
May 1897 to Jan
1899.
Jan to Nov 1890.
Pine: y e llo w ........................ Jan to Apr 1896,
June to Nov
1897.
Plate glass: polished,unsil 1897....................
vered, area 3 to 5 sq. feet.
Plate glass: polished, unsil 1897....................
vered, area5 to 10 sq. feet.
Poplar................................... Sept 1897 to Jan
1899.
P utty................................... . Apr to Dec 1903.
Resin: good, strained..........
Shingles: cypress.................
Shingles: w nite pine, 16in cn .(a)
Shingles: white pine, 18inch.(6)
Spruce...................................
T ar........................................
Turpentine: spirits o f ........
W indow glass: American,
single, firsts, 6x8 to 10x15
inch.
W indow glass: Am erican,
single, thirds, 6x8 to lOx
15 inch.
Sept 1893 ..........
Jan to Dec 1897..
Jan to Mar 1902.
Jan 1890............
July to Oct 1894.
Sept 1893, Dec
1893 to May
1894, Jan to
Apr,Junel896,
Apr 1898.
Aug, Sept 1896..
May to July1895.
July, Aug 1892..
Highest.
Price.
84.25
Date.
Feb to Apr 1890.
Price.
87.50
Unit.
M
.0488 Nov 1890 to Jan
1891.
81.60-1.90
Apr 1900............
82.20- 2.35
Barrel
.60
.80
Apr 1892............
Aug to Dec 1902.
1.20- 1.25
2.25
Barrel
Door
10.75-11.25
Mar to May 1900.
18.00
M feet
Jan to July, Oct
to Nov 1890,
Septl891,Sept
1892 to Apr
1893, May 1898.
.29
July, Aug 1901..
24.00-27.00
June to Dec 1903.
32.00-34.00
June to Dec 1903.
47.00-48.00
Dec 1903............
.0325 Jan to June 1900.
15.00-16.00
Apr 1902 to Dec
1903.
43.00-45.00
Oct 1902 to Dec
1903.
15.50-16.00
Nov 1899 to May
1900.
1.00
Barrel
.60
.0683 Pound
.82
32.00-34.00
45.00-48.00
80.00-85.00
.0475
24.00
Gallon
M feet
M feet
M feet
Pound
M feet
80.00
M feet
21.00-23.00
M feet
.20
1890....................
.53
Sq.foot
.32
1890....................
.70
Sq.foot
29.00-31.00
June to Dec 1903.
51.00-52.50
M feet
.0113 M ay1902 to Mar
1903.
1.00
Nov 1903............
2.35
Jan to Dec 1890..
3.40
Apr 1902 to Dec
1903.
3.40- 3.50
Apr to Dec 1901.
11.50-12.50
.90
.0225 Pound
2.75- 2.80
3.35
3.65
4.25
Barrel
M
M
M
Sept to Dec 1903.
Sept 1891............
19.50-21.50
2.00
M feet
Barrel
.24
Apr 1903............
1.3894 Apr 1901............
.67- . m
4.80
Gallon
50 sq .ft
1.2113 Apr 1901............
3.8250 50sq.ft.
D R U G S A N D C H E M IC A L S .
A lcohol: grain, 94$.............. Jan to May 1890.
A lcohol: wood, refined, 95$. Sept to Dec 1903.
Alum : lum p......................... Dec 1891 to Feb
1892.
Brimstone: crude, seconds.. Sept, Dec 1895,
Feb, Mar1896.
G lycerin: refined................. Aug 1894............
M uriatic acid: 20°
July 1895 to Dec
Opium: natural, in ca se s... Aug 1892............
Quinine: A m erican ............ Feb to July 1897.
Sulphuric acid: 66°.............. N ov 1890 to Mar
1891, Apr to
Aug, Oct, Nov
1894, Jan 1895
to Nov 1896.
a Q uotations fo r 1902 and 1903.
5553—N o. 51—04-----2
81.98
Dec 1901............
.50
Feb to Sept 1893.
.0145 Jan to June 1890.
15.00
Apr 1891, May
Jan to Apr, June
to Aug 1890.
.0075 Nov 1901 to Apr
1902.
1.50
Aug 1898............
.15
Apr 1899............
.0070 Nov 1901 to Jan
1902.
•H i
Gallon
82.53
Gallon
1.40
.0188 Pound
Ton
.18
Pound
.0185 Pound
3.75
Pound
.40
Ounce
.0140 Pound
5 Q uotations fo r 1890 to 1901.
232
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
LOW EST AND H IG H EST QUOTATIONS, 1890 TO 1903—Concluded.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
h o u se
: f u r n is h in g
g o o d s.
Highest.
Lowest.
A rticle.
Earthenware:
plates,
cream -colored.
Earthenware:
plates,
white granite.
Earthenware: teacups and
saucers, white granite.
Furniture: bedroom sets,
ash.
Furniture: chairs, bed
room , maple.
Date.
Price.
Date.
July 1895 to Dec
1897.
July 1895 to Dec
1897.
July 1895 to Dec
1897.
Jan 1896 to Dec
1897.
Jan 1897 to Sept
1898.
Furniture: chairs, kitchen. Jan to Sept 1898.
Furniture: tables, kitchen. Jan 1896 to June
1899.
Glassware: nappies, 4-in---- Jan 1896 to Dec
1900.
Glassware: pitchers, 4-gal Jan 1897 to Dec
lon, com m on.
1900.
Glassware: tumblers, |- Jan to Dec 1899.
pint, com m on.
Table cutlery: carvers, stag 1897 to 1901, Jan
1902 to Dec
handles.
1903.
Table cutlery: knives and 1897....................
forks, cocobolo handles.
W ooden ware: pails, oak Apr 1895 to Jan
1896, Feb to
grained.
May 1898.
W ooden ware: tubs, oak Oct 1894 to Nov
grained.
1899.
Unit.
Price.
$0.3807 Jan to Dec 1903.
$0.4775 Dozen
.3991 Jan 1901 to Dec
1902.
3.0907 Jan 1901 to Dec
1902.
8.75
Mar to Dec 1903.
3.7632 Gross
5.00
.5096 Dozen
12.25
Set
8.00
Dozen
6.25
15.60
Dozen
Dozen
.14
Dozen
1.30
Dozen
.20
Dozen
.95
Pair
.13
Jan to Dec 1900,
Mar to Dec
1903.
Jan to Nov 1900.
Dec 1899 to Dec
1903.
Jan 1901 to Dec
3903.
Jan 1901 to Dec
1903.
Jan to Dec 1891.
.75
1893....................
5.00
1890,1891............
7.75
Gross
1.10
Oct to Dec 1903..
1.70
Dozen
1.25
Jan 1890 to Aug
1891.
1.65
Nest of
3
$33.60
.61
2,000lbs
Gallon
3.25
13.80
.10
1.00
M IS C E L L A N E O U S .
Cotton-seed m eal................. Feb 1895............ $16.00-$17.00
Cotton-seed oil: summer Nov, Dec 1897...
.214
yellow , prim e.
.021 - .03|
Jute: r a w ............................. Dec 1894, Mar,
Apr, May 1895.
.50 - .53
M alt: W estern m ade.......... July 1897............
Paper: news......................... Oct 1899..............
.0175- .0200
Paper: wrapping, m anila... Apr 1898............
.0375- .0400
Proof spirits......................... 1st wk Jan to 3d
1.0300
w k May 1890.
Rope: m anila, 4-in (a )......... Aug, Sept 1896,
Sept, Oct 1897.
Rubber: Para Islan d .......... Sept 1891............
Soap: castile, m ottled, pure. May 1895 to Nov
1896, Mar 1897.
Starch: laundry................... Aug, Sept, Oct
1896.
Tobacco: plug, H orseshoe.. July, Aug 1892,
Oct 1896 to
May 1897.
Tobacco: sm oking, granu Jan 1890to June
lated, Seal o f N. C.
1898.
Jan 1902 . . . . ___
Feb 1893............
Mar 1892............ $0.04i - .054
Apr to Aug 1891.
Jan 1890............
Sept 1893............
1st w k Dec 1901
to 4th wk Jan
1902, 1st wk
Sept to 3d
w k Dec 1902.
.0591 Dec 1899............
.63
Dec 1899, Apr
1900.
Apr 1901 to Oct
1903.
.0275 Aug, Sept, Dec
1902, Jan 1903.
.36
Jan to July 1901.
.50
Oct 1902 to Dec
1903.
.95 -1.00
.0375- .0450
.0600- .0675
1.3200
Pound
Bushel
Pound
Pound
Gallon
.1576 Pound
1.07 -1.08
.064
Pound
Pound
.0500 Pound
.47
Pound
.57
Pound
a In 1903, & -inch.
In a number o f instances the lowest or highest price, as shown in
the foregoing table, lasted fo r only a short tim e, in some cases but a
few days or even a part o f a day.
The groups o f farm products and
food, etc., show the widest variations.
Good to choice steers varied
from $ 3 .0 0 -$ 3 .9 0 on the second Tuesday o f January, 1890, to $ 6 .7 0 $ 7.60 on the last three Tuesdays o f A u gust and the first two Tuesdays
COURSE OE WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
233
o f Septem ber, 1902. Corn ranged from 19^ -20 cents the second
Tuesday o f Septem ber, 1896, to $ 0 .4 8 £ -$ 1 .0 0 the fifth Tuesday of
M ay, 1892, the high price being due to an attem pt to corner corn
in the Chicago market. The failure of those interested in the corner
to take all corn offered at the high price, however, and the rumor
that they had failed, resulted in a drop from $1.00 to 48£ cents within
a few hours. Cotton varied from 5TV cents on the first Tuesday o f
February and the first and second Tuesdays o f Novem ber, 1898, to
13t\ cents on the fifth Tuesday o f Decem ber, 1903. H eavy hogs on
the fourth Tuesday o f J u ly, 1896, were $ 2 .5 0 -$ 3 .1 5 and on the second
Tuesday o f F ebruary, 1893, $ 8 .1 0 -$ 8 .6 5 . Hops ranged from 6 -7
cents in Septem ber, 1895, to 4 5 -4 7 cents in Novem ber, 1890. Oats
ranged from 1 4 f cents on the second Tuesday o f Septem ber, 1896, to
63^ -64 cents on the fourth Tuesday o f J u ly, 1902. Native sheep ranged
from $ 0 .7 5 -$ 3 .2 5 on the fifth Tuesday of O ctober, 1894, to $ 4 .5 0 $7.00o n th e fourth Tuesday o f M arch, 1903. W esternsheep show a sim
ilar range. W heat ranged from 48|-49| cents the fifth Tuesday of
January, 1895, to $ 1 .7 3 -$ 1 .8 5 the second Tuesday of M ay, 1898. The
high price is said to have been due to an attem pt to control the price
o f that com m odity and also, to some extent, to the war with Spain and
the fear o f other foreign complications. The most marked variations
in the food group are in fresh vegetables, onions having varied from
$ 0 .5 0 -$ l in M ay, 1896, to $ 5 -$ 1 0 in February, 1890, and potatoes from
10 -1 5 cents the third week o f M ay and the third and fourth weeks of
June, 1896, to $ 1 .1 0 -$ 1 .3 5 the second week o f June, 1891. Currants
and dried apples show wide variations. E ggs varied from 1 0 i-1 0 J
cents the first Tuesday o f A p ril, 1897, to 36 -4 5 cents the last two Tues
days o f Decem ber, 1903. Lard also shows a wide variation. A lm ost
all the articles in the food group show wide variations, which may be
seen by referring to the foregoing table. In the cloths and clothing
group the variations are not so marked, as the price o f many o f
the articles in this group depends more largely upon the cost o f
labor in producing them. Print cloths varied from 1.875 cents the
second week o f M ay, 1898, to 4.063 cents the second week of Decem
ber, 1892.
O f the raw materials in this group w ool, medium fleece,
scoured, varied from 29.03 cents in June, 1895, and June to Septem
ber, 1896, to 62.10 cents in June, J u ly, A u gu st, and Novem ber,
1890.
In the fuel and lighting group Youghiogheny coal varied
from 4 £ -4 f cents (per bushel) in M arch and A p ril, 1899, to 11 cents
in N ovem ber, 1891; coke from 92 cents in A p ril and M ay, 1894,
to $ 3 .2 5 -$ 4 .2 5 in M arch and A p ril, 1900; and petroleum , crude, from
5 1 f cents in O ctober, 1892, to $ 1 .8 8 f in Decem ber, 1903.
In the group
o f m etals and implements best refined bar iron from m ill varied from
0.95 cent (per pound) in J u ly, 1897, to 2.60 cents in O ctober, 1899;
234
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
barb wire from $1.65 in August, 1897, to $4.13 in December, 1899, to
March, 1900; pig iron, foundry No. 2, from $ 9 .4 0 -$ 9 .5 0 (per ton) in
June, 1897, to $21r-$25 in November, 1902; while bar silver varied from
48.213 cents in January, 1903, to $1.16995 in A u gust, 1890. In lum
ber and building materials Rosendale cement, doors, linseed oil, plate
glass, resin, tar, turpentine, and window glass varied widely. In drugs
and chemicals wood alcohol shows the greatest variation— from 50
cents in September to December, 1903, to $1.40 in February to Sep
tember, 1893. In house furnishing goods, kitchen chairs were $3.25
(per dozen) from January to September, 1898, and $5.25 from Janu
ary to November, 1900. In the miscellaneous group cotton-seed meal,
cotton-seed oil, news paper, and rope show wide variations.
Owing to the unusual method of fixing the scale of prices of cut and
wire nails and the difficulties encountered in securing satisfactory
quotations of prices, it was thought best to enter into a somewhat
lengthy explanation in Bulletin No. 39, and the reader is referred to
pages 226 to 231 of that number.
A copy of both the cut and wire nail cards now in use follows:
NATIONAL NAIL CARD SCALES OF EXTRAS.
[Cut nail card adopted at New York April 30,1902; wire nail card adopted at New York December 1,
1896.]
Cut nails.
Common, fence, hook-head brads, and
sheathing.
20d. to 60d.....................................................
lOd. to 16d......................................................
8d. and 9 d ......................................................
6d. and 7 d .....................................................
4d. and 5 d ......................................................
3 j d ............................................. ...................
3 d ...................................................................
2 d ...................................................................
Price
above
base per
100pound
keg.
Wire nails.
Price
above
baseper
100pound
keg.
Common, fence, flooring, and common brads.
Base.
$0.05
.10
.20
.30
.40
.45
.75
20d. to 60d....................................................
10d.tol6d....................................................
8d. and 9d....................................................
6d. and 7d....................................................
4d. and 6d....................................................
3d.................................................................
2d.................................................................
Base.
$0.05
.10
.20
.30
.45
.70
Barbed common and barbed car.
Advance over com m on.............................
10d. and larger.............................................
8d. and 9 d ......................................................
6d. and 7 d .....................................................
4d. and 5 d ......................................................
3 d ..................................................................
2 d ...................................................................
.15
Cooing and smooth box.
Casing, box, flooring, and finishing.
.15
.25
.35
.50
.70
1.00
lOd. and larger............................................
8d. and 9d....................................................
6d. and 7d....................................................
4d. and 5d....................................................
3d.................................................................
2d .................................................................
.15
.25
.35
.50
.70
1.00
Barbed box.
Fine.
4 d ...................................................................
3 d ...................................................................
2 d ...................................................................
3d fine (E u rek a )..........................................
3d fine (lig h t)...............................................
.50
.75
1.00
1.25
1.25
Advance over smooth................................
.15
Fine.
3d.................................................................
2d.................................................................
.50
I..00
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
235
NATIONAL NAIL CARD SCALE OF EXTRAS—Concluded.
[Cut nail card adopted at New York April 80,1902; wire nail card adopted at New York December
1,1896.]
Cut nails.
Fine finishing.
lOd. and larger.............................................
8d. and 9 d . 7 .................................................
6d. and 7 d .....................................................
4d. and 5 d ......................................................
3 d ...................................................................
2 d ................................................................. .
Price
above
baseper
100pound
keg.
30.25
.35
.45
.50
.85
1.15
Smooth finishing.
lOd. and la r g e r ..................................... ;..
8d. and 9d....................................................
6d. and 7d....................................................
4d. and 5d...................................................
3d.................................................................
2d.................................................................
30.25
.35
.45
.65
.85
1.15
.10
Spikes.
All sizes......................................................
.10
Lining.
1-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
.80
1.00
1.20
Barrel.
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
1-inch........................... ...............................
f-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
.30
.40
.50
.60
.70
.85
1.00
Barbed roofing.
2-inch...........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
1-inch...........................................................
f-inch..........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
.35
.45
.45
.55
.60
.60
.65
.75
Slating.
6d.................................................................
4d. and 5d....................................................
3d.................................................................
2d.................................................................
.30
.40
.60
.80
Barred dowel pins.
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
lf-in ch .........................................................
1-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
f-inch...........................................................
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.15
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
Spikes.
Light barrel and lining.
11-inch..........................................................
1-in ch ............................................................
f-in c h ............................................................
f-in c h ............................................................
.75
.85
1.00
1.20
Common barrel, roofing, cooper, and cement.
lf-in c h ____ _____________ _____________
lf-in c h ..........................................................
lf-in c h ..........................................................
lf-in c h ..........................................................
1-inch............................................................
f-in c h ............................................................
f-in c h ............................................................
.30
.40
.50
.60
.70
.85
1.00
Clinch, car, boat, chute, clout, hoop, and
hinge.
3-inch and larger..........................................
2f and 2$ in c h ...............................................
2 and 2f in c h ................................................
14and I f in c h ...............................................
lf- in c h ..........................................................
lf- in c h ..........................................................
1-inch............................................................
f-in c h ........................... .......... ....................
f-in c h ............................................................
.45
.55
.65
.75
.95
1.05
1.16
1.30
1.45
Slating.
6 d ...................................................................
4d. and 5 d .....................................................
3 d ...................................................................
2 d ...................................................................
.30
.40
.60
.80
Tobacco manufacturers box.
6d.
4d.
5d.
4d.
3d.
Wire nails.
Price
above
baseper
100pound
keg.
and 7d. lin in g ........................................
and 6 d .....................................................
caddy.......................................................
caddy.......................................................
caddy.......................................................
.20
.30
.30
.50
.70
Tobacco warehouse.
8 d ......................... ........................................
6d. and 7 d .....................................................
4d. and 5 d ......................................................
.10
.20
.40
Several nail cards have been in use during the fourteen years from
1890 to 1903.
The base sizes under the various cards, and also the
236
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
advance for the different sizes of common and fence nails, are shown
in the following table:
BASE SIZES AND ADVANCE ABOVE BASE PRICE FOR THE DIFFERENT SIZES OF COMMON
AND FENCE NAILS UNDER THE VARIOUS NAIL CARDS IN USE FROM 1890 TO 1903.
Wire nails.
Cut nails.
Size.
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted adopted
Oct. 22, Mar. 13, Feb. 21, July 18, Dec. 1, Apr. 30, June 1, Apr. 11, July 19, Dec. 1,
1895. (a) 1896.
1902.
1892.
1895. («)
1896.
1889.
1889.
1890.
1893.
60d..........
50d..........
40d..........
30d..........
20d..........
16d..........
12d.........
lOd.......
9d..........
8d..........
7d..........
6d..........
5d............
4d..........
8£d..........
3d..........
2d..........
$0.25
.25
.10
.10
.10
Base.
Base.
.10
.25
.25
.40
.40
.60
.60
Base.
Base.
$0.05
.10
.15
.15
.15
.20
.25
.25
.40
.40
.60
.60
Base.
$0.10
.25
.25
.35
.45
.45
.50
.60
.60
.75
.75
.90
.90
$0.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.60
.60
.75
.75
.90
.90
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
$0.05
.05
.05
.10
.10
.20
.20
.30
.30
1.60
1.50
1.00
1.50
1.20
1.60
1.20
1.60
.45
.70
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
$0.05
.05
.05
.10
.10
.20
.20
.30
.30
.40
.45
.75
Base.
$0.10
.20
.20
.30
.35
.35
.40
.50
.50
.65
.65
.90
.90
Base.
$0.10
.25
.25
.35
.45
.45
.50
.60
.60
.75
.75
.90
.90
$0.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.60
.60
.75
.75
.90
.90
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
Base.
$0.05
.05
.05
.10
.10
.20
.20
.30
.30
1.50
2.00
1.20
1.60
1.20
1.60
.45
.70
a No base size; a ll nails sold at an advance above base price.
The base prices of nails are the prices quoted by the trade, and
while they could not be used, for reasons explained in Bulletin No.
39, in computing relative prices, they form the basis from which are
calculated the actual prices for eight-penny nails as given in Table I,
and therefore the base prices of both cut and wire nails during 1903
are given in the following table:
NAILS: CUT, BASE SIZES.
[Price per 100-pound keg, f. o. b. Pittsburg, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Month.
January.........
February.......
March............
Price.
$2.05
2.10
2.10
Month.
A p ril............
M ay..............
June..............
Price.
$2.15
2.15
2.15
Month.
J u ly ..............
August.........
September...
Price.
$2.15
2.15
2.15
Month.
Price.
October.........
Novem ber...
D ecem ber. . .
$2.15
1.95
1.90
Average.
$2.0958
NAILS: WIRE, BASE SIZES.
[Price per 100-pound keg, f. o. b. Pittsburg, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Month.
$1.90
1.90
2.00
Month.
A p ril............
M ay ..............
June..............
Price, j!
888
January.........
February.......
M arch............
Price.
Month.
J u ly ..............
August........
September...
Price.
$2.00
2.00
2.00
Month.
Price.
October.........
N ovem ber...
Decem ber. . .
$2.00
2.00
1.90
Average.
$1.9750
In previous Bulletins quotations have been published for
two
descriptions of scoured wool, but in view of the fact that such a large
proportion of the wool is now being marketed unwashed, monthly
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
237
price quotations for a standard grade of unwashed wool have been
secured.
F or comparative purposes the quotations on the scoured basis are
continued in Table I. No relative prices were computed from the
quotations of unwashed wool. It may be necessary at some future
time to use these quotations in the index number, and it was con
sidered advisable to secure them while the records for previous years
were in existence.
The quotations of actual prices of unwashed wool on the first of each
month from 1890 to 1903 follow :
WHOLESALE PRICES OF UNWASHED, OHIO, MEDIUM FLEECE WOOL (ONE-FOURTH AND
THREE-EIGHTHS GRADE), 1890 TO 1903.
[Price per pound in the eastern markets (Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia) on the
first of each month.]
Jan Feb March. April. May. June.
Year. uary.
ruary.
1890... $0.27 $0.25*
.27*
1891...
.27*
1892...
.27*
.26
.26*
1893...
.251
1894...
.19*
.18*
.16*
1895...
.16
.18
1896...
.18
.16
1897...
.16
1898...
.23*
.23*
.22*
.21*
1899...
.28*
.29
1900...
.23
1901...
.23*
.21*
1902...
.21*
.24*
.24*
1903...
July.
Au
gust.
No
Sep
Oc vem
tem tober.
ber.
ber.
De
cem Aver
age.
ber.
$0.25* $0.25* $0.26 $0.27 $0.26* $0.26* $0.25* $0.27 $0.27* $0.27* $0.2648
.26* .2669
.26
.26*
.26
.26*
.26*
.27*
.26
.27*
.26*
.25* .2585
.25*
.26
.25*
.25*
.25*
.26
.26*
.26*
.25*
.19*
.19*
.22
.20*
.19*
.2246
.26
.20
.20
.26*
.25
.16* .1796
.17*
.17
.16*
.17*
.19
.19
.18
.19
.17*
.18
.18
.18
.18
.18
.1708
.16*
.16
.18
.16*
.15*
.15*
.15*
.15*
.15*
.15*
.16
.1638
.16
.15*
.17*
.18
.20*
.22
.22*
.23*
.19*
.23* .1958
.18
.18
.18
.17*
.23
.22*
.22
.21* .2258
.22*
.22*
.22*
.22
.22
.23
.24
.24
.24*
.22*
.23*
.25*
.28
.2356
.22
.22
.22*
.24*
•24*
.24
.23*
.25
.23*
.23* .2567
.27
.26*
.28*
.21* .2129
.19*
.20*
.20*
.23
.19*
.19*
.20*
.21*
.23
.21*
.21*
.22*
.23
.23*
.23*
.24
.2238
.23
.21*
.21*
.24*
.24*
.24*
.25
.23*
.25
.25
.2425
.23
.22*
.23*
Table IT .— B ase prices (average f o r 1890-1899), and m onthly actual
and relative prices o f commodities in 1903, pages 3 W to 3 3 7 .— This table
shows for each commodity the base price (average price for the 10-year
period, 1890-1899), either the average price or the price on some one
day of each month, and the relative price for each month of 1903.
In addition this table shows for each commodity the average price
and the relative price for the year 1903. The monthly prices for such
articles as are quoted weekly in Table I were found by dividing the sum
of the quotations in each month as shown in Table I by the number
of quotations in each month. In Table I single quotations for 1903
are shown for 11 articles. The prices of six of these are maintained
throughout the year and the prices o f three others represent the bulk of
the sales and are maintained generally; therefore for each of these nine
articles the annual price has been shown in Table I I as the price during
each month. The other two articles for which single quotations for
1903 are shown in Table I have a September price which represents
the bulk of the sales for the year,' and the relative price for 1903 was,
therefore, computed from that price, but the price at which sales
were made from January to March was the price of September, 1902;
from A p ril to A ugust the price o f A p ril, 1903, and from September
to December the price of September, 1903; consequently these prices
were used in this table presenting monthly prices.
238
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OE LABOR.
It was impossible to secure quotations during all of the months of
the year for 3 of the 260 articles, viz: Buckwheat flour, for which
there is no demand during the summer months; potatoes; and sheet
ings, bleached, 1 0 -4 , Atlantic.
The average price for 1903 was obtained, as has already been
explained, by dividing the sum of the quotations for the year as shown
in Table I by the number of quotations for the year. The average
price for the 10-year period, 1890 to 1899, was obtained by dividing
the sum of the average prices of the 10 years by 10. This average
price for 10 years has been adopted as the base for all relative prices.
F or the ten articles which do not show prices for the entire period of
10 years, 1890 to 1899, the base in each case is the average of the years
prior to and including 1899.
In explanation of the term base or standard
as used in connection with relative prices or index numbers, it may be
stated that in reducing a series of actual prices to relative prices a base
must first be chosen, and this may be either a single quotation, the
average price for 1 year, or the average for 2 or more years.
If
the price for a single year is chosen, it is essential that that year be a
normal one, for if prices are high in the year chosen for the base any
subsequent fall will be unduly emphasized, while, on the other hand,
if prices are low any subsequent rise will be emphasized.
Upon
examination of the prices since 1890 it was found that all the commodi
ties did not present a normal condition as regards prices in any one.
year. F or this reason it was decided that an average price for a num
ber of years would better reflect average or approximately normal
conditions and form a more satisfactory base than would the price fo r
any single year. The period chosen as this base was that from 1890 to
1899— a period of 10 years. The average price for the base period
was found, as previously stated, by adding together the average prices
for all of the 10 years and dividing by 10.
The relative prices as shown in this and succeeding tables have been
calculated in the usual manner and represent simply the percentage
which each monthly or yearly price is of the base price.
The average
price for the first 10 years of the period, or the base, always represents
100, and the percentages for each month or year enable the reader to
measure readily the rise and fall from month to month or from year
to year of the prices of each single commodity, o f any group o f com
modities, or of all the 260 commodities involved. These commodities
are arranged in alphabetical order under each o f the nine general
groups, as in Table 1.
In order that the method pursued may be more readily understood,
the reader is referred to the table itself, as given on pages 320 to 337.
Taking up the first commodity shown, barley, we find that the average
price per bushel for the base period, 1890 to 1899, inclusive, was 45.34
cents; the average price for January, 1903, was 56 cents; that for
February was 54.13 cents; that for March 52.88 cents, etc.
The rela-
COtJRSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
239
live price for the base period, as heretofore explained, is always
placed at 100 and is so given in the table. The relative price for Janu
ary, 1903, is shown to be 123.5, or 23.5 per cent higher than the base or
average for the 10 years. In February the relative price was 119.4,
or 19.4 per cent above the base; in March the relative price was 116.6,
or 16.6 per cent above the base; in A pril it was 115.8, or 15.8 per cent
above the base; in M ay it rose to 120.0, or 20.0 per cent above the
base; in June it was 118.0, or 18.0 per cent above the base; in July it
dropped to 114.0, or 14.0 per cent above the base, but rose again in
A ugust to 118.3, or 18.3 per cent above the base; in September it
reached the highest point shown for the year, 130.1, or 30.1 per cent
above the base; from that point it declined until December when it
was 123.9, or 23.9 per cent above the base. The relative price for the
year 1903 was 121.2, or 21.2 per cent above the base. The figures in
each case were secured according to the method already explained, that
for January, 1903, being expressed as follows:
Average price for base period...........................................................: .......................$0.4534
Average price for January, 1903..................................................................................... 5600
Relative price for base p e r io d ..................................................................................
100.0
Relative price for January, 1903..............................................................................
123.5
The remainder of the table may be analyzed in a similar manner.
The value o f prices given in this relative form, it will readily be
seen, consists in the means afforded for tracing and measuring the
changes from month to month, from year to year, or from period to
period, and in the combination of prices of a sufficient number of
commodities to show the general price level. It must not be assumed
that a system of relative prices of representative commodities will
enable one to trace the causes of changes in the general price level or
to determine the effect of such changes on any class of consumers or
on all consumers. The use of such a system is to show the general
course of prices from time to time of one commodity, of a group of
commodities, or o f all commodities.
No attempt has been made in any way to go into the causes of the
rise and fall of prices. The aim has been to give the prices as they
actually prevailed in the market.
The relative prices or index num
bers must be accepted merely as showing the course of prices both
o f the individual articles and the market in general.
The causes are
too complex, the relative influence of each too uncertain, in some
cases involving too many economic questions, to permit their discus
sion in connection with the present article.
It will be sufficient to
enumerate some of the influences that cause changes in prices.
Such
influences include variations in harvest, which not only restrict or
increase the supply and consequently tend to increase or decrease the
price of a commodity, but also restrict or increase, to a greater or less
degree, the purchasing power of such communities as are dependent
in whole or in part upon such commodity; changes in demand due to
240
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
changes in fashions, seasons, etc.; legislation altering internal-revenue
taxes, import duties, or bounties; use of substitutes— as, for instance,
an advance in the price of beef will cause an increased consumption of
pork and mutton, and, it may be added, a probable increase in the
price of both pork and mutton; improvements in methods of produc
tion which will tend either to give a better article for the same price
or an equal article for a lower price; cheapening of transportation or
handling; speculative manipulation of the supply or of the raw product;
commercial panic or depression; overproduction; unusual demand
owing to steady employment of consumers; short supply owing to
disputes between labor and capital in industries of limited producing
capacity, as in the anthracite coal industry in 1902; organization or
combination of mills or producers, thus enabling, on the one hand, a
greater or less control of prices or, on the other hand, economies in
production or in transportation charges through the ability to supply
the article from the point of production or manufacture nearest the
purchaser. So far as individual commodities are concerned, no con
clusion can safely be formed as to causes without an examination of
the possible influence of several— in some cases perhaps all— of these
causes. F or example, the various internal-revenue and tariff acts have,
in a marked degree, no doubt affected the prices of proof spirits, of
tobacco, and of sugar. But, on the other hand, they have not been
alone in their influences, and it probably would not in all cases be
accurate to give the change of tax or duty as representing the measure
o f a certain and definite influence on the prices of those commodities.
I t is important that the greatest care be exercised in the choice of
commodities in order that a simple average of their relative prices
shall show a general price level. In the present compilation 260 com
modities are shown, and it has been the aim of the Bureau to select
only important and representative articles in each group. The num
ber of articles included is larger than has heretofore been used in simi
lar compilations, but the use of a large number of articles carefully
selected minimizes the effect on the general price level of an unusual
change in the price of any one article or of a few articles.
It will be
seen that more than one series of prices have been given in the case of
articles of great importance.
This has been done for the purpose of
giving due weight to these important commodities, no other method
o f accomplishing this having been found satisfactory in this country.
The same means have been employed by M r. Sauerbeck in his English
prices, as explained in Bulletin No. 39, and the approximate accuracy
of the same, as an indication of the variation of prices, has been proved
b y various tests based on the amount of production, etc.
Various methods o f weighting have been attempted in connection
with previous compilations o f relative prices.
One method employed
by European statisticians is to measure the importance o f each com
modity by its annual consumption by the entire nation, the annual
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
241
consumption being found by adding to the home production the
amount imported and subtracting the amount exported. The impos
sibility of securing even approximately accurate figures for annual
consumption in the United States of the commodities included in this
compilation renders this method unavailable here.
The method
employed in the Aldrich report consisted in giving to the various com
modities or groups of commodities an importance’ based upon their
consumption in normal families. There are, of course, many commod
ities whose importance can not be measured by this method. It has
been thought best in the present series of index numbers, after a care
ful consideration of all methods of weighting, simply to use a large
number of representative staple articles, selecting them in such a man
ner as to make them, to a large extent, weight themselves. Upon a
casual examination it may seem that by this method a comparatively
unimportant commodity— such, for instance, as cotton-seed meal— has
been given the same weight or importance as one of the more impor
tant commodities, such as wheat. A closer examination, however,
shows that cotton-seed meal enters into no other commodity under
consideration, while wheat is not only quoted as the raw material, but
enters into the two descriptions of wheat flour, the two descriptions
of crackers, and the three descriptions of loaf bread.
Material changes in the description of three articles were made in
1902, and of two articles in 1903.
F or two of these articles the trade journals no longer supply regular
quotations, and the manufacture of the particular grades of the other
three previously quoted has been discontinued by the establishments
heretofore furnishing quotations.
The articles in which changes occur are— “ Leather: harness, oak,
country middles, 14 pounds and up (except overweights, 20 pounds
and up),” for which has been substituted “ Leather: harness, oak,
packers’ hides, heavy No. 1 ; ” “ Sheetings: brown, 4 -4 , Stark, A . A . , ”
for which has been substituted “ Sheetings, brown, 4 -4 , Massachusetts
M ills, Flying Horse brand;” “ Trouserings: fancy worsted, 22 to 23
ounce, worsted filling, wool and worsted backs,” for which has been
substituted “ Trouserings: fancy worsted, 21 to 22 ounce, all worsted
warp and filling, wool and worsted b ack ;” “ Underwear: shirts and
drawers, white, merino, full-fashioned, 52 per cent wool, 48 per cent
cotton, 24 gauge,” for which has been substituted “ Underwear:
shirts and drawers, white, merino, full-fashioned, 60 per cent wool, 40
per cent cotton, 24 g a u g e;” and “ Shingles: white pine, 18 inches
long, X X X X , ” for which has been substituted “ Shingles: Michigan
white pine, 16 inches long, X X X X . ”
In making these substitutions articles were supplied corresponding
as closely as possible to those which had been previously used.
Some explanation of the method of computing the relative price of
these articles is necessary, and shingles will be used as an illustration.
242
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
It must be understood that during the years when 18-inch shingles
were quoted they were assumed to represent the several lengths and
grades of white pine shingles; that is, that the course of prices of a
standard grade of white pine shingles in an index number of prices
fairly represents the course of prices of the various grades of white
pine shingles. Therefore when it became necessary to substitute, in
1902, the 16-inch shingles for the 18-inch, prices were secured for
16-inch shingles for both 1901 and 1902, and it was found that the
price for the year 1902 was 9.96 per cent above the price for the year
1901. The relative price of 18-inch shingles in 1901, as shown in
Table I V , was 111.9 (average price for the 10 years, 1890 to 1899,
equals 100), and if 18-inch shingles represented white pine shingles
at that time and 16-inch shingles now represent the class, shingles
(shown by the increase in price of 16-inch shingles) advanced, in 1902,
9.96 per cent above the price in 1901, and the relative price in 1902
was therefore 109.96 per cent of 111.9, the relative price in 1901,
which gives 123 as the relative price in 1902. The same method was
followed in computing relative prices for each of the months o f 1902.
The average price in 1903 was 1.74 per cent above the price in 1902;
therefore the relative price in 1903 was 101.74 per cent of 123, the
relative price in 1902, which gives 125.1 as the relative price in 1903.
The same method was followed for leather and sheetings. For trou
serings and underwear the exact grade quoted for 1903 was not manu
factured in 1902. The manufacturer of trouserings, however, estimates
that one-half the advance in price over the price for the grade quoted
for previous years was due to the fact that it was a better article and
the other half to the advance in price of material and cost of manu
facture. The advance was $0.1125 per yard over the price in 1902;
one-half of this, $0.05625, was added to the 1902 price of the 22 to 23
ounce trouserings to secure a theoretical 1902 price for the 21 to 22
ounce trouserings, and the 1903 relative price was then computed as
above.
Underwear was arbitrarily given the same relative price in
1903 as in 1902, as the all-wool underwear manufactured b y the same
firm shows no change in price.
Table I I I — R elative prices o f commodities in 1903, pages 337 to 31ft. —
This table is taken from Table I I and shows the relative prices of each
of the commodities included there.
In this table similar commodities
have been grouped, and the average o f the relative prices shown for
the commodities in each subgroup and in each of the nine general
groups.
The averages in all cases were found by dividing the sum of
the relative prices b y the number o f commodities in the group under
consideration.
It should be borne constantly in mind that the term
commodity is used here and elsewhere in a specific sense, “ native”
and “ W e ste rn ” sheep, for example, being considered different com
modities.
The method of securing average relative prices in this and
other tables was as follows: The average relative price of cattle was
243
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
found by adding the relative prices of the two grades of cattle and
dividing the sum by 2. The average for hogs was found in the same
manner, and also the average for sheep. The average for live stock
was found by dividing the sum of the relative prices of the two grades
of cattle, the two grades of hogs, and the two grades of sheep by 6, the
total number of different descriptions of commodities or series of quo
tations in the live-stock group. The average relative price of each of
the nine general groups was found by dividing the sum of the relative
prices of the different descriptions of commodities for each month by
the number of these commodities or series of quotations considered.
The sum of the relative prices in January, 1903, of the commodities
shown under the general group, 64food, etc.,” for example, is 6,063.1,
which amount divided by 54, the number of different descriptions of
commodities or series of quotations considered in that group, gives
112.3 the average for the group 44food, etc.,” for January, 1903. A s
explained in the discussion of Table I I , it was impossible to secure
quotations during all of the months of the year for 3 of the 260 arti
cles. In order of arrangement these are buckwheat flour, potatoes,
and sheetings— bleached, 1 0 -4 , Atlantic. In presenting monthly rela
tive prices for these articles a nominal relative price (which is the same
as the relative price for the month in which the article was last quoted)
has been entered in this table for the months for which no price quo
tation is shown in Table I. This nominal price enters into the aver
age for the subgroup, the general group, and 64all commodities” for
that month.
The average relative price of each of the nine general groups for
each month o f 1903 and for the year 1903, and the average relative
price of all commodities for each month and for the year, are shown
in the following summary:
SUMMARY OF RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903, BY GROUPS.
[Average price for 1890-1899 = 100.]
Lum
ber
Fuel Metals and
and
and
build
light imple
ing
ing. ments. mate
rials.
Drugs HouseAll
fur- Miscel com
and
lane modi
chem nishing
ous.
icals. goods.
ties.
Month.
Farm
prod
ucts.
Food,
etc.
Cloths
and
cloth
ing.
January...................
February.................
M arch......................
A p ril........................
M a y .........................
June.........................
J u ly .........................
A ugust....................
September...............
October....................
November...............
Decem ber...............
123.3
124.8
127.0
125.0
122.1
121.1
115.8
114.8
117.2
112.5
109.9
112.2
112.3
111.4
112.3
110.0
104.8
105.6
103.8
103.1
107.1
104.4
105.6
105.5
104.2
104.5
104.9
105.0
105.4
106.3
107.5
107.8
108.2
108.0
108.1
108.6
178.6
178.6
154.8
149.0
145.0
143.1
141.1
140.3
140.4
141.2
140.1
139.8
119.4
119.6
121.6
123.1
121.9
119.7
118.1
117.0
115.8
114.3
111.8
109,0
120.7
122.8
123.3
120.9
118.7
120.6
120.1
119.5
121.5
121.3
124.3
123.1
111.8
111.4
113.7
111.4
112.8
113.7
113.1
113.9
112.8
112.6
112.5
111.4
112.2
112.2
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
112.7
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.3
113.5
114.9
114.2
115.1
114.3
114.3
114.4
114.4
114.5
110.4
110.1
115.9
116.1
115.9
114.9
113.2
113.4
112.6
112.2
113.3
112.3
112.1
111.7
1903.................
118.8
107.1
106.6
149.3
117.6
121.4
112.6
113.0
113.6
113.6
In this table the average relative prices o f farm products are based
on 16 articles; o f food, etc., on 54 articles; of cloths and clothing, on
244
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
76 articles; of fuel and lighting, on 13 articles; of metals and imple
ments, on 38 articles; of lumber and building materials, on 27 articles;
of drugs and chemicals, on 9 articles; of house furnishing goods, on
14 articles; and of miscellaneous, on 13 articles. The average relative
prices of all commodities are based on 260 articles.
The table shows that the group of farm products reached the lowest
average in November and the highest in M arch; that of food, etc., the
lowest in A ugust and the highest in January and March, the relative
price being the same in these two months; that o f cloths and clothing,
the lowest in January and the highest in December; that of fuel and
lighting, the lowest in December and the highest in January and Feb
ruary; that of metals and implements, the lowest in December and
the highest in A p ril; that of lumber and building materials, the lowest
in M ay and the highest in November; that of drugs and chemicals, the
lowest in February, A p ril, and December and the highest in A ugust;
that of house furnishing goods, the lowest in January and February
and the highest in October, November, and December; while in the
miscellaneous group the lowest average was reached in December and
the highest in M ay. A ll commodities combined reached the lowest
average of the year in December and the highest in February.
The course of prices during the months of 1903 as represented by
the 260 commodities is clearly shown in the graphic table which
follows:
R elative P rices
of
A ll C ommodities
(AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890 TO 1899 = 100.)
in
1903.
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
245
M any students of price statistics desire to distinguish between raw
commodities and manufactured commodities, or those which have been
prepared for consumption by the application of manufacturing proc
esses and in which manufacturing labor forms a considerable part of
the cost. To meet the wishes of this class of readers, therefore, the
commodities included in this price series have been divided into the two
classes, raw and manufactured, and simple averages made for each
class.
O f course, hard and fast definitions of these classes can not be
made, but the commodities here designated as raw may be said to be
such as are marketed in their natural state and such as have been sub
jected to only a preliminary manufacturing process, thus converting
them into a marketable condition, but not to a suitable form for final
consumption, while the commodities here designated <s manufactured
are such as have been subjected to more than a preliminary factory
manipulation and in which the manufacturing labor cost constitutes an
important element in the price. In the group designated as raw are
included all farm products, beans, coffee, e gs, milk, rice, nutmegs,
pepper, tea, vegetables, raw silk, wool, coal, exude petroleum, copper
ingots, pig lead, pig iron, bar silver, spelter, pig tin, brimstone, jute,
and rubber— a total of 50 articles.
A ll the other articles are classed as manufactured commodities.
The table follows:
RELATIVE PRICES OF RAW COMMODITIES, MANUFACTURED COMMODITIES, AND ALL
COMMODITIES, IN 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899 = 100.]
Month.
Manu
All
Raw
factured commod
commod commod
ities.
ities.
ities.
January...........................................................................................................
February........................................................................................................
M arch..............................................................................................................
A p r il................................................................................................................
M a y .................................................................................................................
June.................................................................................................................
J u ly .................................................................................................................
A ugust............................................................................................................
September.......................................................................................................
October............................................................................................................
November.......................................................................................................
D ecem ber.......................................................................................................
133.0
133.0
127.8
125.8
121.5
121.6
119.9
118.6
120.7
118.1
117.2
117.5
111.8
112.0
113.1
112.3
111.3
111.4
110.9
110.7
111.6
110.9
110.9
110.4
115.9
116.1
115.9
114.9
113.2
113.4
112.6
112.2
113.8
112.8
112.1
111.7
1903.........................................................................................................
122.7
111.5
113.6
The raw commodities reached the lowest average of the year in
November and the highest in January and February; manufactured
commodities reached the lowest in December and the highest in March.
The average fo r raw commodities ranged from 17.2 per cent to 33.0 per
cent above the base price, while the average for manufactured com
modities ranged from 10.4 per cent to 13.1 per cent above the base
price*
246
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OP LABOR.
The course of prices of raw and manufactured commodities during
1903 is shown in the graphic table which follow s:
Relative Prices of Raw and Manufactured C ommodities
in 1903.
(AVERACE PRICE FOR 1800 TO 1800 = 100.)
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
247
Table I V .— B ase prices (average f o r 1890-1899), and average yearly
actualand relative prices o f commodities, 1890 to 1 9 08,pages 31$ to 867.—
This table shows for each commodity the base price (average price for
the 10-year period, 1890-1899), the average price for each of the 14
years from 1890 to 1903, and the relative price for each year. The
average price for each year was obtained, as has been explained, by
dividing the sum of the quotations for each year as shown in Table I
by the number of quotations for each year. The average price for
the 10-year period 1890 to 1899 was obtained by dividing the sum
of the average prices of the 10 years by 10.
The relative prices
for each year were computed in the- same way as for each month, as
explained in the discussion of Table II.
Table V .— R elative prices o f commodities, 1890 to 1908, pages 867 to
379.— This table is taken from Table I V and shows the relative prices
of each of the commodities included there. In this table similar com
modities have been grouped and the average of the relative prices
shown for the commodities in each subgroup and in each of the nine
general groups. The averages in all cases were found by dividing the
sum of the relative prices by the number o f commodities in the group
under consideration, as explained in the discussion of Table I II.
The average relative price of each of the nine general groups was
found by dividing the sum of the relative prices of the different
descriptions o f commodities for each year by the number of these com
modities or series of quotations considered in that year. The sum of
the relative prices in 1890 of the commodities shown under the general
group, “ food, e tc .,” for example, is 5,958.2, which amount divided
by 53, the number of different descriptions of commodities or series
of quotations considered that year, gives 112.4, the average for the
group “ food, e tc.,” for 1890. For 1893 to 1903, 54 commodities are
quoted in this group, and that number is accordingly the divisor for
each o f those years.
The average relative price of each of the nine general groups for
each year of the period, and the average relative price of all com
modities for each year, are shown in the summary following.
5553—No. 51—04----- 3
248
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
SUMMARY OF RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903, BY GROUPS.
[Average price lor 1890-1899 = 100.]
Year.
1890.........
1891.........
1892.........
1893.........
1894.........
1895.........
1896.........
1897.........
1898.........
1899.........
1900.........
1901.........
1902.........
1903.........
Farm
prod
ucts.
110.0
121.6
111.7
107.9
95.9
93.3
78.3
85.2
96.1
100.0
109.5
116.9
130.5
118.8
Food,
etc.
112.4
115.7
103.6
110.2
99.8
94.6
83.8
87.7
94.4
98.3
104.2
105.9
111.3
107.1
Cloths
and
cloth
ing.
113.5
111.3
109.0
107.2
96.1
92.7
91.3
91.1
93.4
96.7
106.8
101.0
102.0
106.6
Fuel
and
light
ing.
Metals Lumber
House
Drugs
and
com
and
furnish Miscel All
and
ing
imple building
chemic
laneous. modi
mate
ties.
als.
goods.
ments.
rials.
119.2
104.7
102.7
111.7
101.1
106.0
100.0
100.7
92.4
90.7
98.1
92.0
104.3
93.7
96.4
86.6
86.4
95.4
105.0 • 114.7
120.5
120.9
119.5
111.9
117.2
134.3
117.6
149.3
111.8
108.4
102.8
101.9
96.3
94.1
93.4
90.4
95.8
105.8
115.7
116.7
118.8
121.4
110.2
103.6
102.9
100.5
89.8
87.9
92.6
94.4
106.6
111.3
115.7
115.2
114.2
112.6
111.1
110.2
106.5
104.9
100.1
96.5
94.0
89.8
92.0
95.1
106.1
110.9
112.2
113.0
110.3
109.4
106.2
105.9
99.8
94.5
91.4
92.1
92.4
97.7
109.8
107.4
114.1
113.6
112.9
111.7
106.1
105.6
96.1
93.6
90.4
89.7
93.4
101.7
110.5
108.5
112.9
113.6
In this table the average relative prices of farm products are based
on 16 articles; of food, etc., on 53 articles from 1890 to 1892, and 54
from 1893 to 1903; of cloths and clothing, on 70 articles in 1890 and
1891, 72 in 1892, 73 in 1893 and 1894, 75 in 1895 and 1896, and 76 from
1897 to 1903; of fuel and lighting, on 13 articles; of metals and imple
ments, on 37 articles from 1890 to 1893, 38 in 1894 and 1895 and from
1899 to 1903, and 39 from 1896 to 1898; of lumber and building mate
rials, on 26 articles from 1890 to 1894, and 27 from 1895 to 1903; of
drugs and chemicals, on 9 articles; of house furnishing goods, on 14
articles; and of miscellaneous, on 13 articles. The average relative
prices of all commodities are based on 251 articles in 1890 and 1891,
on 253 in 1892, on 255 in 1893, on 256 in 1894, on 259 in 1895, on 260
in 1896 and from 1899 to 1903, and on 261 in 1897 and 1898.
A study of the table shows that the group of farm products reached
the lowest average in 1896 and the highest in 1902; that of food, etc.,
the lowest in 1896 and the highest in 1891; that of cloths and cloth
ing, the lowest in 1897 and the highest in 1890; that of fuel and light
ing, the lowest in 1894 and the highest in 1903; that of metals and
implements, the lowest in 1898 and the highest in 1900; that of lumber
and building materials, the lowest in 1897 and the highest in 1903; that
o f drugs and chemicals, the lowest in 1895 and the highest in 1900; that
of house furnishing goods, the lowest in 1897 and the highest in 1903,
while in the miscellaneous group the lowest average was reached in
1896 and the highest in 1902.
The average for all commodities com
bined was the lowest in 1897 and the highest in 1903.
O f the nine
groups it is seen that one reached its lowest point in 1894, one in
1895, three in 1896, three in 1897, and one in 1898.
The highest
point was reached by one group in 1890, by one in 1891, by two in
1900, by two in 1902, and by three in 1903.
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
249
The average relative prices of the 250 commodities for which quota
tions were secured for the entire period involved do not differ materi
ally from the average relative prices of all commodities shown in
the above table. Eliminating the commodities for which quotations
could be secured for only a portion of the period, we find that the
average relative prices of the 250 commodities remaining was 112.9 in
1890, 111.7 in 1891, 106.0 in 1892, 105.4 in 1893, 95.9 in 1894, 93.5 in
1895, 90.3 in 1896, 89.6 in 1897, 93.2 in 1898, 101.4 in 1899, 110.1 in
1900, 108.3 in 1901, 112.8 in 1902, and 113.7 in 1903.
The course of wholesale prices during the 14 years 1890 to 1903, as
represented by all commodities considered, is shown in the graohic
table which follows:
Relative P rices of A ll C ommodities, 1890 t o 1903.
(AVERAGE PR ICE FO R 1890 TO 1 8 9 9 = 1 0 0 .J
250
BULLETIN OF THE BUKEAU OF LABOR.
In the table which follows, all commodities under consideration have
been divided into two classes or groups. The 50 articles which are
included in the group o f raw commodities are shown on page 245.
A ll
the other articles are classed as manufactured commodities.
RELATIVE PRICES OF RAW COMMODITIES, MANUFACTURED COMMODITIES, AND ALL
COMMODITIES, 1890 to 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.]
Year.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893.
1894.
1895.
1896.
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
1901.
1902.
1903.
Manufac
Raw
tured
All com
commod commod
modities.
ities.
ities.
115.0
116.3
107.9
104.4
93.2
91.7
84.0
87.6
94.0
105.9
111.9
111.4
122.4
122.7
112.3
110.6
105.6
105.9
96.8
94.0
91.9
90.1
93.3
100.7
110.2
107.8
110.6
111.5
112.9
111.7
106.1
105.6
96.1
93.6
90.4
89.7
93.4
101.7
110.5
108.5
112.9
113.6
In 1890 and 1891, when prices in general were high, the raw com
modities were higher than the manufactured, and remained so until
1893, when prices of raw commodities declined and manufactured com
modities were slightly above the prices of 1892.
From 1894 to 1896
there was a marked decline in both groups, the raw being lower than
the manufactured in each of these years. In 1897 raw advanced and
manufactured declined. From 1898 to 1900 there was a decided
advance in both groups each year, raw advancing to a higher point
than manufactured. In 1901 there was a very slight decline in raw
and a more marked decline in manufactured. In 1902 both raw and
manufactured commodities made a decided advance. In 1903 raw
commodities advanced to a point beyond the highest point previously
reached in the 14 years* under consideration, and manufactured com
modities advanced to a level only exceeded by that of one year— 1890.
F or the 14 years included in this table, with the single exception of
1893, it will be seen that during the years of high prices raw com
modities were higher than manufactured, and during the years o f low
prices, with the exception o f 1898, raw were lower than manufactured.
This is clearly shown in the graphic table which follows:
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
R elative P rices of Raw and Manufactured C ommodities,
1890 t o 1903.
(AVERAGE P R ICE FO R 1890 TO 1 8 9 9 = 1 0 0 .)
251
252
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
The following table shows for each of the nine general groups the
relative prices of 1903 compared with the average for 1890 to 1899.
Only the 250 commodities for which quotations were secured for the
whole period of 14 years have been included. The average price
for 1890 to 1899 is in every case the base or 100 per cent. It should
be kept in mind in using this table that the comparison is between the
prices for 1903 and the average prices for the base period.
RELATIVE PRICES, 1903 COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Farm products, 16 articles.
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
Article.
PRICE INCREASED.
PRICE
104.7
105.1
106.9
119.2
121.1
Cattle: steers, choice to e x tr a .................
Wheat: contract grades, cash..................
Cattle: steers, good to ch o ice..................
Hay: timothy, No. 1 .................................
Corn: No. 2, c a sh ......................................
Barley: by sam ple.....................................
Hides: green, salted, packers, heavy na
tive steers................................................
Oats: c a sh ..................................................
Hogs: lig h t ...............................................
Hogs: heavy............................................. .
124.8
131.7
137.0
137.3
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
Article.
in c r e a s e d — c o n
c lu d e d .
Cotton: upland, middling.......
Hops: New York State, choice
144.7
159.5
PRICE DECREASED.
Sheep: native...........................
Sheep: W estern........................
Rye: No. 2, cashw....................
Average for farm products
98.0
97.5
94.1
118.8
Food, etc., 58 articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
Bread: loaf (Washington market)..........
Flour: wheat, spring patents...................
Rice: domestic, c h o ic e .............................
Bread: loaf, homemade (N. Y. m arket)..
Bread: loaf, Vienna (N. Y. m arket).......
Meat: beef, fresh, native sides.................
Salt: Ashton’s ............................................
Butter: creamery, extra (N. Y. market)..
Vegetables, fresh: onions.........................
Fish: cod, dry, bank, large......................
Vegetables, fresh: potatoes, Burbank___
Butter: creamery, Elgin (Elgin market).
Butter: dairy, New York State...............
Fish: salmon, canned................................
Molasses: New Orleans, open kettle,
prim e.......................................................
Bread: crackers, Boston X ......................
Milk: fresh ................................................
Meat: beef, salt, extra m ess....................
Meat: beef, salt, hams, Western..............
Tallow.........................................................
Flour: buckwheat.....................................
Eggs: new-laid, fancy, near-by...............
Cheese: New York State, full cream.......
Fish: mackerel, salt, large No. 3s............
Meal: com , fine white..............................
Meal: com , fine yellow .............................
Fruit: currants, in barrels........................
Meat: hams, sm oked ................................
Lard: prime contract................................
p r ic e in c r e a s e d — c o n
100.5
100.8
100.9
101.0
101.0
101.7
102.0
104.7
104.9
105.0
105.2
106.1
106.2
110.0
112.5
112.6
112.9
113.1
117.2
117.2
119.5
123.2
123.3
123.5
123.7
125.7
126.9
129.2
134.1
c lu d e d .
Beans: medium, ch oice.................
Meat: bacon, short clear sides___
Meat: bacon, short rib sid es.........
Meat: pork, salt, mess, old to new
Fish: herring, shore, round..........
Spices: pepper, Singapore..............
135.5
142.1
143.0
143.1
151.7
172.1
PRICE DECREASED.
Meat: mutton, dressed..............................
Sugar: granulated.....................................
Fruit: raisins, California, London la y er.
Sugar: 96° centrifugal................................
Sugar: 89° fair refining..............................
Flour: rye....................................................
Flour: wheat, winter straights.................
Starch: pure co rn .......................................
Bread: crackers, soda................................
Vinegar: cider, Monarch...........................
Salt: American............................................
Fruit: apples,sun-dried, Southern, sliced.
Tea: Formosa, fine.....................................
Fruit: apples, evaporated, choice............
Spices: nutmegs..........................................
Fruit: prunes, California, in b o x e s .........
Soda; bicarbonate of, A m erican..............
Coffee: Rio No. 7 ........................................
Average for food, etc.
98.7
98.2
96.3
96.1
95.0
94.9
93.4
92.5
90.0
88.0
87.2
83.9
80.9
72.1
62.1
61.7
42.6
106.6
COURSE OE WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
253
RELATIVE PRICES. 1903 COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899—Continued.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Cloths and clothing, 70 articles.
Article.
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
PRICE INCREASED.
Ginghams: Lancaster................................
Underwear: shirts and drawers, white,
all wool, full-fashioned, 18-gauge.........
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 27-inch, Hamilton........................
Women’s dress goods: alpaca, cotton
warp, 22-inch, Hamilton........................
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Stark A. A. (a ). . .
Wool: Ohio, medium fleece (£ and f-grade)
scoured....................................................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Wamsutta^0^ .
Silk: raw, Japan, filatures.........................
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, Wamsutta S.T.
Overcoatings: chinchilla, B-rough, all
w o o l.........................................................
Ginghams: Am oskeag..............................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Lonsdale..........
Cotton flannels: 2| yards to the pound...
Tickings: Amoskeag A. C. A ....................
Bags: 2-bushel, Amoskeag........................
Leather: wax calf, 30 to 40 pounds to the
dozen, B grade........................................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Fruit of the
L o o m .......................................................
Silk: raw, Italian, classical......................
Shawls: standard, all wool, 72x144 inch,
42-ounce, made of high-grade w ool___
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, H o p e ...............
Denims: Amoskeag...................................
Carpets: ingrain, 2-ply, L ow ell...............
Drillings: brown, Pepperell....................
Boots and shoes: women’s solid grain
shoes, leather, polish or p olk a..............
Carpets: Brussels, 6-frame, B igelow .......
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Pepperell R .........
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Indian Head.......
Suitings: indigo blue, all wool, 64-inch,
14-ounce, Middlesex standard..............
Carpets: Wilton, 5-frame, Bigelow..........
Cotton flannels: 3£ yards to the pound ..
Cotton yams: carded,white, mule-spun,
Northern, cones, 22/1..............................
Blankets: 11-4, 5 pounds to the pair, all
w o o l.........................................................
Broadcloths: first quality, black, 54-inch,
made from X X X w ool...........................
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 9-twill, 4-4, Atlantic Mills F .......
Leather: sole, o a k .....................................
Drillings: 30-inch, Stark A ........................
Suitings: indigo blue, all wool, 10-ounce.
Boots and shoes: men’s split boots, kip
top, 16-inch, £ double sole (6 )...............
Print cloths: 28-inch, 64 x 64 ....................
Blankets: 11-4,5 pounds to the pair, cot
ton warp, all-wool fillin g ......................
a In
bln
c ln
d in
PRICE
100.3
100.4
101.2
101.5
101.9
102.1
102.7
102.9
103.0
103.1
103.2
103.9
104.1
104.1
104.2
105.4
105.4
106.3
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
Article.
in c r e a s e d — c o n
c lu d e d .
Flannels: white, 4-4, Ballard Vale No. 3.
Leather: harness, o a k ..............................
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, all wool,
10-11 twill, 38-inch, Atlantic Mills J ... .
Women’s dress goods: Franklin sack
ings, 6-4....................................................
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Atlantic A ..........
Worsted yams: 2-40s, Australian fine___
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, Atlantic.........
Cotton yams: carded, white, mule-spun,
Northern, cones, 10/1..............................
Leather: sole, hemlock, nonacid,Buenos
Ayres, middle weights, 1st q u a lity ___
Overcoatings: beaver, Moscow, all wool,
b la c k .......................................................
Horse blankets: 6 pounds each, all wool.
Blankets: 11-4,5 pounds to the pair, cot
ton warp, cotton and wool filling.........
Wool: Ohio, fine fleece (X and X X
grade), scoured.......................................
Cotton thread: 6-cord, 200-yard spools,
J. & P. Coats............................................
Worsted yams: 2-40s. X X X or its equiv
alent in quality, w hite,in skeins( ? ) ...
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, Pepperell___
114.3
114.5
115.0
115.6
115.7
116.2
116.9
117.3
117.8
117.9
118.5
120.1
120.4
120.8
PRICE DECREASED.
107.0
107.1
108.0
108.1
108.2
113.1
113.3
Boots and shoes: men’s calf bal. shoes,
Goodyear welt, dongola t o p .................
Linen thread: 3-cord, 200-yard spools,
Barbour..................................................
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 22-inch, Hamilton........................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, New York Mills.
Linen shoe thread: 10s, Barbour..............
Underwear: shirts and drawers, white,
merino, full-fashioned, 52 per cent
wool, 48 per cent cotton, 24-gauge (d )..
Overcoatings: covert cloth,lightweight,
staple goods.............................................
Boots and shoes: men’s brogans, sp lit. . .
Overcoatings: chinchilla, cotton warp,
C. C. grade............................................. .
Calico: Cocheco prints..............................
Hosiery: men’s cotton half hose, seam
less, standard quality, 84 needles.........
Boots and shoes: men’s vici kid shoes,
Goodyear w e lt.............................'..........
Hosiery: women’ s cotton hose, seam
less, fast black, 26 to 28 ounce, 160 to
176 needles...............................................
Hosiery: men’s cotton half hose, seam
less, fast black, 20 to 22 ounce, 160
needles....................................................
82.1
114.2
Average for cloths and clothing...
106.3
108.6
108.7
108.7
108.8
108.8
108.9
109!4
109.6
110.1
110.3
110.5
111.3
111.5
112.6
1902 and 1903 quotations are for Massachusetts Mills, Flying Horse brand,
1903, russet bound top, 17-inch, £ double sole,
1902 and 1903 designated as.XX XX .
1903, 60 per cent wool, 40 per cent cotton.
114.3
114.3
98.9
97.8
97.0
96.7
95.4
93.5
92.8
91.1
90.0
87.0
86.8
254
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
RELATIVE PRICES, 1903 COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899—Continued.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.J
Fuel and lighting, 13 articles.
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
Article.
Article.
Rela
tive
price,
1903.
PRICE INCREASED—concluded.
PRICE INCREASED.
Coal: anthracite, brok en .........................
Coal: anthracite, stove..............................
Candles: adamantine, 6s, 14-ounce.........
Petroleum: refined, for e x p o r t...............
Coal: anthracite, chestnut........................
Coal: anthracite, e g g ................................
Coal: bituminous, Pittsburg (Youghioghe n y ) ........................................................
Petroleum: refined, 150° fire test, w. w ...
Coal: bituminous, Georges Creek (f.o. b.,
New York H arbor)................................
126.2
127.1
127.4
132.5
134.2
134.3
Coke: Connellsville, furnace.................
Petroleum: cru d e ......................................
Coal: bituminous, Georges Creek (at
m in e ).......................................................
143.9
153.1
Matches: parlor, dom estic........................
85.4
Average for fuel and lighting.........
149.3
161.8
171 5
174.5
269.6
PRICE DECREASED.
Metals and implements, 36 articles.
PRICE SAME AS BASE.
Saws; crosscut, Disston.........................
Trowels: M. C. O., brick, 104-inch............
PRICE INCREASED—concluded.
100.0
100.0
PRICE INCREASED.
Shovel®* A m es No. 2 ............... .................
Copper wire: bare......................................
Steel rails....................................................
Axes: M. C. O., Yankee.............................
Lead pipe....................................................
Barb wire: galvanized ............... ............
Locks: common mortise.............................
Copper: ingot, la k e ....... ...........................
Lead: pig ......................... .........................
Zinc: sheet..................................................
Quicksilver.................................................
Copper: sheet, hot-rolled (base sizes)___
Planes: Bailey No. 5...................................
Nails: cut, 8-penny, fence and com m on..
Bar iron: best refined, from store (Phila
delphia m arket).....................................
Bar iron: best refined, from mill (Pitts
burg market) ..........................................
102.0
102.3
107.4
107.6
107.8
108.4
110.2
110.9
112.3
113.3
113.4
115.6
115.7
120.2
Files: 8-inch m ill bastard.........................
Spelter: W estern........................................
Butts: loose joint, cast, 3 x 3 i n c h ............
Hammers: Maydole No. 14........................
Steel b ille ts.................................................
Doorknobs: steel, bronze plated__
Vises: solid box, 50-lb................................
Pig iron: foundry No. 1............ .................
Pig iron: Bessemer................................
Augers: extra, f-inch..................................
Pig iron: gray forge, Southern, coke.........
Pig iron: foundry No. 2..............................
Chisels: extra, socket firmer, 1-inch.........
Tin: p i g .......................................................
122.1
123.5
126.6
129.0
129.7
132.6
m 7
134.5
137.7
143.7
146.4
146.6
147.8
153.4
PRICE DECREASED.
122.0
Saws: hand, Disston No. 7 .........................
Nails: wire, 8-penny, fence and com m on.
Silver: bar, fine............................................
Wood screws: 1-inch, No. 10, flat head . . .
98.6
96.0
72.4
72.4
122.1
Average for metals and implements
117.7
Lumber and building materials, 36 articles.
PRICE INCREASED— concluded.
PRICE INCREASED.
Cement: Rosendale..................................
Brick: common domestic....... ...............
Carbonate o f lead: American, in o il___
Pine: yellow .............................................
Oxide of z in c ............................................
Window glass: American, single, thirds,
6 x 8 t o 10x15 inch..............................
Maple: h a rd .............................................
Oak: white, plain.....................................
Window glass: American, single, firsts,
6 x 8 t o 10x15 i n c h .............................
Shingles: white p in e ..............................
Spruce.......................................................
Oak: white, quartered.............................
T a r ............................................................
Pine: white, boards, No. 2 barn..............
Hem lock....................................................
Resin: good, strained..............................
100.3
106.2
106.6
113.7
115.8
Doors: pine..................................................
Poplar.........................................................
Turpentine: spirits o f ................................
Pine: white, boards, uppers......................
158.2
158.3
171.0
171.8
PRICE DECREASED.
118.7
119.5
119.8
122.7
125.1
133.7
139.3
139.4
140.3
140.4
153.9
Lime: comm on............................................
Linseed oil: r a w ........................................
Shingles: cypress.......................................
P u tty ...........................................................
Plate glass: polished, unsilvered, area 5
to 10 square f e e t .....................................
Plate glass: polished, unsilvered, area 3
to 5 square feet........................................
Average for lumber and building
materials........................................
94.5
91.9
91.0
89.2
83.1
72.3
122.2
COURSE OF WHOXESAXE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
255
RELATIVE PRICES, 1903 COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899—Concluded.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Drugs and chemicals, 9 articles.
R e la
t iv e
p r ic e ,
A r t ic le .
R e la
t iv e
p r ic e ,
A r tic le .
1903.
1903.
PRICE
PRICE INCREASED.
Q u i n i n e : A m e r i c a n .............. ................................
G ly c e r i n : r e f i n e d ...................................................
A l u m : l u m p ...............................................................
A l c o h o l : g r a i n , 94 p e r c e n t .............................
B r im s t o n e : c r u d e , s e c o n d s ...............................
o p i u m * n a t u r a l, i n e s s e s
S u l p h u r i c a c i d : 66°...................................
102.6
103.4
103.6
106.9
107.9
130.6
142.7
in c r e a s e d — c o n c lu d e d .
M u r ia t ic a c id :
20°.......................................
153.8
PRICE DECREASED.
95 p e r
c e n t ............
62.0
A v e ra g e fo r d ru g s a n d c h e m ic a ls . .
112.6
A l c o h o l : w o o d , r e f in e d ,
Housefurnishing goods, lk articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
PRICE increased—concluded.
Table cutlery: knives and forks, cocobolo handles............................................
Earthenware: teacups and saucers,
white granite..........................................
Wooden ware: tubs, oak-grained............
Furniture: tables, kitchen........................
Glassware: pitchers, ^-gallon, com m on..
Earthenware: plates, white granite.......
Furniture* ^pnrftnm &et$ esb
Earthenware: plates, cream-colored.......
Wooden ware: pails, oak-grained............
Glassware: nappies, 4-inch........................
Furniture: chans, bedroom, m aple.........
Furniture: chairs, kitchen........................
107.3
107.4
107.6
108.1
110.6
111.4
115.3
115.4
122.2
125.0
127.8
130.7
PRICE DECREASED.
Glassware: tumblers, i-pint, comm on___
Table cutlery: carvers, stag handles.......
99.5
93.8
Average for house furnishing goods.
113.0
Miscellaneous, IS articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
Malt: Western made..................................
P r o o f s p ir it s .................................................................
T o b a c c o : s m o k in g , g r a n u la t e d , S e a l o f
N o r t h C a r o l i n a ......................................................
R u b b e r : P a r a I s l a n d .............................................
T o b a c c o : p l u g , H o r s e s h o e ..................................
S o a p : c a s t i l e , m o t t l e d , p u r e .............................
C o t t o n -seed m e a l ..............................................
R o p e : m s u i l a ............................................................
Starch: lau n d ry ........................................
PRICE INCREASED— c o n c l u d e d .
103.1
111.4
112.0
113.1
113.6
115.6
121.6
122.7
123.9
J u t e : r a w ........................................................................
C o tto n -s e e d o il: s u m m e r y e llo w , p r i m e . . .
129.2
130.7
PRICE DECREASED.
P a p e r : w r a p p i n g , m a n i l a ....................................
P a p e r : n e w s ...................................................
95.1
84.6
A v e r a g e f o r m i s c e l l a n e o u s ....................
113.6
The farm products group was 18.8 per cent higher in 1903 than the
average price fo r the ten years, 1890 to 1899, only 4 of the 16 articles
being lower in 1903 than the average price for 1890 to 1899.
The 1903 price, compared with the average price for 1890 to 1899,
shows hops to be 59.5 per cent above; cotton, 44.7 per cent above;
heavy hogs, 37.3 per cent above; light hogs, 37 per cent above; oats,
31.7
per cent above; hides, 24.8 per cent above; barley, 21.2 per
cent above; corn, 21.1 per cent above, etc.
Flaxseed in 1903 was 5.9
per cent below the average price for 1890 to 1899; rye, 2.5 per cent
below; sheep, W estern, 2 per cent below, and sheep, native, 1.3 per
cent below.
256
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
Considering the articles shown in this table, it is seen that the food
group was 6.6 per cent higher in 1903 than the average price fo r 1890
to 1899. Thirty-five of the 53 articles considered in this table were
higher and 18 lower than the average price for 1890 to 1899.
In 1903 pepper was 72.1 per cent above the average price for 1890
to 1899; herring, 51.7 per cent above; mess pork, 43.1 per cent
above; bacon, short rib sides, 43 per cent above; bacon, short clear
sides, 42.1 per cent above; beans, 35.5 per cent above; lard, 34.1
per cent above; smoked hams, 29.2 per cent above; currants,
26.9 per cent above; yellow corn meal, 25.7 per cent above; white
corn meal, 23.7 per cent above; mackerel, 23.5 per cent above, etc.
Coffee was 57.4 per cent below the average price for 1890 to 1899;
winter wheat flour, 6.6 per cent below; granulated sugar, 1.8 per cent
below, etc.
O f the 70 articles considered in the cloths and clothing group 56
were in 1903 above and 14 below the average price for 1890 to 1899.
In 1903 bleached sheetings, 1 0 -4 , Pepperell, were 20.8 per cent above
the average price for 1890 to 1899; worsted yarns, X X X , were 20.4
per cent above; cotton thread, 20.1 per cent above; Ohio fine fleece
wool, 18.5 per cent above, etc.
M en’s hose, 160 needles, were 17.9 per cent below the average price
for 1890 to 1899; women’s hosiery, 16.0 to 176 needles, 13.2 per cent
below; men’s vici kid shoes, 13 per cent below, etc.
O f the 13 articles included in the fuel and lighting group in 1903,
only one article, matches, was below the average price for 1890 to
1899. The average price for the group was 49.3 per cent above the
average for 1890 to 1899.
Georges Creek coal at the mine was 169.6 per cent above the average
price for 1890 to 1899; this relative price is based on the open
market price of the coal. Crude petroleum was 74.5 per cent above
the average price for 1890 to 1899.
The contract price of Connells-
ville coke was 71.5 per cent above the average price for 1890 to 1899.
Georges Creek bituminous coal, f. o. b. New Y o rk Harbor, was 61.8
per cent above the average price fo r 1890 to 1899; 150° refined
petroleum, 53.1 per cent above; Pittsburg bituminous coal, 43.9 per
cent above; anthracite coal, egg size, 34.3 per cent above; chestnut
size, 34.2 per cent above, etc.
Thirty-six articles are considered in the metals and implements group.
Two were the same price in 1903, 30 were above, and 4 were below
the average price for 1890 to 1899.
P ig tin was 53.4 per cent above the
average for 1890 to 1899; chisels, 47.8 per cent above; pig iron, foundry
No. 2 ,4 6 .6 per cent above; gray forge, Southern, 46 .4 per cent above;
Bessemer, 37.7 per cent above; foundry No. 1, 34.5 per cent above;
steel billets 29.7 per cent above, etc.
257
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
W o od screws and bar silver were each 27.6 per cent below the aver
age for 1890 to 1899; wire nails were 4 per cent below, and Disston
No. 7 hand saws, 1.4 per cent below.
O f the 26 articles considered in the lumber and building materials
group, 20 were above and 6 were beiow the average price for 1890 to
1899.
W hite pine boards, uppers, were 71.8 per cent above the aver
age price for 1890 to 1899; spirits of turpentine, 71 per cent above;
poplar, 58.3 per cent above; pine doors, 58.2 per cent above, etc.
Plate glass, area 3 to 5 square feet, was 27.7 per cent below the average
price for 1890 to 1899; plate glass, area 5 to 10 square feet, 16.9 per
cent below; putty, 10.8 per cent below, etc.
Nine articles are included in the group of drugs and chemicals, and
only one, wood alcohol, shows the 1903 price lower than the average
price for 1890 to 1899.
O f the 14 articles in the group of house furnishing goods, the 1903
price of 12 articles was above the average price for 1890 to 1899, and
the price of 2 articles was below that average.
Thirteen articles are included in the miscellaneous group, and prices
o f only 2 o f that number were in 1903 below the average price for 1890
to 1899.
The facts presented in the foregoing table are summarized in the fol
lowing, which shows the changes in prices of articles in each group,
classified by per cent of change:
CHANGES IN PRICES OF ARTICLES IN EACH GROUP, CLASSIFIED BY PER CENT OF
CHANGE, 1903 COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
Price increased.
Groups.
Price decreased.
Num 100
Price
ber of per
50 to 25 to 10 to Less same Less 10 to 25 to 50 per
arti cent 100 50
than
as
than
per
25
per
per 50 per cent
cles.
per cent. cent. 10 per base. 10 per 25
or
or
cent.
cent. cent. cent. more.
more. cent.
Farm products..............
Food, e tc ........................
Cloths and cloth ing___
Fuel and lighting.........
Metals and implements
Lumber and building materials.............................
Drugs and chem icals...
House furnishing goods
Miscellaneous...............
26
9
14
13
T o ta l....................
250
16
53
70
13
36
i
1
1
2
4
8
4
1
7
11
5
1
6
2
3
2
43
14
4
12
25
3
13
31
12
6
6
6
8
3
5
4
1
72
66
4
8
10
2
2
3
2
5
4
1
4
1
2
2
2
1
1
30
13
1
1
8
1
It is seen in the above comparison of the prices o f 1903 with the
average for 1890 to 1899 that of the 16 articles in the farm products
group, 12 show an increase and 4 a decrease; o f the 53 in the food, etc.,
group, 35 show an increase and 18 a decrease; o f the 70 in the cloths
and clothing group, 56 show an increase and 14 show a decrease; of
the 13 in the fuel and lighting group, 12 show an increase and 1 a
258
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
decrease; of the 36 in the metals and implements group, 30 show an
increase, 2 show the same price as the average for the base period, and
4 show a decrease; of the 26 in the lumber and building materials
group, 20 show an increase and 6 a decrease; of the 9 in the drugs and
chemicals group, 8 show an increase and 1 a decrease; of the 14 in the
house furnishing goods group, 12 show an increase and 2 a decrease;
of the 13 in the miscellaneous group, 11 show an increase and 2 a
decrease. O f the 250 commodities, for which prices were secured for
the whole period from 1890 to 1903, 196 show an increase, 2 show the
same price as the average for the base period, and 52 show a decrease.
The number of articles according to classified per cents of increase
and decrease is also shown in this table. O f the 196 commodities that
showed an increase in 1903 over the average for 1890 to 1899, 66
advanced less than 10 per cent, 72 advanced from 10 to 25 per cent,
43 advanced from 25 to 50 per cent, 14 advanced from 50 to 100 per
cent, and 1 advanced 100 per cent or more.
O f the 52 commodities
which showed a decrease, 30 decreased less than 10 per cent, 13
decreased from 10 to 25 per cent, 8 decreased from 25 to 50 per cent,
and 1 decreased 50 per cent or more.
The number and per cent of articles which showed each specified
increase or decrease are given in the following table:
NUMBER AND PER CENT OF ARTICLES, BY CLASSIFIED PER CENT OF INCREASE OR
DECREASE, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
Number Per cent
of
of
articles. articles.
Number Per cent
of
of
articles. articles.
Price decreased:
Less than 10 per cent.......
10 to 25 per cent...............
25 to 50 per cent...............
50 per cent or m ore.........
Price increased:
100 per cent or more.........
60 to 100 per c e n t..............
25 to 50 per c e n t...............
10 to 25 per c e n t...............
Less than 10 per cent.......
1
14
43
72
66
0.4
5.6
17.2
28.8
26.4
T ota l........................
196
78.4
Total........................
62
20.8
Price same as base...................
2
.8
Grand tota l............
250
100.0
30
13
8
1
12.0
5.2
3.2
.4
O f the 250 articles fo r which prices were secured for the whole
period from 1890 to 1903, it is seen that 196, or 78 .4 per cent, show
an increase in price; 2 articles, or 0.8 per cent, show the same price as
the average for the base period, and 52 articles, or 20.8 per cent, show
a decrease in price in 1903, as compared with the average price for the
base period.
O f the 260 commodities considered in this compilation of prices, the
average price o f 139 commodities was higher in 1903 than in 1902, the
average price o f 25 was the same in 1903 as in 1902, and the average
price o f 96 was lower in 1903 than in 1902.
259
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T o assist in making easy a comparison of 1903 prices of the general
groups and of all commodities with prices of the other years, the fo l
lowing table has been prepared, showing the per cent of increase of
1903 prices over the prices of each year from 1890 to 1902.
PER CENT OF INCREASE IN WHOLESALE PRICES OF THE GENERAL GROUPS OF COM
MODITIES IN 1903 OVER PRICES IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
Per cent of increase in 1903 over —
wroups.
Farm products.......
Food, e t c .................
Cloths and clothing.
Fuel and lighting..
Metals and imple
ments ...................
Lumber and build
ing materials.......
Drugs and chemi
cals........................
House furnishing
goods....................
Miscellaneous.........
All commodi
ties ..............
1890. 1891. 1892. 1893. 1894. 1895. 1896. 1897. 1898. 1899. 1900. 1901. 1902.
6.4 10.1
8.0 «2.2
3.4 o2.8
<*4.7 «7.4
<*6.1 «4.2 o2.2 o.6
42.6 45.4 47.7 49.3
23.9
7.3
10.9
61.6
27.3
13.2
15.0
52.2
51.7
27.8
16.8
43.1
39.4
22.1
17.0
54.9
23.6
13.5
14.1
56.5
<*1.3
5.3
10.9
16.8
29.7
27.8' 25.5
35.8
36.1
8.6
2.2
12.0
8.7
18.1
9.4
19.1
12.0
26.1
25.4
29.0
28.1
30.0
21.6
34.3
19.3
26.7
5.6
8.5
2.8
o.2
23.5
1.6
1.1
5.5
24.9
2.5 o2.4
5.1
.3
14.7
4.9
4.0
1.2 02.7 o2.3
2.2
ol.4
18.8
9.0
10.2
42.2
o9.0
o3.8
4.5
11.2
1.7
2.5
6.1
7.7
12.9
17.1
20.2
25.8
22.8* 18.8
6.5
1.9
.7
3.0
3.8
7.0
7.3
13.8
20.2
24.3
23.3
22.9
16.3
3.5
5.8
o.4
.6
1.7
7.1
7.6
18.2
21.4
25.7
26.6
21.6
11.7
2.8
4.7
.6
a Decrease.
From this table it is seen that the group farm products in 1903 was
8 per cent higher than in 1890, 2.2 per cent lower than in 1891, 6.4
per cent higher than in 1892, 10.1 per cent higher than in 1893, 23.9
per cent higher than in 1894, 27.3 per cent higher than in 1895,
51.7 per cent higher than in 1896, 39.4 per cent higher than in 1897,
23.6 per cent higher than in 1898, 18.8 per cent higher than in
1899, 8.5 per cent higher than in 1900, 1.6 per cent higher than in
1901, and 9 per cent lower than in 1902.
The average for all commodities combined in 1903 was 0.6 per
cent higher than in 1890, 1.7 per cent higher than in 1891, 7.1 per
cent higher than in 1892, 7.6 per cent higher than in 1893, 18.2
per cent higher than in 1894, 21.4 per cent higher than in 1895, 25.7
per cent higher than in 1896, 26.6 per cent higher than in 1897,
21.6 per cent higher than in 1898, 11.7 per cent higher than in 1899,
2.8 per cent higher than in 1900, 4 .7 per cent higher than in 1901,
and 0.6 per cent higher than in 1902.
In the following table the December, 1903, relative price is com
pared with the average for 1890 to 1899.
The average price for 1890
to 1899 is in every case the base or 100 per cent.
Only the 250 com
modities for which quotations were secured for the whole period of
fourteen years have been included. In using this table it must be
borne in mind that the comparison is between the prices for Decem
ber, 1903, and the average prices for the base period.
260
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
RELATIVE PRICES, DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Farm products, 16 articles.
Rela
tive
mice,
Dec.,
1903.
Article.
Article.
Rela
tive
price,
Dec.,
1903.
PRICE INCREASED—concluded.
PRICE INCREASED.
101.7
103.1
104.3
104.5
106.9
110.1
,110.6
Hogs: lig h t................................................
Hogs: heavy...............................................
Cattle: steers, good to ch o ice..................
Cattle: steers, choice to e x tr a .................
Hay: timothy, No. 1 .................................
Com: No. 2, cash ......................................
Wheat: contract grades, cash..................
Hides: green, salted, packers, heavy
native steers.......................................... .
Barley: by sample....................................
Oats: ca sh ..................................................
115.9
123.9
130.7
Cotton: upland, m iddling.........................
Hops: New York State, c h oice .................
164.6
176.0
PRICE DECREASED.
Rye: No. 2, cash..........................................
Flaxseed: No. 1 ..........................................
Sheep: n a tive.............................................
Sheep: W estern..........................................
97.7
84.7
81.4
80.3
Average for farm products..............
112.2
Food, etc., 53 articles.
PRICE INCREASED—concluded.
PRICE INCREASED.
Butter: dairy, New York State.................
Flour: wheat, winter straights...............
Bread: loaf (Washington market)..........
Bread: loaf, homemade (N. Y. market) .
Bread: loaf, Vienna (N. Y. m arket).......
Salt: Ashton’s ............................................
Vegetables, fresh: onions.........................
Bread: crackers, Boston X ......................
Flour: wheat, spring patents...................
Meat: beef, salt, extra m ess....................
Molasses: New Orleans, open kettle,
prim e.......................................................
Salt: A m erican..........................................
Lard: prime contract................................
Meat: bacon, short clear sides.................
Meat: bacon, short rib sides....................
Butter: creamery, extra (N. Y. market).
Fish: mackerel, salt, large No. 3s............
Meal: com , fine w hite..............................
Tallow.........................................................
Butter: creamery, Elgin (Elgin market).
Meat: hams, sm oked ................................
Meat: pork, salt, mess, old to n e w ..........
Fish: salmon, ca n n e d ..............................
Flour: buckw heat.....................................
Meat: beef, salt, hams, Western..............
Meal: corn, fine yellow.............................
Fish: cod, ary, bank, large......................
Cheese: New York State, full cream.......
Vegetables, fresh: potatoes, Burbank—
100.3
100.4
100.5
101.0
101.0
102.1
103.0
104.0
104.5
106.0
106.3
106.5
106.7
108.4
108.7
108.8
109.7
109.7
111.5
112.9
113.3
114.1
117.1
117.1
117.5
118.0
118.6
121.6
126.2
Milk: fresh..................................................
Beans: medium, ch oice.............................
Fish: herring, shore, round......................
Fruit: currants, in barrels........................
Spices: pepper, Singapore.........................
Eggs: new-laid, fancy, near-by...............
127.5
130.2
139.0
140.0
172.0
193.6
PRICE DECREASED.
Flour: rye....................................................
Fruit: raisins, California,London layer..
Meat: beef, fresh, native sides.................
Starch: pure c o m .......................................
Sugar: 96° centrifugal................................
Sugar: granulated.....................................
Tea: Formosa, fine.....................................
Sugar: 89° fair refining..............................
Bread: crackers, sod a................................
Vinegar: cider, M onarch.........................
Rice: domestic, ch oice..............................
Meat: mutton, dressed..............................
Fruit: apples, sun-dried,Southern,sliced.
Fruit: apples, evaporated, ch oice............
Fruit: prunes, California, in boxes..........
Spices: nutmegs..........................................
Soda: bicarbonate of, A m erican..............
Coffee: Rio No. 7 ........................................
98.7
96.6
96.6
93.6
92.9
92.0
91.6
91.2
Average for food, etc.........................
105.2
88.0
87.0
84.2
72.8
72.4
67.8
67.1
64.6
49.5
Cloths and clothing, 70 articles.
PRICE INCREASED— c o n t i n u e d .
PRICE INCREASED.
Ginghams: Lancaster................................
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 22-inch, Hamilton........................
Underwear: shirts and drawers, white,
ail wool, full-fashioned, 18-gauge.........
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, New York Mills.
Silk: raw, Italian, classical......................
Overcoatings: chinchilla, B-rough, all
w o o l.........................................................
Ginghams: Am oskeag..............................
100.3
100.3
100.4
102.3
102.6
103.1
103.2
Women’s dress goods: alpaca, cotton
warp, 22-inch, Hamilton........................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Wamsutta
Women’ s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 27-inch, Hamilton........................
Wool: Ohio, medium fleece ( i and |
grade), scoured.......................................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Lonsdale..........
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, Wamsutta S.T.
104.6
105.2
105.4
106.3
106.6
106.8
261
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
RELATIVE PRICES, DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR
1890-1899—Continued.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Cloths and clothing, 70 articles—Concluded.
Rela
tive
Article.
p r ic e in c r e a s e d — c o n t in u e d .
Article.
PRICE
Leather: sole, o a k .....................................
Leather: wax calf, 30 to 40 pounds to
the dozen, B grade.................................
Shawls: standard, all wool, 72 x 144 inch,
42-ounce, made of high-grade w ool___
Bags: 2-bushel, Amoskeag........................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Fruit of the
Loom — ................................................
Tickings: Amoskeag A. C. A ....................
Suitings: indigo blue, all wool, 54-inch,
14-ounce, Middlesex standard..............
Carpets: ingrain, 2-ply, L ow ell...............
Boots and shoes: women’s solid grain
shoes, leather, polish or polka..............
Blankets: 11-4, 5 pounds to the pair, all
w o o l.........................................................
Broadcloths: first quality, black, 54inch, made from X X X w ool.................
Carpets: Brussels, 5-frame, B igelow .......
Leather: harness, o a k ..............................
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Stark A. A (a )___
Carpets: Wilton, 5-frame, Bigelow..........
Women’s dress goods: Franklin sack
ings, 6-4....................................................
Shirtings: bleached, 4-4, Hope.................
Suitings: indigo blue, all wool, 16-ounce.
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, cotton
warp, 9-twill, 4-4, Atlantic Mills F .......
Worsted yams: 2-40s, Australian fine___
Boots and shoes: men’s split boots, kip
top, 16-inch, 4 double sole (b) ...............
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Pepperell R .........
Drillings: brown, Pepperell....................
Blankets: 11-4, 5 pounds to the pair, cot
ton warp, all wool filling......................
Denims: Amoskeag...................................
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, A tlantic.........
Cotton yams: carded, white, mule-spun,
Northern, cones, 22/1..............................
Women’s dress goods: cashmere, all
wool, 10-11 twill, 38-inch, A tlantic,
Mills J .....................................................
Overcoatings: beaver, Moscow, all wool,
b la c k .......................................................
Flannels: white, 4-4, Ballard Vale No. 3..
Horse blankets: 6 pounds each, all wool.
Blankets: 11-4, 5 pounds to the pair, cot
ton warp, cotton and wool filling.........
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.2
108.2
108.4
108.8
109.1
110.0
110.1
110.3
110.3
110.4
110.4
110.7
110.7
111.3
112.6
112.8
112.9
113.4
113.6
114.2
114.9
115.1
116.8
117.2
117.3
117.6
117.8
Rela
tive
price,
Dec.,
1903.
in c r e a s e d — c o n c lu d e d .
Leather: sole, hemlock, nonacid, Buenos
Ayres, middle weights, 1st quality.......
Worsted yams: 2-40s, X X X or its equiva
lent in quality, white, in skeins («) . . .
Cotton flannels: 34 yards to the pound..
Sheeting: brown, 4-4, Indian H ea d .........
Drillings: 30-inch, Stark A ......................
Print moths: 28-inch, 64x64......................
Cotton thread: 6-cord, 200-yard spools,
J. <fc P. Coats............................................
Cotton flannels: 2f yards to the pound..
Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Atlantic A ............
Wool: Onio,finefleece(XandXXgrade),
scoured....................................................
Sheetings: bleached, 10-4, Pepperell.......
Cotton yams: carded, white, mule-spun,
Northern, cones, 10/1..............................
118.6
119.2
119.7
119.8
120.0
120.0
120.1
120.4
121.7
125.1
127.4
127.5
PRICE DECREASED.
Calico: Cocheco p rin ts.............................
Boots and shoes: men’s calf bal. shoes,
Goodyear welt, dongola t o p .................
Linen thread: 3-cord, 200-yard spools,
Barbour....................................................
Linen shoe thread: 10s, Barbour..............
Underwear: shirts and drawers; white,
merino, full-fashioned, 52 per cent
wool, 48 per cent cotton, 24-gauge (<*)..
Overcoatings: covert cloth, light weight,
staple goods.............................................
Boots and shoes: men’s brogans, split. . .
Silk; raw, Japan, filatures........................
Hosiery: men’s cotton half hose, seam
less, standard quality, 84 needles.........
Overcoatings: chinchilla, cotton warp,
C. C. grade................................................
Boots and shoes: men’s vici kid shoes,
Goodyear w e lt ........................................
Hosiery: women’s cotton hose, seamless,
fast black, 26 to 28 ounce, 160 to 176
need les....................................................
Hosiery: men’s cotton half hose, seam
less, fast black, 20 to 22 ounce, 160
needles....................................................
Average for cloths and cloth in g...
117.9
99.5
98.9
98.2
96.7
95.4
93.5
92.9
92.4
87.0
86.8
82.1
108.5
Fuel and lighting, IS articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
Candles: adamantine, 6s, 14-ounce........
Coal: anthracite, broken.........................
Coal: anthracite, stove............................
Coal: bituminous, Georges Creek (f. o. b.
New York H arbor)................................
Coal: anthracite, chestnut......................
Coal: anthracite, eg g ................................
Coal: bituminous, Pittsburg (Youghioghen y).....................................................
Petroleum: refined, for e x p o r t...............
Petroleum: refined, 150° fire test, w. w ..
a In
h In
c In
d in
p r ic e in c r e a s e d — c o n c lu d e d .
115.1
127.0
130.4
133.1
137.7
137.7
140.0
146.4
168.5
Coal: bituminous, Georges Creek (at
m in e ).......................................................
Petroleum: cru d e......................................
PRICE DECREASED.
Coke: Connellsville, furnace....................
Matches: parlor, dom estic.......................
92.7
85.4
Average for fuel and lighting..........
139.8
1902 and 1903 quotations are for Massachusetts Mills, Flying Horse brand.
1903, russet bound top, 17-inch, 4 double sole.
1902 and 1903 designated as X X X X .
1903, 60 per cent wool, 40 per cent cotton.
196.9
207.0
262
.BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
RELATIVE PRICES, DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR
1890-1899—Continued.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Metals and implements, 36 articles.
Rela
tive
>rice,
Dec.,
1903.
Article.
PRICE SAME AS BASE.
Rela
tive
price,
Dec.,
1903.
Article.
PRICE INCREASED— c o n c l u d e d .
Saws: crosscut, Disston.............................
Trowels: M. C. O., brick, 10i-inch..........
100.0
100.0
PRICE INCREASED.
Shovels: Ames No. 2 ..................................
Barb wire: galvanized..............................
Bar iron: best refined, from store (Phila
delphia m arket).....................................
Pig iron: Bessemer.....................................
Lead p ip e....................................................
Axes: M. C. O., Y ankee............................
Steel billets................................................
Pig iron: foundry No. 1.............................
Pig iron: foundry No. 2.............................
Steel rails....................................................
Copper: sheet, hot-rolled (base sizes)___
Nalls: cut, 8-penny, fence and com m on..
Locks: common m ortise...........................
Lead: p i g ....................................................
Quicksilver................................................
Planes: Bailey No. 5 ..................................
Spelter: Western........................................
102.0
102.9
104.3
104.5
105.8
106.5
106.8
107.1
107.3
107.4
108.5
109.4
110.2
111.5
112.6
115.7
Vises: solid box, 50-lb.......................
Files: 8-inch m ill bastard................
Butts: loose joint, cast, 3 x 3 in c h ...
Handlers: Maydole No. 1£...............
Doorknobs: steel, bronze plated.......
Tin: p i g ..............................................
Augers: extra, 4-inch.........................
Chisels: extra, socket firmer, 1-inch.
117.9
123.1
126.6
129.0
132.6
141.1
143.7
147.8
PRICE DECREASED.
Zinc: sheet..................................................
Copper: ingot, lake.....................................
Saws: hand, Disston No. 7.........................
Pig iron: gray forge, Southern, coke.......
Copper wire: bare.............................. %___
Nails: wire, 8-penny, fence and common.
Bar iron: best refined, from mill (Pitts
burg m arket)............................................
Wood screws: 1-inch, No. 10, flat head.. . .
Silver: bar, fine ..........................................
99.6
99.3
98.6
98.1
97.3
92.5
Average for metals and implements.
109.1
89.7
76.2
74.8
Lumber and building materials, 26 articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
PRICE INCREASED—c o n c l u d e d .
Carbonate of lead: American, in oil___
Pine: yellow .............................................
Oxide of z in c .............................................
Oak: white, p la in ...................................
Maple: h a rd .............................................
Shingles: white p in e ..............................
Doors: p in e ...............................................
Brick: common domestic........................
Window glass: American, single, thirds,
6x8 to 10x15 i n c h ................................
Window glass: American, single, firsts,
6x8 to 10x15 i n c h ................................
Pine: white, boards, No. 2 b a m ............
Hemlock....................................................
Spruce.......................................................
T a r ............................................................
Oak: white, quartered.............................
Poplar.......................................................
101.9
113.7
115.8
124.2
124.5
125.1
128.1
130.3
133.6
138.0
140.3
142.1
142.9
149.4
153.7
165.0
Pine: white, boards, uppers
Turpentine: spirits o f .........
Resin: good, strained.........
171.8
177.2
178.8
PRICE DECREASED.
Lime: common...........................................
Cement: R osendale...................................
Shingles: cypress........................................
Linseed oil: raw..........................................
Plate glass: polished, unsilvered, area 5
to 10 square feet.......................................
Putty............................................................
Plate glass: polished, unsilvered, area 3
to 5 square fe e t........................................
Average for lumber and building
materials........................................
97.2
93.8
92.2
81.6
75.1
71.5
66.1
124.5
Drugs and chemicals, 9 articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
PRICE
Quinine: American...................................
Glycerin: refined.......................................
Alum: lu m p ...............................................
Brimstone: crude, seconds........................
Alcohol: gflain, 94 per c e n t......................
Opium: n a t u r a l , i n c a s e s ................................
Sulphuric acid: 66 °...................................
101.6
101.9
104.8
106.3
108.9
127.1
146.1
in c r e a s e d —
concluded.
Muriatic acid: 20°.......................................
p r ic e
153.8
d ecreased.
Alcohol: wood, refined, 95 per ce n t.........
52.4
Average for drugs and chem icals..
111.4
House furnishing goods, 11* articles.
PRICE INCREASED.
PRICE INCREASED— concluded.
Table cutlery: knives and forks, cocobolo
handles....................................................
Earthenware: teacupsand saucers, white
granite......................................................
Wooden ware: tubs, oak-grained............
Furniture: tables, kitchen........................
Glassware: pitchers, 4-gallon, com m on..
Earthenware: plates, white granite.......
Earthenware: plates, cream-colored.......
Furniture: bedroom sets, a sh ..................
Glassware: nappies, 4-inch........................
Furniture: chairs, bedroom, m aple.........
107.3
107.4
107.6
108.1
110.6
111.4
115.4
116.1
125.0
F u r n i t u r e : e h a ir s , k i t c h e n ................................
Wooden ware: pails, oak-grained............
129.1
130.7
130.9
PRICE DECREASED.
Glassware: tumblers, f-pint, common—
Table cutlery: carvers, stag handles.......
95.8
93.8
Average for house furnishing goods.
113.5
263
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
RELATIVE PRICES, DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR
1890-1899—Concluded.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I, page 270 et seq.]
Miscellaneous, 18 articles.
Rela
tive
price,
Dec.,
1903.
Article.
Rela
tive
price,
Dec.,
1903.
Article.
PRICE increased—concluded.
PRICE INCREASED.
Malt: Western made..................................
Cotton-seed oil: summer yellow, prime..
Proof spirits................................................
Tobacco: smoking, granulated, Seal of
North Carolina........................................
Soap: castile, mottled, pure......................
Tobacco: plug, Horseshoe........................
R n h h p r1 Pfl.ni Tslflnd.
100.3
110.1
110.2
Starch: laundry..........................................
Rope: manila...............................................
122.1
123.1
PRICE DECREASED.
112.0
112.1
113.6
114.3
115.0
119.6
__
Jute: ra w ....................................................
Cotton-seed m eal........................................
Paper: wrapping, m anila.........................
Paper: news................................................
96.0
83.6
Average for miscellaneous..............
110.1
The farm products group was 12.2 per cent higher in December,
1903, than the average price for the ten years, 1890 to 1899, four of
the 16 articles being lower in that month than the average price for
1890 to 1899.
The December, 1903, price, compared with the average price for 1890
to 1899, shows hops 75 per cent above; cotton, 64.6 per cent above;
oats, 30.7 per cent above, etc.
W estern sheep were 19.7 per cent
below the average price for 1890 to 1899; native sheep, 18.6 per cent
below, etc.
In December, 1903, the food group was 5.2 per cent higher than the
average price for the ten years, 1890 to 1899. E ggs were 93.6 per
cent above the average price for 1890 to 1899; pepper, 72 per cent
above; potatoes, 26.2 per cent above; spring wheat flour, 4.5 per cent
above, etc. Coffee was 50.5 per cent below; mutton, 15.8 per cent
below, etc.
F or the other groups of articles, the reader is referred to the table.
The facts presented in the foregoing table are summarized in the
follow ing, which shows the changes in prices of articles in each group,
classified by per cent o f change:
CHANGES IN PRICES OF ARTICLES IN EACH GROUP, CLASSIFIED BY PER CENT OF CHANGE,
DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
Price increased.
Groups.
Price decreased.
Num 100
Price
ber of per 50 to 25 to
Less same Less
per
10 to than
to 25 to 50
arti cent 100 50 per 25
as
than 10per
per per base.
50per cent
per cent.
cles.
10 per 25
or
or cent.
cent. 10
cent.
cent.
cent.
cent.
more.
more.
16
53
70
13
36
Farm products.........................
Food, e tc ...................................
Cloths and clothing.................
Fuel and lighting....................
Metals and im plem ents..........
Lumber and building mate
rials ........................................
Drugs and chemicals...............
House furnishing goods..........
M iscellaneous.........................
26
9
14
13
T ota l................................
250
5553—No. 5 1 -0 4 ----- i
2
2
1
2
5
1
1
12
1
5
3
7
6
4
10
33
1
7
5
18
21
9
2
4
4
4
10
1
5
4
1
73
67
37
12
2
2
1
9
10
1
6
3
3
3
1
2
3
2
2
1
1
33
15
5
1
1
2
1
i
!
9
!
1
264
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
I t is seen in the above comparison of the prices of December, 1903,
with the average for 1890 to 1899, that of the 16 articles in the farm
products group, 12 show an increase and 4 a decrease; o f the 53 in
the food, etc., group, 35 show an increase and 18 a decrease; o f the
70 in the cloths and clothing group, 57 show an increase and 13 a
decrease; of the 13 in the fuel and lighting group, 11 show an increase
and 2 a decrease; of the 36 in the metals and implements group, 25
show an increase, 2 show the same price as the average for the base
period, and 9 show a decrease; o f the 26 in the lumber and building
materials group, 19 show an increase and 7 a decrease; of the 9 in the
drugs and chemicals group, 8 show an increase and 1 a decrease; of
the 14 in the house furnishing goods group, 12 show an increase and 2
a decrease; of the 13 in the miscellaneous group, 11 show an increase
and 2 a decrease. O f the 250 commodities, for which prices were
secured for the whole period from 1890 to 1 9 0 3 ,1 9 0 show an. increase,
2 show the same price as the average for the base period, and 58 show
a decrease.
The number of articles according to classified per cents of increase
and decrease is also shown in this table. O f the 190 commodities that
showed an increase in December, 1903, over the average for 1890 to
1899, 67 advanced less than 10 per cent, 73 advanced from 10 to 25 per
cent, 37 advanced from 25 to 50 per cent, 12 advanced from 50 to 100
per cent, and 1 advanced 100 per cent or more. O f the 58 commodi
ties which showed a decrease, 33 decreased less than 10 per cent, 15
decreased from 10 to 25 per cent, 9 decreased from 25 to 50 per cent,
and 1 decreased 50 per cent or more.
The number and per cent of articles which showed each specified
increase or decrease are given in the following table:
NUMBER AND PER CENT OF ARTICLES, BY CLASSIFIED PER CENT OF INCREASE OR
DECREASE, DECEMBER, 1903, COMPARED WITH AVERAGE PRICE FOR 1890-1899.
Number Per cent
of
of
articles. articles.
Number Per cent
of
of
articles. articles.
Price increased:
100 per cent or more.........
60 to 100 per ce n t..............
25 to 50 per c e n t...............
10 to 25 per c e n t...............
Less than 10 per cent.......
1
12
37
73
67
0.4
4.8
14.8
29.2
26.8
T ota l........................
190
76.0
Total........................
58
23.2
Price same as base...................
2
.8
Grand to ta l............
250
100.0
Price decreased:
Less than 10 per c e n t ___
10 to 25 per cent...............
25 to 50 per cent...............
50 per cent or m ore..
33
15
9
1
13.2
6.0
3.6
.4
O f the 250 articles for which prices were secured for the whole
period from 1890 to 1903, it is seen that 190, or 76 per cent, show an
increase in price; 2 articles, or 0.8 per cent, show the same price as
the average for the base period, and 58 articles, or 23.2 per cent, show
a decrease in price in December, 1903, as compared with the average
price fo r the base period.
265
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
O f the 260 commodities considered in this compilation of prices, the
average price o f 111 commodities was higher in December, 1903, than
in December, 1902, the average price o f 49 was the same in December,
1903, as in December, 1902, and the average price of 100 was lower in
December, 1903, than in December, 1902.
The following table shows the relative prices of certain related arti
cles, so grouped as to render easy a comparison of the course of their
prices during the year 1903:
RELATIVE PRICES OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF RELATED ARTICLES IN 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.]
Dairy products.
Cattle and cattle products.
Month.
Beef,
fresh.
Cattle.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M ay. . .
Ju n e...
J u ly ...
A u g...
S ept.. .
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
111.6
106.2
106.9
108.2
104.8
102.6
102.2
103.8
107.7
107.7
104.0
104.4
105.8
116.3
103.8
104.2
106.2
104.7
100.9
98.6
97.3
97.9
98.2
97.3
96.6
101.7
Beef,
mess.
Beef,
hams.
117.5
114.7
114.7
114.7
114.7
111.4
116.1
121.6
123.0
123.0
118.8
117.5
117.2
Tallow.
131.6
127.9
123.2
119.3
116.6
111.5
104.5
102.9
102.9
105.4
104.5
106.0
113.1
Hides.
136.8
137.9
128.7
125.1
120.0
114.9
107.1
104.8
112.2
106.4
103.4
111.5
117.2
139.9
132.7
126.3
120.6
124.4
126.6
124.7
121.3
127.4
121.0
115.8
115.9
124.8
Hogs and hog products.
Month.
Jan. . .
F e b ...
Mar ..
A p r...
M a y ..
June .
J u ly ..
A u g ..
S ep t..
O c t ...
Nov ..
D e c ...
1903...
Bacon.
Hogs.
148.3
157.3
167.9
164.6
147.0
137.5
125.0
126.0
136.0
128.5
106.4
102.4
137.2
149.6
155.3
164.1
163.5
153.5
151.3
140.0
131.0
139.9
133.9
122.0
108.6
142.6
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
S ep t. . .
Oct —
Nov .. .
D e c ....
1903....
124.2
128.7
133.6
134.6
132.0
129.1
134.0
136.9
136.3
126.3
122.4
113.3
129.2
122.2
114.6
114.0
114.3
118.0
129.3
133.8
136.2
131.2
116.8
112.6
110.1
121.1
105.6
106.0
102.4
97.9
98.4
100.2
90.3
85.3
86.7
87.4
84.0
84.7
94.1
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
97.0
97.0
88.2
83.8
81.6
86.0
81.6
81.6
91.9
158.1
153.7
157.5
154.7
141.4
136.9
120.9
122.8
134.4
112.4
110.9
106.7
134.1
Rye and rye
flour.
Flax Linseed Rye.
seed.
oil.
136.8
139.2
135.6
113.8
107.7
123.5
128.3
125.8
127.2
121.1
123.5
113.9
124.7
Lard.
156.9
155.3
158.8
158.5
159.0
157.7
145.1
133.8
129.6
115.5
115.0
114.1
143.1
Glu Meal.
Com. cose,
(a)
123.4
123.4
130.4
135.7
126.9
126.9
137.5
137.5
137.5
137.5
119.9
119.9
129.7
Butter.
137.3
137.3
129.8
122.4
103.9
92.5
88.2
88.2
101.2
111.4
117.6
127.5
112.9
Cheese.
124.3
118.8
128.8
119.6
99.4
98.7
91.4
87.7
94.1
95.2
102.8
107.3
105.7
143.2
145.7
146.4
148.2
118.1
107.7
101.9
101.3
112.0
117.1
118.4
121.6
123.3
Sheep and sheep products.
Mess pork.
Flaxseed, etc.
Com, etc.
Month.
Hams,
smoked.
M ilk.
92.4
94.0
94.9
95.0
94.4
96.4
95.4
97.6
106.1
103.5
101.2
97.7
97.5
Rye
flour.
99.5
97.2
92.7
91.2
89.7
89.7
91.9
91.9
95.7
100.2
100.2
98.7
94.9
Sheep.
104.6
114.6
130.3
125.4
123.3
106.8
84.1
86.5
77.6
75.3
71.1
80.9
98.4
Wheat and
wheat flour.
Mutton.
Wool.
91. £
99.5
116.7
121.1
119.4
113.4
99.5
88.7
86.9
82.1
79.6
84.2
98.7
108.5
110.2
108.5
106.7
103.1
104.9
112.3
112.3
113.1
113.1
114.8
115.7
110.3
Flour, etc.
Wheat Crack Loaf
Wheat. Wheat
flour. flour.
ers. bread.
98.7
100.4
97.0
101.0
104.0
104.2
105.7
110.7
113.0
109.0
106.2
110.6
105.1
a Average for 1893-1899=100.
90.0
91.6
91.3
90.6
93.0
97.4
98.9
102.1
102.5
102.6
101.9
102.5
97.1
90.0
91.6
91.3
90.6
93.0
97.4
98.9
102.1
102.5
102.6
101.9
102.5
97.1
108.2
108.2
108.2
101.3
101.3
101.3
101.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
101.3
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
266
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
RELATIVE PRICES OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF RELATED ARTICLES IN 1903—Concluded.
[Average price for 1890-1899 = 100.1
Cotton and cotton goods.
Cotton:
Month. upland,
mid
dling.
Ja n ___
F e b ....
Mar___
A pr___
M ay . . .
J u n e...
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
S ep t. . .
Oct —
Nov . . .
D ec—
1903....
115.0
123.5
130.5
135.4
147.2
160.3
160.4
164.3
158.1
126.4
142.5
164.6
144.7
Bags:
Calico: Cotton Cotton
2-bushel, Cocheco
Amosprints. flannels. thread.
keag.
100.1
100.1
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
107.2
107.2
.107.2
107.2
104.2
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
99.5
91.1
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
102.9
102.9
106.9
109.6
112.6
114.3
117.2
120.1
106.8
Cotton Denims.
yams.
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1 .
Cotton and cotton goods.
Month.
Jan —
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M ay. . .
J u n e...
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
O c t___
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
Print
cloths.
108.1
114.5
114.5
110.7
108.8
114.0
113.4
113.6
117.8
112.8
114.0
120.0
113.3
Sheet
ings.
Shirt
ings.
103.9
105.1
105.8
105.8
107.4
111.3
113.1
113.9
114.7
115.2
114.9
116.4
110.6
Tick
ings.
Wool.
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
103.7
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
104.1
Blank
ets (all
wool).
108.5
110.2
108.5
106.7
103.1
104.9
112.3
112.3
.113.1
113.1
114.8
115.7
110.3
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
107.7
107.7
107.7
107.7
107.7
109.0
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O ct. . . .
Nov . . .
Dec___
1903....
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
104.0
103.9
102.4
103.2
104.7
110.7
111.7
115.2
116.6
114.3
114.2
116.8
109.9
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
Under
wear
(all
wool).
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
Wom
en’s
dress
goods
(all
wool).
113.3
113.3
113.3
113.3
113.3
113.3
116.3
116.3
116.3
116.3
114.0
114.0
114.4
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
Broad Carpets.
cloths.
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
Flan
nels.
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
108.6
108.8
108.8
111.9
111.9
111.9
111.9
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
114.3
Hides, leather, and boots
and shoes.
Wool and woolen goods.
Suit
ings.
100.6
100.6
103.0
105.4
105.4
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
114.9
114.9
108.0
Ging Hosiery.
hams.
85.8
85.8
85.8
87.3
87.3
87.3
88.1
88.1
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.1
Wool and woolen goods.
98.8
99.9
99.7
100.9
101.9
101.1
104.4
104.6
107.2
106.2
107.2
106.7
103.2
Month. Over
coat
ings Shawls.
(all
wool).
99.5
100.8
105.7
104.9
110.7
117.2
122.6
125.0
118.7
112.9
114.4
122.2
112.9
Drill
ings.
Worst
ed
Hides. Leath
er.
yams.
120.0
120.0
120.0
120.0
118.8
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
116.1
116.1
116.1
118.0
139.9
132.7
126.3
120.6
124.4
126.6
124.7
121.3
127.4
121.0
115.8
115.9
124.8
112.4
109.5
113.6
113.5
111.4
111.4
111.0
114.1
113.7
111.5
111.1
110.8
112.0
Boots
and
shoes.
Horse
blank
ets.
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
Petroleum.
Crude.
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.2 .
167.5
164.8
164.8
165.9
166.4
164.8
167.5
171.4
172.8
185.1
196.4
207.0
174.5
Re
fined.
137.0
136.2
136.2
140.2
140.2
141.7
141.7
141.7
141.7
143.7
155.9
157.5
142.8
A study o f this table shows that of the 6 articles grouped under
cattle and cattle products (cattle, fresh beef, beef hams, mess beef,
tallow, and hides), all but tallow were lower in February than in Janu
ary; March compared with February shows mess beef, tallow, and
hides lower, hams the same price, and cattle and fresh beef higher;
A p ril compared with March shows mess beef, tallow, and hides lower,
hams the same price, and cattle and fresh beef higher; M ay compared
with A p ril shows cattle, fresh beef, mess beef, and tallow lower, hams
267
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
the same price, and hides higher; June compared with M ay shows all
the articles lower, except hides, which were higher; July compared
with June shows all the articles lower, except hams, which were
higher; A u gust compared with July shows fresh beef, mess beef,
tallow, and hides lower and cattle and hams higher; September com
pared with August shows all the articles higher, except mess beef,
which was the same price; October compared with September shows
tallow and hides lower, cattle and hams the same price, and fresh beef
and mess beef higher; November compared with October shows ail
the articles lower; December compared with November shows fresh
beef and hams lower and cattle, mess beef, tallow, and hides higher.
The lowest monthly relative price during 1903 for cattle was 102.2
in July, the highest 111.6 in January; the lowest for fresh beef was
96.6
in December, the highest 116.3 in January; the lowest for beef
hams was 111.4 in June, the highest 123 in September and October;
the lowest for mess beef was 102.9 in August and September, the
highest 131.6 in January; the lowest for tallow was 103.4 in Novem
ber, the highest 137.9 in February; the lowest for hides was 115.8 in
November, the highest 139.9 in January. The facts for the other
groups may be seen by reference to the table.
In the following table a similar comparison of the course of prices
for the 14-year period, 1890 to 1903, is shown by years:
RELATIVE PRICES OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF RELATED ARTICLES, 1890 TO 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.]
Cattle and cattle products.
Year.
Cattle.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Beef,
fresh.
89.2
106.2
98.8
105.4
97.0
102.7
90.5
99.7
101.3
108.3
104.3
102.1
125.9
101.7
89.5
109.2
95.4
103.0
96.3
103.7
88.3
99.5
102.2
113.2
111.3
116.6
139.5
105.8
Beef,
hams.
80.4
85.8
80.5
98.6
101.5
95.9
88.1
125.1
118.8
125.6
114.2
112.6
118.0
117.2
Beef,
mess.
Dairy products.
Tallow.
86.8
104.4
84.8
102.2
101.0
101.4
93.7
95.7
114.2
115.9
121.7
116.3
147.1
113.1
Hides.
99.6
101.5
92.8
79.9
68.4
109.7
86.6
106.3
122.8
131.8
127.4
132.0
142.8
124.8
105.7
111.0
106.4
125.1
110.3
99.8
78.9
76.3
81.8
104.1
111.5
119.1
144.6
117.2
Hogs and hog products.
Year.
Hogs.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Bacon.
89.2
99.2
115.7
148.6
112.2
96.6
78.3
82.8
85.6
91.8
115.5
134.5
155.2
137.2
89.3
103.7
116.6
154.7
111.8
96.3
73.1
79.9
89.4
85.8
111.5
132.3
159.3
142.6
Milk.
103.1
104.7
105.1
109.4
103.1
99.2
91.8
92.2
93.7
99.2
107.5
102.7
112.9
112.9
Butter.
100.4
116.1
116.4
121.3
102.2
94.5
82.3
84.1
86.8
95.8
101.7
97.7
112.1
105.7
Cheese.
97.1
102.4
107.2
109.0
107.4
94.1
92.0
98.1
83.3
108.9
114.3
102.4
114.1
123.3
Sheep and sheep products.
Hams,
smoked.
Mess pork.
101.1
x 99.8
109.3
126.9
103.6
96.2
95.8
90.9
82.0
93.8
104.2
109.2
123.1
129.2
104.4
97.2
99.1
157.6
121.4
101.7
76.8
76.6
84.8
80.3
107.5
134.2
154.2
143.1
Lard.
96.8
100.9
117.9
157.5
118.2
99.8
71.7
67.4
84.4
85.0
105.5
135.3
161.9
134.1
Sheep.
119.3
117.8
125.2
103.8
73.6
78.4
78.7
94.2
104.9
104.3
112.0
92.0
103.2
98.4
Mutton.
123.7
114.9
121.2
106.5
80.2
82.2
82.9
96.6
98.0
94.3
96.4
89.5
97.9
98.7
»
Wool.
132.1
125.8
113.2
101.6
79.1
70.1
70.6
88.7
108.3
110.8
117.7
96.6
100.8
110.3
268
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
RELATIVE PRICES OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF RELATED ARTICLES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.]
Com, etc.
Flaxseed, etc.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Corn.
Glu
cose, (o) Meal.
103.8
151.0
118.3
104.2
113.7
104.0
67.8
66.9
82.6
87.6
100.2
130.6
156.9
121.1
100.8
142.0
114.0
105.8
105.6
103.3
77.4
76.5
83.7
91.2
97.0
115.5
148.2
124.7
124.3
111.4
109.2
§1.7
86.0
91.8
95.6
104.9
116.0
153.6
129.7
Rye and rye
flour.
Flax Linseed Rye.
seed.
oil.
125.5
97.1
91.4
97.7
121.6
111.8
72.9
78.1
99.8
104.0
145.7
145.8
135.0
94.1
135.8
106.8
90.0
102.2
115.6
115.6
81.2
72.2
86.5
94.1
138.7
140.0
130.8
91.9
103.0
157.6
127.7
92.6
88.1
91.2
66.5
74.9
93.8
104.4
97.9
100.8
102.5
97.5
Rye
flour.
101.4
148.3
121.1
93.0
83.8
94.5
80.9
84.6
92.9
99.4
103.3
100.1
103.8
94.9
Wheat and
wheat flour.
Flour, etc.
Wheat Crack Loaf
Wheat. Wheat
flour. flour.
ers. bread.
118.9
128.1
104.9
90.1
74.4
79.9
85.4
105.8
117.8
94.7
93.7
95.7
98.7
105.1
120.9
125.6
104.2
89.377.6
84.4
91.2
110.1
109.0
87.9
88.3
87.4
89.7
97.1
120.9
125.6
104.2
89.3
77.6
84.4
91.2
110.1
109.0
87.9
88.3
87.4
89.7
97.1
107.7
107.7
104.3
100.6
98.8
95.6
94.1
85.3
107.3
99.1
102.7
108.2
108.2
101.3
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
98.7
94.4
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
Cotton and cotton goods.
1890...
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Cotton:
upland,
m id
dling.
142.9
110.8
99.0
107.2
90.2
94.0
102.0
92.2
76.9
84.7
123.8
111.1
115.1
144.7
ji
Year.
Amoskeag.
113.9
111.7
110.8
106.8
91.1
82.2
91.6
92.9
95.6
103.4
112.6
101.0
102.4
104.2
Calico: Cotton Cotton
Cocheco flannels.
thread.
prints.
117.5
104.0
117.5
113.0
99.5
94.9
94.9
90.4
81.4
87.3
94.9
90.4
90.4
91.1
121.8
121.8
115.9
101.4
95.7
91.7
93.9
88.6
81.0
88.0
101.6
95.4
96.1
106.8
101.6
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
99.6
98.4
98.4
98.4
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
Cotton and cotton goods.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Print
cloths.
117.7
103.5
119.3
114.6
96.8
100.9
90.9
87.6
72.6
96.3
108.6
99.3
108.9
113.3
Sheet
ings.
117.6
112.3
103.8
107.7
95.9
94.6
97.4
91.8
86.7
92.2
105.9
101.8
101.4
110.6
112.9
110.2
107.4
110.2
99.9
97.6
97.9
92.0
83.8
87.8
100.4
98.9
98.8
103.2
111.7
112.8
117.0
110.5
93.0
92.1
93.0
90.6
90.8
88.5
115.5
98.3
94.0
112.9
112.5
109.6
109.6
112.5
105.4
94.6
94.6
89.2
85.9
85.8
302.8
100.2
100.6
108.0
Drill
ings.
Ging
hams.
121.1
119.1
114.6
122.1
102.2
122.1
105.6
114.9
97.1
89.5
93.2 * 87.0
100.2
88.0
90.4
84.2
86.8
83.1
88.5
89.7
105.0
96.3
102.2
92.3
102.0
99.2
101.8
109.9
Ho
siery.
129.7
122.8
117.4
109.4
100.8
94.4
90.5
86.7
83.4
82.5
87.3
85.9
85.2
90.1
Wool and woolen goods.
Tick
ings.
Shirt
ings.
Cotton
yams. Denims.
113.1
110.7
108.4
111.3
102.2
94.8
96.0
91.9
84.3
87.0
102.2
95.5
99.0
104.1
Wool.
132.1
125.8
113.2
101.6
79.1
70.1
70.6
88.7
108.3
110.8
117.7
96.6
100.8
110.3
Blan
Carpets.
kets (all Broad
wool). cloths.
108.3
106.0
107.1
107.1
101.2
89.3
89.3
89.3
107.1
95.2
107.1
101.2
101.2
110.1
o Average for 1893-1899=100.
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
91.2
79.7
79.7
98.2
98.2
98.2
108.0
110.3
110.3
110.3
105.3
112.8
104.5
104.5
98.7
91.0
90.2
93.5
100.2
99.4
102.7
101.9
102.5
108.6
Flan
nels.
116.8
116.8
115.9
109.5
94.1
81.7
85.4
82.6
97.8
99.5
108.7
100.8
105.8
114.3
Horse
blan
kets.
109.1
104.7
109.1
104.7
96.0
92.5
90.8
99.5
99.5
94.2
118.7
109.9
109.9
117.8
269
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
RELATIVE PRICES OF CERTAIN GROUPS OF RELATED ARTICLES, 1890 TO 1903—Concluded.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.]
Hides, leather, and boots
and shoes.
Wool and woolen goods.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Over
coat
ings (all Shawls.
wool).
Suit
ings.
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
89.1
89.5
90.2
89.1
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
113.1
113.1
113.4
112.7
98.3
89.2
87.8
88.7
103.4
106.1
115.8
104.9
105.8
109.0
111.9
111.9
111.9
108.6
97.5
90.8
86.7
87.8
97.1
100.6
116.1
105.3
105.3
110.2
Wom
Under
en’s
wear
dress
(all
goods
wool).
(all
wool).
106.2
110.0
110.0
110.0
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
117.6
123.0
124.1
114.7
90.6
82.7
74.1
82.2
88.5
102.7
118.7
107.9
109.8
114.4
Petroleum.
Worst
Boots and Crude. Re
ed
Hides. Leath
er.
shoes.
fined.
yarns.
122.3
123.4
117.2
109.5
91.3
74.0
72.9
82.5
100.5
106.7
118.4
102.2
111.7
118.0
99.6
101.5
92.8
79.9
68.4
109.7
86.6
106.3
122.8
131.8
127.4
132.0
142.8
121.8
100.6
100.9
97.0
96.9
91.5
108.0
95.2
96.1
104.4
109.3
113.2
110.8
112.7
112.0
104.8
103.5
102.7
100.9
99.4
98.7
99.6
97.2
96.3
96.8
99.4
99.2
98.9
100.2
95.4
73.6
61.1
70.3
92.2
149.2
129.5
86.5
100.2
142.1
148.5
132.9
135.9
174.5
112.4
102.2
91.5
81.0
80.5
106.6
112.5
96.6
99.5
118.0
132.6
119.3
118.8
142.8
This table shows for all of the 6 articles grouped under cattle and
cattle products (cattle, fresh beef, beef hams, mess beef, tallow, and
hides) an advance in price in 1891, but not in the same degree; in
1892, a decline in all of the articles in this group; in 1893, an increase,
except for hides, for which there was a further decline; in 1894, a
decline, except for beef hams, which increased; in 1895, an increase,
except for beef hams and tallow; in 1896, a decline in all o f the articles;
in 1897, an increase, except for tallow; in 1898, an increase for all of
the articles, except beef hams; in 1899, an increase for all; in 1900, a
decline, except for mess beef and tallow; in 1901, an increase for cattle,
tallow, and hides, and a decline for fresh beef, beef hams, and mess
beef; in 1902, an increase for all, and in 1903 a decrease for all.
For the
cattle was
beef 89.2
hams 80.4
14 years from 1890 to 1903 the lowest relative price for
88.3 in 1896, the highest 139.5 in 1902; the lowest for fresh
in 1890, the highest 125.9 in 1902; the lowest for beef
in 1890, the highest 125.6 in 1899; the lowest for mess beef
84.8 in 1892, the highest 147.1 in 1902; the lowest for tallow 76.3 in
1897, the highest 144.6 in 1902; the lowest for hides 68.4 in 1894, the
highest 142.8 in 1902.
The facts for the other groups may be seen
by reference to the table.
General Tables I , I I , I I I , I V , and V follow.
270
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903.
FA R M PRODUCTS.
B A R L E Y : C h o ic e t o f a n c y m a l t i n g , b y s a m p l e .
[Price per bushel in Chicago, weekly range; quotations furnished by the secretary of the Chicago
Board of Trade.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Month.
Price.
80.54r-80.56
.54- .58
.56- .58
.56- .58
.54- .56
.53- .56
.53- .56
.52- .56
.52- .55
.53.51.51.50-
.55
.53
.55
.55
A p r ....
M a y ...
Ju ne...
Price.
80.50-80.55
.50- .55
.50- .55
.51- .54
.52.53.54.54.53.53-
.55
.56
.56
.56
.55
.54
.54
.54
.52- .53
Month.
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
Month.
Price.
80.51-80.53
.51- .62
.51- .52
.51- .52
.61- .53
.51- .53
.51- .55
.54- .55
.53- .57
.55.56.58.57-
.63
.60
.62
.61
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
Price.
80.55-80.61
.53- .60
.52- .62
.55- .62
.55- .62
.54- .61*
.54- .60
.55- .61*
.54r- .61*
.52.54.54.47-
.61*
.61
.60
.60
80.5494
C A T T L E : S te e rs, c h o ic e to e x tr a .
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily Trade
Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
85.65-86.40
5.80- 6.50
5.50- 6.25
5.60- 6.25
5.50- 6.10
5.50- 6.10
6.25- 5.75
5.25- 6.00
5.15- 5.90
5.35- 5.80
5.35-5.90
5.35- 5.90
5.35- 5.90
A pr___
May . . .
Ju ne...
85.25-85.75
5.40- 5.85
5.40- 5.85
5.30-5.75
5.30- 6.75
5.30- 5.65
5.30- 5.55
4.90- 5.50
5.15- 5.60
5.15- 5.60
5.15- 5.60
5.05- 5.60
5.10- 5.60
July . . .
Aug . . .
S ep t. . .
85.00-85.45
5.10-5.60
5.10- 5.60
5.10- 5.60
5.10- 5.70
5.15- 5.60
5.20- 5.65
5.25- 5.90
5.25-5.90
5.40- 6.00
5.50- 6.10
5.40- 5.90
5.40- 5.90
Oct . . . .
N ov ___
D e c ___
Average
85.50-86.00
6.50- 6.00
5.50-6.10
5.50- 5.85
5.40- 5.75
5.30- 5.65
5.30-5.65
5.25-5.60
5.25- 5.60
6.35-5.80
5.80- 5.75
5.30- 5.75
5.50-6.00
85.5678
C A T T L E : S te e rs, g o o d to c h o ic e .
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily Trade
Bulletin.]
Jan
Feb.
M a r ___
$4.85-86.70
5.00-5.75
4 .6 5 - 6.45
4.85- 5.55
4 .6 5 4 .6 5 4 .6 5 4 .6 5 4.55- 5.25
4 .8 0 4 .8 0 4.80- 5.60
4.80- 6.60
A p r ....
M a y ...
5.85
5.35
5.85
5.35
June...
5.55
5.60
85.00-65.60
5.10- 6.65
5 .1 0 5 .0 0 6 .0 0 5 .0 0 5 .0 0 4.75- 5.15
4.85- 5.10
4 .8 5 4 .8 0 4 .7 5 4.80- 5.20
J u ly ...
5.55
5.40
Aug . . .
5.40
5.35
5.25
S e p t...
5.10
6.05
5.00
$4.70-85.05 Oct . . . .
4.75- 5.15
4 .7 5 5.20
4 .7 5 5.20
4.75- 5.20 N ov___
4.75- 5.15
4.80- 5.10
4.85- 5.25
4.85- 5.25 D e c___
5.00- 5.30
5.10-5.40
5 .0 0 5.25
5.00- 5.25
84.85-85.35
4.85- 5.35
4.85- 5.25
4.80- 5.35
4.80- 5.30
4.70- 5.30
4.60- 5.25
4.50- 5.25
4.50- 5.25
4.65- 5.30
4.60- 5.20
4.60- 5.20
4.70- 5.40
Average
85,,0615
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
271
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
FARM
P R O D U C T S — Continued.
C O R N : No* 2 , c a s h .
[Price per bushel in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the secretary of the
Chicago Board of Trade.]
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
SO. 0890
.0885
.0895
.0900
.0900
.0950
.0980
.1005
.1045
.1010
.1000
.1015
.0995
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
90.1045
.1050
.1035
.1075
.1085
.1130
.1185
.1170
.1150
.1240
.1240
.1290
.1300
J u ly ...
90.1160
.1220
.1275
.1325
.1275
.1275
.1275
.1275
.1275
.1225
.1175
.1160
.1300
A u g ...
Sept.. .
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
90.0950
.0960
.0980
.1035
.1050
.1115
.1130
.1130
.1195
.1250
.1245
.1330
.1370
90.1123
F L A X S E E D : No* 1 .
[Price per bushel in Chicago on the first of each month; quotations furnished by the secretary of the
Chicago Board of Trade.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
91.14-81.21
1.16- 1.20
1.12- 1.16
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
91.08-91.10
1.08- 1.11
1.10- 1.13
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
90.99-91.02
.93- .97
.94- .99
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
90.941-91.00
.9 1 - .96
.91 - .974
Average
91.0471
H A Y : T im o t h y , N o. 1.
[Price per ton in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily Inter Ocean.]
Jan —
Feb.......
M a r ___
912.00-913.00
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 12.50
12.00- 32.50
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 13.00
12.00- 13.00
12.50- 13.50
13.00-13.50
13.00- 13.50
A p r .,..
M a y ...
Ju ne...
913.50-914.50
13.50- 14.50
13.50- 14.50
13.50- 14.50
14.00- 15.00
13.50- 14.00
13.50- 14.00
13.50- 14.00
13.50- 14.00
14.50- 15.00
14.50- 15.00
13.00- 13.60
13.00-13.50
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
913.00-913.50
13.00- 13.50
13.00-13.50
13.00- 13.50
13.00- 13.50
13.00- 13.50
11.00- 13.50
11.00- 13.50
11.50- 12.00
10.00- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
10.00- 11.60
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c __
Average
911.00-911.50
11.00- 11.50
11.00-11.50
10.50- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
10.50- 11.50
11.50- 12,00
11.50-12.00
10.50- 11.50
10.50- 11.00
10.00- 11.00
912.4279
272
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F A R M P R O D U C T S — Continued.
H I D E S : G re e n , s a lte d , p a c k e r s , h e a v y n a tiv e s te e rs .
[Average monthly price per pound in Chicago; quotations from the Shoe and Leather Reporter.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.'
$0.1311
.1243
.1183
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Price.
30.1130
.1166
.1186
Month.
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
Price.
30.1168
.1137
.1194
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
30.1134
.1085
.1086
Average
30.1169
H O G S: H e a v y .
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily
Inter Ocean.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
36.35-36.70 Apr___
6.55- 6.90
6.50- 6.871
6.70- 6.95
6.70- 6.971 M ay. . .
6.85- 7.121
7.10- 7.50
7.00- 7.35
7.15- 7.55 Ju ne...
7.45- 7.70
7.80- 7.55
7.65- 7.871
7.35- 7.60
37.30-37.60 J u ly ...
7.30- 7.621
,7.30- 7.521
6.95-7.20
6.90-7.15 Aug ..I
6.50- 6.75
6.45- 6.80
6.95- 6.40
6.20- 6.521 S e p t...
6.85- 6.121
6.05- 6.35
5.95- 6.20
5.75- 5.921
35.40-35.75
4.95- 5.50
5.30- 5.75
5.15- 5.55
5.00-5.55
5.35-5.80
6.00- 5.60
5.10- 5.85
5.20- 5.85
6.60- 6.10
5.60- 6.25
5.75- 6.35
5.65- 6.30
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
35.45-36.20
5.20- 6.00
5.05- 5.60
5.05- 5.75
4.65- 5.25
4.35- 5.00
4.50- 4.90
4.10- 4.35
4.35- 4.65
4.35- 4.60
4.40- 4.70
4.40- 4.671
4.50-4.85
36.0572
H O G S: L ig h t,
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily
Inter Ocean.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ....
35.90-36.55
6.25- 6.80
6.10- 6.70
6.15- 6.80
6.25- 6.80
6.55- 7.00
6.75- 7.40
6.60-7.20
6.80- 7.35
7.15- 7.65
7.05- 7.40
7.45- 7.70
7.10- 7.45
Apr----
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
37.10-37.50 J u ly ...
7.05- 7.45
7.05-7.45
6.80- 7.10
6.50- 6.921 Aug . . .
6.35- 6.65
6.15- 6.60
5.65- 6.15
6.00- 6.35 S e p t...
5.75- 6.05
6.10- 6.25
6.05- 6.20
5.80- 5.95
35.70-35.95 Oct . . . .
5.30- 5.65
5.50- 5.75
5.40- 6.70
5.45- 5.75 N ov ---5.70- 5.871
5.60-5.90
5.50- 6.10 #
6.65- 6.15 D e c ___
5.90- 6.20
6.10- 6.30
6.25- 6.371
6.20- 6.40
36.10-36.45
5.75- 6.00
5.35- 5.65
5.45- 5.75
5.00- 5.36
4.70- 5.05
4.60- 4.85
4.10- 4.40
4.35-4.65
4.30- 4.55
4.40- 4.70
4.25-4.60
4.40- 4.75
Average
36.0541
H O P S : N ew l o r k S ta te , c h o ic e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
F eb.......
Mar . . . .
30.35-30.37
.35- .37
.33- .35
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
30.28-30.30
.23- .24
.2^- .24
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
30.221-30.231 Oct . . . .
.201- .211 N o v ....
.241- .26 Dec —
30.25-30.261
.30- .32
.30- .32
Average
30.2825
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
273
T a b l e I ___ W HOLESALE PRICES OK COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F A R M P R O D U C T S —Continued.
O A TS: C o n tra c t g r a d e s , cash *
[Price per bushel in Chicago on Tuesday of each week: quotations furnished by the secretary of the
Chicago Board of Trade.]
Month.
Jan........
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Price.
Month.
$0.32£ Apr___
.33*
.34
.334
.334 M a y ...
.35
$0,344- .354
.334
.334 June ..
.334
.34
.314
.33|
Price.
Month.
$0,334 J u ly ...
.34
.344
.334
.334 A u g . . .
QfU.
!36|
.354
.36 Sept. . .
.364
.384
$0,404- .414
.3 9 - .40
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0,414 Oct.......
.394
$0,374- .384
.384- .42
.344- .36 Nov___
.354
.334- .34
.344
35 - .354 D e c ___
.354
.37
.364
.364
$0,354
$0,364- .37
.344
.364
•35|
Average
$0.3541
33f- 1334
.344
.34f
.344
.344- .344
.354- .37
.354- .354
B Y E : N o. 2 , c a s h .
[Price perbushelin Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the secretary o f the
Cnicago Board of Trade.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.48 Apr___
.48
.494
$0,494- .50
.49 - .50 M a y ...
.49 - .504
.484- .50
.4 9 - .514
.494- .504 June ..
.504- .51
.504
.49 - .504
.4 9 - .514
$0.494-$0.51 Ju ly. . .
.494- .61
.50 - .604
.50
.50 Aug . . .
494- .50
.50
.494
49 - .494 S e p t...
.514
.61
.524
.51
$0.504-$0.61 O ct---.50
.50
.51
.514 Nov . . .
.514
.514- .52
.514
.534 Dec___
.544- .57
564- .57
.544
.60
$0.53
.544
.564
.55
.554
.534
.524
.524
$0.61- .524
.504- .51
.514
.52 - .524
.52
Average
$0.5156
S H E E P : N a tiv e .
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily
Inter Ocean.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$2.00-$4.65
3.00- 6.00
3.50- 4.40
3.60-4.40
2.50- 5.25
3.25- 4.50
4.50-5.10
4.25- 5.00
3.25- 5.75
4.50-5.75
3.50-6.25
4.50- 7.00
3.50-7.00
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$3.00-$6.75
4.00- 6.25
2.75- 5.50
3.25- 5.75
4.50-5.60
4.75- 5.25
3.00-5.50
2.75- 5.75
3,00-5.00
3.50-4.50
3.00- 4.75
4.00-4.50
3.50-4.25
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$2.25-$4.00
2.50-4.25
2.00- 4.50
2.50- 4.00
2.25-3.90
3.00- 3.50
3.00-3.50
3.00- 3.75
2.25- 4.00
2.00- 3.50
1.75-3.75
2.25- 4.00
2.00- 3.65
O c t ___
N ov----
D e c ___
Average
$2.00-$3.75
2.00- 3.75
1.75- 3.50
2.00- 3.75
1.25-3.60
2.00-3.50
1.50- 3.60
2.00- 4.00
2.00-3.85
1.50-4.00
2.25-4.00
2.25-4.25
2.25-4.25
$3.7101
274
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
F A R M P R O D U C T S — Concluded.
S H E E P : W e s te r n *
[Price per hundred pounds in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the Daily
Inter Ocean.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M ar-----
Price.
Month.
$3.65-84.50
3.00- 5.00
3.60- 5.25
4.00- 5.00
3.65- 5.25
4.00- 5.25
4.25- 5.35
3.00- 5.60
3.60- 5.75
4.50- 5.50
3.50- 6.25
3.25- 6.50
3.50- 7.00
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Price.
$4.85-86.90
3.50- 6.00
4.00-5.50
4.10- 5.25
4.50- 5.45
6.25- 5.75
3.00- 5.50
4.10- 5.40
3.50- 5.25
2.75- 5.40
2.75- 5.50
3.35- 5.50
4.10- 4.25
Month.
J u ly . . .
A u g ...
Sept. . .
Price.
$2.50-33.50
2.75- 4.10
2.75- 4.00
2.25- 4.00
3.40- 4.00
2.75- 4.00
3.00- 3.75
3.00- 3.55
3.00- 3.35
2.15- 3.50
2.15- 3.65
3.25- 4.00
2.00- 3.65
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
$2.25-$3.75
2.75- 3.65
2.25- 3.65
2.25- 3.40
1.40- 3.65
2.00- 3.50
1.50- 3.85
2.50- 4.00
2.00- 3.90
3.00- 3.85
2.25- 4.00
2.35- 3.90
2.25- 4.25
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
$3.8769
W H E A T : C o n tra c t g r a d e s , cash *
[Price per bushel in Chicago on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the secretary of the
Chicago Board of Trade.]
PO O D , ETC.
B E A N S : M e d iu m * c h o i c e .
[Price per bushel in New York on the first ot each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Month.
Price.
$2.37*-$2.40
2.35
2.30
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
Price.
$2.22£-$2.25
2.20
2.30
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
$2.27i-$2.30
2.25
2.17$- 2.20
Month.
Price.
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
$2.25-82.30
2.20
2.17*
Average
$2.2625
B R E A D : C rack ers* B o s to n X * in b o x e s .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.08
.08
.08
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$0 08
.08
.08
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
$0.08
.07
-.07
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.07
.07
.07
Average
$0.0758
275
COURSE OE WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Continued.
B R E A D : C r a c k e r s , s o d a , N. B . C . I n b o x e s .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Month.
Month.
Price.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.07
.07
.07
Apr—
M a y ...
Ju ne...
Month.
Price.
$0.06
.06
.06
Price.
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
Month.
Price.
$0.06 Oct.......
.061 N ov ___
.061 Dec —
$0,061
.061
.061
Average
$0.0646
B R E A D : L o a f, 1 p o u n d a f te r b a k in g .
[Price per loaf in Washington, D. C., on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar.......
$0.04
.04
.04
A pr___
M ay .. .
Ju ne...
$0.04
.04
.04
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.04
.04
.04
Oct.......
N ov ___
Dec —
$0.04
.04
.04
Average
$0.04
B R E A D : L o a f, h o m e m a d e , 1 p o u n d a n d 3 o u n ce s b e fo re b a k in g .
[Price per loaf in New York on the first of each month. Standard weight and standard prices
charged by the Bakers’ Association, which includes leading bread manufacturers in New York,
Brooklyn, and one or two in New Jersey who deliver their bread in Manhattan. Quotations fur
nished by Emil Braun.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.04
.04
.04
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.04
.04
.04
J u ly ...
A ug..:
S e p t...
B R E A D : L o a f, V ie n n a , 1 p o u n d a n d
$0.04
.04
.04
ft
Oct.......
Nov —
D e c ___
$0.04
.04
.04
Average
$0.04
o u n ce s b e fo re b a k in g .
[Price per loaf in New York on the first of each month. Standard weight and standard prices
charged by the Bakers’ Association, which includes leading bread manufacturers in New York,
Brooklyn, and one or two in New Jersey who deliver their bread in Manhattan. Quotations fur
nished by Emil Braun.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.04
.04
.04
Apr—
M a y ...
June ..
$0.04
.04
.04
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
$0.04
.04
.04
Oct.......
N o v ___
Dec.......
$0.04
.04
.04
Average
10.04
B U T T E R : C re a m e ry , E lg in .
[Price per pound in Elgin, 111., on Monday of each week; quotations furnished by D. W. Willson,
editor of the Elgin Dairy Report.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.29
.28
.27
.25
.25
.25
.26
.27
A p r ....
M ay. . .
$0,281 J u ly ...
.271
.25
.221
.20 A u g . . .
.21
.21
.21
.271 Ju ne...
.271
.281
.281
.281
.211 S e p t...
.22
.21
.21
.20
$0.20 Oct.......
.20
.20
.181
.181 N ov....»
.19
.19
.191
.191
.191 D e c ___
.20
.211
.211
$0,201
.201
.21
.211
.22
.22
.22
.24
.25
.26
.25
.24
.24
Average
$0.2302
276
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Continued.
B U T T E R : C re a m e ry , e x tr a .
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Month.
Price.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Month.
$0.29 Apr___
.28
.26
.26
.26 M a y ...
.26
.26
.28
$0.27- .27* J u n e...
.28- .28*
.29- .29*
.29- .29*
29- .29*
Price.
Month.
$0.29
.27
.25
.23
-$0.29* J u ly ...
- .27*
- .25*
- .23*
.22 A u g . . .
.22 - .22*
.22 - .22*
.22
.22* S e p t...
.22*
.21*
.21*- .21*
.20*
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0.20* Oct.......
.20*
.20
$0.19- .19*
.1 9 - .19* Nov —
.19*- .19*
.1 9 - .19*
.19*
.19* D e c ___
.20
.20*- .20*
.21*- .21*
.21*- .21*
$0.20 -$0.20*
.21 - .21*
.21*- .22
.22 - .22*
.22*- .22*
.22*- .22*
.22*- .22*
.24*
.25 - .25*
.26*
.25
.23 - .23*
.23 - .23*
Average
$0.2348
B U T T E R : D a ir y , N ew Y o r k S ta te , tu b s and . h a l f tu b s , f a n c y .
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.26 -$0.26* Apr---.26
.24*- .25
.24*- .25
.24*- .25 M a y ...
.24
.2 3 - .24
.2 4 - .25
.2 3 - .24 Ju ne...
.26
.27
.27
.27
C H E E S E : N ew
11 o
$0.27 J u ly ...
.26
.24
.22
.21 Aug . . .
,21
.21
.21
$0.21 - .21* S e p t...
.2 1 - .21*
.20*- .21
.20*- .21
.19*- .20
$0.19*-$0.20 Oct.......
.19*- .20
.19
.t8
.17*- .18 N ov___
.17*- .18
.17*- .18
.18*
.18* D e c ___
.18*- .19
.19*
.1 9 - .20
.1 9 - .20
$0.18 -$0.19
.18*- .19
.1 9 - .20
.1 9 - .20
.20
.20
.20
.2 0 - .21
.2 0 - .21
.2 0 - .22
.2 0 - .22
.1 9 - .20
.1 9 - .20
Average
$0.2150
r k S ta te , fu ll c r e a m , la r g e , c o lo re d , b e s t g ra d e s .
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
J a n .—
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.14 Apr___
.14
.14*
.14*
.14* M a y ...
.14*
.14*
.14*
.14* Ju ne...
$0.14*- .14*
.14*- .14*
.14*- .14*
.14*- .14*
$0.14*-$0.14* J u ly ...
.14*- .14*
.14*- .14*
.14*- .14*
.12 A u g . . .
.11*
.11*
.11*
.10* S e p t...
.10*
.10*
.10*
.10*
$&. 10* O c t ___
.10
.10
.10
.10 N o v ...:
.10
.10
.10
.10* Dec —
.10*
.11
.11*
.12
$0.12
.11*
.11*
.11*
.11*
.11*
.11*
.12
.12
.12
.12
.12
.12
Average
$0.1217
C O F F E E : B i o N o. 7 .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.05*-$0.05* Apr___
.05*- .05* M ay . . .
.05*- .06 Ju ne...
$0.05*-$0.05* J u ly . . .
.05*- .05* Aug . . .
.05*- .05* S ep t. . .
$0.05*-$0.05* Oct . . . .
.05*- .05* N ov___
.05*- . 05* D e c ___
$0.05*-$0.05f
.06*- .06*
.06*- .06*
Average
$0.0659
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
277
T a b l e I . — W HO LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Continued.
H O G S: N e w -la id , f a n c y , n e a r -b y .
[Price per dozen in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
80.28 -8C1.33 Apr___
.30 - .34
.27 - .30
.2 5 - .28
.2 5 - .27 M a y ...
.2 0 - .23
.20 - .22
.1 7 - .18*
.17*- .19* Ju n e...
.19*- .21
.1 8 - .20
.14 - .15
.141- .16*
Price.
Month.
80.15 -80.16* J u ly ...
.1 5 - .16
.16 - .17
.16 - .17*
.16 - .17* Aug . . .
.17 - .18*
.17 - .19
.17 - .19
.1 6 - .18 S e p t...
.18*- .19*
.18*- .19*
.18*- .19*
.18*- .19*
Price.
80.18*-80.19
.18*- .20
.18*- .20
.20 - .22
.2 0 - .23
.20 - .26
.20 - .26
.2 1 - .26
.23 - .26
.2 4 - .27
.2 4 - .27
.24 - .27
.25 - .28
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
80.25-80.28
.25- .30
.25- .30
.27- .33
.27- .35
.30- .38
.30- .40
.34- .45
.31- .40
.31- .40
.34- .42
.36- .45
.36- .45
N ov ___
D e c ___
Average
80.2418
F I S H : C o d , d r y , b a n k , la rg e *
[Price per quintal in Boston on the first of each month; quotations from the Boston Herald.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
85.50-85.75
5.50- 5.75
5.50- 5.75
Apr---M ay .. .
Ju ne...
85.50-85.75
5.50- 5.75
5.76
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
85.75
5.75
86.00-6.25
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
85.75-86.00
6.25- 6.50
6.50- 6.75
Average
85.8646
F IS H : H e rrin g , sh o re , ro u n d , la rg e .
[Price per barrel in Boston on the first of each month; quotations from the Boston Herald.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
85.75-86.00
5.75- 6.00
5.75- 6.00
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
85.75-86.00
5.75- 6.00
5.75- 6.00
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
85.75-86.00
5.75- 6.00
5.75- 6.00
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
85.00-85.50
5.25- 5.50
5.00-5.50
Average
85.7292
F I S H : M a c k e r e l , s a l t , l a r g e N o . 3s.
[Price per barrel in Boston on the first of each month; quotations from the Boston Herald.]
Jan....... a 818.50-819.50
Feb....... «19.50- 20.50
M a r ___ <*22.00- 23.00
Apr___ a 818.00-820.00
M a y ...
18.00- 20.00
18.00- 20.00
J u n e...
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. ..
813.75-815.00
14.00- 15.00
616.00- 17.00
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
814.50
15.50
15.50
Average
817.4479
F I S H : S a lm o n , c a n n e d , C o lu m b ia R i v e r , 1 -p o u n d ta i ls .
[Price per dozen cans in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Jour
nal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
81.55-81.60
1.60
1.60
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
a Large 2s.
81.60
1.60
1.60
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
81.50-81.60
1.55-1.60
1.55- 1.60
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
81.70-81.75
1.70- 1.75
1.70- 1.75
Average
81.6208
b Medium 2s.
278
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I ___ W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
F L O U R : R u c k w h e a t.
[Price per hundred pounds in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York
Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.!
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
(a)
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
S e p t...
(«)
(a)
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$2.30-$2.40
2.35- 2.40
2.25- 2.30
Average
$2.3214
$2.30
$2.15- 2.25
2.00
M
W
$2.75
FLO U R : R ye.
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$3.00-$3.60 Apr___
2.90- 3.55 M a y ...
2 .9 0 3.25
Ju ne...
$2.80-$3.25 J u ly ...
A u g...
2 .7 5 3.20
2 .7 6 3.20
Sept. . .
$2.90-33.20
2.90- 3.20
3.05-3.30
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$3.25-83.40
3.25-3.40
3.15- 3.40
Average
$3.1479
F L O U R : W h e a t, s p rin g p a te n ts .
[Price per barrel in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$3.55-84.15
3.55- 4.20
3.75- 4.30
3.85- 4.35
3.85-4.20
3.85- 4.20
3.85- 4.25
3.85- 4.25
3.85- 4.25
3.85- 4.25
3.85- 4.20
3.85- 4.15
3.85- 4.15
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$3.75-84.15
3.75- 4.25
3.75-4.25
8.75- 4.25
3.80- 4.35
3.80- 4.35
4.00- 4.45
4.00-4.45
4.05- 4.50
4.10- 4.55
4.10- 4.55
4.25- 4.60
4.25- 4.60
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
$4.25-84.65
4.26-4.70
4.15-4.65
4.25- 4.65
4.30- 4.80
4.35- 4.85
4.50- 5.00
4.50- 5.00
4.50- 5.00
4.45-5.00
4.45- 4.95
4.40- 4.90
4.35- 4.80
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
$4.30-84.85
*4.40- 4.80
4.40- 4.85
4.40- 4.85
4.40- 4.80
4.25- 4.80
4.15- 4.75
4.15- 4.75
4.15- 4.75
4.20- 4.80
4.20- 4.80
4.20- 4.80
4.20- 4.80
$4.3303
F L O U R : W h e a t, w in te r s tra ig h ts .
[Price per barrel in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$3.10-83.50
3.10- 3.50
3.25-3.60
3.30-3.65
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25- 3.60
3.25-3.60
3.20- 3.60
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$3.20-83.55
3.2C- 3.60
3.20- 3.60
3.20-3.60
3.20- 3.60
3.20- 3.60
3.30- 3.60
3.35- 3.65
3.40- 3.70
3.45- 3.75
3.45- 3.75
3.45- 3.76
3.45- 3.75
J u ly ...
A ug...
Sept. . .
$3.45-83.75
3.45-3.85
3.45- 3.80
3.45- 3.80
3.45- 3.85
3.45- 3.85
3.55- 3.95
3.50-3.80
3.50- 3.85
3.50-3.85
3.50- 8.90
3.50- 3.90
3.50- 3.90
Oct . . . .
N ov—
D e c___
Average
a No quotation for month.
$3.50-83.95
3.55- 3.95
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.60- 4.00
3.65-4.05
3.65- 4.05
3.65-4.10
3.70- 4.15
$3.5923
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I ___ W HOLESALE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN
279
1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
F R U I T : A p p le s , e v a p o r a t e d , c l i o i c e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
1 Month.
Month.
Price.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
#0.051-80.06*
.05|- .06*
.05*- .06*
Apr___
May ...
June...
Price.
80.05*-80.06
.05*- .06
.06
Month.
Price.
Month.
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
80.06
80.06*- .06*
.06 - .06*
O c t ---N ov ___
D e c ___
80.06 -80.06*
.06*- .06*
.05*- .06*
Average
80.0611
Price.
F R U I T : A p p le s , s u n - d r i e d , S o u t h e r n , s l i c e d .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
80.04 -80.05*
.04 - .05*
.04*- .05*
80.04 -80.05*
.03*- .04*
.03*- .04*
J u ly ...
A u g .. .
Sept.. .
80.03*-80.04*
.03*- .04*
.03*- .04*
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
80.03*-80.04*
.03*- .04*
.03*- .04
Average
80.0432
F R U I T : C u rra n ts , a m a lia s , in b a rre ls .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M ar___
80.04*
.04*
80.04*- .04*
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
80.04*-80.04*
.04*- .04*
.04*- .04*
Ju ly . . . 80.05^-80.05*
A ug...
.05 - .05*
.0 4 * - .05
Sept.. .
O c t ___
N ov ---D e c ___
80.04*-80.04*
.04*- .05
.05 - .05*
Average
80.0476
F R U I T : P r u n e s , C a lifo rn ia , S a n ta C la r a , 6 0 s to 7 0 s , in 2 5 -p o u n d b o x e s.
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
80.05*
80.05 - .05*
.04*- .05
Apr---M ay.. .
June...
80.04*
80.04*- .04*
.04*- .04*
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
80.04*-80.04*
.04*- .04*
.04*- .04*
O c t ___
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.04*-80.04*
.04*- .04*
.05*- .05*
Average
80.0481
F R U I T : R a is in s , C a lifo rn ia , L o n d o n la y e r.
[Price per box in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
81.60-81.70
1.50
1.50- 1.60
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
81.40-81.50
1.25- 1.45
1.25- 1.45
Ju ly ...
Aug ...
Sept.. .
81.25-81.45
1.25- 1.45
1.25- 1.45
O c t ___
N ov___
Dec —
81.50
1.50
81.40- 1.50
Average
81.4458
G LU CO SE: 4 1 ° a n d 4 2 ° m ix in g .
[Price per hundred pounds in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York
Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
81.75
1.75
1.85
Apr—
M ay.. .
June...
5553—No. 51—04----- 5
81.90-81.95
1.80
1.80
J u ly ...
Aug . ..
Sept. ..
81.95
1.95
1.95
O c t ___
N ov___
Dec —
81.95
1.70
1.70
Average
81.8396
280
BULLETIN" OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLES ALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
L A R D : P r im e c o n tra c t.
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
Month.
Jan.......
F eb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0.10221 J u ly ...
.1025
.1025
.0975
.0930 Aug .. .
.0925
.0930
.0915
.0920 Sept. . .
.09071
.0915
.0890
.0840
$0.1030 Apr___
.1026
.1040
.1040
.0990 M ay. . .
.1000
.1020
.1010
.10171 Ju ne...
.1035
.10171
.1040
.1040
Month.
Price.
$0.0825 Oct . . . .
.0765
.0800
.0775
.0785 N ov___
.0815
.0800
.08121
.0865 D e c ___
.0900
.0900
.0890
.08371
$0.07921
.07371
.0700
.0710
.0725
.0730
.0745
.0700
.0695
.0690
.0690
.0700
.0715
Average
$0.0877
M E A L : C o r n , f in e w h i t e .
[Price per bag of 100 pounds in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York
Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ----
$1.40-$l. 45
1.45
1.40- 1.45
Apr___
M ay. ..
Ju ne...
$1.15-$1.20
1.12- 1.15
1.25- 1.30
J u ly . . .
Aug . ..
Sept. . .
$1.35
1.35
1.30
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$1.20-$l. 25
1.30
1.15
Average
$1.2967
M E A L : C o r n , f in e y e l l o w .
[Price per bag of 100 pounds in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York
Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
$1.40
$1.40- 1.45
1.35- 1.40
$1.15-$1.20
1.08- 1.10
1.25- 1.30
J u ly . . .
Aug ...
Sept. . .
$1.30
1.25
$1.30- 1.35
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$1.25-$l. 30
1.25
1.20
Average
$1.2783
M E A T : B a c o n , s h o r t c l e a r s id e s , s m o k e d .
[Price per pound in Chicago on Tuesday of each week. From January to October 20, the prices are for
packed, and from October 27 to December, for loose; quotations from the Daily Trade Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.09*-$0.09* Apr___
.09*- .10
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10* M ay. . .
.10*- .10*
.10?- .10*
.10*- .10*
.101- .11 June...
.11 - .n *
.11 - .i i ?
.11 - .li*
.11 - .ii*
$0.11 -$0.11* J u ly . . .
.11 - •11*
.10*- .11
.10*- .11
.10*- .10* Aug . . .
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10* Sept.. .
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10 - .10*
.09*- .09*
$0.09*-$0.09* Oct . . . .
.09*- .09*
.09*- .09*
.09*- .09*
.09*- .09* N ov___
.09 - .09*
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08* D e c ___
.09*- .09*
.09*- .091
.09|- .10
.09*- .10
$0.10 -$0.10*
.08*- .09
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.07*- •08*
.07|- .07*
.07*- .07*
.07 - .07*
.07 - .07*
.0 7 - .07*
Average
$0.0959
281
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I . — WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
M E A T : B a c o n , s h o r t r ib s id e s , s m o k e d .
[Price per pound in Chicago on Tuesday of each week. From January to October 20, the prices are
for packed, and from October 27 to December, for loose; quotations from the Daily Trade Bulletin.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
60.09*-60.09* Apr---.09*- .09*
•10|- .10*
.10 - .10*
.10 - .10* M ay. . .
.10 - .10*
.10*- .10*
.101- .10*
.10*- .10* Ju ne...
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
Price.
Month.
«0.10*-#0.10* J u ly ...
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10?
.10*- .10* Aug .. .
.10 - .10*
.1 0 - .10*
.10 - .10*
.10*- .10* Sept. ..
.10*- .10*
.10*- .10*
.09*- .10
.09*- .09*
Price.
Month.
Price.
60.09f-60.09* O c t ---.09*- .09*
.09*- .09*
.08*- . 08*
.08*- .09 N ov ___
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
•08*- .08*
.07*- .08 D e c ___
.08*- .09
.09*- .09*
.09*- .09*
.09*- .09*
60.09*-60.10
.08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
•08*- .08*
.08*- .08*
.08 - .08*
.08*- .08*
.07?- .07*
.07*- .07*
.07*- .07*
.06*- .06*
. 06*- .07
.061- .07
Average
60.0988
M E A T : B e e f , ft*esli, n a t i v e s i d e s .
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Daily
Tribune.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
60.07*-60.11 Apr---.07*- .10*
.07*- .10
.07*- .10
.07 - .09* M ay.. .
.07 - .09
.07 - .09
.06*- .09
.06*- .09* June...
.06*- .09*
.06*- .09*
.06*- .09*
.06*- .09
60. G6*-60.09* J u ly ...
.07 - .09*
.07 - .09*
.07 - .09*
.07 - .09* Aug . . .
.07 - .09*
.06*- .09
.06*- .09
.06*- .09 Sept. . .
.06*- .09
.07 - .08*
.07 - .08*
.07 - .08*
60.06*-60.08* Oct . . . .
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08* N ov___
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08* D e c ___
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .08*
.06*- .09
60.06-60.09
.06- .09*
.06- .09*
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .09
.06- .08*
.06- .08*
.06- .09
Average
60.0784
M E A T : B e e f, s a lt, e x tr a m ess.
[Average weekly price per barrel in New York; quotations furnished by the statistician of the
New York Produce Exchange.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar.......
610.50-611.00
10.50- 11.00
10.50- 11.00
10.00- 10.50
10.00- 10.50
10.00- 10.50
10.00- 10.50
10.00- 10.50
10.00- 10.50
Apr—
69.00-610.00
9.00- 10.00
9.00- 10.00
9.50- 10.00
J u ly ...
68.508.008.008.00-
69.00
8.50
8.50
8.50
Oct.......
M ay. . .
9.50- 10.00
9.50- 10.00
9.00
9.00
9.00- 9.50
9.00- 9.50
8.50- 9.50
8.50- 9.00
8.50- 9.00
A u g ...
8.008.008.008.008.008.008.008.008.00-
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.50
Nov —
9.50- 10.00 Ju ne...
9 .5 0 10.00
9.50- 10.50
9.50- 10.50
S ep t. . .
D e c ___
Average
68.008.008.008.008.008.508.QO8.008.00-
68.60
9.00
9.00
9.00
9.00
9.00
8.50
8.50
8.50
8.008.008.008.00-
9.00
9.00
9.00
9.00
69.0673
282
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Continued.
M E A T : B e e f, s a l t , h a m s , W e s te rn *
[Price per barrel in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
Month.
Price.
Month.
Jan.......
$20.50-$22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
Apr___
Feb.......
Mar.......
Price.
$20.00-$21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
M ay.. .
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
20.00- 21.50
Ju ne...
19.00- 20.50
19.50- 21.00
* 19.50- 21.00
19.50- 21.00
19.50- 21.00
Month.
Price.
Month.
Ju ly . . .
$19.50-$21.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.60- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
Oct.......
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
Price.
$21.50-$23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.50- 23.00
21.00- 22.50
20.75- 22.25
20.75- 22.25
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50- 22.00
20.50-22.00
$21.2115
M E A T : H a m s , sm o k ed *
[Price per pound in Chicago on Tuesday o f each week. From January to October 20, the prices are
for packed, and from October 27 to December, for loose; quotations from the Daily Trade Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.11*-$0.12f Apr___
.11*- .12f
.11*- .12*
•12*- .12*
.12*- .12| M ay . . .
.12*- .12*
.12|- .12*
•12f- .12*
.12*- .13 Ju ne...
.13 - . 13*
.13*- •13|
.13*
• K r .13*
.13*-
$0.13*-$0.13f J u ly ...
• w - .13*
.13 - .13*
.13*- .13*
.13*- .13* Aug . . .
.12*- .13*
.12*- .13*
.12*- .12*
.12*- •12* Sept.. .
.12*- .13
.12*- .13*
.13 - .13*
-09|- .13*
$0.12*-$0.13* Oct.......
.12*- .13*
.12*- .13*
•13*- .13*
.12*- .14 N ov ___
.13*- .14
.12*- .14
.12*- .14
•12*- .14 D e c ___
.12*- .13*
.13 - .14
.12*- .14
.12*- .14
$0.12*-$0.14
.11*- .12*
.11*- .12*
.11 - .13*
.11 - .13*
.11 - .13*
.11 - .13*
.10*- .12*
.10*- .12*
.10*- .12*
.10 - .12*
.10 - .12
.09*- .11*
Average
$0..1271
M E A T : M u tto n , d ressed *
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations from the New York Daily Tribune.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.05*-$0.07* Apr___
•U6 - .08
.06 - .08
.06 - .08
.05 - .08 M ay . . .
. 06*— .09
.06*- .08*
.07*- .09
.07*- .09 Ju ne...
.07*- .09*
.08 - .10
.08 - .10
.08 - .10*
$0.08 -$0.11 , J u ly ...
.08 - .11 j
.07*- .10*
.07 - .10;
.07*- .10 Aug . . .
.08 - .11
.08 - .10*'
.07 - .10 .
.07*- .10 S e p t...
.07 - .10
.07*- .1 1 1
.07 - .10
.06*- .09
i
$0.06 -$0.09 O c t ___
.06 - .08*
.06 - .09
.06*- .09
.05*- .08 N ov___
.0 5 - .08
.05*- .08
.05*- .08
.05*- .07* D e c ___
.05*- .07*
.05*- .08
.05 - .08
.05*- .07*
$0.05 -$0,071
.05*- .07*
.05 - .07
.05 - .07
,05 - .07
.05 - .07
.05 - .07
.05 - .07
.05 - .07
.05*- .07
.05*- .07*
.05*- .07
.0 6 - .07*
Average
$0.0744
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
283
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Continued.
M E A T : P o r k , s a lt, m e s s , o l d to n e w .
[Price per barrel in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
Month.
Jan.......
S18.00-S18.50
18.00- 18.50
18.00- 18.50
18.00- 18.50
18.00- 18.50
17.75- 18.25
17.75- 18.25
17.75- 18.25
18.00- 18.50
18.25- 19.00
18.00- 18.50
18.25- 19.00
18.25- 19.00
Apr___
818.00-818.50
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
18.25- 18.75
17.50- 18.00
J u ly ...
Feb.......
Mar.......
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
Price.
817.50-818.00
16.50- 17.00
16.SO- 17.00
lO 00- 16.50
16.00- 16.50
15.25- 15.75
15. CO- 15.75
14. 50- 15.50
14.25- 15.25
14.50- 15.50
15.25- 16.25
15. CO- 16.00
14.00- 14.75
Month.
O ct___
Nov . . .
Dec___
Average
Price.
813.50-814.50
13.25- 14.00
12.50- 13.50
12.75- 13.50
13. CO- 13.75
13. GO- 13.75
13.00- 13.75
13. CO- 13.75
13. GO- 13.75
12. 75- 13.50
12.75- 13.50
12.75- 13.50
13.25- 14.00
816.6514
M I L K : F r e sh .
[Average monthly exchange price per quart; net price at shipping stations subject to a freight rate
to New York of 26 cents per can of 40 quarts; quotations from the Milk Reporter.]
Jan.......
F eb.......
Mar.......
80.0350
.0350
.0331
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
80.0312
.0265
.0236
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
80.0225
.0225
.0258
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.0284
.0300
.0325
Average
80.0288
M O LA SSES: N e w O rle a n s , o p e n k e tt le , p r im e .
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
F eb.......
Mar.......
80.32-80.40
.32- .40
.32- .10
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
80.30-80.40
.30- .40
.30- .40
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept...
80.30-80.40
.30- .42
.30- .42
Oct.......
N o v ___
D e c ___
80.30-80.42
.30- .42
.31- .36
Average
80.3546
R IC E : D o m e s t ic , c h o ic e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
F eb.......
Mar.......
80.05|-$0.05£ Apr___
.05|- .05| M ay.. .
.05|- .05J June ..
80.05f-80.06
.051- .06
.051- .06
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ept...
80.051-80.051 Oct.......
.051- .051 N ov ___
.051- .051 D e c ___
80.051-80.05#
.05#- .05#
.041- .05
Average
80.0566
284
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
S A L T : A m e r ic a n , m e d iu m .
[Price per barrel in Chicago, each week; quotations furnished by the secretary of the Chicago
Board of Trade.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb . . . .
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0.62
.62
.62
.62
.62
.65
.65
.65
.65
A pr___
$0.62
.62
.62
.62
J u ly ...
M ay. . .
Aug . . .
.62
.62
.62
.62
Ju ne...
.57
.57
.57
.57
.57
.55
.55
.55
.55
Price.
S ep t. . .
Month.
Price.
$0.55
.55
.57
.57
.57
.57
.57
.57
.57
Oct.......
.57
.63
.63
.63
D e c ___
.75
.75
.75
.75
Average
$0.6140
N ov___
$0.63
.63
.63
.63
.63
.63
.63
.63
.63
S A L T : A s h t o n ’ s N o. 2 2 4 .
[Price per bushel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$2.25-$2.30
2.25- 2.30
2.25- 2.30
Apr---M ay. . .
June ..
$2.00-$2.30
2.00- 2.50
2.00- 2.50
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$2.00-$2.50
2.00- 2.50
2.00- 2.50
Oct . . . .
N ov ___
D e c ___
$2.00-$2.50
2.00- 2.50
2.00- 2.50
Average
$2.2479
SODA: B ic a r b o n a t e o f , A m e r ic a n .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.0125
.0125
.0125
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.0125
.0125
.0125
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.0125
.0135
0135
Oct.......
Nov___
D e c ___
$0.0135
.0135
.0135
Average
$0.0129
S P IC E S: N u tm eg s, 1 0 5 s. t o 110s.
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each m onth; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.23-$0.231 Apr___
.30- .32 M ay. . .
.30- .31 June ..
$0.29-$0.30
.28- .29
.28- .30
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$0.28-$0.30 Oct.......
.28- .30 N ov ---.28- .281 D e c ___
$0.28*-$0.29
.2 9 - .30
.281- .291
Average
$0.2877
S P IC E S: P e p p e r , S in g a p o r e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each m onth; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.12| -$0,121 Apr___
.1 3 - .131 M a y ...
.121- .131 June ..
$0.12!-$0.12! J u ly ...
.121- .121 Aug ...
.121- -121 Sept. . .
$0.13 -$0.13* Oct . . . .
.1 3 - .131 N ov---.121- .131 D e c ___
$0.121-$0.13
.121- .121
.121- .13
Average
$0.1289
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903
285
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
F O O D , E T C .—Continued.
S T A R C H : P u r e c o r n , f o r c u lin a r y p u r p o s e s .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each m onth; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
80.041 Apr___
.051 M ay.. .
.051 June ..
Price.
Month.
Price.
80.051 J u ly ...
.051 Aug . . .
.051 Sept.. .
Month.
Price.
80.051 O c t ___
.051 N ov___
.051 D e c ___
80.051
.051
.051
Average
80.0507
S U G A R : 89° f a i r r e fin in g .
[Price per pound in New York on Thursday of each week, including import duty of 1.44 cents per
pound; quotations from Willett & Gray’s Weekly Statistical Sugar Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
80.03440
.03440
.03375
.03310
.03190
.03125
.03190
.03250
.03250
.03310
.03310
.03250
.03190
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
80.03125
.03060
.03125
.03190
.03190
.03190
.03190
.03190
.03125
.03125
.03125
.03125
.03125
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
80.03000
.03000
.03125
.03190
.03190
.03190
.03190
.03310
.03375
.03375
.03375
.03375
.03375
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
80.03375
.03375
.03375
.03375
.03375
.03310
.03310
.03250
.03250
.03190
.03125
.03125
.03060
.03000
80.03228
S U G A R : 96 ° c e n t r ifu g a l.
[Price per pound in New York on Thursday of each week, including import duty of 1.681 cents per
pound; quotations from Willett & Gray’s Weekly Statistical Sugar Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
#0.03875
.03875
.03875
.03810
.03690
.03625
.03690
.03750
.03750
.03780
.03750
.03720
.03625
Apr----
M ay. . .
June...
80.03560
.03500
.03590
.03690
.03690
.03690
.03690
.03690
.03625
.03590
.03590
.03590
.03560
J u ly ...
Aug. . .
Sept...
80.03560
.03560
.03690
.03690
.03660
.03720
.03720
.03810
.03875
.03875
.03875
.03875
.03910
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
Average
80.03910
.03850
.03875
.■03875
.03875
.03810
.03810
.03750
.03750
.03690
.03625
.03625
.03560
.03470
80.03720
286
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e 1.— WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
E O O I> , E T C .— Continued.
SU G A R : G r a n u la te d , in b a r r e ls .
[Price per pound in New York on Thursday of each week, including import duty of 1.95 cents per
pound; quotations from Willett & Gray's Weekly Statistical Sugar Trade Journal.]
Month.
Price.
Month.
$0.0455
.0455
.0468
.0468
.0468
.0455
Feb.......
.0455
$0.0455- .0461
.0460- .0465
M a r ___ .0465- .0470
.0465- .0470
.0460- .0465
.0460- .0465
Jan.......
Price.
Apr___ $0.0450-$0.0460
.0450- .0460
.0465- .0470
.0475
.0475
M ay .. .
.0475
.0470- .0475
.0470- .0475
.0465- .0475
Ju ne... .0465- .0475
.0470- .0475
.0470- .0475
.0470- .0475
Month.
Price.
J u ly ... $0.0465-$0.0470
.0465- .0470
.0475- .0480
.0485- .0490
.0485- .0490
Aug .. . .0485- .0490
.0475- .0480
.0475- .0490
.0475- .0490
Sept. . . .0475- .0490
.0475- .0490
.0475- .0480
.0475- .0480
Month.
Price.
Oct . . . . $0.0475-$0.0480
.0455
.0455
.0455
.0450
N ov___
.0450
.0450
•0445
.0436
Dec ....
.0436
.0436
.0436
.0436
.0426- .0436
Average
$0.04641
TALLOW .
[Price per pound in New York on Tuesday of each week; quotations furnished by the statistician of
the New York Produce Exchange.]
$0.0575 Apr---$0.05871- .0600
.0600
.0612*
.0612* M ay. . .
Feb.......
.06121
.0600
.0575
M a r ___
.0550 Ju ne...
.0550
.05621
.0575
.05621
Jan.......
$0.0550 J u ly ...
.0550
.05371
.05371
.0525 Aug . . .
.0525
.0525
.05121
.0500 Sept. . .
.0500
.0500
.0500
.0500
$0.0500 O c t ___
.0475
.04371
.0450
.0450 N ov___
.0450
.C4621
.04621
.0475 D e c ___
.04871
.0500
.0500
.0475
$0.0475
.0475
.0450
.0450
.0450
.0450
.0450
.0450
.04621
.0475
.0475
.0500
.05121
Average
$0.0510
T E A : F o r m o s a , fine*
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin. Import duty of 10 cents per pound removed January 1,1903.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.221-$0.231 Apr___
.221- .231 M ay...
.221- .231 June ..
$0.22!-$0.23i J u ly ...
.221- .231 Aug . . .
.22 - .23 Sept. . .
$0.21i-$0.22i Oct.......
.211- .221 N ov___
.2 1 - .22 D e c ___
$0.20-$0.21
.25- .27
.25- .27
Average
$0.2296
V E G E T A B L E S , F R E S H : O n io n s .
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$2.50-$7.00
2.50- 5.50
2.50- 6.50
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$4.00-$8.00
2.00- 3.00
2.50- 3.00
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$2.50-$2.62
1.50- 2.00
3.00- 5.00
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
$2.00-$4.00
2.00- 5.00
2.00- 5.00
Average
$3.6675
287
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F O O D , E T C .— Concluded.
V EG ETABLES, FR E S H :
P o ta to e s , B u rb a n k .
[Price per bushel in Chicago, weekly range; quotations furnished by the secretary of the Chicago
Board of Trade.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
A p ril..
S0.45-S0.48
.45- .48
.45- .48
.45- .48
.46- .47
.46- .47
.45- .47
.45- .47
.45- .47
.45.44.44.43-
M ay...
Ju ne...
.47
.46
.45
.45
Month.
Price.
S0.40-S0.44
.39- .42
.38- .46
.44- .48
.42.47.50.55.52.50(«)
.46
.52
.53
.60
.59
.63
J u ly ...
Price.
(a)
(a )
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
(«)
(a)
(a)
Aug . . .
N ov ___
(a )
V*)
fa \
(a»
(a\
Sept. . .
|aj
D e c ___
VV
.85
(a)
(a )
Average
(a)
SO. 58
80.54- .60
.56- .63
.50- .60
.56- .61
.62- .70
.60- .69
.60.62.61.61-
.66
.66
.65
.63
SO. 5248
V IN E G A R : C id er, m o n a r c h , i n b a r r e ls .
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
SO. 13
.13
.13
SO. 13
.13
.13
Ju ly..*
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
S0.13
.13
.13
Average
S0.1300
SO. 141 Oct.......
.141 N ov ___
.15 D e c ___
SO. 15
.15
.15
Average
SO. 1458
SO. 13
.13
.13
C I jO TH S a n d c d o t h i n g .
B A G S : 2 -b u s b e l, A m o s k e a g .
[Price per bag on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
SO. 14 Apr___
.14 M ay. . .
.141 June ..
80.141 J u ly ...
.141 Aug .. .
.141 Sept. ..
B L A N K E T S : 1 1 -4 , 5 p o u n d s t o t b e p a ir , a l l w o o l .
[Price per pound maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
1903 ........................................................................................................................................
Price.
SO. 921
B L A N K E T S : 1 1 -4 , 5 p o u n d s to t b e p a ir , c o t t o n w a r p , a l l w o o l f illin g .
[Price per pound maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
Price.
SO. 70
1903............................................................................................................................................
B L A N K E T S : 1 1 -4 , 5 p o u n d s to t b e p a ir , c o t t o n w a r p , c o t t o n a n d w o o l fillin g .
[Price per pound maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
1903............................................................................................................................................
a No quotation for week.
Price.
80.60
288
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
C L O T H I N G —Continued.
B O O T S AND S H O E S : M e n ’s b r o g a n s , s p lit.
[Price per pair on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Peb.......
M a r___
Month.
Price.
80.92* Apr___
.92* M a y .. .
.92* Ju ne...
Price.
Month.
$0.92* J u ly .. .
.92* Aug .. .
.92* Sept.. .
Price.
Month.
Price.
80.92* Oct.......
.92* N ov___
.92* D e c ___
80.92*
.92*
.92*
Average
so. 9250
B O O T S A N D S H O E S : M e n ’s c a l f 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 l a to p .
[Price per pair on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
82.35
2.35
2.35
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
82.35
2.35
2.35
J u ly . . .
A u g ...
Sept. . .
82.35
2.35
2.35
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
82.35
2.35
2.35
Average
82.35
B O O T S A N D S H O E S : M e n ’s s p l i t h o o t s , r u s s e t h o u n d t o p , 1 7 - i n c h , o n e - h a l t
d o u b le s o le .
[Price per dozen pairs on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
818.50
18.50
18.50
Apr___
M ay...
June ..
818.50
18.50
18.50
Ju ly. . .
A u g...
Sept. . .
818.50
18.50
18.50
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
818.50
18.50
18.50
Average
818.50
BO O TS AND SH O E S : M en s’ v lc l h id sh o e s, G o o d y e a r w e lt.
[Price per pair on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
82.00
Apr___
2.00 M ay. . .
2.00 June ..
82.00
J u ly ...
2.00 Aug .. .
2.00 Sept. . .
82.00
Oct.......
82.00
Average
82.00
2.00 N ov ___
2.00 D e c ___
2.00
2.00
B O O T S AND S H O E S : W o m e n s ’ s o lid g r a in s h o e s , le a t h e r , p o lis h o r p o lk a .
[Price per pair on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
80.87* Apr___
.87* M a y ...
.87* June ..
80.87* J u ly ...
.87* A u g . . .
.87* Sept.. .
80.90
.90
.90
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.90
.90
.90
Average
80.8875
B R O A D C L O T H S : F i r s t q u a lity , b la c k , 5 4 -ln c h , m a d e fro m X X X w o o l.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
81.91
1.91
1.91
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
81.91
1.91
1.91
Ju ly .. .
A u g...
Sept. . .
81.91
1.91
1.91
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
81.91
1.91
1.91
Average
81.91
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
289
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C X iO T IIS A N D
C D O T H I N G — Continued.
C A L IC O :
C o c lie c o p r i n t s .
[Price per yard on the first ol each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
$0.05
.05
.05
Price.
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
CA RPETS:
$0.05
.05
.05
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
Price.
$0.05
.05
.05
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.05
.05
.051
Average
$0.0504
B ru s s e ls , 5 -fra m e , B ig e lo w .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$1,056
1.056
1.056
Apr—
M ay.. .
June ..
CA RPETS:
$1,056
1.104
1.104
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
S e p t...
$1,104
1.104
1.104
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$1,104
1.104
1.104
Average
$1,088
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.5184
.5184
.5184
Average
$0.5136
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$2,040
2.040
2.040
Average
$2,008
I n g r a in , 2 -p ly , L o w e ll.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.5040
.5040
.5040
Apr---M a y ...
June ..
$0.5040
.5184
.5184
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$0.5184
.5184
.5184
C A R P E T S : W ilto n , 5 -fra m e , B ig e lo w .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$1,944
1.944
1.944
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$1,944
2.040
2.040
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$2,040
2.040
2.040
C O T T O N F L A N N E L S : 2$ y a r d s t o t l i e p o u n d .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.06$ Apr___
.06$ M ay. . .
.06$ Ju ne...
$0.06$ J u ly ...
.07 Aug . . .
.07 S e p t...
$0.07$ Oct.......
.07$ N ov___
.07$ D e c ___
$0.08
.08$
.08$
Average
$0.0735
C O T T O N F L A N N E L S : 31 y a r d s t o t b e p o u n d .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.05$ Apr—
.05$ M ay...
.05$ June...
$0.05$ J u ly . . .
.06$ Aug . . .
.06$ Sept. . .
$0.06$ Oct.......
.06$ N ov___
.06$ D e c ___
$0.06$
.06$
.06$
Average
$0.0629
290
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H T N 'G — Continued
C O T T O N T H R E A D : 6 - c o r d , R O O -y a rd s p o o l s , J . & P . C o a ts .
[Price per spool, freight paid, on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
$0.03724
.03724
.03724
Month.
Month.
Price.
Apr___
M!ay. . .
June...
$0.03724
.03724
.03724
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
Price.
$0.03724
.03^24
.03724
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.03724
.03724
.03724
Average
$0.03724
C O T T O N Y A R N S : C a r d e d , w l i i t e , m u l e - s p u n , N o r t h e r n , c o n e s , 1 0 /1 .
[Price per pound on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.16* A pr___
.161 M ay. . .
.171 Ju n e...
$0.17 J u ly . . .
.181 Aug . . .
.191 S e p t...
$0,201 Oct.......
.21 N ov ___
.20 D e c ___
$0,181
.19
Average
$0.1869
.201
C O T T O N Y A R N S : C a r d e d , w h i t e , m u l e - s p u n , N o r t h e r n , c o n e s , 2 2 /1 .
[Price per pound on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.191 A pr___
.191 M ay. . .
.201 J u n e...
$0,201 J u ly ...
.211 A u g . . .
.221 S e p t...
$0,231 Oct.......
.231 N ov ___
.221 D e c ___
$0,211
Average
$0.2156
.211
.23
D E N IM S : A m o s k e a g .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0,101 Apr___
.101 M ay. . .
.101 Ju ne...
$0.11
J u ly ...
$0,111 Oct.......
•111 N ov___
.111 D e c ___
.11 A u g . . .
.111 S e p t...
Average
D R IL L IN G S : B r o w n , P e p p e r e ll.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0,051 Apr___
.051 M a y ...
.051 Ju ne...
$0,051 J u ly ...
.06 A u g ...
.061 S e p t...
$0,061 Oct.......
.061 N ov___
.061 D e c ___
$0,061
.061
.061
Average
$0.0619
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.0599
.0598
.0625
Average
$0.0581
D R IL L IN G S : 3 0 -i n c h , S ta r k A .
[Average monthly price per yard.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.0560
.0559
.0543
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.0551
.0544
.0584
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$0.0572
.0608
.0623
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
291
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G —Continued.
F L A N N E L S : W h i t e , 4 - 4 , B a lla r d L V a l e N o . 3 .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0.41 Apr___
.41 M ay. . .
•42* Ju ne...
:!
Price.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Month.
Price.
$0.44* Oct.......
.44* N ov___
.44* Dec —
$0.44*
.44*
.44*
Average
$0.4306
$0.05* Oct.......
.05* N ov---.05* D e c ___
$0.05*
.05*
.05*
Average
$0.0550
$0.05* Oct.......
.05* N ov ___
.05* D e c ___
$0.05*
.05*
.05*
Average
$0.0575
G IN G H A M S : A m o s k e a g .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.05* Apr___
.05* M a y ...
.05* June ..
$0.05* J u ly ...
.05* A u g ...
.05* S e p t...
G IN G H A M S : L a n c a s t e r .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.05* Apr___
.05* M a y ...
.05* June ..
$0.05* J u ly ...
.05* A u g . . .
.05* S e p t...
H O R S E B L A N K E T S : 6 p o u n d s e a c h , a ll w o o l.
[Price per pound maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
Price.
1903............................................................................................................................................
$0.67*
H O S I E R 1 T : M e n ’s c o t t o n h a l f h o s e , s e a m l e s s , f a s t M a c k , 2 0 t o 2 2 o u n c e , 1 6 0
n e e d le s .
[Price per dozen pairs in September. Represents bulk o f sales.]
Month.
Price.
Sept..........................................................................................................................................
$0.7840
H O S I E R V : M e n ’ s c o t t o n h a l f h o s e , s e a m l e s s , s t a n d a r d q u a l i t y , 8 4 n e e d le s *
[Price per dozen pairs on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Price.
Month.
$0.67* Apr___
.67* M a y ...
.67* June ..
Price.
$0.70
.73
.70
Month.
J u ly ...
A u g...
Sept. . .
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0.72* Oct.......
.72* N ov___
.72* D e c ___
$0.72*
.72*
.72*
Average
$0.7063
292
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
CLOTHS A N D
C L O T H I N G — Continued.
H O S I E R Y : W o m e n ’s co m b ed . E g y p t ia n c o tto n h o s e , h i g h s p lic e d h e e l, d o u b le
s o le , m il-f a s h io n e d .
[Price per dozen pairs maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
Price.
1903............................................................................................................................................
31.87*
H O S I E R Y : W o m e n ’s c o tto n h o s e , s e a m le s s , f a s t b la c k , 2 6 to 2 8 o u n c e , 1 6 0 to
1 7 6 n e e d le s .
[Price per dozen pairs in September. Represents bulk of sales.]
Month.
Price.
30.8085
L E A T H E R : H a r n e s s , o a k , p a c k e r s ’ h id e s , h e a v y , N o. 1.
[Price per pound on the first of each month in the general market; quotations from the Shoe and
Leather Reporter.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Price.
30.33-30.35
.33- .35
.33- .35
Month.
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
Price.
30.33-30.35
.31- .33
.31- .33
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
Price.
30.31-30.33
.31- .39
.31- .38
Month.
Price.
Oct —
N ov___
D e c ----
30.31- 30.33
.31- .33
.31- .33
Average
30.3313
L E A T H E R : S o le , h e m l o c k , n o n a c i d , R u e n o s A y r e s , m i d d l e w e i g h t s , f i r s t
q u a lity .
[Price per pound on the first of each month in the general market; quotations from the Shoe and
Leather Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
30.23
.23
.23
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
30.22
.22
.22
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
30.22
.23
.23
O c t ---N ov___
Dec —
30.23
.23
.23
Average
30.2267
L E A T H E R : S o le , o a k , s c o u r e d b a c k s , h e a v y , N o . 1 .
[Price per pound on the first of each month in the general market; quotations from the Shoe and
Leather Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
30.38
.34
30.39- .40
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
30.38-30.40
.38- .39
.38- .39
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
30.38
.37
.37
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
30.37
30.36- .37
.36
Average
30.3742
L E A T H E R : W a x c a lf , 3 0 to 4 0 p o u n d s to th e d o z e n , R g r a d e .
[Price per square foot on the first of each month in the general market; quotations from the Shoe
and Leather Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
30.65-30.67
.65- .67
.65- .67
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
30.674-30.72* J u ly ...
.67*- .72* Aug . . .
.67*- .72* Sept. . .
30.67*-30.72* Oct.......
.67*- .72* N ov ___
.67*- .72* D e c ___
30.67*-30.72*
.67*- .72*
.67*- .72*
Average
30.6900
293
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
I.— WHOLESALE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G — Continued.
L I N E N S H O E T H R E A D : lO s , H a r b o u r .
[Price per pound on the first of each month.]
.............. .
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Price.
Month.
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
$0,846
.846
.846
Price.
$0,846
.846
.846
Month.
Price.
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
$0,846
.846
.846
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0,846
.846
.846
Average
$0,846
L IN E N T H R E A D : 3 - c o r d , 2 0 0 - y a r d s p o o ls , H a r b o u r .
[Price per dozen spools on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0,837
.837
.837
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
$0,837
.837
.837
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
$0,837
.837
.837
Oct.......
N ov ___1
Dec — J
$0,837
.837
.837
Average j
$0,837
O V E R C O A T IN G S : R e a v e r , M o s c o w , a l l w o o l , b l a c k .
[Price per yard maintained, generally, throughout the year.
Represents bulk of sales.]
Year.
Price.
1903 ..........................................................................................................................................
$2.4413
O V E R C O A T IN G S : C h i n c h i l l a , B - r o u g h , a l l w o o l .
[Price per yard maintained, generally, throughout the year. Represents bulk of sales.]
1903
$2.2088
O V E R C O A T IN G S : C h i n c h i l l a , c o t t o n w a r p , C. C. g r a d e .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
$0.44 Apr___
.45| M ay. . .
.454 June ..
Price.
Month.
$0,454 J u ly ...
.45* A u g . ..
.454 Sept.. .
Price.
Month.
Price.
$0,454 Oct —
.454 N ov ---.454 D e c ----
$0,464
.454
.44
Average
$0.4533
O V E R C O A T IN G S : C o v e r t c l o t h , l i g h t w e i g h t , s t a p l e g o o d s .
[Price per yard maintained throughout the year.]
Year.
1903............................................................................................................................................
Price.
$2.1899
294
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G — Continued.
O V E R C O A T IN G S : K e r s e y , s t a n d a r d , 2 7 t o 2 8 o u n c e *
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Price.
Month.
$1.57* Apr___
1.57* M ay. ..
1.57* June ..
Price. N
1Month.
Price.
$1.57* J u ly ...
1.57* Aug . . .
1.57* Sept. . .
Month.
Price.
$1.57* Oct.......
1.57* N ov___
1.57* D e c ___
$1.57*
1.57*
1.57*
Average
$1.5750
$0.033750
.032500
.031250
.031250
.031250
.031875
.032500
.032500
.032500
P R IN T CEO TH S: 2 8 -in c h , 6 4 by 6 4 .
[Average weekly price per yard.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar.......
$0.030000
.030000
.030313
.031190
.031875
.032500
.032500
.032500
.032500
Apr___
$0.032500
.030625
.031250
.031250
J u ly ...
$0.032500
.032500
.031875
.031875
O c t ___
M ay. . .
A u g ...
June ..
.032500
.031875
.031875
.032500
.032500
.032500
.033750
.033750
.033750
N ov___
.032500
.032500
.032500
.032500
.031250
.030000
.030000
.031250
.031875
.031875
.032500
.032500
.032500
S e p t...
D e c ----
.032500
.033750
.034966
.035000
Average
$0.032156
S H A W L S : S ta n d a rd , a ll w o o l, 7 2 by 1 4 4 in c li, 4 2 -o u n c e , m a d e o f h ig h -g ra d e
w o o l.
[Price each on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb____
M a r ___
$4.90
4.90
4.90
Apr___
May . . .
June ..
$4.90
4.90
4.90
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$4.90
4.90
4.90
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
$4.90
4.90
4.90
Average
$4.90
O c t ___
Nov —
D e c ___
$0.2325
.2114
(«)
Average
$0.2124
S H E E T IN G S : R le a c h e d , 1 0 -4 , A tla n tic .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.1995
.1962
.1981
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.1973
.2112
.2258
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$0.2271
.2247
(«)
S H E E T IN G S : R le a c lte d , 1 0 -4 , P e p p e re ll.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.22
.22
.22
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.22
.22
.23
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
« No sales during month.
$0.23
.23
.23
O c t ___
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.23
.24
.24
Average
$0.2275
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
I—
295
W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
C L O T H S A K D C L O T H I N G -C o n tin u e d .
SHEETINGS: B l e a c h e d , 1 0 - 4 , W a m s o t t a S. T.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Month.
Price.
$0.2926
.2925
.2925
Apr___
M ay. ..
June ..
Price.
$0.2925
.2925
.2925
Month.
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
$0.3150
.3150
.3150
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
$0.3150
.3150
.3150
Average
$0.3038
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
$0.0661
.0660
.0673
Average
$0.0636
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.07
.07*
.07*
Average
$0.0C81
S H E E T IN G S : B r o w n , 4 -4 , A tla n tic A.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.0588
.0598
.0611
$0.0614
.0620
.0640
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
$0.0642
.0656
.0365
S H E E T IN G S : B r o w n , 4 -4 , I n d ia n H e a d .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M ar___
$0.06* Apr___
.06* M ay...
.06* June ..
$0.06* J u ly .. .
.06* Aug .. .
.06* Sept. . .
$0.07
.07
.07
S H E E T IN G S : B r o w n , 4 - 4 , M a s s a c h u s e tts M ills , F l y i n g H o r s e b r a n d ,
y a r d s to th e p o u n d .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.05* Apr___
.05* M ay ...
.06 June...
$0.06 Ju ly .. .
.06* Aug .. .
.06* Sept. ..
$0.06* Oct.......
.06* N ov___
.06* Dec —
$0.06*
.06*
.06*
Average
$0.0623
$0.06 Oct.......
.06*! N ov___
.06* D e c ___
$0.06*
.06*
.06*
Average
$0.0599
S H E E T IN G S : B r o w n , 4 -4 , P e p p e re ll R .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.05* Apr___
.05* M ay.. .
.05* June...
$0.05* J u ly ...
.05* Aug .. .
.06 Sept.. .
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 .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.07* Apr___
.07* M ay.. .
.07* Ju ne...
5553—No. 51—04----- 6
$0.07* J u ly .. .
.07* Aug .. .
.07* Sept.. .
$0.07* Oct.......
.07* N ov ___
.07*: D e c ___
$0.07*
.07*
.07*
Average
$0.0767
296
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
CJLO T H S A N D C L O T H I N G — Continued.
S H IR T IN G S : B le a c h e d , 4 - 4 , H o p e .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Month.
Price.
$0.0641
.0653
.0665
A pr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
Price.
$0.0665
.0665
.0665
Month.
Ju ly .. .
A u g ...
S e p t...
Price.
$0.0689
.0689
.0689
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
Dec —
$0.0689
.0689
.0701
Average
$0.0675
$0.07* O c t ___
.07* N ov___
.07* D e c ___
$0.07*
.07*
.07*
Average
$0.0755
S H IR T IN G S : B le a c h e d , 4 - 4 , L o n s d a le .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0,071 Apr___
.071 M ay.. .
.07* June ..
$0.07* J u ly ...
.07* Aug . ..
.07* Sept.. .
S H I R T I N G S : B l e a c h e d , 4 - 4 , N e w I T o rh M il ls .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.0812
.0829
.0790
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.0810
.0839
.0803
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.0842
.0819
.0933
S H IR T IN G S : B le a c h e d , 4 - 4 , W a m s n tta ^
O c t ---N ov---D e c ----
$0.0889
.0935
.0896
Average
$0.0850
•
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.0950
.0950
.0950
Apr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
$0.0950
.0950
.0950
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.0997
.0997
.0997
Oct.......
Nov —
D e c ___
$0.0997
.0997
.0997
Average
$0.0974
S IL K : R a w , I ta lia n , c la s s ic a l.
[Net cash price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the American
Silk Journal.]
Jan....... $4.3065-$4.4550
Feb....... 4.3065- 4.4550
Mar — 4.3065- 4.4550
Apr___ $4.3065-4*4.4550
M ay . . . 4.4055- 4.5045
June... 4.6035- 4.7025
J u ly ...
$4.6530
Aug . . . $4.5540- 4.6530
Sept.. . 4.6530- 4.7025
Oct.......
$4.7025
N ov ___
4.6530
Dec — $4.2818- 4.4550
Average
$4.5241
S IL K : R a w , J a p a n , fila tu re s , N o. 1.
[Net cash price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the American
Silk Journal.]
Jan....... $4.1710-$4.2438
Feb....... 4.2438- 4.2680
M a r ___ 4.2195- 4.3165
Apr___ $4.1225-$4.2195
M ay. . . 4.0740- 4.1710
Ju ne... 4.1710- 4.2438
J u ly . . .
$4.1710
Aug . . . $4.1225- 4.1710
Sept. . . 4.1225- 4.1953
Oct....... $4.1225-64.2195
N ov ___ 3.9285- 4.0740
D e c ___ 3.6375- 3.8315
Average
$4.1346
297
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C I jO T H S ANTD C L O T H I N G — Continued.
S U IT IN G S : C la y w o r s te d , d i a g o n a l , 1 2 - o u n c e , W a s h i n g t o n M il ls .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Month.
Price.
$0.9675
.9675
.9675
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
Price.
$0.9675
.9675
.9675
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
$0.9675
.9225
.9225
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.9225
.9225
.9225
Average
$0.9488
S U IT IN G S : C la y w o r s t e d d i a g o n a l , 1 6 - o u n c e , W a s h i n g t o n M ills *
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
$1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
S e p t...
$1.1475
1.1025
1.1025
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$1.1025
1.1025
1.1025
Average
$1.1288
S U IT IN G S : I n d i g o b l u e , a l l w o o l , 5 4 - i n c h , 1 4 - o u n c e , M i d d l e s e x s t a n d a r d .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$1.44
1.44
1.44
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
$1.44
1.44
1.44
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$1.44
1.44
1.44
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$1.44
1.44
1.44
Average
$1.44
S U IT IN G S : I n d i g o b l u e , a l l w o o l , 1 6 - o u n c e *
[Price per yard maintained, generally, throughout the year. Represents bulk of sales.]
Year.
Price.
1908............................................................................................................................................
$2.1576
S U IT IN G S : S e r g e , W a s h i n g t o n M i l l s 6 7 0 0 *
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Price.
$0.7650
.7650
.7650
Month.
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
Price.
$0.7650
.7650
.7650
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
S e p t...
Price.
$0.7650
.7425
.7425
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.7425
.7425
.7425
Average
$0.7556
$0.11* Oct.......
.11* Nov —
.11* D e c ___
$0.11*
.11*
.11*
Average
$0.1104
T IC K I N G S : A m o s k e a g A* C* A*
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.10* Apr---. 10* M ay. . .
.10* June ..
$0.10| Ju ly .. .
.10* Aug .. .
.11 Sept.. .
298
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H I N G — Continued.
TROUSERINGS: Fancy worsted, 21 to 2 2 ounce, all worsted warp and filling,
wool and worsted back.
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
82.0925
2.0925
2.0925
Apr---M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Price.
$2.0925
2.0925
2.0925
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
Price.
$2.0925
2.0925
2.0925
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
Nov___
D e c ___
$2.0925
2.0925
2.0925
Average
$2.0925
UNDERWEAR: S h i r t s a n d d r a w e r s , w l i i t e , a l l w o o l , f u l l - f a s h i o n e d , 1 8 - g a u g e *
[Price per dozen garments on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$23.40
23.40
23.40
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
$23.40
23.40
23.40
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$23.40
23.40
23.40
Oct. ...
N ov___
D e c ___
$23.40
23.40
23.40
Average
$23,40
U N D E R W E A R : S h irts a n d d r a w e r s , w h ite , m e rin o , f u ll-fa s h io n e d , 6 0 p e r
c e n t w o o l, 4 0 p e r c e n t c o tto n , 2 4 -g a u g e *
[Price per dozen garments on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$16.20
16.20
16.20
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$16.20
16.20
16.20
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$16.20
16.20
16.20
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ----
$16.20
16.20
16.20
Average
$16.20
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S G O O D S: A l p a c a , c o t t o n w a r p , 2 2 - i n c h , H a m i l t o n *
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ----
Apr___
M ay. ..
June ..
$0.0686
.0686
.0686
$0.0686
.0686
.0686
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.0686
.0686
.0686
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.0686
.0711
.0711
Average
$0.0690
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S G O O D S: C a s h m e r e , a l l w o o l , 1 0 - 1 1 t w i l l , 3 8 - i n c h , A t l a n t i c
M il ls JT*
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.3234
.3234
.3234
W O M EN ’S D R E S S
$0.3234
.3234
.3234
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
G O O D S: C a s h m e r e , c o t t o n
M il ls F .
$0.3406
.3406
.3406
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.3406
.3*06
.3406
Average
$0.3320
w a rp , 9 -tw ill, 4 -4 ,
A tla n tic
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.1642
.1642
.1642
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.1642
.1642
.1642
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
$0.1715
.1715
. 1715
Oct.......
N ov___
Dec —
$0.1715
.1715
.1715
Average
$0.1679
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
299
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C LO TH S A N D C L O T H IN G —Continued.
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S GOODS: C a sh m ere, c o t t o n w a r p , 2 2 -in c h , H a m ilt o n .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
F e b ....,
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
50.0735
.0735
.0735
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
Price.
50.0735
.0735
.0735
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
Price.
50.0735
.0735
.0735
|Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
50.0760
.0760
.0760
Average
50.0741
WOJJIEN’ S D R E S S QOODS: C a sh m ere, c o t t o n w a r p , 2 7 - in c h , H a m ilt o n .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
50.0882
.0882
.0882
Apr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
50.0882
.0882
.0882
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
50.0882
.0882
.0882
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
50.0931
.0931
.0931
Average
50.0894
W O M E N ’ S D R E S S QOODS: F r a n k lin S a c k in g s , 6 -4 .
[Price per yard on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
50.591 Apr___
.59| M ay.. .
.591 Ju ne...
50.591 J u ly ...
.591 Aug . . .
.591 Sept. . .
50.591 Oct.......
.591 N ov ___
.591 D e c ___
Average
W O O L: O h io , fin e fle e ce (X a n d X X g r a d e ), s c o u r e d .
[Price per pound in the eastern markets (Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia) on the
first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
50.6383
.6489
.6383
Apr___
M a y ...
June...
50.6277
.6064
.6170
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
50.6721
.6721
.6809
Oct.......
N ov ---D e c ___
50.6809
.6809
.6915
Average
50.6546
W O O L : O h io , m e d iu m fle e ce ( o n e - fo u r t h a n d t h r e e -e ig h t h s g r a d e ), s c o u r e d .
[Price per pound in the eastern markets (Baltimore, Boston, New York, and Philadelphia) on the
first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
50.4627
.4701
.4627
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
50.4552
.4403
.4478
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
50.4701
.4701
.4701
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
50.4701
.4851
.4851
Average
5074658
W O R S T E D Y A R N S : 2 -4 0 s , A u s t r a lia n fin e.
[Price per pound on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
51.20
1.20
1.20
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
51.20 J u ly ...
1.17J Aug .. .
1.171 Sept. . .
51.171 Oct.......
1.171 N ov___
1.171 D e c ___
51.15
1.15
1.15
Average
51.1771
300
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
C L O T H S A N D C L O T H IN G —Concluded.
W O R S T E D Y A R N S : 2 -4 0 * , X X X X o r it* e q u iv a le n t in q u a lit y , w h i t e , in
s k e in s .
[Price per pound on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
$1.23
1.23
1.23
Month.
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
Price.
$1.23
1.23
1.20
Month.
Price.
J u ly ...
Aug . ..
S e p t...
$1.20
1.20
1.20
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$1.20
1.20
1.20
Average
$1.2125
F U E L A N D L IG H T IN G .
CAND LES: A d a m a n t in e , Os, 1 4 -o u n c e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.11
.11
.11
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.11
.11
.11
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.08* Oct.......
.09 N ov___
.09 D e c ___
$0.09
.09
.09
Average
$0.0996
COAL: A n th r a c ite , b r o k e n .
[Average monthly selling price per ton, at tide water, New York Harbor.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$3.9550
4.0000
3.9730
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
$4.2070
4.3040
4.4015
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$4.4608
4.4744
4.4326
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$4.2633
4.2478
4.2753
Average
$4.2496
COAL: A n th r a c ite , c h e stn u t.
[Average monthly selling price per ton, at tide water, New York Harbor.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$4.9500
4.9500
4.9520
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
$4.4510
4.5510
4.6445
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ep t. . .
$4.7503
4.8504
4.9500
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$4.9504
4.9518
4.9502
Average
$4.8251
COAL: A n th r a c ite , e g g .
[Average monthly selling price per ton, at tide water, New Yoik Harbor.]
$4.9500
4.9500
4.9500
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$4.4520
4.5480
4.6487
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ep t. . .
$4.7528
4.8500
4.9500
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
$4.9500
4.9o00
4.9o00
Average
$4.8251
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
301
T able I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F U E I j A N D E I G H I E N G — Continued.
COAL: A n t h r a c it e , sto v e .
[Average monthly selling price per ton, at tide water, New York Harbor.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
$4.9500
4.9500
4.9500
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
Price.
$4.4500
4.5500
4.6415
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S ep t. . .
Price.
$4.7501
4.8507
4.9500
Month.
Price.
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
$4.9500
4.9510
4.9502
Average
$4.8245
COAL: B it u m in o u s , G e o r g e s C reek .
[Price per ton at the mine on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$4.00
4.50
2.50
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
$2.25
2.00
2.00
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$2.00
2.00
2.00
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$2.00
1.75
1.75
Average
$2.3958
COAL: B it u m in o u s , G e o r g e s C reek .
[Price per ton, f. o. b. New York Harbor, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$7.95
6.50
4.20
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$4.20
3.85
3.85
J u ly ...
A u g...
Sept. . .
$3.85
3.85
3.85
Oct .. . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$3.85
3.65
3.65
Average
$4.4375
COAL: B it u m in o u s , P it ts b u r g (Y o u g liio g lie n y ) .
[Price per bushel on Tuesday of each week, Cincinnati, afloat; quotations furnished by the superin
tendent of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
.10
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
$0.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
Average
$0.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
.09
$0.0925
CO K E : C o n n e lls v ille , fu r n a c e .
[Contract price per ton, f. o. b. at the ovens, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age
and the Bulletin of the American Iron and Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$4.00
4.00
4.00
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
$3.75-$4.00
3.50
2.75- 3.00
J u ly ...
Aug ...
Sept.. .
$2.75
2.25
$2.00- 2.25
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$2.00-$2.25
1.75- 2.00
1.50-1.65
Average
$2.9125
302
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
F U E L A N D L IG H T IN G —Concluded.
M A T C H E S : P a r lo r , d o m e s t ic .
[Price per gross of boxes (200s) in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Mer
chants’ Review.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
Month.
$1.50
1.50
1.50
Price.
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
$1.50
1.50
1.50
Month.
Price.
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
$1.50
1.50
1.50
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$1.50
1.50
1.50
Average
$1.50
P E T R O L E U M : C ru d e, P e n n s y lv a n ia .
fAverage monthly price per barrel at wells; quotations from the Oil City Derrick.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$1.52* Apr___
1.50 M ay. . .
1.50 Ju ne...
$1.51 J u ly ...
1.51* Aug . ..
1.50 Sept.. .
$1.52* Oct.......
1.56 N ov___
1.57* D e c ___
$1.68*
1.78*
1.88|
Average
$1.5886
P E T R O L E U M : R e fin e d , in b a r r e ls , c a r g o lo t s , l o r e x p o r t .
[Price per gallon, New York loading, on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and
Drug Reporter.]
Jan.......
F eb.......
M a r ___
$0.0830
.0820
» .0820
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$0.0835
.0835
.0855
July .. .
Aug .. .
Sept....
$0.0855
.0855
0855
O c t ___
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.0880
.0930
.0950
Average
$0.0860
P E T R O L E U M : R e fin e d , 150° fire test, w a t e r w h i t e , in b a r r e ls , p a c k a g e s
in c lu d e d ( j o b b i n g lo t s ).
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.13 ; Apr___
.13 ! M ay.. .
.13 j June ..
$0.13* J u ly . ..
.13* Aug . . .
.13* S e p t...
$0.13* Oct . . . .
.13* N ov ___
.13* D e c ___
$0.13*
.15
.15
Average
$0,1363
1
M E T A L S A N D IM P L E M E N T S .
A U G E R S : E x t r a , 3 -4 in c h .
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
$0,231
.231
.231
Month.
Apr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
Price.
$0,231
.231
.231
Month.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
$0,231
.231
.231
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0,231
.231
.231
Average
$0.2310
303
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
I.— W HOLESALE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
M E T A L S A N D I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
A X E S : M . ۥ O., Y a n k e e .
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Month.
Price.
$0.51
.51
.51
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
Price.
$0.51
.51
.51
Month.
Month.
Price.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.50
.50
.50
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
Dec —
$0.50
.50
.50
Average
$0.5050
B A R IR O N : B e s t re fin e d , f r o m m i ll.
[Average monthly price per pound in Pittsburg; quotations from the Bulletin of the American Iron
and Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
$0.0200
.0200
.0200
$0.0200
.0200
.0177
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.0170 Oct.......
.0170 N ov___
.0170. D e c ___
$0.0170
.0134
.0130
Average
$0.0177
B A R IR O N : B e s t r e fin e d , f r o m s to re .
[Average monthly price per pound in Philadelphia; quotations from the Bulletin of the American
Iron and Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
$0.0220
.0220
.0220
$0.0220
.0216
.0208
J u ly ...
A u g .. .
Sept.. .
$0.0201
.0193
.0181
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.0181
.0171
.0171
Average
$0.0200
B A R B W I R E : G a lv a n ize d *
[Average monthly price per hundred pounds in Chicago; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June...
$2.68
2.75
2.80
$2.77
2.75
2.75
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
$2.75
2.75
2.75
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$2.76
2.76
2.60
Average
$2.7375
B E T T S : L o o s e jo i n t , e a s t, 3 i>y 3 in c h .
[Price per pair in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. ..
Ju ne...
$0.04
.04
.04
$0.04
.04
.04
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.04
.04
.04
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.04
.04
.04
Average
$0.04
C H IS E L S : E x t r a , s o c k e t fir m e r , 1 -in ch *
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.28
.28
.28
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
$0.28
.28
.28
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept.. .
$0.28
.28
.28
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.28
.28
.28
Average
$0.28
304
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
M ETALS A N D
I M P L E M E N T S —Continued.
C O P P E R : I n g o t , lake*
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Month.
Month.
Price.
Price.
Jan....... SO. 1200-$0.1237£ Apr___ 80.1500-80.1525
.1500
Feb . . . . .1255- .1280 M ay.. .
M a r ---1475- .1500
.1350- .1375 June ..
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
J u ly ... 80.1400-80.1450 Oct....... 80.1325-80.13371
A u g .. . .1300- .1325 N ov ___ .1375 - .1400
Sept. . . .1375- . 13871 D e c ___ .12121- .12371
Average
80.1368
C O P P E R : S h eet, h o t -r o lle d , (b a s e s iz e s ).
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. ..
Ju ne...
80.18
.18
.20
80.20
.20
.20
J u ly ...
Aug . ..
Sept. ..
80.20
.20
.20
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
80.18
.18
.18
Average
80.1917
C O P P E R W I R E : R a r e , N o. 8, B . and. S. g a u g e and. h e a v ie r (hase s iz e s ).
[Price per pound, f. o. b. New York, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
80.131 A pr___
.141 M ay.. .
.151 Ju ne...
80.16f Ju ly. . .
.161 Aug . . .
.151 Sept. . .
80.141 Oct.......
.141 N ov___
.141 D e c ___
80.141
.141
.141
Average
80.1497
D O O R K N O B S : S teel, b r o n z e p la t e d .
[Price per pair in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
80.225
.225
.225
80.225
.225
.225
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
80.225
.225
.225
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.225
.225
.225
Average
80.2250
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
81.05
1.05
1.05
Average
*1.05
F IL E S : 8 -i n c h m i l l D a sta rd , N ic h o ls o n .
[Price per dozen on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay . . .
Ju ne..,
81.05
1.05
1.05
81.05
1.05
1.05
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
81.05
1.05
1.05
H A M P E R S : M a y d o le N o. 1*.
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
80.466
.466
.466
Apr___
M ay .. .
Ju ne...
80.466
.466
.466
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
80.466
.466
.466
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.466
.466
.466
Average
80.4660
305
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
M E T A L S A N D I M P L E M E N T S —Continued.
L E A D : P i g , d e s ilv e r iz e d .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Month.
Month.
Price.
Price.
Jan....... 80.0410-30.04121 Apr___
.0412£ M ay. . .
Feb.......
M a r ___
.0412| June...
Month.
Month.
Price.
Price.
80.0467 J u ly . . . 80.0410-80.04121 Oct....... 80.0440-80.0450
.04371 Aug . . .
.0440- .0450
.0420 N ov___
.0425
.04371 Sept. . . .0410- .04121 D e c ___
Average
80.0428
LEAD P IP E ,
[Price per hundred pounds, f. o. b. New York, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
85.20
5.20
5.40
85.70
5.40
5.15
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
85.10
5.10
5.10
Average
85.1958
85.05
5.05
4.00
LOCKS: C o m m o n m o r tis e .
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
80.09
.09
.09
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
80.09
.09
.09
J u ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
80.09
.09
.09
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
80.09
.09
.09
Average
80.09
N A IL S: Cut, 8- p e n n y , fe n c e a n d c o m m o n .
[Price per 100-pound keg, f. o. b. Pittsburg, on the first of each month; quotations computed from base
prices published in the Iron Age. See explanation on pages 234 to 2367]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
82.15
2.20
2.20
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
82.25
2.25
2.25
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
82.25
2.25
2.25
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
82.25
2.05
2.00
Average
82.1958
N A IL S: W ir e , 8-p e n n y , fe n c e a n d c o m m o n .
[Price per 100-pound keg, f. o. b. Pittsburg, on the first of each month; quotations computed from base
prices published in the Iron Age. See explanation on pages 234 to 236.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
82.00
2.00
2.10
A pr___
M ay. . .
June ..
82.10
2.10
2.10
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
82.10
2.10
2.10
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
82.10
2.10
2.00
Average
82.0750
P I © IR O N : B e s s e m e r.
[Average monthly price per ton in Pittsburg; quotations from the Bulletin of the American Iron and
Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
822.85
21.91
21.85
Apr—
M ay...
Ju ne...
821.28
20.01
19.72
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
818.93
18.35
17.22
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
816.00
15.19
14.40
Average
818.9758
806
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
M E T A L S ANTD I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
P IG IR O N : F o u n d r y N o. 1.
[Average monthly price per ton in Philadelphia; quotations from the Bulletin of the American Iron
and Steel Association.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$24.00
23.75
23.50
Price.
$22.70
21.37
20.62
Month.
Price.
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
1 Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$16.70
16.00
15.85
Average
$19.9158
$19.00
18.00
17.50
P I G IR O N : F o u n d r y N o. 2 , N o rth e rn .
[Price per ton, f. o. b. Pittsburg, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$23.50-$24.00
22.50- 23.00
22.85
$21.85
$21.00- 21.50
20.50- 21.00
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$19.75-$20.00
17.50
15.50- 15.75
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$15.00
14.50
14.00
Average
$19.1417
P I G IR O N : G ra y f o r g e , S o u th e r n , c o k e .
[Price per ton, f. o. b. Cincinnati, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$20.75-$21.25
19.75- 20.75
19.75- 20.75
$18.75-$19.75
17.00- 19.50
16.50
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
$15.25-$17.00
14.25- 15.50
13.75- 14.25
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$12.25-$12.50
10.75- 11.25
10.75- 11.00
Average
$16.2292
P L A N E S : R a ile y N o. 5.
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$1.53
1.53
1.53
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$1.53
1.53
1.53
J u ly ...
A u g...
Sept. . .
$1.53
1.53
1.53
O c t ___
N ov---D e c ___
$1.53
1.53
1.53
Average
$1.53
Q U IC K S IL V E R .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.64 Apr___
.63* M ay. . .
,63| June ..
$0.64 J u ly ...
.64* Aug .. .
.64* Sept. . .
$0.63
.63
.63
O c t ___
N ov---D e c ___
$0.62
.63
.63
Average
$0.6342
S A W S : C rosscu t, D is s to n N o. 2 , 6 -f o o t .
[Price each; to small jobbers, f . o. b. Philadelphia, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept. ..
$1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ----
$1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
Average
$1.6038
307
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
M E T A L S A N D I M P L E M E N T S — Continued.
S A W S : H a n d , D ts s to n N o. 7, 2 6 -in e h .
[Price per dozen, to small jobbers, f. o. b. Philadelphia, on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Price.
$12.60
12.60
12.60
Month.
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Month.
Price.
Ju ly.. .
Aug . ..
Sept. . .
$12.60
12.60
12.60
Price.
$12.60
12.60
12.60
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$12.60
12.60
12.60
Average
$12.60
S H O V E L S : A m e s N o. 2 , ea st s te e l, D H a n d le , s q u a r e p o in t , b a c k s tr a p , b la c k .
[Price per dozen on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$8.02
8.02
8.02
Apr___
M a y ...
June...
$8.02
8.02
8.02
J u ly ...
Aug ...
Sept.. .
$8.02
8.02
8.02
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$8.02
8.02
8.02
Average
$8.02
S IL V E R : B a r , fin e.
[Average monthly price per ounce in New York; quotations furnished by the Director of the Mint.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.48213
.48479
.49355
Apr___
M ay.. .
June...
Ju ly .. .
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
$0.51255
.54775
.53519
$0.54500
.56076
.58605
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.60963
.58745
.56014
Average
$0.54208
S P E L T E R : W e s te r n .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
$0.0470
Jan.......
Feb....... $0.0495- .0505
.0510.0515
Mar —
Apr___ $0.0565-$0.0575
M ay.. .
.0575
.0575
Ju ne...
Ju ly . . . $0.0612$-$0.0625 Oct.......
Aug .. .
.05871 N ov---Sept. . .
.0600 D e c ___
$0.0600
.0555
.0525
Average
$0.0558
S T E E L B IL L E T S .
[Average monthly price per ton at mills at Pittsburg; quotations from the Bulletin of the American
Iron and Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$29.60
30.00
30.62
Apr___
M ay...
June...
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
$30.20
30.25
28.87
$27.40
27.00
27.00
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$27.00
24.00
23.00
Average
$27.9117
S T E E L R A IIiS .
[Average monthly price per ton at mills in Pennsylvania; quotations from the Bulletin of the Ameri
can Iron and Steel Association.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$28.00
28.00
28.00
A p r:...
M ay...
June...
J u ly ...
A u g . ..
Sept. . .
$28.00
28.00
28.00
i
$28.00
28.00
28.00
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$28.00
28.00
28.00
Average
$28.00
308
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
M E T A X iS A N D I M P L E M E N T S — Concluded.
S T E E L S H E E T S : B la c k y N o. 2 7 , B o x , a n n e a le d , o n e p a s s th r o u g h c o ld r o lls .
[Price per pound in Pittsburg on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
Month.
Price.
Apr___
$0.0265
M a y ...
.0265
Ju ne... $0.0265- .0275
$0.0265
.0265
.0265
Month.
Price.
J u ly ... $0.0265-$0.0275
A u g...
.0260
Sept. . . .0255- .0260
Trice.
O c t ---N ov---Dec —
$0.0255-$0.0260
.0250
.0230- .0235
Average
$0.0260
T IN : P i g .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
$0.2800
Jan.......
Feb....... $0.2865 - .2875
.30624- .3100
M a r ----
A p r... $0.3000-$0.3050
M ay .. .2990- .3010
June . .2850- .2875
Ju ly . . . $0.28124-$0.2825
Aug . .. .2825 - .2855
Sept. . . .2710 - .2715
O c t ___ $0.2600-$0.2635
N ov___
.2575
D e c ___
.2580- .2600
Average
$0.2816
T IN P L A T E S : D o m e s tic , B e s s e m e r, c o k e , 1 4 h y 2 0 I n c h .
[Price per 100 pounds in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron Age.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$3.79
3.79
3.99
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$3.99
3.99
3.99
J u ly ...
Aug . ..
Sept. . .
$3.99
3.99
3.99
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$3.99
3.99
3.79
Average
$3.94
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.34
.34
.34
Average
$0.34
T R O W E L S : M . ۥ O ., B r i c k , l O i - i n c h .
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.34
.34
.34
$0.34
.34
.34
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$0.34
.34
.34
V IS E S : S o lid b o x , 5 0 -p o u n d .
[Price each in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$4.60
4.60
4.60
Apr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
$5.75
5.75
5.18
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$5.18
5.75
5.7 j
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$5.18
5.18
4.60
Average
$5.1767
W O O D S C R E W S : 1 -in c h , N o. 1 0 , fla t h e a d .
[Price per gross in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.0920
.0920
.1106
Apr .. .
M ay . . .
Ju ne...
$0.1106
.1106
.1106
J u ly . . .
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$0.1106
.1150
.1150
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.1150
.1150
.1150
Average
$0.1093
Z IN C : S h e e t , o r d i n a r y n u m b e r s a n d s i z e s , p a c k e d i n 6 0 0 - p o u n d c a s k s .
[Price per hundred pounds, f. o. b. Lasalle, 111., on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$5.75
5.75
5.75
Apr___
M ay . . .
June ..
$6.21
6.21
6.21
J u ly .. .
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
$6.21
O c t ___
$6.21
Average
$6.0183
6.21 Nov . . .
6.21 D e c ___
6.21
5.29
309
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
1___ WHOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
L U M B E R A M 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 tic b u ild in g .
[Price per thousand on dock in New York on the first of each month.]
Month.
Month.
Price.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M ar___
Apr___
M ay. ..
June ..
$5.50-86.00
5.50- 6.00
4.75- 5.50
Price.
$4.75-85.50
5.00- 5.50
4.75- 5.25
Month.
Ju ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Month.
Price.
Pried.
$4.75-85.50 ! Oct —
5.00- 6.00 N ov___
6.00- 7.50 D e c ___
$6.50-87.50
7.00- 7.50
7.00- 7.50
Average
$5.9063
C A R BO N A TE: O F L E A D : A m e ric a n , in o il.
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
J a n ........
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
$0.0539
.0564
.0564
M ay...
June ..
$0.0637
.0662
.0662
J u ly ...
Aug ...
O c t ___
N ov___
$0.0662
.0637
.0637
Sept. . .
D ec —
$0.0613
.0613
.0588
A verage
$0.0615
C E M E N T : P o r t la n d , d o m e s tic.
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
$2.00-82.25
1.90- 2.25
2.00- 2.25
$2.05-82.25
2.00- 2.25
2.10- 2.30
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$2.00-82.30
1.90- 2.10
1.90- 2.10
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ----
$1.60-81.90
1.75- 2.00
1.65- 1.90
Average
$2.0292
C EM E N T : R o s e n d a le .
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay...
June ..
$0.85-81.00
.90- 1.10
.90- 1.05
$0.80-80.90
.85- .95
.85- .95
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
$0.85-80 90
.85
.85
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.85
.85
.85
Average
$0.8896
B O O R S : P i n e , u n m o l d e d , 2 f e e t 4 i n c i t e s b y 6 f e e t 8 i n c i t e s , 1£ i n c i t e s t h i c k *
[Price per door in Buffalo on the first of each month.]
J a n ........
F e b ........
M a r ___
$1.85
1.85
1.85
A p r----M ay...
June ..
$1.85
1.85
1.80
J u ly . . .
A ug . . .
S e p t. . .
$1.80
1.70
1.70
O c t ___
N ov___
D ec —
Average
$1.55
1.55
1.40
$1.7292
H E M L O C K : 2 b y 4 in c li, 1 2 to 1 4 fe e t lo n g , P e n n s y lv a n ia s to c k .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$16.50
16.50
16.50
A p r ----M ay...
June ..
$16.50
16.50
17.00
J u ly ...
Aug ...
S e p t .. .
$17.00
17.00
17.00
O ct . . . .
D e c ___
$17.00
17.00
17.00
A vera ge
$16.7917
N ov___ 1
310
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
L U M B E R A N D B U I L D I N G M A T E R I A L S — Continued.
L IM E : E a s te rn , co m m o n .
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
#0.80-80.82
.80- .82
.75- .77
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
Price.
#0.75-#0.77
.75- .77
.75- .77
Month.
Ju ly .. .
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
Price.
#0.75-80.77
.75- .77
.82
Month.
Price.
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
#0.82
.82
#0.80- .82
Average
#0.7875
L IN S E E D O IL : R a w , c ity , in D a rre ls.
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
#0.46
.46
.46
#0.46
.44
.44
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
#0.40
.38
.37
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
#0.39
.37
.37
Average
#0.4167
M A P L E : H a r d ., 1 - I n c h , f i r s t s a n d s e c o n d s , 6 i n c h e s a n d u p w i d e .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ----
Apr___
M ay. ..
June ..
#27.00-829.00
27.00- 29.00
30.00- 82.00
#30.00-832.00
30.00- 32.00
32.00- 34.00
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
#32.00-834.00
32.00- 34.00
32.00- 34.00
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
832.00-834.00
32.00- 34.00
32.00- 34.00
Average
831.6667
O A K : W h ite , p la in , 1 -in c h , 6 in c h e s a n d u p w id e .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
840.00-845.00
40.00- 45.00
40.00- 45.00
840.00-845.00
40.00- 45.00
45.00- 48.00
J u ly...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
845.00-848.00
45.00- 48.00
45.00- 48.00
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
845.00-848.00
45.00- 48.00
45.00- 48.00
AveA ge
844.8333
O A K : W h ite , q u a rte re d , c le a r a n d g o o d se co n d s, 1 -in c h , 6 in c h e s a n d u p
w i d e , 1 2 t o 1 6 fe e t* l o n g .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
867.50-872.50
67.50- 72.50
67.50- 72.50
867.50-872.50
67.50- 72.50
75.00- 80.00
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
Sept.. .
875.00-880.00
75.00- 80.00
75.00- 80.00
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
#75.00-880.00
75.00- 80.00
80.00- 85.00
Average
874.7917
O X I D E O F Z IN C : A m e r i c a n , e x t r a d r y .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
80.04| Apr___
.04| M a y .. .
.04$ Ju ne...
#0.04* J u ly ...
.04$ Aug .. .
.04$ Sept.. .
80.04$ O c t ___
.04$ N ov___
.04$ D e c ___
Average j
80.04$
.04$
.04$
80.0463
COURSE
311
WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
D U M B E R A N D B U I L D I N G M A T E R I A L S —Continued.
P I N E : W h i t e , l> o a r d » , N o .
%
b a r n , 1 i n c h b y lO i n c h e s w i d e , r o u g h .
[Price per M feet in Buffalo on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r----
Price.
$24.00
24.00
24.00
Month.
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
Price.
$24.00
24.00
24.00
Month.
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
Price.
$24.00
24.00
24.00
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$24.00
24.00
24.00
Average
$24.00
P IN E : W h ite , h o a rd s , u p p e rs , 1 -in c h , 8 in c h e s a n d u p w id e , ro u g h .
[Price per M feet in Buffalo on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$80.00
80.00
80.00
Apr—
M ay.. .
June ..
$80.00 J u ly ...
80.00* Aug . . .
80.00 S e p t...
$80.00
80.00
80.00
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$80.00
80.00
80.00
Average
$80.00
P I N E : Y e l l o w , lo n g le a f , b o a rd s , h e a r t- f a c e s id in g s , 1 -i n c h a n d 1 1 -in c h .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$20.50-^21.50
20.50- 21.50
20.50- 21.50
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$20.50-$21.50
20.50- 21.50
20.50- 21.50
Ju ly . . .
Aug .. .
S e p t...
$20.50-$21.50
20.50- 21 50
20.50- 21.50
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$20.50-$21.50
20.50- 21.50
20.50- 21.50
Average
$21.00
P L A T E G L A SS : P o lis h e d , u n s ilv e r e d , a r e a 3 to 5 s q u a r e fe e t.
[Price per square foot, f. o. b. New York, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ----
$0.27
.27
.27
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.27
.27
.27
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.27
.27
.27
Oct.......
N ov ---D e c ___
$0.24
.24
.24
Average
$0.2625
P L A T E G L A S S : P o l i s h e d , u n s i l v e r e d , a r e a 5 t o 1 0 s q u a r e f e e t.
[Price per square foot, f. o. b. New York, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0,441 Apr___
.441 M ay. . .
.441 June ..
$0,441 J u ly ...
.441 Aug . . .
.441 Sept. . .
$0,441 Oct . . . .
.441 N ov---.441 Dec . . . .
$0.39
.39
.39
Average
$0.4313
P O P L A R : Y e l l o w , 1 -i n c h , 8 in c h e s a n d u p w i d e , firs ts a n d s e c o n d s , r o u g h .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$45.00
46.00
47.50
Apr—
M ay. . .
June ..
5553—No. 51—04----- 7
$47.50
47.60
$51.00- 52.50
Ju ly . . .
A u g...
Sept. . .
$51.00-$52.50
51.00- 52.50
51.00- 52.50
Oct . . . .
N ov---Dec . . . .
$51.00-$52.50
51.00- 52.50
51.00- 52.50
Average
$49.6458
312
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I . — W H O LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
HUM BER A N D
B U IL D IN G
M A T E R I A L S — Continued.
P U T T Y : B a lk .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
m.m
.021
.02*
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
Price.
Month.
80.01*
.01*
.01}
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
80.01*
•Ql*
.01}
Month.
Price.
O c t ___
N ov___
D e c ___
80.01*
.01*
.01}
Average
80.0141
R E S IN : C o m m o n to g o o d , s tra in e d .
[Price per barrel in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar i . . .
81.92* Apr___
2.10 M a y ...
82.25- 2.30 Ju ne...
82.30 J u ly ...
82.10- 2.15 •Aug . . .
2.05- 2.10 S e p t...
82.05-82.07* O c t ---1.95-* 2.00 N ov___
2.10 D e c ___
82.30
82.75- 2.80
2.55- 2.60
Average
82.2156
S H IN G L E S : C y p re ss, a l l h e a r t , 5 a n d 6 in c h e s w id e , 1 6 in c h e s lo n g .
[Price per M, f. o. b. mills, on the first of each month. ]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
82.50
2.50
2.50
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
82.50
2.60
2.60
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ept. . .
82.60
2.60
2.60
Oct.......
N ov ___
Dec —
82.60
2.60
2.60
Average
82.5667
S H IN G L E S : M ic h ig a n w h ite p in e , 1 6 in c h e s lo n g , X X X X .
[Price per M in Buffalo on the first of each mouth; quotations from the New York Lumber Trade
Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
83.65
3.65
3.65
Apr___
M ay . . .
June ..
83.65
3.65
3.65
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
88.65
3.65
3.65
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
83.65
3.65
3.65
Average
83.65
S P R U C E : 6 to 9 in c h , c a rg o e s .
[Price per M feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Lumber
Trade Journal.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
817.50-819.00
17.50- 19.00
17.50- 19.00
Apr___
M a y . ..
Ju ne...
817.50-819.00
17.50- 19.00
18.00- 20.00
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$18.00-820.00
18.00- 20.00
19.50-21.50
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
319.50-821.50
19.50-21.50
19.50-21.50
Average
819.1875
TAR.
[Price per barrel in Wilmington, N. C., on the first of each month; quotations from the New York
Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
81.60
1.60
1.65
Apr___
M ay...
Ju ne...
81.65
1.65
1.65
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
81.65
1.65
1.65
Oct.......
N ov ___
Dec —
81.80
1.80
1.80
Average
81.6792
313
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
T ab le I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
L U M B E R ANTI) B U I L D I N G M A T E R I A L S —Concluded.
T U R P E N T IN E : S p irits o f, in o il b a r r e ls .
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Month.
Price.
$0.551 Apr___
.65* M a y ...
.65| Ju ne...
Price.
Month.
SO. 67- SO.671 J u ly ...
.48 Aug . . .
.49 S e p t...
Price.
Month.
80.49* Oct.......
.52* Nov —
.55 Dec . . . .
Average
Price.
SO. 59-
SO.58*
.60
.59*
SO. 5715
W IN D O W G L A S S : A m e r i c a n , s i n g l e , f i r s t s , 2 5 - i n c h b r a c k e t ( 6 b y 8 t o lO b y 1 5
in c h ).
[Price per 50 square feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and
Drug Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
Apr___
M ay.. .
Ju ne...
82.6740
2.5740
2.5740
82.5740
2.5740
2.5740
J u ly ...
A u g . ..
Sept. . .
82.5740
2.5740
2.5740
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
82.5740
2.9700
2.9700
Average
82.6400
W IN D O W G L A S S : A m e r i c a n , s i n g l e , t h i r d s , 2 5 - i n c h b r a c k e t ( 6 b y 8 t o 1 0 b y
15 in c h ).
[Price per 50 square feet in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and
Drug Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
82.1060
2.1060
2.1060
82.1060
2.1060
2.1060
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
Sept. . .
82.1060
2.1060
2.1060
Oct.......
N ov ---D e c ___
82.1060
2.4300
2.4300
Average
82.1600
D R U G S A N D C H E M IC A L S .
A LCO H O L: G ra in , 9 4 p e r ce n t.
[Price per gallon, rebate deducted, in New York on the first of eaoh month; quotations from the
Oil, Paint, and Drug Reporter.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ----
Month.
Price.
A pr___
M ay . . .
J u n e...
82.43
2.41
2.41
Price.
82.39
2.38
2.38
Month.
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
Sept...
Price.
82.37
2.37
2.37
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
82.37
2.43
2.44
Average
82.3958
A LC O H O L: W o o d , re fin e d , 9 5 p e r c e n t.
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
80.65
.65
.65
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
80.65
.65
.65
July*...
A u g ...
S e p t...
80.65
.55
.50
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
80.50
.50
.50
Average
80.5917
A LUM : L u m p .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
80.0175
.0175
.0175
Apr___
M a y ...
June...
80.0165
.0165
.0175
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
80.0175
.0175
.0175
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
80.0175
.0175
.0175
Average
80.0173
314
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HO LESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
D R U G S A N D C H E M I C A L S — Concluded.
B R IM S T O N E : C ru d e , s e co n d s.
[Price per ton in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
$23.00
22.50
22.75
Price.
Apr___
•May...
June ..
$22.00
22.25
22.25
Month.
Price.
J u ly ...
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$22.25
22.25
22.25
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$22.25
22.25
22.00
Average
$22.3333
G L Y C E R IN : R e fin e d , c h e m ic a lly p u re , In b u lk .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.14| Apr___
.141 M a y ...
.144 June ..
$0,144 Ju ly . . .
.144 A u g . . .
.144 S e p t...
$0,144 Oct.......
.144 N ov ___
.144 D e c ___
$0,144
.144
.144
Average
$0.1446
M U R I A T I C A C ID : 2 0 ° .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M ar___
$0.0160
Apr___
May. . .
June ..
.0160
.0160
$0.0160 July. . .
.0160 A u g. . .
.0160 Sept. . .
$0.0160
.0160
.0160
Oct.......
Nov___
D e c ___
Average
$0.0160
.0160
.0160
$0.0160
O P IU M : N a t u r a l, i n e a s e s .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$2,724 Apr___
2.724 M ay. . .
3.00 June ..
$2.95
2.95
8.20
Ju ly. . .
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$3,171 Oct.......
3.50 N ov ___
3.30 D e c ___
$3.25
3.20
3.00
Average
$3.0813
Q U I N I N E : A m e r i c a n , i n lO O -o u n c e t i n s .
[Price per ounce in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0.26
.26
.28
Apr___
M a y ,..
June ..
$0.26
.26
.24
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
$0.23
.24
.25
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.25
.25
.25
Average
$0.2525
S U L P H U R I C A C ID : 6 6 ° .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.0120
.0120
.0120
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$0.0120
.0130
.0130
J u ly ...
A u g .. .
S e p t...
$0.0130
.0130
.0130
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.0130
.0130
.0130
Average
$0.0127
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
315
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
H O U SE F U R N IS H IN G
GOODS.
E A R T H E N W A R E : P la te s , c re a m -c o lo re d , 7-In c h .
[Price per dozen, to purchasers of bills amounting to $8,000, f . o. b. Trenton, N. J., on the first of each
month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
Month.
Price.
$0.4775
.4775
.4775
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
Price.
$0.4775
.4775
.4775
Month.
J u ly ...
A u g...
Sept. . .
Price.
$0.4775
.4775
.4775
Month.
Price.
O c t ___
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.4775
.4775
.4776
Average
$0.4775
E A R T H E N W A R E : P la te s , w h ite g r a n ite , 7 -in c h .
[Price per dozen, to purchasers of bills amounting to $8,000, f. o. b. Trenton, N. J., on the first of each
month.]
Jan.......
Feb . . . .
M a r ___
$0.4988
.4988
.4988
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
$0.4988
.4988
.4988
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$0.4988
.4988
.4988
Oct . . . .
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.4988
.4988
.4988
Average
$0.4988
E A R T H E N W A R E : T e a cu p s a n d sa u c e rs , w h ite g ra n ite , w ith h a n d le s.
[Price per gross (6 dozen cups and 6 dozen saucers), to purchaser of bills amounting to $8,000, f. o. b.
Trenton, N. J., on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$3.6832
3.6832
3.6832
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$3.6832
3.6832
3.6832
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
$3.6832
3.6832
3.6832
Oct.......
N ov ___
D e c ___
$3.6832
3.6832
3.6832
Average
$3.6832
F U R N I T U R E : R e d r o o m s e ts , a s h , 3 p ie c e s , b e d s te a d , b u re a u , a n d w a s h s ta n d .
[Price per set in New York on the first of each month.] *
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$11.75
11.75
12.25
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$12.25
12.25
12.25
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
$12.25
12.25
12.25
Oct.......
Nov —
D e c ___
$12.25
12.25
12.25
Average
$12,167
F U R N IT U R E : C h a irs , b e d ro o m , m a p le , c a n e se a t.
[Price per dozen in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$7.50
7.50
8.00
A pr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$8.00
8.00
8.00
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept.. .
$8.00
8.00
8.00
Oct.......
N ov---D e c ___
$8.00
8.00
8.00
Average
$7,917
F U R N I T U R E : C h a irs , k i tc h e n , c o m m o n s p in d le .
[Price per dozen in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$5.00
5.00
5.00
Apr___
M a y . ..
June...
$5.00
5.00
5.00
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$5.00
5.00
5.00
Oct.......
N ov ___
Dec —
$5.00
5.00
6.00
Average
$5.00
F U R N I T U R E : T a b l e s , k i t c h e n , 3 1 -f o o t .
[Price per dozen in New York on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$15.60
15.60
15.60
Apr..
M ay.
June.
$15.60
15.60
16.60
July
Aug
Sept
$15.60
15.60
15.60
Oct.......
N ov.....
D e c ___
$15.60
15.60
15.60
Average
$15.60
316
T able
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOB,
I.— W H O LESALE
PBICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
H O U SE F U R N IS H IN G
G O O D S —Concluded.
G L A S S W A R E : N a p p ie s , 4 - i n c h .
[Price per dozen, f. o. b. factory, on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
Month.
Price.
$0.14
.14
.14
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Price.
$0.14
.14
.14
Month.
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
Price.
$0.14
.14
.14
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov ---D e c ___
$0.14
.14
.14
Average
$0.14
G L A S S W A R E : P itc h e r s , o n e -h a lf g a llo n , co m m o n .
[Price per dozen, f. o. b. factory, on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$1.30
1.30
1.30
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$1.30
1.30
1.30
J u ly . ..
A u g ...
Sept. . .
$1.30
1.30
1.30
Oct . . . .
N ov ___
D e c ___
$1.30
1.30
1.30
Average
$1.30
G L A S S W A R E : T u m b le rs , ta b le , o n e -th ird p in t, co m m o n .
[Price per dozen, f. o. b. factory, on the first o f each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$0.18
.18
.18
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$0.18
.18
.18
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
S e p t...
$0.18
.18
.17
Oct . . . .
N ov ___
D e c ___
$0.17
.17
.17
Average
$0.1767
T A R L E C U T L E R Y : C a rv e rs, s ta g h a n d le s.
[Price per pair on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.75
.75
.75
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$0.75
.75
.75
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.75
.75
.75
Oct.......
N o v ....
D e c ___
$0.75
.75
.75
Average
$0.75
T A B L E C U T L E R Y : K n iv e s a n d fo rk s , c o c o b o lo h a n d le s , m e ta l b o ls te rs.
[Price per gross on the first of each month.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar . . . .
$6.50
6.50
6.50
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
$6.50
6.50
6.50
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
$6.50
6.50
6.50
Oct.......
N o v ___
D e c ___
$6.50
6.50
6.50
Average
$6.50
W O O D EN W A R S : P a ils , o a k -g r a in e d , 3 -h o o p , w ir e e a r.
[Price per dozen in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$1.55
1.55
1.55
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
$1.55
1.55
1.55
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$1.55
1.55
1.55
Oct . . . .
N ov ___
D e c ___
$1.70
1.70
1.70
Average
$1.5875
W O O D EN W A R P : T u b s, o a k -g r a in e d , 3 in n e s t.
[Price per nest of 3 in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$1.45
• 1.45
1.45
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
$1.45
1.45
1.45
Ju ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$1.45
1.45
1.45
Oct . . . .
N ov—
D e c ___
$1.45
1.45
1.45
Average
$1.45
COURSE OE WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
I.— W HOLESALE
317
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903— Continued.
M IS C B X jI aA JN E O U S .
C O TT O N -SE E D M E A L .
[Price per ton of 2,000 pounds in New York on the first of each month.]
Month.
Jan.......
Peb.......
M a r___
Price.
Month.
Apr---M a y ...
June...
$27.50
27.50
27.25
Price.
$27.25
26.50
26.00
Month.
Month.
Price.
J u ly ...
A u g...
Sept. . .
$26.00
26.50
27.00
Price.
O c t ___
Nov —
D e c ___
$26.50
26.25
26.25
Average
$26.7083
C O T T O N -SE E D O IL : S u m m er y e llo w , p r im e .
[Price per gallon in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Peb.......
M a r___
$0.39 Apr___
.391 M a y ...
.41 Ju ne...
$0,401 J u ly . . .
.431 Aug . . .
.421 S ep t. . .
$0,411 O c t ---.42 N ov—
.41 Dec —
$0.40
.33
.331
Average
$0.3977
JU T E : R a w R . R . 2.
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Peb.......
M a r ___
$0.04
$0,041- .05
041- .05
Apr___
M a y ...
June...
$0.04!-$0.05
.041- .05
.041- .05
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
$0.04!-$0.05 Oct.......
.04f- .05 N ov___
.041- .041 D e c ___
$0.041-$0.041
.04 - .041
.04 - .041
Average
$0.0464
M A L T : W e s te rn m a d e .
[Price per bushel in New York on the last of each month; quotations from the Brewers’ Journal.]
Apr___
M ay . . .
Ju ne...
$0.70-$0.77
.70- .77
.70- .77
$0.70-$0.77
.70- .77
. 68- .75
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.68-$0.75
. 68- .75
.70- .77
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.69-$0.75
. 68- .75
. 68- .73
Average
$0.7246
P A P E R : N ew s, w o o d .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ....
$0. 021-$0.021 Apr___
. 021- .021 M ay . . .
. 021- .021 Ju ne...
$0,021 J u ly ...
.021 Aug . . .
.021 Sept. . .
$0,021 Oct.......
.021 N ov ___
.021 D e c ___
$0,021
Average
$0.0253
.021
.021
P A P E R : W r a p p in g , m a n ila , N o. 1 , ju t e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ....
$0.04i-$0.05i Apr___
.05 - .051 M ay. . .
.05 - .051 Ju ne...
$0.05-$0.051 J u ly ...
.05- .05| A u g . . .
.05- .051 S e p t...
$0.05-$0.05f Oct.......
.05- ,05f N ov ___
.05- .051 D e c ___
$0.05-$0.05!
.05- .051
.05- .051
Average
$0.0526
318
BULLETIN OF THE BU REAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
M IS C E L L A N E O U S —Continued.
P R O O F S P IR IT S .
[Price per gallon, including tax, in Peoria, 111., weekly range; quotations furnished by the secretary
of the Peoria Board of Trade.]
Month.
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
Price.
Month.
*1.81
*1.30-1.31
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
Apr___
$1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
J u ly . . .
M ay. . .
Aug . . .
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
Ju ne...
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
Month.
Price.
Sept. . .
Price.
Month.
Price.
$1.30
1.30
1.30
1.30
Oct.......
1.30
$1.29-1.30
1.29
1.23-1.29
1.23
1.23
1.23
1.23
1.23
N ov___
*1.28-*L24
1.24
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
1.25
D e c ___
1.25-1.27
1.27
1.27
1.27
Average
$1.2809
R O P E : M a n ila , ^ -in c h a n d la r g e r , ta r r e d o r u n ta r re d .
[Price per pound, f. o. b. New York or factory, on the first of each month; quotations from the Iron
Age.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
Mar —
$0.11 -$0.11£ Apr___
.101 M ay. . .
.111- .111 Ju ne...
$0,111 J u ly . . .
.111 Aug . . .
•111 Sept. . .
$0,111 Oct —
$0,111- .111 N ov ___
. I l f - .111 Dec . . . .
$0.lll-$ 0 .12
.111
•111
Average
$0.1146
R IJ R R E R : P a ra I s la n d , n e w .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the New York Journal of
Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.86-$0.87
.83- .84
.89- .90
Apr___
M ay. . .
J u n e...
$0.87-40.88
.89- .90
.85- .87
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
Sept. . .
$0.88-$0.89
.89- .92
.96- .97
O c t---Nov . . .
Dec___
$1. 01-$ 1.02
.95- .96
.91- .92
Average
$0.9054
SO A P : C a s tile , m o t tle d , p u r e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Oil, Paint, and Drug
Reporter.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r___
$0,061 Apr___
.061 M a y ...
.061 Ju ne...
$0,061 J u ly ...
.061 A u g . . .
.061 Sept. . .
$0,061 O c t___
.061 Nov . . .
.061 D ec___
$0,061
.061
.061
Average
$0.0658
S T A R C H : L a u n d ry , m e d iu m , SJOO-pound b a r r e ls , In b u lk .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.05 Apr___
.041 M a y .. .
.041 Ju ne...
$0,041 J u ly ...
.041 Aug . . .
.041 Sept. . .
$0,041 Oct.......
.041 N ov ___
.041 Dec —
$0,041
.041
.041
Average
$0.0431
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
319
T a b l e I . — W HOLESALE PRICES QF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Concluded.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S — Concluded.
TOBACCO: P l u g , H o rs e s lio e .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants’ Review.]
Month.
J a n ..- .
Feb.......
Mar —
Price.
$0.45
.46
.45
Month.
Apr___
M iiy. . .
June...
Price.
$0.45
.45
.45
Month.
J u ly . . .
A u g ...
Sept. . .
Price.
$0.45
.45
.45
Month.
Price.
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.45
.45
.45
Average
$0.45
TO BAC CO : S m o k in g , g r a n u la te d , S e a l o f N orth C a ro lin a .
[Price per pound in New York on the first of each month; quotations from the Merchants* Review.]
Jan.......
Feb.......
M a r ___
$0.57
.67
.57
Apr___
M a y ...
Ju ne...
$0.57
.57
.57
J u ly ..;
A u g...
S e p t...
$0.57
.57
.57
Oct.......
N ov___
D e c ___
$0.57
.57
.57
Average
$0.57
320
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOB.
T able
II.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903.
[F or a m ore detailed description o f the articles, see Table I. Average for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.]
Farm products.
Month.
Barley: by
sample.
Price
Rela
per
tive
bushel. price.
Cattle: steers, Cattle: steers,
choice to extra. good to choice.
Price
per
100lbs.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.4534 100.0 $5.3203
.5600 123.5
5.9938
J a n .........................
.5413 119.4
5.6813
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
.5288 116.6
5.5950
.5250 115.8
5.5688
A p r .........................
.5440 120.0 5.4063
May.........................
.5350 118.0
5.3600
Ju n e........................
July.........................
.5170 114.0
5.3188
.5363 118.3
5.4438
A u g.........................
.5900 130.1
5.6750
Sept.........................
.5770 127.3
5.7438
Oct...........................
5.4875
.5769 127.2
N o v .........................
.5619 123.9
5.5600
D e c .........................
.5494 121.2 5.5678
Average, 1903..........
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
100lbs.
100.0
$4.7347
5.2250
5.0000
5.1350
5.2875
101.6 5.1125
100.7
4.9500
100.0 4.9438
102.3
4.9813
106.7
5.1400
108.0
5.0813
103.1
4.9625
104.5
4.9400
104.7
5.0615
112.7
106.8
105.2
104.7
Com: No. 2,
cash.
Cotton: upland,
middling.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
per
tive
price. bushel. price. pound. price.
100.0
110.4
105.6
108.5
111.7
108.0
104.5
104.4
105.2
108.6
107.3
104.8
104.3
106.9
$0.3804
.4650
.4360
.4335
.4347
.4488
.4918
.5088
.5181
.4990
.4444
.4284
.4190
.4606
100.0 $0.07762 100.0
122.2 .08925 115.0
114.6
114.0
114.3
118.0
129.3
133.8
136.2
131.2
116.8
112.6
110.1
121.1
.09588
.10130
.10513
.11425
.12440
.12450
.12750
.12270
.09813
.11063
.12780
.11235
123.5
130.5
135.4
147.2
160.3
160.4
164.3
158.1
126.4
142.5
164.6
144.7
Farm products.
Month.
Flaxseed:
No. 1.
Price Rela
per
tive
bushel. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $1.1132
J a n .........................
1.1750
F e b ......................... 1.1800
M ar.........................
1.1400
A p r ......................... 1.0900
May......................... 1.0950
1.1150
Ju ne.......................
J u ly ........................ 1.0050
.9500
A ug.........................
.9650
Sept.........................
.9725
Oct...........................
.9350
N ov.........................
.9425
Dec..........................
Average, 1903......... 1.0471
Hides: green,
Hay:'timothy, salted,packers,
No. 1.
heavy native
steers.
Price
per
ton.
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. pound. price.
100.0 $10.4304 100.0
105.6
106.0
102.4
97.9
98.4
100.2
90.3
85.3
86.7
87.4
84.0
84.7
94.1
12.6000
12.3750
12.9000
14.0000
13.9375
13.9500
13.2500
12.7500
10.8000
11.1250
10.6250
11.1500
12.4279
119.8
118.6
123.7
134.2
133.6
133.7
127.0
122.2
103.5
106.7
101.9
106.9
119.2
$0.0937
.1811
.1243
.1183
.1130
.1166
.1186
.1168
.1137
.1194
.1134
.1085
.1086
.1169
100.0
139.9
132.7
126.3
120.6
124.4
126.6
124.7
121.3
127.4
121.0
115.8
115.9
124.8
Hogs: heavy.
Price
per
100lbs.
$4.4123
6.6906
7.0750
7.5175
7.3500
6.6125
6.0925
5.4188
5.4063
5.8550
5.5375
4.6375
4.5475
6.0572
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
151.6
160.3
170.4
166.6
149.9
138.1
122.8
122.5
132.7
125.5
105.1
103.1
137.3
Hogs: light.
Price
per
100lbs.
$4.4206
6.4063
6.8188
7.3100
7.1875
6.3719
6.0500
5.6188
5.7219
6.1525
5.8125
4.7563
4.4950
6.0541
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
144.9
154.3
165.4
162.6
144.1
136.9
127.1
129.4
139.2
131.5
107.6
101.7
137.0
Farm products.
Month.
Hops: New
York State,
choice.
Oats: cash.
Rye: No. 2,
cash.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
per
tive
pound. price. bushel. price. bushel. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.1771
.3600
J a n .........................
.3600
F e b .........................
.3400
M ar.........................
.2900
A p r .........................
.2350
May.........................
.2350
June ...*...................
.2300
July.........................
.2100
A ug.........................
.2525
Sept........................
.2575
Oct...........................
.3100
N ov .........................
.3100
D e c .........................
.2825
Average, 1903.........
100.0
203.3
203.3
192.0
163.7
132.7
132.7
129.9
118.6
142.6
145.4
175.0
175.0
159.5
$0.2688
.3328
.3431
.3328
.3372
.3531
.3830
.3985
.3475
.3613
.3581
.3470
.3514
.3541
100.0
123.8
127.6
123.8
125.4
131.4
142.5
148.3
129.3
134.4
133.2
129.1
130.7
131.7
$0.5288
.4888
.4972
.5018
.5025
.4991
.5100
.5044
.5160
.5613
.5475
.5350
.5165
.5156
100.0
Sheep: native.
Sheep: West
ern.
Price Rela
per
tive
100lbs. price.
100lbs.
$3.7580
3.8188
4.2938
5.1000
4.6563
4.6375
4.0000
3.2500
3.2375
2.9150
2.8125
101.2 2.6813
97.7
3.0600
97.5 ' 3.7101
92.4
94.0
94.9
95.0
94.4
96.4
95.4
97.6
106.1
103.5
100.0
101.6
114.3
136.7
123.9
123.4
106.4
86.5
86.1
77.6
74.8
71.3
81.4
98.7
Price
per
$3.9541
4.2500
4.5438
4.9350
5.0125
4.8688
4.2350
3.2313
3.4313
3.0700
2.9938
2.8000
3.1750
3.8769
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
107.5
114.9
124.8
126.8
123.1
107.1
81.7
86.8
77.6
75.7
70.8
80.3
98.0
321
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
II.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. A verage for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in T a b le'I; for explanation of m eth od see pages 223 and 224.]
Food, etc.
Farm products.
Month.
Wheat: con
tract grades,
cash.
Beans: me
dium, choice.
Bread: crack
ers, Boston X.
Bread: crack
ers, soda.
Bread: loaf
(Washington
market).
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price
per
per
per
per
tive
tive
tive
bushel. price. bushel. price. pound. price. pound.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
loaf.
100.0
100.0
60.0398
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.7510
J a n .........................
.7413
F e b .........................
.7538
.7284
Mar.........................
A p r........................r
.7588
.7809
May.........................
.7824
June........................
.7936
J u ly ........................
.8311
A ug.........................
.8490
Sept.........................
.8186
Oct...........................
.7974
N ov.........................
.8309
D e c .........................
.7895
Average, 1903.........
100.0
98.7
100.4
97.0
61.6699
2.3875
2.3500
2.3000
2.2375
104.0
104.2
105.7
110.7
113.0
109.0
106.2
2.3000
2.2875
2.2500
2.1875
2.2750
101.0
110.6
105.1
2.2000
2.2000
2.1750
2.2625
143.0
140.7
137.7
134.0
131.7
137.7
137.0
134.7
131.0
136.2
131.7
130.2
135.5
60.0673
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0758
100.0
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
112.6
60.0718
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0600
.0600
.0600
.0600
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0646
97.5
97.5
97.5
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.0
Rela
tive price.
100.0
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
Food, etc.
Month.
Bread: loaf,
Bread: loaf, Butter: cream Butter: cream Butter: dairy,
ery, Elgin
ery, extra
homemade
Vienna
(N. Y. market). (N. Y. market). (Elgin market). (N. Y. market). New York State.
Price
per
loaf.
Average, 1890-1899.. 60.0396
.0400
J a n .........................
.0400
F e b .........................
Mar.........................
.0400
.0400
A p r .........................
.0400
May.........................
.0400
Ju ne........................
.0400
July.........................
.0400
A u g .........................
.0400
Sept.........................
.0400
Oct...........................
.0400
N ov.........................
.0400
Dec ........................
.0400
Average, 1903.........
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
loaf.
100.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
60.0396
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
tive
per
tive
tive
price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
100.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
60.2170
.2725
.2575
.2810
.2588
.2075
.2110
.1963
.1905
.2063
.2088
.2300
.2450
.2302
100.0
125.6
118.7
129.5
119.3
95.6
97.2
90.5
87.8
95.1
96.2
106.0
112.9
106.1
60.2242
.2725
.2650
.2865
.2625
.2213
.2158
.2003
.1941
.2073
.2132
.2310
.2440
.2348
100.0
121.5
118.2
127.8
117.1
98.7
96.3
89.3
86.6
92.5
95.1
103.0
108.8
104.7
60.2024
.2544
.2419
.2610
.2475
.2100
.2075
.1913
.1794
.1915
.1906
.2013
.2030
.2150
100.0
125.7
119.5
129.0
122.3
103.8
102.5
94.5
88.6
94.6
94.2
99.5
100.3
106.2
Food, etc.
Month.
Cheese: N. Y.
State, full
cream.
Coffee: Rio
No. 7.
Eggs: new-laid, Fish: cod, dry,
fancy, near-by. bank, large.
Fish: herring,
shore, round.
Price Rela Price
per
per
tive
pound. price. pound.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
dozen.
Rela Price Rela Price
per
tive
per
tive
price. quintal. price. barrel.
100.0
100.0
60.1963
.2938
.2156
.1755
.1613
.1763
.1860
.1956
.2275
.2550
.2788
.3488
.3800
.2418
149.7
109.8
89.4
82.2
89.8
94.8
99.6
115.9
129.9
142.0
177.7
193.6
123.2
Average, 1890-1899.. 60.0987
J a n .........................
.1413
F e b .........................
.1438
Mar.........................
.1445
A p r .........................
.1463
.1166
May.........................
Ju ne........................
.1063
.1006
July.......... ...............
.1000
A ug.........................
Sept.........................
.1105
.1156
Oct...........................
.1169
N ov.........................
.1200
D e c .........................
.1217
Average, 1903.........
143.2
145.7
146.4
148.2
118.1
107.7
101.9
101.3
112.0
117.1
118.4
121.6
123.3
60.1313
.0538
.0538
.0581
.0544
.0525
.0525
.0538
.0525
.0525
.0575
.0638
.0650
.0559
41.0
41.0
44.2
41.4
40.0
40.0
41.0
40.0
40.0
43.8
48.6
49.5
42.6
100.0
65.5849
5.6250
5.6250
5.6250
5.6250
5.6250
5.7500
5.7500
5.7500
6.1250
6.8750
6.3750
6.6250
5.8646
100.0
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
103.0
103.0
103.0
109.7
105.2
114.1
118.6
105.0
63.7763
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
5.8750
6.2500
5.3750
6.2500
5.7292
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
139.0
142.3
139.0
151.7
322
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I I . — BASE
PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTU AL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 190$— Cont’ d.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 computed from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of method see pages 223 and 224.]
Food, etc.
Fish: mackerel, Fish: salmon,
salt, large
canned.
No. 3s.
Month.
Average, 1890-1899..
J a n .........................
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
A p r .........................
May.........................
Ju ne........................
July.........................
A u g .........................
Sept.........................
Oct...........................
N ov.........................
D e c .........................
Average, 1903 .........
Price
per
barrel.
Rela
tive
price.
$14.1306
19.0000
100.0
20.0000
22.5000
19.0000
19.0000
19.0000
14.3750
14.5000
16.5000
14.5000
15.5000
15.5000
17.4479
134.5
141.5
159.2
134.5
134.5
134.5
101.7
102.6
116.8
102.6
109.7
109.7
123.5
Price
per
Rela
tive
price.
$1.4731
1.5750
1.6000
1.6000
1.6000
1.6000
1.6000
1.5500
1.5750
1.5750
1.7250
1.7250
1.7250
1.6208
100.0
12cans.
106.9
108.6
108.6
108.6
108.6
108.6
105.2
106.9
106.9
117.1
117.1
117.1
110.0
Flour: buck
wheat.
Price
per
100lbs.
$1.9428
2.3000
2.2000
2.0000
i
2.3500
2.3750
2.2750
2.3214
Flour: rye.
Flour: wheat,
j
spring
| patents.
Rela Price
tive
per
price. barrel.
Rela Price
tive
per
price. barrel.
100.0
100.0
118.4
113.2
102.9
141.5
121.0
122.2
117.1
119.5
$3.3171
3.3000
3.2250
3.0750
3.0250
2.9760
2.9750
3.0500
3.0500
3.1760
3.3250
3.3250
3.2750
3.1479
99.5
97.2
92.7
91.2
89.7
89.7
91.9
91.9
95.7
100.2
100.2
98.7
94.9
$4.2972
3.9625
4.0375
4.0250
3.9875
4.1500
4.3550
4.4438
4.6625
4.6800
4.6063
4.5063
4.4900
4.3303
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
92.2
94.0
93.7
92.8
96.6
101.3
103.4
108.5
108.9
107.2
104.9
104.5
100.8
Food, etc.
Month.
Fruit: apples,
sun-dried,
Fruit: currants, Fruit: prunes,
California, in
Southern,
in barrels.
boxes.
sliced.
Flour: wheat,
winter
straights.
Fruit: apples,
evaporated,
choice.
^Price Rela
per
tive
barrel. price.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
per
tive
tive
per
tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $3.8450
J a n ......................... 3.3750
F e b ......................... 3.4250
M ar......................... 3.4200
A p r ......................... 3.3938
May......................... 3.4375
Ju ne........................ 3.5900
July......................... 3.6250
A u g ......................... 3.6750
Sept......................... 3.6900
Oct........................... 3.7688
N ov ......................... 3.8000
D e c ......................... 3.8600
Average, 1903......... 3.5923
100.0
87.8
89.1
88.9
88.3
89.4
93.4
94.3
95.6
96.0
98.0
98.8
100.4
93.4
$0.0847
.0613
.0613
.0600
.0575
.0575
.0600
.0600
.0638
.0625
.0625
.0650
.0613
.0611
100.0
72.4
72.4
70.8
67.9
67.9
70.8
70.8
75.3
73.8
73.8
76.7
72.4
72.1
$0.0515
.0475
.0475
.0500
.0463
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0375
.0432
100.0
92.2
92.2
97.1
89.9
82.5
82.5
82.5
82.5
77.7
77.7
77.7
72.8
83.9
$0.0375
.0450
.0450
.0431
.0469
.0444
.0469
.0509
.0506
.0494
.0481
.0488
.0525
.0476
100.0
120.0
120.0
114.9
125.1
118.4
125.1
135.7
134.9
131.7
128.3
130.1
140.0
126.9
$0.0774
.0525
.0513
.0488
.0475
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0525
.0481
100.0
67.8
66.3
63.0
61.4
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
67.8
62.1
Food, etc.
Month.
Fruit: raisins,
California,
London layer.
Price
per.
box.
Average, 1890-1899.. $1.5006
J a n ......................... 1.6500
F e b ......................... 1.6000
M ar......................... 1.5500
A p r ......................... 1.4500
M a y ........................ 1.3500
Ju ne........................ 1.3500
J u ly ........................ 1.3500
Aug......................... 1.3500
Sept......................... 1.3500
O c t .........................
1.5000
N ov......................... 1.5000
D e c ......................... 1.4500
Average, 1903......... 1.4458
Rela
tive
price.
Glucose:
41° and 42°
mixing.
Price
per
100lbs.
100.0
100.0
96.6
96.3
1.8500
1.9250
1.8000
1.8000
1.9500
1.9500
1.9500
1.9500
1.7000
1.7000
1.8396
a No quotation for month.
Rela Price
Rela
tive
per
tive
price. pound. price.
100.0 &$1.4182 100.0
110.0 1.7500 123.4
100.0 1.7500 123.4
103.3
96.6
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
Lard: prime
contract.
130.4
135.7
126.9
126.9
137.5
137.5
137.5
137.5
119.9
119.9
129.7
$0.0654
.1034
.1005
.1030
.1012
.0925
.0895
.0791
.0803
.0879
.0735
.0725
.0698
'.0877
100.0
158.1
153.7
157.5
154.7
141.4
136.9
120.9
122.8
134.4
112.4
110.9
106.7
134.1
Meal: com ,
fine white.
Price
per
100lbs.
$1.0486
1.4250
1.4500
1.4250
1.1750
1.1350
1.2750
1.3500
1.3500
1.3000
1.2250
1.3000
1.1501
1.2967
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
135.9
138.3
135.9
112.1
121.6
108.2
128.7
128.7
124.0
116.8
124.0
109.7
123.7
b Average for 1893-1899.
Meal: com ,
fine yellow.
Price
per
100lbs.
$1.0169
1.4000
1.4250
1.3750
1.1750
1.0900
1.2750
1.3000
1.2500
1.3250
1.2750
1.2500
1.2000
1.2783
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
137.7
140.1
135.2
115.5
107.2
125.4
127.8
122.9
130.3
125.4
122.9
118.0
126.7
323
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
T a b l e I I . — BASE
PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of m ethod see pages 223 and 224.]
Food, etc.
Month.
Meat: bacon,
short clear
sides.
Meat: bacon,
short rib sides.
Meat: beef,
fresh, rative
sides.
Meat: beef,
salt, extra mess.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price
tive
per
per
per
per
tive
tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. barrel.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0675
J a n .........................
.1003
.1044
F e b .........................
.1104
Mar.........................
A p r .........................
.1100
.1031
May.........................
.1014
Ju ne........................
.0944
July.........................
.0891
A ug.......... „.............
.0941
Sept.........................
.0902
Oct...........................
.0820
N ov.........................
.0732
D e c .........................
Average, 1903.........
.0959
100.0
148.6
154.7
163.6
163.0
152.7
150.2
139.9
132.0
139.4
133.6
121.5
108.4
142.1
$0.0656
.0988
.1022
.1079
:i075
.1012
.0999
.0919
.0853
.0921
.0880
.0803
.0713
.0938
100.0
150.6
155.8
164.5
163.9
154.3
152.3
140.1
130.0
140.4
134.1
122.4
108.7
143.0
$0.0771
.0897
.0800
.0803
.0819
*.0807
.0778
.0760
.0750
,0755
.0757
.0750
.0745
.0784
100.0
116.3
103.8
104.2
106.2
104.7
100.9
98.6
97.3
97.9
98.2
97.3
96.6
101.7
$8.0166
10.5500
10.2500
9.8750
9.5625
9.3500
8.9375
8.3750
8.2500
8.2500
8.4500
8.3750
8.5000
9.0673
Meat: beef,
salt, hams,
Western.
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. barrel. price.
100.0 $18.0912
131.6
127.9
123.2
119.3
116.6
111.5
104.5
102.9
102.9
105.4
104.5
106.0
113.1
100.0
21.2500
20.7500
20.7500
20.7500
20.7500
20.1500
117.5
114.7
114.7
114.7
114.7
111.4
116.1
22.2500
22.2500
21.5000
21.2500
21.2115
123.0
123.0
118.8
117.5
117.2
21.0000
22.0000 121.6
Food, etc.
Month.
Meat: hams,
smoked.
Meat: mutton,
dressed.
Meat: pork,
salt, mess, old
to new.
Price Rela Price Rela Price
per
tive
per
tive
per
pound. price. pound. price. barrel.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0984
J a n .........................
.1222
F e b .........................
.1266
Mar.........................
.1315
.1324
A p r .........................
.1299
May.........................
.1270
June........................
.1319
July.........................
.1347
A ug.........................
.1341
Sept.........................
.1243
Oct...........................
.1204
N ov.........................
.1115
D e c .........................
.1271
Average, 1903..........
100.0
124.2
128.7
133.6
134.6
132.0
129.1
134.0
136.9
186.3
126.3
122.4
113.3
129.2
$0.0754
.0688
.0750
.0880
.0913
.0900
.0855
.0750
.0669
.0655
.0619
.0600
.0635
.0744
Milk: fresh.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
quart.
100.0 $11.6332 100.0
$0.0255
.0350
.0350
.0331
.0312
.0265
.0236
.0225
.0225
.0258
.0284
.0300
.0325
.0288
91.2
99.5
116.7
121.1
119.4
113.4
99.5
88.7
86.9
82.1
79.6
84.2
98.7
18.2500
18.0625
18.4750
18.4375
18.5000
18.3500
16.8750
15.5625
15.0750
13.4375
13.3750
13.2750
16.6514
156.9
155.3
158.8
158.5
159.0
157.7
145.1
133.8
129.6
115.5
115.0
114.1
143.1
Molasses: New
Orleans, open
kettle, prime.
Rela Price
per
tive
price. gallon.
100.0
137.3
137.3
129.8
122.4
103.9
92.5
88.2
88.2
101.2
111.4
117.6
127.5
112.9
$0.3151
.3600
.3600
.3600
.3500
.3500
.3500
.3500
.3600
.3600
.3600
.3600
.3350
.3546
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
114.2
114.2
114.2
111.1
111.1
111.1
111.1
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
106.3
112.5
Food, etc.
Month.
Rice: domes
tic, choice.
Rela
Price
tive
per
pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0561
J a n .........................
.0575
.0581
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
.0581
A p r .........................
.0594
May.........................
.0588
June........................
.0588
July.........................
.0581
A ug.........................
.0581
Sept.........................
.0581
Oct...........................
.0531
.0519
N ov.........................
.0488
D e c .........................
Average, 1903.........
.0566
100.0
102.6
103.6
103.6
105.9
104.8
104.8
103.6
103.6
103.6
94.7
92.5
87.0
100.9
Salt: Ameri
can.
Price
per
barrel.
Salt: Ashton’s.
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. bushel. price.
$0.7044 100.0 $2.2033
88.0 2.2750
.6200
92.3 2.2750
.6500
88.0 2.2750
.6200
88.0 2.1500
.6200
2.2500
.5700
80.9
2.2500
78.1
.5500
2.2500
79.8
.5620
2.2500
80.9
.5700
2.2500
87.3
.6150
89.4
2.2500
.6300
89.4
2.2500
.6300
2.2500
.7500 106.5
87.2
2.2479
.6140
100.0
103.3
103.3
103.3
97.6
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.0
Soda: bicar
bonate of,
American.
Spices: nut
megs.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
$0.0209
.0125
.0125
.0125
.0125
.0125
.0125
.0125
.0135
.0135
.0135
.0135
.0135
.0129
100.0
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
64.6
64.6
64.6
64.6
64.6
61.7
$0.4322
.2325
.3100
.3050
.2950
.2850
.2900
.2900
.2900
.2825
.2875
.2950
.2900
.2877
100.0
53.8
71.7
70.6
68.3
65.9
67.1
67.1
67.1
65.4
66.5
68.3
67.1
66.6
324
BULLETIN OF THE BUEEAU OF LABOR.
II.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’d.
T able
[F or a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Average fo r 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.j
Food, etc.
Month.
Spices: pepper,
Singapore.
Starch: pure
com .
Sugar: 89° fair
refining.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
per
tive
tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. 80.0749
J a n .........................
.1269
F e b .........................
.1313
M ar..... ...................
.1319
A p r .........................
.1263
May.........................
.1263
Ju ne........................
.1263
.1313
July.........................
A ug.........................
.1313
Sept.........................
.1300
Oct...........................
.1288
N ov .........................
.1276
D e c .........................
.1288
Average, 1903 .........
.1289
100.0
169.4
175.3
176.1
168.6
168.6
168.6
175.3
175.3
173.6
172.0
170.2
172.0
172.1
80.0548
.0450
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0513
.0507
Sugar: 96° cen
trifugal.
Sugar: granu
lated.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
100.0 80.03398 100.0 80.03869 100.0 80.04727
82.1
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
92.5
.03351
.03204
.03265
.03138
.03174
.03125
.03101
.03266
.03375
.03375
.03280
.03100
.03228
98.6
94.3
96.1
92.3
93.4
92.0
91.3
96.1
99.3
99.3
96.5
91.2
95.0
.03825
.03704
.03719
.03606
.03674
.03583
.03632
.03781
.03884
.03877
.03780
.03594
.03720
98.9
95.7
96.1
93.2
95.0
92.6
93.9
97.7
100.4
100.2
97.7
92.9
96.1
.04628
.04576
.04650
.04655
.04725
.04719
.04775
.04825
.04800
.04585
.04453
.04350
.04641
100.0
97.9
96.8
98.4
98.5
100.0
99.8
101.0
102.1
101.5
97.0
94.2
92.0
98.2
Food, etc.
Tallow.
Month.
Tea: Formosa,
fine.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 80.0435
J a n .........................
.0595
F e b .........................
.0600
M ar.........................
.0560
A p r .........................
.0544
M a y ........................
.0522
Ju ne........................
.0500
July.........................
.0466
A ug.........................
.0456
Sept.........................
.0488
O c t .........................
.0463
N ov.........................
.0450
D e c .........................
.0485
Average, 1903___...
.0510
100.0
136.8
137.9
128.7
125.1
120.0
114.9
107.1
104.8
112.2
106.4
103.4
111.5
117.2
80.2839
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2250
.2200
.2200
.2150
.2050
.2600
.2600
.2296
100.0
81.0
81.0
81.0
81.0
81.0
79.3
77.5
77.5
75.7
72.2
91.6
91.6
80.9
Vegetables,
fresh: onions.
Vegetables,
fresh: potatoes, Vinegar: cider,
Monarch.
Burbank.
Price Rela Price
per
per
tive
barrel. price. bushel.
83.3995
4.7500
4.0000
4.5000
6.0000
2.5000
2.7500
2.5600
1.7500
4.0000
3.0000
3.5000
3.5000
3.5675
100.0
139.7
117.7
132.4
176.5
73.5
80.9
75.3
51.5
117 7
88.2
103.0
103.0
104.9
80.4991
.4650
.4613
.4488
.4263
.5160
.7075
(a)
o*
a
.5817
.6100
.6300
.5249
Rela Price
tive
per
price. gallon.
100.0
93.2
92.4
89.9
85.4
103.4
141.8
116.5
122.2
126.2
105.2
80.1478
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1300
!l300
!l300
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1300
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88*0
88^0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Blankets: 11-4, Blankets: 11-4,
Blankets: 11-4, 5 pounds to the 5poundstothe Boots and shoes:
Bags: 2-bushel, 5
pounds
to
the
pair, cotton
pair, cotton men’s brogans,
Amoskeag.
pair, all wool. warp, all-wool warp, cotton
split.
filling.
and wool filling.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
Price Rela
per
tive
tive
per
tive
per
tive
per bag. price.
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.1399
J a n .........................
.1400
F e b .........................
.1400
M ar.........................
.1450
.1450
A p r .........................
M ay.........................
.1450
Ju n e........................
.1450
July.........................
.1450
A u g .........................
.1450
Sept.........................
.1500
Oct...........................
.1500
N ov.........................
.1500
D e c .........................
.1500
Average, 1903.........
.1458
100.0
100.1
100.1
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
107.2
107.2
107.2
107.2
104.2
$0,840
.925
.925,
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
.925
100.0
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
$0,613
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
.700
100.0
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
a No quotation for month.
$0,424
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
.500
100.0
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
Price
per
pair.
$0.9894
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
.9250
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
325
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I I . — BASE
PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND M ONTHLY
ACTUAL AND R E LA TIV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 computed from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of method see pages 223 and 224.]
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Average,1890-1899..
J a n .........................
F e b .........................
Mar.........................
A p r .........................
M a y ........................
June. . ...................
J u ly .......... «............
Aug.........................
Sept.........................
O c t .........................
N ov .........................
D e c .........................
Average, 1903.........
Boots and
shoes: men’s
calf bal. shoes,
Goodyear
welt.
Boots and
shoes: men’s
split boots.
Boots and
Boots and
Broadcloths:
shoes: men’s
women’s first quality,
vici kid shoes, shoes:
black,
54-inch,
solid
grain
Goodyear
X X X wool.
shoes.
welt.
Price
per
pair.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per 12
pairs.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
pair.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
pair.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
$2,376
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
2.350
100.0
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
$16,350
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
18.500
100.0
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
$2.30
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
* 2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
100.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
$0.8175
.8750
.8750
.8750
.8750
.8750
.8750
.9000
.9000
.9000
.9000
.9000
.9000
.8875
100.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
108.6
$1,732
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
1.910
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Brus
Calico: Cocheco Carpets:
sels. 5-frame,
prints.
Bigelow.
Price
per
yard.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0553
J a n .........................
.0500
F e b .........................
.0500
Mar.........................
.0500
A p r .........................
.0500
May.........................
.0500
Ju n e........................
.0500
July.........................
.0500
A u g.........................
.0500
Sept.........................
.0500
Oct...........................
.0500
.0500
N ov .........................
D e c .........................
.0550
Average, 1903.........
.0504
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
99.5
91.1
$1.0008
1.0560
1.0560
1.0560
1.0560
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.1040
1.0880
100.0
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
108.7
Carpets: in
grain, 2-ply,
Lowell.
Carpets: Wil Cotton flannels:
ton, 5-frame, 2$ yards to the
pound.
Bigelow.
Price 1Relaper | tive
yard. ! price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
$1.8432
1.9440
1.9440
1.9440
1.9440
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0400
2.0080
100.0
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
108.9
$0.0706
.0675
.0675
.0675
.0675
.0700
.0700
.0725
.0750
.0775
.0800
.0825
.0850
.0735
$0.4752
.5040
.5040
.5040
.5040
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5184
.5136
100.0
106.1
106.1
106.1
106.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
108.1
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
95.6
95.6
95.6
95.6
99.2
99.2
102.7
106.2
109.8
113.3
116.9
120.4
104.1
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
thread:
Cotton flannels: Cotton
6-cord, 20034 yards to the
yard
spools,
pound.
J. & P. Coats.
Price
per
yard.
Average,1890-1899..
J a n ..........................
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
A p r .........................
May.........................
Ju ne........................
July.........................
A ug.........................
Sept.........................
Oct...........................
Nov.........................
D e c .........................
Average, 1903 .........
$0.0575
.0588
.0588
.0588
.0588
.0613
.0613
.0638
.0650
.0663
.0663
.0675
.0688
.0629
Cotton yarns:
carded, white,
mule-spun,
Northern,
cones, 10/1.
Cotton yams:
carded, white,
mule-spun,
Northern,
cones, 22/1.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
per
tive
tive
price. spool, (o) price. pound. price. pound. price.
100.0 $0.031008
102.3 .037240
102.3 .037240
102.3 .037240
102.3 .037240
106.6 .037240
106.6 .037240
111.0 .037240
113.0 .037240
115.3 .037240
115.3 .037240
117.4 .037240
119.7 .037240
109.4 .037240
100.0
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
$0.1608
.1625
.1650
.1725
.1700
.1825
.1950
.2025
.2100
.2000
.1875
.1900
.2050
.1869
a Freight paid.
100.0
101.1
102.6
107.3
105.7
113.5
121.3
125.9
130.6
124.4
116.6
118.2
127.5
116.2
$0.1969
.1925
.1950
.2050
.2050
.2125
.2225
.2350
.2350
.2225
.2150
.2175
.2300
.2156
100.0
97.8
99.0
104.1
104.1
107.9
113.0
119.3
119.3
113.0
109.2
110.5
116.8
109.5
Denims:
Amoskeag.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
$0.1044 100.0
.1050 100.6
.1050 100.6
.1075 103.0
.1100 105.4
.1100 105.4
.1150 110.2
.1150 110.2
.1150 110.2
.1150 110.2
.1150 110.2
.1200 114.9
.1200 114.9
.1127 108.0
326
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
I I . — BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND M ONTHLY
ACTU AL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
T a ble
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 computed from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of method see pages 223 and 224.]
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Drillings:
brown,
Pepperell.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0572
.0575
J a n .........................
.0575
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
.0575
.0575
A p r .........................
.0600
May.........................
.0625
Ju n e........................
.0650
J u ly ........................
.0650
A ug.........................
.0650
Sept.........................
.0650
O c t .........................
.0650
N ov.........................
.0650
D e c .........................
.0619
Average, 1903.........
Rela
tive
price.
Flannels:
Drillings: 304c-4, Bal
inch, Stark A. white,
lard Vale No. 3.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Ginghams:
Amoskeag.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Ginghams:
Lancaster.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 $0.0521 100.0 $0.3768 100.0 $0.0533 100.0 $0.0573
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
104.9
109.3
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
108.2
.0560
.0559
.0543
.0551
.0544
.0584
.0572
.0608
.0623
.0599
.0598
.0625
.0581
107.5
107.3
104.2
105.8
104.4
112.1
109.8
116.7
119.6
115.0
114.8
120.0
111.5
.4100
.4100
.4217
.4217
.4217
.4217
.4433
.4433
.4433
.4433
.4433
.4433
.4306
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
.0550
108.8
108.8
111.9
111.9
111.9
111.9
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
114.3
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Hosiery: men’s Hosiery: men’s Hosiery: wom Hosiery: wom
en’s combed
Horse blankets: cotton half
en’s cotton
cotton half Egyptian
6 pounds each, hose, seamless, hose,
cotton hose, seamless,
seamless,
hose,
high
all wool.
fast black, 20
fast black,
84 needles.
spliced heel. 26 to 28 ounce.
to 22 ounce.
Price Rela
per
tive
pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899..
J a n .........................
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
A p r .........................
May.........................
Ju n e........................
July.........................
A u g.........................
Sept.........................
Oct...........................
N ov .........................
D e c .........................
Average, 1903 .........
Price
per 12
pairs.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per 12
pairs.
$0,573 100.0 $0.9555 100.0 $0.7845
5.7350 5 76.9
.6750
.675 117.8
.6750
.675 117.8
5.7350 576.9
.6750
.675 117.8
5.7350 576.9
.7000
.675 117.8
.7350
76.9
.7000
.675 117.8
0.7350 076.9
.675 117.8
.7000
0.7350 076.9
.7250
.675 117.8
0.7350 076.9
.7250
.675 117.8
0.7350 076.9
82.1
.675 117.8
.7250
.7840
<*.7840 <*82.1
.675 117.8
.7250
.675 117.8
<*.7840 <*82.1
.7250
.675 117.8
<*.7840 <*8^.1
.7250
.675 117.8
0.7840 082.1
.7063
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per 12
pairs.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per 12
pairs.
100.0 a $1,850 100.0 $0.9310
86.0
1.875 101.4
5.7350
86.0
1.875 101.4
5.7350
86.0
1.875 101.4
5.7350
89.2
89.2
89.2
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
90.0
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
1.875
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
.7595
0.7595
0.7595
e.7595
0.7595
.8085
<*.8085
<*.8085
<*.8085
0.8085
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
578.9
578.9
578.9
81.6
081.6
081.6
081.6
081.6
86.8
<*86.8
<*86.8
<*86.8
086.8
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Leather: har Leather: sole,
Leather: wax
ness, oak,
hemlock, non Leather: sole, calf, 30 to 40 lbs.
packers’ hides, acid, Buenos
oak.
to the dozen, B
heavy, No. 1.
Ayres.
grade.
Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price
per
per
tive
per
tive
tive per sq.
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
foot.
Average, 1890-1899.. /$0.2590
J a n .........................
.3400
F e b .........................
.3400
M ar.........................
.3400
A p r .........................
.3400
May.........................
.3200
Ju ne........................
.3200
J u ly ........................
.3200
A ug.........................
.3500
Sept.........................
.3450
Oct...........................
.3200
N ov.........................
.3200
D e c .........................
.3200
Average, 1903.........
.3313
Linen shoe
thread: 10s
Barbour.
Rela Price Rela
tive
per
tive
price. pound. price.
100.0 $0.1939 100.0 $0.3363 100.0 $0.6545 100.0 $0.8748
.2300 118.6
.3800 113.0
.6600 100.8
.8460
.3400 101.1
.2300 118.6
.6600 100.8
.8460
.3950 117.5
.2300 118.6
.6600 100.8
.8460
.3900 116.0
.2200 113.5
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2200 113.5
.3850 114.5
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2200 113.5
.3850 114.5
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2200 113.5
.3800 113.0
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2300 118.6
.3700 110.0
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2300 118.6
.3700 110.0
.7000 107.0
.8460
.2300 118.6
.3700 110.0
.7000 107.0
.8460
{7117.3
(7117.3
(7117.3
(7117.3
(7110.4
(7110.4
(7110.4
(7120.7
(7119.0
flllO. 4
allO. 4
(7110.4
(7114.3
.2300
.2300
.2267
118.6
118.6
116.9
.3650
.3600
.3742
108.5
107.0
111.3
.7000
.7000
.6900
107.0
107.0
105.4
.8460
.8460
.8460
100.0
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
aAverage for 1893-1899. ^September, 1902, price, 0April, 1903, price. ^September, 1903, price.
0 September, 1903, price. Represents bulk of sales.
/Leather: harness, oak, country middles, 14 pounds and up (except overweights, 20 pounds and up),
o'For method of computing relative price see pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901 and 1902,
327
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I I . — BASE
PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I. A verage for 1903 com puted from quota
tions m Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.1
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Linen thread: Overcoatings:
beaver, Mos
3-cord, 200-yard cow,
all wool,
spools, Barbour.
black.
Overcoatings:
chinchilla,
B-rough, all
wool.
Priceper Rela
dozen
tive
spools. price.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.8522
J a n .........................
.8370
F e b .........................
.8370
M ar.........................
.8370
A p r .........................
.8370
May.........................
.8370
June........................
.8370
J u ly ........................
.8370
A ug.........................
.8370
Sept.........................
.8370
.8370
Oct...........................
.8370
N ov.........................
.8370
D e c .........................
Average, 1903.........
.8370
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Overcoatings:
chinchilla,
cotton warp,
C. C. grade.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Overcoatings:
covert cloth,
light weight,
staple.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 $2.0817 100.0 $2.1419 100.0 $0.4883 100.0 $2.3286
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
2.4413
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
2.2088
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
.4400
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4550
.4650
.4550
.4400
.4533
90.1
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
93.2
95.2
93.2
90.1
92.8
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
2.1899
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
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
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Overcoatings:
kersey, stand
ard, 27 to 28
ounce.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. «$1.2472
J a n .........................
1.5750
F e b .........................
1.5750
Mar.........................
1.5750
A p r .........................
1.5750
May.........................
1.5750
Ju ne........................
1.5750
July.........................
1.5750
A u g.........................
1.5750
Sept.........................
1.5750
Oct...........................
1.5750
1.5750
N ov.........................
1.5750
D e c .........................
Average, 1903 .........
1.5750
Rela
tive
price.
Print cloths:
28-inch,
64 x 64.
Price
per
yard.
100.0$0.02838
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
126.3
.030676
.032500
.032500
.031406
.030875
.032344
.032188
.032250
.033438
.032000
.032344
.034054
.032156
Rela
tive
price.
Shawls: stand
Sheetings:
Sheetings:
ard, all wool, bleached,
10-4, bleached, 10-4,
72x144 inch,
Atlantic.
Pepperell.
42-ounce.
Price
each.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 $4.5787 100.0 $0.1836 100.0 $0.1884
.2200
4.9000 107.0
.1995 108.7
4.9000 107.0
.1962 106.9
.2200
.2200
4.9000 107.0
.1981 107.9
.1973 107.5
.2200
4.9000 107.0
.2112 115.0
.2200
4.9000 107.0
108.1
114.5
114.5
110.7
108.8
114.0
113.4
113.6
117.8
112.8
114.0
120.0
113.3
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
.2258
.2271
.2247
123.0
123.7
122.4
.2114
126.6
115.1
% 24
115.7
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2300
.2400
.2400
.2275
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
127.4
127.4
120.8
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Sheetings:
bleached, 10-4,
Wamsutta S.T.
Price
per
yard.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.2949
J a n .........................
.2925
F e b .........................
.2925
Mar.........................
.2925
A p r.........................
.2925
M a y ........................
.2925
June........................
.2925
J u ly ........................
.3150
A ug.........................
.3150
Sept.........................
.3150
O c t .........................
.3150
N ov.........................
.3150
D e c .........................
.3150
Average, 1903.........
.3038
Rela
tive
price.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Atlantic A.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Indian Head.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Mass. Mills,
Flying Horse
brand.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Pepperell R.
Price
per
yard.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
100.0 $0.0553 100.0 $0.0626 100.0 c$0.0525 100.6 $0.0551
99.2
99.2
99.2
99.2
99.2
99.2
106.8
106.8
106.8
106.8
106.8
106.8
103.0
.0588
.0598
.0611
.0614
.0620
.0640
.0642
.0656
.0665
.0661
.0660
.0673
.0636
106.3
108.1
110.5
111.0
112.1
115.7
116.1
118.6
120.3
119.5
119.3
121.7
115.0
.0625
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0675
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0700
.0725
.0750
.0681
99.8
103.8
103.8
103.8
103.8
107.8
111.8
111.8
111.8
111.8
115.8
119.8
108.8
.0575
.0588
.0600
.0600
.0613
.0625
.0625
.0625
.0650
.0650
.0650
.0675
.0623
<*94.1
<*96.2
<*98.2
<*98.2
<*100.3
<*102.2
<*102.2
<*102.2
<*106.3
<*106.3
<*106.3
<*110.4
<*101.9
.0563
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0575
.0600
.0600
.0625
.0625
.0625
.0625
.0625
.0599
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
102.2
104.4
104.4
104.4
104.4
108.9
108.9
113.4
113.4
113.4
113.4
113.4
108.7
a Average for 1897-1899.
b No sales during month.
c Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Stark A. A.
<*For method of computing relative price, see pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901, $0.0575; for
1902, $0.0566.
5553 -N o . 51—04----- 8
328
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
I I . — BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. A verage for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.]
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Fruit of the
Loom.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0728
J a n .........................
.0738
.0738
F e b .........................
.0750
Mar.........................
.0750
A p r .........................
.0763
May.........................
.0763
J u n e.......................
.0763
July.........................
.0788
Aug.........................
Sept.........................
.0788
Oct...........................
.0788
.0788
N ov.........................
.0788
D e c.........................
Average, 1903.........
.0767
Rela
tive
price.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Hope.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Lonsdale.
Price
per
yard.
Shirtings:
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4, bleached, 4-4,
New York
W am sutta^^*
Mills.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 $0.0630 100.0 $0.0727 100.0 $0.0876 100.0 $0.0948
101.4
101.4
103.0
103.0
104.8
104.8
104.8
108.2
108.2
108.2
108.2
108.2
105.4
.0641
.0653
.0665
.0665
.0665
.0665
.0689
.0689
.0689
.0689
.0689
.0701
.0675
101.7
103.7
105.6
105.6
105.6
105.6
109.4
109.4
109.4
109.4
109.4
111.3
107.1
.0713
.0725
.0725
.0750
.0750
.0750
.0775
.0775
.0775
.0775
.0775
.0775
.0755
98.1
99.7
99.7
103.2
103.2
103.2
106.6
106.6
106.6
106.6
106.6
106.6
103.9
.0812
.0829
.0790
.0810
.0839
.0803
.0842
.0819
.0933
.0889
.0935
.0896
.0850
92.7
94.6
90.2
92.5
95.8
91.7
96.1
93.5
106.5
101.5
106.7
102.3
97.0
.0950
.0950
.0950
.0950
.0950
.0950
.0997
.0997
.0997
.0997
.0997
.0997
.0974
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
105.2
105.2
105.2
105.2
105.2
105.2
102.7
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Silk: raw, Ital Silk: raw, Ja
ian, classical. pan, filatures.
Price Rela
Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $4.2558
J a n .........................
4.3808
F e b .........................
4.3808
Mar.........................
4.3808
A p r .........................
4.3808
M a y ........................ 4.4550
June........................ 4.6530
July......................... 4.6530
A u g ......................... 4.6035
Sept.........................
4.6778
Oct........................... 4.7025
N ov ......................... 4.6530
D e c ......................... 4.3684
Average, 1903......... 4.5241
Suitings: clay Suitings: clay Suitings: indigo
worsted diago worsted diago blue, all wool,
54-in., 14-oz.,
nal, 12-ounce, nal, 16-ounce,
Wash. Mills.
Wash. Mills.
Middlesex.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 $4.0187 100.0 a$0.8236 100.0 «$1.0068 100.0 $1.3230
102.9
102.9
102.9
102.9
104.7
109.3
109.3
108.2
109.9
110.5
109.3
102.6
106.3
4.2074
4.2559
4.2680
4.1710
4.1225
4.2074
4.1710
4.1468
4.1589
4.1710
4.0013
3.7345
4.1346
104.7
105.9
106.2
103.8
102.6
104.7
103.8
103.2
103.5
103.8
99.6
92.9
102.9
.9675
.9675
.9675
.9675
.9675
.9675
.9675
.9225
.9225
.9225
.9225
.9225
.9488
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
115.2
1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
1.1475
1.1025
1.1025
1.1025
1.1025
1.1025
1.1288
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
109.5
109.6
109.5
109.5
109.5
112.1
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
1.4400 . 108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
1.4400
108.8
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Underwear:
Suitings: indigo Suitings: serge,
Trouserings:
Amos- fancy
shirts and
blue, all wool,
Washington Tickings:
worsted, drawers,
keag
A.
C.
A.
16-ounce.
Mills 6700.
21 to 22 ounce. all wool,white,
etc.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. $1.9154
J a n ......................... 2.1576
F e b .........................
2.1576
M ar.........................
2.1576
A p r ......................... ‘2.1576
May.........................
2.1576
Ju n e........................ 2.1576
July......................... 2.1576
A u g.........................
2.1576
Sept......................... 2.1576
Oct........................... 2.1576
N ov ......................... 2.1576
D e c .........................
2.1576
Average, 1903 ......... 2.1576
a Average for 1895-1899.
5 Average for 1892-1899.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
100.0 &$0.7526 100.0 $0.1061 100.0 c$l. 9456
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1050
2.0925
99.0
112.6
.7660 101.6
.1050
99.0
2.0925
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1050
99.0
2.0925
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1050
99.0
2.0925
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1050
99.0
2.0925
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1100 103.7 2.0925
112.6
.7650 101.6
.1150 108.4
2.0925
.7425
112.6
98.7
.1150 108.4
2.0925
112.6
.7425
98.7
.1150 108.4
2.0925
112.6
.7425
98.7
2.0925
.1160 108.4
.7425
112.6
98.7
2.0925
.1150 108.4
112.6
.7425
98.7
.1160 108.4
2.0925
.7556 100.4
112.6
.1104 104.1
2.0925
Rela Priceper Rela
tive 12gar tive
price. ments. price.
100.0
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
<*104.6
$23.31
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
100.0
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
e Average for 1892-1899; 22 to 23 ounce.
<*For method of computing relative price, see pages 241 and 242.
329
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
II.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Average fo r 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.]
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
Underwear:
shirts and
drawers, white,
m erino, 60#
w ool, etc.
Price
per 12 Rela
tive
gar
ments. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. a $15.57 100.0
J a n .........................
16.20 &95.4
16.20 695.4
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
16.20 6 95.4
A p r.........................
16.20 695.4
16.20 695.4
May.........................
16.20 695.4
June........................
July.........................
16.20 695.4
A ug.........................
16.20 6 95.4
16.20 695.4
Sept.........................
16.20 695.4
O ct..........................
16.20 695.4
N ov.........................
16..20 6 95.4
D e c.........................
16.20 695.4
Average, 1903 .........
omen’s dress Women’s dress W omen’s dress
Women’s dress W
cashgoods: cashgoods: cashgoods: alpaca, goods:
all wool, mere, cotton
mere, cotton
cotton warp, 22- mere,
warp,
22-inch,
10-11
tw
ill,
38warp,
9-twill,
inch, Hamilton. inch, A tlantic J. 4r-4, A tlantic F.
Ham ilton.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
$0.0680
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0686
.0711
.0711
.0690
100.0
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
104.6
104.6
101.5
$0.2905
.3234
.3234
.3234
.3234
.3234
.3234
.3406
.3406
.3406
.3406
.3406
.3406
.3320
100.0
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
114.3
$0.1520
.1642
.1642
.1642
.1642
.1642
.1642
.1715
.1715
.1715
.1715
.1715
.1715
.1679
100.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
110.5
$0.0758
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0735
.0760
.0760
.0760
.0741
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
100.3
100.3
100.3
97.8
Cloths and clothing.
M onth.
W omen’s dress Women’s dress
W ool: Ohio,
W ool: Ohio,
goods: cashyarns:
Frank fine fleece (X m edium fleece Worsted
m ere, cotton goods:
Austral
lin
sackings,
and
X
X
grade),
(*
and | grade), 2-40s,
warp, 27-inch,
ian fine.
6-4.
scoured.
scoured.
Hamilton.
Price
per
yard.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0883
.0882
J a n .........................
.0882
F e b .........................
M ar............ ..........
.0882
.0882
A p r.........................
.0882
M ay.........................
.0882
Ju n e........................
.0882
July.........................
.0882
A u g.........................
.0882
Sept.........................
.0931
O ct...........................
.0931
N ov.........................
.0931
D e c .........................
.0894
Average, 1903.........
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
yard.
100.0
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
105.4
105.4
105.4
101.2
$0.5151
. 5937|
. 5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5937*
.5700
.5700
.5898
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. pound. price.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
100.0
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
110.7
110.7
114.5
$0.4564
.4627
.4701
.4627
.4552
.4403
.4478
.4701
.4701
.4701
.4701
.4851
.4851
.4658
Cloths and
clothing.
Month.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
pound. price. pound. price.
100.0
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
120.4
100.0
115.5
117.4
115.5
113.6
109.7
111.7
121.6
121.6
123.2
123.2
123.2
125.1
118.5
$0.0782
.1100
.1100
.1100
.1100
.1100
.1100
.0850
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0996
100.0
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
108.7
115.1
115.1
115.1
115.1
115.1
127.4
Coal: anthra
cite, broken.
Coal: anthra
cite, chestnut.
$1.0183
1.2000
1.2000
1.2000
1.2000
1.1750
1.1750
1.1750
1.1750
1.1750
1.1500
1.1500
1.1500
1.1771
100.0
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
112.9
112.9
112.9
115.6
Coal: anthra
cite, egg.
Price
per
ton.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
ton.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
ton.
$3.3669
3.9550
4.0000
3.9730
4.2070
4.3040
4.4015
4.4608
4.4744
4.4326
4.2633
4.2478
4.2753
4.2496
100.0
117.5
118.8
118.0
125.0
127.8
130.7
132.5
132.9
131.7
126.6
126.2
127.0
126.2
$3.5953
4.9500
4.9500
4.9520
4.4510
4.5510
4.6445
4.7503
4.8504
4.9500
4.9504
4.9518
4.9502
4.8251
100.0
137.7
137.7
137.7
123.8
126.6
129.2
132.1
134.9
137.7
137.7
137.7
137.7
134.2
$3.5936
4.9500
4.9500
4.9500
4.4520
4.5480
4.6487
4.7528
4.8500
4.9500
4.9500
4.9500
4.9500
4.8251
a 52 per cent w ool and 48 per cent cotton.
*>For m ethod of com puting relative price, see page 242.
100.0
101.4
103.0
101.4
99.7
96.5
98.1
103.0
103.0
103.0
103.0
106.3
106.3
102.1
Fuel and lighting.
Worsted yarns: Candles: ada
2-40s, X X X X ,
m antine,
white, in skeins. 6s, 14-ounce.
Average, 1890-1899.. $1.0071
J a n .......................... 1.2300
F e b ......................... 1.2300
M ar......................... 1.2300
A p r.........................
1.2300
M a y ........................ 1.2300
June........................ 1.2000
J u ly ........................ 1.2000
1.2000
A ug.........................
Sept......................... 1.2000
1.2000
O c t.........................
N ov......................... 1.2000
D e c......................... 1.2000
Average, 1903......... ' 1.2125
$0.5526
.6383
.6489
.6383
.6277
.6064.
.6170
.6721
.6721
.6809
.6809
.6809
.6915
.6546
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
137.7
137.7
137.7
123.9
126.6
129.4
132.3
135.0
137.7
137.7
137.7
137.7
134.3
330
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
I I . — BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. - Average for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m ethod see pages 223 and 224.]
Fuel and lighting.
Month.
Coal: anthra
cite, stove.
Coal: bitum i
nous, Georges
Creek (at
m ine).
Coal: bitum i Coal: bitum i
nous, Georges nous, Pittsburg Coke: ConnellsCreek (f. o. b.
(Youghville, furnace.
N .Y . H arbor.)
ioghen y).
Rela Price
Rela Price
Rela
Rela
Price Rela
Price
Price
tive per
tive per ton. tive
per
tive
tive
per ton. price.
ton. price.
price. bushel. price. per ton. price.
A verage,1890-1899.. 83.7949
J a n ......................... 4.9500
F e b ......................... 4.9500
M ar......................... 4.9500
A p r......................... 4.4500
M ay......................... 4.5500
Ju n e........................ 4.6415
July......................... 4.7501
A u g......................... 4.8507
Sept......................... 4.9500
Oct........................... 4.9500
N ov......................... 4.9510
D e c......................... 4.9502
Average, 1903......... 4.8245
100.0
130.4
130.4
130.4
117.3
119.9
122.3
125.2
127.8
130.4
130.4
130.5
130.4
127.1
80.8887
4.0000
4.6000
2.5000
2.2500
2.0000
2.0000
2.0000
2.0000
2.0000
2.0000
1.7500
1.7500
2.3958
100.0
450.1
506.4
281.3
253.2
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
196.9
196.9
269.6
82.7429
7.9500
6.6000
4.2000
4.2000
3.8500
3.8500
3.8500
3.8500
3.8500
3.8500
3.6500
3.6500
4.4375
100.0
289.8
237.0
153.1
153.1
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
133.1
133.1
161.8
80.0643
.1000
.1000
.1000
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0925
100.0
155.5
155.5
155.5
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
143.9
Matches:
parlor,
dom estic.
Petroleum :
crude.
Price
Price
per gross Rela
per
tive
of boxes price.
barrel.
(200s).
Average,1890-1899.. 81.7563
J a n .........................
1.5000
F e b .........................
1.5000
M ar.........................
1.5000
A p r.........................
1.5000
M a y ........................ 1.5000
Ju ne........................ 1.5000
J u ly ........................ 1.5000
A ug.........................
1.5000
Sept.........................
1.5000
O c t ......................... 1.5000
N ov.........................
1.5000
D e c.........................
1.5000
Average, 1903 ......... 1.5000
100.0
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
80.9102
1.5250
1.5000
1.5000
1.5100
1.5150
1.5000
1.5250
1.5600
1.5725
1.6850
1.7875
1.8838
1.5886
Petroleum :
refined,
for export.
Petroleum : re
Augers: extra,
fined, 150°
i-in ch .
fire test, w.w.
Rela Price Rela Price
Rela
per
tive
tive
per
tive
price. gallon. price. gallon. price.
100.0
167.5
164.8
164.8
165.9
166.4
164.8
167.5
171.4
172.8
185.1
196.4
207.0
174.5
80.0649
.0830
.0820
.0820
.0835
.0835
.0855
.0855
.0855
.0855
.0880
.0930
.0950
.0860
100.0
235.5
235.5
235.5
228.2
206.1
169.3
161.9
132.5
125.1
125.1
110.4
92.7
171.5
Metals and
im plen lents.
Fiuel and lighting
Month.
81.6983
4.0C00
4.0000
4.0000
3.8750
3.5000
2.8750
2.7500
2.2500
2.1250
2.1250
1.8750
1.5750
2.9125
100.0
127.9
126.3
126.3
128.7
128.7
131.7
131.7
131.7
131.7
135.6
143.3
146.4
132.5
80.0890
.1300
.1300
.1300
.1350
.1350
.1350
.1350
.1350
.1350
.1350
.1500
.1500
.1363
100.0
146.1
146.1
146.1
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
168.5
168.5
153.1
Price
each.
80.1608
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
.2310
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
Metals and im plem ents.
Month.
iron: best
Bar iron: best Bar
refined, from
Axes: M .C.O., refined, from
store
(Phila
Yankee.
m ill (Pittsburg
delphia
m arket).
m arket).
Price
each.
Average, 1890-1899.. 80.4693
J a n .........................
.5100
F e b .........................
.5100
M ar.........................
.5100
A p r.........................
.5100
M ay.........................
.5100
Ju n e........................
.5100
July.........................
.5000
A ug.........................
.5000
Sept.........................
.5000
O ct...........................
.5000
N ov.........................
.5000
.5000
D e c .........................
Average, 1903 .........
.5050
Barb w ire:
galvanized.
Rela Price Rela Price
per
tive
per
tive
price. pound. price. pound.
Rela Price Rela
tive per 100 tive
price. pounds. price.
100.0
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
107.6
100.0
134.1
134.1
134.1
334.1
131.7
126.8
122.6
117.7
110.4
110.4
104.3
104.3
122.0
80.0145
.0200
.0200
.0200
.0200
.0200
.0177
.0170
.0170
.0170
.0170
.0134
.0130
.0177
100.0
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
122.1
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
92.4
89.7
122.1
80.0164
.0220
.0220
.0220
.0220
.0216
.0208
.0201
.0193
.0181
.0181
.0171
.0171
.0200
82.5261
2.6800
2.7500
2.8000
2.7700
2.7500
2.7500
2.7500
2.7500
2.7500
2.7500
2.7500
2.6000
2.7375
100.0
106.1
108.9
110.8
109.7
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
102.9
108.4
Butts: loose
joint,"cast, 3 x 3
inch.
Price
per
pair.
80.0316
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
326.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
331
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
I I ___ BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. A verage fo r 1908 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.]
Metals and implements.
M onth.
Chisels: extra, Copper: ingot, Copper: sheet,
hot-rolled
socket firmer,
lake.
1-inch.
(base sizes).
Price
each.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.1894
.2800
J a n .........................
.2800
F e b .........................
.2800
M ar.........................
A p r......................... : .2800
M ay......................... 1 .2800
.2800
Ju n e........................
.2800
July.........................
.2800
A u g.........................
.2800
Sept.........................
.2800
Oct...........................
.2800
N ov.........................
.2800
D e c .........................
.2800
Average, 1903.........
Rela Price
per
tive
price. pound.
100.0
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
30.1234
.1219
.1268
.1363
.1513
.1500
.1488
.1425
.1313
.1381
.1331
.1388
.1225
.1368
Copper w ire:
bare.
Rela Price Rela Price R ela
tive
tive
per
tive
per
price. pound. price. pound. price.
100.0
98.8
102.8
110.5
122.6
121.6
120.6
115.5
106.4
111.9
107.9
112.5
99.3
110.9
30.1659
.1800
.1800
.2000
.2000
.2000
.2000
.2000
.2000
.2000
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1917
100.0
108.5
108.5
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
108.5
108.5
108.5
115.6
30.1464
.1363
.1425
.1588
.1638
.1613
.1588
.1488
.1475
.1475
.1450
.1438
.1425
.1497
100.0
93.1
97.3
108.5
111.9
110.2
108.5
101.6
100.8
100.8
99.0
98.2
97.3
102.3
Doorknobs:
steel, bronze
plated.
Price
per
pair.
30.1697
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
.2250
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
Metals and implem ents.
Month.
Files: 8-inch
m ill bastard.
Hammers:
M aydole No. 1*.
Price
per
dozen.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
each.
Average, 1890-1899.. 30.8527
J a n ......................... 1.0500
F e b ......................... 1.0500
M ar......................... 1.0500
A p r.........................
1.0500
M ay......................... 1.0500
Ju n e........................ 1.050Q
July......................... 1.0500
A ug.........................
1.0500
Sept.........................
1.0500
Oct........................... 1.0500
N ov......................... 1.0500
D e c......................... 1.0500
Average,1903.......... 1.0500
100.0
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
30.3613
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
.4660
Lead: pig.
Lead pipe.
Rela Price
Rela Price
Rela
per
per
tive
tive
tive
price. pound. price. 100 lbs. price.
100.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
30.0381
.0411
.0413
.0413
.0467
.0438
.0438
.0411
.0420
.0411
.0445
.0445
.0425
.0428
100.0
107.9
108.4
108.4
122.6
115.0
115.0
107.9
110.2
107.9
116.8
116.8
111.5
112.3
34.8183
5.2000
5.4000
5.5500
5.7000
6.4000
5.1500
5.0500
5.0500
4.9000
5.1000
5.1000
5.1000
6.1958
100.0
107.9
112.1
115.2
118.3
132.1
106.9
104.8
104.8
101.7
105.8
105.8
105.8
107.8
Locks: com
m on mortise.
Price
each.
30.0817
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
.0900
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
Metals and im plements.
Month.
Nails: cut,8-pen Nails: wire, 8ny, fence and
penny, fence
and com m on.
com m on.
Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
100 lbs. price. 100 lbs. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 31.8275
J a n ......................... 2.1500
F e b ......................... 2.2000
M ar......................... 2.2000
A p r......................... 2.2500
M ay......................... 2.2500
Ju n e........................ 2.2500
July......................... 2.2500
A ug......................... 2.2500
Sept......................... 2.2500
Oct........................... 2.2500
N ov......................... 2.0500
D e c......................... 2.0000
Average, 1903 ......... 2.1958
100.0
117.6
120.4
120.4
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
112.2
109.4
120.2
32.1618
2.0000
2.0000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.1000
2.0000
2.0750
Pig iron: Bes
semer.
Price
per
ton.
100.0 313.7783
92.5 22.8500
92.5 21.9100
97.1 21.8500
97.1 21.2800
97.1 20.0100
97.1 19.7200
97.1 18.9300
97.1 18.3500
97.1 17.2200
97.1 16.0000
97.1 15.1900
92.5 14.4000
96.0 18.9758
R ela
tive
price.
Pig iron:
foundry No. 1.
Price
per
ton.
100.0 314.8042
165.8 24.0000
159.0 23.7500
158.6 23.5000
154.4 22.7000
145.2 21.3700
143.1 20.6200
137.4 19.0000
133.2 18.0000
125.0 17.5000
116.1 16.7000
110.2 16.0000
104.5 15.8500
137.7 19.9158
Rela
tive
price.
Pig iron:
foundry No. 2.
Price
per
ton.
100.0 313.0533
162.1 23.7500
160.4 22.7500
158.7 22.8500
153.3 21.8500
144.4 21.2500
139.3 20.7500
128.3 19.8750
121.6 17.5000
118.2 15.6250
112.8 15.0000
108.1 14.5000
107.1 14.0000
134.5 19.1417
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
181.9
174.3
175.1
167.4
162.8
159.0
152.3
134.1
119.7
114.9
111.1
107.3
146.6
332
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
I I . — BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND M ONTHLY
ACTU AL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 computed from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of m ethod see pages 223 and 224.]
Metals and implements.
Month.
Pig iron: gray Planes: Bailey
forge, South
No. 5.
ern, coke.
Price Rela
tive
per ton. price.
Average, 1890-1899. - 311.0892 100.0
J a n ......................... 21.0000 189.4
F e b ......................... 20.2500 182.6
M ar......................... 20.2500 182.6
A p r......................... 19.2500 173.6
M ay......................... 18.2500 164.6
Ju n e........................ 16.5000 148.8
July......................... 16.1250 145.4
A ug......................... 14.8750 134.1
Sept......................... 14.0000 126.2
O ct........................... 12.3750 111.6
99.2
N ov......................... 11.0000
D e c......................... 10.8750
98.1
Average, 1903 ......... 16.2292 146.4
Price
each.
31.3220
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
1.5300
Quicksilver.
Rela Price Rela
tive
per
tive
price. pound. price.
100.0
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
30.5593
.6400
.6350
.6350
.6400
.6450
.6450
.6300
.6300
.6300
.6200
.6300
.6300
.6342
100.0
114.4
113.5
113.5
114.4
115.3
115.3
112.6
112.6
112.6
110.9
112.6
112.6
113.4
Saws: crosscut, Saws: hand,
Disston.
Disston No. 7.
Price
each.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
dozen.
31.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6088
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
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
312.780*
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
Metals and implements.
Month.
Shovels: Ames
No. 2.
Price
per
dozen.
Average,1890-1899.. 37.8658
J a n ......................... 8.0200
F e b ......................... 8.0200
Mar......................... 8.0200
A p r......................... 8.0200
M ay......................... 8.0200
Ju ne........................ 8.0200
July......................... 8.0200
A u g......................... 8.0200
Sept......................... 8.0200
O ct........................... 8.0200
N ov......................... 8.0200
D e c ......................... 8.0200
Average, 1903......... 8.0200
Silver: bar,
fine.
Spelter: West
ern.
Steel billets.
Steel rails.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela
Price Rela
Price Rela
tive
per
per
tive
tive
tive
tive
price. ounce. price. pound. price. per ton. price. per ton. price.
100.0 30.74899
102.0
.48213
102.0
.48479
102.0
.49355
102.0
.51255
102.0
.54775
102.0
.53519
102.0
.54500
102.0
.56076
102.0
.58605
102.0
.60963
102.0
.58745
102.0
.56014
102.0
.54208
100.0
64.4
64.7
65.9
68.4
73.1
71.5
72.8
74.9
78.2
81.4
78.4
74.8
72.4
30.0452
.0470
.0500
.0513
.0570
.0575
.0575
.0619
.0588
.0600
.0600
.0555
.0525
.0558
100.0 321.5262
104.0 29.6000
110.6 30.0000
113.5 30.6200
126.1 30.2000
127.2 30.2500
127.2 28.8700
136.9 27.4000
130.1 27.0000
132.7 27.0000
132.7 27.0000
122.8 24.0000
116.2 23.0000
123.5 27.9117
100.0 326.0654
137.5 28.0000
139.4 28.0000
142.2 28.0000
140.3 28.0000
140.5 28.0000
134.1 28.0000
127.3 28.0000
125.4 28.0000
125.4 28.0000
125.4 28.0000
111.5 28.0000
106.8 28.0000
129.7 28.0000
100.0
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
Metals and im plem ents.
M onth.
Steel sheets:
black, No. 27.
Tin: pig.
Tin plates:
M .C.
dom estic, Bes Trowels:
Vises: solid
O., brick,
semer, coke,
box, 50-pound.
1
0
4
-inch.
14x20 in.
Price
Rela Price
Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
tive per 100 tive
pound. price. pound. price. pounds. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 030.0224
J a n .........................
.0265
F e b .........................
.0265
M ar.........................
.0265
A p r.........................
.0265
M ay.........................
.0265
Ju n e........................
.0270
Ju ly.........................
.0270
A u g.........................
.0260
Sept.........................
.0258
O ct...........................
.0258
.0250
N ov.........................
Dec .........................
.0233
.0260
Average, 1903.........
100.0
118.3
118.3
118.3
118.3
118.3
120.5
120.5
116.1
115.2
115.2
111.6
104.0
116.1
30.1836
.2800
.2870
.3081
.3025
.3000
.2863
.2819
.2840
.2713
.2618
.2575
.2590
.2816
100.0 633.4148
152.5
3.7900
156.3
3.7900
167.8
3.9900
164.8
3.9900
163.4
3.9900
155.9
3.9900
153.5
3.9900
154.7
3.9900
3.9900
147.8
142.6
3.9900
140.3
3.9900
141.1
3.7900
153.4
3.9400
Price
each.
100.0 30.3400
111.0
.3400
111.0
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
116.8
.3400
111.0
.3400
115.4
.3400
a Average for the period July, 1894, to December, 1899.
b Average for 1896-1899.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
each.
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
33.9009
4.6000
4.6000
4.6000
5.7500
5.7500
5.1800
5.1800
5.7500
5.7500
5.1800
5.1800
4.6000
5.1767
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
117.9
117.9
117.9
147.4
147.4
132.8
132.8
147.4
147.4
132.8
132.8
117.9
132.7
333
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
TAB LE II.— BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AN D M ON TH LY
ACTU AL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903— Cont’ d.
[For a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of m ethod see pages 223 and 224.]
Lumber and building m aterials.
Metals and implements.
Month.
W ood screws:
1-inch, No. 10,
flat head.
Price
per
gross.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.1510
J a n .........................
.0920
F e b .........................
.0920
M ar.........................
.1106
A p r.........................
.1106
M ay.........................
.1106
Ju ne........................
.1106
July.........................
.1106
A ug.........................
.1150
Sept.........................
.1150
Oct...........................
.1150
.1150
N ov .........................
D e c..........................
.1150
Average, 1903.........
.1093
Zinc: sheet.
B rick: com
m on dom estic.
Carbonate of
lead: Ameri
can, in oil.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
tive per 100 tive
price. pounds. price. per M. price. pound. price.
100.0
60.9
60.9
73.2
73.2
73.2
73.2
73.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
72.4
$5.3112
5.7500
5.7500
5.7500
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
6.2100
5.2900
6.0183
100.0
108.3
108.3
108.3
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
99.6
113.3
$5.5625 100.0 $0.0577
.0539
5.7500 103.4
5.7500 103.4
.0564
.0564
5.1250
92.1
92.1
.0637
5.1250
94.4
5.2500
.0662
.0662
5.0000
89.9
92.1
.0662
5.1250
5.5000
98.9
.0637
6.7500 121.3
.0637
7.0000 125.8
.0613
7.2500 130.3
.0613
7.2500 130.3
.0588
5.9063 106.2
.0615
Cement: Port
land, domes
tic.
Price
Rela
per
tive
barrel. price.
100.0 a$1.9963
93.4
2.1250
97.7
2.0750
97.7
2.1250
110.4
2.1500
114.7
2.1250
114.7
2.2000
114.7
2.1500
110.4
2.0000
110.4
2.0000
106.2
1.7500
106.2
1.8750
101.9
1.7750
106.6
2.0292
100.0
106.4
103.9
106.4
107.7
106.4
110.2
107.7
100.2
100.2
87.7
93.9
88.9
101.6
Lum ber and building m aterials.
Month.
Cement: Rosendale.
Doors: pine.
Price
per
barrel.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
door.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.8871
J a n .........................
.9250
F e b ......................... 1.0000
M ar.........................
.9750
A p r .........................
.8500
M ay.........................
.9000
Ju n e........................
.9000
July.........................
.8750
.8500
A u g .........................
Sept.........................
.8500
Oct...........................
.8500
.8500
N ov.........................
D e c .........................
.8500
.8896
Average, 1903..........
100.0
104.3
112.7
109.9
95.8
101.5
101.5
98.6
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
100.3
$1.0929
1.8500
1.8500
1.8500
1.8500
1.8500
1.8000
1.8000
1.7000
1.7000
1.5500
1.5500
1.4000
1.7292
Rela
tive
price.
Hem lock.
Price
per M
feet.
100.0 $11.9625
169.3 16.5000
169.3 16.5000
169.3 16.5000
169.3 16.5000
169.3 16.5000
164.7 17.0000
164.7 17.0000
155.5 17.0000
155.5 17.0000
141.8 17.0000
141.8 17.0000
128.1 17.0000
158.2 16.7917
Lim e: com
m on.
Linseed oil:
raw.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
per
tive
price. barrel. price. gallon. price.
100.0
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
140.4
$0.8332
.8100
.8100
.7600
.7600
.7600
.7600
.7600
.7600
.8200
.8200
.8200
.8100
.7875
100.0
97.2
97.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
98.4
98.4
98.4
97.2
94.5
$0.4535
.4600
.4600
.4600
.4600
.4400
.4400
.4000
.3800
.3700
.3900
.3700
.3700
.4167
100.0
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
97.0
97.0
88.2
83.8
81.6
86.0
81.6
81.6
91.9
Lumber and building materials.
Month.
M aple: hard.
Price
per M
feet.
Average,1890-1899.. $26.5042
J a n ......................... 28.0000
F e b ......................... 28.0000
M ar......................... 31.0000
A p r......................... 31.0000
M ay......................... 31.0000
Ju n e........................ 33.0000
J u ly ........................ 33.0000
A ug......................... 33.0000
Sept......................... 33.0000
Oct........................... 33.0000
N ov......................... 33.0000
D e c......................... 33.0000
Average, 1903......... 31.6667
Rela
tive
price.
Oak: white,
plain.
Price
per M
feet.
100.0 $37.4292
105.6 42.5000
105.6 42.5000
117.0 42.5000
117.0 42.5000
117.0 42.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
124.5 46.5000
119.5 44.8333
Rela
tive
price.
Oak: white,
quartered.
Price
perM
feet.
100.0 $53.6771
113.5 70.0000
113.5 70.0000
113.5 70.0000
113.5 70.0000
113.5 70.0000
124.2 77.5000
124.2 77.6000
124.2 77.5000
124.2 77.5000
124.2 77.5000
124.2 77.5000
124.2 82.5000
119.8 74.7917
a Average for 1895-1899.
Oxide of zinc.
Rela Price R ela
per
tive
tive
price. pound. price.
100.0
130.4
130.4
130.4
130.4
130.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
153.7
139.3
$0.0400
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
.0463
Pine: w hite,
boards, No. 2
barn.
Price
perM
feet.
100.0 $17.1104
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
115.8 24.0000
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
334
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
I I .-B A S E PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
Table
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Average fo r 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of m ethod see pages 223 and 224.j
Lumber and building m aterials.
Month
Pine: white,
boards, uppers.
Price
per M
feet.
Average,1890-1899.. $46.5542
J a n ........................ 80.0000
F e b ......................... 80.0000
M ar......................... 80.0000
A p r ......................... 80.0000
M ay......................... 80.0000
Ju n e........................ 80.0000
Ju ly......................... 80.0000
A u g ......................... 80.0000
Sept......................... 80.0000
O ct........................... 80.0000
N ov......................... 80.0000
D e c ......................... 80.0000
Average, 1903......... 80.0000
Rela
tive
price.
Pine: yellow .
Price
per M
feet.
100.0 $18.4646
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
Plate glass:
polished, area
3 to 5 sq. ft.
Plate glass:
polished, area
6 tolOsq. ft.
Rela Priceper Rela Priceper Rela
tive square tive square
tive
price. foot.
foot. price.
price.
100.0
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
$0.3630
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2700
.2400
.2400
.2400
.2625
100.0
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
66.1
66.1
66.1
72.3
$0.5190
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.4450
.3900
.3900
.3900
.4313
Poplar.
Price
per M
feet.
100.0 $31.3667
85.7 45.0000
85.7 46.0000
85.7 47.5000
85.7 47.5000
85.7 47.5000
85.7 51.7500
85.7 51.7500
85.7 51.7500
85.7 51.7500
75.1 51.7500
75.1 51.7500
75.1 51.7500
83.1 49.6458
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
143.5
146.7
151.4
151.4
151.4
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
158.3
Lumber and building m aterials.
Putty.
Resin: good,
strained.
Shingles:
cypress.
Price Rela
per
tive
pound. price.
Price Rela
per
tive
barrel. price.
Price Rela
tive
per M. price.
Month.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0158
.0225
J a n .........................
.0225
F e b .........................
Mar.........................
.0225
.0113
A p r.........................
.0113
M ay.........................
.0113
June........................
.0113
J u ly ........................
A ug.........................
.0113
.0113
Sept.........................
.0113
Oct...........................
.0113
N ov.........................
.0113
D e c.........................
.0141
Average, 1903 .........
100.0
142.4
142.4
142.4
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
89.2
$1.4399
1.9250
2.1000
2.2750
2.3000
2.1250
2.0750
2.0625
1.9750
2.1000
2.3000
2.7750
2.5750
2.2156
100.0
133.7
145.8
158.0
159.7
147.6
144.1
143.2
137.2
145.8
159.7
192.7
178.8
153.9
$2.8213
2.5000
2.5000
2.5000
2.5000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.6000
2.5667
Shingles: M ich
igan white
pine, 16-in.,
XXXX.
Price
per M.
Rela
tive
price.
Turpentine:
spirits of.
Month.
Price
per
barrel.
Average,1890-1899.. $1.2048
J a n .........................
1.6000
F e b .........................
1.6000
M ar.........................
1.6500
A p r.........................
1.6500
M ay......................... 1.6500
June........................ 1.6500
July......................... 1.6500
A ug......................... 1.6500
Sept......................... 1.6500
Oct........................... 1.8000
N ov......................... 1.8000
D e c......................... 1.8000
Average, 1903......... 1.6792
100.0
127.2
127.2
127.2
127.2
127.2
132.4
132.4
132.4
142.9
142.9
142.9
142.9
133.7
W indow glass: W indow glass:
Am erican,
American,
grain,
single, firsts,
single, thirds, A lcohol:
94 per cent.
6 x 8 to 10x15 6 x 8 to 10x15
inch.
inch.
Price
per 50
sq. ft.
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
132.8
132.8
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
149.4
149.4
149.4
139.4
$2.1514
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.5740
2.9700
2.9700
2.6400
100.0 $1.8190
119.6* 2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
119.6
2.1060
138.0
2.4300
138.0
2.4300
122.7
2.1600
100.0
166.0
195.9
196.7
201.2
143.6
146.6
148.1
157.0
164.5
175.0
179.5
177.2
171.0
Rela
tive
price.
Drugs and
chem icals.
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. gallon. price.
$0.3343
.5550
.6550
.6575
.6725
.4800
.4900
.4950
.5250
.5500
.5850
.6000
.5925
.5715
Price
per M
feet.
100.0 «$3.7434 100.0 $14.3489
88.6
3.6500 6125.1 18.2500
88.6
3.6500 6125.1 18.2500
88.6
3.6500 6125.1 18.2500
88.6
3.6500 6125.1 18.2500
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 18.2500
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 19.0000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 19.0000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 19.0000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 20.5000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 20.5000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 20.5000
92.2
3.6500 6125.1 20.5000
91.0
3.6500 6125.1 19.1875
Lumber and building materials.
Tar.
Spruce.
Price
per 50
sq. ft.
Rela Price Rela
tive
per
tive
price. gallon. price.
100.0
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
133.6
133.6
118.7
$2.2405
2.4300
2.4100
2.4100
2.3900
2.3800
2.3800
2.3700
2.3700
2.3700
2.3700
2.4300
2.4400
2.3958
100.0
108.5
107.6
107.6
106.7
106.2
106.2
105.8
105.8
105.8
105.8
108.5
108.9
106.9
a Shingles: W hite pine, 18-inch, X X X X .
&For m ethod of com puting relative price, see pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901, $3.2625; for
1902, $3.5875.
335
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b le I I . — BASE
PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND M ONTH LY
ACTU AL AND R E LA TIV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903— Cont’ d.
[For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I. Average for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation of m ethod see pages 223 and 224.J
Drugs and chem icals.
Month.
A lcohol: wood,
refined, 95 per
cent.
Alum : lump.
Rela
Price Rela Price
per
tive
per
tive
gallon. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.9539
J a n .........................
.6500
F e b .........................
.6500
M ar.........................
.6500
A p r.........................
.6500
May.........................
.6500
Ju ne........................
.6500
July.........................
.6500
A ug.........................
.5500
.5000
Sept.........................
Oct...........................
.5000
.5000
N ov.........................
.5000
D e c.........................
.5917
Average, 1903.........
100.0
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
57.7
52.4
52.4
52.4
52.4
62.0
30.0167
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0165
.0165
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0173
Brimstone:
crude, seconds.
Price
per
ton.
100.0 320.6958
104.8 23.0000
104.8 22.5000
104.8 22.7500
98.8 22.0000
98.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.2500
104.8 22.0000
103.6 22.3333
Glycerin: re
fined.
Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
tive
per
tive
tive
price. pound. price. pound. price.
100.0
111.1
108.7
109.9
106.3
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.5
106.3
107.9
30.1399
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1450
.1425
.1425
.1446
Drugs and chem icals.
Month.
Opium: natural,
in cases.
Rela
Price
tive
per
pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. 32.3602
J a n ......................... 2.7250
F e b ......................... 2.7250
M ar......................... 3.0000
A p r.........................
2.9500
M ay.........................
2.9500
Ju n e........................ 3.2000
July.........................
3.1750
A u g......................... 3.5000
Sept......................... 3.3000
O ct........................... 3.2500
N ov......................... 3.2000
D e c .........................
3.0000
Average, 1903......... 3.0813
100.0
115.5
115.5
127.1
125.0
125.0
135.6
134.5
148.3
139.8
137.7
135.6
127.1
130.6
Quinine:
American.
M uriatic acid:
20°.
100.0
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
101.9
101.9
103.4
30.0104
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
.0160
House furnishing goods.
Sulphuric acid: Earthenware:
plates, cream
66°.
colored.
Earthenware:
plates, white
granite.
Price
per
ounce.
Rela Price
Rela
tive
per
tive
price. pound. price.
Price
per
dozen.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
dozen.
30.2460
.2600
.2600
.2800
.2600
.2600
.2400
.2300
.2400
.2500
.2500
.2500
.2500
.2525
100.0
105.7
105.7
113.8
105.7
105.7
97.6
93.5
97.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
102.6
30.4136
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
.4775
100.0
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
30.4479
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
.4988
30.0089
.0120
.0120
.0120
.0120
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0130
.0127
100.0
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
100.0
134.8
334.8
134.8
134.8
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
142.7
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111. 4
111.4
House furnishing goods.
Earthenware:
teacups and
saucers, w hite
granite.
Month.
Price
per gross Rela
(6 dozen tive
cups and price.
6 dozen
saucers).
Average, 1890-1899.. 33.4292
J a n .........................
3.6832
F e b ......................... 3.6832
M ar......................... 3.6832
A p r .........................
3.6832
M ay.........................
3.6832
Ju n e........................ 3.6832
July......................... 3.6832
A ug......................... 3.6832
Sept......................... 3.6832
O ct........................... 3.6832
N ov......................... 3.6832
D e c ......................... 3.6832
Average, 1903......... 3.6832
100.0
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
Furniture:
bedroom sets,
ash.
Furniture:
chairs, bed
room, m aple.
Price
per
set.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
dozen.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
per
dozen.
Rela
tive
price.
Price
Rela
per
tive
dozen. price.
$10,555
11.750
11.750
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.250
12.167
100.0
111.3
111.3
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.3
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
115.3
$6,195
7.500
7.500
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
8.000
7.917
100.0
121.1
121.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
127.8
$3.8255
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
5.0000
100.0
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
$14,435
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
Furniture:
chairs,
kitchen.
Furniture:
tables, kitchen.
100.0
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
336
BULLETIN' OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
I I . — BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cont’ d.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. A verage for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table 1; fo r explanation o f m ethod see pages 223 and 224.]
House furnishing goods.
Month.
cutlery:
Table cutlery: Table
Glassware:
Glassware:
knives and
Glassware:
i-gal- tum blers,f-pint, carvers, stag forks,
nappies, 4-inch. pitchers,
cocobolo
com m on. .
lon , comm on.
handles.
handles.
Price
Rela
per
tive
dozen. price.
A verage,1890-1899..
J a n .........................
F e b .........................
M ar.........................
A p r.........................
M ay.........................
Ju n e........................
July.........................
A ug.........................
Sept.........................
O ct...........................
N ov.........................
D e c .........................
Average, 1903.........
$0,112
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
.140
100.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
Price
per
dozen.
$1,175
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
1.300
Rela Price Rela
per
tive
tive
price. dozen. price.
100.0
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
310.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
$0.1775
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1800
.1700
.1700
.1700
.1700
.1767
100.0
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
99.5
House furnishing goods.
Month.
W ooden ware:
pails, oak
grained.
W ooden ware:
tubs, oakgrained.
Price
per
pair.
$0.80
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
Price
per
gross.
$6.06
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
Rela
tive
price.
100.0
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
M iscellaneous.
Cotton-seed
meal.
Cotton-seed
o il: summer
yellow , prim e.
Jute: raw.
Priceper Rela
Rela Priceper Rela
Priceper Rela
Priceper Rela
ton of
tive pound. tive
tive nest
tive
tive Priceper
dozen. price.
2,000 price.
gallon. price.
o f 3. price.
price.
pounds.
Average, 1890-1899.. $1.2988
J a n ......................... 1.5500
F e b ......................... 1.5500
M ar......................... 1.5500
A p r......................... 1.5500
M ay......................... 1.5500
June........................ 1.5500
1.5500
A ug......................... 1.5500
Sept......................... 1.5500
o c t .:........................ 1.7000
N ov......................... 1.7000
D e c......................... 1.7000
Average, 1903......... 1.5875
100.0
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
130.9
130.9
130.9
122.2
$1.3471
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
100.0 $21.9625
107.6 27.5000
107.6 27.5000
107.6 27.2500
107.6 27.2500
107.6 26.5000
107.6 26.0000
107.6 26.0000
107.6 26.5000
107.6 27.0000
107.6 26.5000
107.6 26.2500
107.6 26.2500
107.6 26.7083
100.0
125.2
125.2
124.1
124.1
120.7
118.4
118.4
120.7
122.9
120.7
119.5
119.5
121.6
$0.3044
.3900
.3975
.4100
.4050
.4350
.4250
.4150
.4200
.4100
.4000
.3300
.3350
.3977
100.0
128.1
130.6
134.7
133.0
142.9
139.6
136.3
138.0
134.7
131.4
108.4
110.1
130.7
$0.0359
.0400
.0488
.0488
.0488
.0488
.0488
.0488
.0488
.0463
.0463
.0413
.0413
.0464
100.0
111.4
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
129.0
129.0
115.0
115.0
129.2
M iscellaneous.
M onth.
M alt: Western
made.
Paper: news.
Paper: wrap
ping, m aniia.
Proof spirits.
Rope: maniia,
& -inch.
Price Rela Price
Rela Price
Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
tive
per
tive
per
per
tive
tive
tive
bushel. price. pound. price. pound. price. gallon. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.7029
J a n .........................
.7350
F eb .........................
.7350
M ar.........................
.7350
A p r.........................
.7350
M ay.........................
.7350
Ju ne........................
.7150
July.........................
.7150
A ug.........................
.7150
.7350
Sept.........................
.7200
O c t.........................
.7150
N ov.........................
.7050
D e c.........................
.7246
Average, 1903.........
100.0
104.6
104.6
1C4.6
104.6
104.6
101.7
101.7
101.7
104.6
102.4
101.7
100.3
103.1
$0.0299
.0263
.0263
.0263
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0250
.0253
100.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
84.6
$0.0553
.0488
.0525
.0525
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0531
.0526
a f-inch.
100.0
88.2
94.9
94.9
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
95.1
$1.1499
1.3030
1.3000
1.3000
1.3000
1.3000
1.3000
1.3000
1.2750
1.2300
1.2450
1.2500
1.2675
1.2809
100.0 «$0.0934
113.3
.1125
113.1
.1075
113.1
.1138
113.1
.1125
113.1
.1150
.1175
113.1
113.1
.1175
110.9
.1150
.1163
107.0
.1175
108.3
.1150
108.7
.1150
110.2
.1146
111.4
100.0
120.4
115.1
121.8
120.4
123.1
125.8
125.8
123.1
124.5
125.8
123.1
123.1
122.7
337
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
II.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND MONTHLY
ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Cone’ d.
T able
[F or a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. A verage for 1903 com puted from quota
tions in Table I; for explanation o f m eth od see pages 223 and 224.1
M iscellaneous.
M onth.
Rubber: Para Soap: castile,
Island.
m ottled, pure.
Starch: laun Tobacco: plug,
dry.
Horseshoe.
Tobacco: smokS eafof North *
Carolina.
Price, Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela Price Rela
per
per
per
tive
tive
tive
per
per
tive
tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 80.8007
.8650
J a n .........................
.8350
F eb .........................
.8950
M ar.........................
.8750
A p r.........................
.8950
M a y .......................
.8600
June........................
.8850
J u ly ........................
.9050
A ug.........................
.9650
Sept.........................
O c t......................... 1.0150
.9550
N ov.........................
.9150
D e c.........................
.9054
Average, 1903 .........
T able
100.0
108.0
104.3
111.8
109.3
111.8
107.4
110.5
113.0
120.5
126.8
119.3
114.3
113.1
$0.0569
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0663
.0638
.0638
.0658
H I.— R E L A T IV E
100.0
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
112.1
112.1
115.6
$0.0348
.0500
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0425
.0431
100.0
143.7
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
123.9
$0.3962
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
.4500
100.0
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
$0.5090
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
.5700
100.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Rela
tive price for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as shown in Table I.]
Farm products.
Grain.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
A pr---M a y ...
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O c t ....
N ov...
D ec___
1903....
Cotton:
up
F lax
land,
seed: Barley: Com :
m id
No. 1.
No. 2,
by,
dling.
sample. cash.
115.0
123.5
130.5
135.4
147.2
160.3
160.4
164.3
158.1
126.4
142.5
164.6
144.7
105.6
106.0
102.4
97.9
98.4
100.2
90.3
85.3
86.7
87.4
84.0
84.7
94.1
123.5
119.4
116.6
115.8
120.0
118.0
114.0
118.3
130.1
127.3
127.2
123.9
121.2
122.2
114.6
114.0
114.3
118.0
129.3
133.8
136.2
131.2
116.8
112.6
110.1
121.1
Oats:
cash.
Rye: W heat: A ver
No. 2, contract
age.
cash. grades,
cash.
123.8
127.6
123.8
125.4
131.4
142.5
148.3
129.3
134.4
133.2
129.1
130.7
131.7
92.4
94.0
94.9
95.0
94.4
96.4
95.4
97.6
106.1
103.5
101.2
97.7
97.5
98.7
100.4
97.0
101.0
104.0
104.2
105.7
110.7
113.0
109.0
106.2
110.6
105.1
112.1
111.2
109.3
110.3
113.6
118.1
119.4
118.4
123.0
118.0
115.3
114.6
115.3
Hides:
green,
Hops:
Hay: salted,
New
tim o packers,
York
thy,
State,
heavy
No. 1. native
choice.
steers.
119.8
118.6
123.7
134.2
133.6
133.7
127.0
122.2
103.5
106.7
101.9
106.9
119.2
139.9
132.7
126.3
120.6
124.4
126.6
124.7
121.3
127.4
121.0
115.8
115.9
124.8
203.3
203.3
192.0
163.7
132.7
132.7
129.9
118.6
142.6
145.4
175.0
175.0
159.5
Farm products.
Live stock.
Cattle.
Month.
Steers, Steers,
choice good to
to extra. choice.
Jan—
F e b ....
M a r ...
A pr___
M a y ...
Ju n e..
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O c t ....
N ov...
D ec—
1903....
112.7
106.8
105.2
304.7
101.6
100.7
100.0
102.3
106.7
108.0
103.1
104.5
104.7
110.4
105.6
108.5
111.7
108.0
104.5
104.4
105.2
108.6
107.3
104.8
104.3
106.9
Hogs.
Aver
age.
Heavy.
Light.
111.6
106.2
106.9
108.2
104.8
102.6
102.2
103.8
107.7
107.7
104.0
104.4
105.8
151.6
160.3
170.4
166.6
149.9
138.1
122.8
122.5
132.7
125.5
105.1
103.1
137.3
144.9
154.3
165.4
162.6
144.1
136.9
127.1
129.4
139.2
131.5
107.6
101.7
137.0
Sheep.
Aver Native. West
ern.
age.
Aver
age.
101.6
114.3
135.7
123.9
123.4
106.4
86.5
86.1
77.6
74.8
71.3
81.4
98.7
104.6
114.6
130.3
125.4
123.3
106.8
84.1
86.5
77.6
75.3
71.1
80.9
98.4
148.3
157.3
167.9
164.6
147.0
137.5
125.0
126.0
136.0
128.5
106.4
102.4
137.2
107.5
114.9
124.8
126.8
123.1
107.1
81.7
86.8
77.6
75.7
70.8
80.3
98.0
Aver
age.
121.5
126.0
135.0
132.7
125.0
115.6
103.8
105.4
107.1
103.8
93.8
95.9
113.8
Aver
age,
farm
prod
ucts.
123.3
124.8
127.0
125.0
122.1
121.1
115.8
114.8
117.2
112.5
109.9
112.2
118.8
338
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I I I . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.
tive price for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as show n in Table I.]
Rela
Food, etc.
Bread.
M onth.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar .. .
A pr___
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly ...
A ug...
Sept. . .
Oct —
Nov ...
D ec___
1903....
Beans:
medium,
choice.
143.0
140.7
137.7
134.0
131.7
137.7
137.0
134.7
131.0
136.2
.131.7
130.2
135.5
Crackers.
Boston
X.
Soda.
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
118.9
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
112.6
Loaf.
Washing Home
made
Average.
ton
. Y.
market. m(N
arket).
108.2
108.2
108.2
101.3
101.3
101.3
101.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
101.3
97.5
97.5
97.5
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.5
90.0
Vienna
Average.
(N. Y. Average.
m arket).
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
103.8
103.8
103.8
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
99.4
101.0
Food, etc.
Butter.
Fish.
Eggs:
Cheese:
Cream
Cream
Month.
N. Y. Coffee: newery,
ery, Dairy,
Her- Mack
laid, Cod,
R io
Elgin extra N ew Aver State,
fancy, dry, ring, erel,
Salmon, Aver
fu
ll
No.
7.
(E lgin (N. Y. Y ork
near bank, shore, salt, canned. age.
age. cream.
large
mar
mar State.
by. large. round. No.
3s.
ket).
ket).
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar ...
A pr___
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
O c t....
Nov .. .
D ec—
1903....
125.6
118.7
129.5
119.3
95.6
97.2
90.5
87.8
95.1
96.2
106.0
112.9
106.1
121.5
118.2
127.8
117.1
98.7
96.3
89.3
86.6
92.5
95.1
103.0
108.8
104.7
125.7
119.5
129.0
122.3
103.8
102.5
94.5
88.6
94.6
94.2
99.5
100.3
106.2
143.2
145.7
146.4
148.2
118.1
107.7
101.9
101.3
112.0
117.1
118.4
121.6
123.3
124.3
118.8
128.8
119.6
99.4
98.7
91.4
87.7
94.1
95.2
102.8
107.3
105.7
41.0
41.0
44.2
41.4
40.0
40.0
41.0
40.0
40.0
43.8
48.6
49.5
42.6
149.7
109.8
89.4
82.2
89.8
94.8
99.6
115.9
129.9
1*2.0
177.7
193.6
123.2
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
103.0
103.0
103.0
109.7
105.2
114.1
118.6
105.0
155.6
155.6
155.6
lo5.6
155.6
155.6
155.6
lo5.6
lo5.6
139.0
142.3
139.0
151.7
106.9
108.6
108.6
108.6
108.6
108.6
105.2
106.9
106.9
117.1
117.1
117.1
110.0
134.5
141.5
159.2
134.5
134.5
134.5
101.7
102.6
116.8
102.6
109.7
109.7
123.5
124.4
126.6
131.0
124.9
124.9
125.4
116.4
117.0
122.3
116.0
120.8
121.1
122.6
Food, etc.
Flour.
Wheat.
Month.
Buck
wheat.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. ..
Apr___
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g . ..
S e p t...
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec—
1903....
Fruit.
118.4
113.2
102.9
aim . 9
am . 9
am . 9
am . 9
a 102.9
141.5
121.0
122.2
117.1
119.5
Rye.
99.5
97.2
92.7
91.2
89.7
89.7
91.9
91.9
95.7
100.2
100.2
98.7
94.9
Apples.
Spring
W inter
patents. straights. Average.
92.2
94.0
93.7
92.8
96.6
101.3
103.4
108.5
108.9
107.2
104.9
104.5
100.8
87.8
89.1
88.9
88.3
89.4
93.4
94.3
95.6
96.0
98.0
98.8
100.4
93.4
90.0
91.6
91.3
90.6
93.0
97.4
98.9
102.1
102.5
102.6
101.9
102.5
97.1
Average.
Evapo
rated,
choice.
99.5
98.4
94.6
93.8
94.7
96.8
98.1
99.7
110.5
106.6
106.5
105.2
102.2
Nom inal price; see explanation on page 243.
72.4
72.4
70.8
67.9
67.9
70.8
70.8
75.3
73.8
73.8
76.7
72.4
72.1
Sun-dried,
Southern, Average.
sliced.
92.2
92.2
97.1
89.9
82.5
82.5
82.5
82.5
77.7
77.7
77.7
72.8
83.9
82.3
82.3
84.0
78.9
75.2
76.7
76.7
78.9
75.8
75.8
77.2
72.6
78.0
339
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I I I . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[A verage price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.
tive price for 1903 com puted from average p rice for the year as show n in T able I.]
R ela
Food, etc.
Meal: com .
Fruit.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar .. .
A pr___
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g .. .
S e p t...
O c t ....
N o v .. .
D ec___
1903....
Glucose:
41° and
Lard:
Raisins,
Prunes,
42°
m ix- prime
Currants, California, California, Average.
contract.
in barrels. in boxes. London
f t
layer.
67.8
66.3
63.0
61.4
59.8
69.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
67.8
62.1
120.0
120.0
114.9
125.1
118.4
125.1
135.7
134.9
131.7
128.3
130.1
140.0
126.9
123.4
123.4
130.4
135.7
126.9
126.9
137.5
137.5
137.5
137.5
119.9
119.9
129.7
92.5
90.2
89.8
88.2
83.7
85.6
87.8
88.5
86.6
87.9
88.9
89.9
88.3
110.0
100.0
103.3
96.6
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
90.0
100.0
100.0
96.6
96.3
158.1
153.7
157.5
154.7
141.4
136.9
120.9
122.8
134.4
112.4
110.9
106.7
134.1
Fine
white.
Fine
yellow . Average.
135.9
138.3
135.9
112.1
108.2
121.6
128.7
128.7
124.0
116.8
124.0
109.7
123.7
137.7
140.1
135.2
115.6
107.2
125.4
127.8
122.9
130.3
125.4
122.9
118.0
125.7
136.8
139.2
135.6
113.8
107.7
123.5
128.3
125.8
127.2
121.1
123.5
113.9
124.7
Food, etc.
Meat.
M onth.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar ...
A pr___
M ay.. .
June ..
Ju ly .. .
A u g . ..
S ept. ..
O ct___
Nov . ..
D ec___
1903....
Pork.
Beef.
Fresh,
native
sides.
Salt,
extra
mess.
Salt,
hams,
West
ern.
116.3
103.8
104.2
106.2
104.7
100.9
98.6
97.3
97.9
98.2
97.3
96.6
101.7
131.6
127.9
123.2
119.3
116.6
111.5
104.5
102.9
102.9
105.4
104.5
106.0
113.1
117.5
114.7
114.7
114.7
114.7
111.4
116.1
121.6
123.0
123.0
118.8
117.5
117.2
Aver
age.
Bacon,
short
clear
sides.
121.8
115.5
114.0
113.4
112.0
107.9
106.4
107.3
107.9
108.9
106.9
106.7
110.7
148.6
154.7
163.6
163.0
152.7
150.2
139.9
132.0
139.4
133.6
121.5
108.4
142.1
Bacon,
Salt,
Hams, mess,
short
smoked. old to
rib
sides.
new.
150.6
155.8
164.5
163.9
154.3
152.3
140.1
130.0
140.4
134.1
122.4
108.7
143.0
124.2
128.7
133.6
134.6
132.0
129.1
134.0
136.9
136.3
126.3
122.4
113.3
129.2
156.9
155.3
158.8
158.5
169.0
157.7
145.1
133.8
129.6
115.5
115.0
114.1
143.1
Aver
age.
145.1
148.6
155.1
155.0
149.5
147.3
139.8
133.2
136.4
127.4
120.3
1 1 1 .1
139.4
Mut
ton,
dress
ed.
Aver
age.
91.2
99.5
116.7
121.1
119.4
113.4
99.5
88.7
86.9
82.1
79.6
84.2
98.7
129.6
130.1
134.9
135.2
131.7
128.3
122.2
117.9
119.6
114.8
110.2
106.1
123.5
Food, etc.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar ...
A pr___
M ay...
J u n e...
J u ly .. .
Aug .. .
S e p t...
O c t ....
Nov .. .
D e c ....
1903....
M ilk:
fresh.
137.3
137.3
129.8
122.4
103.9
92.5
88.2
88.2
101.2
111.4
117.6
127.5
112.9
Molas
ses:
R ice:
New Or domes
leans,
tic,
Ameri
open
kettle, choice. can.
prim e.
114.2
114.2
114.2
111.1
111.1
111.1
111.1
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
106.3
112.5
102.5
103.6
103.6
105.9
104.8
104.8
103.6
103.6
103.6
94.7
92.5
87.0
100.9
88.0
92.3
88.0
88.0
80.9
78.1
79.8
80.9
87.3
89.4
89.4
106.5
87.2
Salt.
Ash
ton^.
Spices.
Soda:
Starch:
bicarbo
nate of,
pure
Aver com .
Aver Ameri Nut Pepper,
Singa
age.
age.
megs. pore.
can.
103.3
103.3
103.3
97.6
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.1
102.0
95.7
97.8
95.7
92.8
91.5
90.1
91.0
91.5
94.7
95.8
95.8
104.3
94.6
59.8
69.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
59.8
69.8
64.6
64.6
64.6
64.6
64.6
61.7
53.8
71.7
70.6
68.3
65.9
67.1
67.1
67.1
65.4
66.5
68.3
67.1
6 6 .6
169.4
175.3
176.1
168.6
168.6
168.6
175.3
175.3
173.6
172.0
170.2
172.0
172.1
82.1
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
93.6
92.5
1 1 1 .6
123.5
123.4
118.5
117.3
117.9
121.2
121.2
119.5
119.3
119.3
119.6
119.4
•
a Average fo r 1893-1899=10Q
340
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OP LABOR..
T able
III— RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice fo r 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.
tive p rice for 1903 com puted from average price fo r the year as show n in T able I.]
Bela*
Food, etc.
Sugar.
Month.
89°fair 96° cen Granu Aver
refin
trif
age.
ing.
ugal. lated.
Jan___
F e b ....
M a r. . .
A pr—
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly . . .
Aug . . .
S e p t...
Oct —
Nov . . .
D ec—
1903....
98.6
94.3
96.1
92.3
93.4
92.0
91.3
96.1
99.3
99.3
96.6
91.2
95.0
97.9
96; 8
98.4
98.5
100.0
99.8
101.0
102.1
101.5
97.0
94.2
92.0
98.2
98.9
95.7
96.1
93.2
95.0
92.6
93.9
97.7
100.4
100.2
97.7
92.9
96.1
98.5
95.6
96.9
94.7
96.1
94.8
95.4
98.6
100.4
98.8
96.1
92.0
96.4
Vegetables, fresh.
Tea:
Vinegar: AverFor
cider,
Pota
Tallow. mosa,
Mon
toes,
A
ver
arch.
fine. Onions. Bur
age.
etc.
bank.
SSL
136.8
137.9
128.7
125.1
120.0
114.9
107.1
104.8
112.2
106.4
103.4
111.5
117.2
81.0
81.0
81.0
81.0
81.0
79.3
77.5
77.5
75.7
72.2
91.6
91.6
80.9
93.2
92.4
89.9
85.4
103.4
141.8
alU1.8
alhl. 8
alia. 8
116.5
122.2
126.2
105.2
139.7
117.7
132.4
176.5
73.5
80.9
75.3
51.5
117.7
88.2
103.0
103.0
104.9
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
88.0
116.5
105.1
111.2
131.0
88.5
111.4
108.6
96.7
129.8
102.4
112.6
114.6
105.1
112.3
111.4
112.3
110.0
104.8
105.6
103.8
103.1
107.1
104.4
105.6
105.5
107.1
Cloths and clothing.
Boots and shoes.
Blankets.
M onth. Bags:
2-bu.,
Amoskeag.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
A pr—
M ay. . .
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g...
S ept.. .
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
100.1
100.1
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
107.2
107.2
107.2
107.2
104.2
w ool
filling.
11-4,
cotton
warp,
cotton
and
w ool
filling.
Aver
age.
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
114.2
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
117.9
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
114.1
11-4,
cotton
warp,
11-4,
all
w ool.
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
Men’s
Men’s calfbal.
broshoes,
gans,
Good
split.
year
welt.
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
93.5
Men’s
ici kid
Men’s vshoes,
split
Good
boots.
year
welt.
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
98.9
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
Wom
en’s
solidgrain
shoes.
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
108.6
Aver
age.
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.2
Cloths a n d cloth in g.
B road
clo th s :
M onth. first qual
ity, b lack,
54-*nch,
XXX
w ool.
J a n ___
F e b ... .
M ar...
A p r—
M a y ...
J u n e ...
J u l y . ..
Aug . . .
S e p t. . .
O c t ....
N ov.
D e c___
1903....
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
Carpets.
Calico:
C ocheco
prints.
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
90.4
99.5
91.1
Brussels,
5-frame,
B igelow .
Ingrain,
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
110.3
108.7
106.1
106.1
106.1
106.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
109.1
108.1
Cotton flannels.
W ilton,
2$ yards
5-frame, Average. t o th e
poun d.
B igelow .
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
110.7
108.9
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
108.6
a N om inal p rice; see exp lanation o n page 243.
95.6
95.6
95.6
95.6
99.2
99.2
102.7
106.2
109.8
113.3
116.9
120.4
104.1
3* yards
to th e Average.
pound.
102.3
102.3
102.3
102.3
106.6
106.6
111.0
113.0
115.3
115.3
117.4
119.7
109.4
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
102.9
102.9
106.9
109.6
112.6
114.3
117.2
120.1
106.8
341
COURSE OF 'WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able I I I . —
RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[A verage price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.
tiv e price for 1908 com puted from average price for the year as shown in Table I.]
R ela
Cloths and clothing.
Month.
J a n ___
F e b ....
M a r . ..
A p r___
M a y ...
June ..
J u l y ...
A u g ...
S e p t. . .
O c t ___
N ov . . .
D e c___
1903....
Cotton yam s.
Cotton
thread:
Carded,
Carded,
Denims:
6-cord,
white,
white,
Amos200-yard
m ulem ulekeag.
A verage.
spools, J. &
spun,
spun,
P. Coats. Northern, Northern,
cones, 10/1 . cones, 22/1 .
101.1
102.6
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
Brown,
pt r -
100.6
100.6
99.5
97.8
99.0
104.1
104.1
107.9
113.0
119.3
119.3
113.0
109.2
110.5
116.8
109.5
107.3
105.7
113.5
121.3
125.9
130.6
124.4
116.6
118.2
127.5
116.2
Drillings.
100.8
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
104.9
109.3
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
108.2
103.0
105.4
105.4
105.7
104.9
110.7
117.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
122.6
125.0
118.7
112.9
114.4
114.9
114.9
108.0
122.2
112.9
Flannels:
w hite,
4-4, Bal
30-inch, A verage. lard V ale
Stark A.
No. 3.
107.5
107.3
104.2
105.8
104.4
112.1
109.8
116.7
119.6
115.0
114.8
120.0
111.5
104.0
103.9
102.4
103.2
104.7
110.7
111.7
115.2
116.6
114.3
114.2
116.8
109.9
108.8
108.8
111.9
111.9
111.9
111.9
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
117.6
114.3
Cloths and clothing.
Ginghams.
Month.
J a n ___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A p r___
M a y . ..
J u n e ...
J u l y . ..
A u g...
S e p t ...
O c t ....
N ov . . .
D e c___
1 903....
Hosiery.
Horse
blank
W om en’ s
ets: 6 M en’s cotton
W om en’ s
com bed
M en’s cotton
cotton hose,
Amos- Lancas A ver pounds h a lf hose,
Egyptian
co t seamless,
h
a
lf
hose,
each,
seamless,
keag.
ter.
age.
seamless,
ton hose,
all
fast black, 20 84
needles. high spliced fast black,
w ool.
to 22 oz.
26 to 28 oz.
heel. (<*)
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
103.2
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
101.8
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
100.3
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
676.9
676.9
6 76.9
76.9
o 76.9
c76.9
<>76.9
o 76.9
82.1
<182.1
<182.1
<*82.1
«82.1
86.0
86.0
86.0
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
89.2
89.2
89.2
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
92.4
90.0
A ver
age.
678.9
678.9
678.9
81.6
c81.6
c81.6
0 81.6
08 I .6
85.8
85.8
85.8
87.3
87.3
87.3
88.1
88.1
86.8
<*86.8
<*86.8
<*86.8
086.8
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.7
90.1
Cloths an d clothing.
Leather.
Month.
Harness,
oak.
J a n ___
F e b ... .
Mar . . .
A p r___
M a y . ..
J u n e ...
J u l y . ..
A u g ...
S e p t. . .
O c t ....
N ov . . .
D e c ___
1 903....
Sole, hem
lock , n on
acid, Buenos
Ayres.
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
110.4
110.4
110.4
120.7
119.0
110.4
110.4
110.4
114.3
118.6
118.6
118.6
113.5
113.6
113.5
113.5
118.6
118.6
118.6
118.6
118.6
116.9
a A verage fo r 1898-1899=100.
b Com puted from Septem ber,
c Com puted from A p ril, 1903,
<*Computed from Septem ber,
« Com puted from Septem ber,
Sole, oak.
113.0
101.1
117.5
116.0
114.5
114.5
113.0
110.0
110.0
110.0
108.5
107.0
111.3
Linen thread.
W ax calf, 30
to 40 lbs.
to the dozen,
B grade.
100.8
100.8
100.8
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
105.4
A ver
age.
Shoe,
10s, Bar
bour.
112.4
109.5
113.6
113.5
111.4
111.4
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
96.7
111.0
114.1
113.7
111.5
111.1
110.8
112.0
3-cord,
200 yard
spools,
Barbour.
A ver
age.
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
1902, price.
price.
1908, p rice.
1908, price, w h ich represents b u lk o f sales during the year.
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
97.5
342
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e I I I . — R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average price tor 1890-1899=100. Tor a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I. Rela
tive price for 190S com puted from average price for the year as shown in Table I.]
343
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
I II .— R E L A T IV E
PRICES OF COM MODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average i>rice for 1890-1899=100. For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I. Rela
tive price for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as shown in Table I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Suitings.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A p r ....
M ay. . .
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g...
3 ep t.. .
D ct. . . .
N ov . . .
D ec___
1903....
Clay
worsted di
agonal, 12ounce,
W ashing
ton M ills, a
Clay
blue,
worsted di Indigo
all w ool,
agonal, 16- 54-inch,
14ounce,
M id
Washing ounce,
dlesex.
ton M ills, a
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
117.5
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
115.2
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
114.0
109.5
109.5
109.5
109.5
109.5
112.1
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
108.8
Indigo
blue, all
w ool, 16ounce.
Serge,
Trouser
Washing ings,
fancy
ton M ills, worsted.
(6)
6,700.(6)
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
112.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
98.7
98.7
98.7
98.7
98.7
100.4
Aver
age.
Tickings:
Amoskeag
A .C .A .
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
109.9
107.7
107.7
107.7
107.7
107.7
109.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
103.7
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
108.4
104.1
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
Cloths and clothing.
Underwear.
W omen’s dress goods.
Shirts
Alpaca, mCashMonth. Shirts
and
ere, all
and
cotton
drawers,
w ool,
drawers, w hite, Aver warp,
white, m erino, age. 22-inch, tw10-11
ill, 38all w ool, w ool ana
Hamil in ch
, A t
etc.
ton.
cotton.
lan tic J.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
Apr___
M a y ...
J u n e..
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S e p t...
O c t....
N ov...
D ec...
1903....
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
100.9
104.6
104.6
101.5
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
111.3
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
114.3
CashCashm ere,
mere,
cotton
cotton
warp,
warp,
9-tw fil, 22-inch,
4-4, At
H am il
lantic F.
ton.
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
108.0
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
110.5
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
97.0
100.3
100.3
100.3
97.8
Cashmere, Frank
cotton
lin
sack Aver
warp,
age.
27-inch, ings,
6-4.
H am il
ton.
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
99.9
105.4
105.4
105.4
101.2
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
115.3
110.7
110.7
114.5
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
105.4
107.2
107.2
107.2
108.7
108.5
108.5
106.6
Cloths and clothing.
W ool.
M onth.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M a y ...
J u n e ...
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O c t ....
N ov . . .
D e c ....
1903....
Ohio, me
Ohio, fine
fleece
fleece (X and dium
( i and *
X X grade),
grade),
scoured.
scoured.
115.5
117.4
115.5
113.6
109.7
111.7
121.6
121.6
123.2
123.2
123.2
125.1
118.5
101.4
103.0
101.4
99.7
96.5
98.1
103.0
103.0
103.0
103.0
106.3
106.3
102.1
Worsted yam s.
Average.
108.5
110.2
108.5
106.7
103.1
104.9
112.3
112.3
113.1
113.1
114.8
115.7
110.3
a Average for 1895-1899=100.
5553—No. 51—04----- 9
XXXX,
2-40s, Austra 2-40s,
white, in
lian fine.
skeins.
117.8
117.8
117.8
117.8
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
112.9
112.9
112.9
115.6
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2
119.2.
119.2
120.4
Average.
120.0
120.0
120.0
120.0
118.8
117.3
117.3
117.3
117.3
116.1
116.1
116.1
118.0
5 Average for 1892-1899=100,
Average,
cloths and
clothing.
104.2
104.5
104.9
105.0
105.4
106.3
107.5
107.8
108.2
108.0
108.1
108.6
106.6
344
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I I I . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average p rice for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I. R ela
tiv e price for 1903 com puted from average price for tne year as show n in Table I.]
Fuel and lighting.
Coal.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
M a r ...
Apr___
M ay. . .
June ..
J u ly ...
A u g...
S ept. . .
O c t ....
Nov .. .
D ec___
1903....
Anthracite.
Candles:
ada
man
tine, 6s,
14ounce.
Bro
ken.
117.5
118.8
118.0
125.0
127.8
130.7
132.5
132.9
131.7
126.6
126.2
127.0
126.2
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
140.7
108.7
116.1
115.1
115.1
115.1
115.1
127.4
Chest
nut.
137.7
137.7
137.7
123.8
126.6
129.2
132.1
134.9
137.7
137.7
137.7
137.7
134.2
Bituminous.
Stove.
Egg.
137.7
137.7
137.7
123.9
126.6
129.4
132.3
135.0
137.7
137.7
137.7
137.7
134.3
130.4
130.4
130.4
117.3
119.9
122.3
125.2
127.8
130.4
130.4
130.5
130.4
127.1
Georges Pitts
Georges Creek
Aver
burg Aver age.
Aver Creek (f. o. b.
(at
age.
New (Youghage.
iogheYork
m ine).
ny).
Harbor).
130.8
131.2
131.0
122.5
125.2
127.9
130.5
132.7
134.4
133.1
133.0
133.2
130.5
450.1
506.4
281.3
253.2
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
225.0
196.9
196.9
269.6
289.8
237.0
153.1
153.1
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
140.4
133.1
133.1
161.8
155.5
155.5
155.5
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
140.0
143.9
298.5
299.6
196.6
182.1
168.5
168.5
168.5
168.5
168.5
168.5
156.7
156.7
191.8
202.7
203.4
159.1
148.0
143.8
145.3
146.8
148.0
149.0
148.3
143.2
143.3
156.7
Fuel and lighting.
Petroleum .
Coke:
M onth. ConnellsMatches:
parlor, do
v ille,
m estic.
furnace.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
A pr___
M ay. ..
June ..
J u ly .. .
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
O ct___
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
235.5
235.5
235.5
228.2
206.1
169.3
161.9
132.5
125.1
125.1
110.4
92.7
171.5
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
85.4
Average,
fuel and
Average. lighting.
Refined.
Crude.
150° fire
For export. test,
w. w.
Average.
146.1
146.1
146.1
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
151.7
168.5
168.5
153.1
137.0
136.2
136.2
140.2
140.2
141.7
141.7
141.7
141.7
143.7
155.9
157.5
142.8
167.5
164.8
164.8
165.9
166.4
164.8
167.5
171.4
172.8
185.1
196.4
207.0
174.5
127.9
126.3
126.3
128.7
128.7
131.7
131.7
131.7
131.7
135.6
143.3
146.4
132.5
147.2
145.7
145.7
148.8
148.9
149.4
150.3
151.6
152.1
157.5
169.4
174.0
153.4
178.6
178.6
154.8
149.0
145.0
143.1
141.1
140.3
140.4
141.2
140.1
139.8
149.3
Metals and implements.
Bar iron: best refined.
Builders’ hardware.
Barb Butts:
Month. From From
m ill
store
wire:
loose
(Pitts (Phila Aver galvan join
t,
burg delphia age.
ized.
cast,
mar
mar
3
x
3
in
.
ket).
ket).
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
A pr___
M ay. . .
June ..
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
S ept. . .
O ct___
N ov...
D e c ....
1903....
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
122.1
117.2
117.2
117.2
117.2
92.4
89.7
122.1
134.1
134.1
134.1
134.1
131.7
126.8
122.6
117.7
110.4
110.4
104.3
104.3
122.0
136.0
136.0
136.0
136.0
134.8
124.5
119.9
117.5
113.8
113.8
98.4
97.0
122.1
106.1
108.9
110.8
109.7
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
108.9
102.9
108.4
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
126.6
Door
knobs:
steel,
bronze
plated.
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
132.6
Copper.
Locks:
com Aver Ingot,
mon
lake.
mor age.
tise.
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
110.2
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
98.8
102.8
110.5
122.6
121.6
120.6
115.5
106.4
111.9
107.9
112.5
99.3
110.9
Sheet,
hotAver
rolled Wire,
(base bare. age.
sizes).
108.5
108.5
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
120.6
108.5
108.5
108.5
115.6
93.1
97.3
108.5
111.9
110.2
108.5
101.6
100.8
100.8
99.0
98.2
97.3
102.3
100.1
102.9
113.2
118.4
117.5
116.6
112.6
109.3
111.1
105.1
106.4
101.7
109.6
345
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able
III.—RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description of the articles see T able I.
tive price for 1908 com puted from average price for the year as show n in T able I.]
R ela
Metals and im plem ents.
Nails.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay. . .
J u n e...
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O c t ....
N o t ...
D e c ....
1903....
Lead:
Pig-
107.9
108.4
108.4
122.6
116.0
115.0
107.9
110.2
107.9
116.8
116.8
111.5
112.3
Pig iron.
Cut,
Wire,
8-penny, 8-penny,
fence
fence
and com and com
m on.
mon.
Lead
pipe.
107.9
112.1
115.2
118.3
112.1
106.9
104.8
104.8
101.7
105.8
105.8
105.8
107.8
117.6
120.4
120.4
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
112.2
109.4
120.2
Gray
forge,
Besse Foundry Foundry South
mer.
No. 2.
No. 1.
ern,
coke.
Aver
age.
92.5
92.5
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
97.1
92.6
96.0
105.1
106.5
108.8
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
110.1
104.7
101.0
108.1
162.1
160.4
158.7
153.3
144.4
139.3
128.3
121.6
118.2
112.8
108.1
107.1
134.5
165.8
169.0
158.6
154.4
145.2
143.1
137.4
133.2
125.0
116.1
110.2
104.5
137.7
181.9
174.3
175.1
167.4
162.8
159.0
152.3
134.1
119.7
114.9
111.1
107.3
146.6
189.4
182.6
182.6
173.6
164.6
148.8
145.4
134.1
126.2
111.6
99.2
98.1
146.4
Aver
age.
174.8
169.1
168.8
162.2
154.3
147.6
140.9
130.8
122.3
113.9
107.2
104.3
141.3
Metals and implements.
Month. Quicksil Silver: bar,
ver.
fine.
Jan___
F e b ....
M a r ...
A pr___
M a y ...
June ..
J u ly ...
A ug...
S e p t...
O c t ....
N ov...
D ec—
1908....
114.4
113.5
113.5
114.4
115.3
115.3
112.6
112.6
112.6
110.9
112.6
112.6
113.4
64.4
64.7
65.9
68.4
73.1
71.5
72.8
74.9
78.2
81.4
78.4
74.8
72.4
Spelter:
Western.
Steel bil
lets.
Steel rails.
104.0
110.6
116.5
126.1
127.2
127.2
136.9
130.1
132.7
132.7
122.8
116.2
123.5
137.6
139.4
142.2
140.3
140.5
134.1
127.3
125.4
125.4
125.4
111.5
106.8
129.7
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
Tin plates:
Steel
dom estic,
sheets:
Tin: pig. Bessemer,
black,
coke,
14 x 20
No. 27. (a)
in. (b)
118.3
118.3
118.3
118.3
118.3
120.5
120.5
116.1
115.2
115.2
111.6
104.0
116.1
152.5
156.3
167.8
164.8
163.4
155.9
153.5
154.7
147.8
142.6
140.3
141.1
153.4
111.0
111.0
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
116.8
111.0
115.4
Metals and im plem ents.
Tools.
Month.
Jftn___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M ay.. .
June.
J u ly ...
A u g...
S e p t...
O c t ....
Nov . . .
Dep—
1903....
Chisels:
Axes:
extra,
Augers:
extra, M. C. O., socket
f-in ch . Yankee. firm er,
1-inch.
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
143.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
106.5
107.6
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
147.8
Saws.
Files:
8-inch
m ill
bastard.
Ham
mers:
M aydole
No. 1|.
Planes:
Bailey
No. 5.
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
123.1
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
129.0
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
115.7
116.7
116.7
115.7
Hand,
Crosscut, Disston
Disston.
No. 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
<*Average for the period July, 1894, to Decem ber, 1899=100.
Average for 1896-1899=100.
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
Average.
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
346
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T able I I I
__ RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.
tive price for 1908 com puted from average p rice for the year as show n in T able I.]
R ela
Metals and im plem ents.
Tools.
Month.
Trowels: M.
Shovels:
O., brick,
Ames No. 2. C.lOHnch.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S e p t...
O c t ....
Nov . . .
Dec___
1903....
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
102.0
Vises: solid
box, 50pound.
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
Wood screws:
1-inch, No.
10, flatAverage.
head.
117.0
117.0
117.0
119.6
119.6
118.3
118.1
119.4
119.4
118.1
118.1
116.8
118.2
117.9
117.9
117.9
147.4
147.4
132.8
132.8
147.4
147.4
132.8
132.8
117.9
132.7
Average,
metals and
implements.
Zinc:
sheet.
60.9
60.9
73.2
73.2
73.2
73.2
73.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
76.2
72.4
108.3
108.3
108.3
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
116.9
99.6
113.3
119.4
119.6
121.6
123.1
121.9
119.7
118.1
117.0
116.8
114.3
111.8
109.0
117.6
Lumber and building materials.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar .. .
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
J u ly ...
Aug ....
Sept. . .
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec—
1903....
Brick:
common
domestic.
Carbonate
of lead:
American,
in oil.
103.4
103.4
92.1
92.1
94.4
89.9
92.1
98.9
121.3
125.8
130.3
130.3
106.2
93.4
97.7
97.7
110.4
114.7
114.7
114.7
110.4
110.4
106.2
106.2
101.9
106.6
Cement.
Portland,
domestic. Rosendale. Average.
(*)
106.4
103.9
106.4
107.7
106.4
110.2
107.7
100.2
100.2
87.7
93.9
88.9
101.6
Doors:
pine.
105.4
108.3
108.2
101.8
104.0
105.9
103.2
98.0
98.0
91.8
94.9
92.4
101.0
104.3
112.7
109.9
95.8
101.5
101.5
98.6
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
100.3
Lime:
common.
169.3
169.3
169.3
169.3
169.3
164.7
164.7
155.5
155.5
141.8
141.8
128.1
158.2
97.2
97.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
98.4
98.4
98.4
97.2
94.5
Linseed
oil: raw.
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
97.0
97.0
88.2
83.8
81.6
86.0
81.6
81.6
91.9
Lumber and building materials.
Lumber.
Oak: white.
Month.
Hem
lock.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay. . .
Ju ne...
Ju ly. . .
A ug...
S e p t...
O ct___
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
137.9
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
142.1
140.4
Maple:
hard.
105.6
105.6
117.0
117.0
117.0
124.5
124.5
124.5
124.5
124.5
124.5
124.5
119.5
Pine.
W hite, boards.
Plain.
Quar
tered.
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.5
124.2
124.2
124.2
124.2
124.2
124.2
124.2
119.8
130.4
130.4
130.4
130.4
130.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
144.4
153.7
139.3
Aver
age.
122.0
122.0
122.0
122.0
122.0
134.3
134.3
134.3
134.3
134.3
134.3
139.0
129.6
No. 2
barn.
Uppers.
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
140.3
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
171.8
©Average for 1896-1899=100.
Aver
age.
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
156.1
Y ellow . Average.
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
141.9
347
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e H I . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.
tive price for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as show n in Table I.]
R ela
Lumber and building materials.
Poplar.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
Apr___
M ay.. .
June ..
Ju ly .. .
Aug . . .
S e p t...
O c t ....
N ov ...
Dec___
1903....
Plate glass: polished, unsil
vered.
Lumber.
Month.
143.5
146.7
151.4
151.4
151.4
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
165.0
158.3
Spruce. Average.
127.2
127.2
127.2
127.2
127.2
132.4
132.4
132.4
142.,9
142.9
142.9
142.9
133.7
131.5
131.9
133.7
133.7
133.7
139.8
139.8
139.8
141.0
141.0
141.0
142.0
137.4
Oxide of
zinc.
Area, 3 to Area, 5 to
5 square 10 square Average.
feet.
feet.
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
116.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
74.4
66.1
66.1
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
85.7
75.1
75.1
75.1
83.1
66.1
72.3
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
80.1
70.6
70.6
70.6
77.7
Putty.
142.4
142.4
142.4
71.5
71.6
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
71.5
89.2
Resin:
good,
strained.
133.7
145.8
158.0
159.7
147.6
144.1
143.2
137.2
1*5.8
159.7
192.7
178.8
153.9
Lum ber and building m aterials.
W indow glass: Am erican,
single.
Shingles.
Month.
Tar.
Cypress.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay. . .
J u n e...
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ept. . .
O et___
N ov...
D ec___
1903....
88.6
88.6
88.6
88.6
92.2
92.2
92.2
92.2
92.2
92.2
92.2
92.2
91.0
W hite
pine.
125.1
125.1
125.1
126.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
125.1
Average.
106.9
106.9
106.9
106.9
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.1
132.8
132.8
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
137.0
149.4
149.4
149.4
139.4
Turpen
tin e:
spirits of.
Firsts,
6 x 8 to
10x15
inch.
166.0
195.9
196.7
201.2
143.6
146.6
148.1
157.0
164.5
175.0
179.5
177.2
171.0
Thirds,
6 x 8 to
10x15
inch.
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
119.6
138.0
138.0
122.7
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
115.8
133.6
133.6
118.7
Average,
lum ber
and
building
Average. m ate
rials.
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
117.7
135.8
135.8
120.7
120.7
122.8
123.3
120.9
118.7
120.6
120.1
119.5
121.5
121.3
124.3
123.1
121.4
Drugs and chem icals.
M onth. A lcohol:
grain, 94
per cent.
Jan___
F e b ....
M a r ...
A pr___
M a y ...
Ju n e...
J u ly ...
A u g...
S ept. . .
O ct___
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
108.5
107.6
107.6
106.7
106.2
106.2
105.8
105.8
105.8
105.8
108.5
108.9
106.9
Brim
A lcohol:
Sul Average,
M uriatic Opium: Quinine: phuric
drugs
wood, re Alum : stone: Glycer
in
:
re
acid:
natural,
Am
eri
and
lum
p.
crude,
fined, 95
acid:
fined.
20
°.
in
cases.
can.
chem
i
per cent.
seconds.
66°.
cals.
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
68.1
57.7
52.4
52.4
52.4
52.4
62.0
104.8
104.8
104.8
98.8
98.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
104.8
103.6
111.1
108.7
109.9
106.3
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.5
107.6
107.5
107.5
106.3
107.9
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
103.6
101.9
101.9
103.4
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
153.8
115.5
115.5
127.1
125.0
125.0
135.6
134.5
148.3
139.8
137.7
135.6
127.1
130.6
105.7
105.7
113.8
105.7
105.7
97.6
93.5
97.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
102.6
134.8
134.8
134.8
134.8
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
146.1
142.7
111.8
111.4
113.7
111.4
112.8
113.7
113.1
113.9
112.8
112.6
112.5
111.4
112.6
348
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I I I . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.
tive p rice for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as show n in Table I.J
Rela-
House furnishing goods.
Earthenware.
M onth.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M ay. . .
J u n e ...
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
Plates,
creamcolored.
Plates,
white
granite.
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
115.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
Furniture.
Teacups
and
Chairs,
Chairs,
Tables, Average.
saucers, Average. Bedroom
sets, ash. bedroom,
w hite
m aple. kitchen. kitchen.
granite.
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.4
111.3
111.3
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
116.1
115.3
121.1
121.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
129.1
127.8
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
130.7
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
117.8
117.8
121.0
121.0
121.0
121. Q
121.0
121.0
121.0
121.0
121.0
121.0
120.5
House furnishing goods.
Table cutlery.
Glassware.
M onth.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
A pr___
M a y ...
J u n e...
J u ly ...
Aug . . .
S ept. . .
O ct___
Nov . . .
D ec—
1903....
Tum
Pitch
blers,
ers,
Nap
pies, i-gallon, i-pint,
com
4-inch. com
m on.
mon.
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
125.0
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
110.6
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
101.4
95.8
95.8
95.8
95.8
99.5
Knives
and
Aver Carvers,
Aver
forks,
stag
age. handles. cocobolo
age.
handles.
112.3
112.3
112.3
112.3
112.3
112.3
112.3
112.3
110.5
110.5
110.5
110.5
111.7
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
107.3
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
100.6
W ooden ware.
Pails,
oak
grain
ed.
Tubs,
oak
grain
ed.
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
119.3
130.9
130.9
130.9
122.2
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
107.6
Aver
age,
houseAver
fur
age. nishing
goods.
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.5
113.6
113.5
113.5
119.3
119.3
119.3
114.9
112.2
112.2
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
li3 .i
112.7
113.6
113.5
113.5
113.0
M iscellaneous.
Month.
Jan___
F e b ....
M ar. . .
A pr___
M a y ...
J u n e ...
J u ly ...
A u g ...
S ep t. . .
O c t ....
Nov . ..
D ec___
1903....
Cotton
seed meal.
Cotton
seed oil:
summer
yellow ,
prim e.
125.2
125.2
124.1
424.1
120.7
118.4
118.4
120.7
122.9
120.7
119.5
N9.5
121.6
128.1
130.6
134.7
133.0
142.9
139.6
136.3
138.0
134.7
131.4
108.4
110.1
130.7
Paper.
West
Jute: raw. Malt:
ern made.
111.4
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
135.9
129.0
•129.0
115.0
115.0
129.2
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
101.7
101.7
101.7
104.6
102.4
101.7
100.3
103.1
News.
88.0
88.0
88.0
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
83.6
84.6
W rapping,
manila. Average.
88.2
94.9
94.9
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
96.0
95.1
88.1
91.5
91.5
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.8
89.9
Proof
spirits.
113.3
113.1
113.1
113.1
113.1
113,1
113.1
110.9
107.0
106.3
108.7
110.2
111.4
349
OOURSE OP WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a ble
H I.— R E LA TIV E
PRICES OF COMMODITIES IN 1903—Concluded.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I. R ela
tive price for 1903 com puted from average price for the year as shown in Table I.]
M iscellaneous.
Tobacco.
Month.
Rope: manila.
Jan___
F e b ....
Mar . . .
Apr___
M ay. . .
J u n e...
J u ly ...
Aug .. .
S ept. . .
O c t ....
Nov . . .
D ec___
1903....
Rubber:
Para
Island.
120.4
115.1
121.8
120.4
123.1
125.8
125.8
123.1
124.5
125.8
123.1
123.1
122.7
Soap: Cas
tile,
m ottled,
pure.
Starch:
laundry.
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
116.5
112.1
112.1
115.6
143.7
122.3
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
122.1
123.9
108.0
104.3
111.8
109.3
111.8
107.4
110.5
113.0
120.5
126.8
119.3
114.3
113.1
Average,
Smoking,
m iscel
granu
Plug,
laneous.
Average.
Horseshoe. lated, Seal
o f N. C.
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
113.6
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.0
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
112.8
113.3
113.5
114.9
114.2
115.1
114.3
114.3
114.4
114.4
114.5
110.4
110.1
113.6
IV ___BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Farm products.
Year.
Barley: by
sample.
Cattle: steers, Cattle: steers,
choice to extra. good to choice.
Com : No. 2,
cash.
Cotton: upland,
m iddling.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
tive price per tive price per tive
price per tive price per tive
bushel. price. 100 lbs. price. hJo^bs.1 price. bushel. price. pound. price.
Average, 1890-1899 . $0.4534
.5062
1890.........................
.6098
1891.........................
.5085
1892.........................
.4685
1893.........................
.5134
1894.........................
.4300
1895.........................
.2977
1896.........................
.3226
1897.........................
.4348
1898.........................
.4425
1899.........................
.4815
1900.........................
.5884
1901.........................
.6321
1902.........................
.5494
1903.........................
100.0
111.6
134.5
112.2
103.3
113.2
94.8
65.7
71.2
95,9
97.6
106.2
129.8
139.4
121.2
$5.3203
4.8697
5.8851
5.0909
5.5211
5.1591
5.4849
4.5957
5.2255
5.3779
5.9928
6.7827
6.1217
7.4721
5.5678
100.0
91.5
110.6
95.7
103.8
97.0
103.1
86.4
98.2
101.1
112.6
108.7
115.1
140.4
104.7
$4.7347
4.1375
5.0976
4.4995
4.8394
4.5245
4.9344
4.2712
4.7736
4.8846
5.3851
5.3938
5.5901
6.5572
5.0615
100.0
87.4
107.7
95.0
102.2
95.6
104.2
90.2
100.8
103.2
113.7
113.9
118.1
138.5
106.9
$0.3804
.3950
.5744
.4500
.3964
.4326
.3955
.2580
.2546
.3144
.3333
.3811
.4969
.5968
.4606
100.0 $0.07762
.11089
103.8
151.0
.08603
.07686
118.3
104.2
.08319
.07002
113.7
.07298
104.0
.07918
67.8
.07153
66.9
.05972
82.6
.06578
87.6
100.2
.09609
.08627
130.6
.08932
156.9
121.1
.11235
100.0
142.9
110.8
99.0
107.2
90.2
94.0
102.0
92.2
76.9
84.7
123.8
111.1
115.1
144.7
Farm products.
Year.
Hides: green,
tim othy, salted, packers,
Flaxseed: No. 1. Hay:No.
1.
heavy native
steers.
Hogs: heavy.
Hogs: light.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
ton.
price. pound. price. 100 lbs. price. 100 lbs. price.
bushel. price.
Average, 1890-1899. $1.1132 100.0 $10.4304
9.9952
1.3967 125.5
1890.........................
97.1 12.2861
1891......................... 1.0805
1892.........................
1.0179
91.4 11.8375
97.7 11.2067
1893......................... 1.0875
1894.........................
1.3533 121.6 10.4183
1.2449 111.8 11.3844
1895.........................
.8119
72.9 10.3269
1896.........................
.8696
8.4423
78.1
1897.........................
8.3317
99.8
1898......................... 1.1115
1899......................... 1.1578 104.0 10.0745
1900......................... 1.6223 145.7 11.5673
1901......................... 1.6227 145.8 12.8255
1902......................... 1.5027 135.0 12.6154
94.1 12.4279
1903......................... 1.0471
100.0
95.8
117.8
113.5
107.4
99.9
109.1
99.0
80.9
79.9
96.6
110.9
123.0
120.9
119.2
$0.0937
.0933
.0951
.0870
.0749
.0641
.1028
.0811
.0996
.1151
.1235
.1194
.1237
.1338
.1169
100.0
99.6
101.5
92.8
79.9
68.4
109.7
86.6
106.3
122.8
131.8
127.4
132.0
142.8
124.8
$4.4123
3.9534
4.4229
5.1550
6.5486
4.9719
4.2781
3.3579
3.5906
3.8053
4.0394
5.0815
5.9580
6.9704
6.0572
100.0
89.6
100.2
116.8
148.4
112.7
97.0
76.1
81.4
86.2
91.5
115.2
135.0
158.0
137.3
$4.4206
3.9260
4.3404
5.0675
6.5752
4.9327
4.2533
3.5591
3.7223
3.7587
4.0709
5.1135
5.9177
6.7353
6.0541
100.0
88.8
98.2
114.6
148.7
111.6
96.2
80.5
84.2
85.0
92.1
115.7
133.9
152.4
137.0
350
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
I V . — BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND AV E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E LA TIV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903— Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Farm products.
Year.
Hops: New
York State,
choice.
Oats: cash.
Rye: No. 2,
cash.
Sheep: native. Sheep: Western.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela- •
price per tive price per tive price per tive
tive price per tive
pound. price. bushel. price. bushel. price. ^ O olS sf price. 100 lbs. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 80.1771
1890
.............
.2621
1891
.............
.2640
1892
..............
.2505
1893
.............
.2271
1894
.............
.1515
1895
.............
.0940
1896
.............
.0877
1897
.............
.1160
1898
.............
.1621
1899
.............
.1563
1900
.............
.1483
1901
.............
.1719
1902
.............
.2375
1903
.............
.2825
100.0
148.0
149.1
141.4
128.2
85.5
53.1
49.5
65.5
91.5
88.3
83.7
97.1
134.1
159.5
80.2688
.3106
.3873
.3042
.2827
.3110
.2373
.1801
.1825
.2470
.2452
.2271
.3179
.3960
.3541
100.0
115.6
144.1
113.2
105.2
115.7
88.3
67.0
67.9
91.9
91.2
84.5
118.3
147.3
131.7
80.5288
.5447
.8334
.6754
.4899
.4660
.4825
.3517
.3962
.4958
.5521
.5177
.5328
.5418
.5156
Farm products.
Year.
Wheat: contract grades,
cash.
100.0
103.0
157.6
127.7
92.6
88.1
91.2
66.5
74.9
9$.8
104.4
97.9
100.8
102.5
97.5
83.7580
4.5284
4.5106
4.7798
3.8781
2.6957
2.9495
2.9322
3.4971
3.9250
3.8837
4.1236
3.3519
3.7817
3.7101
100.0
120.5
120.0
127.2
103.2
71.7
78.5
78.0
93.1
104.4
103.3
109.7
89.2
100.6
98.7
83.9541
4.6644
4.5719
4.8695
4.1255
2.9808
3.0943
3.1411
3.7692
4.1625
4.1615
4.6207
3.7442
4.1784
3.8769
100.0
118.0
115.6
123.2
104.3
75.4
78.3
79.4
95.3
105.3
105.2
114.3
94.7
105.7
98.0
Food, etc.
Beans: medium, Bread: crack
choice.
ers, Boston X .
Bread: crack
ers, soda.
Bread: loaf
(W ashington
m arket).
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average R ela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
bushel. price. bushel. price. pound. price. pound. price.
price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.7510
.............
1890
.8933
1891
.............
.9618
1892
.............
.7876
1893
.............
.6770
1894
.............
.5587
1895
.............
.6000
1896
.............
.6413
1897
.............
.7949
1898
.............
.8849
1899
.............
.7109
1900
.............
.7040
1901
.............
.7187
.7414
1902
.............
1903
.............
.7895
100.0
118.9
128.1
104.9
90.1
74.4
79.9
85.4
105.8
117.8
94.7
93.7
95.7
98.7
105.1
81.6699
2.0292
2.2531
1.8698
1.9906
1.8469
1.7896
1.1740
1.0448
1.2479
1.4531
2.0969
2.1927
1.9198
2.2625
100.0
121.5
134.9
112.0
119.2
110.6
107.2
70.3
62.6
74.7
87.0
125.6
131.3
115.0
135.5
80.0673
.0700
.0700
.0688
.0650
.0650
.0654
.0650
.0592
.0733
.0713
.0750
.0800
.0800
.0758
100.0
104.0
104.0
102.2
96.6
96.6
97.2
96.6
88.0
108.9
105.9
111.4
118.9
118.9
112.6
80.0718
.0800
.0800
.0763
.0750
.0725
.0675
.0658
.0592
.0758
.0663
.0675
.0700
.0700
.0646
100.0
111.4
111.4
106.3
104.5
101.0
94.0
91.6
82.5
105.6
92.3
94.0
97.5
97.6
90.0
80.0398
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0375
.0408
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
100.0
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
94.2
102.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
Food, etc.
Year.
Bread: loaf,
Bread: loaf, Butter: cream Butter: cream Butter: dairy,
homemade
Vienna
ery, Elgin (El
ery, extra
New York
(N. Y. m arket). (N. Y. m arket). gin m arket). (N. Y. m arket).
State.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price |>er tive
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
price. P lo a f price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0396
1890
.............
.0400
1891
.............
.0400
1892
.............
.0400
1893
.............
.0400
1894
.............
.0400
1895
.............
.0400
1896
.............
.0358
1897
.............
.0400
1898
.............
.0400
1899
.............
.0400
1900
.............
.0400
1901
.............
.0400
1902
.............
.0400
.0400
1908.........................
100.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
90.4
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
80.0396
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0358
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
.0400
100.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
90.4
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
80.2170
.2238
.2501
.2528
.2581
.2194
.2064
.1793
.1837
.1886
.2075
.2178
.2114
.2413
.2302
100.0
103.1
115.3
116.5
118.9
101.1
95.1
82.6
84.7
86.9
95.6
100.4
97.4
111.2
106.1
80.2242
.2276
.2586
.2612
.2701
.2288
.2137
.1841
.1895
.1954
.2126
.2245
.2163
.2480
.2348
100.0
101.5
115.3
116.5
120.5
102.1
95.3
82.1
84.5
87.2
94.8
100.1
96.5
110.6
104.7
80.2024
.1954
.2380
.2350
.2521
.2091
.1882
.1665
.1684
.1749
.1965
.2115
.2007
.2318
.2150
100.0
96.5
117.6
116.1
124.6
103.3
93.0
82.3
83.2
86.4
97.1
104.5
99.2
114.5
106.2
351
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
IV.— BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Food, etc.
Year.
Cheese: N. Y.
State, fu ll
cream.
Coffee: R io
No. 7.
Eggs: new-laid, Fish: cod, dry, Fish: herring,
fancy, near-by. bank, large.
shore, round.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. dozen. price. quintal. price. barrel. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. 30.0987
1890.........................
.0958
.1011
1891.........................
.1058
1892.........................
.1076
1893.........................
.1060
1894.........................
.0929
1895.........................
.0908
1896.........................
.0968
1897.........................
.0822
1898.........................
.1075
1899.........................
.1128
1900.........................
.1011
1901.........................
.1126
1902.........................
.1217
1903.........................
100.0
97.1
102.4
107.2
109.0
107.4
94.1
92.0
98.1
83.3
108.9
114.3
102.4
114.1
123.3
30.1313
.1793
.1671
.1430
.1723
.1654
.1592
.1233
.0793
.0633
.0604
.0822
.0646
.0586
.0559
100.0
136.6
127.3
108.9
131.2
126.0
121.2
93.9
60.4
48.2
46.0
62.6
49.2
44.6
42.6
30.1963
.1945
.2160
.2167
.2247
.1835
.2002
.1741
.1718
.1817
.1994
.1977
.2095
.2409
.2418
100.0
99.1
110.0
110.4
114.5
93.5
102.0
88.7
87.5
92.6
101.6
100.7
106.7
122.7
123.2
35.5849
5.67*1
6.7292
7.0521
6.3802
5.9583
5.5208
4.2083
4.5208
4.6667
5.1354
5.3021
5.9896
5.0938
5.8646
100.0
101.7
120.5
126.3
114.2
106.7
98.9
76.4
80.9
83.6
92.0
94.9
307.2
91.2
105.0
33.7763
3.5250
4.7068
2.9375
3.8125
3.3958
3.1563
3.3542
3.6354
4.2083
6.0313
5.0833
4.9792
4.9063
5.7292
100.0
93.3
124.6
77.8
101.0
89.9
83.6
88.8
96.3
111.4
133.2
134.6
131.9
129.9
151.7
Food, etc.
Year.
Fish: m ackerel, Fish: salmon,
canned.
salt, large No.3s.
Flour: buck
wheat.
Flour: rye.
Flour: wheat,
spring patents.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive
tive price per tive price per tive
barrel. price. 12 cans. price. P100eibs.r price. barrel. price. barrel. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. 314.1306
1890......................... 18.2500
1891......................... 15.3125
1892......................... 13.0000
1893......................... 13.0000
1894......................... 11.0556
1895......................... 15.6250
1896......................... 13.9167
1897......................... 12.2292
1898......................... 13.6667
1899......................... 15.2500
1900......................... 13.8958
1901......................... 10.8182
1902......................... 13.7500
1903......................... 17.4479
100.0
129.2
108.4
92.0
92.0
78.2
110.6
98.5
86.5
96.7
107.9
98.3
76.6
97.3
123.5
81.4731
1.6417
1.5000
1.4833
1.4938
1.4250
1.5042
1.5500
1.3375
1.2667
1.5292
1.7708
1.7125
1.6146
1.6208
100.0 81.9428
111.4
2.0214
101.8
2.4429
100.7
1.7891
101.4
2.3679
96.7
2.4357
102.1
1.6750
m 2 1.3806
90.8
1.4656
86.0
1.5500
103.8
2.3000
120.2
2.1036
116.3
2.1063
109.6
2.2357
110.0
2.3214
100.0
104.0
125.7
92.1
121.9
125.4
86.2
71.1
75.4
79.8
118.4
108.3
108.4
115.1
119.5
83.3171
3.3646
4.9208
4.0167
3.0854
2.7813
3.1383
2.6833
2.8068
3.0813
3.2979
3.4250
3.3208
3.4417
3.1479
100.0
101.4
148.3
121.1
93.0
83.8
94.5
80.9
84.6
92.9
99.4
103.3
100.1
103.8
94.9
84.2972
5.1856
5.3053
4.3466
4.0063
3.5947
3.6434
3.7957
4.5913
4.7293
3.7740
3.8423
3.8104
3.8082
4.3303
100.0
120.7
123.5
101.1
93.2
83.7
84.8
88.3
106.8
110.1
87.8
89.4
88.7
88.6
100.8
Food, etc.
Year.
Flour: wheat,
winter
straights.
Fruit: apples,
evaporated,
choice.
Fruit: apples,
sun-dried,
Fruit: currants, Fruit: prunes,
California, in
Southern,
in barrels.
boxes.
sliced.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
barrel. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
A verage,1890-1899.. 33.8450
1890......................... 4.6524
1891......................... 4.9048
1892......................... 4.1216
1893......................... 3.2832
1894......................... 2.7495
1895......................... 3.2311
1896......................... 8.6197
1897......................... 4.3606
1898......................... 4.1452
1899......................... 3.3822
1900.........................
3.3490
1901......................... 3.3085
1902......................... 3.4885
1908......................... 3.5923
100.0
121.0
127.6
107.2
85.4
71.5
84.0
94.1
113.4
107.8
88.0
87.1
86.0
90.7
93.4
30.0847
.1136
.1100
.0688
.0927
.1092
.0678
.0533
.0555
.0890
.0869
.0615
.0709
.0921
.0611
100.0
134.1
129.9
81.2
109.4
128.9
80.0
62.9
65.5
105.1
102.6
72.6
83.7
108.7
72.1
30.0515
.0690
.0825
.0423
.0508
.0631
.0481
.0312
.0267
.0398
.0610
.0443
.0410
.0507
.0432
100.0
134.0
160.2
82.1
98.6
122.5
93.4
60.6
51.8
77.3
118.4
86.0
79.6
98.4
83.9
30.0375
.0478
.0426
.0297
.0270
.0173
.0254
.0327
.0479
.0580
.0470
.0720
.0831
.0494
.0476
100.0
127.5
113.6
79.2
72.0
46.1
67.7
87.2
127.7
154.7
125.3
192.0
221.6
181.7
126.9
30.0774
.1068
.1000
.0995
.1039
.0735
.0666
.0581
.0546
.0544
.0565
.0522
.0525
.0551
.0481
100.0
138.0
129.2
128.6
134.2
95.0
86.0
75.1
70.5
70.3
73.0
67.4
67.8
71.2
62 1
352
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
IV.— BASE PBICES (AV E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903— Continued.
T able
[For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I.]
Food, etc.
Year.
Fruit: raisins,
41° and Lard: prime
California, Lon Glucose:
42° m ixing. \
contract.
don layer.
Meal: corn,
fine white.
Meal: com ,
fine yellow .
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price
tive price per tive price per tive
tive
tive
per box. price. 100 lbs. price. pound. price. PKH)1bs.r price. p w eiEs.r price.
Average,1890-1899.. $1.5006
1890......................... 2.3604
1891......................... 1.8021
1892......................... 1.4688
1.7000
1893.........................
1.1542
1894.........................
1.4292
1895.........................
1896......................... 1.0188
1897......................... 1.3979
1898......................... 1.3917
1899........................ 1.2833
1900......................... 1.5208
1901......................... 1.4417
1.6854
1902.........................
1903......................... 1.4458
100.0 0$1. 4182
157.3
120.1
97.9
113.3
1.7625
1.5802
76.9
95.2
1.5492
67.9
1.1585
93.2
1.2190
1.3021
92.7
85.5
1.3558
101.3
1.4875
96.1
1.6458
112.3
2.1788
96.3
1.8396
100.0
124.3
111.4
109.2
81.7
86.0
91.8
95.6
104.9
116.0
153.6
129.7
60.0654
.0633
.0660
.0771
.1030
.0773
.0653
.0469
.0441
.0552
.0556
.0690
.0885
.1059
.0877
100.0
96.8
100.9
117.9
157.5
118.2
99.8
71.7
67.4
84.4
85.0
105.5
135.3
161.9
134.1
$1.0486
1.0613
1.4746
1.1921
1.1013
1.1188
1.0721
.8129
.8158
.8821
.9554
1.0115
1.1979
1.5354
1.2967
100.0
101.2
140.6
113.7
105.0
106.7
102.2
77.5
77.8
84.1
91.1
96.5
114.2
146.4
123.7
$1.0169
1.0200
1.4579
1.1608
1.0833
1.0629
1.0613
.7854
.7633
.8463
.9273
.9908
1.1875
1.5250
1.2783
100.0
100.3
143.4
114 2
106.5
104.5
104.4
77.2
75.1
83.2
91.2
97.4
116.8
150.0
125.7
Food, etc.
Year.
Meat: bacon,
short clear
sides.
Meat: bacon,
short rib sides.
Meat: beef,
fresh, native
sides.
Meat: beef, salt, Meat: beef, salt,
extra mess.
hams, Western.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. barrel. price. barrel. price.
A verage,1890-1899.. $0.0675
1890.........................
.0603
1891.........................
.0699
1892.........................
.0787
1893.........................
.1048
1894.........................
.0751
1895.........................
.0650
.0494
1896.........................
.0541
1897.........................
.0596
1898.........................
.0583
1899.........................
.0752
1900.........................
.0891
1901......................... !
.1073
1902.........................
1903......................... || .0959
100.0
89.3
103.6
116.6
155.3
111.3
96.3
73.2
80.1
88.3
86.4
111.4
132.0
159.0
142.1
$0.0656
.0586
.0681
.0764
.1010
.0736
.0632
.0479
.0522
.0594
.0558
.0732
.0869
.1046
.0938
100.0
89.3
103.8
116.5
154.0
112.2
96.3
73.0
79.6
90.5
85.1
111.6
132.5
159.5
143.0
$0.0771
.0688
.0819
.0762
.0813
.0748
.0792
.0698
.0769
.0781
.0835
.0804
.0787
.0971
.0784
100.0
89.2
106.2
98.8
105.4
97.0
102.7
90.5
99.7
101.3
108.3
104.3
102.1
125.9
101.7
$8.0166
6.9596
8.3654
6.7966
8.1938
8.0933
8.1274
7.5096
7.6755
9.1563
9.2885
9.7538
9.3204
11.7885
9.0673
100.0 $18.0912
86.8 14.5409
104.4 15.5144
84.8 14.5577
102.2 17.8317
101.0 18.3558
101.4 17.3443
93.7 15.9327
95.7 22.6250
114.2 21.4880
115.9 22.7212
121.7 20.6587
116.3 20.3774
147.1 21.3413
113.1 21.2115
100.0
80.4
85.8
80.5
98.6
101.5
95.9
88.1
125.1
118.8
125.6
114.2
112.6
118.0
117.2
Food, etc.
Year.
Meat: hams,
sm oked.
Meat: mutton,
dressed.
Meat: pork,
salt, mess.
Millr* fiWh
jjxiiK*
lresn.
Molasses: N. O.,
open kettle.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. barrel. price. quart. price. gallon. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0984
1890.........................
.0995
1891.........................
.0982
1892.........................
.1076
1893.........................
.1249
1894,........................
.1019
1895.........................
.0947
1896.........................
.0943
.0894
1897.........................
.0807
1898.........................
.0923
1899.........................
.1025
1900.........................
.1075
1901.........................
.1211
1902.........................
.1271
1903.........................
100.0
101.1
99.8
109.3
126.9
103.6
96.2
95.8
90.9
82.0
93.8
104.2
109.2
123.1
129.2
$0.0754
.0933
.0866
.0914
.0803
.0605
.0620
.0625
.0728
.0739
.0711
.0727
.0675
.0738
.0744
100.0 $11.6332
123.7 12.1502
114.9 11.3029
121.2 11.5252
106.5 18.3389
80.2 14.1262
82.2 11.8255
8.9399
82.9
8.9087
96.6
9.8678
98.0
9.3462
94.3
96.4 12.5072
89.5 15.6108
97.9 17.9399
98.7 16.6514
a Average for 1893-1899.
100.0
104.4
97.2
99.1
157.6
121.4
101.7
76.8
76.6
84.8
80.3
107.5
134.2
154.2
143.1
$0.0255
.0263
.0267
.0268
.0279
.0263
.0253
.0234
.0235
.0239
.0253
.0274
.0262
.0288
.0288
100.0
103.1
104.7
105.1
109.4
103.1
99.2
91.8
92.2
93.7
99.2
107.5
102.7
112.9
112.9
$0.3151
.3542
.2788
.3188
.3346
.3092
.3083
.3246
.2617
.3083
.3525
.4775
.3783
.3638
.3546
100.0
112.4
88.5
101.2
106.2
98.1
97.8
103.0
83.1
97.8
111.9
151.5
120.1
115.5
112.5
353
COURSE OP WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
IT.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Food, etc.
Year.
R ice: domes
tic, choice.
Salt: Ameri
can.
Salt: Ashton’s.
Soda: bicar
bonate of,
Am erican.
Spices: nut
megs.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. barrel. price. bushel. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.0561
1890.........................
0605
1891.........................
.0637
1892.........................
.0569
1893............... i ........
.0459
1894.........................
.0526
1896.........................
.0533
18% .........................
.0519
1897.........................
.0542
1898.........................
.0608
1899.........................
.0607
1900.........................
.0548
1901.........................
.0548
1902.........................
.0559
1903.........................
.0566
100.0
107.8
113.5
101.4
81.8
93.8
95.0
92.5
% .6
108.4
108.2
97.7
97.7
99.6
100.9
30.7044
.7921
.7865
.7575
.7019
.7192
.7019
.6226
.6613
.6648
.6365
1.0010
.8567
.6360
.6140
100.0
112.5
111.7
107.5
99.6
102.1
99.6
88.4
93.9
94.4
90.4
142.1
121.6
90.3
87.2
32.2033
2.4646
2.3813
2.3750
2.3250
2.2375
2.0500
2.0500
2.0500
2.0500
2.0500
2.0500
2.1813
2.2250
2.2479
100.0
111.9
108.1
107.8
105.5
101.6
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
99.0
101.0
102.0
30.0209
.0275
.0317
.0218
.0285
.0268
.0177
.0152
.0150
.0129
.0117
.0123
.0107
.0108
.0129
100.0
131.6
151.7
104.3
136.4
128.2
84.7
72.7
71.8
61.7
56.0
58.9
51.2
51.7
61.7
30.4322
.6317
.6081
.5319
.4584
.39%
.3%9
.35%
.3354
.3140
.2871
.2601
.2346
.2028
.2877
100.0
146.2
140.7
123.1
1%.1
92.5
91.8
83.1
77.6
72.7
66.4
60.2
54.3
46.9
66.6
Food, etc.
Year.
Spices: pepper,
Singapore.
Starch: pure
com .
Sugar: 89° fair Sugar: 96° cen Sugar: granu
refining.
trifugal.
lated.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.0749
18% .........................
.1151
1891.........................
.0873
1892.........................
,%89
1893.........................
.0595
1894.........................
.0516
1895.........................
.0497
18% .........................
.05%
.0664
1897.........................
.0891
1898.........................
.1117
1899.........................
.1291
19% .........................
.1292
1% 1.........................
.1255
1902.........................
.1289
1903.........................
1%.0
153.7
116.6
92.0
79.4
68.9
66.4
66.8
88.7
119.0
149.1
172.4
172.5
167.6
172.1
30.0548
.0546
.06%
.% %
.06%
.0567
.0554
.0513
.05%
.05%
.05%
.05%
.0470
.0440
.0507
1% .0 30.03398
.048%
99.6
1%.5
.03459
1%.5
.02873
1%.5
.03203
103.5
.02759
.02894
101.1
93.6
.03192
91.2
.03077
91.2
.03712
91.2
.03922
91.2
.04051
.03521
85.8
.03035
80.3
92.6
.03228
1%.0 30.03869
.054%
143.9
.03910
101.8
84.5
.03315
94.3
.03680
81.2
.03229
85.2
.03253
.03624
93.9
.03564
%. 6
1%.2
.04235
115.4
.04422
119.2
.04572
103.6
.04040
89.3
.03542
95.0
.03720
1%.0 30.04727
141.1
,%168
.04714
101.1
.04354
85.7
95.1
.04836
.04111
83.5
84.1
.04155
.04532
93.7
92.1
.04497
.04974
1%.5
.04924
114.3
.05332
118.2
.05048
104.4
.04455
91.5
.04641
% .l
1%.0
130.5
% .7
92.1
102.3
87.0
87.9
95.9
95.1
105.2
104.2
112.8
1%.8
94.2
98.2
Food, etc.
Year.
Tallow .
Tea: Formosa,
fine.
Vegetables,
Vegetables,
cider,
potatoes, Vinegar:
fresh: onions. fresh:
M onarch.
Burbank.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. barrel. price. bushel. price. gallon. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.0435
18% .........................
.04%
1891.........................
.0483
1892.........................
.0463
1893.........................
.0544
1894.........................
.0480
1895.........................
.0434
18% .........................
.0343
.0332
1897.........................
.0356
1898.........................
18% .........................
.0453
19% .........................
.0485
.0518
1% 1.........................
.%29
1902.........................
.0510
1903.........................
1%.0
105.7
111.0
1%.4
125.1
110.3
% .8
78.9
76.3
81.8
104.1
111.5
119.1
144.6
117.2
30.2839
.2733
.2817
.3008
.2888
.2783
.27%
.2583
.28%
.2958
.3117
.2977
.2850
.3015
.2296
1%.0
96.3
% .2
1%.0
101.7
98.0
95.1
91.0
98.6
104.2
1%.8
104.9
1%.4
1%. 2
80.9
33.3%5
4.3438
4.1250
3.6042
3.1875
3.25%
3.1146
1.9479
3.9271
3.2708
3.2238
2.4271
3.50%
3.6458
3.5675
1%.0
127.8
121.3
1%.0
93.8
95.6
91.6
57.3
115.5
% .2
94.8
71.4
103.0
107.2
104.9
30.4991
.5956
.7730
.4546
.6714
.6128
.4326
.1965
.3279
.5094
.4172
.3736
.5642
.5958
.5249
1%.0 $0.1478
.1558
119.3
.18%
154.9
.1642
91.1
.15%
134.5
.15%
122.8
.14%
86.7
39.4
.13%
.13%
65.7.
102.1
.1325
.14%
83.6
.13%
74.9
.1325
113.0
.1408
119.4
105.2
.13%
1%.0
105.4
121.8
111.1
101.5
101.5
98.1
88.0
88.0
89.6
94.7
91.3
89.6
95.3
88.0
354
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
IV.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
Table
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Bags: 2-bushel,
Amoskeag.
11-4, Blankets: 11-4,
Blankets: 11-4, Blankets:
5 pounds to
Boots and
5 pounds to
5 pounds to the
pair,
cotton
th e pair, cotton shoes: m en’s
the pair, all
warp,
all
w
ool
warp,
cotton
brogans,
split.
w ool.
and w ool filling.
filling.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
bag.
price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
pair. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 90.1399
.1594
1890.........................
1891.........................
.1563
.1550
1892.........................
.1494
1893.........................
1894.........................
.1275
1895.........................
.1150
.1281
1896.........................
1897.........................
.1300
.1338
1898.........................
1899.........................
.1446
.1575
1900.........................
.1413
1901.........................
1902.........................
.1433
.1458
1903.........................
100.0
113.9
111.7
110.8
106.8
91.1
82.2
91.6
92.9
95.6
103.4
112.6
101.0
102.4
104.2
90.840
.910
.890
.900
.900
.850
.750
.750
.750
.900
.800
.900
.850
.850
.925
100.0
108.3
106.0
107.1
107.1
101.2
89.3
89.3
89.3
107.1
95.2
107.1
101.2
101.2
110.1
90.613
.650
.650
.640
.640
.550
.540
.560
.650
.625
.625
.750
.650
.650
.700
100.0
106.0
106.0
104.4
104.4
89.7
88.1
91.4
106.0
102.0
102.0
122.3
106.0
106.0
114.2
90.424
.460
.460
.430
.420
.410
.400
.400
.420
.420
.420
.525
.475
.475
.500
100.0
108.5
108.5
101.4
99.1
96.7
94.3
94.3
99.1
99.1
99.1
123.8
112.0
112.0
117.9
90.9894
1.0500
1.0500
1.0375
1.0125
.9688
.9813
.9938
.9500
.9125
.9375
.9375
.9438
.9313
.9250
100.0
106.1
106.1
104.9
102.3
97.9
99.2
100.4
96.0
92.2
94.8
94.8
95.4
94.1
93.5
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Boots and
shoes: m en’s
calf bal. shoes,
Goodyear w elt.
Boots and
shoes: men’s
.split boots.
Boots and
Boots and
Broadcloths:
shoes: m en’s shoes: wom en’s first quality,
v ici kid shoes,
solid grain
black, 54-inch,
Goodyear welt.
shoes.
X X X w ool.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pair. price. 12 pairs. price. pair. price. pair. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$2,876
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.400
2.320
2.240
2.240
2.300
2.300
2.350
100.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
97.6
94.3
94.3
96.8
96.8
98.9
$16,350
17.000
17.000
17.000
16.500
16.000
15.000
15.500
16.000
16.500
17.000
18.000
18.375
18.167
18.500
100.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
100.9
97.9
91.7
94.8
97.9
100.9
104.0
110.1
112.4
111.1
113.1
$2.30
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.50
2.25
2.25
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
2.00
100.0
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
97.8
97.8
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
$0.8175
.8500
.8000
.7760
.7500
.7500
.8500
.8500
.8500
.8500
.8500
.9042
.8542
.8625
.8875
100.0
104.0
97.9
94.8
91.7
91.7
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
110.6
104.5
105.5
108.6
$1,732
1.970
1.970
1.970
1.970
1.580
1.380
1.380
1.700
1.700
1.700
1.870
1.910
1.910
1.910
100.0
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
91.2
79.7
79.7
98.2
98.2
98.2
108.0
110.3
110.3
110.3
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Calico: Cocheco Carpets: Brus
sels. 5-frame,
prints.
Bigelow .
Carpets: in
grain, 2-ply,
Low ell.
Carpets: W il Cotton flannels:
ton, 5-frame, 2$ yards to the
pound.
Bigelow.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0553
1890.........................
.0650
1891.........................
.0575
1892.........................
.0650
1893.........................
.0625
1894.........................
.0550
1895.........................
.0525
1896.........................
.0525
1897.........................
.0500
1898.........................
.0450
1899.........................
.0483
1900.........................
.0525
1901.........................
.0500
1902.........................
.0500
.0504
1908.........................
100.0
117.6
104.0
117.5
113.0
99.5
94.9
94.9
90.4
81.4
87.3
94.9
90.4
90.4
91.1
$1.0008
1.0320
1.1280
1.0320
.9840
.9360
.9360
.9360
.9600
1.0320
1.0320
1.0320
1.0320
1.0360
1.0880
100.0
103.1
112.7
103.1
98.3
93.5
93.5
93.5
95.9
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.5
108.7
$0.4752
.5160
.5520
.5040
.5280
.4680
.4200
.4080
.4320
.4680
.4560
.4920
.4800
.4840
.5136
100.0
108.6
116.2
106.1
111.1
98.5
88.4
85.9
90.9
98.5
96.0
103.5
101.0
101.9
108.1
$1.8432
1.9200
2.0160
1.9200
1.9200
1.9200
1.6800
1.6800
1.7280
1.8240
1.8240
1.8720
1.8720
1.8840
2.0080
100.0
104.2
109.4
104.2
104.2
104.2
91.1
91.1
93.8
99.0
99.0
101.6
101.6
102.2
108.9
$0.0706
.0875
.0875
.0838
.0725
.0675
.0650
.0650
.0575
.0575
.0619
.0738
.0640
.0650
.0735
100.0
123.9
123.9
118.7
102.7
95.6
92.1
92.1
81.4
81.4
87.7
104.5
90.7
92.1
104.1
355
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
IV .— BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E LATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903— Continued.
T able
[For a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Cotton yam s:
Cotton thread: carded,
Cotton flannels: 6-cord,
white,
m ule-spun,
3£ yards to the spools, 200-yard
J. & P.
pound.
Northern,
Coats.
cones, 10/1.
Year.
Cotton yam s:
carded, w hite, Denims: Amosmule-spun,
keag.
Northern,
cones, 22/1.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. spool, (a) price. pound. price. pound. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. 30.0575
.0688
1890.........................
1891.........................
.0688
.0650
1892.........................
.0575
1893.........................
.0550
1894.........................
.0525
1895.........................
.0550
1896.........................
.0550
1897.........................
.0463
1898.........................
.0508
1899.........................
.0567
1900.........................
.0575
1901.........................
.0575
1902.........................
.0629
1903.........................
100.0 $.031008
119.7 .031514
119.7 .031238
113.0 .031238
100.0 .031238
95.7 .031238
91.3 .031238
95.7 .030871
95.7 .030503
80.5 .030503
88.3 .030503
98.6 .037240
100.0 .037240
100.0 .037240
109.4 .037240
100.0
101.6
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
99.6
98.4
98.4
98.4
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
$0.1608
5.1790
5.1794
5.1885
.1808
.1523
.1477
.1483
.1452
.1456
.1408
.1850
.1585
.1538
.1869
100.0
111.3
111.6
117.2
112.4
94.7
91.9
92.2
90.3
90.5
87.6
115.0
98.6
95.6
116.2
$0.1969
5.2208
5.2244
5.2300
.2138
.1796
.1815
.1844
.1788
.1792
.1760
.2283
.1927
.1819
.2156
100.0
112.1
114.0
116.8
108.6
91.2
92.2
93.7
90.8
91.0
89.4
115.9
97.9
92.4
109.6
$0.1044
.1175
.1144
.1144
.1175
.1100
.0988
.0988
.0931
.0897
.0896
.1073
.1046
.1050
.1127
100.0
112.5
109.6
109.6
112.5
105.4
94.6
94.6
89.2
85.9
85.8
102.8
100.2
100.6
108.0
Cloths and clothing.
Drillings:
brown, Pepperell.
Year.
Flannels:
Drillings: 30- white,
4-4, Bal
inch, Stark A. lard
Yale No. 3.
Ginghams:
Amoskeag.
Ginghams:
Lancaster.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average R ela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0572
1890.........................
.0683
.0652
1891.........................
.0582
1892.........................
.0590
1893.........................
.0559
1894.........................
.0529
1895.........................
.0573
1896.........................
.0525
18 97...*...................
.0513
1898.........................
.0510
1899.........................
.0606
1900.........................
.0585
1901.........................
.0575
1902.........................
.0619
1903.........................
100.0
119.4
114.0
101.7
103.1
97.7
92.5
100.2
91.8
89.7
89.2
105.9
102.3
100.5
108.2
$0.0521
.0640
.0600
.0535
.0563
.0502
.0489
.0522
.0463
.0437
.0467
.0542
.0532
.0539
.0581
100.0
122.8
115.2
102.7
108.1
96.4
93.9
100.2
88.9
83.9
87.7
104.0
102.1
103.5
111.5
$0.3768
.4400
.4400
.4367
.4125
.3546
.3080
.3217
.3113
.3685
.3750
.4096
.3800
.3986
.4306
100.0
116.8
116.8
115.9
109.5
94.1
81.7
85.4
82.6
97.8
99.5
108.7
100.8
105.8
114.3
$0.0533
.0625
.0650
.0650
.0631
.0485
.0466
.0472
.0438
.0431
.0477
.0515
.0490
.0523
.0550
100.0
117.3
122.0
122.0
118.4
91.0
87.4
88.6
82.2
80.9
89.5
96.6
91.9
98.1
103.2
$0.0573
.0692
.0700
.0700
.0638
.0504
.0496
.0500
.0494
.0488
.0515
.0550
.0531
.0575
.0575
100.0
120.8
122.2
122.2
111.3
88.0
86.6
87.3
86.2
85.2
89.9
96.0
92.7
100.3
100.3
Cloths and clothing.
Horse blankets: Hosiery: m en’s H osiery: m en’s Hosiery: wom Hosiery: wom
cotton half
6 pounds each,
en’s com bed
cotton half
en’s cotton
all w ool.
hose, 20 to 22 oz. hose,84 needles. Egyptian,cotton. hose, 26 to 28 oz.
Year.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. 12prs.(c) price. 12 pairs. price. 12 pan's. price. 12prs.(*) price.
Average,1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
a Freight paid,
$0,573
.625
.600
.625
.600
.550
.530
.520
.570
.570
.540
.680
.630
.630
.675
100.0
109.1
104.7
109.1
104.7
96.0
92.5
90.8
99.5
99.5
94.2
118.7
109.9
109.9
117.8
$0.9555
1.2740
1.1760
1.0780
1.0535
.9800
.9065
.8330
.7840
.7350
.7350
.7840
.6860
.7350
.7840
100.0
133.3
123.1
112.8
110.3
102.6
94.9
87.2
82.1
76.9
76.9
82.1
71.8
76.9
82.1
$0.7845
e, 9750
e.9750
*.9700
*.8750
*.7250
*.7000
e.7000
*.6500
*.6500
*.6250
*.6500
*.7250
.6667
.7063
100.0 <*$1,850
124.3
124.3
123.6
111.5
1.900
92.4
1.900
89.2
1.875
89.2
1.875
1.850
82.9
1.800
82.9
79.7
1.750
1.900
82.9
92.4
2.000
1.850
85.0
90.0
1.875
100.0
102.7
102.7
101.4
101.4
100.0
97.3
94.6
102.7
108.1
100.0
101.4
$0.9310
1.2250
1.1270
1.0780
1.0535
.9800
.8575
.7840
.7595
.7105
.7350
.7595
.6615
.7350
.8085
100.0
131.6
121.1
115.8
113.2
105.3
92.1
84.2
81.6
76.3
78.9
81.6
71.1
78.9
86.8
b Records destroyed. Price estimated by person who furnished data for later years.
o September price.
<*Average for 1893-1899.
e January price.
856
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
T a b l e I V . — BASE
PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
[For a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Leather: har Leather: sole,
ness, oak, coun hem lock, Bue
try m iddles.
nos Ayres.
Leather: w ax
Leather: sole, calf,
30 to 40 lbs.
oak.
to the dozen.
lin e n shoe
thread: 10s,
Barbour.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela [Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. sq. foot. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.2590 100.0 $0.1939
.1921
.2571
99.3
1890.........................
.1858
99.6
.2579
1891.........................
91.4
.1727
.2367
1892.........................
.1796
92.7
.2400
1893.........................
.1715
87.8
1894.........................
.2275
.2073
.2888 111 5
1895.........................
.2554
98.6
.1881
1896.........................
93.9
.2033
.2433
1897.........................
.2129
.2825 109.1
1898.........................
.2254
.3004
116.0
1899.........................
.2490
.3025 116.8
1900.........................
1901.........................
114.7
. 2475
.2971
.2367
1902......................... a . 3325 «114.7
.2267
1903......................... a . 3313 <*114.3
100.0
99.1
95.8
89.1
92.6
88.4
106.9
97.0
104.8
109.8
116.2
128.4
127.6
122.1
116.9
$0.3363
.3771
.3679
.3421
.3483
.3279
.3421
.2925
.3079
.3213
.3358
.3608
.3525
.3800
.3742
100.0
112.1
109.4
101.7
103.6
97.5
101.7
87.0
91.6
95.5
99.9
107.3
104.8
113.0
111.3
$0.6545
.6000
.6469
.6929
.6450
.6042
.7333
.6433
.6156
.6760
.6875
.6563
.6281
.6604
.6900
100.0
91.7
98.8
105.9
98.5
92.3
112.0
98.3
94.1
103.3
105.0
100.3
96.0
100.9
105.4
$0.8748
.8910
.8910
.8910
.8993
.9182
.8514
.8514
.8514
.8514
.8514
.8877
.8910
.8910
.8460
100.0
101.9
101.9
101.9
102.8
105.0
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
101.5
101.9
101.9
96.7
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Linen thread: Overcoatings:
3-cord, 200-yard beaver, Mos
spools, Barbour. cow , all w ool.
Overcoatings:
chinchilla, all
w ool.
Overcoatings:
chinchilla,
cotton warp.
Overcoatings:
covert cloth,
light weight.
Average
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per Rela
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
dozen price.
yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
spools.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.8522
1890.........................
.8910
1891.........................
.7945
1892.........................
.8019
1893.........................
.8308
1894.........................
.8514
1895.........................
.8514
.8514
1896.........................
1897.........................
.8679
1898.........................
.8910
.8910
1899.........................
1900.........................
.8910
.8910
1901.........................
1902.........................
.8910
1903.........................
.8370
100.0
104.6
93.2
94.1
97.5
99.9
99.9
99.9
101.8
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
98.2
$2.0817
•52.4296
52.4296
5 2.4296
2.3250
1.9879
1.7670
1.7670
1.7670
1.8600
2.0538
2.4994
2.2088
2.2088
2.4413
100.0 $2.1419
116.7 52.4296
116.7 52.4296
116.7 52.4296
111.7
2.3250
95.5
1.9879
1.8774
84.9
84.9
1.8774
84.9
1.8774
89.4
2.0925
98.7
2.0925
2.4994
120.1
106.1
2.0925
2.0925
106.1
117.3
2.2088
100.0
113.4
113.4
113.4
108.5
92.8
87.7
87.7
87.7
97.7
97.7
116.7
97.7
97.7
103.1
$0.4883
.5325
.5268
.5329
.5367
.4733
.4508
.4354
.4575
.4800
.4583
.4892
.4433
.4508
.4533
100.0
109.1
107.7
109.1
109.9
96.9
92.3
89.2
93.7
98.3
93.9
100.2
90.8
92.3
92.8
$2.3286
2.4616
2.4616
2.4616
2.4616
2.4254
2.3259
2.0363
1.9458
2.2625
2.4435
2.3621
2.2625
2.2625
2.1899
100.0
105.7
105.7
105.7
105.7
104.2
99.9
87.4
83.6
97.2
104.9
101.4
97.2
97.2
94.0
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Overcoatings:
stand
Sheetings:
Sheetings:
Print cloths: Shawls:
kersey, stand
ard, all w ool, bleached, 10-4, bleached, 10-4,
ard, 27 to 28 oz. 28-inch, 64x64. 72x144 in ., 42-oz.
Atlantic.
Pepperell.
Average R ela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive
price
tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard. price. each. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. c$1.2472 100.0 $0.02838
1890.........................
.03340
1891.........................
.02938
1892.........................
.03386
.03251
1893.........................
1894.........................
.02748
1895.........................
.02864
1896.........................
.02581
1897....................
.02485
94.9
1.1.833
1898......................... 1.3000 104.2
. 02059
.02732
1899......................... 1.2583 100.9
.03083
1900......................... 1.5750 126.3
1901......................... 1.5000 120.3
.02819
1902......................... 1.5000 120.3
.03090
1903......................... 1.57O0 126.3
.032156
100.0
117.7
103.5
119.3
114.6
96.8
100.9
90.9
87.6
72.6
96.3
108.6
99.3
108.9
113.3
$4.5787
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.0800
4.0970
4.1300
4.0800
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
4.9000
100.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
89.1
89.5
90.2
89.1
107.0
107.0
107.0
107.0
$0.1836
.2241
.2138
.1996
.2052
.1741
.1722
.1700
.1604
.1527
.1641
.2043
.1853
.1917
.2124
100.0
122.1
116.4
108.7
111.8
94.8
93.8
92.6
87.4
83.2
89.4
111.3
100.9
104.4
115.7
$0.1884
.2190
.2008
.1900
.1946
.1742
.1785
.1792
.1738
.1721
.2021
.2292
.2117
.2100
.2275
100.0
116.2
106.6
100.8
103.3
92.5
94.7
95.1
92.3
91.3
107.3
121.7
112.4
111.5
120.8
a Leather: harness, oak, packers’ hides, heavy, No. 1. For m ethod of com puting relative price see
pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901, $0.3325.
bRecords destroyed. Price estimated by person who furnished data for later years,
o Average forl897-1899.
357
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
IV.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
fFor a m ore detailed description of the articles see Table I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Sheetings:
bleached, 10-4,
Wamsutta S.T.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Indian Head.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
A tlantic A.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Pepperell R.
Sheetings:
brown, 4-4,
Stark A. A.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard.
price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.2949
.3126
1890.........................
.3162
1891.........................
.2944
1892.........................
.3056
1898.........................
.2756
1894.........................
.2719
1895.........................
.2925
1896.........................
.2925
1897.........................
.2925
1898.........................
.2951
1899.........................
.3075
1900.........................
.2925
1901.........................
1902.........................
.2925
1903.........................
.3038
100.0
106.0
107.2
99.8
103.6
93.5
92.2
99.2
99.2
99.2
100.1
104.3
99.2
99.2
103.0
$0.0553
.0669
.0653
.0590
.0619
.0549
.0520
.0535
.0490
.0443
.0466
.0555
.0542
.0549
.0636
100.0
121.0
118.1
106.7
111.9
99.3
94.0
96.7
88.6
80.1
84.3
100.4
98.0
99.3
115.0
$0.0626
.0725
.0727
.0648
.0679
.0598
.0585
.0622
.0588
.0540
.0544
.0623
.0631
.0625
.0681
100.0
115.8
116.1
103.5
108.5
95.5
93.5
99.4
93.9
86.3
86.9
99.5
100.8
99.8
108.8
$0.0551
.0640
.0597
.0569
.0583
.0531
.0529
.0558
.0525
.0475
.0504
.0592
.0592
.0569
.0599
100.0
116.2
108.3
103.3
105.8
96.4
96.0
101.3
95.3
86.2
91.5
107.4
107.4
103.3
108.7
100.0
$0.0525
125.7
.0660
.0594
113.1
.0545
103.8
.0574
109.3
.0521
99.2
.0513
97.7
.0511
97.3
.0452
86.1
.0424
80.8
.0451
85.9
96.8
.0508
94.1
.0494
«.0566 <*92.6
a . 0623 a 101.9
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Fruit o f the
Loom.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Hope.
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4,
Lonsdale.
Shirtings:
Shirtings:
bleached, 4-4, bleached, 4-4,
New York
Wamsutta
<y ^ .
M ills.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.0728
1890.........................
.0845
.0799
1891.........................
1892.........................
.0808
.0832
1893.........................
1894.........................
.0727
1895.........................
.0700
1896.........................
.0696
1897.........................
.0641
1898.........................
.0584
1899.........................
.0644
1900.........................
.0753
1901.........................
.0750
1902.........................
.0756
1903.........................
.0767
100.0
116.1
109.8
111.0
114.3
99.9
96.2
95.6
88.0
80.2
88.5
103.4
103.0
103.8
105.4
$0.0630
.0726
.0703
.0663
.0713
.0620
.0608
.0620
.0574
.0518
.0551
.0671
.0699
.0676
.0675
100.0
115.2
311.6
105.2
113.2
98.4
96.5
98.4
91.1
82.2
87.5
106.5
111.0
107.3
107.1
$0.0727
.0845
.0822
.0812
.0832
.0727
.0697
.0685
.0633
.0595
.0626
.0731
.0738
.0741
.0755
100.0
116.2
113.1
111.7
114.4
100.0
95.9
94.2
87.1
81.8
86.1
100.6
101.5
101.9
103.9
$0.0876
.0968
.0965
.0931
.0925
.0885
.0851
.0886
.0836
.0784
.0725
.0786
.0760
.0766
.0850
100.0
110.5
110.2
106.3
105.6
101.0
97.1
101.0
95.4
89.5
82.8
89.7
86.8
87.4
97.0
$0.0948
.1011
.1009
.0973
.0981
.0950
.0969
.0951
.0935
.0807
.0892
.0965
.0875
.0885
.0974
100.0
106.6
106.4
102.6
103.5
100.2
102.2
100.3
98.6
85.1
94.1
101.8
92.3
93.4
102.7
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Silk: raw,
Italian, clas
sical.
indigo
clay Suitings: clay Suitings:
Silk: raw, Ja Suitings:diago
all w ool,
worsted diago blue,14-oz.,
pan, filatures. worsted
nal, 16-oz.
nal, 12-oz.
M iddlesex.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $4.2558
1890......................... 5.2238
1891......................... 4.1865
1892......................... 4.4826
1893......................... 5.0289
1894......................... 3.6816
1895......................... 4.0373
1896......................... 3.6293
1897......................... 3.6404
1898......................... 3.8768
1899......................... 4.7706
1900......................... 4.5128
1901......................... 3.8466
1902......................... 4.1085
1903......................... 4.5241
100.0
122.7
98.4
105.3
118.2
86.5
94.9
85.3
85.5
91.1
112.1
106.0
90.4
96.5
106.3
$4.0187
5.2429
4.0110
4.3266
4.5409
3.3627
3.7855
3.4072
3.4637
3.6376
4.4085
4.1690
3.5132
3.8224
4.1346
100.0 5$0.8236
130.5
99.8
107.7
113.0
83.7
.762i
94.2
.7337
84.8
86.2
.7595
90.5
.9165
.9461
109.7
103.7
1.0819
87.4
.9113
95.1
.9131
102.9
.9488
100.0 &$1.0068
100.0
92.5
89.1
92.2
111.3
114.9
131.4
110.6
110.9
115.2
93.8
87.6
93.3
111.4
113.9
133.7
111.0
108.6
112.1
.9445
.8819
.9392
1.1216
1.1468
1.3463
1.1175
1.0931
1.1288
$1.3230
1.5470
1.5470
1.5470
1.5084
1.4697
1.1523
1.1375
1.0465
1.1375
1.1375
1.1376
1.1849
1.3119
1.4400
100.0
116.9
116.9
116.9
114.0
111.1
87.1
86.0
79.1
86.0
86.0
86.0
89.6
99.2
108.8
a Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Massachusetts M ills, F lying Horse brand. For m ethod o f com puting rela
5 Average for 1895-1899.
tive price see pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901, $0.0575.
358
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
IV.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore d etailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Suitings:
Suitings:
indigo blue, serge, Washing
all w ool, 16-oz. ton M ills 6700.
Tickings:
Amoskeag
A. C. A.
Trouserings:
Underwear:
fancy worsted, white, all w ool,
22 to 23-oz.
etc.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average R ela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price, 12 tive
gar
yard. price. yarn. price. yard. price. yard. price.
ments. price.
Average, 1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$1.9154
62.0925
62.0925
62.0925
2.0925
1.7670
1.5903
1.7228
1.6740
1.9763
2.0538
2.2669
2.0925
2.0925
2.1576
100.0 a$0.7526
109.2
109.2
109.2
.9100
109.2
.9100
92.3
.6825
83.0
.6825
89.9
.6143
87.4
.6598
103.2
.7508
107.2
.8106
118.4
.8100
109.2
.8025
109.2
.7913
112.6
.7556
100.0
120.9
120.9
90.7
90.7
81.6
87.7
99.8
107.7
107.6
106.6
105.1
100.4
$0.1061
.1200
.1175
.1150
.1181
.1084
.1006
.1019
.0975
.0894
.0923
.1084
.1013
.1050
.1104
100.0 a$1.9456 100.0
113.1
110.7
108.4
2.0734 106.6
2.0734 106.6
111.3
102.2
1.9238
98.9
94.8
1.7100
87.9
96*0
1.7955
92.3
91.9
1.7955
92.3
84.3
2.1197 108.9
87.0
2.0734 106.6
102.2
2.2871 117.6
95.5
1.9879 102.2
99.0
1.9800 101.8
104.1 c 2.0925 ol04.6
$23.31
24.75
25 65
25.65
25.65
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
23.40
100.0
106.2
110*0
m o
110.0
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
Women’s dress W omen’s dress Women’s dress W omen’s dress
Underwear:
goods: alpaca,
goods: cashgoods: cashgoods: cashwhite m erino, cotton
warp, 22- m ere, all w ool, mere, cotton mere, cot. warp,
52j6 w ool, etc. inch, Hamilton.
A tlantic J.
warp, A tl. F. 22-in. Hamilton.
Average
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price, 12 Rela
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive v
gar
ments. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price. yard. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $15.57 100.0
1890.........................
16.65 106.9
1891.........................
17.55 112.7
1892.........................
17.55 112.7
1893.........................
17.55 112.7
1894..........................
14.85
95.4
1895.........................
14.40
92.5
1896.........................
14.40
92.5
1897.........................
14.40
92.5
1898.........................
14.85
95.4
1899.........................
13.50
86.7
1900.........................
14.85
95.4
1901.........................
14.85
95.4
1902..........................
14.85
95.4
1903......................... d 16.20 <*95.4
$0.0680
.0735
.0735
.0723
.0711
.0686
.0637
.0637
.0637
.0637
.0657
.0711
.0711
.0705
.0690
100.0
108.1
108.1
106.3
104.6
100.9
93.7
93.7
93.7
93.7
96.6
104.6
104.6
103.7
101.5
$0.2905
.3479
.3663
.3724
.3247
.2450
.2352
.1960
.2389
.2573
.3208
.3459
.3234
.3234
.3320
100.0
119.8
126.1
128.2
111.8
84.3
81.0
67.5
82.2
88.6
110.4
119.1
111.3
111.3
114.3
$0.1520
.1813
.1813
.1789
.1495
.1348
.1274
.1270
.1372
.1434
.1593
.1642
.1585
.1642
.1679
100.0
119.3
119.3
117.7
98.4
88.7
83.8
83.6
90.3
94.3
104.8
108.0
104.3
108.0
110.5
$0.0758
.0833
.0833
.0821
.0809
.0760
.0735
.0711
.0686
.0686
.0706
.0760
.0760
.0754
.0741
100.0
109.9
109.9
108.3
106.7
100.3
97.0
93.8
90.5
90.5
93.1
100.3
100.3
99.5
97.8
Cloths and clothing.
W omen’s dress
W ool: Ohio,
W ool: Ohio,
goods; cash- W omen’s dress fine fleece (X m edium fleece Worsted yam s:
Franklin
mere, cot. warp, goods:
and X X grade), ( i and f grade), 2-40s, Austra
Year.
sackings,
6-4.
lian fine.
27-in. Ham ilton.
scoured.
scoured.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average R ela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
yard. price. yard. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price.
• _____ ________
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.0883 100.0 $0.5151 100.0 $0.5526 100.0 $0.4564 100.0 $1.0183
100.0
1890.........................
.0980 111.0
.5938 115.3
.7156 129.5
.6143 134.6
1.2263
120.4
1891.........................
.0980 111.0
.6175 119.9
.6857 124.1
.5820 127.5
1.2354
121.3
1892.........................
.0968 109.6
.6175 119.9
.6119 110.7
.5276 115.6
1.2175
119.6
1893.........................
.0937 106.1
.6056 117.6
.5639 102.0
.4620 101.2
1.1342
111.4
1894.........................
.0907 102.7
.4988
96.8
.4448
.3542
80.5
77.6
.9292
91.3
1895.........................
.0846
95.8
.4342
84.3
.3768
68.2
.3280
71.9
.7425
72.9
1896.........................
.0821
93.0
.4156
80.7
.3940
71.3
.3186
69.8
.7250
71.2
.0784
1897.........................
88.8
.4235
82.2
.4955
89.7
.3999
87.6
.8517
83.6
.0784
1898.........................
88.8
.4552
88.4
.6150 111.3
.4805 105.3
1.0308
101.2
1899.........................
.0821
93.0
.4889
94.9
.6232 112.8
.4966 108.8
1.0908
107.1
.0882
1900.........................
99.9
.6096 118.3
.6594 119.3
.5296 116.0
1.2050
118.3
1901.........................
.0907 102.7
.5383 104.5
.5453
98.7
.4315
94.5
1.0404
102.2
1902.........................
.0901 102.0
.5581 108.3
.5770 104.4
.4436
97.2
1.1229
110.3
1903.........................
.0894 101.2
.5898 114.5
.6546 118.5
.4658 102.1
1.1771
115.6
a Average for 1892-1899.
b Records destroyed. Price estimated by person w ho furnished data for later years.
° 21 to 22 ounce. For m ethod o f com puting relative price see pages 241 and 242.
d 60 per cent w ool, etc. For m ethod o f com puting relative price see page 242.
359
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
I V . — BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903— Continued.
T able
[For a more detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Cloths and
clothing.
Year.
Fuel and lighting.
W orsted yarns: Candles: ada
m antine, 6s,
2-40s, X X X ,
w hite,in skeins.
14-ounce.
Coal: anthra
cite, broken.
Coal: anthra
cite, chestnut.
Coal: anthra
cite, egg.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
pound. price. pound. price.
ton.
ton.
ton.
price.
price.
price.
Average, 1890-1899.. §1.0071 100.0
1890
............. 1.2500 124.1
1891
............. 1.2625 125.4
1892
............. 1.1563 114.8
1893
............. 1.0833 107.6
1894
.............
91.2
.9188
75.1
1895
.............
.7563
1896
.............
.7500
74.5
81.3
1897
.............
.8188
99.7
1898
............. 1.0042
1899
............. 1.0708 106.3
1900
............. 1.1938 118.5
1901
............. 1.0283 102.1
1902
............. a 1.1392 «113.1
1903
............. a 1.2125 al20.4
30.0782
.0800
.0800
.0800
.0883
.0867
.0850
.0850
.0745
.0613
.0613
.1059
.1100
.1100
.0996
100.0
102.3
102.3
102.3
112.9
110.9
108.7
108.7
95.3
78.4
78.4
135.4
140.7
140.7
127.4
33.3669
3.4858
3.4433
3.6152
3.5628
3.4172
3.2833
3.2691
3.2465
3.2108
3.1350
3.2706
3.5508
3.7186
4.2496
100.0
103.5
102.3
107.4
105.8
101.5
97.5
97.1
96.4
95.4
93.1
97.1
105.5
110.4
126.2
33.5953
3.3533
3.4758
3.9443
4.1673
3.5416
2.9793
3.5561
3.7366
3.5525
3.6458
3.9166
4.3270
4.4597
4.8261
100.0
93.3
96.7
109.7
115.9
98.5
82.9
98.9
103.9
98.8
101.4
108.9
120.4
124.0
134.2
33.5936
3.6142
3.7508
3.9803
3.8520
3.3903
3.0296
3.5490
3.7986
3.5993
3.3714
3.5843
4.0565
4.3673
4.8251
100.0
100.6
104.4
110.8
107.2
94.3
84.3
98.8
105.7
100.2
93.8
99.7
112.9
121.5
134.3
Fuel and lighting.
Year.
Coal: bitum i Coal: bit. Georgesj Coal: bit. Pitts Coke: ConCoal: anthra nous,
burg (Yough- nellsville, fur
Georges Creek (f. o. b.
cite, stove.
Creek (at m ine). N. Y. Harbor).
iogheny).
nace.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average> Rela- Average! Relaprice per tive price per tive price per tive price peir tive price peip tive
ton.
price.
ton.
ton. price.
price.
ton.
price. bushel. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. 33.7949
............. 3.7108
1890
1891
............. 3.8542
1892
...........
4.1532
1893
............. 4.1931
1894
............. 3.6003
1895
............. 3.1264
1896
............. 3.7942
1897
............. 4.0146
1898
............. 3.7978
1899
............. 3.7047
1900
............. 3.9451
1901
............. 4.3224
1902
............. 4.4627
1903
............. 4.8245
100.0
97.8
101.6
109.4
110.5
94.9
82.4
100.0
105.8
100.1
97.6
104.0
113.9
117.6
127.1
30.8887
.8625
.9500
.9000
.9208
.8208
.7750
.9000
.8333
.9125
1.0125
1.2000
1.3375
2.1250
2.3958
100.0
97.1
106.9
101.3
103.6
92.4
.87.2
101.3
93.8
102.7
113.9
135.0
150.5
239.1
269.6
32.7429
2.9875
3.0313
2.9313
2.9500
2.7375
2.8125
2.6625
2.4417
2.1750
2.7000
2.9083
2.9250
4.0583
4.4375
100.0
108.9
110.5
106.9
107.6
99.8
102.5
97.1
89.0
79.3
98.4
106.0
106.6
148.0
161.8
30.0643
.0664
.0789
.0749
.0758
.0634
.0600
.0573
.0570
.0565
.0531
.0752
.0752
.0787
.0925
100.0
103.3
122.7
116.5
117.9
98.6
93.3
89.1
88.6
87.9
82.6
117.0
117.0
122.4
143.9
Petroleum :
crude.
100.0
122.7
110.4
106.5
87.1
62.3
78.0
110.4
95.2
98.8
128.7
155.8
115.6
158.2
171.5
Metals and im
plements.
Fuel and lighting.
Matches: par
lor, dom estic.
31.6983
2.0833
1.8750
1.8083
1.4792
1.0583
1.3250
1.8750
1.6167
1.6771
2.1854
2.6458
1.9625
2.6875
2.9125
Petroleum : re Petroleum : re Augers: extra,
f-inch.
fined,forexport. fined, 150° test.
Year.
Average
price per Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
tive
gross o f tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
price
boxes price. barrel. price. gallon. price. gallon. price. each. price.
(200s).
Average, 1890-1899.. 31.7563
1890
............. 1.9583
1891
............. 1.7500
1892
............. 1.7500
1893
............. 1.7500
1894
............. 1.6667
1895
............. 1.6875
1896
............. 1.7500
1897
............. 1.7500
1898
............. 1.7500
1899
............. 1.7500
1900
............. 1.7500
1901
............. 1.7500
1902
............. 1.5833
1903
............. 1.5000
100.0
111.5
99.6
99.6
99.6
94.9
96.1
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
90.1
85.4
30.9102
.8680
.6697
.6564
.6399
.8389
1.3581
1.1789
.7869
.9118
1.2934
1.3521
1.2095
1.2369
1.5886
100.0
95.4
73.6
61.1
70.3
92.2
149.2
129.5
86.5
100.2
142.1
148.5
132.9
135.9
174.5
30.0649
.0733
.0685
.0609
.0522
.0515
.0711
.0702
.0597
.0628
.0791
.0854
.0749
.0734
.0860
a Designated as X X X X .
5553—No. 51—04----- 10
100.0
112.9
105.5
93.8
80.4
79.4
109.6
108.2
92.0
96.8
121.9
131.6
115.4
113.1
132.5
30.0890
.0995
.0879
.0794
.0725
.0725
.0922
.1039
.0900
.0909
.1015
.1188
.1096
.1108
.1363
100.0
111.8
98.8
89.2
81.5
81.5
103.6
116.7
101.1
102.1
114.0
133.5
123.1
124.5
153.1
30.1608
.1900
.1900
.1900
.1800
.1542
.1333
.1394
.1425
.1425
.1465
.2000
.1700
.1800
.2310
100.0
118.2
118.2
118.2
111.9
95.9
82.9
86.7
88.6
88.6
91.1
124.4
105.7
111.9
143.7
360
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
I V . — BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Metals and im plem ents.
Year.
Bar iron: best Bar iron: best
A xes: M .C.O ., refined, from
refined, from
m ill (Pittsburg store (Philadel
Yankee.
phia m arket).
m arket).
Barb wire:
galvanized.
Butts: loose
join t, cast,
3 x 3 inch.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price
tive price per tive
tive
price
tive
price
price
tive
each. price. per lb. price. per lb. price. 100 lbs. price. per pair. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.4693
1890.........................
.5650
1891.........................
.5550
1892.........................
.5000
1893.........................
.5000
1894.........................
.4733
1895.........................
.4600
1896.........................
.4150
1897.........................
.3938
1898.........................
.3750
1899.........................
.4555
1900.........................
.4831
1901.........................
.4166
1902.........................
.4833
.5050
1903.........................
100.0
120.4
118.3
106.5
106.5
100.9
98.0
88.4
83.9
79.9
97.1
102.9
88.8
103.0
107.6
$0.0145
.0184
.0171
.0164
.0150
.0120
.0125
.0122
.0110
.0107
.0195
.0215
.0180
.0194
.0177
100.0
126.9
117.9
113.1
103.4
82.8
86.2
84.1
75.9
73.8
134.5
148.3
124.1
133.8
122.1
$0.0164
.0205
.0190
.0187
.0170
.0134
.0144
.0140
.0131
.0128
.0207
.0196
.0184
.0213
.0200
100.0
125.0
115.9
114.0
103.7
81.7
87.8
85.4
79.9
78.0
126.2
119.5
112.2
129.9
122.0
$2.5261
3.5665
3.2189
2.7662
2.5188
2.1750
2.2458
1.9625
1.8000
1.8375
3.1696
3.3942
3.0375
2.9542
2.7375
100.0
141.2
127.4
109.5
99.7
86.1
88.9
77.7
71.3
72.7
125.5
134.4
120.2
116.9
108.4
$0.0316
.0353
.0353
.0306
.0311
.0303
.0317
.0329
.0306
.0292
.0292
.0400
.0369
.0400
.0400
100.0
111.7
111.7
96.8
98.4
95.9
100.3
104.1
96.8
92.4
92.4
126.6
116.8
126.6
126.6
Metals and im plem ents.
Year.
Chisels: extra, Copper: ingot, Copper: sheet,
socket firmer,
hot-rolled (base
lake.
1-inch.
sizes).
Copper wire:
bare.
Doorknobs:
steel, bronze
plated.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average R ela Average Rela
price
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
each. price. pound. price. pound. price. pound. price. pair.
price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $0.1894
1890.........................
.2100
1891.........................
.2100
1892.........................
.2100
1893.........................
.1933
1894.........................
.1733
1895.........................
.1710
1896.........................
.1793
1897.........................
.1710
1898.........................
.1720
1899.........................
.2038
1900.........................
.2417
1901.........................
.2300
1902.........................
.2700
1903.........................
.2800
100.0
110.9
110.9
110.9
102.1
91.5
90.3
94.7
90.3
90.8
107.6
127.6
121.4
142.6
147.8
$0.1234
.1575
.1305
.1154
.1093
.0948
.1075
.1097
.1132
.1194
.1767
.1661
.1687
.1201
.1368
100.0
127.6
105.8
93.5
88.6
76.8
87.1
88.9
91.7
96.8
143.2
134.6
136.7
97.3
110.9
$0.1659
.2275
.1900
.1600
.1500
.1425
.1425
.1425
.1463
.1400
.2175
.2067
.2088
.1783
.1917
100.0
137.1
114.5
96.4
90.4
85.9
85.9
85.9
88.2
84.4
131.1
124.6
125.9
107.5
115.6
$0.1464
.1875
.1650
.1438
.1350
.1156
.1238
.1356
.1375
.1375
.1825
.1800
.1815
.1326
.1497
100.0
128.1
112.7
98.2
92.2
79.0
84.6
92.6
93.9
93.9
124.7
123.0
124.0
90.6
102.3
$0.1697
.1660
.1660
.1660
.1660
.1660
.1953
.1733
.1660
.1660
.1660
.1813
.1900
.2153
.2250
100.0
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
115.1
102.1
97.8
97.8
97.8
106.8
112.0
126.9
132.6
Metals and im plem ents.
Year.
Files: 8-inch
m ill bastard.
Hammers:
M aydole No. I f
Lead: pig.
Lead pipe.
Locks: com
m on mortise.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive
tive price per tive price per tive
price
price
tive
dozen. price. each. price. pound. price. 100 I ds . price. each. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.8527
1890.........................
.9100
1891.........................
.8917
1892.........................
.8717
1893.........................
.8667
1894.........................
.8300
1895.........................
.8133
1896.........................
.7775
1897.........................
.8050
1898.........................
.8250
1899.........................
.9358
1900......................... 1.0900
1901......................... 1.0500
1902......................... 1.0500
1903......................... 1.0500
100.0
106.7
104.6
102.2
101.6
97.3
95.4
91.2
94.4
96.8
109.7
127.8
123.1
123.1
123.1
$0.3613
.3500
.3500
.3500
.3500
.3500
.3525
.3800
.3800
.3633
.3867
.4189
.4233
.4233
.4660
100.0
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
97.6
105.2
105.2
100.6
107.0
115.9
117.2
117.2
129.0
$0.0381
.0440
.0437
.0413
.0374
.0331
.0326
.0300
.0358
.0380
.0448
.0445
.0438
.0411
.0428
100.0
115.5
114.7
108.4
98.2
86.9
85.6
78.7
94.0
99.7
117.6
116.8
115.0
107.9
112.3
$4.8183
5.4000
5.6000
5.1833
5.0000
4.4333
4.2000
4.1000
4.3167
4.6000
5.3500
5.1208
5.0479
5.2167
5.1958
100.0
112.1
116.2
107.6
103.8
92.0
87.2
85.1
89.6
95.5
111.0
106.3
104.8
108.3
107.8
$0.0817
.0830
.0830
.0830
.0830
.0818
.0833
.0867
.0833
.0750
.0750
.0788
.0750
.0850
.0900
100.0
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
100.1
102.0
106.1
102.0
91.8
91.8
96.5
91.8
104.0
110.2
361
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e I V . — BASE
PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Metals and im plements.
Year.
Nails: cut,8-pen Nails: wire, 8penny, fence
ny, fence and
and comm on.
comm on.
Pig iron: Bes
semer.
Pig iron:
foundry No. 1.
Pig iron:
foundry No. 2.
Average Rela- Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
ton.
Pio o i& !r price. 100 lbs. price.
ton.
price.
ton.
price.
price.
Average,1890-1899.. 81.8275
1890......................... 2.2875
1891......................... 1.8333
1892......................... 1.7583
1893.........................
1.6813
1894......................... 1.5271
1895......................... 1.9250
1896......................... 2.7125
1897.........................
1.3329
1898......................... 1.1927
1899.........................
2.0240
1900.........................
2.2500
1901......................... 2.1125
1902......................... 2.1333
1903......................... 2.1958
100.0
125.2
100.3
96.2
92.0
83.6
105.3
148.4
72.9
65.3
110.8
123.1
115.6
116.7
120.2
82.1618
2.9646
2.4667
2.1896
1.9917
1.6521
2.1177
2.9250
1.4854
1.4375
2.3875
2.6333
2.3646
2.1042
2.0750
100.0 813.7783
137.1 18.8725
114.1 15.9500
101.3 14.3667
92.1 12.8692
76.4 11.3775
98.0 12.7167
135.3 12.1400
68.7 10.1258
66.5 10.3317
110.4 19.0333
121.8 19.4925
109.4 15.9350
97.3 20.6742
96.0 18.9758
100.0 814.8042
137.0 18.4083
115.8 17.5208
104.3 15.7492
93.4 14.5167
82.6 12.6642
92.3 13.1033
88.1 12.9550
73.5 12.1008
75.0 11.6608
138.1 19.3633
141.5 19.9800
115.7 15.8683
150.0 22.1933
137.7 19.9158
100.0 813.0533
124.3 17.1563
118.4 15.3958
106.4 13.7729
98.1 12.4396
85.5 10.8458
88.5 11.6750
87.5 11.7708
81.7 10.1000
78.8 10.0271
130.8 17.3500
135.0 18.5063
107.2 14.7188
149.9 21.2396
134.5 19.1417
100.0
131.4
117.9
105.5
95.3
83.1
89.4
90.2
77.4
76.8
132.9
141.8
112.8
162.7
146.6
Metals and im plem ents.
Year.
Pig iron: gray Planes: Bailey
forge, South
No. 5.
ern, coke.
Quicksilver.
Saws: cross
cut, Disston.
Saws: hand,
Disston No. 7.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price
price per tive
tive price per tive
price
tive price per tive
ton.
price. each. price. pound. price. each. price. dozen. price.
Average,1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
811.0892
14.5000
12.5167
11.7917
10.6354
8.9375
10.3229
9.6042
8.8021
8.7188
15.0625
15.6042
12.5521
17.6042
16.2292
100.0
130.8
112.9
106.3
95.9
80.6
93.1
86.6
79.4
78.6
135.8
140.7
113.2
158.8
146.4
81.-3220
1.4200
1.4200
1.4200
1.4200
1.3783
1.2417
1.2300
1.2300
1.2300
1.2300
1.4142
1.4600
1.5100
1.5300
100.0
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
104.3
93.9
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
107.0
110.4
114.2
115.7
80.5593
.7300
.6283
.5642
.5213
.4792
.5133
.4979
.5157
.5125
.6004
.6769
.6629
.6458
.6342
100.0
130.5
112.3
100.9
93.2
85.7
91.8
89.0
92.2
97.0
107.3
121.0
118.5
115.5
113.4
81.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6028
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
1.6038
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
812.780
14.400
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
12.600
100.0
112.7
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
Metals and implements.
Year.
Shovels: Ames
N o. 2.
Silver: bar,
fine.
Spelter: West
ern.
Steel billets.
Steel rails.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
dozen. price. ounce. price. pound. price.
ton.
ton.
price.
price.
Average,1890-1899.. 87.8658
7.8700
1890.........................
1891.........................
7.8700
1892......................... 7.8700
1893.........................
7.8700
1894......................... 7.4500
7.4500
1895.........................
1896.........................
7.8100
1897.........................
7.9300
1898.........................
7.9300
1899......................... 8.6075
1900......................... 9.1200
1901......................... 9.1200
1902......................... 9.3550
1903......................... 8.0200
100.0 80.74899
100.1 1.05329
100.1
.99034
100.1
.87552
100.1
.78219
94.7
.64043
94.7
.66268
.68195
99.3
100.8
.60775
100.8
.59065
109.4
.60507
115.9
.62065
115.9
.59703
118.9
.52816
102.0
.54208
100.0
140.6
132.2
116.9
104.4
85.5
88.5
91.0
81.1
78.9
80.8
82.9
79.7
70.5
72.4
80.0452
.0554
.0508
.0465
.0410
.0355
.0362
.0401
.0421
.0453
.0588
.0442
.0405
.0487
.0558
100.0 821.5262
122.6 30.4675
112.4 25.3292
102.9 23.6308
90.7 20.4358
78.5 16.5783
80.1 18.4842
88.7 18.8333
93.1 15.0800
100.2 15.3058
130.1 31.1167
97.8 25.0625
89.6 24.1308
107.7 30.5992
123.5 27.9117
100.0 826.0654
141.5 31.7792
117.7 29.9167
109.8 30.0000
94.9 28.1250
77.0 24.0000
85.9 24.3333
87.5 28.0000
70.1 18.7500
71.1 17.6250
144.6 28.1250
116.4 32.2875
112.1 27.3333
142.1 28.0000
129.7 28.0000
100.0
121.9
114.8
115.1
107.9
92.1
93.4
107.4
71.9
67.6
107.9
123.9
104.9
107.4
107.4
362
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
Ta ble I V .—
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Metals and im plem ents.
Year.
•Steel sheets:
black, No. 27.
Tin: pig.
T inplates: do Tin plates: im
Trowels:
m estic, Besse ported, Besse M. C.
O., brick,
mer, coke,
mer, coke, I. C.,
10i-inch.
14 x 20.
14x20.
Average Rela Average R ela Average Rela Average
Average Rela
per Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price
tive
tive
price
108 price.
pound. price. pound. price. 100 lbs. price. box,
each. price.
lbs. («)
Average,1890-1899.. 680.0224
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
.0235
1895.........................
.0244
.0215
1896.........................
.0195
1897.........................
.0190
1898.........................
.0267
1899.........................
.0293
1900.........................
.0315
1901.........................
1902.........................
.0291
.0260
1903.........................
100.0
104.9
108.9
96.0
87.1
84.8
119.2
130.8
140.6
129.9
116.1
80.1836
.2121
.2025
.2037
.2002
.1812
.1405
.1330
.1358
.1551
.2721
.3006
.2618
.2648
.2816
100.0 083.4148
115.5
110.3
110.9
109.0
98.7
76.5
72.4
3.4354
3.1823
74.0
84.5
2.8500
148.2
4.1913
4.6775
163.7
142.6
4.1900
144.2
4.1233
3.9400
153.4
100.0 <*84.5862 100.0
4.7958 104.6
5.3367 116.4
5.3050 115.7
5.3717 117.1
4.8917 106.7
3.8725
84.4
100.6
82.9
3.8000
93.2
85.1
3.9025
83.5
87.2
4.0000
1$2.7
(c)
(e)
137.0
lei
122.7
120.7
\e)
le)
115.4
Metals and im plements.
Year.
W ood screws:
Vises: solid box, 1-inch,
No. 10,
50-pound.
flat head.
80.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
.3400
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
Lumber and building materials.
Zinc: sheet.
Carbonate of
Brick: comm on lead:
American,
dom estic.
in oil.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price
tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
each. price. gross. price. 100 lbs. price.
M.
price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $3.9009
1890......................... 4.1400
1891......................... 4.1400
1892......................... 4.2550
1893......................... 4.1975
1894......................... 4.0567
1895......................... 3.7933
1896......................... 3.7200
1897......................... 3.5000
1898......................... 3.2800
1899......................... 3.9267
1900......................... 4.2683
1901......................... 5.0200
1902......................... 5.1300
1903......................... 5.1767
100.0
106.1
106.1
109.1
107.6
104.0
97.2
95.4
89.7
84.1
100.7
109.4
128.7
131.5
132.7
$0.1510
.1970
.2000
.2100
.2100
.1558
.1117
.1033
.0850
.0918
.1452
.1820
.1045
.0952
.1093
100.0
130.5
132.5
139.1
139.1
103.2
74.0
68.4
56.3
60.8
96.2
120.5
69.2
63.0
72.4
$5.3112
6.0542
6.7192
5.4900
4.9942
3.9500
4.5217
4.9400
4.9400
5.4983
7.0042
6.0950
5.5583
6.7308
6.0183
100.0
114.0
107.7
103.4
94.0
74.4
85.1
93.0
93.0
103.5
131.9
114.8
104.7
107.9
113.3
$5.5625
6.5625
5.7083
5.7708
5.8333
5.0000
5.3125
5.0625
4.9375
5.7500
5.6875
5.2500
5.7656
5.3854
5.9063
100.0
118.0
102.6
103.7
104.9
89.9
95.5
91.0
88.8
103.4
102.2
94.4
103.7
96.8
106.2
$0.0577
.0638
.0650
.0658
.0609
.0524
.0525
.0517
.0535
.0543
.0568
.0625
.0576
.0539
.0615
100.0
110.6
112.7
114.0
105.5
90.8
91.0
89.6
92.7
94.1
98.4
108.3
99.8
93.4
106.6
Lumber and building m aterials.
Year.
Cement: Port
land, dom estic.
Cement:
Rosendale.
Doors: pine.
H em lock.
Lim e: comm on.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
barrel. price. barrel. price. door. price. M feet. price. barrel. price.
Average,1890-1899.. f§ l. 9963
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895......................... 1.9688
1896......................... 2.0000
1897......................... 1.9667
1898......................... 1.9979
1899......................... 2.0479
1900......................... 2.1583
1901......................... 1.8896
1902......................... 1.9500
1903......................... 2.0292
100.0
98.6
100.2
98.5
100.1
102.6
108.1
94.7
97.7
101.6
$0.8871
1.0542
.9417
.9688
.8875
.9271
.8521
.8333
.7521
.7604
.8938
1.0167
1.0188
.8646
.8896
100.0
118.8
106.2
109.2
100.0
104.5
96.1
93.9
84.8
85.7
100.8
114.6
114.8
97.5
100.3
$1.0929
1.3750
1.2500
1.2500
1.2250
1.0500
.9125
.8375
.8125
.9250
1.2917
1.5900
1.8913
2.1208
1.7292
100.0 $11.9625
125.8 12.5833
114.4 12.4583
114.4 12.2917
112.1 12.0000
96.1 11.7083
83.5 11.1458
76.6 11.1667
74.3 11.0000
84.6 11.7500
118.2 13.5208
145.5 16.5000
173.1 15.0000
194.1 15.8333
158.2 16.7917
100.0
105.2
104.1
102.8
100.3
97.9
93.2
93.3
92.0
98.2
113.0
137.9
125.4
132.4
140.4
$0.8332
.9792
.9125
.9292
.9292
.8479
.7813
.6938
.7188
.7417
.7979
.6833
.7742
.8058
.7875
100.0
117.5
109.5
111.5
111.6
101.8
93.8
83.3
86.3
89.0
95.8
82.0
92.9
96.7
94.5
a Duty paid.
&Average for the period July, 1894, to December, 1899. « Average for 1896-1899.
a Average for 1890-1898.
«N o quotation for year.
/A verage for 1895-1899.
363
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
T able I V . — BASE PRICES
(A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND A V E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIFS, 1890 TO
1903— Continued.
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Lumber and building m aterials.
Year.
Linseed oil:
raw.
M aple: hard.
Oak: white,
plain.
Oak: w hite,
quartered.
Oxide o f zinc.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
gallon. price. M feet. price. M feet. price. M feet. price. pound. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $0.4535
1890
.............
.6158
.4842
1891
.............
1892
.............
.4083
1893
.............
.4633
.5242
1894
.............
.5242
1895
.............
.3683
1896
.............
.3275
1897
.............
.3925
1898
.............
.4267
1899
.............
.6292
1900
.............
.6350
1901
.............
1902
.............
.5933
.4167
1903
.............
100.0 $26.5042
135.8 26.5000
106.8 26.5000
90.0 26.5000
102.2 26.5000
115.6 26.5000
115.6 26.5000
81.2 26.5000
72.2 26.5000
86.5 26.5000
94.1 26.5417
138.7 27.5000
140.0 26.7083
130.8 28.5833
91.9 31.6667
100.0 $37.4292
100.0 37.8750
100.0 38.0000
100.0 38.4583
100.0 38.7500
100.0 37.2500
100.0 36.2500
100.0 36.2500
100.0 36.2500
100.0 36.2500
100.1 38.9583
103.8 40.8333
100.8 36.7708
107.8 40.8750
119.5 44.8333
100.0 $53.6771
101.2 61.4583
101.5 63.5833
102.7 53.0000
103.5 53.0000
99.5 51.1250
96.8 53.2500
96.8 54.5000
96.8 53.8333
96.8 52.5000
104.1 60.5208
109.1 64.4583
98.2 59.1667
109.2 63.0833
119.8 74.7917
100.0
95.9
99.8
98.7
98.7
95.2
99.2
101.5
100.3
97.8
112.7
120.1
110.2
117.5
139.3
$0.0400
.0425
.0419
.0426
.0413
.0373
.0350
.0383
.0377
.0396
.0438
.0451
.0438
.0440
.0463
100.0
106.3
104.8
106.5
103.3
93.3
87.5
95.8
94.3
99.0
109.5
112.8
109.5
110.0
115.8
Lumber and building materials.
Year.
Pine: white,
Pine: white,
boards, No. 2 boards,
uppers. Pine: yellow .
barn.
Plate glass:
Plate glass:
polished, 3 to 5 polished, 5 to 10
sq. ft.
sq. ft.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
M feet. price. M feet. price. M feet. price. sq. ft. price. sq. ft. price.
Average,1890-1899.. $17.1104
1890
............. 16.7917
1891
............. 17.0000
1892
............. 17.1458
1898......................... 18.6250
1894
............. 18.1667
1895
............. 17.2500
1896
............. 16.5000
1897
............. 15.8333
1898
............. 15.5000
1899
............. 18.2917
1900
............. 21.5000
1901
............. 20.8750
1902
............. 23.5000
1903
............. 24.0000
100.0 $46.5542
98.1 44.0833
99.4 45.0000
100.2 46.0417
108.9 48.5000
106.2 46.4167
100.8 46.0000
96.4 46.6250
92.5 46.3333
90.6 46.0833
106.9 50.4583
125.7 57.5000
122.0 60.4167
137.3 74.8333
140.3 80.0000
100.0 $18.4646
94.7 20.7500
96.7 19.9583
98.9 18.5000
104.2 18.5000
99.7 18.5000
98.8 16.9167
100.2 16.4167
99.5 16.4375
99.0 18.6250
108.4 20.0417
123.5 20.7083
129.8 19.6667
160.7 21.0000
171.8 21.0000
100.0
112.4
108.1
100.2
100.2
100.2
91.6
88.9
89.0
100.9
108.5
112.2
106.5
113.7
113.7
$0.3630
.5300
.5200
.4200
.4200
.3300
.3000
.3400
.2000
.2700
.3000
.3400
.3200
.2575
.2625
100.0
146.0
143.3
115.7
115.7
90.9
82.6
93.7
55.1
74.4
82.6
93.7
88.2
70.9
72.3
$0.5190
.7000
.6900
.5500
.5500
.4500
.4800
.5400
.3200
.4300
.4800
.5400
.4900
.4113
.4313
100.0
134.9
132.9
106.0
106.0
86.7
92.5
104.0
61.7
82.9
92.5
104.0
94.4
79.2
83.1
Lumber and building materials.
Year.
Poplar.
Putty.
Resin: good,
strained.
Shingles:
cypress.
Shingles: white
pine, 18 in.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
M.
M.
M feet. price. pound. price. barrel. price.
price.
price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $31.3667
1890......................... 30.5000
1891......................... 30.5000
1892......................... 30.6042
1893......................... 33.6250
1894......................... 31.7500
1895......................... 81.0000
1896......................... 31.0000
1897......................... 80.6667
1898......................... 80.0000
1899......................... 34.0208
1900......................... 37.6876
1901......................... 36.7083
1902......................... 42.1042
1903......................... 49.645%
100.0
97.2
97.2
97.6
107.2
101.2
98.8
98.8
97.8
95.6
108.5
120.2
117.0
134.2
158.3
$0.0158
.0175
.0175
.0161
.0160
.0157
.0145
.0145
.0145
.0145
.0168
.0190
.0150
.0192
.0141
100.0
110.8
110.8
101.9
101.3
99.4
91.8
91.8
91.8
91.8
106.3
120.3
94.9
121.5
89.2
$1.4399
1.3844
1.4740
1.3417
1.2615
1.2510
1.5615
1.7458
1.6125
1.4208
1.3458
1.6021
1.5302
1.6125
2.2156
100.0
96.1
102.4
93.2
87.6
86.9
108.4
121.2
112.0
98.7
93.5
111.3
106.3
112.0
153.9
$2.8213
3.3500
3.2500
3.1500
3.0000
2.8000
2.6500
2.5000
2.3500
2.5000
2.6625
2.8500
2.8500
2.6708
2.5667
100.0 $3.7434
100.0
3.8417
118.7
102.6
115.2
4.0000
106.9
3.9063
104.4
111.7
3.8500
106.3
102.8
99.2
3.7500
100.2
3.7000
93.9
98.8
3.6125
88.6
96.5
3.5417
94.6
83.3
3.5521
88.6
94.9
94.4
3.6792
98.3
4.0000
106.9
101.0
4.1875
111.9
101.0
94.7 a 3.5875 <*123.0
91.0 <*3.6500 ol25.1
a Shingles: M ichigan white pine, 16 inches long, X X X X . For m ethod of com puting relative price
see pages 241 and 242. Average price for 1901,53.2626.
364
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
FT.— BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able L ]
Lumber and building materials.
Year.
Spruce.
Turpentine:
spirits of.
Tar.
W indow glass:
Am erican, sin
gle, firsts, 6 x 8
to 10 x 15 inch.
W indow glass:
Am erican, sin
gle, thirds, 6 x 8
to 10x15 inch.
Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela Average Rela
price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive price per tive
M feet. price. barrel. price. gallon. price. 50 sq. ft. price. 50 sq.ft. price.
Average, 1890-1899.. $14.3489
1890......................... 16.2917
1891......................... 14.2183
1892......................... 14.8542
1893......................... 13.7708
1894......................... 12.7083
1895......................... 14.2500
1896......................... 14.2500
1897......................... 14.0000
1898......................... 13.7500
1899......................... 15.3958
1900......................... 17.3750
1901......................... 18.0000
1902......................... 19.2500
1903......................... 19.1875
100.0
113.5
99.1
103.5
96.0
88.6
99.3
99.3
97.6
95.8
107.3
121.1
125.4
134.2
133.7
$1.2048
1.4750
1.5833
1.3000
1.0458
1.0917
1.1417
1.0125
1.0542
1.0979
1.2458
1.3625
1.2817
1.3250
1.6792
100.0
122.4
131.4
107.9
86.8
90.6
94.8
84.0
87.5
91.1
103.4
113.1
106.4
110.0
139.4
$0.3343
.4080
.3795
.3227
.3002
.2932
.2923
.2743
.2924
.3221
.4581
.4771
.3729
.4740
.5715
100.0
122.0
113.5
96.5
89.8
87.7
87.4
82.1
87.5
96.4
137.0
142.7
111.5
141.8
171.0
$2.1514
2.2283
2.2125
1.9935
2.1375
1.9918
1.5988
1.8021
2.1986
2.6432
2.7081
2.6990
4.1282
3.2187
2.6400
100.0
103.6
102.8
92.7
99.4
92.6
74.3
83.8
102.2
122.9
125.9
125.5
191.9
149.6
122.7
$1.8190
1.7858
1.7700
1.5948
1.7100
1.6326
1.3919
1.6000
1.9630
2.3428
2.3986
2.3194
3.2823
2.6649
2.1600
100.0
98.2
97.3
87.7
94.0
89.8
76.5
88.0
107.9
128.8
131.9
127.5
180.4
141.0
118.7
Drugs and chem icals.
Year.
A lcohol: grain, 94 A lcohol: w ood, re
per cent.
fined, 95 per cent.
Alum : lum p.
Brimstone: crude,
seconds.
Average
Average Relative Average
Average Relative
price per Relative
per price. price per Relative
per price.
price. price
price. price
gallon.
gallon.
pound.
ton.
Average,1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$2.2405
2.0717
2.2150
2.1417
2.1808
2.1521
2.3292
2.3008
2.2767
2.3250
2.4117
2.3867
2.4583
2.4057
2.3958
100.0
92.5
98.9
95.6
97.3
96.1
104.0
102.7
101.6
103.8
107.6
106.5
109.7
107.4
106.9
$0.9539
1.1375
1.1598
1.2973
1.2917
.7198
.8667.
.8500
.6958
.7500
.7708
.8000
.6125
.6417
.5917
100.0
119.2
121.6
136.0
135.4
75.5
90.9
89.1
72.9
78.6
80.8
83.9
64.2
67.3
62.0
$0.0167
.0182
.0158.
.0160
.0174
.0169
.0160
.0164
.0166
.0165
.0168
.0175
.0175
.0175
.0173
100.0
109.0
94.6
95.8
104.2
101.2
95.8
98.2
99.4
98.8
100.6
104.8
104.8
104.8
103.6
$20.6958
21.1458
28.6042
24.1458
18.7292
16.5833
15.6250
17.9583
20.1250
22.9167
21.1250
21.1458
22.0000
23.4375
22.3333
100.0
102.2
138.2
116.7
90.5
80.1
75.5
86.8
97.2
110.7
102.1
102.2
106.3
113.2
107.9
Drugs and chem icals.
Year.
G lycerin: refined. M uriatic acid: 20°.
Opium: natural,
in cases.
Quinine: American.
Average
Average R elative Average
Average
price per Relative
per price. price per R elative price per R elative
price. price
price.
price.
pound.
pound.
pound.
ounce.
Average, 1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896 .........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$0.1399
.1767
.1538
.1396
.1346
.1194
.1204
.1671
.1308
.1238
.1329
.1515
.1504
.1444
.1446
100.0
126.3
109.9
99.8
96.2
85.3
86.1
119.4
93.5
88.5
95.0
108.3
107.5
103.2
103.4
$0.0104
.0104
.0098
.0121
.0101
.0088
.0083
.0075
.0109
.0128
.0135
.0135
.0150
.0168
.0160
100.0
100.0
94.2
116.3
97.1
84.6
79.8
72.1
104.8
123.1
129.8
129.8
144.2
161.5
153.8
$2.3602
2.6208
1.9438
1.6708
2.3917
2.2854
1.8413
2.0917
2.3417
3.3417
3.0729
3.2000
3.2292
2.8313
3.0813
100.0
111.0
82.4
70.8
101.3
96.8
78.0
88.6
99.2
141.6
130.2
135.6
136.8
120.0
130.6
$0.2460
.3275
.2508
.2183
.2150
.2621
.2508
.2406
.1829
.2146
.2975
.3325
.3025
.2575
.2525
100.0
133.1
102.0
88.7
87.4
106.5
102.0
97.8
74.3
87.2
120.9
135.2
123.0
104.7
102.6
365
COURSE OF W HOLESALE PRICES, 1800 TO 1903,
IV.—BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Drags and chem
icals.
Sulphuric acid: 66°.
Year.
House furnishing goods.
Earthenware:
plates, creamcolored.
Earthenware:
plates, white
granite.
Earthenware:
teacups and saucers,
white granite.
Average
price per
Average Relative Average Relative Average
gross (6 Relative
Relative
price per price. price per
per price. dozencups
price. price
price.
pound.
dozen.
dozen.
and6dozen
saucers).
Average, 1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$0.0089
.0088
.0081
.0095
.0085
.0073
.0070
.0070
.0095
.0113
.0120
.0120
.0125
.0130
.0127
100.0
98.9
91.0
106.7
95.5
82.0
78.7
78.7
106.7
127.0
134.8
134.8
140.4
146.1
142.7
$0.4136
.4465
.4367
.4230
.4230
.4177
.3913
.3807
.3807
.4153
.4208
.4410
.4655
.4655
.4775
100.0
108.0
105.6
102.3
102.3
101.0
94.6
92.0
92.0
100.4
101.7
106.6
112.5*
112.5
115.4
$0.4479
.4888
.4786
.4644
.4644
.4566
.4162
.3991
.3991
.4515
.4607
.4841
.5096
.5096
.4988
100.0
109.1
106.9
103.7
103.7
101.9
92.9
89.1
89.1
100.8
102.9
108.1
113.8
113.8
111.4
$3.4292
3.7600
3.6817
3.5720
3.5720
3.5250
3.2374
3.0907
3.0907
3.3595
3.4026
3.5750
3.7632
3.7632
3.6832
100.0
109.6
107.4
104.2
104.2
102.8
94.4
90.1
90.1
98.0
99.2
104.3
109.7
109.7
107.4
House furnishing goods.
Year.
Furniture: bed
room sets, ash.
Furniture: chairs,
bedroom , maple.
Furniture: chairs,
kitchen.
Furniture: tables,
kitchen.
Average
Average Relative Average Relative Average
elative
per price. price per
price per Relative
per Rprice.
price. price
price. price
dozen.
set.
dozen.
dozen.
Average, 1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$10,555
12.000
12.000
12.000
11.000
11.000
9.950
8.750
8.750
10.000
10.100
11.250
11.250
11.750
12.167
100.0
113.7
113.7
113.7
104.2
104.2
94.3
82.9
82.9
94.7
95.7
106.6
106.6
111.3
115.3
$6,195
7.000
7.000
6.850
6.850
6.000
6.000
6.000
5.000
6.125
6.125
8.000
7.000
7.333
7.917
100.0
113.0
113.0
110.6
110.6
96.9
96.9
96.9
80.7
82.7
98.9
129.1
113.0
118.4
127.8
$3.8255
4.2000
4.2000
4.2500
4.2500
3.5000
3.5000
3.5000
3.5000
3.3130
4.0420
5.2080
4.7500
4.9167
5.0000
100.0
109.8
109.8
111.1
111.1
91.5
91.5
91.5
91.5
86.6
105.7
136.1
124.2
128.6
130.7
$14,435
15.000
15.000
15.000
15.000
14.250
14.250
13.800
13.800
13.800
14.450
15.600
15.600
15.600
15.600
100.0
103.9
103.9
103.9
103.9
98.7
98.7
95.6
95.6
95.6
100.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
108.1
House furnishing goods.
Year.
Glassware:
nappies, 4-inch.
Glassware:
pitchers, 4-gallon,
comm on.
Glassware:
tumblers, 4-pint,
comm on.
Table cutlery: carv
ers, stag handles.
Average Relative Average Relative Average Relative
Average
per price. price per price. price per price.
price per Relative
price. price
dozen.
dozen.
dozen.
pair.
Average, 1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
$0,112
.120
.120
.120
.120
.120
.120
.100
.100
.100
.100
.100
.140
.140
.140
100.0
107.1
107.1
107.1
107.1
107.1
107.1
89.3
89.3
89.3
89.3
89.3
125.0
125.0
125.0
$1,175
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.250
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.300
1.300
1.300
100.0
106.4
106.4
106.4
106.4
106.4
106.4
106.4
85.1
85.1
85.1
85.1
110.6
110.6
110.6
$0.1775
.1800
.2000
.1900
.1900
.1900
.1850
.1800
.1700
.1600
.1300
.1800
.1800
.1850
.1767
100.0
101.4
112.7
107.0
107.0
107.0
104.2
101.4
95.8
90.1
73.2
101.4
101.4
104.2
99.5
$0.80
.80
.80
.80
.95
.80
.80
.80
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
118.8
100.0
100.0
100.0
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
93.8
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
366
IV.— BASE PRICES (A V E R A G E FOR 1890-1899), AND AV E R A G E
Y E A R L Y ACTUAL AND R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Continued.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
House furnishing goods.
Year.
Table cutlery:
knives and forks,
cocobolo handles.
M iscellaneous.
W ooden ware:
W ooden ware:
pails, oak-grained. tubs, oak-grained.
Average
Average R elative Average R elative
elative price
price per Rprice.
per price. price per price.
dozen.
gross.
nest o f 3.
Average, 1890-1899..
L890.........................
1891
.............
1892
.............
1893
.............
1894
.............
1895
.............
1896
.............
1897
.............
1898
.............
1899
.............
1900
.............
1901
.............
1902
.............
1903
.............
$6.06
7.75
7.75
6.85
5.50
5.50
5.50
5.50
5.00
5.50
5.75
5.75
6.50
6.50
6.50
100.0
127.9
127.9
113.0
90.8
90.8
90.8
90.8
82.5
90.8
94.9
94.9
107.3
107.3
107.3
$1.2988
1.5917
1.4500
1.3500
1.3125
1.2583
1.1208
1.2625
1.2417
1.1333
1.2667
1.4917
1.5500
1.5500
1.6875
100.0
122.6
111.6
103.9
101.1
96.9
86.3
97.2
95.6
87.3
97.5
114.9
119.3
119.3
122.2
$1.3471
1.6500
1.5667
1.4000
1.3083
1.2875
1.2500
1.2500
1.2500
1.2500
1.2583
1.4417
1.4500
1.4500
1.4500
100.0
122.5
116.3
103.9
97.1
95.6
92.8
92.8
92.8
92.8
93.4
107.0
107.6
107.6
107.6
Cotton-seed m eal.
Average
price per R elative
ton o f 2,000 price.
pounds.
$21.9625
23.3750
25.2083
23.6958
25.7042
22.5583
18.9125
19.9375
20.4375
19.0000
20.7958
25.5458
25.0208
27.1333
26.7083
100.0
106.4
114.8
107.9
117.0
102.7
86.1
90.8
93.1
86.5
94.7
116.3
113.9
123.6
121.6
M iscellaneous.
Year.
Cotton-seed oil:
summer yellow ,
prime.
Jute: raw.
M alt: Western
made.
Paper: news.
Average Relative Average
Average
elative Average
elative price
elative
price per Rprice.
per price. price per Rprice.
price per Rprice.
bushel.
gallon.
pound.
pound.
.Average, 1890-1899..
1890
.............
1891
.............
1892
.............
1893
.............
1894
.............
1895
.............
1896
.............
1897
.............
1898
.............
1899
.............
1900
.............
1901
.............
1902
.............
1903
.............
$0.3044
.3446
.3567
.3088
.4550
.3238
.2721
.2513
.2365
.2288
.2663
.3556
.3571
.4067
.3977
100.0
113.2
117.2
101.4
149.6
106.4
89.4
82.6
77.7
75.2
87.5
116.8
117.3
133.6
130.7
$0.0359
.0388
.0371
.0475
.0346
.0345
.0279
.0319
.0373
.0332
.0365
.0435
.0400
.0438
.0464
100.0
108.1
103.3
132.3
96.4
96.1
77.7
88.9
103.9
92.5
101.7
121.2
111.4
122.0
129.2
$0.7029
.7500
.9271
.8015
.7750
.7446
.6854
.5629
.5438
.6163
.6221
.6538
.7450
.7925
.7246
100.0
106.7
131.9
114.0
110.3
105.9
97.5
80.1
77.4
87.7
88.5
93.0
106.0
112.7
103.1
$0.0299
.0382
.0340
.0340
.0318
.0323
.0308
.0275
.0271
.0219
.0209
.0281
.0226
.0242
.0253
100.0
127.8
113.7
113.7
106.4
108.0
103.0
92.0
90.6
73.2
69.9
94.0
75.6
80.9
84.6
M iscellaneous.
Year.
Paper: wrapping,
m anila.
Proof spirits.
Rope: m anila,
f-inch.
Rubber: Para
Island.
Average R elative Average R elative Average
Average Relative
elative price
price per price.
price per price. price per Rprice.
per
price.
pound.
gallon.
pound.
pound.
Average, 1890-1899..
1890
.............
1891
.............
1892
.............
1893
.............
1894
.............
1895
.............
1896
.............
1897
.............
1898
.............
1899
.............
1900
... : ........
1901
.............
1902
.............
1903
.............
$0.0553
.0575
.0575
.0558
.0579
.0584
.0586
.0588
.0588
.0459
.0438
.0480
.0502
.0497
.0526
100.0
104.0
104.0
100.9
104.7
105.6
106.0
106.3
106.3
83.0
79.2
86.8
90.8
89.9
95.1
$1.1499
1.0533
1.1052
1.0757
1.0713
1.1326
1.2109
1.2031
1.1830
1.2220
1.2421
1.2460
1.2861
1.3138
1.2809
100.0
91.6
96.1
93.5
93.2
98.5
105.3
104.6
102.9
106.3
108.0
108.4
111.8
114.3
111.4
a /5-inch,
$0.0934
.1494
.1038
.1148
.0919
.0770
.0735
.0664
.0631
.0842
.1094
.1320
.1092
.1348
a .1146
100.0
160.0
111.1
122.9
98.4
82.4
78.7
71.1
67.6
90.1
117.1
141.3
116.9
144.3
<*122.7
$0.8007
.8379
.7908
.6763
.7167
.6744
.7425
.8000
.8454
.9271
.9954
.9817
.8496
.7273
.9054
100.0
104.6
98.8
84.5
89.5
84.2
92.7
99.9
105.6
115.8
124.3
122.6
106.1
90.8
113.1
367
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903,
IV.— BASE PRICES (AVERAGE FOR 1890-1899), AND AVERAGE
YEARLY ACTUAL AND RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO
1903—Concluded.
T able
[For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Miscellaneous.
Soap: castile, mot
tled, pure.
Year.
Tobacco: smoking,
granulated, Seal of
N. C.
Tobacco: plug,
Horseshoe.
Starch: laundry.
Average Relative Average Relative Average Relative
Average
per price. price per price. price per
price per Relative
price.
price. price
pound.
pound.
pound.
pound.
Average,1890-1899..
1890.........................
1891.........................
1892.........................
1893.........................
1894.........................
1895.........................
1896.........................
1897.........................
1898.........................
1899.........................
1900.........................
1901.........................
1902.........................
1903.........................
T able
30.0569
.0594
.0621
.0624
.0615
.0588
.0507
.0502
.0531
.0550
.0558
.0613
.0655
.0663
.0658
100.0
104.4
109.1
109.7
108.1
103.3
89.1
88.2
93.3
96.7
98.1
107.7
115.1
116.5
115.6
V.— R E L A T IV E
30.0348
.0371
.0426
.0373
.0366
.0366
.0363
.0310
.0300
.0300
.0300
.0340
.0363
.0454
.0431
30.3962
.4050
.4008
.3725
.3967
.4000
.4000
.3808
.3758
.4133
.4175
.4433
.4658
.4542
.4500
100.0
106.6
122.4
107.2
105.2
105.2
104.3
89.1
86.2
86.2
86.2
97.7
104.3
130.5
123.9
100.0
102.2
101.2
94.0
100.1
101.0
101.0
96.1
94.9
104.3
105.4
111.9
117.6
114.6
113.6
30.5090
.6000
.5000
.5000
.5000
.5000
.5000
.5000
.5000
.5300
.5600
.5600
.5600
.5592
.5700
100.0
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
104.1
110.0
110.0
110.0
109.9
112.0
PRICES OF COM MODITIES, 1890 TO 1903.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I.]
Farm products.
Grain.
Year. Cotton:
upland,
mid
dling.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
142.9
110.8
99.0
107.2
90.2
94.0
102.0
92.2
76.9
84.7
123.8
111.1
115.1
144.7
Flax
seed:
No. 1.
Barley: Corn:
No. 2,
by
sample. cash.
Oats:
cash.
103.8
151.0
118.3
104.2
113.7
104.0
67.8
66.9
82.6
87.6
100.2
130.6
156.9
121.1
115.6
144.1
113.2
105.2
115.7
88.3
67.0
67.9
91.9
91.2
84.5
118.3
147.3
131.7
125.5
97.1
91.4
97.7
121.6
111.8
72.9
78.1
99.8
104.0
145.7
145.8
135.0
94.1
111.6
134.5
112.2
103.3
113.2
94.8
65.7
71.2
95.9
97.6
106.2
129.8
139.4
121.2
Rye: Wheat:
No. 2, contract
cash. grades,
cash.
103.0
157.6
127.7
92.6
88.1
91.2
66.5
74.9
93.8
104.4
97.9
100.8
102.5
97.5
118.9
128.1
104.9
90.1
74.4
79.9
85.4
105.8
117.8
94.7
93.7
95.7
98.7
105.1
Aver
age.
110.6
143.1
115.3
99.1
101.0
91.6
70.5
77.3
96.4
95.1
96.5
115.0
129.0
115.3
Hides:
green,
Hops:
Hay: salted,
New
timo
York
packers,
thy,
State,
heavy
No. 1. native choice.
steers.
95.8
117.8
113.5
107.4
99.9
109.1
99.0
80.9
79.9
96.6
110.9
123.0
120.9
119.2
99.6
101.5
92.8
79.9
68.4
109.7
86.6
106.3
122.8
131.8
127.4
132.0
142.8
124.8
148.0
149.1
141.4
128.2
85.5
63.1
49.5
65.5
91.5
88.3
83.7
97.1
134.1
159.5
Farm products.
Live stock.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Hogs.
Cattle.
Steers, Steers,
choice good to
to extra. choice.
Aver
age.
Heavy.
Light.
87.4
107.7
95.0
102.2
95.6
104.2
90.2
100.8
103.2
113.7
113.9
118.1
138.5
106.9
89.5
109.2
95.4
103.0
96.3
103.7
88.3
99.5
102.2
113.2
111.3
116.6
139.5
105.8
89.6
100.2
116.8
148.4
112.7
97.0
76.1
81.4
86.2
91.5
115.2
135.0
158.0
137.3
88.8
98.2
114.6
148.7
111.6
96.2
80.5
84.2
85.0
92.1
115.7
133.9
152.4
137.0
91.5
110.6
95.7
103.8
97.0
103.1
86.4
98.2
101.1
112.6
108.7
115.1
140.4
104.7
Sheep.
Aver Native. West
ern.
age.
89.2
99.2
115.7
148.6
112.2
96.6
78.3
82.8
85.6
91.8
115.5
134.5
155.2
137.2
120.5
120.0
127.2
103.2
71.7
78.5
78.0
93.1
104.4
103.3
109.7
89.2
100.6
98.7
118.0
115.6
123.2
104.3
75.4
78.3
79.4
95.3
105.3
105.2
114.3
94.7
105.7
98.0
Aver
age.
119.3
117.8
125.2
103.8
73.6
78.4
78.7
94.2
104.9
104.3
112.0
92.0
103.2
98.4
Aver
age.
99.3
108.7
112.1
118.4
94.0
92.9
81.8
92.2
97.5
103.1
112.9
114.3
132.6
113.8
Aver
age,
farm
prod
ucts.
110.0
121.5
111.7
107.9
95.9
93.3
78.3
85.2
96.1
100.0
109.5
116.9
130.5
118.8
368
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see Table I.]
Food, etc.
Bread.
Year.
Crackers.
Beans:
medium,
choice.
BostonX.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
121.5
134.9
112.0
119.2
110.6
107.2
70.3
62.6
74.7
87.0
125.6
131.3
115.0
135.5
Soda.
104.0
104.0
102.2
96.6
96.6
97.2
96.6
88.0
108.9
105.9
111.4
118.9
118.9
112.6
Loaf.
Washing Home
Average.
(N. Vienna
Average. ton mar made
Average.
(N. Y.
Y. mar market).
ket.
ket).
111.4
111.4
106.3
104.5
101.0
94.0
91.6
82.6
105.6
92.3
94.0
97.5
97.5
90.0
107.7
107.7
104.3
100.6
98.8
95.6
94.1
85.3
107.3
99.1
102.7
108.2
108.2
101.3
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
105.5
94.2
102.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.5
100.6
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
90.4
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
90.4
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
98.7
94.4
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
100.8
103.6
103.6
102.2
100.7
100.0
97.5
94.3
94.6
103.4
100.1
101.6
103.8
103.8
101.0
Food, etc.
Butter.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903,...
Fish.
Cheese:
Eggs:
Cream Cream
New
ery,
Coffee: newYork
laid, Cod, Her Mack
ery,
Dairy,
Rio
Elgin extra
State, No.
New
dry, ring, erel, Salmon, Aver
7. fancy,
(Elgin (New York Aver
full
near
shore, salt, canned. age.
York State. age.
bank, round.
cream.
mar
large
by. large.
mar
ket). ket).
No. 3s.
103.1
115.3
116.5
118.9
101.1
95.1
82.6
84.7
86.9
95.6
100.4
97.4
111.2
106.1
101.5
115.3
116.5
120.5
102.1
95.3
82.1
84.5
87.2
94.8
100.1
96.5
110.6
104.7
96.5
117.6
116.1
124.6
103.3
93.0
82.3
83.2
86.4
97.1
104.5
99.2
114.5
106.2
100.4
116.1
116.4
121.3
102.2
94.5
82.3
84.1
86.8
95.8
101.7
97.7
112.1
105.7
97.1
102.4
107.2
109.0
107.4
94.1
92.0
98.1
83.3
108.9
114.3
102.4
114.1
123.3
136.6
127.3
108.9
131.2
126.0
121.2
93.9
60.4
48.2
46.0
62.6
49.2
44.6
42.6
99.1
110.0
110.4
114.5
93.5
102.0
88.7
87.5
92.6
101.6
100.7
106.7
122.7
123.2
101.7
120.5
126.3
114.2
106.7
98.9
75.4
80.9
83.6
92.0
94.9
107.2
91.2
105.0
93.3
124.6
77.8
101.0
89.9
83.6
88! 8
96.3
111.4
133.2
134.6
131.9
129.9
151.7
129.2
108.4
92.0
92.0
78.2
110.6
98.5
86.5
96.7
107.9
98.3
76.6
97.3
123.5
111.4
101.8
100.7
101.4
96.7
102.1
105.2
90.8
86.0
103.8
120.2
116.3
109.6
110.0
108.9
113.8
99.2
102.2
92.9
98.8
92.0
88.6
94.4
109.2
112.0
108.0
107.0
122.6
Food, etc.
Fruit.
Flour.
Year.
Wheat.
Buck
wheat.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
104.0
125.7
92.1
121.9
125.4
86.2
71.1
75.4
79.8
118.4
108.3
108.4
115.1
119.5
Rye.
101.4
148.3
121.1
93.0
83.8
94.5
80.9
84.6
92.9
99.4
103.3
100.1
103.8
94.9
Apples.
Winter
Spring
patents. straights. Average.
120.7
123.5
101.1
93.2
83.7
84.8
88.3
106.8
110.1
87.8
89.4
88.7
88.6
100.8
121.0
127.6
107.2
85.4
71.5
84.0
94.1
113.4
107.8
88.0
87.1
86.0
90.7
93.4
120.9
125.6
104.2
89.3
77.6
84.4
91.2
110.1
109.0
87.9
88.3
87.4
89.T
97.1
Average.
111.8
131.3
105.4
98.4
91.1
87.4
83.6
95.1
97.7
98.4
97.0
95.8
99.6
102.2
Evap
orated,
choice.
134.1
129.9
81.2
109.4
128.9
80.0
62.9
65.5
105.1
102.6
72.6
83.7
108.7
72.1
Sun-dried,
Southern, Average.
sliced.
134.0
160.2
82.1
98.6
122.5
93.4
60.6
51.8
77.3
118.4
86.0
79.6
98.4
83.9
134.1
145.1
81.7
104.0
125.7
86.7
61.8
58.7
91.2
110.5
79.3
81.7
103.6
78.0
369
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average p rice for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Food, etc.
Meal: com .
Fruit.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1862....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Glucose:
41° and
Lard:
Kaisins,
42°
m ix
prime
Prunes,
Currants, California, California, Average.
ing,
contract.
in barrels. in boxes. London
(a)
layer.
157.3
120.1
97.9
113.3
76.9
95.2
67.9
93.2
92.7
85.5
101.3
96.1
112.3
96.3
138.0
129.2
128.6
134.2
95.0
86.0
75.1
70.5
70.3
73.0
67.4
67.8
71.2
62.1
127.5
113.6
79.2
72.0
46.1
67.7
87.2
127.7
154.7
125.3
192.0
221.6
131.7
126.9
138,2
130.6
93.8
105.5
93.9
84.5
70.7
81.7
100.0
101.0
103.9
109.8
104.5
88.3
96.8
100.9
117.9
157.5
118.2
99.8
71.7
67.4
84.4
85.0
105.5
135.3
161.9
134.1
1M.3
111.4
109.2
81.7
86.0
91.8
95.6
104.9
116.0
153.6
129.7
Fine
white.
Fine.
yellow. Average.
101.2
140.6
113.7
105.0
106.7
102.2
77.5
77.8
84.1
91.1
96.5
114.2
146.4
123.7
100.3
143.4
114.2
106.6
104.5
104.4
77.2
75.1
83.2
91.2
97.4
116.8
150.0
125.7
100.8
142.0
114.0
105.8
105.6
L03.3
77.4
76.5
83.7
91.2
97.0
115.5
148.2
124.7
Food, etc.
Meat.
1890..
1891..
1892..
1893..
1894..
1895..
1896..
1897..
1898..
1899..
1900..
1901..
1902..
1903..
Pork.
Beef.
Year.
Fresh,
native
sides.
Salt,
extra
mess.
Salt,
hams,
West
ern.
..89.2
106.2
..
..98.8
..
105.4
..97.0
..
102.7
..90.5
..99.7
..
101.3
108.3
..
..
104.3
..
102.1
..
125.9
..
101.7
86.8
104.4
84.8
102.2
101.0
101.4
93.7
95.7
114.2
115.9
121.7
116.3
147.1
113.1
80.4
85.8
80.5
98.6
101.5
95.9
88.1
125.1
118.8
125.6
114.2
112.6
118.0
117.2
Aver
age.
85.5
98.8
88.0
102.1
99.8
100.0
90.8
106.8
111.4
116.6
113.4
110.3
130.3
110.7
Bacon, Bacon,
Salt,
short shortrib Hams, mess,
clear
smoked.
old
to
sides.
sides.
new.
89.3
103.6
116.6
155.3
111.3
96.3
73.2
80.1
88.3
86.4
111.4
132.0
159.0
142.1
89.3
103.8
116.5
154.0
112.2
96.3
73.0
79.6
90.5
85.1
111.6
132.5
159.5
143.0
101.1
99.8
109.3
126.9
103.6
96.2
95.8
90.9
82.0
93.8
104.2
109.2
123.1
129.2
104.4
97.2
99.1
157.6
121.4
101.7
76.8
76.6
84.8
80.3
107.5
134.2
154.2
143.1
Mutton,
Aver dressed. Aver
age.
age.
96.0
101.1
110.4
148.5
112.1
97.6
79.7
81.8
86.4
86.4
108.7
127.0
149.0
139.4
123.7
114.9
121.2
106.5
80.2
82.2
82.9
96.6
98.0
94.3
96.4
89.5
97.9
98.7
95.5
102.0
103.4
125.8
103.5
96.6
84.3
93.0
97.2
98.7
108.9
116.1
135.6
123.6
Food, etc.
Salt.
Year,
1890..
1891..
1892..
1893..
1894..
1895..
1896..
1897..
1898..
1899..
1900..
1901..
1902..
1903..
Molas
ses: New Rice;
Milk: Orleans, domes
Ameri Ash
fresh.
open
tic,
ton’s.
kettle, choice. can.
prime.
..
103.1
..
104.7
..
105.1
..
109.4
103.1
..
..99.2
..91.8
..92.2
..93.7
..99.2
107.5
..
102.7
..
112.9
..
112.9
..
112.4
88.5
101.2
106.2
98.1
97.8
103.0
83.1
97.8
111.9
151.5
120.1
115.5
112.5
107.8
113.5
101.4
81.8
93.8
95.0
92.5
96.6
108.4
108.2
97.7
97.7
99.6
100.9
112.5
111.7
107.5
99.6
102.1
99.6
88.4
93.9
94.4
90.4
142.1
121.6
90.3
87.2
111.9
108.1
107.8
105.5
101.6
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
99.0
101.0
102.0
Aver
age.
112.2
109.9
107.7
102.6
101.9
96.3
90.7
93.5
93.7
91.7
117.6
110.3
95.7
94.6
Spices.
Soda:
bicar
Starch:
bonate
pure
Nut Pepper,
Aver com
of,
Singa
.
Ameri megs. pore.
age.
can.
131.6
151.7
104.3
136.4
128.2
84.7
72.7
71.8
61.7
56.0
58.9
51.2
51.7
61.7
a A verage for 1893-1899=100.
146.2
140.7
123.1
106.1
92.5
91.8
83.1
77.6
72.7
66.4
60.2
54.3
46.9
66.6
153.7
116.6
92.0
79.4
68.9
66.4
66.8
88.7
119.0
149.1
172.4
172.5
167.6
172.1
150.0
128.7
107.6
92.8
80.7
79.1
75.0
83.2
95.9
107.8
116.3
113.4
107.3
119.4
99.6
109.5
109.5
109.5
103.5
101.1
93.6
91.2
91.2
91.2
91.2
85.8
80.3
92.5
370
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average p rice for 1890-1899=100.
F or a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Food, etc.
Sugar.
Year.
89° fair 96° cen Granu Aver
refin trifu lated.
age.
ing.
gal.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
141.1
101.1
85.7
95.1
83.5
84.1
93.7
92.1
109.5
114.3
118.2
104.4
91.5
96.1
143.9
101.8
84.5
94.3
81.2
85.2
93.9
90.6
109.2
115.4
119.2
103.6
89.3
95.0
130.5
99.7
92.1
102.3
87.0
87.9
95.9
95.1
105.2
104.2
112.8
106.8
94.2
98.2
Tallow.
138.5
100.9
87.4
97.2
83.9
85.7
94.5
92.6
108.0
111.3
116.7
104.9
91.7
96.4
105.7
111.0
106.4
125.1
110.3
99.8
78.9
76.3
81.8
104.1
111.5
119.1
144.6
117.2
Vegetables, fresh.
Tea:
For
Pota
mosa, Onions. toes,
Aver
Bur
fine.
age.
bank.
96.3
99.2
106.0
101.7
98.0
95.1
91.0
98.6
104.2
109.8
104.9
100.4
106.2
80.9
127.8
121.3
106.0
93.8
95.6
91.6
57.3
115.5
96.2
94.8
71.4
103.0
107.2
104.9
119.3
154.9
91.1
134.5
122.8
86.7
39.4
65.7
102.1
83.6
74.9
113.0
119.4
105.2
123.6
138.1
98.6
114.2
109.2
89.2
48.4
90.6
99.2
89.2
73.2
108.0
113.3
105.1
Vine
gar:
cider,
Mon
arch.
Aver-
105.4
121.8
111.1
101.6
101.5
98.1
88.0
88.0
89.6
94.7
91.3
89.6
95.3
88.0
fZ I ,
etc.
112.4
115.7
103.6
110.2
99.8
94.6
83.8
87.7
94.4
98.3
104.2
105.9
111.3
107.1
Cloths and clothing.
Blankets.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Boots and shoes.
Bags:
2-bu.,
Amoskeag.
11-4,
all
wool.
11-4,
cotton
warp,
ail wool
filling.
11-4,
cotton
warp,
cotton
and
wool
filling.
Aver
age.
113.9
111.7
110.8
106.8
91.1
82.2
91.6
92.9
95.6
103.4
112.6
101.0
102.4
104.2
108.3
106.0
107.1
107.1
101.2
89.3
89.3
89.3
107.1
95.2
107.1
101*2
101.2
110.1
106.0
106.0
104.4
104.4
89.7
88.1
91.4
106.0
102.0
102.0
122.3
106.0
106.0
114.2
108.5
108.6
101.4
99.1
96.7
94.3
S£.3
99.1
99.1
99.1
123.8
112.0
112.0
117.9
107.6
106.8
104.3
103.5
95.9
90.6
91.7
98.1
102.7
98.8
117.7
106.4
106.4
114.1
Men’s
Men’s calf bal.
broshoes,
gans,
Good
year
split.
welt.
106.1
106.1
104.9
102.3
97.9
99.2
100.4
96.0
92.2
94.8
94.8
95.4
94.1
93.5
Men's
Men’ s v icik id Wom
en’s
split
shoes, solid
boots, Good grain
year
etc.
welt. shoes.
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
101.0
97.6
94.3
94.3
96.8
96.8
98.9
104.0
104.0
104.0
100.9
97.9
91.7
94.8
97.9
100.9
104.0
110.1
112.4
111.1
113.1
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
108.7
97.8
97.8
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
87.0
104.0
97.9
94.8
91.7
91.7
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
104.0
110.6
104.5
105.5
108.6
Aver
age.
104.8
103.5
102.7
100.9
99.4
98.7
99.6
97.2
96.3
96.8
99.4
99.2
98.9
100.2
Cloths and clothing.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Carpets.
Broad
cloths:
first
quality,
black,
54-inch,
XXX
wool.
Calico:
Cocheco
prints.
113.7
113.7
113.7
113.7
91.2
79.7
79.7
98.2
98.2
98.2
108.0
110.3
110.3
110.3
117.6
104.0
117.5
113.0
99.5
94.9
94.9
90.4
81.4
87.3
94.9
90.4
90.4
91.1
Brussels,
5-frame,
Bigelow.
Ingrain,
103.1
112.7
103.1
98.3
93.5
93.5
93.5
95.9
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.5
108.7
108.6
116.2
106.1
111.1
98.5
88.4
85.9
90.9
98.5
96.0
103.5
101.0
101.9
108.1
Cotton flannels.
Wilton,
2$ yards 3i yards
5-frame, Average. to the
to the Average.
pound.
pound.
Bigelow.
104.2
109.4
104.2
104.2
104.2
91.1
91.1
93.8
99.0
99.0
101.6
101.6
102.2
108.9
105.3
112.8
104.5
104.5
98.7
91.0
90.2
93.5
100.2
99.4
102.7
101.9
102.5
108.6
123.9
123.9
118.7
102.7
95.6
92.1
92.1
81.4
81.4
87.7
104.5
90.7
92.1
104.1
119.7
119.7
113.0
100.0
95.7
91.3
95.7
95.7
80.5
88.3
98.6
100.0
100.0
109.4
121.8
121.8
115.9
101.4
95.7
91.7
93.9
88.6
81.0
88.0
101#6
95.4
96.1
106.8
371
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
T able T —
[Average p rice for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Cotton yams.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Drillings.
Cotton
thread:
Carded,
Carded,
6-cord,
Denims:
white,
white,
200-yard
AmosmulemuleAverage. keag.
spools,
spun,
spun,
J. & P. Northern, Northern,
Coats. cones, 10/1. cones, 22/1.
101.6
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
100.7
99.6
98.4
98.4
98.4
120.1
120.1
120.1
120.1
112.1
114.0
116.8
108.6
91.2
92.2
93.7
90.8
91.0
89.4
115.9
97.9
92.4
109.5
111.3
111.6
117.2
112.4
94.7
91.9
92.2
90.3
90.5
87.6
115.0
98.6
95.6
116.2
Brown,
Pepperell.
112.5
109.6
109.6
112.5
105.4
94.6
94.6
89.2
85.9
85.8
102.8
100.2
100.6
108.0
111.7
112.8
117.0
110.5
93.0
92.1
93.0
90.6
90.8
88.5
115.6
98.3
94.0
112.9
119.4
114.0
101.7
103.1
97.7
92.5
100.2
91.8
89.7
89.2
105.9
102.3
100.5
108.2
Flannels:
white,
4—
4, Bal
30-inch,
lard
Stark A. Average.
Yale
No. 3.
122.8
115.2
102.7
108.1
96.4
93.9
100.2
88.9
83.9
87.7
104.0
102.1
103.5
111.5
121.1
114.6
102.2
105.6
97.1
93.2
100.2
90.4
86.8
88.5
105.0
102.2
102.0
109.9
116.8
116.8
116.9
109.5
94.1
81.7
85.4
82.6
97.8
99.5
108.7
100.8
105.8
114.3
Cloths and clothing.
Ginghams.
Hosiery.
Horse
blank
Women’s
Year.
ets: 6 Men’s cotton Men’s cotton
combed
Women’s
Egyptian
half hose,
cotton hose, Aver
Amos- Lan Aver pounds
half
hose,
each,
cotton
hose,
seamless,
seamless,
keag. caster. age.
seamless,
age.
all
fast black,
spliced fast black,
84 needles. highheel.
wool. 20 to 22 oz.
26 to 28 oz.
(«)
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
117.3
122.0
122.0
118.4
91.0
87.4
88.6
82.2
80.9
89.5
96.6
91.9
98.1
103.2
120.8
122.2
122.2
111.3
88.0
86.6
87.3
86.2
85.2
89.9
96.0
92.7
100.3
100.3
119.1
109.1
122.1
104.7
122.1 . 109.1
114.9
104.7
89.5
96.0
87.0
92.5
88.0
90.8
84.2
99.5
83.1
99.5
94.2
89.7
96.3
118.7
92.3
109.9
99.2
109.9
101.8
117.8
133.3
123.1
112.8
110.3
102.6
94.9
87.2
82.1
76.9
76.9
82.1
71.8
76.9
82.1
124.3
124.3
123.6
111.5
92.4
89.2
89.2
82.9
82.9
79.7
82.9
92.4
85.0
90.0
131.6
121.1
115.8
113.2
105.3
92.1
84.2
81.6
76.3
78.9
81.6
71.1
78.9
86.8
102.7
102.7
101.4
101.4
100.0
97.3
94.6
102.7
108.1
100.0
101.4
129.7
122.8
117.4
109.4
100.8
94.4
90.5
86.7
83.4
82.5
87.3
85.9
85.2
90.1
Cloths and clothing.
Leather.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Sole, hem
lock, non
Harness, oak. acid,
Buenos
Ayres.
99.3
99.6
91.4
92.7
87.8
111.5
98.6
93.9
109.1
116.0
116.8
114.7
114.7
114.3
99.1
95.8
89.1
92.6
88.4
106.9
97.0
104.8
109.8
116.2
128.4
127.6
122.1
116.9
Sole, oak.
112.1
109.4
101.7
103.6
97.5
101.7
87.0
91.6
95.5
99.9
107.3
104.8
113.0
111.3
Linen thread.
Wax calf,
30 to 40 lbs.
to the dozen,
B grade.
Aver
age.
91.7
98.8
105.9
98.5
92.3
112.0
98.3
94.1
103.3
105.0
100.3
96.0
100.9
105.4
100.6
100.9
97.0
96.9
91.5
108.0
95.2
96.1
104.4
109.3
113.2
110.8
112.7
112.0
aAverage for 1893-1899=100.
3-cord,
Shoe,
10s, Bar 200-yard
spools,
bour.
Barbour.
101.9
101.9
101.9
102.8
105.0
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
97.3
101.5
101.9
101.9
96.7
104.6
93.2
94.1
97.5
99.9
99.9
99.9
101.8
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
104.6
98.2
Aver
age.
103.3
97.6
98.0
100.2
102.5
98.6
98.6
99.6
101.0
101.0
103.1
103.3
103.3
97.5
372
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e V ___ RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
aAverage for 1897-1899=100.
6Sheetings: brown, 4-4, Massachusetts Mills, Flying Horse brand. For method of computing rela
tive price see pages 241 and 242.
373
COURSE OP WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a ble
T___ RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f th e articles see T able I.]
Cloths and clothing.
Suitings.
Clayworsted
diagonal,
12-oz.,
Wash.
Mills.
(a)
Year.
1890___
1891___
1892___
1893....
1894___
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Clay
worsted Indigo blue,
diagonal,
all wool,
16-oz.,
54-inch, 14Wash.
ounce,
Middlesex.
Mills.
(a)
92.5
89.1
92.2
111.3
114.9
131.4
110.6
110.9
115.2
93.8
87.6
93.3
111.4
113.9
133.7
111.0
108.6
112.1
Indigo
blue, all
wool, 16ounce.
Serge,
Washing Trouserings,
fancy
ton Mills
worsted.
6700.
(*>)
(*>)
109.2
109.2
109.2
109.2
92.3
83.0
89.9
87.4
103.2
107.2
118.4
109.2
109.2
112.6
116.9
116.9
116.9
114.0
111.1
87.1
86.0
79.1
86.0
86.0
86.0
89.6
99.2
108.8
120.9
120.9
90.7
90.7
81.6
87.7
99.8
107.7
107.6
106.6
105.1
100.4
Aver
age.
Tickings:
Amoskeag
A. C. A.
113.1
113.1
113.4
112.7
98.3
89.2
87.8
88.7
103.4
106.1
115.8
104.9
105.8
109.0
106.6
106.6
98.9
87.9
92.3
92.3
308.9
106.6
117.6
102.2
101.8
104.6
113.1
110.7
108.4
111.3
102.2
94.8
96.0
91.9
84.3
87.0
102.2
95.5
99.0
104.1
Cloths and clothing.
Underwear.
Women’s dress goods.
CashCashShirts
Shirts
Alpaca, mere, all mere,
Year.
and
and
cotton
wool,
cotton
drawers, drawers,
warp,
10-11
white, Aver warp,
white,
twill,
9-twfll,
merino, age. 22-inch,
all wool, 52$
Hamil
38-in.,
4-4,
wool,
etc.
ton.
Atlantic Atlantic
etc.
J.
F.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
106.2
110.0
110.0
110.0
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
92.7
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
100.4
106.9
112.7
112.7
112.7
95.4
92.5
92.5
92.5
95.4
86.7
95.4
95.4
95.4
95.4
106.6
111.4
111.4
111.4
94.1
92.692.6
92.6
94.1
93.6
97.9
97.9
97.9
97.9
108.1
108.1
106.3
104.6
100.9
93.7
93.7
93.7
93.7
96.6
104.6
104.6
103.7
101.5
119.8
126.1
128.2
111.8
84.3
81.0
67.5
82.2
88.6
110.4
119.1
111.3
111.3
114.3
119.3
119.3
117.7
98.4
88.7
83.8
83.6
90.3
94.3
104.8
108.0
104.3
108.0
110.5
Cashmere,
cotton
warp,
22-inch,
Hamil
ton.
Cashmere,
cotton
warp,
27-inch,
Hamil
ton.
109.9
109.9
108.3
106.7
100.3
97.0
93.8
90.5
90.5
93.1
100.3
100.3
99.5
97.8
111.0
111.0
109.6
106.1
102.7
95.8
93.0
88.8
88.8
93.0
99.9
102.7
102.0
101.2
Frank
lin
sack Aver
age.
ings,
6-4.
115.3
119.9
119.9
117.6
96.8
84.3'
80.7
82.2
88.4
94.9
118.3
104.5
108.3
114.5
113.9
115.7
115.0
107.5
95.0
89.3
85.4
88.0
90.7
98.8
108.4
104.6
105.5
106.6
Cloths and clothing.
Wool.
Year.
Ohio, me
Ohio, fine
fleece (X and dium fleece
(i and f
X X grade),
grade),
scoured.
scoured.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
129.5
124.1
110.7
102.0
80.5
68.2
71.3
89.7
111.3
112.8119.3
98.7
104.4
118.5
134.6
127.5
115.6
101.2
77.6
71.9
69.8
87.6
105.3
108.8
116.0
94.5
97.2
102.1
a A verage for 1895-1899=100.
Worsted yams.
Average.
132.1
125.8
113.2
101.6
79.1
70.1
70.6
88.7
108.3
110.8
117.7
96.6
100.8
110.3
2-40s, Aus 2-40s, X X X ,
white, in
tralian fine.
skeins.
120.4
121.3
119.6
111.4
91.3
72.9
71.2
83.6
101.2
107.1
118.3
102.2
110.3
115.6
&A verage for 1892-1899=100.
124.1
125.4
114.8
107.6
91.2
75.1
74.5
81.3
99.7
106.3
118.5
102.1
<*113.1
0120.4
Average.
Average,
cloths and
clothing.
122.3
123.4
117.2
109.5
91.3
74.0
72.9
82.5
100.5
106.7
118.4
102.2
111.7
118.0
0 Designated as X X X X .
113.5
111.3
109.0
107.2
96.1
92.7
91.3
91.1
93.4
96.7
106.8
101.0
102.0
106.6
374
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Fuel and lighting.
Coal.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Anthracite.
Candles:
ada
man
tine,
6s, 14-oz.
Bro
ken.
103.5
102.3
107.4
105.8
101.5
97.5
97.1
96.4
95.4
93.1
97.1
105.5
110.4
126.2
102.3
102.3
102.3
112.9
110.9
108.7
108.7
95.3
78.4
78.4
135.4
140.7
140.7
127.4
Chest
nut.
93.3
96.7
109.7
115.9
98.5
82.9
98.9
103.9
98.8
101.4
108.9
120.4
124.0
134.2
Egg.
100.6
104.4
110.8
107.2
94.3
84.3
98.8
105.7
100.2
93.8
99.7
112.9
121.5
134.3
Bituminous.
Stove.
Aver
age.
97.8
101.6
109.4
110.5
94.9
82.4
100.0
105.8
100.1
97.6
104.0
113.9
117.6
127.1
98.8
101.3
109.3
109.9
97.3
86.8
98.7
103.0
98.6
96.5
102.4
113.2
118.4
130.5
Pitts
Georges Georges
Aver
Creek
burg
Creek
age.
(f. o. b. (Youg- Aver
(at
age.
N. Y.
hiom ine). Harbor).
gheny).
108.9
110.5
106.9
107.6
99.8
102.5
97.1
89.0
79.3
98.4
106.0
106.6
148.0
161.8
97.1
106.9
101.3
103.6
92.4
87.2
101.3
93.8
102.7
113.9
135.0
150.5
239.1
269.6
103.3
122.7
116.5
117.9
98.6
93.3
89.1
88.6
87.9
82.6
117.0
117.0
122.4
143.9
103.1
113.4
108.2
109.7
96.9
94.3
95.8
90.5
90.0
98.3
119.3
124.7
169.8
191.8
100.6
106.4
108.9
109.8
97.1
90.0
97.5
97.6
94.9
97.3
109.7
118.1
140.4
156.7
Fuel and lighting.
Petroleum.
Year.
1890....
1891...
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Coke: Con- Matches:
parlor,
nellsville,
domestic.
furnace.
122.7
110.4
106.5
87.1
62.3
78.0
110.4
95.2
98.8
128.7
155.8
115.6
158.2
171.5
111.5
99.6
99.6
99.6
94.9
96.1
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
99.6
90.1
85.4
Refined.
Crude.
150° fire
For export. test,
w. w.
95.4
73.6
61.1
70.3
92.2
149.2
129.5
86.5
100.2
142.1
148.5
132.9
135.9
174.5
112.9
105.5
93.8
80.4
79.4
109.6
108.2
92.0
96.8
121.9
131.6
115.4
113.1
132.5
Average.
111.8
98.8
89.2
81.5
81.5
103.6
116.7
101.1
102.1
114.0
133.5
123.1
124.5
153.1
Average.
112.4
*102.2
91.5
81.0
80.5
106.6
112.5
96.6
99.5
118.0
132.6
119.3
118.8
142.8
Average,
fuel and
lighting.
106.7
92.6
81.4
77.4
84.4
120.8
118.1
93.2
99.7
126.0
137.9
123.8
124.5
153.4
104.7
102.7
101.1
100.0
92.4
98.1
104.3
96.4
95.4
105.0
120.9
119.5
134.3
149.3
Metals and implements.
Bar iron: best refined.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
From From
mill
store
(Pitts (Phila.
burg
mar
mar
ket).
ket).
126.9
117.9
113.1
103.4
82.8
86.2
84.1
75.9
73.8
134.5
148.3
124.1
133.8
122.1
125.0
115.9
114.0
103.7
81.7
87.8
85.4
79.9
78.0
126.2
119.5
112.2
129.9
122.0
Builders’ hardware.
Barb
Door
wire: Butts:
loose knobs:
Aver galvan joint,
steel,
ized.
age.
cast, bronze
3x3 in. plated.
126.0
116.9
113.6
103.6
82.3
87.0
84.8
77.9
75.9
130.4
133.9
118.2
131.9
122.1
141.2
127.4
109.5
99.7
86.1
88.9
77.7
71.3
72.7
125.5
134.4
120.2
116.9
108.4
111.7
111.7
96.8
98.4
95.9
100.3
104.1
96.8
92.4
92.4
126.6
116.8
126.6
126.6
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
97.8
115.1
102.1
97.8
97.8
97.8
106.8
112.0
126.9
132.6
Copper.
Locks:
com Aver Ingot,
mon age.
lake.
mor
tise.
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
100.1
102.0
106.1
102.0
91.8
91.8
96.5
91.8
104.0
110.2
103.7
103.7
98.7
99.3
97.9
105.8
104.1
98.9
94.0
94.0
110.0
106.9
119.2
123.1
Sheet,
hotAver
rolled Wire,
(base bare. age.
sizes).
127.6
105.8
93.5
88.6
76.8
87.1
88.9
91.7
96.8
143.2
134.6
136.7
97.3
110.9
137.1
114.5
96.4
90.4
85.9
85.9
85.9
88.2
84.4
131.1
124.6
125.9
107.5
115.6
11
128.1
112.7
98.2
92.2
79.0
84.6
92.6
93.9
93.9
124.7
123.0
124.0
90.6
102.3
130.9
111.0
96.0
90.4
80.6
85.9
89.1
91.3
91.7
133.0
127.4
128.9
98.5
109.6
375
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Metals and implements.
Nails.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Lead:
Pig-
115.5
116.7
108.4
98.2
86.9
85.6
78.7
94.0
99.7
117.6
116.8
115.0
107.9
112. S
Lead
pipe.
Cut,
Wire,
8-penny, 8-penny,
fence
fence
and
and
common. common.
112.1
116.2
107.6
103.8
92.0
87.2
85.1
89.6
95.5
111.0
106.3
104.8
108.3
107.8
125.2
100.3
96.2
92.0
83.6
105.3
148.4
72.9
65.3
110.8
123.1
115.6
116.7
120.2
Pig iron.
Gray
forge,
Besse Foundry Foundry South
mer.
N o.l.
No. 2.
ern,
coke.
Aver
age.
137.1
114.1
101.3
92.1
76.4
98.0
135.3
68.7
66.5
110.4
121.8
109.4
97.3
96.0
131.2
107.2
98.8
92.1
80.0
101.7
141.9
70.8
65.9
110.6
122.5
112.5
107.0
108.1
137.0
115.8
104.3
93.4
82.6
92.3
88.1
73.5
75.0
138.1
141.5
115.7
150.0
137.7
124.3
118.4
106.4
98.1
85.5
88.5
87.5
81.7
78.8
130.8
135.0
107.2
149.9
134.5
131.4
117.9
105.5
95.3
83.1
89.4
90.2
77.4
76.8
132.9
141.8
112.8
162.7
146.6
130.8
112.9
106.3
95.9
80.6
93.1
86.6
79.4
78.6
135.8
140.7
113.2
158.8
146.4
Aver
age.
130.9
116.3
105.6
95.7
83.0
90.8
88.1
78.0
77.3
134.4
139.8
112.2
155.4
141.3
Metals and implements.
f
rin plates.
Year.
1890___
1891___
1892___
1893___
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Quick
silver.
130.5
112.3
100.9
93.2
85.7
91.8
89.0
92.2
97.0
107.3
121.0
118.5
115.5
113.4
Silver: Spelter:
Steel
bar,
fine. Western. billets.
140.6
132.2
116.9
104.4
85.5
88.5
91.0
81.1
78.9
80.8
82.9
79.7
70.5
72.4
122.6
112.4
102.9
90.7
78.5
80.1
88.7
93.1
100.2
130.1
97.8
89.6
107.7
123.5
141.5
117.7
109.8
94.9
77.0
85.9
87.5
70.1
71.1
144.6
116.4
112.1
142.1
129.7
Steel
sheets:
black,
No. 27.
(a)
Steel
rails.
121.9
114.8
115.1
107.9
92.1
93.4
107.4
71.9
67.6
107.9
123.9
104.9
107.4
107.4
Tin:
Pig-
104.9
108.9
96.0
87.1
84.8
119.2
130.8
140.6
129.9
116.1
115.5
110.3
110.9
109.0
98.7
76.5
72.4
74.0
84.5
148.2
163.7
142.6
144.2
153.4
Domes Import
tic, Bes ed, Bes
semer,
semer,
coke, coke,I.C.,
14x20.
14x20.
(c)
(&)
100.6
93.2
83.5
122.7
137.0
122.7
120.7
115.4
104.6
116.4
115.7
117.1
106.7
84.4
82.9
85.1
87.2
ld)
ld)
ld)
(d)
Aver
age.
104.6
116 4
115.7
117.1
106.7
84.4
91.8
89.2
85.4
122.7
137.0
122.7
120.7
115.4
Metals and implements.
Tools.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Chisels:
extra,
Augers:
Axes:
extra, M. C. O., socket
f-inch. Yankee. firmer,
1-inch.
118.2
118.2
118.2
111.9
95.9
82.9
86.7
88.6
88.6
91.1
124.4
105.7
111.9
143.7
120.4
118.3
106.5
106.5
100.9
98.0
88.4
83.9
79.9
97.1
102.9
88.8
103.0
107.6
110.9
110.9
110.9
102.1
91.5
90.3
94.7
90.3
90.8
107.6
127.6
121.4
142.6
147.8
Saws.
Files: 8- Hammers:
inch mill Maydole
bastard.
No. 14.
106.7
104.6
102.2
101.6
97.3
95.4
91.2
94.4
96.8
109.7
127.8
123.1
123.1
123.1
Planes:
Bailey
No. 5.
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
96.9
97.6
105.2
105.2
100.6
107.0
115.9
117.2
117.2
129.0
a Average for the period July, 1894, to December, 1899=100.
b Average for 1896-1899=100.
5553—No. 51-04----11
107.4
107.4
107.4
107.4
104.3
93.9
93.0
93.0
93.0
93.0
107.0
110.4
114.2
115.7
Hand,
Crosscut, Disston
Average.
Disston.
No. 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
112.7
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
98.6
106.4
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
99.3
c Average for 1890-1898=100.
d No quotation for year.
376
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b l e V . — RELATIVE
PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100.
F or a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Metals and implements.
Tools.
Year.
Vises: solid
box, 50pound.
Trowels: M.
Shovels:
O., brick,
Ames No. 2. C.10|
inch.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
100.1
100.1
100.1
100.1
94.7
94.7
99.3
100.8
100.8
109.4
115.9
115.9
118.9
102.0
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
Wood screws:
1-inch, No.
10, flat head.
Average.
107.2
105.6
104.5
103.0
98.6
95.3
95.7
95.0
93.9
101.3
111.8
110.0
114.6
118.2
106.1
106.1
109.1
107.6
104.0
97.2
95.4
89.7
84.1
100.7
109.4
128.7
131.5
132.7
Average,
metals and
implements.
Zinc:
sheet.
130i5
132.5
139.1
139.1
103.2
74.0
68.4
56.3
60.8
96.2
120.5
69.2
63.0
72.4
114.0
107.7
103.4
94.0
74.4
85.1
93.0
93.0
103.5
131.9
114.8
104.7
107.9
113.3
119.2
111.7
106.0
100.7
90.7
92.0
93.7
86.6
86.4
114.7
120.5
111.9
117.2
117.6
Lumber and building materials.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Brick:
common
domestic.
Carbonate
of lead:
American,
in oil.
118.0
102.6
103.7
104.9
89.9
95.5
91.0
88.8
103.4
102.2
94.4
103.7
96.8
106.2
110.6
112.7
114.0
105.5
90.8
91.0
89.6
92.7
94.1
98.4
108.3
99.8
93.4
106.6
Cement.
Portland,
domestic. Rosendale. Average.
(a)
98.6
100.2
98.5
100.1
102.6
108.1
94.7
97.7
101.6
118.8
106.2
109.2
100.0
104.5
96.1
93.9
84.8
85.7
100.8
114.6
114.8
97.5
100.3
Doors:
pine.
118.8
106.2
109.2
100.0
104.5
97.4
97.1
91.7
92.9
101.7
111.4
104.8
97.6
101.0
Lime:
common.
125.8
114.4
114.4
112.1
96.1
83.5
76.6
74.3
84.6
118.2
145.5
173.1
194.1
158.2
117.5
109.5
111.5
1U.5
10L8
93.8
83.3
86.3
89.0
95.8
82.0
92.9
96.7
94.5
Linseed
oil: raw.
135.8
106.8
90.0
102.2
115.6
115.6
81.2
72.2
86.5
94.1
138.7
140.0
130.8
91.9
Lumber and building materials.
Lumber.
Oak: white.
Year.
Hem
lock.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901 ...
1902....
1903....
105.2
104.1
102.8
100.3
97.9
93.2
93.3
92.0
98.2
113.0
137.9
125.4
132.4
140.4
Maple:
hard.
100.0
100.0
100. Q
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.1
103.8
100.8
107.8
119.5
Plain.
101.2
101.5
102.7
103.5
99.5
96.8
96.8
96.8
96.8
104.1
109.1
98.2
109.2
119.8
Quar
tered.
95.9
99.8
98.7
98.7
95.2
99.2
101.5
100.3
97.8
112.7
120.1
110.2
117.5
139.3
Pine.
Average.
98.6
100.7
100.7
101.1
97.4
98.0
99.2
98.6
97.3
108.4
114.6
104.2
113.4
129.6
White, boards.
No. 2
bam.
98.1
99.4
100.2
108.9
106.2
100.8
96.4
92.5
90.6
106.9
125.7
122.0
137.3
140.3
a A verage for 1895-1899=100.
Uppers.
94.7
96.7
98.9
104.2
99.7
98.8
100.2
99.5
99.0
108.4
123.5
129.8
160.7
171.8
Aver
age.
96.4
98.1
99.6
106.6
103.0
99.8
98.3
96.0
94.8
107.7
124.6
125.9
149.0
156.1
Yellow. Average.
112.4
108.1
100.2
100.2
100.2
91.6
88.9
89.0
100.9
108.5
112.2
106.5
113.7
113.7
101.7
101.4
99.8
104.4
102.0
97.1
95.2
93.7
96.8
107.9
120.5
119.4
137.2
141.9
377
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able V —
RELATIVE PRICES OF COMMODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[A verage p rice for 1890-1899=100.
For a m ore detailed description o f the articles see T able I.]
Lumber and building materials.
Lumber.
Year.
Poplar.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
97.2
97.2
97.6
107.2
101.2
98.8
98.8
97.8
95.6
108.5
120.2
117.0
134.2
158.3
Oxide of
zinc.
Spruce. Average.
113.5
99.1
103.5
96.0
88.6
99.3
99.3
97.6
95.8
107.3
121.1
125.4
134.2
133.7
102.0
100.7
100.5
102.1
98.7
97.6
97.2
96.2
97.2
107.7
119.3
115.0
127.4
137.4
Plate glass: polished, unsil
vered.
Area 3 to
5 sq. ft.
106.3
104.8
106.5
103.3
93.3
87.5
95.8
94.3
99.0
109.5
112.8
109.5
110.0
115.8
Area 5 to Average.
10 sq.ft.
146.0
143.3
115.7
115.7
90.9
82.6
93.7
55.1
74.4
82.6
93.7
88.2
70.9
72.3
134.9
132.9
106.0
106.0
86.7
92.5
104.0
61.7
82.9
92.5
104.0
94.4
79.2
83.1
140.5
138.1
110.9
110.9
88.8
87.6
98.9
58.4
78.7
87.6
98.9
91.3
75.1
77.7
Putty.
110.8
110.8
101.9
101.3
99.4
91.8
91.8
91.8
91.8
106.3
120.3
94.9
121.5
89.2
Resin:
good,
strained.
96.1
102.4
93.2
87.6
86.9
108.4
121.2
112.0
98.7
93.5
111.3
106.3
112.0
153.9
Lumber and building materials.
Shingles.
Window glass: American,
single.
Year.
Cypress.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
118.7
115.2
111.7
106.3
99.2
93.9
88.6
83.3
88.6
94.4
101.0
101.0
94.7
91.0
White
pine.
102.6
106.9
104.4
102.8
100.2
98.8
96.5
94.6
94.9
98.3
106.9
111.9
123.0
125.1
Tar.
Average.
110.7
111.1
108.1
104.6
99.7
96.4
92.6
89.0
91.8
96.4
104.0
106.5
108.9
108.1
122.4
131.4
107.9
86.8
90.6
94.8
84.0
87.5
91.1
103.4
113.1
106.4
110.0
139.4
Turpen
tine:
spirits of.
Firsts,
6x8to
10x15
inch.
122.0
113.5
96.5
89.8
87.7
87.4
82.1
87.5
96.4
137.0
142.7
111.5
141.8
171.0
Thirds,
6 x 8 to
10x15
inch.
103.6
102.8
92.7
99.4
92.6
74.3
83.8
102.2
122.9
125.9
125.5
191.9
149.6
122.7
98.2
97.3
87.7
94.0
89.8
76.5
88.0
107.9
128.8
131.9
127.5
180.4
141.0
118.7
Average,
lumber
and
building
Average. materi
als.
100.9
100.1
90.2
96.7
91.2
75.4
85.9
105.1
125.9
128.9
126.5
186.2
145.3
120.7
111.8
108.4
102.8
101.9
96.3
94.1
93.4
90.4
95.8
105.8
115.7
116.7
118.8
121.4
Drugs and chemicals.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Alcohol: Alcohol:
wood,
grain}
refined,
94 per
95
per
cent.
cent.
Alum:
lump.
119.2
121.6
136.0
135.4
75.5
90.9
89.1
72.9
78.6
80.8
83.9
64.2
67.3
62.0
109.0
94.6
95.8
104.2
101.2
95.8
98.2
99.4
98.8
100.6
104.8
104.8
104.8
103.6
92.5
98.9
95.6
97.3
96.1
104.0
102.7
101.6
103.8
107.6
106.5
109.7
107.4
106.9
Brim
Opium: Quinine: Sul Average,
Muriatic natural,
drugs
stone: Glycer
in:
acid:
Ameri phuric
ana
crude, refined.
in
acid:
20°.
can.
chemi
cases.
seconds.
66°.
cals.
102.2
138.2
116.7
90.5
80.1
75.5
86.8
97.2
110.7
102.1
102.2
106.3
113.2
107.9
126.3
109.9
99.8
96.2
85.3
86.1
119.4
93.5
88.5
95.0
108.3
107.5
103.2
103.4
100.0
94.2
116.3
97.1
84.6
79.8
72.1
104.8
123.1
129.8
129.8
144.2
161.5
153.8
111.0
82.4
70.8
101.3
96.8
78.0
88.6
99.2
141.6
130.2
135.6
136.8
120.0
130.6
133.1
102.0
88.7
87.4
106.5
102.0
97.8
74.3
87.2
120.9
135.2
123.0
104.7
102.6
98.9
91.0
106.7
95.5
82.0
78.7
78.7
106.7
127.0
134.8
134.8
140.4
146.1
142.7
110.2
103.6
102.9
100.5
89.8
87.9
92.6
94.4
106.6
111.3
115.7
115.2
114.2
112.6
378
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
T a b le V .— R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Continued.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I.]
COURSE OF WHOLESALE PRICES, 1890 TO 1903.
T able V .—
379
R E L A T IV E PRICES OF COM MODITIES, 1890 TO 1903—Concluded.
[Average price for 1890-1899=100. For a more detailed description of the articles see Table I.]
Miscellaneous.
Tobacco.
Year.
1890....
1891....
1892....
1893....
1894....
1895....
1896....
1897....
1898....
1899....
1900....
1901....
1902....
1903....
Rope: manila.
Rubber:
Para
Island.
160.0
111.1
122.9
98.4
82.4
78.7
71.1
67.6
90.1
117.1
141.3
116.9
144.3
122.7
104.6
98.8
84.5
89.5
84.2
92.7
99.9
105.6
115.8
124.3
122.6
106.1
90.8
113.1
Soap: Cas
tile, mot
tled, pure.
104.4
109.1
109.7
108.1
103.3
89.1
88.2
93.3
96.7
98.1
107.7
115.1
116.5
115.6
Starch:
laundry.
106.6
122.4
107.2
105.2
105.2
104.3
89.1
86.2
86.2
86.2
97.7
104.3
130.5
123.9
Average,
Smoking,
miscella
Plug,
granu
Average.
neous.
Horseshoe. lated, Seal
of N. C.
102.2
101.2
94.0
100.1
101.0
101.0
96.1
94.9
104.3
105.4
111.9
117.6
114.6
113.6
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
98.2
104.1
110.0
110.0
110.0
109.9
112.0
100.2
99.7
96.1
99.2
99.6
99.6
97.2
96.6
104.2
107.7
111.0
113.8
112.3
112.8
110.3
109.4
106.2
105.9
99.8
94.5
91.4
92.1
92.4
97.7
109.8
107.4
114.1
113.6
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL-MINE WORXERS.(«)
By F
ran k
J
u l ia n
W
a rn e
, P
h
. D.
The first attem pt to organize the coal-mine workers o f the U nited
States into a national union was made in 1861. It had its origin
among a small group o f miners who had emigrated from Great
Britain to the Belleville district o f Illin ois. Prom inent among these
m iners were Thomas L loyd and Daniel W eaver, both Englishm en,
who had been schooled in English labor unions and who had brought
with them the ideas inculcated by that training. The object of the
organization, as explained in an address to the miners o f the United
States issued by W eaver, was for “ mutual protection, and im prove
m ent and education.” *
In response to this appeal, representatives o f coal miners in M is
souri and Illinois m et in St. Louis in January, 1861, and organized
the Am erican M iners’ Association, with L loyd as president and
W eaver as secretary. One o f the principal objects o f this associa
tion was to secure better mining laws in the different coal-producing
States. The accomplishment of this object was m aterially aided by
the “ Avondale horror,” which occurred in the anthracite fields of
Pennsylvania in September o f that year. The shocking death o f 109
mine em ployees aroused widespread public sym pathy with the miners’
m ovem ent, o f which the leaders in the organization took advantage.
They succeeded in securing from the constitutional convention o f
Illin ois, then in session, the insertion in the new constitution o f a
provision requiring the legislature to enact general m ining laws fo r
the safety o f all persons w orking in the coal mines o f the State.
Such laws were later enacted by the legislature.
The association also
conducted a successful contest fo r mine inspection in O hio.
These
successes brought to the organization a rapid grow th in membership,
and it spread within a short time over all the m ore im portant coalproducing States, becom ing strongest in M issouri, Illin ois, O hio, and
M aryland.
It included among its members only bituminous coal
mine workers.
The total annual output o f
soft coal in 1861 was
« The principal sources of inform ation em ployed in preparing this article were
official docum ents, files of the U nited M ine W orkers’ Journal, in particular the
writings o f Andrew R oy, files of other newspapers, and interview s w ith officers of
the U nited M ine W orkers and w ith operators and miners in both anthracite and
bitum inous coal regions.
380
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
381
estimated at 6,500,000 tons, and the total number o f coal-mine work
ers in the entire country did not much exceed 30,000.
It was natural fo r the movement to lapse during the civil war, when
much m ore momentous events demanded attention, and not unnatural
that it should be affected by the disintegrating forces then at work.
Strikes in nearly all the coal fields accompanied the general fa ll in
prices follow ing that great struggle, and these added to the already
grow ing hostility o f the public against labor organizations o f all kinds.
The open air m eetings o f the striking m iners, which were not always
peaceable and orderly, were denounced as lawless m obs, and the leaders
were bitterly persecuted. Popular indignation was easily aroused at
this tim e, and there was evidence o f internal dissensions among the
miners. These conditions were em ployed to sweep the association out
o f existence, and to all outward appearances the Am erican M iners5
Association now became a thing o f the past.
The m ovem ent, however, sim ply assumed another form in the M in
ers and Laborers’ Benevolent Association, which by 1870 had become
conspicuous in Pennsylvania, W e st V irginia, O hio, Indiana, and Illi
nois. This association had spread from the anthracite region o f Penn. sylvania, where it was at first known as the W orkingm en’s Benevolent
Association. Under the leadership o f John Siney, the anthracite mine
workers had been led successfully through several strikes and had suc
ceeded in building up a strong union. They had maintained wages
during falling m arkets, even against the organized opposition o f the
operators, and had established cooperative stores; they owned and man
aged several influential newspapers, and exerted a strong influence in
politics, having been so successful as to secure from the Pennsylvania
legislature the first mine-inspection law passed in this country, which,
how ever, did not apply to the bituminous region o f that State. Such
success fo r the hard-coal m iner, while the soft-coal mine em ployee was
in a m ost unenviable condition, naturally drew attention to its cause,
and in consequence the name and work o f John Siney became o f
national importance, as it was m ainly through his leadership that the
anthracite mine worker enjoyed his high estate.
The extension o f the W orkingmen’s Benevolent Association into the
soft-coal producing States at first took the form o f independent organi
zations among the men who had been identified with the Am erican
M iners’ Association.
In 1873 John Siney was led to attem pt the union
o f all these branches under a national organization, and in response to
his call, issued to the mine workers o f the U nited States, a m eeting
was held at Y oungstow n, O hio, in October o f that year.
Representa
tives were present from Pennsylvania, O hio, Indiana, Illin ois, W e st
V irginia, and one or two other States.
objects o f the m eeting as being:
In his call Siney stated three
(1) A consolidation o f the entire
body o f miners o f the U nited States for the purpose o f self-protection;
382
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
(2) to afford pecuniary and moral support to such districts as may be
forced to the alternative o f a strike; and (3) fo r a thorough discussion
o f grievances and the passage o f such laws in the several States as the
safety and welfare o f the mine workers demand.
The Youngstow n m eeting gave birth to the M iners’ National A sso
ciation, composed o f soft-coal m iners, with John Siney as its presi
dent, he having resigned his leadership o f the anthracite mine workers
to undertake the greater task. The constitution o f the new organiza
tion provided for arbitration, conciliation, and cooperation, and fo r
independent action in district affairs. No strike was to be begun until
every other possible means o f settlement had been exhausted, and before
a strike should be entered upon a complete statement of the issues
involved was to be made to the president o f the organization and his
consent to the proposed action secured. Provision was also made for
an executive board, composed of one member from each State repre
sented in the organization, to advise and assist the national officers.
Headquarters of the association were established at Cleveland, Ohio.
W ith in two years the association had spread over all the central
coal-producing States, and had an estimated membership o f nearly
35,000. There is no question that it was pow erful and influential. It.
contemplated, among other things, the undertaking of cooperative
coal mining on an extensive scale, and fo r this purpose a large tract
o f coal land was purchased in Tennessee. Even while at the height o f
its power the causes that led to its downfall are easily discernible.
The panic o f 1873 had been follow ed by a period o f industrial depres
sion which became m ost acute in its effect upon the coal trade in 1875.
G lutted coal markets forced many o f the mines to work on half tim e.
Prices were fallin g. W ith less work to do and less pay fo r that which
they did, the miners engaged in strike after strike to prevent reduc
tions in wages. Now came the first fair test o f the arbitration principle
enunciated b y the organization.
at the close o f 1874.
It proved a dismal failure.
This was
I t follow ed a notification from the operators in
the Tuscarawas Y alley (Ohio) o f a reduction in the price o f m ining from
90 to 70 cents a ton and corresponding reductions in wages fo r other
mine labor. A n arbitration board was organized, according to the
provision in the constitution o f the M iners’ National Association, with
three miners and three operators as m em bers, one o f the operators
being the late Senator M arcus A . Hanna.
land, was um pire.
Judge Andrew s, o f Cleve
The decision was against the m iners, the price o f
m ining being fixed at 71 cents a ton.
A t first the em ployees continued
at w ork, but soon petitioned their executive board to be released from
the award, which was done.
T hey then made a demand fo r an advance
o f 9 cents a ton in the m ining rate.
after a short suspension.
T his was granted by the operators
T o add to the deplorable situation the miners
lacked confidence in their leaders at a time when confidence was m ost
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
383
needed. In consequence the experience of the Am erican M iners’
Association under somewhat sim ilar circumstances was repeated, the
M iners’ National Association declined, internal dissensions weakened
it, and finally, at the close o f 1875, it was lost sight o f.
In the meantime there had come into existence an association which
was destined to preserve the germ of organization among the coal
miners until they were again ready and able to undertake the task o f
uniting in one national body. This was the K nights of L abor, which
Uriah S. Stephens had launched in 1870. Christopher Evans, now
statistician fo r the United M ine W orkers o f Am erica, is given credit
fo r being the first to introduce this organization among the coal m iners,
having organized the first miners’ assem bly at New Straitsville, Ohio.
A t the beginning the growth o f the K nights o f Labor among the coal
mine workers was slow , but follow ing 1879, when the force o f the
1873 panic had about spent itself, it was much more rapid. The miners’
branch was known as Trades Assem bly N o. 135, K nights o f L abor, and
had a district master workman at its head. Soon the assemblies were in
a prosperous condition, due to the im proved industrial situation, not a
few o f them owning the halls in which their meetings were held.
M any o f these halls contained small libraries, and the m eetings gave
opportunities for debates and general discussions o f labor problem s.
A s such, they proved valuable training schools from which have come
a number o f present-day labor leaders.
This period of prosperity found the Ohio miners under a strong
State organization, with John M cBride at their head. The miners of
the Pittsburg district o f Pennsylvania were also w ell organized, under
the leadership o f David R . Jones, a graduate o f M ount Union College
(O hio), who had left the mines when 18 years o f age to take up the
study o f law. H e was in absolute control, there being no other offi
cers. H is salary was made up o f m onthly dues o f five cents from
each member. The efforts o f these leaders at this tim e were directed
toward securing higher wages fo r the mine workers to accompany
rising prices, the strikes o f this period nearly all being fo r increased
wages.
B ut there were other troublesom e questions which the mine
employees o f the several States desired settled.
Finally an interstate
convention was held at Pittsburg in M arch, 1880, and the mine
em ployees demanded o f the operators paym ent by weight fo r all
merchantable coal, an eight-hour work day, and the abolishment o f
the “ plu ck-m e” store system .
I f these concessions were not granted
by A u gu st o f that year there was to be a general strike o f soft-coal
m iners.
In the meantime the mine em ployees o f the Tuscarawas
V alley in O hio, who had gone out on strike against the continuance of
the screen system o f payment fo r coal mined, offered resistance to
the im portation o f N egro laborers to take their places, which resulted
in the State m ilitia being called into the field under arms and finally
384
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
in the decision o f the mine em ployees to return to work under old
conditions. This prevented the general strike as planned by the P itts
burg convention.
The decade which follow ed was one o f rapid railroad development
throughout the coal-producing States. The result was the breaking
down o f the local or sectional markets fo r the commodity as a greater
coal area became accessible and the establishing o f what was practically
a national market fo r the product o f all the widely separated coal fields.
It was still true that certain districts supplied certain markets. The
eastern W est V irginia and the M aryland fields, the central Pennsylvania
field, arid the anthracite region sent their product largely to the mar
kets in the northern tier o f seaboard States, principally to Portland,
Boston, New Y o rk , Philadelphia, and Baltim ore. W estern Pennsyl
vania and W est V irgin ia, O hio, Indiana, and Illinois coal went to the
Lake and Northwestern States. The coal-producing area accessible to
the M onongahela, Kanawha, and Ohio rivers— western Pennsylvania,
O hio, and W e st Virginia— still found its m arket in the South at Cin
cinnati, L ouisville, M obile, New Orleans, and low er M ississippi points,
to which was also sent coal not only from K entucky, Tennessee, and
Alabam a, but also from States west of the M ississippi R iver. That
these different markets drew their coal supply from these particular
fields rather than from any o f the others was due to the natural condi
tions o f river outlets and mountain barriers. This explains briefly how
it was that coal fields, lying next to each other, separated perhaps by
only a mountain ridge, had their markets thousands o f m iles apart, and
also why coal fields w idely separated sent their product to a common
market.
W ith the rapid railroad development particular coal fields were now no
longer dependent entirely upon certain m arkets, and particular markets
could be made independent, if necessary, o f certain coal fields. From
W e st V irginia and Pennsylvania, principally along the Youghiogheny
R iver, between the fields supplying the eastern seaboard and those
sending their product to the Lakes and N orthw est, coal could be sent
either to the seaboard or to the lake markets.
Into the eastern sea
board m arket coal could be brought from the K entucky, Tennessee,
and Alabam a fields to compete with the O hio, Pennsylvania, and W e st
V irginia product.
A gain , the coal from these w idely separated fields
m et in competition in the southern Ohio and M ississippi R iver mar
kets, into which also came coal from States beyond the M ississippi.
Coal produced in the Pittsburg district o f Pennsylvania, if conditions
warranted it, could be taken on board cars at Cincinnati and shipped
into the western and northwestern m arkets, where it would sell along
side coal from Iow a; or southern Illinois could send its coal to St. Louis
or Chicago or even to the far Northw est.
Thus the hitherto w idely
separated coal m arkets were being bound so closely together that the
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
385
least rise or fall in the price o f that com m odity in any o f the sectional
m arkets had its effect, directly and indirectly, upon the price o f coal
in all the others. I f this price fo r any cause rose much higher in one
m arket than in the others the supply at once called forth would reduce
it nearly to a level with the price in the other markets. A recognition
o f this interdependence o f the coal-producing States was forced upon
those engaged in the industry by the sudden increase in coal produc
tion follow ing the opening o f so many new fields. A period o f busi
ness depression set in, overproduction o f coal resulted in falling prices,
and this was follow ed by reductions in wages and poor returns for the
greater part o f capital invested in the industry. Strike after strike
in the coal fields indicated a deplorable state fo r both operators and
miners.
u F or the purpose o f adjusting market and m ining prices in such a
way as to avoid strikes and lockouts, and give each party an increased
profit from the sale o f coal,5’ a movement was inaugurated in Septem
ber, 1885, at Indianapolis, by the National Federation o f M iners and
M ine Laborers. This organization had come into existence in that year
m ainly through the efforts o f those mine workers who were opposed
to the secret methods o f the K nights o f Labor. Christopher Evans,
of O hio, was at its head. The movement contemplated a joint conven
tion o f operators and miners to provide a remedy fo r the wretched con
ditions. The credit fo r this idea is given to Daniel M cLaughlin, o f
Illinois. In October, 1885, the first joint m eeting was held in Chicago
and was attended by operators and miners from Illinois, Indiana, O hio,
and Pennsylvania. W ith the hope of securing representation from a
larger number o f States and Territories a committee o f three oper
ators and three miners was appointed to issue a public address, which
should set forth the object and purpose o f the movement, and another
m eeting was called fo r Decem ber in Pittsburg. This latter m eeting,
although more largely attended than that held previously, adjourned,
without definite action on the questions involved, to meet again in
February.
On February 23, 1886, at Colum bus, O hio, the first joint national
convention of coal operators and miners was organized with Chris
topher Evans, o f O hio, as chairman, and E . T . Bent, of Illinois, an
operator, as secretary.
Representatives of operators were present
from O hio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and W e st Virginia, and o f
miners from these States and M aryland.
The basis o f representation
was fixed at 8 votes— 1 to be cast by the miners and 4 by the operators—
fo r each o f the States o f Illin ois, Indiana, O hio, Pennsylvania, and
W e st V irginia.
A scale o f prices to be paid fo r m ining in specified
districts in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illin ois, Iow a, Ohio, and W est
V irginia, ranging from 56£ cents a ton, in the Staunton and M ount
O live districts, to as high as 95 cents a ton in the W ilm ington (Illinois)
386
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
district, which had previously been prepared at the Pittsburg m eeting,
was adopted. The prices were to prevail from M ay, 1886, to M ay,
1887. A board o f arbitration and conciliation, consisting o f five miners
and five operators at large and one miner and one operator from each
o f the States represented in the scale, was elected, to which all
questions o f an interstate or national character were to be submitted
fo r adjustment. Oscar Townsend, o f O hio, was its president, and
Christopher Evans, of the same State, secretary. This was probably
the first movement o f a national character in this country having fo r
its object the establishing o f methods of conciliation between capital
and labor.
I t was recognized at the very beginning that the problem before
both operators and miners was a control o f the com petitive districts in
those States having a common market. Such a control, to be effective,
meant that the operators and miners in one district should not have
any advantage over the operators and miners in another district. I f
by any chance the coal o f one district came to m arket bearing a lower
price than the product o f the other districts, the cheaper commodity
would necessarily undersell that bearing a higher price. The tendency
under such conditions would be for the price o f all the coal, from what
ever district, to reach the level o f the cheapest. Thus there could be
no favored district, but all the factors entering into the price o f coal—
natural advantages, nearness to m arket, cost o f transportation, the
quality o f the coal, the price o f mine labor, and the numerous other
elements entering into the cost o f producing coal— must be so regulated
that the product from all the districts should bear very nearly the same
price when it reached the m arket. M oreover, the task undertaken, to
be successful, meant a control not only over the com petitive districts
having a common m arket, but also over all the com petitive fields hav
ing different markets. In brief, it was a problem o f the national con
trol o f the law o f competition as it operated in all the fields and markets
where coal was produced and sold.
W ith a clear conception o f the intention of the m ovem ent, it is not
surprising that it did not succeed.
In the first place, only in the cen
tral com petitive territory— O hio, Indiana, Illin ois, and parts o f W e st
V irginia and Pennsylvania— which had a common m arket on the Lakes
and in the Northw est, could the operators and miners be induced to
take part in the m ovem ent, and the other fields were le ft practically
unorganized.
Even within this section it was not possible fo r all
parties interested to agree at once upon any particular method o f
adjusting the w idely varying conditions.
Soon the operators o f one
district complained that the operators o f another district possessed
advantages which enabled them to put their coal on the m arket at a
lower price and thus to undersell the form er.
Counter charges fo l
lowed, and attem pts were made by those believing themselves to be at
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
387
a disadvantage to remedy the particular conditions o f which they com
plained. M uch friction was the result, and failure after failure to
keep the basis agreed upon was reported from the different districts.
So many unforeseen factors continually entered in to disturb tem po
rary adjustments that the agreement could not keep the com petitive
districts together. The Illinois operators were the first to withdraw.
The Indiana operators follow ed in 1888.
The success o f the federation itself was spasmodic, there being much
internal dissension as w ell as strong opposition to the exercise o f its
pow er. This made itself openly evident in 1889 by the organization
o f the National Progressive U nion, with John M cBride, o f O hio, as
president. L ike the K nights o f Labor branch o f m iners, it was a
secret organization. The period that follow ed is conspicuous fo r the
internal strife which broke out among the different organizations
claiming jurisdiction over the coal-mine workers. The energies o f
their officers were now spent in fruitless warfare against one another,
the conflict at tim es grow ing intensely bitter. Strikes begun by one
or the other organization were lost through the antagonism and even
the open hostility o f the others, and by the close o f the decade the
coal miners’ organizations were in a state very near exhaustion. O f
the 221,000 mine workers in the country in 1890, not more than 45,000
were enrolled in the different organizations.
Seeing nothing but defeat to all the unions if such a course was
continued, John Rea, president o f the National Progressive U nion,
W . T . L ew is, master workman o f the National Trades A ssem bly, N o.
135, John M cBride, and other leaders in these two factions started a
movement for a consolidation. A t separate conventions held at Colum
bus, O hio, in January, 1890, the tw o organizations decided to affiliate,
and in a joint convention they form ed the United M ine W orkers o f
Am erica. John Rea, president o f the Progressive U nion, the stronger
o f the two affiliating organizations, was made the first president o f the
new organization. The Trades A ssem bly retained its secret methods
and to some extent its individuality, in that the president o f the U nited
M ine W orkers was also elected master workman o f the assem bly.
The combined membership was about 20,000, being strongest in Penn
sylvania, O hio, Indiana, and Illinois.
The total number o f bituminous
mine workers at this tim e was 192,000, and the total annual production
o f so ft coal 111,302,000 tons.
The objects o f the United M ine W orkers o f Am erica, as stated in
the pream ble to the constitution, were to increase wages, to secure
paym ent in law ful m oney, to establish w eekly pay days and the right
o f the m ine workers to spend their earnings wherever they choose; to
protect the lives o f mine employees through the introduction o f safety
appliances and through securing legislation toward the same ends; to
establish an eight-hour work day; to prohibit the em ploym ent o f chil
388
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
dren under 14 years o f age; to have laws enacted for weighing or
measuring the coal they m ined; to prevent the coal companies
em ploying detectives or guards in times o f strikes or lockouts, and to
establish arbitration and conciliation for the settlem ent o f disputes
between the mine workers and their em ployers.
The early history o f the U nited M ine W orkers is that o f an organi
zation passing through an existence so precarious as to cause the
reviewer o f the present day to wonder that it ever succeeded in living
to attain its present strength. It came into being at a time when
the effect o f the change in the nature o f im m igration— from Irish ,
Germ an, English, and W elsh , to Polish, H ungarian, Austrian, and
Italian— was felt m ost injuriously by labor employed in the coal
m ining industry.
The cheaper Slav labor poured into the m ining
States and thus put in operation among the mine laborers as never
before the great law o f com petition, the result being demoralization
o f the standards o f living that had prevailed among the other nation
alities. To unite all these antagonizing elements in harmonious
action for the common good o f all mine workers was a task requiring
the strength o f a giant organization. The attem pt o f the new union
to undertake it is curiously illustrated by the journal and constitution
o f the organization being printed in English and Slavonian, and its
manuals in English, L ettish, Italian, Polish, and Slavonian. D uring
the period preceding 1890 not only had the coal-m ining industry been
filled up with these different types o f laborers, but there had been a
rapid extension o f old along with the construction o f new railroad
lines, the result being to extend greatly the coal-producing area. It
is estimated that enough mines were opened in 1890 to have produced
40,000,000 tons more o f bituminous coal than were mined in that year
if the 192,000 mine em ployees had been given regular em ploym ent;
or, in other words, the total o f 111,302,000 tons produced that year
could have been mined with 73,000 few er miners than were then
engaged in the coal industry.
D espite this condition the coal area
continued to be extended in 1891, 1892, and 1893, and the number o f
bituminous mine em ployees continued to increase, there being 52,000
more in 1894 than in 1890.
W h en it is remembered that the market price o f coal is determined,
to a large extent, by the price o f mine labor— by the wages o f the mine
workers— it is not difficult to conceive the dam aging effect such a con
dition o f oversupply o f labor had upon the joint-conference movement.
In fact, this condition o f the m ine-labor m arket was one o f the con
tributing causes o f the failure o f that plan.
W ith a glutted labor
m arket— with men bidding against one another fo r the sale o f their
labor— the price o f mine labor generally tended toward the price set
by those groups having the low est cost o f maintaining their labor,'and
these were now the pauper laborers from the central European coun
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
389
tries. This cheaper labor poured into the unorganized fields and gave
to the operators in those States, now competing in the same markets
with those of the organized States, an advantage in the cost o f produc
tion over the fields where the organized mine workers were striving
to check such im m igration.
Thus the United M ine W orkers, at the very outset, was face to face
with conditions that foretold falling prices and reductions in wages, the
baneful effects o f which were to be felt by the mine employees fo r
many years. W ith an overproduction of coal and an oversupply o f
labor when the period o f depression set in in 1893, many o f the mines
had to be closed, and so many thousands o f mine workers were thrown
out o f em ploym ent that the governors o f the States issued public appeals
fo r aid. That the new organization found itself involved in numerous
strikes is not surprising. W ith less than one-sixth o f the miners o f the
country organized, it undertook to conduct strikes in Iow a, in the coke
fields o f Pennsylvania, in the Pittsburg district, and in Indiana. A ll
proved disastrous to the miners and to their organization. N ot only
did the miners fail to secure their demands, the principal one o f which
was for an eight-hour workday, but the union had lost 12,000 mem
bers at the end o f the year. The defense fund provided fo r by the
first convention brought in only $70,000. The only success o f the year
was the securing o f favorable screen legislation in Illin ois, Indiana, and
W e st V irginia. B y this time only the Pittsburg and Ohio operators
and miners were in the joint-conference m ovem ent, and even these
withdrew in 1891 from the agreement through a failure to settle the
miners5 demand fo r an eight-hour workday.
The years follow ing
proved even more discouraging.
The fifth annual convention o f the U nited M ine W orkers at Colum
bus, in A p ril, 1894, not only looked back on general failure, as far as
definite accomplishment was considered, but looked forward to pros
pects that seemed even worse. The m ovem ent fo r higher wages in
the P ittsburg district and in W e st V irginia not only was a complete
failure, but was follow ed by a period o f reduction in wages with the
beginning o f the industrial depression in 1893.
A t first this had the
effect o f forcing the mine workers into the union, the membership
soon reaching 70,000, with 161 new locals and assemblies in Pennsyl
vania, Kansas, M issouri, Illin ois, Tennessee, K entucky, O hio, and
Indiana; but the members were in such financial straits that the organ
ization released them from the payment o f dues.
M ining rates had been steadily reduced in the P ittsburg district,
wages had decreased in the central Pennsylvania, W e st V irginia, and
Ohio fields, and reductions were threatened in the western and south
western coal-producing States.
T o prevent this, and in the hope o f
restoring the scale o f prices for m ining and the conditions o f em ploy
ment which prevailed at the beginning o f M a y, 1893, the fifth annual
390
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
convention ordered a suspension o f m ining operations to take effect
A p ril 21, 1894. A t this time the organization had only 13,000 paid-up
members and barely $2,600 in the treasury.
Notwithstanding this,
nearly 125,000 mine workers quit work on that day, and the number
was increased to 180,000 at the end of eight weeks.
It was not the
intention o f the leaders to suspend coal m ining entirely, but only dur
ing every alternate two weeks until the glutted markets were depleted,
in the hope that increased prices would bring increased wages. But
after the men had come out they refused to go back and the suspension
developed into a widespread strike, which affected the eight principal
soft-coal producing States o f O hio, Indiana,v Illin ois, Pennsylvania,
Kansas, M issouri, K entucky, and Tennessee. Its object was defeated
by the operators and miners o f the two V irginias, M aryland, and the
anthracite region o f Pennsylvania increasing their output and supply
ing the Lake markets while the strike was on. W o rk was resumed
on June 12 by action o f the Cleveland convention o f mine workers,
which le ft a settlem ent to the national executive board and the district
presidents. This settlem ent was at the tim e regarded as a compromise
in that a slight increase in wages was secured fo r the mine workers in
O hio, Indiana, and western Pennsylvania, while a reduction in wages
was accepted in central Pennsylvania, in Illin ois, and in some o f the
Southern States. John M cB ride, who had been elected president in
1892, was at this tim e at the head o f the organization.
The strike was far from being a success except perhaps in a negative
sense in that it tem porarily checked further reductions in wages. The
United M ine W orkers was alm ost destroyed. The compromise which
brought the strike to a close saw the end, for the tim e being, o f the
interstate agreement between the operators and miners o f the central
com petitive territory. Repeated attempts had been made in 1892 and
1893 to restore the joint conference in the central com petitive districts,
but none o f them succeeded.
In some o f the States independent agree
ments between the operators and miners took its place.
Through
these the mine workers in the different fields were now forced to accept
reduction after reduction in wages, as the operators having a greater
cost o f production were compelled to meet the com petition o f those
having a lower cost o f production.
The great law o f competition was
absolutely beyond the control o f both operators and m iners, and demor
alization o f all interests concerned in the industry follow ed.
The
U nited M ine W orkers emerged from the strike with barely 8,000
m em bers, and was too poor to defray the expenses o f national execu
tive board m eetings, the business having to be carried on by corres
pondence.
N or was the association able to m eet the expenses o f railroad
fare for delegates to the seventh annual convention, as provided fo r in
its constitution.
The National Trades A ssem bly, which had at first
maintained its independent form and which had later become entirely
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
391
independent o f the K nights of Labor, was now dissolved. A period o f
low wages, adverse conditions o f em ploym ent (conditions determined
alm ost wholly by the operators), frequent unsuccessful strikes, com
parative idleness during part of the year for many o f the mine
em ployees, desertions by the hundreds until over 90 per cent o f the
coal-mine workers o f the country were outside the organization, and
a bankrupt treasury, seemed to indicate the early dissolution o f the
U nited M ine W orkers, and the most stout hearted o f the leaders lost
hope.
In 1896, how ever, the industrial situation began to im prove. R ising
prices, follow ing the partial depletion o f the markets and a generally
increased demand fo r fuel from the industries, had their effect on the
coal industry. M . D . R atchford, who had been at the head o f the Ohio
m iners, was now president o f the United M ine W orkers.
M cBride
had resigned in the fall o f 1894 to become president o f the Am erican
Federation o f L abor, and was succeeded by Philip Penna, o f Indiana,
who served until Ratchford’s election in 1897. A convention o f the
organization was held at the beginning o f that year, and it resolved
upon a demand fo r a general increase in wages o f 15 per cent, leaving
the question o f a strike to enforce the demand to the executive board
and the district presidents. D uring the period o f depression the price
fo r m ining had fallen from 60 cents a ton to 54 cents in the P ittsburg
district and to an average o f 47 cents in other fields. W ith only
10,000 m em bers, o f whom 7,000 were in O hio, and despite the fact
that there was an em pty treasury and that many miners were already
idle, the officers o f the union decided upon a strike, which was ordered
fo r July 4 , 1897. The order was obeyed by over 100,000 men in
eleven States, including a part o f the anthracite region o f Pennsyl
vania, and there was a general suspension of operations in Pennsyl
vania, W e st V irginia, O hio, Indiana, and Illinois. A compromise was
effected at a conference of operators and miners at P ittsburg on Sep
tember 3. There was to be an average advance o f about 20 per cent
in wages, with the understanding that the operators and miners o f the
central com petitive coal fields would meet in Chicago on January 17
“ fo r the purpose o f form ulating a wage scale and o f m aking an annual
contract by mutual joint agreem ent.”
In order to give the operators
and miners in all the fields time to settle upon the basis agreed to, there
was to be no resumption o f m ining fo r ten days, but in this case, as
in many previous ones, each district and field seemed to care only fo r
its own particular interests, with the result that the settlement suc
ceeded only in O hio, western Pennsylvania, Indiana, and a portion of
Illinois.
This strike proved to be the most successful movement o f its kind
ever undertaken in Am erica up to that tim e.
5553—No. 51—04----- 12
A period o f renewed
392
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
industrial prosperity now set in over the entire country, which marked
a turning point in the history of the United M ine W orkers. From
one o f the poorest o f labor organizations it became within five years the
strongest single labor organization in the world. The reestablishment
o f the interstate agreement in the central territory brought an advance
in the wage rate, the adoption o f a uniform screen, and a uniform day
wage scale, along with an eight-hour workday. The m ost conspicu
ous result was that a means was established for doing away to a great
extent with the necessity for strikes in the central coal-producing
States.
The principles underlying this join t m ovem ent, with its objects and
purposes, are as follow s:(a)
F irst. That this join t movement is founded, and that it is to rest,
upon correct business ideas, com petitive equality, and upon w ellrecognized principles o f justice.
Second. T hat, recognizing the contract relations existing between
em ployer and em ployee, we believe strikes and lockouts, disputes and
friction, can be generally avoided by meeting in joint convention and
by entering into trade agreements for specified periods o f tim e.
Third. That we recognize the sacredness and binding nature of con
tracts and agreements thus entered into, and are pledged in honor to
keep inviolate such contracts and agreements made by and between
a voluntary organization, having no standing in court, on the one
hand, and a m erely collective body o f business men doing business
individually or in corporate capacity on the other, each o f the latter
class having visible and tangible assets subject to execution.
Fourth. That we deprecate, discourage, and condemn any departure
whatever from the letter or spirit o f such trade agreements or con
tracts, unless such departure be deemed by all parties in interest for
the w elfare o f the coal-m ining industry and fo r the public good as w ell,
and that such departure is first definitely, specifically and m utually
agreed upon by all parties in interest.
F ifth . Such contracts or agreements having been entered into, we
consider ourselves severally and collectively bound in honor to carry
them out in good faith in letter and spirit, and are so pledged to use
our influence and authority to enforce these contracts and agreem ents,
the more so since they rest in the main upon mutual confidence as their
basis.
The first o f the interstate joint conferences follow ing the strike o f
1897 was entered into “ by and between the operators and miners
o f Illin ois, Indiana, O hio, and western Pennsylvania,” at Chicago, in
January, 1898.
It provided as follow s:
F irst. That an equal price for m ining screened lump coal shall here
after form a base scale in all the districts above named, excepting the
State o f Illin ois, the block-coal district o f Indiana to pay 10 cents per
ton over that o f H ocking V a lley, western Pennsylvania and Indiana
bituminous district; and that the price o f pick run-of-m ine coal in
H ocking V alley and western Pennsylvania shall be determined by the
aResolution adopted by the fifth annual joint convention at Indianapolis, 1902.
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
393
actual percentage o f screenings passing through such screens as is
hereinafter provided, it being understood and agreed that screened or
run-of-m ine coal may be mined and paid for on the above basis at the
option o f the operators, according to market requirem ents, and the
operators o f Indiana bituminous shall also have like option o f mining
and paying fo r run-of-m ine or screen coal.
Second. That the screen hereby adopted for the State o f Ohio,
western Pennsylvania and the bituminous district o f Indiana shall be
uniform in size, six feet wide by tw elve feet lon g, built o f flat or
Akron-shaped bar o f not less than five-eighths o f an inch surface, with
one and one-fourth inches between bars, free from obstructions, and
that such screen shall rest upon a sufficient number o f bearings to hold
the bars in proper position.
Third. That the block-coal district o f Indiana m ay continue the use
o f the diamond screen o f present size and pattern with the privilege
o f run-of-m ine coal, the mining price o f which shall be determined
by the actual screenings; and that the State o f Illinois shall be abso
lutely upon a run-of-m ine system , and shall be paid fo r on that basis.
Fourth. That an advance o f 10 cents per ton o f 2,000 pounds for
pick-m ined screened coal shall take effect in western Pennsylvania,
H ocking V alley and Indiana bituminous districts on A p ril 1 ,1 8 9 8 , and
that Grape Creek, 111., and the bituminous district o f Indiana shall
pay 40 cents per ton run-of-m ine coal from and after same date, based
upon 66 cents per ton screened coal in O hio, western Pennsylvania
and the Indiana bituminous district, same to continue in force until the
expiration o f this contract.
F ifth . That on and after A p ril 1, 1898, the eight-hour workday
with eight hours’ pay, consisting o f six days per week, shall be in
effect in all o f the districts represented, and that uniform wages for
day labor shall be paid the different classes o f labor in the fields named,
and that internal differences in any o f the States or districts, both as
to prices or conditions, shall be referred to the States or districts
affected fo r adjustment.
Sixth. That the same relative prices and conditions between
machine and pick m ining that have existed in the different States shall
be continued during the life o f this contract.
Seventh. That present prices fo r pick and machine m ining and all
classes o f day labor shall be maintained in the com petitive States and
districts until A p ril 1, 1898.
E ighth. That the United M ine W orkers’ organization, a party to
this contract, do hereby further agree to afford all possible protection
to the trade and to the other parties hereto against any unfair compe
tition resulting from a failure to maintain scale rates.
This contract was to remain in force fo r one year from A p ril 1,
1898, and another interstate convention was to be held at Pittsburg in
January, 1899.
This agreement was signed by the operators and miners o f the States
represented (a) and by a representative of the W e st Virginia m iners, (b)
aExcepting the Ohio operators.
&Later the United Mine Workers attempted to enforce a boycott against the West
Virginia product because the operators of that State refused to become a party to the
agreement or to abide by its provisions.
394
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
as well as by members o f the national executive board o f the United
M ine W orkers o f Am erica. They did not agree to all its provisions
in a day, or without heated controversies, which more than once
threatened to end the movement. In fact, the Ohio operators, who
had insisted upon a 5-cent differential against the Pittsburg thin-vein
district, refused to sign the agreem ent, claim ing that the prices arrived
at placed them at a disadvantage with com peting districts, but they
finally consented to its provisions. The variations in the natural con
ditions in the different districts, the inequality in wages, the differ
ences in the hours of labor each day, and the w idely varying term s of
em ploym ent, such, fo r instance, as the purchase o f powder from the
operator, dealing at the company store, e tc., were so great in the sev
eral States and in the different districts within a State as to present
what seemed at times alm ost insolvable problem s. To allay as much
as possible the antagonism to which these w idely varying conditions
gave rise the Chicago convention provided fo r a joint committee o f
two operators and two m iners, to be chosen by each State, to form u
late a uniform day work scale, based upon the districts upon which the
mining prices were based, which was to become a part o f the inter
state agreement. This committee met at Columbus in M arch. The
scale it adopted for all inside day labor fixed the wages o f track layers
and timbermen at $1.90, pipemen at $ 1 .8 5 , trappers at $ 0 .7 5 , and
track layers5helpers, bottom cagers, drivers, trip riders, water haulers,
company men in long-w all mines o f third-vein district, northern Illinois,
and other inside day labor at $1.75. This scale was arrived at by tak
ing the average o f the wages paid in all o f the com petitive districts
and reducing this average to an eight-hour day, then adding the
advance to correspond to the advance in price o f m ining to be paid in
A p ril. “ Ow ing to the variations o f conditions over which we have
no control55 the committee failed to agree upon a uniform rate o f
wages for the different classes o f outside labor fo r the entire com peti
tive field, but le ft the em ploym ent o f these men and the wages to be
paid them entirely to the em ployers and to such em ployees until the
next interstate joint conference.
It was agreed, however, that where
any o f the laborers then engaged in outside day labor in the competi
tive field preferred to work in the mine rather than to accept the
wages paid to members o f their class they were to be em ployed to
mine coal.
A n eight-hour day was defined as “ eight hours in the
mine at usual working places fo r all classes o f inside day labor,55 exclu
sive o f the tim e required in going to such places in the morning and
returning from them at night.
D rivers were to take their mules to
and from the stables, “ their work beginning when they reach the
change at which they receive em pty cars, but in no case shall the
driver’s tim e be docked while he is waiting fo r such cars at the point
nam ed.55
“ W h en men go into the mine in the m orning they shall be
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
395
entitled to two hours’ pay whether or not the mine works the fu ll two
hours. B ut after the first two hours, the men shall be paid for every
hour thereafter by the hour, for each hour’s work or fractional part
thereof. I f for any reason the regular routine work can not be fu r
nished the inside labor fo r a portion o f the first two hours, the opera
tors may furnish other than regular labor fo r the unexpired tim e.”
The first agreement thus form ulated a means o f settling m any vexed
questions. It declared for an equal price for m ining screened lump
coal as a base scale fo r all districts but Illin ois; decided that the
Indiana block-coal district should pay 10 cents more a ton than certain
bituminous districts, and settled upon a plan for determining the price
o f pick run-of-m ine coal in the H ocking V alley (O hio) and western
Pennsylvania districts. Rates in the different districts were established
and advances determined upon, uniform wages for inside day labor
agreed to, eight hours recognized as a day’s w ork, and an understand
ing reached by which all disagreements over prices and conditions in
any district were to be adjusted in that district. W ith the adoption o f
a uniform screen fo r O hio, the Indiana bitum inous, and the western
Pennsylvania fields not only was the size o f the screen reduced to the
smallest prevailing standard, but to a large extent the screen was
abolished entirely. (a)
The general effect o f this agreem ent was to
advance wages about 18 per cent and to reduce the hours o f labor in
about the same proportion. M ore friendly relations between em ployers
and employees were established, and, more im portant even than this, the
miners’ union was recognized.
The Pittsburg convention o f January, 1899, readopted the Chicago
agreement fo r the scale year ending M arch 31 ,1 9 0 0 . It was also agreed
that the machine question o f Illinois (outside o f the D anville district,
the basing point, where prevailing prices were to continue) should be
taken up during the com ing year by the Illin ois State convention fo r
adjustment by conciliation or arbitration; and that if it could not
be settled by the Illinois State convention, it was to be referred to a
board o f arbitration to be composed o f seven members. The question
in dispute was whether the various districts o f Illinois were entitled to
any reduction in the Springfield scale differentials, as against D anville,
the basing point; and if so, how much.
The Colum bus inside day
wage scale was to continue.
In February, 1900, at Indianapolis, the joint convention entered into
a new agreem ent, as follow s:
I t is hereby agreed—
S e c t i o n 1 . (a) That an advance o f fourteen (14) cents per ton o f two
thousand (2,000) pounds fo r pick mined, screened coal, shall take effect in
western Pennsylvania thin vein, the H ocking, the basing district of
aPresident Ratehford’ s report to the tentn annual convention of the United Mine
Workers.
396
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
O hio, and the block-coal district o f Indiana, (b) That the Danville
district, the basing point o f Illin ois, shall be continued on an absolute
run-of-m ine basis, and that an advance o f nine cents (9 cents) per ton over
present prices be paid in the district named, (c) That the bituminous
coal district o f Indiana shall pay forty-nine cents (49 cts.) per ton fo r all
mine-run coal loaded and shipped as such. A ll other coal mined in that
district shall be passed over a regulation screen, and be paid fo r at the
rate o f eighty cents (80 cts.)per ton o f tw o thousand (2,000) pounds for
screened lum p.
S ec . 2. That the screen hereby adopted fo r the State o f O hio, western
Pennsylvania, and the bituminous district o f Indiana, shall be uniform
in size, six (6) feet wide by tw elve (12) feet lon g, built o f flat or A k ron
shaped bar, o f not less than five-eighths ( f ) o f an inch surface, with one
and one-fourth (1J) inches between bars, free from obstructions, and that
such screen shall rest upon a sufficient number o f bearings to hold the
bars in proper position.
Sec . 3. That the block-coal district o f Indiana may continue the use
o f the diamond-bar screen, the screen to be seventy-tw o (72) feet superfi
cial area, o f uniform size, one and one-quarter inches between the bars,
free from obstruction, and that such screens shall rest upon a sufficient
number o f bearings to hold the bars in proper position.
S ec . 4. That the differential between the thick and thin vein pick
mines o f the P ittsburg district be referred to that district fo r settle
ment.
Sec . 5. (a) That the price o f machine m ining in the bituminous dis
trict o f Indiana shall be eighteen (18) cents per ton less than the pick
m ining rate fo r screened lum p coal, when punching machines are used;
and tw enty-one and one-half (21£) cents per ton less than pick-m ining
rate when chain machines are used. W h en coal is paid fo r on run-ofmine basis, the price shall be ten (10) cents per ton less than the pick
m ining rate when punching machines are used, and tw elve and one-half
(121) cents per ton less than pick-m ining rates when chain machines are
used, (b) That the m achine-mining rate in the D anville district, the
basing point o f Illin ois, on both punching and chain machines, be thirtynine (39) cents per ton.
S ec . 6. That the m achine-mining rate in the thin vein o f the P itts
burg district, and the H ocking, the basing district o f O hio, fo r shooting,
cutting and loading, shall be advanced nine (9) cents per ton. A nd that
the block-coal district o f Indiana shall be advanced eleven and one-half
(111) cents per ton.
Sec . 7. That the m ining rates in the central district o f Pennsylvania
be referred to that district fo r adjustment.
Sec . 8. That the advance on inside day labor be twenty (20) per
cent, based on the present H ocking V alley scale; with the exception of
trappers, whose compensation shall be one dollar ($1) per day.
S ec . 9. That all narrow, dead work and room turning shall be paid
a proportionate advance with the pick-m ining rate.
S ec . 10. That internal differences in any o f the States or districts,
both as to prices or [and] conditions, shall be referred to the States or
districts affected, for adjustment.
S ec . 11. The above scale is based upon an eight (8) hour workday.
T his Indianapolis agreement was renewed in 1901 and 1902.
In
February, 1903, the interstate convention decided to continue the
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
397
Indianapolis agreement for the year ending M arch 31, 1904, with
increases in m ining prices and inside day wages. On pick m ining in
western Pennsylvania thin vein, the H ocking (the basing district o f
O hio), and the Indiana block and bituminous districts the increase
was 10 cents per ton on inch and a quarter screened lump coal, and in
the bituminous district o f Indiana and at D anville (the basing point
for Illinois) 6 cents per ton on m ine-run coal. On machine m ining
in western Pennsylvania thin vein and the H ocking (the basing district
o f Ohio) the increase was 8 cents per ton, and in the block and bitum i
nous districts of Indiana, 10 cents per ton, on screened lump coal; and
in the bituminous field o f Indiana and at D anville, 6 cents per ton on
mine-run coal. W ith the same conditions as those o f the Columbus
day-w age-scale agreement, inside day wages were fixed at $2.56 for
track layers, bottom cagers, drivers, trip riders, water and machine
haulers, and tim berm en; $1.13 fo r trappers, $2.5 0 fo r pipemen, and
$2.36 fo r track-layers’ helpers and other inside day laborers (including
company men in long wall mines o f third vein district, northern Illi
nois).
Yardage and dead work were advanced 12£ per cent.
The definite results o f the w orking o f the interstate joint conference
movement fo r the past six years have been shown. A n inquiry into
the operation o f the machinery by which they are brought about is not
without interest.
The convention meets usually about the last week in January, in a
city determined upon by the preceding convention, to agree upon
wages and conditions o f em ploym ent fo r the scale year, from A p ril 1
to M arch 31. The miners are represented by the district (State) and
national officers o f the United M ine W orkers o f Am erica. The oper
ators o f each State, in some o f which they have a distinct organization,
have four representatives and the miners from each State fou r repre
sentatives. U sually the conference is called to order by the president
o f the United M ine W ork ers, who is made tem porary chairman. A n
operator is generally selected as permanent chairman, and a represent
ative o f the miners’ union as secretary, with an operator as assistant
secretary.
Two members from each side from each State make up
the different com m ittees, such as credentials, rules, and order o f busi
ness, etc., excepting the scale committee.
representation upon all committees.
This gives each side equal
Two sessions o f the convention, usually open to the public, are
provided for each week day, with occasional evening sessions.
The
miners’ representatives have seats on one side o f the hall and the rep
resentatives o f the operators upon the other side. In deciding ques
tions on the floor o f the convention each side has four votes fo r each
State, a total o f 16 votes each.
To reach a decision upon any question
there must be a unanimous vote o f the miners and operators o f each
State, and in no event is this rule suspended in its application to all
398
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OP LABOR.
questions affecting the proposed scale and agreem ent. The order o f
business consists of the report o f the credentials com m ittee, appoint
ment o f the scale com m ittee, report o f this com m ittee, discussion o f
this report, and adjournment. This order o f business appears sim ple,
and yet it sometimes takes two or three weeks, or even longer, to dis
pose o f it ; and in doing so some o f the m ost com plex business ques
tions with which it is the lot of any group o f men to deal are discussed
if not settled.
B efore the convention assembles the representatives o f the miners
attend the annual convention o f the U nited M ine W orkers and learn
from the rank and file o f that organization what particular or general
questions are upperm ost in the different fields and what the workers
expect o f the operators in the way o f im proved conditions o f em ploy
ment and the rem edying o f particular grievances. In a m eeting prior
to the joint conference the miners5representatives decide upon the line
o f policy they w ill pursue in presenting their claim s to the operators.
These claims come before the joint conference in the form of a reso
lution stating the prices that are to be paid fo r m ining and the con
ditions o f em ploym ent that are to prevail in the central competitive
field and in the particular States com posing it represented in the
m eeting. The claims m ost frequently embraced in the resolutions
are fo r a general increase in wages, a uniform m ining system , and a
uniform wage scale fo r all outside day labor, an eight-hour w orkday,
a differential per ton between pick and machine m ining, a minimum
day wage fo r specified occupations, freedom in purchasing powder and
other supplies, and the adoption o f a check-off system in all the com
petitive districts by which the companies collect for and pay over to
the U nited M ine W orkers the dues and assessments o f its members.
A general discussion o f the resolution follow s, during which the rep
resentatives o f the miners give the reasons as they see them why the
claims asked should be granted.
These are replied to by the oper
ators with just as plausible reasons from their standpoint why the
changes requested should be refused. A fte r a fu ll and free discussion
the resolution is put to a vote and is usually lost by the miners voting
unanimously fo r its adoption and the operators voting unanimously
that it be not adopted.
Under the rules requiring a unanimous vote
o f both sides the m otion to adopt the resolution is declared lost and
then the whole question on motion goes to the scale committee.
E arly in the convention each State selects fou r representatives from
each side to make up the membership o f the scale com m ittee, each
side choosing its own representatives.
This makes four miners and
fou r operators from each State, a total o f thirty-tw o members.
In
addition to these, fo r each representative on the committee each State
m ay have an alternate, who enjoys all the privileges o f the others
except that o f voting, unless his principal is absent.
Sometimes com
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG- COAL MINE WORKERS.
399
missioners who represent various fields and interests, States, and dis
tricts are admitted to the joint scale committee, but they have no
vote in its deliberations. It is in this scale committee that the real
work o f the convention is usually transacted. It meets and organizes,
adopts the rules governing the joint convention as its rules, and at once
takes up its order o f business. This is ordinarily a motion to adopt
the scale as presented by the miners.
A vote sim ilar to that recorded
in the joint convention generally results; the operators vote unani
m ously against its adoption and the miners unanimously for the motion.
Then the scale is taken up and. discussed clause by clause. This brings
out facts and figures from both sides, and many o f the intricate and
difficult questions involved in the conduct o f this great business are
presented in all their details. I f any person doubts that there are two
sides to all questions involved in the m ining o f coal he should attend
one o f the sessions o f this scale committee. This is the great value
o f the whole movement— it enables the operator and the miner to see
both sides o f the questions that daily come up to perplex them,' and
each is convinced as he had not been before, probably, that all the
truth is not on his side. One thing is true— these intricate questions
are not discussed in the scale committee with that bias and fanaticism
so often displayed in labor controversies where the questions are
brought to the arbitram ent o f a strike, but logic and reason and good
common sense are brought to bear upon them. The miners have
demonstrated that they are possessed o f these latter qualities just as
much as have the operators.
It is true that when it comes to determine
finally the question at issue each side commonly votes unanimously
against the other, but they have had the advantage o f a free, honest,
and friendly intercourse which tends to remove many o f the obstacles
that conspire to prevent a prom pt settlem ent o f the perplexing ques
tions involved. U sually no decision is arrived at on any of the miners’
demands, and then the scale committee reports to the joint convention
after three, fou r, or even more days’ sitting, including, som etim es,
night sessions.
This report o f the scale committee is received by the joint conven
tion and then a motion is made that the scale be adopted.
H ere
again the scale is taken up clause by clause and discussed, and the
votes are usually the same— all the operators vote one way and all the
miners the opposite.
The scale is again referred to the joint scale
com m ittee, and immediately upon its m eeting the second time a sub
scale committee o f two operators and two miners from each State is
selected, each State naming its members upon call o f the roll.
Then
the scale committee adjourns to meet at the call o f the subscale
committee.
The meetings o f the subscale committee are absolutely secret.
No
notes o f what is said or done are taken by a stenographer or by any
400
BULLETIN OE THE BUBEAU OF LABOB.
o f the members, and no records o f any kind are kept of its proceed
ings. A t these m eetings both sides are as open and frank toward
each other as it is perhaps possible to be. N o attem pt is made to
hide any of the secrets o f the trade, and the whole intricate problem
is laid bare to both sides.
Correct figures are given, and statements
are made as to the existence o f certain conditions which m ay throw
new ligh t on the subjects under discussion and present the actual
state o f affairs. A s a result the subcommittee has not failed once in
six years to reach an agreement.
Inasmuch as the claims o f the miners have been opposed in all the
m eetings o f the convention and of the scale committee so far held, it is
the custom fo r the operators to present to the subscale committee
their propositions as to the prices to be paid mine labor and the con
ditions o f em ploym ent they think should prevail fo r the ensuing year.
These propositions the miners oppose. The operators5 claims are then
referred to the joint scale committee, in which the miners again reject
them. Back goes the question o f the adoption o f a scale to the sub
scale committee. It may remain in session two days or tw o weeks.
The result is an agreement. The subscale committee then reports its
findings to the join t scale committee, which unanimously adopts it;
the joint scale committee then reports its action to the joint convention,
which in turn unanimously adopts the report.
The scale as then
agreed to is signed by two men from each side from each State.
U sually the miners signing the agreement are the president and secre
tary of the district and the national officers of the U nited M ine
W orkers. L ittle other business then remains to be transacted and
soon after the signing o f the scale the convention adjourns to meet
the follow ing year at a place determined upon.
This interstate agreem ent, it is seen, settles several im portant ques
tions. It sets the basing point in each State fo r determ ining prices to
be paid for w ork about the m ines, fixes upon 2,000 pounds as a tori fo r
the entire central com petitive field included in the agreem ent, recog
nizes the two general methods o f fixing rates upon a screened-coal or
mine-run basis, agrees upon regulation screens where the screen method
is in use, establishes a differential between machine and pick m ining
under whichever method em ployed, between punching and chain
machine m ining, between thick and thin vein pick m ines, and makes
eight hours a day’s work fo r all classes o f mine em ployees.
W ith these
questions agreed upon, the mine em ployees and the operators in the
different State and subdistrict conventions are not troubled with those
particular problem s, but are le ft free to devote all their attention to
other vexing questions which may concern a sm aller number o f mine
workers in a smaller area, but the settlement o f which is none the less
o f vital importance in reaching some kind o f an agreement.
Follow ing the interstate joint conference the operators and miners o f
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WOBKEK8,
401
each State (district) represented in it meet in joint convention in their
respective States or districts, before A p ril 1, and with the interstate
agreement or contract as a basis adopt prices and determine upon the
conditions o f employm ent which are to prevail fo r the scale year.
Each district convention takes the prices at the basing point in that
State as fixed by the interstate conference, and regulates the prices in
the different fields in that State according to the basis, prices for the
different kinds o f work varying as local conditions are found to require.
On questions wjiere an agreement can not be reached, a join t commis
sion of operators and miners is appointed to investigate and settle
them .
Questions which it is agreed concern only certain sections are
referred to the subdistricts in their conventions.
A fte r the State con
vention adjourns the operators and miners of the subdistricts, usually
covering smaller areas within a State where sectional questions are
matters o f chief importance, hold a m eeting, indorse the interstate and
State agreements, and then contract for their own local area covering
the requirements of its particular needs.
A s has been intimated, the permanency o f this joint conference move
ment was seen from its very inception to be dependent upon the exist
ence o f a strong national organization of mine workers with jurisdiction
over each and all o f the States included in the coal area o f the country,
and not alone over those within the central competitive territory.
This the leaders o f the miners thoroughly recognized, and in 1898 they
began to direct their energies to accomplish that end. Under the
leadership of John M itchell, who succeeded to the presidency upon
the retirem ent of M r. Ratchf ord to become a member o f the Industrial
Commission, an era o f remarkable grow th was entered upon. D uring
1899, the United M ine W orkers was extended into the coal-producing
States west o f the M ississippi R iver. Upon the refusal o f the opera
tors o f that section to m eet with the miners in a joint conference to
regulate wages and conditions of em ploym ent, the union inaugurated a
strike in Kansas, Arkansas, Indian T erritory, and M issouri, which be
gan on M arch 1, 1899, and continued fo r nearly a year in some districts
in Arkansas and Indian T erritory.
In Kansas and M issouri the m in
ing rate was advanced, hours o f labor reduced, and the check-w eighman system established.
In the same year the union was extended
into the southern coal fields of K entucky, Tennessee, and Alabam a,
after strikes in those States.
Such was the phenomenal grow th o f the
organization that more than 475 new locals were established in 1899 and
608 in 1900, increasing the total enrollment in the latter year to
189,329 as compared with 54,700 in 1898.
Instead of only 5 States
being represented in the annual m eetings o f the United M ine W orkers
there were present at the tenth convention in Pittsburg, January, 1899,
representatives from 13 coal-producing States and Territories.
Sepa
rate agreements between operators and members o f the U nited M in e
402
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
W orkers were soon established in parts of K entucky, Tennessee, A la
bama, Iow a, Kansas, M issouri, central Pennsylvania, M ichigan, and
W e st Virginia. T hey follow the general lines laid down by the joint
interstate agreement o f the central com petitive territory. The Iowa and
M ichigan operators and mine workers have endeavored time and again
to secure admittance to the interstate conference, but their efforts have
been opposed by the operators o f O hio, Indiana, and western Pennsyl
vania, while the operators o f Illinois and the mine workers o f all four
States in the joint movement have favored adm itting the representatives
from these two States.
F or years the U nited M ine W orkers have put
forth efforts to bring the operators o f W e st V irginia into the joint
conference, the work o f the organization in this direction being
encouraged by the operators of all fou r States in the join t movement,
but the union has so far failed in this seem ingly Herculean task. A s
long as the W e st V irginia operators and miners are outside the joint
conference agreement the very foundation o f the movement is threat
ened. This is the more evident when it is remembered that W e st
Virginia coal competes in the Lake markets with the coal from O hio,
Indiana, Illinois, and western Pennsylvania. Under the joint agree
ment as to wages and conditions of employm ent with the United M ine
W ork ers, the operators o f these fou r States have to m eet a greater
cost o f production than the operators of W e st V irgin ia, the latter
having advantages in cheaper labor, a larger number of hours o f work
per day by the m iners, larger m ining cars, m ore pounds to the ton,
and in the general conditions o f m ining, such as w eighing, dead-work,
dockage, etc. These and other advantages enable the W e st Virginia
operators to send their coal a greater distance to the same m arket and
sell it fo r a less price per ton than the O hio, Indiana, Illinois, and
western Pennsylvania operators can afford to sell. The operators o f
W e st Virginia have persistently refused to enter the interstate move
ment fo r various reasons, prominent among which
is their ability,
under present conditions, to secure larger returns upon their invest
ments.
N ot a few o f the W e st V irginia operators have gone to that
State from the anthracite fields of Pennsylvania and from the States in
the central com petitive territory which are governed by the joint
agreement.
Because the operators and mine workers in the States included in
the joint conference enter into agreem ents, it should not be inferred
that both sides are perfectly satisfied on all the questions agreed to.
This would be expecting the m illenium in the industrial world.
E ver
since the joint m ovem ent was inaugurated, as far back as 1886, there
have been differences o f opinion between the operators and miners
upon questions o f common interest.
at opposite points o f view .
On m any o f these they are still
A s to the advisability o f uniform scale
provisions fo r all fou r States, the miners favor and the operators
THE
U N IO N
MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
403
oppose such propositions; there is friction over questions grow ing out
o f machine and pick m ining, the mine workers claiming that nearly all
the benefits o f machine m ining go to the operator; there is always a
controversy in the conference over the run-of-m ine and screen m eth
ods o f w eighing and paying for the product o f the miners’ labor, the
union insisting that the miner is the sufferer where the coal is screened
before paym ent; even at the present tim e there is contention between
the two parties as to the extent o f the union’s control over “ outside”
em ployees, the operators persisting in their claim that such em ployees
are “ com pany” men. The establishing and increasing o f the differ
ential between machine and pick m ining has also more than once
threatened the peace o f the joint conference. *
These and other disputed questions aside, how ever, certain funda
mental principles have been established by the joint movement.
The
a rig h t” o f the mine workers to organize fo r their own protection and
fo r the im provem ent o f their condition o f em ploym ent is recognized by
the operators; the “ rig h t” o f these men to be represented in settling
disputes and agreeing upon the prices fo r which their labor is to be sold
is conceded by the operators treating directly with the officers o f the
United M ine W orkers o f Am erica. These tw o principles are now
firm ly established in the central com petitive coal fields. N ot only do
the operators o f those States depend largely upon the U nited M ine
W orkers to enforce the agreements entered into on behalf o f the mine
em ployees, upon nonunion em ployees as well as upon its own members,
but they look to the union rather than to themselves to see that any
operator who m ight attem pt to violate the contract is forced to live up
to its term s. In many cases the operators have gone so far as to rec
ognize all their em ployees, with but few exceptions, as members of
the United M ine W orkers. The joint movement, in b rief, has estab
lished well-defined “ righ ts” on both sides. These are specified in the
agreem ents, and accompanying them are certain duties which each
side recognizes it owes to the other party to the contract.
Since the joint movement was resumed in the central com petitive
territory in 1898 no strike or lockout o f any serious proportions has
occurred in any o f the States which are parties to the joint agreement.
In the fou r years preceding, during which the agreement had lapsed for
various causes, strikes and lockouts and general industrial unrest were
the rule rather than the exception.
It does not follow , how ever, that
the join t agreement prevents absolutely all possibility o f industrial
disturbances— this power is not claimed fo r the movement by even
its m ost ardent advocates.
It does tend, however, to establish and
preserve industrial harmony between the two conflicting interests and
to secure m ore stable market conditions.
The value o f the joint m ove
ment is also reflected in the im itation o f its principles by other branches
o f industry.
404
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
F or the first time in the history o f the trade-union movement among
the coal miners o f the United States the U nited M ine W ork ers, after
the strike o f 1897, made a serious attem pt to include the anthracite
mine employees in its organization. W h ile it had established a few
locals in the hard coal region as early as 1894, it was not until 1898
that national organizers were sent into the three fields in large num
bers to organize thoroughly the territory.
T hey went among men
not w holly unfamiliar with labor organizations, fo r the anthracite
mine workers had an experience in this direction which extended as far
back as 1849.
It is not intended to give here in detail the history of
the labor movement among the anthracite miners.
This has been done
in an excellent manner by D r. G . O . V irtue in “ The Anthracite M ine
L aborers,” Bulletin o f the Departm ent o f L abor, N o. 13, Novem ber,
1897.
Therefore, only brief reference is made to the m ore im portant
aspects o f the trade-union movement in the hard coal fields.
A lthough coal m ining had been undertaken in the anthracite region
as early as 1820, (a) no indications o f organization among the miners are
found until 1849, when Bates U nion, so named after John Bates, the
leader o f the men, undertook a strike for an increase in wages. D is
sension among the members and the faithlessness o f their leader, who
is said to have absconded with the funds in the treasury, contributed
to the loss o f the strike and led to the destruction o f the organization.
It was composed principally o f miners in the Schuylkill field.
Ten years later, about 1859, the miners o f the Forestville Im prove
ment Company form ed a local union for mutual im provem ent, which
was soon imitated by the mine workers o f the other anthracite dis
tricts. A t this tim e the total number o f em ployees was about 10,000.
The grow th o f these locals was retarded and nearly destroyed by the
breaking out o f the civil war, but at the close o f the war there came
renewed activity, and in 1868 we have accounts o f a general conven
tion o f representatives from all three fields, m eeting to consider the
fa ll in prices and the problem o f overproduction o f coal.
W ages had
been reduced the previous year, and now further reductions were
threatened.
This condition had been brought about principally by
the unrestrained com petition, or rather speculation, which the close
o f the war ushered in, with the release o f capital fo r investm ent and
o f men fo r w ork.
It was marked b y a general extension, outside as
well as inside the anthracite region, o f the railroads which transported
to m arket the larger part o f the product o f the mines.
This railway
construction not only opened up new m arkets, but brought into oper
ation such a large number o f mines that all the evils o f overproduc
tion soon became prom inent within the fields.
The total output o f
the anthracite region in 1860 was 8,500,000 tons.
This had nearly
« The first shipment was made by canal in that year b y the Lehigh Coal and
Mining Company.
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
405
doubled by 1870, the production in that year exceeding 16,000,000
tons. This increase came at a time, too, when bituminous coal was
coming into more general use in manufacturing throughout the East,
thus weakening the demand for the product of the anthracite mines.
Experience had taught the mine workers that overproduction meant
falling prices and reduced wages. Their leaders began to see that it
was to their best interests to regulate production rather than to wait
until falling prices compelled them to strike against wage reductions.
I t was this clear conception of economic conditions that led to the
formation of the W orkingm en’s Benevolent Association (afterwards
known under a charter as the Miners and Laborers’ Benevolent A sso
ciation), which grew out of the general convention of 1868. Its con
stitution stated its objects as being to maintain a standard o f wages,
to provide for sick and disabled members, and to care for the widows
and orphans. (a)
John Siney was its president, and he no doubt intro
duced into its management the English labor-union methods, with
which he had become familiar while working in a cotton factory in
England previous to his coming to this country in 1863.
the mines at St. Clair.
H e entered
A year or two prior to the organization of the
miners the operators had formed associations in each of the three fields,
which were united under the Anthracite Board of Trade of the Schuyl
kill coal region. It is through this board that we first find the oper
ators treating with the mine workers as to wages and conditions of
employment. This was not brought about, however, until a strike
had been begun by the miners’ organization.
The first strike of the mine employees under the W orkingm en’s
Benevolent Association was declared on July 1, 1868, ostensibly for
the enforcement of the eight-hour law, which had just then been
enacted by the State legislature through the efforts of the miners, but
in reality with the object of depleting the market, which had been
glutted by the preceding period of speculation and overproduction.
The only apparent success of the strike was in the latter direction.
Even this was temporary, for in M ay of the following year overpro
duction was as bad as ever. The operators now proposed a reduction
in wages, but the association decided upon a suspension of mining,
which became effective M ay 10.
Its object was a the reduction or
depletion of the surplus of coal already in the market, together with
the preventing, if possible, the enormous oversupply that was going
to the market, thereby not only keeping the price of labor down to
last winter’s prices, but would eventually compel either local suspen
sion or reduction o f wages, and in consequence local strikes.”
This
was stated in the order of the Miners and Laborers’ Benevolent Asso« Article I of the constitution of the Summit H ill branch stated that ‘ ‘ The object of
the society is to make such arrangements as will enable the operator and the miner
to rule the coal market.”
406
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
ciation of June 9, 1869, directing the miners to return to work in all
the districts where they “ can agree with their employers as to basis
and conditions of resumption.” A t the same time in reply to the gen
eral criticism with which the suspension had been met by the press, the
order explained that “ we do not nor have desired to run the coal too
high in the market, but, on the contrary, we prefer the steady, healthy
market which will afford to the operators and dealers fair interest on
their investment, and at the same time receive for our share a fair
day’s wages for a fair day’s w ork.”
In support of this position and
to guard against future overproduction, certain restrictions were
placed upon the men by the association, such as requiring the miners
to load one car of coal less per day than formerly.
A fte r a five weeks’ suspension operations were resumed on condi
tion that a sliding scale for regulating wages according to the selling
price of coal would be established in the Lehigh and Schuylkill fields. (a)
A t this time contract miners working on the mammoth vein were
receiving 57£ cents a ton (48 cubic feet), company miners (those work
ing by the day) $16 a week, and inside laborers $14 a week. F or the
Lehigh field these wages were to prevail when coal sold for $5 a ton
at tidewater (Elizabethport), with an increase of 15 per cent for every
$1 advance above that price.
In the Schuylkill field, Port Carbon was
the basing point and $3 a ton the selling price of coal. F or every 25
cents increase over this price wages were to advance 5 cents a ton..
W ages were not to be affected if the price at either basing point fell
below the basis rate. On this sliding-scale arrangement the miners,
during the remaining months of 1869, received 12 per cent more than
the basis wages.
F or 1870 the board of trade proposed that the basis in the Schuyl
kill field be made $2 a ton. This meant to the miners a reduction in
wages of from 25 to 40 per cent, and the association refused to con
sider it.
In January the board made a more favorable proposition,
but still provided for a reduction in wages.
The association insisted
upon a continuance of the $3 basis, and on A p ril 2 the Schuylkill
operators ordered a lockout, which continued until A u gust 1.
mines in the Lehigh and W y om in g fields continued in operation.
The
In
July an agreement was reached on the old $3 basis, but with an S i
per cent sliding scale for each movement of 25 cents in the price of
coal.
A still more important change was made; wages were now to be
affected if the price fell below the basis just the same as when the
price went above the basis.
The price of coal soon fell below the basis
and remained there, with the result that the miners were forced to
accept reductions instead of securing increases as in the previous year.
a The miners of the W yom ing field had not taken a very prominent part in the
suspension, being induced b y higher wages to continue at work, and in consequence
they did not secure the sliding scale.
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
407
Out of this suspension came what is believed to be the first signed
joint agreement in the history of coal mining in this country. It was
entered into July 29, at Pottsville, between a committee of the W o r k
ingmen’s Benevolent Association, representing the mine workers, and
a committee of the Anthracite Board of Trade, representing the oper
ators. On the part of the association it was agreed not to sustain a
man discharged for incompetency, bad workmanship, bad conduct, or
other good cause. Each man was to work regularly, and miners earn
ing designated amounts above $100 a month, excluding expenses, were
to accept a reduction in wages ranging from 10 to 40 per cent. On
the part of the operators it was agreed not to discharge any man or
officer for actions or duties imposed upon him by the W orkingm en’s
Benevolent Association.
F or obtaining the monthly prices of coal
upon which wages were based the president of the board of trade and
the president of the association of Schuylkill County “ shall meet (on
the) 20th day (of) each month and select five operators, who shall, on the
25th instant following, produce a statement, sworn or affirmed to, of
the prices of coal at Port Carbon for all sizes above pea coal. The
five operators shall be selected from a list of those shipping over
40,000 tons annually, and none shall be selected a second time until
the list is exhausted. The price of coal so obtained shall fix the rates
of wages for that month.” The agreement was signed by five oper
ators and five miners.
It was not long, however, before charges of violating the agreement
were made by each side against the other, following continued over
production which kept both prices and wages low. W h en the work
ing of the sliding scale in 1870 resulted in a decrease instead of an
increase in wages, the leaders found it impossible to control the mine
workers, and at the beginning of 1871 they went out on a strike
which involved the entire anthracite region. In the W y om in g field,
where the sliding scale had never been in force, the miners struck
against a proposed reduction in wages equivalent to 34 per cent on con
tract work. Ignoring the association, the operators of the Schuylkill
field attempted to treat directly with their employees, but in this they
failed.
Nex:t they began the importation of new men to operate their
mines, which action was followed b y riots and the calling out of the
militia.
Securing possession of the arms of the soldiers, the miners
marched to every mine where work had been resumed with nonunion
men and compelled them to suspend operations.
On A pril 17, through the efforts of Eckley B. Coxe, an operator at
Drifton, and President Siney, of the W orkingm en’s Benevolent A sso
ciation, a joint committee of miners and operators, representing the
three fields, met at Mauchchunk in the hope of arbitrating the ques
tions in dispute.
The most important questions were those concern-
5553—No. 51—04----13
408
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
ing wages and, of course, the sliding scale; the attitude of the operators
toward the miners’ organization, and the interference of the association
with«ionunion men and with the operation of the mines.
No agree
ment could be reached on any of these points by the committee, but
one month later the decision of Judge W illiam E l well, who had been
previously agreed upon as umpire, proved satisfactory to both sides to
the dispute and mining operations were resumed. In the umpire’s
decision the sliding scale for the Schuylkill field was to be 1 cent for
each 3 cents rise and fall in the price of coal, with a $2.75 basis, but if
the price of coal fell below $2.25 there was to be no further fall in
wages. The other questions were to be submitted to arbitration
boards, one in each of the three fields, to be composed of three oper
ators and three miners,with an umpire for each field, if such an official
was found necessary.
Before the end of the year both operators and miners were disre
garding the award.
There were local strikes for increased wages,
which some of the operators at once granted.
A t one or two collieries,
when the price of coal fell below $2.75, the miners refused to accept a
corresponding reduction in wages. In not a few cases the advice of
the leaders, who endeavored to hold the men to their agreement, was
disregarded. Despite these and other difficulties the agreement was
renewed at joint meetings of committees representing the board of
trade and the W orkingm en’s Benevolent Association until 1874. F or
1872 the basis was made $2.50, and wages were not to fall below the
price set for more than two months o f the year. Prices and wages
were fairly well maintained until the industrial depression, which
began in 1873, could no longer be prevented from affecting prices and
wages in the anthracite industry, and the operators proposed a reduc
tion for that year of from 10 to 20 per cent. On January 1 a six
months’ strike was begun by the miners of the Lehigh and Schuylkill
fields, which terminated in the complete surrender of the miners upon
the terms o f the operators.
The W orkingm en’s Benevolent Associa
tion was destroyed, never to be heard from again, and it was to
be many years before the anthracite mine workers were to recover
sufficiently from their loss to attempt another such organization.
There were many causes that contributed to the failure of the tradeunion movement in the anthracite region.
Conspicuous among these
was the inability of the parties to the agreement to control the acts of
all producers of anthracite despite the fact that the exceedingly small
area in which the industry was confined was conducive to the develop
ment o f a strong organization among those engaged in hard-coal
production.
W ith in every industry there is always to be found a few
individuals whose self-interest leads them into committing acts that
greatly injure the industry as a whole.
This was true of anthracite
production then as it is still, although to a less extent.
The individual
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG- COAL MINE WORKERS.
409
operator, whose greater self-interest was in open and ruthless competi
tion, could not be made to consider the greater good of the industry
as a whole, and it is largely the fact that the organized operators and
miners could not control this 44independent” operator which explains
the downfall of the early trade-union movement in the anthracite-coal
industry. This 44independent” operator was permitted to play the
temporary self-interest of district against district, of operator against
operator, and of miner against miner to his own selfish ends. F igur
atively, he applied the spark to the already gathered fuel of race ani
mosity and industrial competition.
The result was the blazing up of a
bitter feeling of enmity not only among the operators and among the
miners themselves in the different districts and even within the same
field, but between the two producing classes. Thus he was able to
•prevent the organized operators from gaining control not only of the
anthracite markets but of coal production itself and, in consequence,
of prices and wages.
A ll during the attempt of 1868-1876 to work
out some kind of a satisfactory cooperative plan of production only
once were the mine workers of all the districts united in a common
cause, and this was during the strike of 1875, when the industrial
depression which had set in two years previous rendered it too late.
Nor were the operators united. W h ile as a class they had organized
the Anthracite Board of Trade, it was confined, for the most part, to
the operators in the Schuylkill and Lehigh fields, many of the W yom in g
operators being beyond its jurisdiction. These 44independent” oper
ators were usually the ones who played havoc with the well-wrought
plans of the miners’ union and the operators’ organization to benefit the
greater number engaged in the industry. They did this in 1869 by
temporarily advancing wages, when the Lehigh and Schuylkill miners
suspended work to deplete the oversupplied markets. The object, of
course, was to increase their output and thus their profits at the expense
of their fellow-operators in the lower fields. The same thing happened
in 1870. W h en the Schuylkill men, in that year, again entered upon k
suspension, the W yom in g and Lehigh miners kept at work through a
compromise with their employers.
In 1871, when the W y om in g oper
ators found they could not pay these higher wages while all three
fields were in operation, they attempted a reduction, which the miners
opposed by instituting a strike.
Believing they now had an opportunity
to unite the mine workers of all three fields the Schuylkill miners,
despite the agreement they had entered into with their operators,
joined the W y o m in g men on strike.
W ith the entire region idle the
self-interest of the operators in the W y om in g field led them to offer
their men the old rates of wages, and they attempted to resume work
after a four weeks’ strike.
There now entered into the situation another contributing cause of
the overthrow of the trade-union movement among the anthracite
410
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
miners. This was the railroads, which heretofore had confined their
operations to the transportation of coal, buying coal lands, and
entering upon mining operations. The repeated strikes and suspen
sions and lockouts had made the transportation of coal so uncertain
that the revenues of the railroads were considerably affected by the
unexpected withdrawals of shipment and the interference with the
business of the companies which resulted from the industrial disturb
ances.
The interests of the railroads— that of the Reading in particu
lar, which had entered the region as early as 1842— now seemed to
point to the proprietorship of the mines if they were to be certain of
the product for transportation, as other railroads were rapidly being
built into the region and were beginning to compete for the traffic.
The first indication of the changed policy of the railroads was in the
raising of freight rates on coal (the Reading trebled its rates) when*
the operators attempted to resume mining in 1871.
This made the
price of anthracite too high in the markets and of course stopped its
production. The railroads had the upper hand in the contest which
was now begun, through their control of freight rates, which a legis
lative committee, appointed to investigate the situation, declared was
not being exercised illegally. M any of the operators were forced to
sell to the railroad companies, beginning a period of rapid railway
purchase o f coal lands with the present-day result that there are now
fewer than seventy-five “ independent ” operators in the entire region.
This direct entrance of the transportation companies into the situation
brought a more determined and bitter opposition to the miners’ organ
ization and contributed materially, within a very few years, to the
overthrow of the W orkingm en’s Benevolent Association.
B y this time the organization itself had become greatly weakened
through dissensions among the members of the different districts.
The Schuylkill miners were constantly complaining that they could
put no faith in the men of the northern field.
In fact, the Schuylkill
mine workers refused to abide by the joint agreement of 1871 unless
they could be assured that the W y om in g and Lehigh employees would
observe good faith with them.
Otherwise they threatened to make
their own agreements with the operators regardless of the interests of
the other mine workers. It was a heterogeneous mass of men with
which the leaders had to deal, the different races presenting compli
cated interests that required the best efforts of the ablest men to
harmonize, and when the direction of the anthracite miners passed
into the hands of John Siney, who was elected to the presidency of
the Miners’ National Association in October, 1873, it needed no prophet,
even at that day; to foretell the end o f the W orkingm en’s Benevolent
Association. The success o f previous strikes, the adoption of the
sliding scale, the passage of the first mine-inspection law, and the
securing of other direct advantages for the mine employees had led
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
411
the officers into a too arrogant use of their power. They caused their
organization to become embroiled in politics, and the interests of the
mine workers were in consequence soon being injured by political
parties playing the miners and operators against each other.
W here public sympathy with the movement was not lost in these
ways it was greatly weakened by the widespread lawlessness which
prevailed throughout the region about this period. Much of it neces
sarily accompanied the numerous strikes set in action by the W o r k
ingmen’s Benevolent Association, but to this organization was also
attributed, by an indiscriminating public, the burning of breakers
and the scores of murders committed by the “ M ollie M aguires,” a
secret, oath-bound organization which flourished in the region from
1866 to 1876. (a)
Although the association had no direct relation with
the society yet some of the members of the former belonged to the
“ Mollie M aguires,” and when the terror which the depredations of
the latter had given rise to was relieved by the conviction and hanging
of the criminals, public indignation was skillfully directed in taking
vengeance upon the miner’s organization.
The quarter of a century following the destruction of the W o r k
ingmen’s Benevolent Association in 1875 has little of interest in
tracing the trade-union movement among the anthracite miners. For
the greater part of this period the great body of mine workers
remained unorganized. Here and there local or sectional unions
would spring up and now and then grow formidable, but never suffi
ciently strong to restore the joint conference plan for regulating
wages and conditions of employment. In 1886 the Miners and Labor«T h e “ M olly Maguires” were principally Irish immigrants, who brought the
society with them from Ireland, where it had been formed as the Ancient Order of
Hibernians, under Robert Emmet, for the purpose of freeing their native land from
British control. None but Catholics were eligible to membership and despite the
opposition of the Catholic church and its priests in the anthracite region, the society
continued in existence nearly ten years with the worst possible elements in control.
Its secret meetings, which planned murder and incendiarism, were conducted with
solemn religious rites, and its vengeance seemed to be directed mainly against mine
superintendents and bosses. A number of murders of such officials were traced to
the society, but in every case alibis would be sworn to in the trial by other members
of the society and convictions were rare. So daring did they become, and so atro
cious were the crimes committed that detectives were employed to ferret out the
criminals. One of these was John McParlin, an Irishman and a Catholic, who suc
ceeded, in 1873, in becoming a member of the society under the name of James
McKenna. H e continued a member for three years before his real purpose was dis
covered and he was forced to flee. H e had gained the confidence of the leaders,
however, and had become secretary of the Shenandoah branch of the society. The
evidence he was thus able to furnish of the operations of the society led to the arrest
of 70 members. W ith his mass of undisputed testimony and through some of the
prisoners turning state’ s evidence, 12 members of the society were convicted of mur
der in the first degree, 4 of murder in the second degree, 4 of being accessory to
murder, and 6 of perjury.
412
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
ers’ Amalgamated Association, which had been formed among the*
Lehigh and Schuylkill miners about 1878, and the Knights of Labor,
which had entered the W y om in g field about the same year, joined
their forces in an attempt to correct some of the abuses invariably
growing out of the absence of a strong' union among the men. A
joint committee of the two organizations gained slight advances in
wages from the Reading company. In the following year they
demanded of the Lehigh operators that the basis of
the sliding
scale, which had never been form ally abandoned, be made $4 instead
of $5, with other changes which were intended to benefit the miners.
A n unsuccessful strike followed in that district. In January, 1888, a
seven weeks’ strike against the Reading company failed. Both
organizations of
mine workers were destroyed
for all
practical
purposes.
B y 1900 we find the United Mine W orkers o f America with about
8,000 members in the three anthracite districts, being strongest in the
W y om in g field.
This was the first national organization of miners to
include the anthracite mine workers in its membership. It began a
six weeks’ strike among the hard-coal miners on September 17, of that
year, which involved, before its close, 130,000 o f the 140,500 men and
boys then employed in the industry. A 10 per cent increase in wages,
including in the W yom ing and Lehigh fields a reduction in the price
o f powder from $2.75 to $1.50 a keg, and the abolishment of the
sliding scale in the Lehigh and Schuylkill fields were secured along
with other improved conditions of employment. In the eighteen
months that followed, the officers of the United Mine W orkers made
numerous and repeated attempts to secure the adoption, by the rail
road mining companies, o f the joint conference plan for deciding upon
wages and general conditions o f employment, but all of them met with
failure, the presidents of the mining companies refusing to enter into
such an arrangement.
Finally, on M ay 12, 1902, another strike laid
the entire anthracite region idle for more than five months.
The
formal demands of the mine workers Were for a 20 per cent increase
in wages for contract miners, a reduction o f 20 per cent in the hours
of labor o f per diem employees, the establishing o f 2,240 pounds as a
mining ton, and the submission o f all questions at issue to disinterested
parties for arbitration.
nition of the union.
The real issue, however, came to be the recog
Through the mediation of President Roosevelt
the miners resumed work on October 23, with the understanding that
the questions in dispute would be submitted to a commission appointed
by the President.
A fte r a five months’ investigation of the conditions
this Commission (a) reported on March 1 8 ,1 9 0 3 , granting a 10 per cent
aThis Commission was composed of Judge George Gray, chairman; Hon. Carroll D.
Wright, Gen. John M. Wilson, Bishop John L. Spalding, Mr. Edgar E. Clark,
Mr. Thomas H. Watkins, and Mr. Edward W . Parker.
THE UNION MOVEMENT AMONG COAL MINE WORKERS.
413
increase in wages to contract miners and certain other specified classes
of employees, and a reduction of hours of labor to those employees
paid by the hour, day, or week; reestablished a sliding scale; presented
a plan for the employment of check weighmen and check-docking
bosses, and provided for a permanent joint committee of six, three
representatives o f the operators and three o f the miners, to be called
a board of conciliation.
Although the Commission in its report states that it does not con
sider the question of recognition o f the United M ine W orkers to
come within the scope of its jurisdiction, nevertheless this union is
virtually recognized in that provision for the board’s organization,
which provides that “ if there shall be a division of the whole region
into three districts, in each o f which there shall exist an organization
representing a majority of the mine workers of such district, one of
said board of conciliation shall be appointed by each of said organiza
tions.” This committee is to have referred to it any difficulty or disa
greement arising under the Commission’s award, whether as to its
interpretation or application, or in any way growing out o f the rela
tions of the employers and employed, which can not be settled or
adjusted by consultation between the superintendent or manager of the
mine or mines, and the miner or miners directly interested or is of a
scope too large to be so settled or adjusted. It is provided that this
board of conciliation shall take up and consider any question referred
to it as aforesaid, hearing both parties to the controversy, and such
evidence as may be laid before it by either party; and any award made
by a majority o f the board is to be final and binding on all parties.
In case the board is unable to decide any question submitted or point
related thereto, that question or point is to be referred to an umpire,
to be appointed, at the request of the board, by one of the circuit
judges of the third judicial circuit of the United States, whose deci
sion is to be final and binding in the premises. The membership of
the board is at all times to be kept complete, either the operators’ or
miners’ organization having the right, at any time when a controversy
is not pending, to change their representation thereon. A t the hear
ings before the board the parties may be represented by such person
or persons as they may respectively select.
No suspension of work is
to take place, by lockout or strike, pending the adjudication o f any
matter so taken up for adjustment. (a)
This board has since been organ
ized by the operators of each district selecting a representative and by
the miners choosing the president of the United Mine W orkers in each
of the three districts.
H ow far this board will succeed in accomplish
ing the arduous task which lies before it is a question for the future.
Although a foundation is thus being laid in the hard cold region
upon which some kind of a joint conference structure is likely sooner
« Pages 67 and 68, Report on the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902.
414
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
or later to be erected, the 147,000 hard coal mine emploj^ees, a majority
of whom are members of the United Mine W orkers, do not at present
work under joint agreements as to wages and conditions of employ
ment; nor does the larger number of coal mine employees in Colo
rado, Arkansas, Indian Territory, New M exico, W ashington, Montana,
Texas, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, W est Virginia, and the central
and western Pennsylvania soft coal fields.
In at least 10 of the more
important of the 28 coal-producing States, however, the trade union
movement between the employers and the employed in the coal min
ing industry has reached the point of joint annual bargaining for the
purchase and sale of mine labor and the conditions of the same. These
are Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and western Pennsylvania, included in the
interstate movement of the central competitive territory— Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, and to a lesser extent Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.
Some agreements are also entered into in the central Pennsylvania
field, and in portions of W e st Virginia, Michigan, and one or two
other States.
In brief, of the 485,000 coal mine employees of the
United States in 1902, producing in that year 300,000,000 tons of
coal, about 275,000 are members of the United M ine W orkers of
America, and of the latter about 150,000 work under agreements with
their employers. According to claims of the officials of the organiza
tion about 75 per cent of all the mine workers in the United States are
members of the union; more than 85 per cent of the total of 485,000
are governed by union scales and work under its conditions of employ
ment, while fully 90 per cent of all the mine employees would go out
on strike if the United M ine W orkers decided a national suspension of
coal mining to be necessary.
In this study of the trade union movement among the coal mine
workers the attempt has been made to point out the causes of the fail
ures and successes which have, at different times, marked its growth.
In any consideration of the present phenomenal success of the United
M ine W orkers of America it should not be forgotten that it has come
about during a period of remarkable industrial activity which of itself
would have brought to the mine employees some if not all of the
increased wages and improved conditions of employment which they
now enjoy.
W h ile this organization has been the means of accom
plishing great good, it is believed that the real test of its permanency
and continued usefulness will come, as it has always come to similar
organizations, during a period of industrial depression when wage
reductions set in to accompany a general fall in prices.
I f the organi
zation is able, under such conditions, to hold the men together and to
observe inviolate the terms of its agreement with the employers, no
greater test is likely to be required of it.
W e have seen that no other
coal miners5 organization has ever been able for long to meet this test.
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEES.
[It is the purpose of this Bureau to publish from time to time important agree
ments made between large bodies of employers and employees with regard to wages,
hours of labor, etc. The Bureau would be pleased to receive copies of such agree
ments whenever made ]
AGREEM ENT
BETW EEN
P H IL A D E L P H IA T Y P O T H E T M
A N D P H I L A D E L P H I A T Y P O G R A P H I C A L U N IO N N O . 2.
This agreement, made the first day of December, A . D ., 1903,
between the Typothetae of Philadelphia, hereinafter called the party
of the first part, and Philadelphia Typographical Union No. 2, herein
after called the party of the second part:
Witnesseth, that the parties hereto, for the purpose of preventing
confusion and misunderstanding between themselves, and for the pur
pose o f establishing a permanent scale of wages to be paid to the party
o f the second part, promise and agree that the scale of wages hereto
attached is accepted and shall go into force on the first day of January,
1904, and shall continue in force as specified, v iz .:
A n increase of $1 per week on the scale for time workers (making
the minimum $17 per week), and an increase of $1 per week on the
scale for linotype operators (making the minimum $19 per week), to
take effect January 1, 1904; and a further increase of $1 per week
on each o f the above (making the minimum scale for time workers $18
per week and the minimum scale for linotype operators $20 per week),
to take effect October 1, 1904, this to be the prevailing rate until M ay
31, 1905.
The members composing the party of the first part agree .to pay to
the members of the party of the second part employed by them wages
at the said scale.
The members of the party of the second part promise and agree to
work for and accept wages at the said scale, and to make no demand
for increase of wages or changes in the hours of employment, or any
other demand whatsoever, upon the party of the first part during the
term o f this agreement.
IN REFERENCE TO TH E EIG H T-H O U R D AY .
It is agreed that all questions as to a shorter work-day shall be sub
ject to and governed by such agreement or settlement as may in the
future be arrived at through joint conference of the United Typothetae
of America and the International Typographical Union.
The party of the second part agrees to furnish to the party of the
first part a printed copy of all shop rules and regulations under which
composing rooms are to be operated, and the said rules and regulations
shall not become operative until they have been approved by the party
o f the first part.
415
416
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
A board of arbitration shall be created under this agreement to
consist of three members from the party of the first part and three
members from the party of the second part, who shall each have
plenary powers over the party of the second part and plenary powers
over the party of the first part. Such board of arbitration shall have
power to adjust, settle and regulate all differences arising between the
parties to this agreement not herein provided for. Said board o f
arbitration shall settle all questions coming before it on a fair and
common sense basis. Should they be unable to determine any ques
tion, they shall have power to call in an impartial arbitrator whose
decision shall be final. No question submitted to this board for settle
ment shall be considered under fifteen days unless by the unanimous
consent of the board. A ll questions submitted to this board must be
in writing, and may be handed to any member of the board, whose
duty shall be to immediately convey notice to each of the other
members.
It is mutually agreed that the terms of this agreement shall continue
in force for a further period of two years from M ay 31, 1905, unless
either party hereto shall, before March 1, 1905, notify the other party
in writing of its intention to terminate the same.
LANSTON MONOTYPE MACHINES.
The question o f piecework on Lanston machines is, under this con
tract and scale, left open for future adjustment between these two
organizations or such committees or arbitrators as shall be duly
appointed by them.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have hereunto set their official
seals, duly attested the day and year first above written.
For Typographical Union No. 2,
A lfred D. Calvert ,
P resident.
C harles S. C latton ,
Secretary- Treasurer.
F or the Philadelphia Typothetae,
E dward S tern ,
President.
E . L awrence F ell ,
J ohn M acintyre ,
Recording-Secretaries.
C. H . Clarke .
A . H . S lC K L E R .
W . A . M acCalla .
T . S. L each .
A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N T Y P O T H E T iE O F P H I L A D E L P H I A
A N D P H I L A D E L P H I A P R IN T IN G P R E S S M E N ’S U N IO N
N O . 4.
This agreement, made the twenty-fifth day of February, A . D ., 1903,
between the Typothetae o f Philadelphia, hereinafter called the party
of the first part, and the Philadelphia Printing Pressmen’s Union No.
4, hereinafter called the party of the second part:
Witnesseth, that the parties hereto, for the purpose of preventing
confusion and misunderstanding between themselves, and for the pur
pose o f establishing a permanent scale of wages to be paid to the party
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
417
of the second part, promise and agree that the scale of wages hereto
attached is accepted and shall go into force on the seventh day of
September, 1903, and shall continue in force until M ay 31, 1905.
The members composing the party of the first part agree to pay to
the members of the party of the second part, employed by them, wages
at the said scale.
The members o f the party of the second part promise and agree to
work for, and accept, wages at the said scale, and to make no demand
for increase o f wages or changes in the hours of employment, or any
other demand whatsoever, upon the party of the first part during the
term of this agreement.
The party of the second part agrees to furnish to the party of the
first part a printed copy of all shop rules and regulations under which
press-rooms are to be operated, and the said rules and regulations
shall not become operative until they have been approved by the party
of the first part.
A board of arbitration shall be created under this agreement to con
sist of three members from the party of the first part and three mem
bers from the party of the second part, who shall each have plenary
powers over the party of the second part and plenary powers over
the party of the first part. Such board of arbitration shall have
power to adjust, settle and regulate all differences arising between
the parties to this agreement not herein provided for. Said board of
arbitration shall settle all questions coming before it on a fair and
common sense basis. Should they be unable to determine any ques
tion, they shall have power to call in an impartial arbitrator whose
decision shall be final. No question submitted to this board for settle
ment shall be considered under fifteen days, unless by the unanimous
consent o f the board. A ll questions submitted to this board must be
in writing, and may be handed to any member of the board, whose
duty shall be to immediately convey notice to each of the other
members.
It is mutually agreed that the terms of this agreement shall continue
in force for a further period of two years from M ay 3 1 ,1 9 0 5 , unless
either party hereto shall, before March 1 ,1 9 0 5 , notify the other party
in writing of its intention to terminate the same.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have hereunto set their official
seals, duly attested the day and year first above written.
For the Philadelphia Typothetse,
E dward S tern ,
In the presence of
E. L awrence F ell ,
P resident.
W m . F . F ell ,
M artin P. H iggins,
A . H . S lC K L E R ,
P res. I P . P . A . U
J. R. H athaw ay ,
F rank J. H olby ,
M orton B. H irshy ,
J ohn M acintyre .
J ames E. Callery ,
Pressmen!s Union N o. 4-
R alph E zekiel .
H arry J. W igo .
F red M cCarthy .
SCALE OF W AGES REFERRED TO IN TH E FOREGOING AGREEM ENT.
Cylinder pressmen shall receive not less than nineteen dollars ($19)
per week for running not more than two flat bed presses. Bed and
platen pressmen shall receive not less than sixteen dollars ($16) per
week.
418
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
Pressmen working on presses with self-feeding attachments shall
receive not less than twenty-one dollars ($21) per week for running
two presses of that character.
Pressmen in charge o f web presses in book and job offices shall receive
not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) per week for running one press,
twenty-two dollars ($22) per week for the first three months and then
the full wage scale.
F ifty-fou r hours shall constitute a week’s work; said hours of labor
shall be between the hours of 7 a. m. and 6 p. m. In all cases time
after 6 p. m. shall be computed as overtime.
Overtime work between the hours of 6 o’clock p. m. and 12 o’clock
midnight, and on the following holidays: New Y ear’s D ay, Memorial
D ay and Thanksgiving D ay, shall be paid for at the rate of time and
half-time. Overtime work between the hours of 12 o’clock midnight
and 7 o’clock a. m. and on the following holidays: Fourth of July,
Labor D ay, and Christmas D ay, and on Sunday, shall be paid for at
the rate of double time.
A pressman who loses time with permission of his employer shall
not be docked more than the regular scale of wages.
The foreman of the press room is to be recognized as the one in
authority.
A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N T H E T Y P O T H E T tE O F P H I L A
D E L P H I A A N D T H E P H I L A D E L P H I A P R IN T IN G P R E S S
A S S IS T A N T S ’ A N D J O B P R E S S M E N ’S U N IO N N O . 11.
This agreement, made the twenty-eighth day of October, A . D .,
1903, between the Typothetae of Philadelphia, hereinafter called the
party of the first part, and the Philadelphia Printing Press Assistants’
and Job Pressmen’s Union No. 11, hereinafter called the party of the
second part:
W itnesseth, that the parties hereto, for the purpose of preventing
confusion and misunderstanding between themselves and for the pur
pose of establishing a permanent scale of wages to be paid to the party
of the second part, promise and agree that the scale of wages hereto
attached is accepted and shall go into force on the first day of January,
1904, and shall continue in force until M ay 31, 1905.
The members composing the party of the first part agree to pay to
the members of the party of the second part, employed by them,
wages at the said scale.
The members o f the party of the second part promise and agree to
work for, and accept wages at, the said scale, and to make no demand
for increase o f wages or changes in the hours of employment, or any
other demand whatsoever, upon the party of the first part during the
term o f this agreement.
The party of the second part agrees to furnish to the party of the
first part a printed copy of all shop rules and regulations under which
press-rooms are to be operated, and the said rules and regulations shall
not become operative until they have been approved by the party of
the first part.
A board of arbitration shall be created under this agreement to
consist of three members from the party of the first part and three
members from the party of the second part, who shall each have ple
nary powers over the party of the second part and plenary powers over
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
419
the party of the first part. Such board of arbitration shall have power
to adjust, settle and regulate all differences arising between the parties
to this agreement not herein provided for. Said board of arbitration
shall settle all questions coming before it on a fair and common sense
basis. Should they be unable to determine any question, they shall
have power to call in an impartial arbitrator whose decision shall be
final. No question submitted to this board for settlement shall be
considered under fifteen days unless by the unanimous consent of the
board. A ll questions submitted to this board must be in writing, and
may be handed to any member of the board, whose duty shall be to
immediately convey notice to each of the other members.
It is mutually agreed that the terms of this agreement shall continue
in force for a further period of two years, from M ay 31, 1905, unless
either party hereto shall, before March 1, 1905, notify the other party
in writing of its intention to terminate the same.
In witness whereof, the parties hereto have hereunto set their offi
cial seals duly attested the day and year first above written.
E . L awtrence F ell ,
T. S. D ando ,
F o r the Typothetse o f Philadelphia.
T homas E. K e lley ,
J oseph J. M cG arry ,
F o r Philadelphia P rin tin g Press Assistants'*
and Job Pressmen)s Union N o. 11.
Witness present and referee in arbitration,
A lfred D. C alvert .
SCALE OF WAGES W H IC H HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS PER FOREGOING
AGREEM ENT.
Per week.
Cylinder press feeders.................................................................................................... $10.00
Cylinder press feeders (p erfectin g ).......................................................................... 11.50
Helpers (automatic feeder) on one or two m achines........................................... 11.50
Job pressmen.
Per week.
Running one platen press.............................................................................................. $10.00
Running two platen presses or m ore........................................................................ 12.00
Fifty-four hours to constitute a week's work.
Hours of labor to be between 7 a. m. and 6 p. m.
Overtime to be time and half-time to 12 p. m. and double time thereafter.
Night work: Fifty hours to constitute a week’ s work.
Holidays to be paid for as follows: Time and half-time on New Year’ s, Memorial
Day, and Thanksgiving. Double time to be paid for work on Fourth of July, Labor
Day, and Christmas Day.
A feeder or job pressman who loses time with permission of his employer shall not
be docked more than the regular scale of wages.
The foreman of the press room is the one to be recognized as the one in authority.
ARBITRATION.
A s has been the case so frequently in the past, the representatives of
the Typothetse and of the Printing Press Assistants’ and Job Press
men’s Union were unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement,
and the matter was finally referred by both parties to M r. A lfred D .
Calvert, President of Philadelphia Typographical Union No. 2, as
420
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
umpire, thereby establishing a new and most unusual precedent in cases
of this kind. The decision of M r. Calvert follows in full: .
Messrs. E . L a w r e n c e F e l l and T h o m a s S. D a n d o ,
Representing the Typothetse o f Philadelphia.
Messrs. T h o m a s E . K e l l y and J o s e p h J. M c G a r r y ,
Representing Philadelphia Press Assistants’
and Job Pressm en’s Union N o. 11.
Gentlem en: It is with pleasure that I submit a report as umpire in
the matter of the scale of wages that has been the subject of controversy
between your respective organizations.
j
Cylinder press feed ers.................................................................................................. $10.00
A n increase of $1.00 over the present scale and a reduction of 50 cents from
the amount asked.
Cylinder press feeders (p erfectin g )......................................................*................... $11.50
Amount asked for granted.
Helper (automatic fe e d e rs)........................................................................................ $11.50
An increase of 50 cents over the scale at present paid in Union offices.
$1.00 less than asked for.
The question of a proper wage for helpers on automatic feeders,
having taken up more than half the time of the conference, demands
that some reference be made to it here. The automatic feeders having
been introduced into Philadelphia press-rooms within the last two
years, has been, to a greater or lesser extent, an unknown quantity to
both parties. The employer having put in a costly piece of improved
machinery naturally expects increased returns on his investment. The
mechanic, or mechanics, employed in caring for the machine with the
improved attachment likewise expect, and are entitled to, an increase
in wages commensurate with increased responsibility. The mechanic
is to be recompensed for increased diligence and skill required. The
employer, on the other hand, has a machine for which he has annually
to allow a certain percentage for depreciation. There are other mat
ters which might be taken into consideration, but for the present these
are sufficient as serving to illustrate that the employer, however will
ing to increase wages, is bound by limitations; and that the employee
having in mind the successful operation of the plant in which he is
employed, should endeavor to secure his full share, but should never
be unreasonable in his demands.
To all appearances the employers have allowed a certain reasonable
percentage of their operating expenses to go to the wages fund. In
absolute disregard of the ethics of trade unionism, as I understand
them, and certainly in violation of the cardinal principles of the
brotherhood o f man, one of the unions in the printing trades has taken
advantage of its subordinate body in this very matter.
To illustrate: The percentage of skill and care required to operate
a press equipped with an automatic feeder has increased about equally
on the pressman and his helper. The pressmen,, by right of priority
in the conference, exaggerated his increased responsibility, and so
secured an increase in wages averaging twelve to sixteen per cent.; the
helper with a much lower wage secured an increase averaging between
four and five per cent. This is so manifestly unfair that I trust the
next conference on the scale o f wages will take from him who unjustly
received and give to him who justly deserves.
Rotary press helpers not being in controversy, that matter was
passed over.
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
421
Job pressmen.
B y unanimous consent “ platen” was substituted as proper name in
reference to all job presses.
Running one platen press............................................................................................$10.00
An increase o f $1.00 over the present.
A reduction of $1.00 from the amount asked.
Running two or more presses.................................................................... ................ $12.00
Amount asked for granted.
I would call your attention to an omission which m ight at some later
day vex both parties— that is, the failure to designate the hours to be
worked at night.
Thanking you for the great honor you have conferred on me in
counting me worthy to act in this capacity and trusting your relations
in the future will always be such as to make an umpire unnecessary,
beJieve me with kindest regards,
Y ours sincerely,
(Signed)
A lfred D . Calvert .
R U L E S A D O P T E D N O V E M B E R 12, 1887, B Y T H E S H O E
M A N U F A C T U R E R S ’ A S S O C IA T IO N O F P H I L A D E L P H I A ,
C O N C E R N IN G T H E R E L A T IO N S B E T W E E N E M P L O Y E R S
A N D E M P L O Y E E S . («)
R ule 1. The right of the manufacturer to employ or discharge
employees must be acknowledged.
Comment. This rule means that the right to employ and to dis
charge laborers belongs to those who own the business. There could
be no other rule. No prudent man would invest capital in business if
he could not control it by employing the laborers he thought neces
sary and proper for conducting it. This is the inseparable incident of
capital.
R ule 2. Employers or employees must not discriminate for or
against any individual because he or she is or is not a member of any
organization.
Comment. No employer shall discharge or refuse to hire a man or
woman because he or she is or is not a member of any organization.
Nor shall any man or woman refuse to work with or for any person
because he or she is or is not a member of any organization. This is
but equal justice to all, and will promote the freedom o f conscience we
boast o f as American citizens.
R ule 3. Each manufacturer is to regulate his or their working
hours, but in no case shall a day’s work exceed ten hours, except in
two or three departments, in order to fill orders on time.
Comment. Each manufacturer shall say at what time hands shall
begin work in the morning, and when they shall stop, not exceeding
the time named in the rule. W h en extra work is to be done, the
manufacturer shall direct it in order to meet the engagement calling
for it. But for the extra labor performed the employee shall receive
extra pay. Business will decide the departments.
Rule 4 .— Section 1. Shop meetings to be held only after working
hours.
« The chairman of the executive committee of the Shoe Manufacturers’ Association
of Philadelphia states that under the workings of these rules no strike has taken
place in 16 years.
422
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
Comment. The purpose of this rule is that there may be no inter
ference with business.
Sec. 2. Grievance committee of shops not to meet oftener than once
a week.
Comment. The committee need not meet once a week unless it has
business.
R ule 5. Pending the discussion and decision of any difference or
dispute, there shall be no lockout, strike, stoppage or cessation of
work by either employer or employed.
Comment. It is the object of this rule to substitute reason and right
instead of violence, in whatever form , by either employer or employed;
and during no dispute or difference shall the work in any shop or
department of it be stopped or interfered with.
I f the interests of parties can not be so adjusted and harmonized
that the parties can continue the relations o f employer and employee,
then, according to the real or supposed interests o f the parties, they
must separate, not in violence, but according to reason. This rule
implies that in no case is it necessary to resort to lockouts, strikes or
violent means in any form , it being the office of reason, acting accord
ing to the golden rule, to adjust and settle all human interests.
R ule 6. In case of a disagreement between employer and employee
it shall be the duty of the grievance committee to settle, if possible,
the matter in dispute; but in the event an agreement can not be reached
the matter in dispute shall be submitted to the board of arbitration.
Comment. This rule is sufficiently plain without explanation.
R ule 7. There shall be no interference with the employment or
wages of hands hired by the week, when the wages are satisfactory
to the employer and employees, so that competent workmen may be
protected.
Comment. Business requires that some “ hands be hired by the
week,” and that wages are paid to the skill o f the hand. It is the
object of the rule to protect both the laborer and the manufacturer.
It is to give to the manufacturer the advantage of skilled labor, and
to give to skilled labor a just remuneration. O f course the manu
facturer may employ inferior skill and give it inferior remuneration.
This may be important at some times, and for some purposes. It is
the right of the manufacturer to determine how his business shall be
conducted. Capital and labor should each receive its equitable reward.
I f the wages are not satisfactory the hand may quit work; and if
not satisfactory to the employer he may dismiss him.
W ith any other rule business could not be safely carried on.
R ule 8 .— Section 1. The joint board of arbitration shall consist of
seven members of the Manufacturers5 Association actively engaged in
manufacturing and seven employees working for members of the Man
ufacturers5 Association; must come uninstructed, hear testimony,
examine witnesses, and decide on the merits of the case. Said mem
bers shall serve fo r one year or until their successors are appointed
or elected. Five members from each side shall constitute a quorum.
A majority vote shall be final in all cases.
Sec. 2. No person shall be questioned or held accountable as indi
viduals or as members of any organization for their actions or doings
as arbitrators.
Comment* Seven manufacturers and seven employees compose the
board. These are appointed by the respective associations.
It is
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
423
required that the members of the joint board shall each be actively
engaged as manufacturers of the association or actively engaged as
employees of manufacturers of the association; were it otherwise
manufacturers or employees might be eligible whose interest it would
be to create strife rather than to promote harmony. Members of the
joint board form what is similar to a jury, and what jury could give a
fair verdict if its members were instructed how to decide before hear
ing the testimony?
Each arbitrator must be guaranteed that his freedom o f opinion and
conscientious action as an arbitrator will be fu lly protected by both
the association of employers and employees; otherwise, qualified par
ties might hesitate to accept the position or act as their judgment and
conscience dictated. W h en by the sides there is a difference o f opin
ion, the same number of persons only on each side shall cast a vote.
But when the vote is not by sides all at the meeting may vote, and the
majority decides the question.
R ule 9. In case of a tie vote, each side shall select a disinterested
person, and these two shall select a third person, and their decision
shall be final.
Comment. In a warm contest both parties might not agree to a third
person, and hence the provision of the rule.
W hen the three persons
are chosen, the majority vote cast by them shall be decisive and final.
R ule 10. The joint board of arbitration shall meet semimonthly,
at such time and place as may hereafter be agreed upon. No com
plaints shall be considered unless stated in writing, and the causes of
complaint are specified and signed by the complainant.
Comment. A ll parties seek to avoid trivial complaints. The rule
requires the complaint to be in writing, in order that the person may
see it in that form , and that the board may have something definite
before it.
R ule 11. Complaints shall be presented to the board at the first
meeting after the cause thereof shall arise, or it will be deemed that
there are no grounds for complaint.
Comment. This rule is vigorous and might work hardship if the
cause o f complaint should arise just before a meeting. But there
should be no delay. I t is improper to introduce stale complaints.
R ule 12. No bill of wages will be received from any organization,
but all bills shall originate with and be presented by either employer
or employee on or bexore October 1 o f each year, where any changes
are desired, and shall be settled by November 1, to take effect 1st
December following, and continue in force one year.
A fte r the bill o f wages has been presented the employer shall adjust
with each full branch the difference asked by either party, and when
all have been adjusted the shop organization shall approve and attest
the bill. U p to this point there shall be no interference permitted on
the part o f the Manufacturers’ Association or any other organization;
but in case the difference can not be mutually adjusted by the employer
and any branch or branches, these points of difference shall be stated
in writing and submitted to the joint board of arbitration, and their
decision shall be final and binding on both parties.
W h ere no bill is presented by October 1 of any year the old bill
shall continue in force for another year, except in change of system,
or introduction of machinery or new work between dates of annual
5553—No. 51—04----- 14
424
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
settlement of bills; in these cases the prices fixed shall be for the bal
ance of term of general contract.
Comment. This rule recognizes the fact that the employer and
employees of any branch know better what facilities there are for
doing each kind of work in a factory, and what the labor is worth as
it is given to them, than any outside party can, and also that their
judgment is fair and not influenced by those whose interest it might
be to interrupt instead of give them employment.
R u l e 13. It is the manufacturer’s exclusive right without arbitra
tion to use whatever stock he thinks proper, to introduce whatever
machinery he deems necessary, and divide and subdivide his work as
he sees fit or his business may require, and it is the right of the
employee to be paid just wages for the labor performed by him.
Comment. In order that a manufacturer may originate improvements
and adopt those of others to meet competition o f other localities, he
must be guaranteed that he can manage his business without interfer
ence. On the other hand, these new demands must not encroach on
just remuneration of the employee, but he must be paid for the labor
he does.
R u l e 14. The minutes of each meeting of the joint board of arbitra
tion must be printed and posted in each factory within five days from
the date of meeting.
Comment. That all employers and employees may be fully informed
o f the proceedings and decisions of the joint board of arbitration.
Addendum . I f any difference shall arise hereafter touching any
matter not provided for in the foregoing rules, such difference shall go
before the board of arbitration for adjustment and decision.
A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N P H IL A D E L P H IA M E M B E R S OF
N A T I O N A L F O U N D E R S ’ A S S O C IA T IO N A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ U N IO N O F N O R T H A M E R IC A .
August 7th, 1903.
W hereas, the molders of Philadelphia have asked to have a minimum
rate of wages o f $3.25 per day of nine hours, in place o f the existing
rate of $2.90 per day of ten hours for all day workers, and a twenty
per cent advance on all piece prices for a nine hour work day, and the
coremakers have asked for a minimum rate o f $3.00 per day o f nine
hours for all day workers in place o f the present rate of $2.50 per day
o f ten hours;
W hereas, the foundrymen of Philadelphia believe that such an
increase is without precedent and unfair; therefore, be it
R esolved, That this conference agrees as follow s: The work day in
the foundries of Philadelphia shall be nine hours for each day o f the
week and the minimum wages to be $2.90 per day o f nine hours.
Resolved, That this agreement go into effect as of June 3rd, 1903,
and remain in force until June 3rd, 1904.
Resolved, That on June 3rd, 1904, the minimum wage rate for mold
ers per day of nine hours is to be increased to $3.00 per day.
R esolved, That on June 3rd, 1904, the minimum wage rate for skilled
journeymen coremakers is to be increased to $2.75 per day o f nine
hours. This is to apply in jobbing and machinery foundries only; the
present rate of wages being paid to skilled journeymen coremakers is
to be continued in force from June 3rd, 1903, until June 3rd, 1904.
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
425
dissolved, That all other existing conditions in the different foundries
remain the same as during the past year and if there have been any con
ditions created which are obnoxious or objectionable to either employer
or employee, the same are to be the subject of immediate investigation
and correction by the representatives of the respective organization.
(N o t e — The “ existing conditions” referred to in the foregoing para
graph are as follows:
Article I V : The standard minimum wage rate shall be subject to
the follow ing differentials:
1st. The young man who has completed his apprenticeship and who,
by reason o f his mechanical inferiority or lack of experience, or both,
in either branch of the trade of molding shall be unfitted to receive
the full wage rate provided for above, shall be free to make such
arrangements as to wages with his employer for a period mutually
satisfactory as may be agreeable to himself and employer.
2nd. The molder who, by reason of his physical incapacity or phys
ical infirmity, can not earn the standard minimum wage rate is to be
free to make such arrangements as to wages as may be mutually satis
factory to the employer and himself.
3rd. There being in some foundries a grade of work calling for less
skill than is required by the ordinary molder, this grade o f work being
limited in quantity, it is agreed that nothing in tnis agreement shall
be construed as prohibiting the foundrymen from employing a molder
to make such work and paying for same at a rate that may be mutu
ally agreed upon between the molder and foundrymen. It is under
stood that a molder who is working for and receiving a rate of wages
of twenty-seven and one-half (27£) cents per hour, or over, is not to
be asked or expected to make the grade of work referred to above for
any less wage rate than he is regularly entitled to under this agree
ment. This does not give the molder the right to refuse to make the
work if it is offered to him at his regular wage rate.
Article V : It is agreed that nothing in the foregoing shall be con
strued as prohibiting piece or premium work, and when it is desired
on the part o f the foundryman that his work shall be done under the
piece work or premium system it is agreed that the wages of the molder
shall be based so that he may earn a wage not less than if working by
the day. This is understood as applying to molders who are competent
to do an equal amount o f work and of equal quality to the average
molder in the foundry in which he is employed. (a)
W h ere the foundryman and molder can not agree on the piece price
for a certain piece of work the foundryman is to have the work done
by the day for a period of a day or more— according to the nature of
the work— in order to establish a fair and equitable wage rate on the
work in question.
It is further agreed that nothing in this agreement shall be construed
as preventing a molder from agreeing with his employer on a piece
price as soon as he is given a pattern.
Article V I : Time and half time shall be paid for all overtime except
ing in cases of accident or causes beyond control consuming not more
than thirty (30) minutes; and double time for Sundays and legal holi« At a meeting of Local Union No. I l l , I. M. U. N. A ., held on August 8, 1903, a
resolution was unanimously adopted ‘ 4that the limit which exists at the present
time on the earning capacity of the piece-work molder be abolish ed /1
426
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
days, to wit: Fourth of July, Labor D ay, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas. It being further understood that when foundries do not
make a practice of running beyond bell or whistle time and are occa
sionally late, the 46 give and take ” system shall apply in all such cases,
it being understood that both sides should show a spirit of fairness in
adjusting matters of this kind.
Article V I I : Arbitrary limitations of output on the part of the
molders, or arbitrary demands for an excessive amount of output by
the molders on the part of the foundryman, being contrary to the
spirit of equity which should govern the relationship o f employer and
employee, all attempts in that direction b y either party— the molder or
foundryman, are to be viewed with disfavor and will not receive the
support of either of the respective associations parties to this agree
ment.
I t being further agreed that the wage rates specified herein are to
be paid for a fair ana honest day’s work on the part of the molder and
that in the case of a molder feeling that a wrong has been done him by
his employer, and that his treatment has been at variance with the
terms of this agreement, he shall first endeavor to have the same cor
rected by a personal interview with his employer and, failing in this,
that he shall report the same to the proper channel o f his local union
fo r its investigation. I f there is any objectionable action on the part
o f the molder which is in conflict with this agreement or the spirit
thereof, then the employer is to endeavor to point out to the molder
where he is wrong, and failing in this, he may discharge the man for
breach of discipline, or else retain him in his service and submit the
case to the National Founders’ Association for investigation.
In order that there may be no misunderstanding as to the wages a
molder is to receive under the above agreement, it is understood that
a molder must agree with the employer on the rate of wages that he is
to receive at the time, he is engaged; it being further agreed that
neither the molder nor the foundryman is to deviate from the terms
of this agreement as to wages or deportment.
Article V I I I : It is agreed that all unfair or unjust shop practices on
the part of the molders or foundrymen are to be viewed with disfavor
by the Iron Molders’ Union of North America and the National
Founders’ Association, and any attempt on the part of either party to
this agreement to force any unfair or unjust practice upon the other
is to be the subject of rigid investigation by the officers of the respec
tive associations, and if upon careful investigation such charges are sus
tained against the party complained of, then said party is to be subject
to discipline— according to the by-laws o f the respective associations.
And it is further agreed that all disputes which can not be settled
amicably between the employer and molder shall be submitted to arbi
tration under the “ New Y ork Agreem ent.”
Article I X : W h en the words 46em ployer” or 44foundrym an” are
used, it is understood that their foreman or representatives may carry
out the provisions of this agreement and act for them.
Article X : It is further agreed that nothing in the foregoing shall
be construed as applying to operators of molding machines who have
not learned the general trade of molding, and the right of a foundryman to introduce or operate molding machines in nis foundry shall
not be questioned.)
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
427
Resolved, That it is understood that any agreement reached by the
two organizations of a national character, the same shall be made a
part of this agreement.
This agreement shall expire June 3rd, 1905, and either party desir
ing a change at that time shall serve notice on the other thirty days in
advance of the expiration of this agreement.
Signed on behalf o f the Philadelphia members o f the N ational
Founder£ Association —
(Sgd.) A n t o n io C . P e s s a n o .
Signed on behalf o f the Philadelphia member's o f the Iron H older £
Union o f N A .—
(Sgd.) Jos. F . V a l e n t i n e ,
1st Vice-President.
It is mutually understood and agreed that when the advance in
wages is given to the day-work molders the same percentage of
advance is to be given to the piece workers, it being understood that
the advance in wages to the day-work molders as well as the piece
work molders is to be June 3rd, 1904.
It is also further understood and agreed that ten cents per day is to
be paid to each molder and coremaker working by the day who have
been employed in the foundries of the members o f the National
Founders5 Association since June 3rd, 1903, up to and including
August 8th, 1903.
Signed on behalf o f the Philadelphia members o f the N ational
Founders* Association —
(Sgd.) A n t o n i o C. P e s s a n o .
Signed on behalf o f the Philadelphia members o f the Iron M olderd
Union o f N A .—
(Sgd.) Jos. F . V a l e n t i n e ,
1st Vice-President.
N E W Y O R K A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N N A T IO N A L F O U N D
E R S 5 A S S O C IA T IO N A N D IR O N M O L D E R S 5 U N IO N O F
N O R T H A M E R I C A , C O N F E R E N C E 1899.
Whereas, the past experience of the members of the National Found
ers5Association and the Iron Molders5Union o f North America, justifies
them in the opinion that any arrangement entered into that will conduce
to the greater harmony of their relations as employers and employees,
will be to their mutual advantage; therefore, be it
Resolved, That this committee o f conference endorse the principle of
arbitration in the settlement of trade disputes, and recommend the
same for adoption by the members of the National Founders5 Associa
tion and the Iron M olders5 Union o f North America, on the following
lines:
That in the event of a dispute arising between members of the
respective organizations, a reasonable effort shall be made by the par
ties directly at interest to effect a satisfactory adjustment of the diffi
culty; failing to do which, either party shall have the right to ask its
reference to a committee o f arbitration which shall consist o f the presi
dents o f the National Founders5 Association and the Iron Molders5
Union of North America, or their representatives and two other repre
sentatives from each association appointed by the respective presidents.
428
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
The finding of this committee of arbitration, by a majority vote,
shall be considered final in so far as the future action of the respective
organizations is concerned.
Pending adjudication by the committee on arbitration there shall be
no cessation of work at the instance of either party to the dispute.
The committee of arbitration shall meet within two weeks after
reference of the dispute to them.
A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N B U F F A L O F O U N D R Y M E N ’S A S S O
C IA T IO N A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ C O N F E R E N C E B O A R D O F
B U F F A L O A N D V IC IN IT Y .
This agreement entered into this first day of October, 1902, 'by and
between the Buffalo Foundrymen’s Association, hereinafter called the *
party of the first part, on behalf o f the firms whose names are hereto
appended, and the Iron Molders’ Conference Board o f Buffalo and
vicinity, hereinafter called the party of the second part, on behalf of
the molders employed by the firms before mentioned, witnesseth:
1st. Beginning October 1st, 1902, the wages of all journeymen
molders shall be advanced fifteen cents per day on their present wage
rate, and the minimum rate o f wages for all molders in the employ o f
said foundrymen shall be $2.80 per day.
2nd. N o molder to be reducea who is receiving more.
3rd. That overtime shall be paid for at the rate of time and one-half
time, with double time for Sundays and the following holidays: Fourth
of July, Labor D ay, Thanksgiving D ay and Christmas.
4th. There shall be a shop committee, composed of three members
o f the Iron Molders’ Union, agreeable to both parties hereto, in each
foundry, which shall be recognized by the party o f the first part as the
represen ative in the foundry of the party o f the second part, for the
purpose o f official communication or the carrying out of the terms of
this agreement.
5th. The party o f the second part agrees that the molders shall at all
times work faithfully and devote their entire working hours to the best
advantage o f their employers; and that all shop practices which work
an injustice to the foundryman shall, upon his complaint to the shop
committee, be investigated, and if injustice be found as alleged, the
objectionable practice shall be removed. Should the decision of the
shop committee not give satisfaction to the foundryman, he shall have
the right to appeal to the business agent o f the party of the second
part, who shall personally make an investigation and endeavor to reach
a satisfactory adjustment. Should the dispute still remain unsettled,
either party to this agreement shall have the privilege of asking for its
reference to a conference committee composed of three representatives
each o f the parties hereto, which shall proceed to the shop and endeavor
to adjust the difference. Should adjustment again fail, a disinterested
party, that is, a party identified with neither interest of the parties
hereto, but satisfactory to both parties, is to be called upon to decide,
and his verdict shall be accepted as final by both parties.
6th. Should machines be introduced by any foundryman, it shall be
the duty o f the molders to facilitate, as far as possible, their success
ful operation.
It is further agreed that after the machine has been
given a fair and practical test b y the foundryman, his foreman, or any
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
429
competent union molder whom the foundryman may select, the foun
dry man or his foreman, in conjunction with the shop committee, shall
fix the day’s work, if it be decided to operate the machine under
the day-work system, or the piece price, if it be decided to operate the
machine under the piecework system. I f after a fair trial by the
molder, either the foundryman or his foreman, or the molder desire a
change in said day’s work or price, it shall be made the subject of fur
ther negotiation between the foundryman or his foreman and the shop
committee. Should these further negotiations fail to effect a satisfac
tory adjustment, either party shall have the right to ask the reference
o f the desired change to the decision o f a conference committee, as
provided in the fourth clause of this agreement.
7th. The above agreement to continue and be in force until October
1st, 1903, and unless notice of a desire to change any of the conditions
of this agreement be given by either party hereto at least thirty days
revious to October 1st, 1903, the same shall remain in force until
October 1st next following, and so on from year to year thereafter.
In agreement herewith we subscribe ourselves:
S
On behalf o f the B uffalo Foundn'ymen s Association —
On behalf o f the Iron H older's Conference B oa rd o f
B u ffalo and V icin ity —
N E W H A V E N A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N N A T IO N A L F O U N D
E R S ’ A S S O C IA T IO N A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ U N IO N O F
N O R T H A M E R IC A .
This agreement, made this 22nd day of January, 1903, between the
National Founders’ Association and the Iron Molders’ Union of North
America.
W itnesseth: That with a view o f equalizing the average wages
earned by the journeyman molders in the foundries o f the members
of the National Founders’ Association making locks and hardware in
Connecticut, and with a further view o f endeavoring to harmonize the
apparent variations in existing conditions, it is hereby agreed that
commencing with February 1st, 1903, the following conditions shall
prevail:
1st. The average wages earned by the journeyman molders working
piecework in the foundries o f the members o f the National Founders’
Association in Connecticut making locks and hardware shall not be less
than $2.75 per day, and the average molders shall not receive less than
$2.50 per day.
2nd. There shall be no limitation of output on the part o f the mold
ers employed in any of the foundries in which this agreement shall
apply.
3rd. W h en a piece price has been established for any job it shall
not be reduced during the life of this agreement, except that should a
member introduce improved methods or facilities for molding, thereby
increasing the output, which would warrant a readjustment, he shall
be entitled to establish a new rate on the job, the same to permit the
average earnings o f the machine operator to be in conformity with
clause one o f this agreement.
430
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
4th. It is understood that during the life of this agreement there
shall be no further attempt made by either party to introduce any con
ditions not herein provided for.
5th. This agreement to go into effect February 1st, 1903, and be
and continue in force until February 1st, 1904, and should either party
to this agreement desire any change or modifications o f its terms, they
shall notify the other party of the change or modifications desired at
least 30 days prior to February 1st, 1904, and should no such notifica
tion be given to either party then this agreement shall continue in
force for another year, and so on from year to year.
AGREEM ENT BETW EEN THE FOUNDRYM EN OF DENVER
A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ U N IO N N O . 188.
This agreement, made and entered into between the Foundrymen
o f Denver, as herein represented, and Iron Molders’ Union No. 188,
as follows:
1st. That the Foundrymen of Denver, as herein represented, agree
to grant to the members of Iron Molders’ Union No. 188, the ninehour day with the present ten-hour minimum, subject to the follow
ing agreements:
2nd. That all disagreements arising between the members of Iron
Molders’ Union No. 188 and their employers, will be referred to a
committee consisting o f three members each from the Foundrymen
herein represented and Iron Molders’ Union No. 188, whose dutv it
shall be in joint convention to settle all such disagreements, and in
case they can not come to an understanding, they shall refer the matter
to the National Committee o f Iron Molders’ Union and the National
Founders’ Association.
3rd. That the members of Iron Molders’ Union No. 188 will make
an honest endeavor to accomplish the same amount o f work in nine
hours as in ten hours. B y honest endeavor is meant wherever it is
not a physical impossibility. That the members will at all time coop
erate with the employers to accomplish the best results in the foundry.
That there will be no interference with any workman on the part of
the shop committee, having in view the restriction o f daily output.
4th. That Iron Molders’ Union No. 188 w ill not allow its members
to work in any shop not recognizing the jurisdiction.
5th. This agreement shall become operative within two days after
receiving the approval o f the National Headquarters of the repre
sentatives of Iron Molders’ Union N o. 188 and the National Founders’
Association, and shall terminate on the first day of January, A . D .,
1904.
6th. Upon violation of this agreement upon the part of members of
Iron Molders’ Union No. 188, or the foundries herein represented,
this agreement shall become null and void.
D a t e d at Denver, Colorado, this ninth day o f A p ril, A . D . 1903.
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
431
AGREEM ENT
BETW EEN
T W IN
C IT Y
F O U N D R Y M E N ’S
A S S O C IA T IO N O F ST. P A U L A N D M IN N E A P O L IS , M I N N .,
A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ U N IO N N O S. 176 A N D 232.
M in n e a p o l is , M in n e s o t a , M a y
1903.
W e , the undersigned committees, representing the Twin City Foundrymen’s Association, whose names are signed below, and Iron M olders’
Union Nos. 176 and 232, believing that labor disputes and strikes and
lockouts are disturbing factors in the foundry industry, and that they
should be as far as possible eliminated, and that the question o f labor
is one of the most fruitful sources o f such strikes or lockouts, do hereby
agree on behalf o f our respective firms and unions to be governed in
determining the wages to be paid to molders, and in operating our
foundries in the future, by the provisions of the following agreement:
1st. The distribution of hours shall be nine (9) hours per day for
every working day.
2nd. The minimum rate of wages shall be two dollars and eightyeight cents ($2.88) per day for molders, and all molders now receiving
more than $2.88 per day shall have their rates readjusted so that they
will receive as much for fifty-four hours work as they now receive for
fifty-six hours, and when piece work is practiced, the molders shall be
paid a rate that shall enable them to earn at least this minimum rate.
3rd. Pay days shall remain the same as at the present time.
4th. A n y foundry that works overtime shall pay to its molders,
time and one-half for such overtime from the regular quitting time
until midnight, and double time thereafter, including Sundays, July
4th’, Labor D ay, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In case, however,
overtime shall be caused by accident or causes beyond control, the
overtime rate shall not begin until fifteen minutes after the regular
quitting time.
5th. Machine molding as at present carried on shall not be disturbed
during the life of this agreement.
This shall not deprive shops, which are not using machines at the
present time, o f putting in machines and using them under the condi
tions prevailing in the other foundries of the Twin Cities.
6th. The molders waive all rights of molding card sash weights, and
employers shall be free to employ such men as they elect on washers,
sleigh shoes and grate bars, providing molders refuse to perform said
work or if molders can not be secured within one week after the shop
committee has been notified.
7th. In all cases o f dispute or grievance, the difficulty shall first be
taken up with the foreman or proprietor of the shop in which the
grievance arises, failing of a satisfactory settlement with the foreman
or proprietor, the shop committee shall take up the matter promptly
with tne union. The union shall immediately thereafter appoint a
committee, who shall investigate the grievance promptly and use all
reasonable efforts to make a mutually satisfactory settlement, the
molders shall remain at work and the proprietor shall not discharge
them or lay them off.
8th. I t is agreed that restriction o f output shall not be countenanced
in any way.
This agreement shall take effect June 1st, 1903, and remain in full
force until M ay 1st, 1904. I f either parties desire the abrogation of
this contract, it shall give notice of the same, thirty (30) days prior to
432
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
the expiration thereof, otherwise it shall remain in full force for one
year from the date of expiration thereof as herein provided.
I t is understood that there are no agreements or understandings
excepting as set forth in this instrument.
The above parties hereto pledge their best efforts to carry out this
agreement in good faith.
Executed in behalf of the Twin City Foundrymen’s Association and
Iron Molders’ Union Nos. 176 and 232 by their duly authorized repre
sentatives on this 28th day of M ay, A . D . 1903.
T w i n C i t y F o u n d r y m e n ’ s A s s o c ia t io n .
I r o n M o l d e r s ’ U n i o n N o s . 176 a n d 232.
A G R E E M E N T B E T W E E N M A N U F A C T U R E R S ’ A S S O C IA T IO N
A N D N A T IO N A L F O U N D E R S ’ A S S O C IA T IO N O F P IT T S
B U R G A N D IR O N M O L D E R S ’ U N IO N O F N O R T H A M E R I C A .
This agreement, made and entered into this thirtieth (30th) day of
July, 1903, by and between a committee representing The Manufac
turers’ Association o f Pittsburg and the members of the National
Founders’ Association of Pittsburg and vicinity, constituting the party
of the first part, and a committee representing the members of the
Iron Molders’ Union of North America, in the Pittsburg district,
party of the second part, for the purpose of securing and preserving
just and equitable conditions of labor in the workshops of the first
party, whereby the interests of the employer and employee shall be
properly protected; and for the further purpose of avoiding strikes
and lockouts by settling all disputes that may hereafter arise between
the members o f the parties hereto, during the term of this contract,
in an amicable and equitable manner.
1st. That any disputes or difficulties arising between the parties
hereto during the term of this agreement, shall be settled strictly in
accordance with the New Y o rk agreement.
2nd. That nine (9) hours shall constitute a day’s work. A ll time
worked over nine (9) hours in any one day shall be considered over
time.
3rd. Time-and-half time shall be paid for all overtime, and double
time shall be paid for Sundays, Fourth of July, Labor D ay, Thanks
giving Day and Christmas.
4th. There shall be no restrictions or fines placed on a molder for
the purpose o f preventing him in any way from putting forth his best
efforts to produce the best quality and quantity of work and receiving
compensation accordingly.
5th. The party of the first part shall have the privilege of intro
ducing molding machines and improved appliances of any kind in their
foundries, and the right to have same operated by parties of the sec
ond part or any other parties they may find best adapted to operate
said machines.
6th. That the party of the first part will refuse to employ any
apprentice who has started his trade with another firm and has not
completed his regular apprenticeship, unless said apprentice receives
the consent o f the firm he started his apprenticeship with. It is also
agreed that apprentices shall be given work in all branches o f the
molding trade.
7th. The minimum rate o f wages per day of nine (9) hours, during
the term o f this contract, shall be $3 per day for journeymen molders
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
433
and coremakers working in machinery shops. It is understood, how
ever, that this is not to affect coremakers who are at present working
for less than $3 per day, or establish any precedent in the ratio of
wages between molders and coremakers and if at a national conference
between the National Founders’ Association and the Iron M olders’
Union of North America, the minimum rate of coremakers should be
fixed at a rate less than $3 per day, the rate for all coremakers work
ing under this contract shall be changed to that rate.
8th. A n advance of 10 cents per day shall be paid to each journey
man molder and coremaker, beginning July 1st.
9th. It is further understood that any national agreement that may
be perfected between the National Founders’ Association and the Iron
Molders’ Union o f North Am erica, during the life of this agreement,
shall go into effect at once, as between the members of these two asso
ciations, and that nothing in this agreement shall be understood as
conflicting with any said national agreement.
10th. This agreement shall remain in force from July 1st, 1903, to
July 1st, 1904, and thereafter, unless thirty (30) days’ notice shall be
given in writing, by either party, that they wish to terminate this
agreement.
(Signed):
J ohn B arnett,
T h os. F. C o n n o lly ,
F o r committee representing The Iron Holders'* Union
o f N orth A m erica in Pittsburg and vicin ity .
G e o . M esta,
I saac W . F r a n k ,
F o r committee representing The M anufacturers' A sso
ciation o f Pittsburg and the members o f the
National Founder^ Association o f P ittsburg and
vicin ity .
PR OPO SED
STANDARD
FORM
OF
AGREEM ENT
FOR
J O B B IN G A N D M A C H I N E R Y F O U N D R IE S .
Agreement between the National Founders’ Association (on behalf
of its . -------------------------------- members) and the Iron Molders’ Union
o f North America, (on behalf of its members belonging to Local
Union No. . ; . 0
1st. That in the event of a dispute arising upon the number of
apprentices employed by a member of the National Founders’ Associa
tion it shall be the duty of the officers of the two associations, or the
general conference when assembled to adjust such dispute in an equi
table manner, based upon the conditions prevailing at the time in the
shop in which the dispute may arise.
2nd. There shall be no set day’s work on the part of the molder or
foundrymen.
3rd. There shall be no limitation of output on the part of the molder.
4th. There shall be no limit to a man’s earning capacity, whether he
is working by the day, by the piece or premium system.
5th. There are to be no fines or restrictions placed on a molder for
the purpose of handicapping him or retarding him in any way from
putting forth his best efforts to produce the best quality and quantity
o f work in the shortest time.
434
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
6th. The right of a foundryman to introduce molding machines, or
improved appliances of any kind into his foundry shall not be ques
tioned and it is to be optional with the foundryman as to whom he
employs thereon, due consideration and preference being given to those
who will produce the work for the least cost price.
7th. W h en castings are made under any other than the day-work
system, the prices are to be so set, as to enable a molder to earn at
least the rate o f wages in the foundry in which he is working, except
as provided in clause eleven of this agreement, and when a piece price
is established, such piece price shall not be reduced excepting by
improved facilities or agreement.
8th. A ll overtime to be paid for at the rate o f time and one-half
time and double time for Sundays and legal holidays.
In case of
delays due to accident causing a delay of one hour or less, or when a
foundry is only occasionally late with its heats, the give and take
principle is to apply and no allowance to be made for such time.
9th. There shall be no sympathetic strike or sympathetic lockout on
the part of the molders or foundrymen.
10th. There shall be no strike or lockout in any of the foundries of
the members o f the National Founders’ Association, wherein are
employed members o f the Iron H olders’ Union o f North America,
without the consent in writing of the presidents o f their respective
organizations, no matter what the cause may be or the alleged provo
cation, on either side, the question in dispute must be submitted
through the regular channels for adjustment and decision; pending
this decision neither side shall take any arbitrary action.
Should
there be any breach o f this rule and its provision or the spirit o f the
same violated, and result in a cessation o f work by the members of the
I. M . U . o f N. A . in a body, or should there be a lockout ordered by
the member o f the N. F . A . , then the members o f the I. M . U. of N . A .
so offending are to be expelled from membership, likewise the member
o f the N . F . A . so offending is to be expelled from the association.
11th. Basic wage rate, subject to differentials. The basic wage rate
shall be based upon local conditions and be subject to the following
differential: 40 per cent of the total number o f bench and floor mold
ers who have served a regular apprenticeship o f four years at the
trade of molding, may be employed at a differential of 10 per cent less
than the basic wage rate, established for the foundry or foundries in
the locality for which this agreement is made.
12th. During the life o f this agreement there shall be no further
attempt made by either party to introduce any conditions not herein
provided for, unless by mutual consent. Furthermore it is understood
that there are no other agreements or understandings between the
parties to this agreement except such as are herein recorded.
13th. Expiration o f agreements, between the N . F . A . and the I.
M . U . of N . A . A ll agreements entered into locally or nationally be
tween the members of the two associations shall be made to expire as
of the same date— said date to be the first Saturday in June o f each
year.
On behalf o f the N ational Founder $ A ss'n .
On behalf o f the Iron M older s’ Union .
AGREEMENTS BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
435
W A G E E A T E S A N D H O U E S IN F O U N D E IE S .
The following table, showing by cities the minimum wage rates of
molders and hours of labor in jobbing and machinery foundries in the
United States and Canada, was published by the National Founders’
Association in connection with recent agreements, the more important
o f which are reproduced in this Bulletin:
MINIMUM WAGE RATES OF MOLDERS AND HOURS OF LABOR IN JOBBING AND MACHIN
ERY FOUNDRIES.
[Figures published by National Founders’ Association.]
Molders’ minimum
wages.
City.
Floor. Bench.
Akron, Ohio......................
Albany, N. Y ....................
Alliance, Ohio...................
Anaconda, M on t..............
Ansonia, C o n n .................
Auburn, N. Y ....................
Baltimore, M d...................
Battle Creek, M ich..........
Barberton, Ohio...............
Bay City, M ich .................
Beaumont, T e x ...............
Beloit, W is........................
Bessemer, A la ...................
Birmingham, Conn..........
Birmingham, A l a ............
Boston, Mass....................
Bridgeport, Conn..............
Brooklyn, N. Y .................
Buffalo, N. Y ....................
Butte, M ont......................
Camden, N. J ....................
Chester, P a........................
Chicago, 111........................
Cincinnati, O h io ..............
Cleveland, O h io...............
Cold Spring, N. Y ............
Colorado Springs, C olo. . .
Columbus, O h io...............
Dallas, T ex ........................
Dayton, Ohio....................
Denver, C o lo....................
Derby, Conn......................
Detroit, M ich....................
Elizabeth, N. J .................
Erie, P a .............................
Eureka, C a l......................
Fort Worth, T e x ..............
Halifax, N. S ....................
Hamilton, O n t.................
Hancock, M ich.................
Hartford, Conn.................
Holyoke, Mass...................
Houston, T e x ...................
Indianapolis, I n d ............
Jackson, M ich...................
Jersey City, N. J ...............
Lynn, Mass.......................
Long Island City, N. Y ...
Memphis, T e n n ...............
Los Angeles, C a l..............
Mount Vernon, Ohio.......
Milwaukee, W is...............
Minneapolis, M inn..........
Moline, 111.........................
Montreal, Q uebec............
Newburg, N. Y .................
$2.90
$2.90
3.00
3.00
2.75
2.75
4.00
4.00
2.75
2.50
2.65
2.65
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.90
2.90
2.75
2.75
3.50
3.50
2.75
2.90
3.00
3.00
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.00
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.50
3.00
2.75
2.80
2.80
4.00
4.00
2.75
2.75
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.20
3.00
3.00
3.00
2.75
3.00
3.50
3.50
2.85
2.85
3.00
3.00
2.90
2.65
3.50
3.50
2.75
2.50
3.00
2.80
3.00
3.00
2.80
2.80
3.50
3.50
3.25
3.25
2.25
2.25
2.65
2.65
3.10
3.10
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.30
3.30
3.00
2.80
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.75
3.25
3.25
3.37*
3.374
2.85
2.85
2.80
3.00
2.88
2.88
2.75
2.75
2.55
2.55
2.75
3.00
Hours
of
labor.
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
9
9
10
9
9
10
9
9
9
10
9
10
10
9
10
10
10
9
10
9
10
9
9
10
9
10
9
9
9
10
9
9
10
9
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
10
10
9
10
10
10
Molders’ minimum
wages.
City.
Floor. Bench.
Newark, N. J .................
Newcastle, Pa.................
New Haven, Conn.........
New London, Conn.......
New Orleans, La............
New York, N. Y .............
Omaha, N ebr.................
Omaha, N ebr.................
Paterson, N. J ...............
Peoria, 111.......................
Peekskill, N. Y ...............
Philadelphia, Pa............
Pittsburg, Pa...................
Plainfield, N. J ...............
Portland, Oreg...............
Poughkeepsie, N. Y .......
Providence, R. I ___.___
Quincy, 111......................
Racine, Wis....................
Richmond, I n d .............
Rochester, N. Y ..............
San Antonio, T ex ..........
San Francisco, Cal.........
Saginaw, M ich...............
Salem, M ass...................
Salem, O h io ...................
Scranton, Pa..................
Seattle, Wash.................
Seneca Falls, N. Y .........
Sing Sing, N. Y ..............
Springfield, Mass..........
Springfield, M o ..............
Springfield, HI...............
Springfield, O h io ..........
St. Joseph, M o...............
St. Louis, M o .................
St. Paul, M inn...............
Syracuse, N. Y ...............
Tacoma, Wash...............
Toledo, Ohio..................
Toronto, Ont...................
Toronto, Ont....... ..........
Trenton, N. J .................
Troy, N. Y ......................
Utica, N. Y ....................
Vancouver, B. C ............
Victoria, B. C .................
Washington, D. C..........
Waterbury, Conn..........
West Superior, W is .......
Wilmington, Del............
Windsor Locks, Conn...
Warren, Ohio.................
Worcester, M ass............
Youngstown, Ohio.........
$2.90
3.00
2.75
2.75
3.00
3.00
3.05
2.90
3.00
3.00
2.90
3.00
2.75
3.50
3.00
2.75
2.75
2.85
2.65
2.75
3.00
3.25
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.50
2.60
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.90
2.90
2.85
3.00
2.88
2.70
3.50
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.75
3.50
3.50
2.75
2.75
2.88
2.474
2.75
2.90
3.00
3.00
$2.65
3.00
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.75
2.88
2.70
3.00
2.75
2.90
3.00
2.75
3.50
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.65
2.65
2.75
3.00
3.25
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.50
2.60
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.90
2.65
2.85
2.90
2.88
2.70
3.50
2.75
2.75
2.75
2.75
3.00
2.75
3.50
3.50
2.75
2.75
2.88
2.474
2.75
2.90
3.00
3.00
Hours
of
labor.
9
9
10
9
9
9
94
9
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
10
9
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
9
10
9
94
9
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
10
9
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
10
9
RECENT REPORTS OP STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R H O D E IS L A N D
Sixteenth A nnual R eport o f the Commissioner o f Industrial Statistics,
made to the General Assem bly at its January session, 1903. Henry
E . Tiepke, Commissioner,
viii, 535 pp.
The following are the subjects presented m this report: Statistics
of textile manufactures, 78 pages; official valuations of property, 33
pages; imports and exports of merchandise, 13 pages; strikes, lock
outs, and shut downs, 61 pages; banking institutions, 38 pages; free
public employment offices, 23 pages; decisions of courts affecting
labor, 235 pages; labor laws, 32 pages; textile school, 5 pages.
T e x t il e M
a n u f a c t u r e s .—
Comparative statistics are given for the
years 1900 and 1901 for 188 identical establishments, of which 90 were
engaged in the manufacture o f cotton goods, 13 in the manufacture of
hosiery and knit goods, 17 were bleacheries and dye and print works,
1 were in the manufacture of silk goods, and 61 in the manufacture of
woolen goods.
The table following summarizes the statistics:
STATISTICS OF 188 TEXTILE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, 1900 AND 1901.
Increase.
1900.
Items.
Single proprietors..................................................
F irm s................................................................. ...
Corporations...........................................................
Partners in firm s....................................................
Stockholders in corporations................................
Aggregate wages p aid :..........................................
Average days m operation...................................
Employees:
Average nu m ber.............................................
Greatest num ber.............................................
Smallest num ber..... .......................................
Average yearly earnings................................
1901.
Amount.
Per cent.
34
29
125
71
3,816
$17,998,136
292.45
33
25
130
66
3,882
$18,707,183
289.88
al
a4
5
a5
66
$709,047
a 2.57
o2.94
ol3.7»
4.00
o7.04
1.73
3.94
o.88
47,600
51,504
41,426
$378.11
48,604
53,317
44,428
$384.89
1,004
1,813
3,002
$6.78
2.11
3.52
7.25
1.79
a Decrease.
F or 1901 alone statistics are given for 200 establishments, o f which
96 were engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, 11 in the manu
facture of hosiery and knit goods, 22 were bleacheries and dye and
print works, 1 were in the manufacture of silk goods, and 61 in the
manufacture of woolen goods.
establishments follows:
A summary of the statistics of the 200
Single proprietors................................................................................................ "
34
F ir m s .....................................................................................................................
27
Corporations...... „ ...............................................................................................
139
Partners in firm s...... . .........................................................................................
74
Stockholders in corporations.............................................................................
3,965
Aggregate wages paid.......................................................................................... $19,679,723
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR— RHODE ISLAND.
Employees
Average n u m b er.........................................................................................
Greatest number .......................................................................................
Smallest n u m ber.........................................................................................
Average yearly earnings............................................................................
437
51,346
56,205
46,982
$383.28
The following statement shows, for selected occupations, the average
weekly wages paid during 1901 in the textile industries of the State:
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES IN SELECTED OCCUPATIONS IN TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, 1901.
Industry.
Machin
ists.
$12.35
18.00
13.88
$12.95
15.50
14.43
13.50
14.38
Cotton go o d s.............................................
Hosiery and knit g ood s...........................
Bleacheries and dye and print works.. .
Silk goods...................................................
Woolen g ood s...........................................
14.20
Loom
fixers.
Frame
Mule
spinners. spinners. Weavers.
$11.73
15.00
$5.22
6.00
£8
©00
&
Black
smiths.
$8.34
13.00
11.75
14.49
6.08
10.50
9.83
9.67
12.30
S t r i k e s , L o c k o u t s , a n d S h u t D o w n s . — This is a chronological
record of the various labor troubles occurring within the State during
1902, derived chiefly from reports given in the newspapers. N o sta
tistics are presented which can be summarized.
F r e e P u b l i c E m p l o y m e n t O f f i c e s . — Under this title are presented
statistics of these employment agencies as now maintained by the
States of Illinois, Ohio, and Connecticut. There is a demand that
similar offices be established in the industrial centers of Rhode Island.
D e c is io n s o f C o u r t s A f f e c t i n g L a b o r . — In this part of the report
are reproduced the decisions published in the Bulletin of the United
States Bureau of Labor during the year 1902.
L a b o r L a w s . — A reprint of the labor laws of the State constitutes
this section of the report.
T e x t i l e S c h o o l . — Under this caption is presented the report of a
joint special committee appointed in 1902 to inquire into the establish
ment of a school for textile industries. Doubting the wisdom of incur
ring at present the expense of establishing a separate school, and thus
perhaps duplicating educational apparatus, the committee recommends
that an increased annual appropriation be made to the Rhode Island
School of Design, upon its furnishing adequate opportunities for
instruction, both to students and operatives, in textile designing and
textile work.
V IR G IN IA .
F ifth A nnual R eport o f the Bureau o f Labor and Industrial Statis
tics f o r the State o f Virginia. 1902. James B. Doherty, Commis
sioner. 205 pp.
The subjects presented in this report may be grouped under the
following heads: Manufacturing industries, 87 pages; railroad employ
ees, 10 pages; waterworks and gas works, 12 pages; mine products,
7 pages; decisions of courts affecting labor, 32 pages; labor laws, 41
pages; trade unions, 13 pages.
M
a n u f a c t u r in g
I n d u s t r i e s . — Returns were secured from 14 indus
438
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OE LABOR.
tries of the State, giving, for each establishment reporting, capital
invested, value of product, amount paid in wages, number of days
worked, and number, daily wages, and hours of labor of each class of
employees; also reports as to changes in wages. The table following
summarizes the principal data.
STATISTICS OF MANUFACTURES, 1901.
Industries.
Estab
lish
ments.
A rtificia l i c e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................................
Boxes and baskets.................................................
Breweries..............................................................
Cigars, cigarettes, and cheroots.........................
Cotton m il l s ......................................................................
Fish oil and fish guano........................................
Flour m i l l s ........................................................................
Iron and machine works.....................................
Knitting m ills ..................................................................
Paper and pulp.....................................................
Printing and engraving.......................................
Shirts and underwear..........................................
Tobacco factories.................................................
Woolen m i l l s ....................................................................
Capital
invested.
Value of
product.
3387,364
544,992
914,169
621,324
3,419,000
333,469
1,106,899
4,850,627
459,272
508,923
612,796
44,500
2,479,202
490,679
3154,068
338,494
1,690,152
348,639
811,539
119,420
652,699
5,631,400
2,447,407
573,454
587,620
133,251
3,465,223
96,907
16,128,727 4,716,942
346,125
1,326,967
607,202
74,035
305,899
921,691
32,250
118,100
744,806
6,069,069
79,348
477,156
14
16
5
39
7
8
48
31
12
6
42
6
30
7
Wages
paid.
Wageearners.
146
1,476
225
1,801
3,024
606
325
9,122
1,590
237
573
147
3,481
319
In a majority o f the cigar and tobacco factories eight to ten hours
constituted a day’s work, in iron and machine works nine to ten hours,
and in cotton and woolen mills ten to eleven hours. A large propor
tion of all establishments canvassed reported full time worked during
the year and trade conditions good, while a considerable number
reported an increase in wages.
R a i l r o a d E m p l o y e e s . — Tables are given showing, by occupations,
the number o f persons employed by the railroads of the State during
the year 1901, together with the number of days worked and the total
yearly and the average daily wages paid each class o f employees.
Accidents to employees, by causes, are also presented for the year.
The table following shows, by occupations, the number employed
and the average daily wages for the years 1899 and 1901, and the total
amount paid in wages during 1901:
NUMBER AND WAGES OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES.
Occupations.
Number of
employees.
1899.
General office c le rk s....................................................
Station agents................................................................
Other station m en.........................................................
Enginemen.....................................................................
Firemen..........................................................................
Conductors.....................................................................
Other trainmen..............................................................
M achinists...................................................................
Carpenters....................................................................
Other shopmen..............................................................
Section foremen............................................................
Other trackm en............................................................
Switchmen, flagmen, and watchmen.........................
Telegraph operators and dispatchers.........................
Employees, floating equipment...................................
Other emolovees and laborers.....................................
Total......................... ........................
1901.
Average daily
wages.
Total wages,
1901.
1899.
1901.
737
881
2,390
2,327
947
651
1,699
637
1,474
3,183
665
4,679
996
890
317
2,251
1,149
1,065
2,220
1,247
1,438
871
2,113
905
1,848
3,421
953
7,449
1,144
1,021
356
4,006
$2.07
1.31
1.11
3.33
1.50
2.66
1.37
2.22
1.79
1.55
1.42
.94
1.10
1.72
1.38
1.23
$1.91
1.45
1.34
3.84
1.74
3.03
1.50
2.15
1.68
1.58
1.41
.96
1.31
1.60
1.46
1.33
$636,696.38
535,918.18
913,298.33
1,438,016.19
>648,834.89
784.562.75
889.481.76
581.521.66
934,624.70
1,582,916.73
466,123.31
1,710,200.62
462,965.22
543,315.44
173.304.67
1,573,576.09
«24,634
31,206
1.56
1.52
13,875,356.92
a The sum of the items does not agree with this total; the figures, however, are reproduced as they
appear in the original.
439
REPORTS OF STATE BUREAUS OF LABOR---- VIRGINIA
Accidents to employees from moving trains, locomotives, or cars
resulted in 57 being killed and 538 being injured, and accidents from
causes other than moving trains, etc., resulted in 2 being killed and
876 being injured.
M i n e P r o d u c t s . — During 1901 the State produced 2,725,873 short
tons of coal of a total spot value o f $2,353,989. There was an average
of 4,152 persons employed for 279 working days. During the same year
907,130 short tons of coke were produced at a total value at ovens of
$1,483,670.
In 1900 the granite production of the State amounted to
$211,080, slate to $190,211, gypsum to $18,111, limestone to $403,318,
talc and soapstone to $116,930, clay products (brick, tile, and pottery)
to $1,305,195, manganese ores to $69,924, and iron ores (Virginia and
W est Virginia combined) to $1,489,318.
C o u r t D e c is io n s a n d L a b o r L a w s . — In this part of the report
are reproduced from the Bulletins of the United States Bureau of
Labor decisions of courts affecting labor, and laws of various States
relating to labor enacted during 1901.
T r a d e U n i o n s . — Reports were received from 116 organizations,
representing a membership of 10,062. During 1901 the amount paid
out for assistance by 111 organizations aggregated $18,803.19. W a ges
and hours of labor of members of unions, and opinions on questions
relating to labor are also given, The following table gives the trades
unionized, with the number of organizations and members reported
for each:
LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, 1901.
Occupations.
Organiza Members.
tions.
Bakers and confectioners —
Barbers.....................................
Blacksmiths.............................
Boilermakers...........................
Boilermakers* helpers............
Bookbinders............................
Brewery w orkm en.................
Bricklayers..............................
Carpenters and join ers..........
Cigar makers...........................
Electrical workers...................
Garment workers....................
Glass bottle blowers...............
Granite cutters........................
Locomotive engineers............
Locomotive firemen...............
Machinists..............................
M olders...................................
Musicians................................
5553— No. 51—04-----15
2
1
3
5
1
1
3
6
10
4
3
2
2
2
9
8
6
3
2
113
14
64
177
54
24
162
284
736
152
227
162
62
76
442
356
672
209
93
Occupations.
Painters,and decorators.........
Pattern makers......................
Plumbers and gas fitters.......
Pressmen................................
Railroad clerks......................
Railroad conductors..............
Railroad trainmen.................
Retail clerks...........................
Seamen...................................
Sheet-metal workers..............
Slate and tile roofers..............
Stoveimounters......................
Street-railway employees___
Tailors.....................................
Telegraphers...........................
Tobacco workers....................
Typographers.........................
Total................................
Organiza Members.
tions.
4
1
2
1
1
5
2
3
1
4
1
1
2
203
17
102
4
5
34
47
273
154
124
2,400
152
9
16
576
141
180
1,226
329
116
10,062
5
1
RECENT FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS.
FRANCE.
Apprentissage.
Enquete et Documents.
Conseil Superieur du Travail,
Ministere du Commerce, de l’Industrie, des Postes et des Telegraphes. Session de 1902. xlviii, 489 pp.
The present volume contains the report and recommendations of the
permanent commission of the superior council of labor on the subject
of apprenticeship. The report is based upon an investigation covering
portions of the years 1901 and 1902, and consists mainly of documents
submitted by the commission, the most important of which are: T ext
of the law of February 22, 1851, concerning apprenticeship contracts
and an account of the efforts made since 1848 to secure this legislation;
apprenticeship laws of various foreign countries; specimens of regula
tions and forms of apprenticeship contracts in use in France, Denmark,
and Switzerland; evidence given before the labor councils of Paris
relative to the present investigation, and discussion thereon; and a
general resume and a resume by trades of the answers to the questions
sent out by the commission.
Tw o sets of questions were sent to the councils of prud’hommes,
chambers of commerce, employers’ associations, mixed associations of
employers and employees, workingmen’s unions, cooperative produc
tive societies, etc. One set, hereafter referred to as schedule 1, was
made to apply to all the trades and industries o f a region. Its object
was to ascertain in general the present condition of apprenticeship,
the complement of trade instruction deemed necessary by the parties
filling out the schedule, the difficulties arising in the execution of
apprenticeship contracts
under the present law, the reforms that
should be introduced into the law because of changed industrial con
ditions, etc.
Schedule 2 was made to apply only to those trades in
which apprenticeship is regulated by contract, either written or oral.
F ifty -six hundred copies o f schedule 1 and 10,000 of schedule 2 were
distributed, of which 557 and 1,364, respectively, were filled out and
returned to the commission.
complete to be used.
O f the latter, only 1,283 were sufficiently
The main facts brought out in these replies are
summarized as follows:
In response to the inquiry in schedule 1 concerning the present con
dition of the apprenticeship system, the returns show that in 110 out
o f 219 trades the apprenticeship system is still in general use; in 92
440
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS---- FRANCE.
441
trades it is customary in some sections and not in others, and in 17
trades it has entirely disappeared. In those occupations. in which
apprenticeship no longer exists workmen are recruited mostly from
the helpers. The opinion is general that lack of properly trained
workers has led to the decadence of certain industries, and that the
disappearance of apprenticeship has caused a lowering of wages and
has increased enforced idleness.
In response to an inquiry on schedule 2, one-fifth of the chambers of
commerce, 36 per cent of the employers’ associations, and nearly threefourths of the workingmen’s unions and cooperative productive soci
eties reported that usually the apprentice was not employed on useful
work and was not given a complete instruction in the trade.
In two-
thirds of the No. 1 schedules returned the opinion was expressed that
there is a retrogression in the trade instruction o f workmen.
The 1,283 returns of schedule 2 were made for trades in which
apprentices are still employed, at least in.some parts of France.
returns apply to 150 trades.
These
In 23 schedules the period o f apprentice
ship shown was from 10 days to 6 months; in 105, from 1 to 2 years;
in 504, from 2 to 3 years; in 558, from 3 to 4 years; in 45, from 4 to 5
years, and in 22 it was 5 years. In the remaining 26 schedules the
time was not specified.
In nine-tenths of these schedules the contract
of apprenticeship is stated to be purely verbal. The ratio o f appren
tices to workmen was stated in 1,050 schedules. In 537 schedules it
was placed at 1 apprentice to at least 10 workmen; in 284, at 2 to 10;
in 114, at 3 to 10; in 88, at 4 or 5 to 10; and in 27, at from 6 to 12
apprentices to 10 workmen. In response to an inquiry whether the
certificate o f apprenticeship required by law to be given to appren
tices is regarded by employers as a proof o f capacity, 288 schedules
show an affirmative and 745 a negative reply. In 193 returns it was
stated that the certificate is not demanded or is not in use, while in
57 returns the question was not answered.
These, in brief, are the general facts in regard to the present situa
tion of apprenticeship as brought out by the investigation.
The commission believes that the present apprenticeship law (a) is
defective and incomplete in several important respects and that under
its operation the professional standard of French workmen is declin
ing.
This view is sustained by two-thirds of the trade and economic
institutions that expressed an opinion on this point.
The commission
presents an analysis of provisions in the laws of certain foreign coun
tries having reference to the practical control and supervision of the
trade instruction o f the apprentice, the deposition or registration of the
apprenticeship contract, the attendance on trade schools and trade
courses (which is obligatory in some countries), the supervision of
«For an analysis of this law see Bulletin of the Department of Labor, No. 25, pp.
839—842.
442
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
apprenticeship by competent persons, the examination of apprentices
and the granting of a certificate or diploma, the requirement of a
written contract, etc. In all these points the commission recognizes the
inferiority o f the French law, considering it especially defective in
permitting verbal contracts, for in practice only those apprentices who
have written contracts (about one-tenth o f the total number) are really
protected by the law.
In fact, more than one-half of each class of
institutions and more than four-fifths of all institutions reporting
declare that as a means o f improving apprenticeship the law should
require contracts to be written.
Other measures for the improvement of apprenticeship were pro
posed in the schedules.
The opinion was general that in future
apprentices should be prepared in the trade schools or their practical
training should be supplemented by attendance on the complementary
trade courses. Three-fourths of the institutions answering the ques
tions as to trade schools, etc., advocated obligatory attendance on the
complementary courses, the time required to be deducted from the
legal workday.
Employers’ associations, however, were divided on
this question, and chambers of commerce were as a rule opposed to
making such attendance obligatory. T o enhance the value of the
certificate to which the apprentice is entitled at the expiration of his
contract it was suggested that he be required to pass an examination
before the council of prud’hommes or a mixed commission, the exam
ining body to deliver a certificate in case o f success. Nearly one-half
of the institutions reporting were in favor of fixing by law the m axi
mum period of apprenticeship and four-fifths of them were opposed to
limiting the number o f apprentices. A pertain number o f working
men’s unions, productive societies, councils of prud’hommes, and
employers’ associations declared that some sort of supervision of
apprenticeship is necessary.
I t is stated that there is a decline in the trade instruction of French
workmen, a fact long recognized in some quarters, and efforts have
been made to offset its effects by the establishment o f trade schools,
trade courses, etc. A large number o f these schools and courses are
now maintained by individuals, employers’ associations, trade unions,
and other organizations, in addition to those maintained b y the State
and local governments.
The recommendations of the commission are not very radical in view
o f the facts brought out b y the investigation.
Taking the present law
as a basis, it is proposed to m odify certain of its articles in accordance
with the following general propositions:
1. W h ile the law should, as at present, grant full liberty to enter
into a contract of apprenticeship or not as the parties see fit, the con
tract when made should be written.
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS---- FRANCE.
443
2. The supervision of apprenticeship should be provided for by law.
Such supervision should be confided to local commissions composed
equally of employers and workingmen, or, in the event of their failing
to act, to the councils of prud’hommes.
3. A n examination in the theory and practice of the trades should
be instituted and a certificate of trade instruction given to successful
candidates, the examination to be before the council of prud’hommes
or some other competent body, and the certificate to be given by the
council o f prud’hommes.
4. In case of grave abuses the council o f prud’hommes, acting on
the motion of the local trade commission mentioned in proposition 2,
if there be one, and by virtue of their office when there is no such
commission, may, after trial, reduce and limit the number of appren
tices in an establishment; and in case o f a second offense or after very
grave faults the council may temporarily or permanently withdraw
the right of an offender to employ apprentices. This proposition is
based partly upon the assumption that an unscrupulous person might
employ a number of apprentices wholly unwarranted by the size of his
establishment, with results detrimental to the trade and to the appren
tices themselves. There is no idea o f limiting the ratio between
apprentices and workmen in an establishment or trade.
5. In whatever concerns apprenticeship and the limitation of the
number o f apprentices in a given trade the law should permit mixed
commissions, representing employers7 and workingmen’s organiza
tions that may have come to an agreement concerning those matters,
to appear before the council of prud’hommes and prove an injury
caused to all or a portion of their members by unfair competition
arising from the abuse o f the terms o f such agreement by any person,
whether he is a party to the agreement or not.
It is stated that the idea expressed in this last proposition could be
best carried out by amending the law of M arch 21, 1884, concerning
trade organizations, rather than the law of February 22, 1851. B y
giving a legal standing to the mixed commissions representing employ
ers’ and workingmen’s organizations in a given trade, it is hoped the
troublesome question of limiting the number o f apprentices will be
amicably adjusted by employers and workmen in each trade or industry.
These proposed changes in the law would apply only to those who
are employed under a written contract of apprenticeship.
The com
mission estimates that nine-tenths o f those persons under 18 years of
age who are employed in industry or commerce, or about 540,000 in
all, would not be protected by the amended law.
T o insure the
proper trade training o f these unprotected young persons, it is pro
posed further to amend the law so as to guarantee them a minimum of
trade instruction o f a character to correspond with the work upon
444
BULLETIN OP THE BUREAU OP LABOR.
which they shall be employed.
The instruction may be given in the
workshop, but if it can not be given there or if the employer does not
wish to assume the responsibility for it, it shall be given in the trade
schools and trade courses. The degree of instruction received should
be shown by examination and certification. The possession of a cer
tificate of trade instruction by a person under 18 years of age would
relieve him and the employer from compliance with the apprenticeship
law.
O N T A R IO .
Third R eport o f the Bureau o f Labor o f the Province o f Ontario %fo r the
year ending December 3 1 , 1902. R. Glockling, Secretary. 191 pp.
The present report contains an address on the value and influence
of labor statistics, by Carroll D . W r ig h t; a list of the labor bureaus
of various States and countries; replies to inquiries o f the bureau as
to new industries established or desired in various localities; a report
on labor organizations, including one on strikes and lockouts; extracts
from official publications, showing strikes in Canada, Great Britain,
and the United States, and changes of wages in Great Britain; statis
tics of manufactures; a consideration of free public employment offi
ces; decisions of courts affecting labor, and a chronology and synopsis
of the labor laws of Ontario.
L a b o r O r g a n i z a t i o n s . — Schedules were sent to 600 addresses, to
which 29T replies were received, representing 84 trades or other bases
of union. The number and nature of the organizations reporting
were 257 trades and labor unions, 10 trades and labor councils, 6
Knights of Labor assemblies, and 3 federations of trades. Detailed
reports o f organizations are presented, together with a table furnish
ing a directory of officers and other information relating to each
union.
Average wages per week and hours o f labor of members,
with comparisons with wages and hours of labor o f unorganized work
men, are also given, but no summaries are presented.
F or the period from September 1, 1901, to December 31, 1902, 75
strikes and 4 lockouts were reported, involving about 500 establish
ments and 6,863 persons, and covering an aggregate o f 1,227 days.
This does not include 1 strike still pending on December 31, 1902.
M
a n u f a c t u r e s .—
Under this head are presented the returns from
236 establishments, showing for each the number of employees, days
in operation, total wages paid, value of product, average yearly earn
ings and daily wages, and per cent of value of product devoted to
wages,* and to material, other expenses, and profits.
O f these 236
establishments, 222 represent 23 industries, the remaining 14 estab
lishments being grouped as miscellaneous.
year ending December 31, 1901.
The returns are fo r the
The table following presents the
principal totals for each of the industry classes.
FOREIGN STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS— ONTARIO,
445
STATISTICS OF MANUFACTURES, 1901.
Industries.
A gricultural im plem ents..................................................
Brewing and m altin g.......................................................
Canned^goods.........T.........................................................
C igars. ~ .............................................................................
C loth in g.............................................................................
Confectionery, etc..............................................................
Carriages and wagons.......................................................
Brick, cem ent, etc..............................................................
Dairy products...................................................................
Flouring m ills....................................................................
F urniture...........................................................................
Gas, electric light, etc.......................................................
L um ber.............................................................................
M achinery and iron fou ndries........................................
M edicines, etc....................................................................
Planing m ills....................................................................
Printing and publish ing..................................................
Pianos and organs............................................................
Pulp m aking......................................................................
Pork p a ck in g ....................................................................
Sash, doors, and blinds.....................................................
W ood specialties...............................................................
W oolens and cottons.........................................................
M iscellaneous....................................................................
T ota l.........................................................................
Estab
lish
ments.
Em
ploy
ees.
5
3
4
3
304
75
488
65
348
472
414
234
8
6
7
10
2
17
9
24
13
27
2
11
26
4
2
2
5
10
22
14
236
11
305
836
1,062
777
1,232
28
278
550
706
156
78
127
643
1,510
785
Total
wages.
Aver
age
annual
earn
ings.
$109,000 $358.55
44,300 590.67
84,000 172.13
26,690 410.62
111,100 319.25
168,670 357.35
148,531 358.77
82,404 352.15
1,300 118.18
83,934 275.19
294,956 352.82
541,458 509.85
282,092 363.05
452,584 367.36
8,020 286.43
74,568 268.23
216,983 394.51
294,220 416.74
57,300 367.31
30,606 392.38
42,593 335.38
199,115 309.67
314,153 208.05
296,844 378.15
11,484 3,965,421
345.30
Value of
product.
$388,500
242,190
375,000
79,000
351,500
1,305,000
527,297
193,487
72,605
1,663,585
752,174
1,700,721
680,000
1,708,980
30,000
449,835
548,104
842,000
394,382
1,008,781
139,000
523,393
1,818,553
2,031,133
17,825,220
To the 11,484 persons employed in the 236 manufacturing estab
lishments an aggregate of $3,965,421 was paid in wages. The average
annual earnings per person was $345.30 and the average daily wage
$1.18.
O f the total value of product, 22.24 per cent went to labor,
while the remaining 77.76 per cent was distributed among cost of
material, interest, taxes, rent, insurance, miscellaneous expenses, and
profit.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
[This subject, begun in Bulletin No. 2, has been continued in successive issues.
A ll material parts o f the decisions are reproduced in the words of the courts, in di
cated when short by quotation marks, and when long by being printed solid. In
order to save space, matter needed sim ply b y way of explanation is given in the
w ords of the editorial reviser.]
D E C IS IO N S U N D E R S T A T U T O R Y L A W .
E m ployers’ L
pal—
ia b il it y —
Sa fe P lace
to
W
C o n s t r u c t io n
ork—
of
Statu te— V
ic e
P r in c i
Southern Indiana R a ilw a y Company v.
H arrell, Supreme Court o f Indiana, 68 Northeastern R eporter, page
26%.— In this case Jackson H . Harrell sued the above-named railway
company for injuries received while in its employment. Harrell was
employed with others in the building o f a pier for a railroad bridge,
and to aid in its construction a derrick had been erected upon a plat
form a few feet north of a temporary track used to aid in the work.
This derrick was so constructed that heavy stones supported by it
tended to swing toward the track, this construction being intentional
to facilitate its use. Harrell was working with a group o f men of
whom one Gratzer was foreman, and at the time of the accident which
caused the injury was seated on a projecting bent. Just as a train
which had been standing at the place of the men’s employment was
moving away, Gratzer signalled the engineer controlling the derrick
to raise a stone which was lying on the pier, and in the meantime
three men, Courtney, Clemmons, and Polland, were holding the stone
away from the track by means of a rope so that it should not swing
against the cars.
A fte r a time Clemmons and Polland let go of the
rope to go about other duties, and Courtney, finding the stone too
heavy for him to hold alone, also let go, so that the suspended stone
caught on a running board of one of the passing cars and was made to
swing against Harrell, injuring his
feet.
Gratzer had exclusive
charge of the stone work, directing the men and working himself.
The action was brought under the second subdivision o f section 7083
Burns’s Rev. S t., 1901, which declares that a railroad company is liable
for injury to a servant resulting from the negligence of any person in
the service o f such corporation to whose order the injured employee
was bound to conform and did conform.
The circuit court of Greene
County awarded damages to Harrell, which judgment was on appeal
affirmed in the appellate court.
Further appeal was taken to the
supreme court, and the judgement o f the other courts was reversed.
446
DECISIONS OP CODRTS AFFECTING LABOR.
447
A fte r stating the facts, Judge Gillett, who delivered the opinion o f
the court, continued as follows:
This brings us to the question as to whether appellant was respon
sible for the negligence of Gratzer, assuming that ne, as well as Clem
mons and Polland, was guilty of negligence. A t to the Employers’
Liability A c t (section 7083 et seq., Burns’ Rev. St. 1901), it is evident
that appellant is not liable under the second subdivision of the first
section. That subdivision was not intended to create a liability based
on an order or direction, where such order or direction was as broad
as the whole service, and where the injured servant, without the com
pulsion of an order or direction from one whose order or direction he
was required to obey, was at the time governing himself according to
his own judgment as to what was proper. In so far as the fourth
subdivision of said section is concerned, it does not appear that Gratzer
belonged to any of the classes o f servants particularly mentioned
therein. The latter part o f said subdivision is not any broader than
the common law upon the subject; so we may as well consider the
remaining question as to liability from that standpoint.
Assum ing that Gratzer was negligent, as we have before done,
it would follow that appellant might have been liable to a stranger,
under the rule of respondeat superior, had he been in appellee’s place.
B u t in appellee’s case negligence could not be predicated on his injury
if it was a result of one o f the risks of the service, because as to
those risks which the servant assumes there is no duty.
One of the leading duties of a master, except in instances when it
can be said that the complaining servant has assumed the particular
risk, is to use ordinary care to keep the place where such servant is
employed in as safe a condition as the nature of the employment fairly
admits of. To make the above statement certain requires a consid
eration of the meaning of the word “ place.” I f by this it is meant
that the master, by himself or representative, must be always present
to ward off every transient peril that may menace the servant in the
particular spot or place that ne may chance to occupy while engaged
m the performance of his work, then it must be affirmed that the rule
of law devolves upon the master a duty that in many instances it
would be wholly impracticable to discharge. A railroad company
could scarcely employ vice principals enough to make it sufficiently
argus-eyed to guard its servants to that extent. Furthermore, it is to be
observed that in some lines of business, like the operation o f a rail
road, many servants are employed whose respective duties are so cor
related that in the very forwarding o f the master’s business they are
protecting the lives and limbs of their coservants; and if some limita
tion be not put upon the word “ place,” as respects transient dangers
in the conducting of the details o f the business, then every one of such
servants becomes, for some purposes, a vice principal, and the integrity
of the coservant rule is destroyed.
A s was said in the decision of Butler v. Townsend, 126 N. Y . 105,
26 N . E . 1017: “ A place, in its broad sense, is never safe in which an
accident happens, and an accident always happens in some place, and
so the master m ight almost become an insurer.”
In line with the above observations are the following expressions
from the decision of Hermann v. Port Blakely M ill Co. (I). C .)7 1 Fed.
853: “ The word ‘ place,’ in my judgment, means the premises where
448
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOB.
the work is being done, and does not comprehend the negligent acts
of fellow-servants, by reason of which the place is rendered unsafe or
dangerous. The fact that the negligent act of a fellow-servant renders
a place o f work unsafe is no sure and safe test of the master’s duty and
liability in this respect, for it may well be said that any negligence
which results in damage to some one makes a particular spot or place
dangerous or unsafe. T o so hold would virtually be making the master
responsible for any negligence of a fellow-servant which renders a
place o f work unsafe or dangerous. I t would be doing the very thing
which it is the policy and object of the general rule not to do. It
would create a liability which the master could not avoid by the exer
cise o f any degree of foresight or care.”
Granting that for some purposes the man Gratzer was a vice prin
cipal, we are unable to perceive that he was acting in that capacity at
the time that he gave the alleged negligent order. The risk of injury
from the negligence of a foreman is as much within the servant’s
assumption as is the risk that he may be injured by the act of any
other coservant. [Cases cited.] The evidence in this case shows that
Gratzer took part in the physical work o f setting stone in the con
struction o f the pier, and he was working as a servant when he gave
the order looking to the setting o f the stone which injured appellee.
T o sum up the question as to the claim o f a common-law liability:
The appellant was not bound to have a representative present at every
moment to keep the place that appellee might chance to occupy safe,
as against the possible negligence o f a coemployee. The man Gratzer
was engaged at the time o f his alleged negligence as a servant in for
warding the work. Appellee and Gratzer were coservants, and, as it
is not alleged or proved that appellant did not exercise due care in the
selection and retention o f such foreman, it follows that appellant is
not liable for his negligence in the particular instance.
The judgment o f the Greene circuit court and of the appellate court
are reversed, and the former court is directed to award appellant a
new trial.
E m ployers’
L
ia b il it y —
E m ploym ent
of
C h il d r e n — E f f e c t
of
S t a t u t e — P erry v. Tozer, Supreme Court o f M innesota, 97 N orth
western R eporter, page 137.— In this case James Elm er Perry, a
minor, sued by his next friend to recover damages for injuries re
ceived while in the service of David Tozer.
Perry was 14 years of
age and was employed in Tozer’s sawmill tending a “ slab conveyor”
and while so occupied was injured by his foot slipping into the gearing,
by which it was drawn into the machinery and so injured as to require
amputation of his right leg below the knee.
The grounds on which
recovery was sought were, first, the unlawful employment of Perry
by reason o f his immature years; second, the neglect of Tozer to
properly guard the sprocket wheel and chain where Perry’s foot was
caught; and, third, the failure of the employer to give proper warn
ings and instructions of the risk incurred.
Judgment of damages was
awarded in the district court of W ashington County, from which an
appeal was taken on the grounds that the evidence was insufficient
DFCISIOHS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
449
and also that the judge of the lower court had given undue weight to
certain legislation relating to the employment of children.
The
appeal resulted in the judgment of the lower court being affirmed.
A s to the point of the evidence in the case, Judge Lovely, who an
nounced the opinion of the supreme court, said:
From an examination o f the entire evidence we are satisfied that it
reasonably tends to show that the guards in front o f the gearing where
plaintiff’s foot was caught, which to outward appearances protected
him, would permit the slipping of the operator’s foot into the revolv
ing machinery behind the wooden box covering it; and whether the
defendant was negligent in this respect was for the jury. Neither is
it conclusive that the plaintiff was required to have made a more
thorough examination of the gearing and guard near which he was
required to place his feet while performing his duties, nor that he
assumed the risks and hazards occasioned thereby; hence that part of
the blended motion asking for judgment was properly denied. W e
can not say, either, that plaintiff should have exercised greater cau
tion, or failed in ordinary care, in preventing his feet from being
caught. The evidence tended to show that he had received no warn
ing o f danger, and upon all these questions the verdict must be held
conclusive, and allowed to stand, unless there was error in respect to
a material instruction upon the burden of proof, and the damages are
so large, in view o f plaintiff’s injuries, as to indicate that it was the
result of passion and prejudice.
On the question of the statutes, the court first cited at some length
the provisions relating to the employment of children under the age
o f 14 years and employment o f children during school age and in par
ticular the seventh section of chapter 171, laws of 1895, which forbids
the employment o f an infant between the ages of 14 and 16 years
unless the employer has procured a certificate from the school superin
tendent or school principal permitting such employment. In discuss
ing the effect of this statute the court spoke in part as follows:
Counsel for defendant insists that the statutes from which we have
quoted at length, so far as the same related to children of the age of
plaintiff, were intended to secure for their benefit educational benefits
only; therefore could not be regarded as a proximate cause of an acci
dent occurring through the neglect of the master to furnish reasonably
safe instrumentalities for their work upon dangerous instrumentalities,
or in properly protecting the same, or the failure to give necessary
instructions to an injured lad of the specific risks he incurred. W e
can not adopt the view that the sole object of these statutes was to
secure educational advantages to children. Neither the history of the
subject nor the terms of the enactments themselves will justify such a
conclusion.
Authorities of the highest respectability hold that the violation of a
statute prohibiting the employment of a child in a hazardous occupa
tion, where such employment is prohibited by law, establishes a right
to recover for negligence; hence in such cases liability is to be pre
sumed from the employment in disobedience o f law. [Cases cited.]
From the investigation we have made of the reasons for the statute
450
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
upon which the instruction of the trial court was based, we have reached
the conclusion that the certificate which the school authorities are to
give upon their examination of an infant was intended to secure edu
cational advantages to the subjects of legal solicitude, and likewise to
vest in the school officials the power to determine, in the exercise of
wise judgment, whether, from the intelligence and capacity o f such
infant, it would be reasonably sate for him to engage in dangerous
occupations. The failure to obtain this certificate was a violation of
the statute, and entitled the plaintiff to a remedy for the negligent acts
of defendant. Hence it was proper to give effect to the conceded dis
regard o f the law, and, where an injury is within the mischief o f the
statute, it is not easy to see how less weight could be given to the statute
than was expressed by the instruction o f the trial court, which makes
the violation o f the law, with consequent injury from the dangerous
machinery in use in defendant’s mill, prima facie, but not' conclusive
[evidence], of plaintiff’s right to recover.
L
abor
O r g a n iz a t io n s — R ig h t
to
L
abor—
I n t im id a t io n — C o n
Erdm an et al. v. M itchell et al., Supreme Court o f
Pennsylvania, 56 A tla ntic R eporter, page 3 8 7 .— This case came before
the supreme court of Pennsylvania on appeal from the court of
common pleas of Philadelphia County, the action being brought by
s t it u t io n a l
L
aw —
W illiam C. Erdman and others, members o f the Plumbers’ League of
the city o f Philadelphia, against Robert T . M itchell and others, officers
and members of the Allied Building Trades o f Philadelphia. It
appeared that Erdman and his associates were employed as journey
men plumbers in the erection of a large building on which were
employed also a number of nonunion workmen and a larger number
o f workmen of various trades who were affiliated with the Allied
Building Trades above mentioned. A fte r the work had progressed
for some time, a strike was ordered by the executive board of the
Allied Trades, and all workmen affiliated therewith were ordered to
desist from further labor on the ground of the employment on the
building of nonunion men and the members o f the Plumbers’ League,
which was not affiliated with the Allied Trades.
A fte r this strike had
gone into effect, the defendants, Mitchell and others, as representa
tives of the Allied Trades, called on the manager of the firm, who had
a general contract for the building, and said that if he would remove
the objectionable workmen from the building the strike would cease.
A n agreement was finally reached, which was reduced to writing, to
the effect that plumbers should be employed who had the card of the
Allied Trades, and that all other workmen o f other trades now or here
after employed on the building should have in their possession current
cards from unions in affiliation with the defendants’ organization.
In
accordance with this agreement, Erdman and his associates were dis
missed from further employment on this building and work was
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
451
resumed. The nonunion workmen who had been employed were
allowed to continue their service and were not molested.
The plain
tiffs, Erdman and others, then undertook to find employment else
where, but were not able to secure and retain employment in the city
on account of the action of the officers of the Allied Trades, who
announced to the president of the Plumbers5 League, of which Erdman
was a member, that it was the purpose of the Allied Trades to prevent
the employment of any plumber in Philadelphia who was not a member
of a union affiliated with them and that they would use the same
means that they had used in the case above described wherever they
had the opportunity of doing so.
On these facts the court o f common pleas had issued an injunction
prohibiting the defendants, M itchell and others and each and every
one of them, their committees, agents, and servants from interfering
with and from combining, conspiring, or attempting to interfere
with the employment of the plaintiffs or any one or more of them,
either by threatening loss to any employer who might take them into
his service or by any scheme, combination, or conspiracy among
themselves or with others to annoy, hinder, or interfere with or pre
vent any person or persons or corporation from employing or con
tinuing to employ such plaintiffs or any one or more of them by
putting them in fear of loss or trouble, or to do anything to hinder,
impede, or obstruct the plaintiffs or any one or more of them from
securing employment or continuing in employment.
From this
injunction the officers of the Allied Trades took an appeal to the
supreme court, with the result that the decree of the court below was
affirmed and costs assessed upon the appellees.
Judge Dean, for the supreme court, spoke in part as follows:
W e have before us the somewhat unusual case of two warring trades
unions invoking the law for the settlement of their respective rights,
and the determination o f their legal conduct in carrying out the pur
pose o f their respective organizations.
The court below was o f opinion that in so far as defendants, in fu r
therance o f the purposes o f the Council o f the Allied Building Trades,
undertook, by intimidation o f plaintiffs and their employers, to coerce
the plaintiffs into joining their organization, or any particular organi
zation, and by such action caused the workmen to suffer damage, such
action was unlawful, and ought to be restrained by equity. This con
clusion is correct.
This is not an indictment for a statutory offense,
nor for a common-law conspiracy, which last the legislature, by acts
o f 1872 (P. L . 1175), 1876 (P. L . 45), and 1891 (P. L . 300). has prac
tically abolished. It is a suit in equity to restrain an unlawful act.
It is argued by appellees5 counsel that an act may be clearly unlaw
fu l, although not the subject of criminal prosecution; that an agree
ment by a number o f persons that they will, by threats of a strike,
deprive a mechanic of the right to work for others merely because he
does not choose to join a particular union, is a conspiracy to commit
an unlawful act, which conspiracy may be restrained,
452
BULLETIN OB1 THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
W e do not question that defendants m ay, under their constitution and
rules, resolve that they will not work with members of other organiza
tions or with nonunion men, and act accordingly. That is their right,
and their organization, when the conduct o f its members is limited to
refraining from work themselves according to such resolution, is not
unlawful. But it is manifest, from the findings of fact and the testi
mony, that defendants went far beyond this. The contractors under
took the erection of a large and expensive building. They employed
a large number of men skilled in all branches of the building trades, a
majority of whom were members of defendants5union. No notice was
given by the organization to the contractors that their members would
not be permitted to work on the same building with members o f plain
tiffs’ union or with nonunion men. A fte r the building had progressed
until it had reached what may be called its critical stage, a strike
was ordered of all the workmen affiliated with defendants’ union, and
two-thirds of all at work quit. A fte r the strike, negotiations for call
ing it off were opened between the manager for the contractors and
defendants, and the result was the agreement with their union hereto
fore noticed. Then followed the discharge of plaintiffs from work on
that building, and then an interview between the president o f plaintiffs’
union and the secretary o f defendants’ . The latter told the president
that the Allied Trades intended to pursue the same course as at the M ari
ner and Merchant building on every building in the city, for the pur
pose of driving every plumber into a union affiliated with the Allied
Trades. This evidence would have established a criminal conspiracy
at common law. Concede that it would not, under our present legisla
tion, now establish it; nevertheless it is still an unlawful act. There
was no complaint as to wages by any of the workmen on the building
when the strike was declared. A ll wanted to work, and their employ
ers wanted them to work. But these defendants who did not work on
the building had a grievance. Plaintiffs refused to, and would not,
join the defendants’ union. They must be driven to joining it by
threats of loss o f work, and their employers must be compelled to aid
defendants by threats of loss of money on their contract. This is so
plain that it is waste of time to more than state the facts to convince
that the conduct o f defendants was calculated to intimidate both
employees and employers, and consequently was unlawful.
The
frightened employers, to avoid further loss, yielded. The plaintiffs
did not yield, and, to prevent further intimidation of those who would
otherwise employ them, they seek b y this suit to restrain defendants
from future acts o f intimidation.
The first article o f the Constitution says: “ That the general great
and essential principles o f liberty and free government may be recog
nized and unalterably established, we declare, that all men are born
equally free and independent and have certain inherent and indefeas
ible rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and
liberty, o f acquiring, possessing and protecting property and reputa
tion and of pursuing their own happiness.”
Then follows the con
clusion o f this section: “ Everything in this article is excepted out o f
the general powers o f government and shall forever remain inviolate.”
This clause, unlike many others in the Constitution, needs no affirma
tive legislation, civil or criminal, for its enforcement in the civil courts.
W herever a court o f common pleas can be reached by the citizen,
these great and essential principles of free government must be recog
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
453
nized and vindicated by that court, and the indefeasible right of liberty
and the right to acquire property must be protected under the com
mon-law judicial power of the court.
Nor does it need statutory
authority to frame its decrees, or statutory process to enforce them
against the violators of constitutional rights.
The right to the free use of his hands is the workman’s property,
as much as the rich man’s right to the undisturbed income from his
factory, houses, and lands. B y his work he earns present subsistence
for himself and family. H is savings may result in accumulations
which will make him as rich in houses and lands as his employer.
This right of acquiring property is an inherent, indefeasible right of
the workman. To exercise it, he must have the unrestricted privilege
of working for such employer as he chooses, at such wages as he chooses
to accept. This is one of the rights guaranteed him by our declara
tion o f rights. It is a right of which the legislature can not deprive
him, one which the law of no trades union can take from him, and
one which it is the bounden duty of the courts to protect. The one
most concerned in jealously maintaining this freedom is the workman
himself.
A conspiracy is the combination of two or more persons by some
concerted action to accomplish an unlawful purpose. It is unlawful
to deprive a mechanic or workman of work by force, threats, or intimi
dation of any kind. A combination of two or more to do the same
thing by the same means is a conspiracy. That, by the legislation
referred to, such conspiracy is no longer criminal, does not render it
lawful. A t common law the courts held that such combination was so
prejudicial to the public interests and so opposed to public policy, as
rendered it punishable criminally; but the legislature, which generally
determines what is and what is not public policy, has declared that it
is no longer a crime or misdemeanor. But this is as far as it has gone.
It is as far as it could go without abolishing the declaration o f rights.
To do that, the whole people of the commonwealth must be directly
consulted, and they must give assent. F or, while the plain implica
tion from the declaration is that the power to limit this indefeasible
right rests solely with the people, yet, when they adopted the con
stitution of 1874, with an extreme of caution they expressly said,
u Everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of
government and shall forever remain inviolate. ” That is, shall forever
remain with the people. They will not trust their own legislature
with power to minimize or fritter it away— much less, a trades union.
I f the legislature to-day abolished indictment for willful and malicious
trespass, or abolished the writ of estrepement, to-morrow courts of
equity would still be bound, under the declaration of rights, to pro
tect the citizen in the peaceable possession and enjoyment of his land,
even if to do so they were compelled to imprison the lawless trespasser
who refused to obey their writs. So the same courts are still bound
to protect the humblest mechanic or laborer in his right to acquire
property.
It is argued that defendants, either individually or by organization,
have the right now to peaceably persuade plaintiffs and others not to
work, and their employer not to hire them. So they have. It is further
argued that they can quit work when they choose. So they can. But
neither o f these suggested cases is the one before us. Here a strike on
a large building was declared because plaintiffs would not join a par
454
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
ticular society. The declared purpose of the strike was to cause loss
of employment to plaintiffs because they would not join the Allied
Building Trades— chose to remain faithrul to their own union, the
Plumbers5League. The Allied Trades would not declare the strike off,
and permit work on the buildings to proceed until the employers entered
into contract; practically stipulating that they would discharge plain
tiffs, and not reemploy them. It is not important that apt language
precisely expressing the threat should have been used. The meaning
of their declarations and acts was well understood by all parties, The
men lost their work. The employers, after a damaging stoppage, were
permitted to proceed because they yielded to the threat; that is, they
were intimidated because they feared further loss. H ow absurd it is
to call this peaceable persuasion, and how absurd to argue that, if the
law attempts to prevent it, the right of the workmen to organize for
their common benefit is frustrated! A n d then, what about the right
of the Plumbers5 League to organize for the common benefit of its
members, of whom the plaintiffs are a part? The declared purpose
of the Allied Trades is by these acts to absorb this union, and thereby
destroy it. Under no possible view of the conduct of defendants was
it lawful.
And so, as already intimated, it comes simply to the question, shall
the law of an irresponsible trades union, or shall the organic law of a
free commonwealth, prevail ? W e answer, every court of the common
wealth is bound to maintain the latter in letter and spirit.
M
W
u n ic ip a l
orks—
C o r p o r a t io n s — E m p l o y m e n t
C o n s t it u t io n a l it y
of
of
A
l ie n s
on
P u b l ic
S t a t u t e — C ity o f Chicago v. Hulbert
eta l. , Supreme Court o f Illin o is, 68-Northeastern R eporter, page 786.—
This was a case in which Hulbert and others had contested the validity
o f an ordinance providing for the improvement of a street in the city
o f Chicago. The matter was before the court of Cook County and
also before the supreme court of Illinois on various hearings and
appeals, in the course of which one point of more general interest was
developed.
The statute of June 1, 1889, relating to the employment
of aliens on public works had not been observed by the contractor in
carrying out the work of improving the street, and on this ground
payment was contested in the course
supreme court.
of the second appeal to the
On this point we quote from the remarks of Judge
Ricks the following statement, in which that law was held to be
unconstitutional.
It is now insisted by appellees that the proceedings are void, and
that this ordinance can not be sustained, because paragraph 10 of
chapter 6 o f our statutes, entitled “ A lien s,55 was not complied with
(Hurd’s Rev. Stat., 1901, p. 141). That paragraph provides that “ it
shall be unlawful for any *
*
* officer *
* * acting for
* * * any city, * * * or any contractor, or subcontractor,
under any or either of said municipalities, to employ any person or
ersons, other than native born or naturalized citizens, or those who
ave in good faith declared their intentions to become citizens of the
E
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
455
United States, when such employees are to be paid, in whole or in
art, directly or indirectly, out of any funds raised b y taxation.”
‘aragraph 11 of the same statute requires anyone employing labor to
be paid out of the public funds to make a list of the persons so
employed, showing that they meet the requirements of the foregoing
paragraph, and paragraph 12 fixes a penalty for a violation of para
graph 11. Appellees took evidence showing that this statute was not
complied with, and insist that, as these public funds go to the con
tractor who violated that law, the ordinance can not be sustained. A
similar law was enacted by ordinance in the city of Chicago, and we
have repeatedly held that such law is invalid, as it is in contravention
of the constitution and the right of individuals to contract. The
statute in question is void upon the same grounds, and neither the
city nor the contractor was under any obligation to observe it.
f
R a il r o a d
A
nother
C o m p a n ie s — L ia b i l i t y
R o a d — J o in t U se
of
I n ju r y
for
of
E m ployees
of
T r a c k s — Keck v. Philadelphia and
R eading R a ilw a y Company, Supreme Court o f Pennsylvania, 56
A tla n tic R eporter, page Jfl.— This was an action by Eliza A . Keck
against the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company to recover
damages for the death of her husband, who was an employee of the
Central Railroad Company of New Jersey in the capacity of a loco
motive engineer.
B y permission of the Philadelphia and Reading
Railroad Company, the Central Railroad drew its trains over the tracks
of the Reading Company at the point where the accident occurred,
using its own engine and crew. There were parallel tracks at the
place referred to, on one of which a train of the Reading Company
was standing still and another in motion, the two trains being headed
in the same direction. The train on which Keck was engineer was on
the adjacent track, and just as he reached the rear of the stationary
train of the Reading Company the moving train ran into the stationary
one, throwing the caboose upon the engine o f the Central train and
killing Keck.
The question turned upon the liability of the Read
ing Company for injury occurring under such circumstances, a statute
of A p ril 4 ,1 8 6 8 (Brightly’s Purdon’s Digest, p. 1604), which provides
that any person who sustains injury while lawfully engaged or employed
on or about the roads, works, or premises of a railroad company of
which company he is not an employee shall have only the right of
action that an employee would have had, being relied upon to relieve
the railroad
company from liability.
The court of common pleas
of Philadelphia County had awarded damages to M rs. Keck, which
judgment was on appeal affirmed.
Judge Mitchell, speaking for the
court, used in part the following language:
W h en the same tracks are used by two railroad companies, how far
does the operation of the act of A p ril 4, 1868 (P. L . 58), in relief of
each from liability to the employees o f the other, depend on the own
ership or title to the tracks? Independently of the statute, each corn-
5553—No. 51—04----16
456
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOB.
pany was liable to the employees of the other for negligence, just as
to any other strangers; the general similarity and aim of the duties
not being sufficient to bring them within the rule as to risks of a com
mon employment. (Catawissa R. Co. v. Arm strong, 49 Pa. 186.)
The general effect of the act was, as has been said, to make three
classes of persons— employees, quasi employees under the act, and
strangers. It was held in Spisak v. B. & O . R. C o., 152 Pa. 281, 25
A t l., 497, that the cases under the act fall into two classes— first, where
the place of the accident “ is clearly and for general purposes the
6roads, works, depots or premises5 of the railroad company. In such
cases it is sufficient if the person injured is lawfully ‘ engaged or e m
ployed on or about5them, and is not a passenger. * * * The other
class is where the accident occurs in a place which is not exclusively
and for general purposes, but only within a limited and statutory
sense, the premises o f the railroad company. In this class the nature
of the employment at which the party injured was engaged at the time
becomes material. I f it is business connected with the railroad, in the
sense that it is ordinarily the duty of railroad employees, then, while
the party is engaged at it, the statute treats him as a quasi employee,
and puts his rights on the same basis. I f, however, the work Jhas no
relation to railroad work, as such, and is connected with the railroad
only by irrelevant and immaterial circumstances of locality, the case is
not within the statute at all.55 This distinction has been constantly
adhered to since, and, under it, when an accident occurs upon a track
used by different roads, the question at once arises, whose track is it
to be considered, for the purposes of the act of 1868?
The cases establish that the nature and extent of the ownership of
the tracks is not a controlling factor. [Cases cited.]
The rules to be deduced from the cases, as substantially determined
in K elly v. Traction C o., are: First. W h ere the same track is used
by two railroad companies it must be considered, for the application
of the act of 1868, as the property of each while using it. Secondly.
W hether the use be by virtue of joint or several ownership, charter
right, lease, license, or traffic agreement, is immaterial.
Thirdly.
To bring tne case within the second class, distinguished in Spisak
v. B . & O . R . C o., 152 Pa. 281, 25 A t l., 497, namely, those where
the employment is ordinarily the duty of railroad employees, the
plaintiff must not only be engaged in such w ork, but also be so
engaged for or upon the property of the railroad by whose negligence
he is injured. Thus in the present case the plaintiff’s husband was
engaged in railroad work as a locomotive engineer, but not for the
defendant, nor upon premises which were to be treated as defendant’s
at that time. H e was therefore not within the act. Fourthly. In
such cases the employees of each road accept the risks of their employ
ment in regard to their own road, but not those incident to the opera
tion o f the other road, unless at the time engaged in some work for
the other, or for both roads jointly.
The distinctions thus made were not directly developed by the facts
in the earlier cases, but, as already shown, the language of the opinions
indicates the trend of thought on the subject, and no case has been
decided which upon its facts is out of harmony with the rules now
laid down.
Judgment affirmed.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
457
D E C IS IO N S U N D E R C O M M O N L A W .
E m p l o y e r s ’ L i a b i l i t y — E m p l o y e e A t t e m p t i n g R e s c u e — P itts
burg, Cincinnati, Chicago and S t. L ou is R a ilw a y Company v. L yn ch ,
Supreme Court o f Ohio, 68 Northeastern Reporter, page 708.— This
was an action by one Lynch against the above-named railway company
for injury received while in its employment as watchman at one of its
crossings in the village of Dennison.
Lynch was, at the time of the
accident causing the injury, engaged in looking after the safety o f a
number of school children who were crossing the tracks, which were
at that street ten in number, when, without warning, a caboose was
kicked over the crossing on a track upon which a woman was stand
ing, who was, as he believed, in danger of being run down by the
caboose. She failed to observe his signal given by the use of the flag,
and he then hastened to her rescue, pushing her from the track, in doing
which he himself received serious injury. The caboose was moving at
the rate of about 8 miles an hour, without any one on its forward end
to give warning of its approach.
Lynch sued in the circuit court of
Tuscarawas County, alleging that the company was negligent in the
manner of backing its caboose and in other respects, such negligence
being alleged as the cause of his injury. The company denied that it
was negligent, and pleaded that if Lynch was injured it was the result
of his own carelessness.
The circuit court gave Lynch judgment for
damages, which, on appeal, was affirmed by the supreme court. The
finding of the court is embodied in its syllabus in this case, which is
as follow s:
1. In an action to recover on account of injuries sustained in an
effort to save human life, the conditions upon which there may be a
recovery are u that the person whose rescue is attempted must be in a
position of peril from the negligence of the defendant, and the rescue
must not be attempted under such circumstances or in such a manner
as to constitute recklessness.” Those conditions appearing, a recovery
will not be prevented by the fact that negligence of the person whose
rescue is attempted contributed to his peril, nor by the fact that the
plaintiff is an employee of the defendant.
I n j u n c t io n — A
v.
W.
s s o c ia t io n s —
R ig h t
to
E m p l o y m e n t . — A tk in s eta l.
A . F letch er Company et al., Court o f Chancery o f N ew
Jersey, 55 A tla n tic R eporter, page 107 1±.— In this suit Benjamin Atkins
and others, members o f the International Association of Machinists,
prayed for a preliminary injunction against the W . & A . Fletcher
Company and their associates, members o f the New Y o rk Metal
Trades Association.
On hearing before Vice Chancellor Stevenson
this injunction was denied.
The conditions in the case and the law
controlling are set forth in the remarks of Vice Chancellor Steven
son, from which the following is quoted:
458
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
The complainants, 46 in number, are machinists recently employed
by the defendant corporation W . & A . Fletcher Company, but now
on a strike. The complainants, “ with certain other machinists, have
formed a voluntary association for the purpose o f bettering the con
dition of machinists in general and the members of such association
in particular,” which voluntary association is known as the Interna
tional Association of Machinists. The bill sets forth that the defendant
the W . & A . Fletcher Company, and some 80 or 40 individuals, partners
and corporations, who are named, “ have formed a voluntary associa
tion known as the New Y o rk M etal Trades Association,” which is
organized for the purpose of dealing with labor difficulties, affecting
the metal trades in New Y o rk Harbor. I t further appears from the
bill and accompanying affidavits that, “ in order to carry out the
design ” of the International Association of Machinists, the complainants
“ have endeavored to obtain as many machinists as possible to join
them ,” and have maintained a system o f quiet, peaceable picketing
in the streets near the machine shops of the W . & A . Fletcher Com. A ll unlawful practices in connection with this picketing are
id, and the bill sets forth in detail various reasons why, for the
accomplishment of the objects of the complainants in their voluntary
association, the maintenance of pickets is lawful and proper, if not
necessary. The grievance of which the complainants complain is that
the defendants, acting in combination, are interfering by intimidation,
threats, violence, arrests, and other unlawful practices with the pickets
o f the complainants.
The complainants do not stand before the court as employees or
persons seeking employment, whose natural expectation of obtaining
work in machine shops is defeated because the defendants, by intimi
dation and molestation practiced upon the proprietors of the machine
shops, constantly thwart them in their effort to get employment. In
brief, the complainants stand before the court as employers, and not
as employees.
I t is true that the bill alleges that the “ members of the New Y o r k
M etal Trades Association have entered into a conspiracy to force and
compel the complainants to work for the W . & A . Fletcher Company
upon such terms as the W . & A . Fletcher Company may demand, and
have conspired together for the purpose o f preventing the complain
ants from earning a living at their trade as machinists, and that they
are carrying out and effectuating the said conspiracy, and that they
have discharged such of the complainants as have received employ
ment from any of the members of such association as soon as they
ascertained that the complainants were form er employees of the
Fletcher shops, and the only reason assigned was that the complainants
are former employees at Fletcher’s, on strike.” This allegation o f the
bill seems to be based upon the erroneous idea that employers have not
the right to combine freely to refuse employment to any kind or class
o f workmen precisely as employees have a right to combine freely to
refuse to be employed by any employer who sees fit to employ work
men of whom they disapprove, or sees fit in any respect to conduct
his business contrary to their views. But, apart from this considera
tion, the bill is not filed by the particular machinists who thus have
been discharged to restrain defendants, acting in combination, from
unlawful conduct which has secured their discharge, and now stands
in the way of their being employed by persons who, if left free, would
S
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
459
be willing to give them work. The discharge of some of the com
plainants, whether procured lawfully or unlawfully, is not to be
regarded, under the allegations of this bill, as a grievance of the
particular workmen who have been so discharged. It must be regarded
solely as a grievance on the part of the 46 complainants, as constituting
the International Association of Machinists, and in their capacity as
employers o f labor, if such discharge can constitute a grievance of said
association.
It also appears from the bill and affidavits that the International
Association o f Machinists have employed some of the complainants at
a daily wage to do certain services which evidently may be all deemed
embraced m the word “ picketing,” and that “ many of the complain
ants have been so employed during said strike, and that they or most
o f them have been compelled to give up such employment by reason
of the annoyance, insults, violence, force, intimidation, threats, unlaw
ful arrests, and malicious prosecutions to which they were subjected
by the Fletcher Company and the New Y o rk Metal Trades Associa
tion and their employees,” etc. Here again we have a charge of
unlawful conduct on the part of the defendants which has caused some
o f the complainants to be deprived o f what is claimed to be a lawful
employment, by which they m aybe said to be earning their living at a
daily wage. But this bill is not filed by the complainants as pickets,
as persons employed in a certain business whose opportunities for
employment are cut off by the alleged unlawful conspiracy of the
defendants. The interference with the work of the pickets must be
regarded in this case as an alleged grievance of the International A sso
ciation o f Machinists.
This bill presents the complaint of this voluntary association, as a
partnership, engaged in the accomplishment o f certain objects, many
o f which are benevolent. A n y intimidation or other interference
with the pickets employed by the association may be regarded as a
possible grievance of the association, but can not be regarded in this
suit as a grievance o f the pickets themselves. It will be time enough
to consider any such grievance of the pickets when the pickets file
their bill or bills for relief.
N o question has been raised as to the capacity of the 46 machinists
to file this bill on behalf of the entire voluntary association known as
the International Association of Machinists, although the argument on
both sides assumed that this international association embraces large
numbers o f machinists throughout various States o f the Union. Con
fusion no doubt has resulted in the argument of this motion from the
fact that 46 of a large number of partners or voluntary associates file
a bill apparently for the protection of the right of the entire partner
ship or association to employ labor and to enjoy a free labor market,
while the same bill sets up what might be deemed as separate causes
of action in equity on the part of different sets of these 46 complainants
seeking employment in their trade as machinists, or seeking employ
ment in the business of picketing for a daily wage. A ll the allegations
of this bill, although they may contain a large number of separate
causes of action in equity on behalf of employees of one kind or
another, whose right to make a living has been interfered with, must
be considered solely with reference to the capacity in which the 46
complainants stand before the court, and the complaint which they
make in such capacity. A s I have said, the complainants stand before
460
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOB.
the court as employers of labor, and their grievance is that the defend
ants, acting in combination, are unlawfully interfering with the right
o f the complainants as such employers of labor to have labor flow
freely to them. (Jersey City Printing Co. v. Cassidy, 63 N. J. Eq.
759, 53 A tl. 230.) [See Bulletin of the Department of Labor, No. 45,
p. 383.]
The mere statement of the nature of the complainants’ case— the
only case, as this bill is framed, which I think the court can now take
cognizance of— indicates the fatal objection to granting in such case
the remedy of injunction.
The mere fact that defendants, in combination, by molestation and
intimidation, or by criminal violence, interfere with the free flow
of labor to an employer, does not necessarily give such employer
the right to come into a court of equity and procure an injunction for
his protection. The employer, complainant, must show not only that
the conduct of the defendants in combination unlawfully obstructs
him, the complainant, in enjoying his natural expectancy in respect
of the labor market, but that the natural and proximate result of the
unlawful conduct complained of will be to inflict upon him, the
employer, substantial money damages, for which the remedy at law
is inadequate.
The right of partners or voluntary associates who are engaged in
supporting a strike to freedom in the labor market, so that they can
readily employ pickets and other agents in carrying on their side of the
industrial war, has certainly never been recognized by a court of equity
as a proper subject o f protection by means o f an injunction. No such
right on the other hand has been recognized and protected for the
benefit o f persons engaged in resisting a strike. I f the New Y ork
Metal Trades Association, with its large and powerful combination of
employing partners, corporations, and individuals, should file a bill
against the complainants to secure an injunction, protecting them, the
Metal Trades Association, in employing detectives, agents, and pickets
to assist the W . & A . Fletcher Company in this contest with its
employees on strike, it seems to me the case would present the same
fatal defect which is exhibited in this present case. W h a t a court of
equity will protect by an injunction in a proper case are the rights of
the two parties directly interested in this conflict, W . & A . Fletcher
Company and their employees— the right of the one to employ and the
right of the other to be employed; the right of both to have a free
labor market upon which the opportunity to make money and make a
living depends. * * *
I do not want either party to this case to understand that I have
undertaken to lay down with accuracy the entire strike law applicable
to this present case or suggested by it. The primary rights which are
violated by strikes and boycotts, and the remedial rights which thereby
arise, are far from a condition of complete development or accurate
definition. The law of this whole subject is to a large extent unsettled,
and involved in dispute and difference of opinion among judges and
text-writers. In this condition of the law it is certainly safe to hold
that in a novel case like this a preliminary injunction, at least, ought
not to be issued, where the complainants do not show any substantial
pecuniary damage, and it appears that the defendants, or some of them,
are amply responsible for any money damages which may be recovered
against them in an action at law.
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
461
I n j u n c t i o n — P i c k e t in g — W. c& A . F letcher Compa/ny v. Interna
tional Association o f M achinists et al., Court o f Chancery o f N ew Jer
sey, 55 A tlantic R eporter, page 1077.— In this case the W . & A .
Fletcher Company prayed for an injunction against the International
Association of Machinists and others to restrain picketing by strikers.
Restraining orders had been previously issued as against certain
employees who had left the service of the complainants, and the
prayer to make the injunction extend to all picketing was denied.
The conclusion of the court and the reasons therefor appear in the
following extract from the remarks of Vice Chancellor Stevenson,
speaking for the court:
In the injunction suit brought by the Fletcher Machine Company
against the International Association of Machinists and others the
conclusion which I have reached is that the complainant is not entitled
to any further preliminary restraint than that which is now embodied
in the restraining orders. The motion was argued on both sides,
practically with the admission that there was nothing objectionable in
the restraining orders as they now stand; that those orders were
proper, and should remain binding upon such of the defendants as
stand fairly charged under oath with conduct which brings them
within their reach.
The counsel for complainant practically confined his argument to
the proposition that a preliminary injunction should go in the case to
restrain picketing, without reference to the object of the picketing or
its effect. I f this view is correct, it follows that workmen maintain
ing a strike have no right to station pickets merely for the purpose of
giving them such information in regard to their late employers’ opera
tions as may be discovered by ordinary observation. It seems to me
that this claim is not well founded; that it is contrary to the great
weight o f reason as well as authority.
Picketing may be lawful; picketing may be unlawful. W hether
picketing is lawful or unlawful depends wholly upon the purpose with
which it is carried on, or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say, the
effect which is produced by it. I f the purpose and effect are to
intimidate, to interfere with the liberty of workmen in seeking
employment, to interfere with what in another case I called the
employer’s right to have labor flow freely to him, so that a reasonably
courageous person would be restrained from offering his labor to such
employer, then picketing is unlawful, and, where the other necessary
conditions for the interference of a court of equity exist, will be pro
hibited by an injunction.
I f, however, the picketing is carried on for the mere purpose of
obtaining information, or for the purpose of conveying information
to persons seeking or willing to receive the same, or even, in some
cases, for the purpose of bringing orderly and peaceable persuasions
to bear upon the minds of men who desire to listen to the same, the
object o f such persuasions not including in any way the disruption of
an existing contract for labor, then there may be no unlawful element
in the picketing, and carrying it on may found no action at law, and
certainly may not call for any interference on the part of a court of
equity.
462
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
The insistment of counsel for the complainants would seem to include
the proposition that workmen on strike can not maintain pickets
(although merely for the purpose of obtaining such information as can
be procured by the use of tne eyes and ears) without violating the
employer’s right to the enjoyment of a free labor market, and thereby
causing him substantial and irreparable damage. This proposition
seems to me to be utterly untenable. The restraining oraers, there
fore, will stand in their present form as against those defendants, as I
stated, as are charged under oath with such conduct as brings them
within their operation.
L
U
abor
n io n —
O r g a n iz a t io n s — C o n t e m p t
of
Court— L
ia b il it y
of
Chicago Typothetse et al. v. Franklin Union N o. 4* et a l.;
People v. Franklm , Union N o. h Superior Court o f Cook County,
Legal News {verified report).— In this case Franklin Union No. 4, an
incorporated union of employees, was before the court to show why
it should not be held as for contempt for the violation of an injunction
issued October 10, 1903. The bill charged that the union and its
members and officers had conspired and confederated with each other,
and with divers other unknown persons, unlawfully to obstruct and
interfere with the business of the Typothetae, a voluntary association
of employers engaged in the business of printing and publishing, and
prayed for an injunction restraining the union and its officers and
members “ from in any manner interfering with, hindering, obstruct
ing, or stopping any of the business of the complainants, or their
agents or employees, in the operation of their business,” by trespass,
threats, intimidation, violence, or unlawful persuasion. The injunc
tion was granted as of the date given, to the effect above stated; it
also forbade “ picketing, patrolling or guarding the streets, avenues,
gates and approaches, and places of business of complainants for the
purpose of intimidating, threatening and coercing, or unlawfully per
suading any of the complainants’ employees, or of preventing persons
seeking employment with them from going to and from their daily
work at the places of business of complainants,” etc.
A n agreement as to wages had been made by the Typothetae and the
Franklin Union No. 4 on A pril 1, 1901, to continue until December 31
of that year, but was continued by tacit consent until abrogated Sep
tember 27, 1903, by the action of the union declaring it “ null and
void,” and a strike was agreed upon.
Further facts and the conclusions of the court appear in the follow
ing extracts from the remarks of Judge Holdom , who delivered the
opinion:
The record of Franklin Union No. 4 shows that the strike benefit
was to be limited to $5 per week for single men, and $7 per week for
married men, and further provided that, “ the levy of a special assess
ment of $2 a week, the same to continue during the entire strike, until
DECISIONS OE COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
463
suspended by act of the union, and to be levied on the entire member
ship who are employed; those on a strike to be excused during the
term they are on strike, but the assessment to be enforced as soon as
they secure w ork.”
“ That suitable headquarters be engaged on the south and west
sides for the purpose of transacting the business of the union in regard
to,the strike.”
The record shows further that, “ the president on motion then
appointed the following committees: Strike committee * * * con
ference committee * * * and visiting committee * * * also
that President W oerner appointed G orf, McCabe, Gondeck, Boettger,
Mansfield and Kavanagh, assistant sergeant-at-arms.
The record in this case shows that a number o f the members of
Franklin Union No. 4 have been sentenced to fines and imprisonment
for violations o f the injunctional order in picketing and patrolling, in
intimidating and in assaulting those working for, and others seeking
employment with, complainants, members or the typothetae, and that
assaults o f employees have continued with little cessation in and about
the plants of complainants and the homes o f their employees; that mem
bers of the union have intercepted employees and intimidated and
induced them to quit their employment; that headquarters were estab
lished at 14 Custom House Place, in the vicinity of the places of busi
ness of complainants, and that to that place members of Franklin
Union No. 4 acting as pickets have taken employees of complainants
who have been promised the payment of $5 per week on condition
that they quit their employment. It has further been proven that
strike benefits, so-called, have been paid at this strike headquarters
established pursuant to the resolution of Franklin Union No. 4 at
its special meeting of September 27, 1903. It is in evidence that
W oerner, the president, and Shea, the secretary and treasurer o f the
union, have been present in court on most of the occasions when its
members have been on trial for a violation of the injunction in picket
ing, assaulting employees, etc., as well as the several times when the
sentence of the court has been pronounced upon the persons adjudged
guilty of violating the injunction. I t also appears that Shea, as treas
urer, paid strike benefits, so-called, to the members who formerly
worked for complainants and who left their employ in accordance with
the action of the union at its meeting on September 27 last; that there
was no discrimination made against those members picketing and
patrolling; they were paid strike benefits the same as noncombatants.
It is in evidence that Kavanagh, the sergeant-at-arms, has been on the
picket line and assaulted employees. Franklin Union No. 4, as appears
from the statements of its counsel, is composed of about 1,800 persons,
and not more than 200 of them are involved in the dispute existing
between the union and the members of the Chicago Typothetse. It
also appears that picketing and patrolling about the places of business
of complainants were continuous from October 5 until November 21,
the date o f the filing of the petition against respondent for the rule to
show cause herein.
From the affidavits in evidence in this case it appears that more than
50 people have been, since the inception of the difficulties set forth in
the bill, assaulted, intimidated, called opprobrious epithets and threat
ened with harm, simply because they worked in a place vacated vol
untarily by members of Franklin Union No. 4 , all of the alleged
464
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
aggressors, with the exception of John Mucher, being members of the
union, and John Mucher, condemned twice for assault and unlawful
picketing in company with members of the union, in violation o f the
injunction, has been defended by the lawyer of the union. On Octo
ber 1 3 ,1 9 0 3 , D . E . D ry don, employed b y Marsh & Grant, was knocked
down by Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Kavanagh of Franklin Union No. 4,
and assaulted and kicked by other strikers; Bertha Kester was visited
several times by John Hagberg, a member o f the visiting committee
of the union, also Etta Goellnick, visited by the same John H agberg,
Sophia Baumel also visited by said John H agberg, all given the union
card and offered money to quit their employment, and also threatened
with harm, and in the case of Sophia Baumel told that her picture
would be posted in the neighborhood where she resided as a “ scab.”
The primary question for solution is, is Franklin Union No. 4 under
these evidential facts so connected with the violations by its members
of the injunction as to make it a party to such violations and liable as
for a contempt?
The bill charges a conspiracy to do unlawful acts against the com
plainants in impeding them in the free and lawful conduct of their
business and affairs. The crucial test therefore is, does the evidence
connect the union with this conspiracy, and, with either knowledge o f,
or acquiescence in, one or more of the acts proven and adjudged, to
constitute a violation of the injunctional order?
The fountain source o f the difficulties between the members of the
Chicago Typothetae and Franklin Union No. 4 sprang from the actions
o f the union at its special meeting of September 27 last. M any of the
acts there transpiring were in themselves lawful. The refusal fu r
ther to abide by the agreement then in existence was a privilege
accorded to the union by law, notwithstanding the reasons assigned for
the action of the union may have been unwarranted or based upon
false premises. The appointment of assistant sergeant-at-arms, a strike
committee, a conference committee, and a visiting committee, the levy
ing o f a special assessment on employed members of $2 a week, the
ordering of the payment of $5 and $7 per week to single and married
men respectively as strike benefits, and providing strike headquarters
on the south and west sides of Chicago, in the light of subsequent
events, were evidently made in anticipation of the strike which after
wards occurred, and of its maintenance by the union by unlawful
methods. W h ile the union disclaims all knowledge of picketing, inter
ference, threats, assaults or other overt acts o f violence by its mem
bers or officers, yet from the foregoing it abundantly appears that
they prepared for a possible condition which immediately materialized
in industrial warfare on the part of the union and its members against
the employees of complainants; and after the inauguration of this
hostile attitude we find Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Kavanagh engaged
in assaulting Drydon, an employee of complainants Marsh & Grant,
and in endeavoring to induce others by threats on the one hand and
promises on the other to quit their employment, and we find him taking
such employees to the strike headquarters o f the union in Custom
House Place; and we also find John H agberg, a visiting committeeman,
interfering with Bertha Kester, Sophia Baumel and Etta Goellnick,
employees of Shay, Smith & C o., by promises and threats and intimi
dation, and afterwards being followed on the street by a so-called
colored picket named Crutchfield, calling them 46 scabs,” and other
DECISIONS OF COURTS AFFECTING LABOR.
465
opprobrious names. W e find further, that in pursuance of the union’s
resolution in paragraph nine, the members of the visiting committee
received $2.50 per day for each day’s time lost, and we find all pay
ments in connection with the strike being made at the strike head
quarters in Custom House Place by Shea, treasurer of the union, from
the funds of the union.
Bearing in mind that the charge in the bill is that of conspiracy, and
that the acts enjoined were those used in furtherance of such con
spiracy, it would seem from the evidential facts that the actions of the
union at the meeting of September 27, in the establishment of the
strike headquarters on Custom House Place, the assault and intimi
dation by Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Kavanagh, and by visiting
committeeman Hagberg, the payment of strike benefits at the strike
headquarters b y the union treasurer with the union money, and the
fact that no discrimination was made against the members of the union
known to be guilty of acts in themselves criminal, establish the union
as a coconspirator with its offending members, party and privy to the
violations of the injunction of which some of its members stand con
victed, and therefore guilty of violation of the injunction and amen
able to discipline for such violation providing it can be so disciplined
under the law.
The liability of the respondent union rests upon the evidence arising
from the record of its meeting of the 27th of September, last, the
introduction of which was procured by the service of a subpoena duces
tecum upon Shea as secretary. To the examination of Shea and to
the inquiring into, examining or offering in evidence of the union’s
records counsel for the union objected. The objection, however, was
general and therefore unavailing.
Conspiracy once established each conspirator becomes responsible
for the means used by any conspirator in accomplishing the purpose
of the conspiracy. (State v. M cCahill, 30 N. Y . Rep. 553; Lasher v.
Litell, 202 111. 551.)
N o striking member of the union guilty of unlawful acts has been,
informed against to the municipal authorities, neither has his strike
benefits been withheld, nor has any one of them been disciplined in the
slightest manner.
That a corporation as such may be dealt with for the violation of an
injunctional order as for a contempt of court is sustained by abundant
authority, and is not seriously disputed by counsel for the respondent.
[Cases cited.]
It appearing that Franklin Union No. 4, a corporation, is liable to a
fine for violation o f the injunction in this case, it but remains for
determination as to what the amount of that fine shall be. Punish
ment is meted out in accordance with the g r a v i t y of the offense com
mitted. The consequences o f violation of the injunction by the union
have been many assaults on innocent persons seeking to work under
contracts satisfactory to themselves and their employers. There has
been no discrimination between the sexes. W om en have been assaulted
and terrorized and followed to their homes and their families intimi
dated. Murder has even resulted from the unlawful acts of the union
and its striking members. The complainants have been interfered
with and arrested in the prosecution of their lawful affairs and busi
ness and have been put to great expense, annoyance and anxiety in
asserting their rights before the law and in seeking the protecting arm
466
BULLETIN OE THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
of this court. The violation of the injunction has necessitated many
and frequent appeals to this court involving complainants in much
additional legal expense. On the other hand there is no evidence,
except inferentially, of what property or money the union is possessed;
but it does appear from the records of the union, and the admissions
of counsel, that the strike assessment is levied against not less than
1,500 of the working members of the union, and m at the strike bene
fits are paid to not more than 200 of its striking members. Conceding
that all o f these striking members are married men, the weekly pay
ments would amount to $1,400, and the weekly receipts o f the union
from the strike assessment would amount to $3,000, a difference upon
the credit side of the union’s ledger of $1,600. T o what purpose or
use was it intended, when the assessment was made, to put this large
weekly sum of money, and to what uses has it been put in fact during
the continuance of this strike? It is true that the record is silent
upon this question, but it does appear that the treasurer destroyed all
evidence o f his disbursements and to whom or upon what account the
moneys of the union were paid out. W h at is the necessary inference
from this condition? The union prepared for this strike by making
this assessment. It must be assumed the money was needed for the
purposes of the strike, and it does no violence to either reason or logic
to assume that the necessary implication from this condition is, that
the money is used to maintain the strike which has been and is carried
on by unlawful methods, and that the money has been and is used for
the purpose of discharging obligations thus incurred.
There is no reported case that I have been able to find of a fine hav
ing been imposed upon a labor union, probably for the principal
reason that few of them are incorporated.
The evidence in this case shows that since the inauguration of this
industrial controversy between Franklin Union No. 4 and the com
plainant members o f the Chicago Typothetae, the union and its strik
ing members have resorted to violence for the purpose of enforcing
their demands, and as a sine qua non to the attainment of that purpose,
if needs be, have sought to destroy the business and property rights
of these several business houses. Such warfare can not and will not
be tolerated by the courts in a land of peace, where the people are
governed by law, and the law would be lacking in one of its most
necessary attributes if it was impotent to punish for such violation.
The order of the court will be that the respondent, Franklin Union
No. 4 o f Chicago, be adjudged guilty of contempt o f this court for its
violation o f the injunction order issued herein on the lOtb day of
October, 1903, and for such violation it is fined the sum of $1,000,
which it is ordered to pay to the clerk of this court within ten days of
this date, and in default o f such payment within said ten days a writ
of fieri facias in the usual form is ordered to issue against it in the
name of the people of the State of Illinois for its collection.
LAWS OF VARIOUS STATES RELATING TO LABOR ENACTED SINCE
JANUARY 1, 1896.
[The Second Special Report of this Bureau contains all laws of the various States and Territories
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.]
ATATtATVTA.
ACTS OF 1903.
A ct N o . 57.— Employment of children.
S ection 1. No child under the age of twelve (12) years shall be employed in or
about any factory or manufacturing establishment within this State unless a widowed
mother or aged or disabled father is dependent upon the labor of such child, or in
case a child is an orphan and has no other means of support. No child under the
age of ten (10) years shall be so employed under any circumstances.
S ec . 2. It shall be unlawful for any factory or manufacturing establishment to hire
or to employ any child unless there is first "provided and placed on file in the office
of such employer an affidavit signed by the parent or guardian or person standing
[in] parental relation thereto, certifying the age and date of birth of said child; any
person knowingly furnishing a false certificate of the age of such child shall be "
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be brought before som e justice of the
peace or other court or officer having jurisdiction for trial, and upon conviction shall
be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than one hundred dollars, or be
sentenced to hard labor for a term not exceeding three months.
S ec . 3. No child under the age of thirteen (13) years shall be employed at labor
or detained in any factory or manufacturing establishment in this State between the
hours of 7 p. m. and 6 a. m. standard time, and no child under the age of sixteen
(16) years shall be so employed or detained between said hours for more than fortyeight hours in any one week; and no child under the age of twelve shall be employed
or detained in any factory or manufacturing establishment for more than sixty-six
(66) hours in any one week.
S ec . 4. A n y person, persons or corporation or representative of such corporation
who violates any of the provisions of this act, or who willfully or knowingly suffers
or permits any child to be employed in violation of its provisions, shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be punished b y a fine of not more
than ($200) two hundred dollars.
Approved February 25, 1903.
A ct N o . 94.— Accidents on railroads.
S ectio n 18. Every person or corporation operating a railroad shall give notice to
the commissioners o f any accident happening on any portion of its line within this
State, w hich is attended with serious injury to the person of any one, within twentyfour hours thereafter; and upon receiving such notice, or upon public rumor of such
accident, one or more of the commissioners may repair to the scene of the accident,
and inquire into the facts and circumstances thereof; and the result of such inquiry,
with such details as may be deemed necessary, shall be entered upon the record of
the proceedings of the commissioners, and embraced in their annual report.
Approved February 28, 1903.
A ct N o . 229.— Children laboring to support parent in idleness.
S ectio n 1.
* * * Any person who is able to work, and who does not work but
hires out his minor children and lives upon their wages; * * * is hereby declared
to be a vagrant and must on conviction be fined not more than five hundred ($500)
dollars and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for
the county for not more than six months: Provided, That it shall be a sufficient
defense to the charge of vagrancy under any of the provisions of this act that the
defendant has made bona fide efforts to obtain employment at reasonable prices for
467
468
BULLETIN OF THE BUEEAU OF LABOE.
his labor, and has failed to obtain the same. The provisions of this act shall not
apply to persons w ho are idle under strike orders or lockouts.
Approved September 22, 1903.
A ct N o. 329.— Boycotting, blacklisting, etc.
S ection 1. It shall be unlawful for two or more persons to conspire together for
the purpose of preventing any person, persons, firm or corporation from carrying on
any lawful business within the State of Alabama, or for the purpose of interfering
with the same.
Sec. 2. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to go near to or loiter about
the premises or place of business, of any person, firm or corporation engaged in a
lawful business, for the purpose of influencing or inducing others not to trade with,
buy from, sell to or have business dealings with such person, firm or corporation, or
to picket the works or place of business of such other person, firm or corporation
for the purpose of interfering with or injuring any lawful business or enterprise:
Provided, That nothing herein shall prevent any person from soliciting trade or
business for a competitive business.
Sec. 3. It shall be unlawful to print or circulate any notice of boycott, boycott
cards, stickers, dodgers or unfair lists, publishing or declaring that a boycott or ban
exists or has existed or is contemplated against any person, firm or corporation
doing a lawful business, or publishing the name of any judicial officer or other public
official upon any black list, unfair list or other similar list because of any lawful act
or decision of such official.
Sec. 4. It shall be unlawful to use force, threats or other means of intimidation to
prevent any person from engaging in any lawful occupation at any place he or she
sees fit.
Sec. 5. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to maintain a black
list or to notify any other firm or corporation that any person has been blacklisted
b y such person, firm or corporation, or to use any other similar means to prevent
such persons from receiving employment. A ny person, firm or corporation violating
any provision of this act must, on conviction, pay a fine of not less than fifty ($50)
dollars, nor more than five hundred ($500) dollars, or to be imprisoned not to exceed
sixty days hard labor for the county.
Approved September 26, 1903.
A ct N o. 405.— Emigrant agents.
S ection 1. From and after the approval of this act no person shall carry on the
business of an emigrant agent in this State with [w ithout] having first obtained a
license therefor from the State auditor.
Sec. 2. The terms ‘ ‘ Emigrant Agent ’ ’ as contemplated in this act, shall be con
strued to mean any person engaged in hiring laborers or soliciting emigrants in this
State to be employed beyond the limits of the same.
Sec. 3. Any person shall be entitled to a license w hich shall be good for one year,
upon payment into the State treasury for the use of the State of five hundred dollars
in each county in w hich he operates or solicits emigrants for each year so engaged.
Sec. 4. A ny person doing the business of an emigrant agent w ithout having first
obtained sucn license shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be
punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars and not more than five
thousand dollars or may be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor
for the county for not less than four months nor more than one year for each and
every offense within the discretion of the court.
Approved October 1, 1903.
A ct N o. 480.— Protection of employees as voters.
S ection 53. A ny employer who attempts b y coercion, intimidation, threats to dis
charge or to lessen the remuneration of an employee or to influence his vote in any
election or w ho requires or demands an examination or inspection b y himself or
another of an employee’ s ballot, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon convic
tion shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars.
S e c . 54. A n y officer or agent of a corporation or other person with authority to
discharge employees, w ho shall attempt b y coercion, intimidation, threats to disor to lessen his remuneration any such employee to influence his vote in any
n or who requires or demands an examination or inspection b y himself or
ir of any employee’ s ballot shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon convic
tion shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars.
Approved October 9,1903.
S
LABOR LAWS---- ARIZONA---- ACTS OF 1903.
469
ARIZONA.
ACTS OF 1903.
A ct N o . 8. —Hours of
labor in mines.
S ection 1. The period of employment of workingmen in all underground mines or
workings shall be eight hours per day, except in cases of emergency where life or
property is in immient [imminent] danger.
S ec . 2. A n y person, body corporate, agent, manager or employer who shall violate
any of the provisions of section 1 of this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and on
conviction therefor shall be fined in the sum of not less than one hundred dollars, nor
more than three hundred dollars for each offense, the same to be collected as in other
cases where fines are imposed.
Approved March 10th, 1903.
A ct N o . 34.— Hours of labor of railroad employees—Number ofbrakemen.
S ection 1. No company operating a railroad in whole or in part within the Terri
tory of Arizona shall require any conductor, engineer, fireman, brakeman, telegraph
operator, or any employee who has worked in his respective capacity for sixteen
consecutive hours, except in case of casualty, or actual necessity, to again go on duty,
or perform any work until he has at least nine hours’ rest.
S ec . 2. A n y company which violates or permits to be violated any of the pro
visions of the preceding section or any officer or agent of such company who violates
or permits to be violated any of the provisions of the preceding section, shall be
punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $300 for each and every
violation thereof.
S ec . 3. It shall be unlawful for any such company referred to in section 1 of this act
to allow any trains to be run on mountain divisions where the ruling grade is over
ninety-five feet to the mile, unless there is a brakeman assigned to ever [every] 600
tons in such train while being handled on such grade.
For each violation of this section, penalty same as named in section 2.
Approved March 18th, 1903.
A ct N o . 58.— Payment of wages in scrip.
S ection 1. All persons, firms, corporations and companies using coupons, script
[scrip], punchouts, store orders or other evidences of indebtedness to pa y their or its
laborers or employees for labor, or otherwise, shall, if demanded, redeem the same
in the hands of such laborer, employee, or bona fide holder, in lawful money of the
United States: Provided, The same is presented and redemption demanded of 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 by such laborers, employees or bona fide
holders at any time not less than thirty days from the issuance or delivery of such
coupon, script [scrip], punch out, store order or other evidences of indebtedness to
such employees, laborers or bona fide holder.
Such redemption to be at the face value of the said script [scrip], punchout, coupon,
store order or other evidences 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 reposi
tory of such company store, [sic] firm, person or corporation aforesaid.
S ec . 2. Be it further enacted, that any employee, laborer or bona fide holder re
ferred to in paragraph 1 of this act upon presentation and demand for redemption of
such script [scrip], coupon, punchout, store order or other evidences of indebtedness
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 own name an action before any court of competent jurisdiction against such
person, firm, corporation or company, using same as aforesaid, for the recovery of
the value of such coupon, script [scrip], punchout, store order or other evidences of
indebtedness, as defined in paragraph 1 of this act.
Approved March 19th, 1903.
470
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
ARKANSAS.
ACTS OF 1903.
A ct N o . 4.— Labor Day.
S ection 1. The first M onday in September of each year is hereby declared a public
holiday to be known and designated as “ Labor Day.”
Approved January 29, 1903.
A ct N o . 127.— Employment
of children.
S ection 1. N o child under the age of twelve (12) years shall be employed in or
about any factory or manufacturing establishment within this State, unless a wid
owed mother or totally disabled father is dependent upon the labor of such child, or
in case a child is an orphan and has no other means oi support. No child under the
age of ten (10) years shall be so employed under any circumstances.
S e c . 2. It shall be unlawful for any factory or manufacturing establishment to hire
or employ any child unless there is first provided and placed on file in the office of such
employer an affidavit signed b y the parent or guardian or person standing in parental
relation thereto, certifying the age and date o f birth of said child; any person know
ingly furnishing a false certificate of the age of such child shall be deemed guilty of
perjury, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as provided by law in all
cases of perjury.
S ec . 3. N o child under the age of fourteen (14) shall be employed at labor or
detained in any factory or manufacturing establishment in this State between the
hours of 7 p. m. and 6 a. m. or for more than sixty (60) hours in any one week or
more than ten (10) hours in any one day.
Sec. 4. No child under the age of fourteen (14) shall be employed at labor in or
about any factory or manufacturing establishment unless he or she can read and
write his or her name and simple sentences in the English language:
S ec . 5. No child under the age of fourteen (14) years shall be employed at labor
in or about any factory or establishment, unless such child attends school for at least
twelve weeks of each year—six weeks of such schooling to be consecutive—the year
to be counted from the last birthday of the child preceding such employment; and
at the end of every year a certificate to the effect that the law has been complied
with, signed by the teacher of the school or schools attended b y the child during
said year must be produced b y the parent or person standing in parental relation to
said child, and filed b y the employer of said child. A ll such certificates shall be
open to public inspection.
S ec . 6. Any person, persons, corporation or representative of such corporation who
violates any o f the provisions of this act, or w ho suffers or permits any child to be
employed in violation of its provisions, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and
on conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred
dollars ($500).
Approved April 8, 1903.
A ct N o . 142.— Employers tofurnish names of employees to assessors,
etc.
S ection 1. Hereafter any person, persons, partnership, company or corporation
owning or operating any mill, mine, factory or any other manufacturing enterprise,
shall be required to give the names of their agents, servants and employees to the
tax assessors, sheriffs or tax collectors of the various counties, when demanded in
their official capacity.
S ec . 2. A n y person, persons, partnership, company, corporations, or their agents,
attorneys or managers, owning or operating any mill, mine, factory or other manu
facturing enterprises, w ho shall violate section 1 of this act shall be guilty of a misde
meanor and fined in any sum not less than ten nor more than one hundred dollars.
Approved April 10, 1903.
A ct N o . 144.— Hours of labor of railroad employees.
S ect io n 1. A n y company owning or operating a railroad over thirty miles in length
in whole or in part within this State shall not permit or require any conductor, engi
neer, fireman, brakeman or any trainman on any train, or any telegraph operator who
has worked in his respective capacity for sixteen consecutive hours, to again be required
to go on duty or perform any work until he has had at least eight hours rest, except
LABOR LAWS— ARKANSAS---- ACTS OF 1903.
471
in cases of wrecks or washout: Provided, That at the expiration of the said sixteen
hours continuous service, the engineer and trainmen on any train, being at a distance
not exceeding twenty-five miles from any division terminal or destination point, shall
be permitted, if they so elect, to run said train into said division terminal or destina
tion point: It beingfurther provided, That the additional service permitted under this
section not be so construed as to relieve any railway corporation from liabilities incurred
under section three (3) of this act: And, provided further, That the provision of this
act shall not apply to passenger trains.
Sec. 2. A ny railroad company or corporation knowingly violating any of the pro
visions of this act shall be liable to a penalty of not less than one hundred dollars ($100)
nor more than two hundred dollars ($200) for the first offense; for any subsequent
offense, of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than three hundred
dollars ($300), which shall be recovered in a civil action in the name of the State.
Sec. 3. In addition to the penalty prescribed herein any corporation violating the
provisions of this act shall not be permitted to interpose the defense of contributory
negligence in the event of action being brought to recover for damages resulting from
any accident which shall occur and by which injury shall be inflicted on any employee
w ho may be detained in service more than said sixteen hours, notwithstanding negli
gence of said injured employee may have caused his own injury or death; nor shall
said defense of contributory negligence be interposed if the said injury result in death
of said employee and the action is brought for the benefit of his next of kin.
Approved April 14, 1903.
A ct N o. 147.— Mechanics' liens—Personal property.
Section 1. Blacksmiths and wheelwrights who perform work or labor for any per
son, if unpaid for the same, shall have an absolute lien on the product of their labor
and upon all wagons, carriages, farm implements and other articles repaired by
them, for such work or labor and for all materials furnished by them and used in
such product or repairs.
Sec. 2. Any person having a lien under this act and desiring to avail himself of its
provisions, snail within thirty days after such work or labor is done or performed,
or materials furnished, file with the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which
the debtor resides, a just and true account of the demand due, or becoming due after
allowing all credits, and containing a description of the property to be charged with
said lien, verified by affidavit.
Sec. 3. The clerk of the circuit court shall file such account and make an abstract
thereof in the book of minutes of mortgages and deeds of trust of personal property,
for which the clerk shall charge a fee of twenty-five cents, to be paid by the person
filing such account.
Sec. 4. Liens accruing under this act may be enforced at any time within four
months after such accounts are filed b y suits as provided for the enforcement of
laborers’ liens in subdivision three of chapter ninety-nine of Sandels & H ill’ s Digest.
Approved April 15, 1903.
A ct No. 155.— Payment of wages—Railroad employees to bepaid when discharged.
Section 1. Section 6243 of Sandels & H ill’ s Digest [shall] be amended so as to read
as follows:
Section 6243. Whenever any railroad company or corporation or any receiver
operating any railroad engaged in the business of operating or constructing any rail
road or railroad bridge .snail discharge, with or without cause, or refuse to further
employ any servant or employee thereof, the unpaid wages of any such servant or
employee then earned at the contract rate, without abatement or deduction, shall be
and become due and payable on the day of such discharge or refusal to longer employ;
and such servant or employee may request of his foreman or the keeper of his time
to have the money due him, or a valid check therefor, sent to any station where a
regular agent is kept; and if the m oney aforesaid, or a valid check therefor, does
not reach such station within seven days trom the date it is so requested, then as a
penalty for such nonpayment the wages of sucn servant or employee shall continue
from the date of the discharge or refusal to further employ, at the same rate until
paid: Provided, Such wages shall not continue more than sixty days, unless an action
therefor shall be commenced within that time.
(Became a law without the governor’ s approval, April 21, 1903.)
5553—No. 51—04-----17
472
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
COLORADO.
ACTS OF 1903.
C h a p t e r 70.—
Wages a preferred claim—In assignments, etc.
S ection 1. Hereafter, when the business of any person, corporation, company or
firm shall be suspended by the action of creditors, or be put into the hands of a
receiver or trustee, then in all such cases the debts owing to laborers, servants or
employees, which have occurred b y reason of their labor, or employment, shall be
considered and treated as preferred claims, and such laborers or employees shall be
preferred creditors, and shall first be paid in full, and if there be not sufficient to pay
them in full the same shall be paid from the proceeds of the sale of the property
seized: Provided, That any person interested may contest any such claim, or claims,
or part thereof, by filing exceptions thereto, supported by affidavit, with the officer
having the custody of such property, and thereupon the claimant shall be required
to reduce his or her claim to judgment before some court having jurisdiction thereof
before any part thereof shall be paid.
Sec. 2. Any laborer or servant desiring to enforce his or her claim for wages under
this act, shall present a statement under oath showing the amount due, the kind of
work for which such wages are due, and, when performed, to the officer, person or
court charged with such property, within twenty days after the seizure thereof on
any execution or writ of attachment, or within sixty days after same may have
been placed in the hands of any receiver or trustee, and thereupon it shall be the
duty of the person or court having or receiving such statement to pay the amount of
such claim or claims to the person or persons entitled thereto.
Sec. 3. No claim under this act shall be paid until after the expiration of the time
in w hich to present such claim. And if the funds realized from the sale of the
property seized be insufficient to pay the total claims presented, then such funds
shall be prorated on such claims: Provided, however, That the provosions [provisions]
of the act shall not be construed to extend to creditors who held a duly recorded
mortgage upon the property attached, which was given for a debt actually existing
from such mortgage before the labor was performed.
Approved April 10, 1903.
C h a p t e r 132.—Exemption of wagesfrom execution.
S ection 1. Section 1 of an act entitled “ An act to amend an act entitled ‘An act to
exempt certain wages and earnings of debtors from levy and attachment for d e b t/
and acts amendatory thereof, approved March 28, 1885,” approved March 2,1894, is
hereby amended so as to read as follows:
Section 1. There shall be exempt from levy under execution or attachment or
garnishment, sixty per cent of the amount due for wages or earnings of any debtor
at the time such levy is made under execution, attachment or garnishment of the
same: Provided, Such debtor be, at the time of such levy under execution, attach
ment or garnishment, the head of a family or the wife of the head of a family, and
such family resides in this State and is dependent, in whole or in part, upon such
earnings for support: Provided, further, That when such wages or earnings do not
exceed the sum of five dollars ($5) per week, at the time such levy is made under
execution, attachment or garnishment, then, all such wages or earnings shall be
exempt.
Approved March 9, 1903.
C h a p t e r 136.— Arbitratim of labor disputes.
S ectio n 1. Section 3 of an act entitled “ An act creating a State and local board of
arbitration for the adjustment of differences arising between employers and employees,
and defining the powers and duties thereof, and making an appropriation therefor,”
approved March 31, 1897, is hereby amended so as to read as follows:
Section 3. The third member of said board shall be secretary thereof, whose duty it
shall be, in addition to his duties as a member of said board, to keep a full and faith
ful record of the proceedings of the board and perform such clerical work as may be
necessary for a concise statement of all official business that may be transacted. H e
shall be the custodian of all documents and testimony of an official character relating
to the business of the board; and shall, also, have, under direction of a majority of
the board, power to issue subpoenas, and to administer oaths to witnesses cited before
the board, to call for and examine books, papers and documents necessary for exami
LABOR LAWS---- COLORADO---- ACTS OF 1903.
473
nation in the adjustment of labor differences. If any person, having been served
with a subpoena or other process issued by such board, shall willfully fail or refuse
to obey the same, or to answer such questions as may be propounded touching the
subject-matter of the inquiry or investigation, it shall be the duty of the district
court or the county court of the county in which the hearing is being conducted, or
of the judge thereof if in vacation, upon application by such board, duly attested by
the chairman and secretary thereof, to issue an attachment for such witness and
compel him or her to appear before such board and give his or her testimony, or to
produce such books ana papers as may be lawfully required by said board; and said
court or judge thereof shall have power to punish for contempt, as in other cases of
refusal to obey the process and [orders] of such court.
Sec. 2. Immediately after section 6 of said act there [shall] be inserted and added
in said act a new paragraph, under the caption of section 6A, which shall be and read
as follows:
“ Said decision shall be binding upon the parties who join in said application for
one year.”
Sec. 3. Immediately after section 7, of said act, there [shall] be inserted and added
in said act a new paragraph, under the caption of section 7A, which shall be and read
as follows:
“ In the event of a failure to abide by the decision of said board in any case in
which both employer and employees shall have joined in the application, any per
son or persons aggrieved thereby may file with the clerk ot the district court or the
county court of the county in which the offending party resides, or in the case of an
employer, in the county in which the place of employment is located, a duly authen
ticated copy of such decision, accompanied by a verified petition reciting the fact
that such decision has not been complied with, and stating by whom, and in what
respect it has been disregarded.
Thereupon the district court, or the county court (as the case m a yb e), or the judge
thereof, if in vacation, shall grant a rule against the party or parties so charged to
show cause within ten days why such decision has not been complied with, which
shall be served by the sheriff as other process. Upon return made to the rule, the
court or the judge thereof, if in vacation, shall hear and determine the questions
presented, and to secure a compliance with such decision, may punish the offending
party or parties for contempt, but such punishment shall not extend to imprison
ment, except in cases of willful and contumacious disobedience.
Approved April 11, 1903.
C h a p t e r 137.— Employment of labor—Age not groundfor
discharge.
S e c t io n 1. No person, persons, firm, association or corporation, canwing on or
conducting, within this State, any business requiring the employment of labor, shall
discharge any individual between the ages of eighteen and sixty years, solely ana only
upon the ground of age. Provided, however, That such individual is well versed in the
line of business carried on by such person, persons, firm, association or corporation,
and is qualified physically, mentally, and by training and experience, to satisfac
torily perform and does satisfactorily perform the labor assigned to him, or for which
he applies.
Sec. 2. Any person, persons, firm, association or corporation, or officer, agent or
representative of such corporation, who violates, or permits to be violated, any of
the provisions of the preceding section, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not
less than one hundred dollars, nor more than two hundred and fifty dollars, for each
and every violation of this act.
Approved April 10, 1903.
C h a p t e r 138.— Employment of women and children.
S ection 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, agent, firm, company, copartner
ship, or corporation to require any child, either boy or girl, of sixteen years of age
or less, to labor or work in any mill, factory, manufacturing establishment, shop or
store, or in or about coal or other mines, or any other occupation not herein enum
erated which may be deemed unhealthful or dangerous, for a greater number than
eight hours in the twenty-four hour day, except in cases where life or property is in
imminent danger, or in the week before and following Christmas day: Provided, That
any child between the age of fourteen and sixteen years coming within the provisions
of this ac may be exempted from the provisions thereof, if in the opinion of the
judge of the county court of the county in which said child resides it would be for
its best interests to be so exempted. Application may be made in writing to any
474
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
county judge by any such child, its parent, or guardian, to be granted such exemption,
when it shall be the duty of such judge to hear the same and inquire particularly
into the nature of the employment sought. No fees shall be charged or collected in
any such case.
Sec. 2. A ll paper mills, cotton mills and factories where wearing apparel for men
or women is made, ore reduction mills or smelters, factories, shops o f all kinds and
stores may be held to be unhealthful and dangerous occupations within the meaning
o f this act at the discretion of the court.
Sec. 3. No woman of sixteen years of age or more shall be required to work or
labor for a greater number than eight hours in the twenty-four hour day, in any mill,
factory, manufacturing establishment, shop, or store for any person, agent, firm,
company, copartnership or corporation, where such labor, work or occupation, by
its nature, requires the woman to stand or be upon her feet, in order to satisfactorily
perform her labors, work or duty in such occupation and employment.
Sec. 4. Any person w ho shall take, receive, hire or em ploy any child under the
age of fourteen years in any underground works or mine, or in any smelter, mill or
factory, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined
not less than fifty dollars, nor more than five hundred dollars, and shall be imprisoned
in the county jail not less than thirty days, nor more than three months.
Sec. 5. Any person, agent, firm, company, copartnership or corporation which shall
violate any of the provisions of this act or shall require a greater number of hours of
work or labor than herein specified of any child, either boy or girl, of sixteen years
of age or less, in any employment or occupation herein enumerated, or any other
w hich shall be deemed b y the courts as unhealthful, shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and shall be fined in a sum of not less than one hundred dollars ($100 ),
or more than five hundred dollars ($500), or be imprisoned in the county jail for not
less than two, or more than four months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in
the discretion of the court, for each offense.
Sec. 6. All district attorneys shall be required to make prosecutions for all violations
of this act, upon the sworn complaint of any reputable citizen that this act is being
violated by any person, firm, company, copartnership or corporation.
Approved April 11, 1903.
Chapter 144.—Mine regulations.
Section 1. Explosives must be stored in a magazine provided for that purpose
alone; said magazine to be placed far enough from the working shaft, tunnel or
incline to insure the same remaining intact in the event the entire stock of explo
sives in said magazine be exploded; all explosives in excess of the amount required
for a shift's work must be kept in said magazine; no powder or other explosive be
stored in underground workings where men are em ployed; each mine shall provide
and employ a suitable device for thawing or warming powder and keep the same in
condition for use; oils or other combustible substances shall not be kept or stored in
the same magazine with explosives.
Sec. 2. The commissioner of mines of the State of Colorado shall have authority
to regulate and limit the amount of nitro powder stored or kept in general supply
stores in mining camps or mining towns where there is no municipal law governing
the storage of same.
Sec. 3. No person shall, whether working for himself or in the employ of any per
son, company or corporation, while loading or charging a hole with nitroglycerin
powder or other explosives, use or employ any steel or iron tamping bar; nor shall
any mine manager, superintendent, foreman or shift boss, or other person having the
management or direction of mine labor, allow or permit the use of such steel, iron or
other matal [metal] tamping bar by employees under his management or direction.
Sec. 4. A ll old timber removed shall as soon as practicable be taken from the mine
and shall not be piled up and permitted to decay underground.
Sec. 5. No person addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors or under eighteen
years of age shall be employed as hoisting engineer.
Sec. 6. A ll hoisting machinery, using steam, electricity, air or hydraulic motive
power, for the purpose of hoisting from or lowering into metalliferous mines employees
and material, shall be equipped with an indicator, said indicator to be so placed near
to and in clear view or hearing of the engineer.
Sec. 7. There shall be established by the commissioner of mines of the State of Col
orado a uniform code of signals, embracing that most generally in use in metalliferous
mines, which shall be adopted in all mines using hoisting machinery.
The code of signals shall be securely posted, in clear and legible form, in the engine
room, at the collar of the shaft and at each level or station. In all shafts equipped
with cages, such shafts and cages shall be fully equipped with a system of electric
signals from cage and stations to engineer wherever possible.
LABOR LAWS---- COLORADO---- ACTS OF 1903.
475
Sec. 8. A ll mines having but one exit, and the same covered with a building com
taining the mechanical plant, furnace room and blacksmith shop, shall have fire
protection, water if possible, and in mines where water is not available, chemical
fire extinguishers or hand grenades shall be kept in convenient places for imme
diate use.
Sec. 9. A ll persons shall be prohibited from riding upon any cage, skip or bucket
loaded with tools, timber, powder or other material, except for the purpose of assist
ing in passing same through shaft or incline, and then only upon special signal.
Sec. 10. A ll persons giving or causing to be given false signals, or riding upon any
cage, skip or bucket upon signals that designate to the engineer that no employees
are aboard, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 11. A ll shafts more than two hundred (200) feet in depth, equipped with
hoisting machinery, shall be divided into at least two (2) compartments, and one
compartment to be partitioned off and set aside for a ladderway. The ladder shall
be made sufficiently strong for the purpose demanded, and in vertical shafts, land
ings shall be constructed not more than twenty (20) feet apart, said landings to be
closely covered, except an opening large enough to permit the passage of a man;
said ladders shall be inclined at the most convenient angle w hich the space allows,
and shall be firmly fastened, and kept in good repair. In all incline shafts the land
ings shall be put in as above described, but a straight ladder on the incline of the
shaft.
Ladders in upraises and winzes shall be likewise provided and kept in repair, but
where winzes connecting levels are used, only for ventilation and exit, only one such
winze on each level need be equipped.
Sec. 12. Hereafter shafts equipped with buildings and machinery, with only the
working shaft for exit, shall be divided into at least two (2) compartments, one of
which shall be tightly partitioned off and used as a ladderway as hereinbefore pro
vided for; said ladderway shall be securely bulkheaded at a point at least twentyfive feet below the collar of the shaft, and below this bulkhead a drift shall be run
to the surface, if location of shaft is upon a side hill; if location of shaft is upon a
level, the drift shall be run to a safe distance without the walls of the building and
from there upraised to the surface. Said ladderway and landings shall be kept at all
times in good repair and afford easy mode of escape in event of fire.
Sec. 13. Hereafter all tunnels or adit levels at a safe distance from mouth of same
shall connect with the surface, and be provided with safe and suitable ladders, and
thus afford a means of exit in case of fire destroying the buildings over the mouth of
tunnel or adit level.
Sec. 14. Employees engaged in sinking shaft or incline, shall at all times be pro
vided with chain or other kind of ladder so arranged as to insure safe means of exit.
Sec. 15. In all shafts, hereafter constructed, collars of same shall be protected in
such manner that persons or foreign objects can not fall into the shaft. In all shafts
equipped with cages, safety clutches shall be used. In shafts equipped with buckets,
shaft doors must be constructed which w ill prevent any material falling into shaft
from dumping.
Sec. 16. A ll stations or levels shall, when practicable, have a passageway around
the working shaft, so that crossing over the working compartment can be avoided.
A t all shaft stations a guard rail or rails shall be provided and kept in place across the
shaft, in front of the level, so arranged that it w ill prevent persons from walking,
falling or pushing a truck, car or other conveyance into the shaft. A ll winzes and
mill holes extending from one level to another shall be covered or surrounded with
guard rails, to prevent persons from stepping or falling into the same.
Sec. 17. When any shaft is sunk on a vein, ore shoot [chute] or body, a pillar of
ground shall be left standing on each side of the shaft of sufficient dimensions to
protect and secure the same, and in no case shall stopping [stoping] be permitted
up to or within such close proximity to the shaft as to render the same insecure, until
such time as the mine is to be abandoned and said pillar withdrawn.
Sec. 19. A ny person or persons removing or destroying any covering or fencing
placed around or over any shaft, pit or other excavation, as hereinbefore provided,
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof in any court of
competent jurisdiction shall be fined in a sum of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor
more than three hundred dollars ($300) or imprisonment in the county jail for six
months, or by both fine and imprisonment.
Sec. 20. A ny owner, person or persons operating any metalliferous mine, mill or
metallurgical plant and employing two or more men shall report to the bureau of
mines and state when work is commenced and when stopped, and mines working
continuously shall report on or before November 1 of each year, together with the
names of the owners and managers or lessee in charge of said* work, together with the
476
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
post-office address; the name of the claim or claims to be operated, the name of the
county and mining district, together with the number of men employed, directly or
indirectly, the same being classified into miners, trammers, timbermen, ore assorters,
millmen [,] teamsters, etc. The necessary blanks to carry out the provisions of this
section shall be furnished upon application by the commissioner of mines.
Sec. 21. A n y owner, lessee, manager, superintendent or foreman in charge of any
metalliferous mine, mill or metallurgical plant who shall willfully misrepresent or
withhold facts or information from any inspector or other officer of the bureau of
mines, regarding the mine, such as length of time timbers have been in place, or
making any misrepresentations tending to show safety when the reverse is true, shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof in any court of
competent jurisdiction, shall be fined in any sum not less than one hundred dollars,
nor more than three hundred dollars.
Sec. 22. Strangers or visitors shall not be allowed underground in any mine, unless
accompanied by the owner, official or employee deputized to accompany them.
Sec. 23. Notice of the maximum number of men permitted to ride upon or in the
cage, skip or bucket, at one time, shall be posted at the collar of the shaft and each
level. All men or employees riding upon or in an overloaded cage, skip or bucket as
provided in notice so posted, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction
in a competent court, shall be fined not less than five dollars nor more than fifty
dollars for each and every offense.
Sec. 24. A ny owner, agent, manager or lessee, whether individual, partnership or
corporation, having charge or operating any metalliferous mine, mill or metallurgical
plant, whenever loss of life or accident serious enough in character to cause the injured
party to stop work for two consecutive days, and connected with the workings of such
metalliferous mine, mill or metallurgical plant, shall occur, shall give notice imme
diately and report all the facts thereof to the commissioner of mines. The refusal or
failure of the said owner, agent, manager or lessee, to so report within a reasonable
length of time shall be deemed a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction be subject
to a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than three hundred dollars
($300), or be imprisoned not less than one or more than three months, or b y both
such fine and imprisonment. The commissioner of mines, upon receipt of notice of
accidents, shall investigate the causes and make or cause to be made a report, which
report shall be filled [filed] in his office for future reference.
Sec. 25. The commissioner of mines of the State of Colorado, inspectors, or either
thereof, shall have power to make such examination or inquiry as is deemed neces
sary to ascertain whether the provisions of this act are complied with; to examine
into and make inquiry respecting the condition of any mine, mill or metallurgical
plant, or part thereof, and all matters or things connected with or relating to the
safety of the persons employed in or about the same; to examine into and make
inquiry respecting the condition of the machinery or mechanical device, and, if deemed
necessary, have same tested; to appear at all coroners’ inquests held, respecting
accidents, and if deemed necessary, call, examine and cross-examine witnesses; to
exercise such other powers as are necessary for carrying this act into effect.
Sec. 26. A n y owner, agent, manager or lessee, whether individual, partnership or
corporation, operating a metalliferous mine, mill or metallurgical plant in this Shite,
w ho fails to com ply with the provisions herein set forth, or either or any thereof,
shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and when not otherwise provided, shall be
liable to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25) nor more than three hundred
dollars ($300), for each provision not complied with, and each day after conviction
of failure to com ply with any provision hereof, shall be deemed a separate offense
and punished accordingly.
The district attorney of the district in which such mine, mill or metallurgical plant
is situated, is hereby empowered and directed to bring an action in the name of the
people of the State of Colorado against such owner, agent, manager or lessee, whether
individual, partnership or corporation, operating such metalliferous mine, mill or
metallurgical plant wrhen he is not complying with the provisions of this act, or any
part thereof, or for the violation of any rule made in conformity with this act b y the
commissioner of mines of the State of Colorado. Such penalty when recovered shall
be turned over b y such district attorney to the treasurer of the State of Colorado for
the benefit of the general school fund of the State of Colorado.
Sec. 27. Justices of the peace in their respective counties, shall have jurisdiction in
prosecutions for the violation of this act, subject to the right of appeal as now pro
vided for in cases of assault and battery.
Approved April 10, 1903.
LABOR LAWS— COLORADO— ACTS OF 1903.
Chapter
477
145.— Mine regulations—Inspectors of metalliferous mines.
S ectio n 1.
Section 3 of said act [Chapter 119, session laws of 1899,] is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 3. The commissioner of mines shall divide the State into three metalliferous
mining districts and shall, with the consent of the governor, appoint three (3)
inspectors of practical experience in mining, citizens of the United States and legal
voters of the State of Colorado, and having had not less than seven (7) years’ practi
cal experience in mining in the State of Colorado, who shall hold their office for the
term of tw o (2) years. Immediately after such appointment of said inspectors the
said commissioner of mines shall assign an inspector to each of said districts, and said
inspector so assigned shall maintain a branch office in one county of his district
wherein extensive mining is carried on, and the said commissioner of mines shall
have authority to require that said inspector shall during his terms of office, or such
part thereof as he may determine, remain in the district to w hich he is appointed,
wherein extensive mining is carried on, and whose additional duties shall be as here
inafter specified, and he shall appoint a clerk who must have a general knowledge of
mineralogy, and shall act as assistant curator for the State mineral collection; and
before entering upon the discharge of their duties shall subscribe to the oath
required by the constitution, and each give bond to the State in the sum of $5,000,
to be approved by the governor, conditioned upon the faithful performance of their
duties, respectively; said bonds shall, together with the commissioner’ s bond, be
deposited with the secretary of state. The commissioner of mines may appoint a
stenographer, who shall act as assistant clerk, and such other competent assistants as
he may deem necessary for the carrying out of the object of this act; provided
appropriation be made therefor, and shall have power, with the consent of the gov
ernor, at any time, to remove the inspectors, clerks or other assistants for incompe
tency, neglect of duty or abuse of the privileges of his office.
Approved April 11, 1903.
CO N N ECTICU T, (a)
ACTS OF 1903.
C h a p t e r 130.— Examination and licensing of barbers.
S ect io n 1. The board of examiners appointed under section 4671 of the general
statutes shall have the power to adopt such rules and regulations as they may deem
necessary to procure the proper sterilizing of tools and implements used by barbers
in the practice of their occupation in this State, and for any other purpose that
they may deem necessary to improve the sanitary condition of barber shops and their
surroundings. Said rules shall be submitted to the State board of health and, upon
being approved by said board, shall be in full force and effect. A printed copy of
every such rule shall be mailed to every licensed barber in this State.
S e c . 2. The members of the examining board shall have full power to enter in
business hours and inspect all barber shops in the State regarding their sanitary and
cleanly condition. If said examining board shall find a shop that is unsanitary,
they shall report the name of the proprietor and the street and number of the place
of business to the town, city, or borough health officer of the place in w hich it is
located, who shall at once order the shop put in a sanitary condition or closed.
Sec. 3. A ll licenses to barbers that have been issued by the board of examiners in
this State shall expire on the first day of October, 1903, and each year thereafter.
No person shall carry on the occupation of a barber in this State after October 1,
1903, until he shall have made application to the board of examiners for the renewal
of the license which he holds. Said application for the renewal of a barber’ s license
shall be in writing, addressed to the board of examiners, and signed by the party
applying for such renewal. The board of examiners shall not renew any barber’ s
license unless the application for renewal be received by said board within thirty
days after the expiration of such license.
S ec . 4. Said board of examiners shall, on the first day of October, 1903, and
annually thereafter, issue to every licensed barber in this State, presenting an appli
cation for renewal of his license bearing the date of his insignia card and accom
panied b y a renewal fee of one dollar, a receipt stating the fact of such payment,
which receipt shall be a license to follow said occupation for one year from tne date
of its issue.
S ec . 5. Any licensed barber who shall practice the occupation of a barber in this
State after the expiration of his license, without renewing the same, or who shall
fail to com ply with an order, regulation, or rule that may be adopted by the board of
(a) For other legislation of the session of 1903, see Bulletin 50, pp. 209, 210.
478
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
examiners and approved by the State board of health, shall forfeit his right to a license
and be compelled to pay a fine of not more than fifty dollars for said violation.
Approved June 3, 1903.
FLORIDA.
ACTS OF 1903.
Chaptek 5161.— Seamen— Employers1advances— Violation of contract of employment.
Section 1. W hoever enters into a written agreement with any master or owner of
a vessel to perform certain services upon said vessel as seaman or sponge fisherman
for a contemplated voyage and receives or accepts any money or goods, wares or
merchandise, as advances or bounty for the performance of said services, and shall
willfully and without just cause refuse to perform said services or to go on said vessel
at the time of the sailing of the same, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall,
upon conviction, be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars, or be im
prisoned in the county jail for a period not to exceed twelve months.
(Became a law without the approval of the governor.)
Chapter 5164.— Sunday labor— Newspapers.
Section 1. Nothing contained in the laws of Florida shall be so construed as to
prohibit the preparation or printing between the hours of midnight Saturday and six
m the morning, Sunday, of any newspaper intended to be circulated and sold on
Sunday, or to prohibit the circulation and sale on Sunday of same, or to prohibit
the circulation and sale on Sunday of any newspaper theretofore printed.
Approved May 15, 1903.
C hapter 5192.— Emigrant agents.
Section 1. A ll persons, whether acting as individuals, or as emigration agents, or
the employer or employee of such agents, who shall seek to influence and by such
persuasions cause the removal of any inhabitant from this State, or w ho shall seek
to entice away from this State labor in this State by any representations whatsoever,
shall be considered emigration agents, and as such shall be subjected to a license tax
of five hundred dollars ($500), which sum shall be collected in each county where
any such business is carried on.
Sec. 2. In case any emigrant agent or representative of such agent, or other person,
attempts to carry on any business in any county of this State without first having
paid the license tax as required in section 1 of this act, then such person shall be
liable to arrest and upon trial and conviction shall be fined not less than one hun
dred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or to a sentence in the county jail
of not less than sixty days, nor more than six months, or both b y such fine and
imprisonment.
Approved June 1, 1903.
Chapter 5212.— Right of action for personal injuries.
Section 1. W hoever through culpable negligence, or a reckless disregard for the
safety of others, inflicts any personal injury or injuries upon another, not resulting
in death, shall be punishea by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one
year or b y fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or b y both such fine and
imprisonment.
(Became a law without the approval of the governor.)
IDAHO.
ACTS OF 1903.
Fire escapes on factories, etc.
(Page 148.)
Section 1. It is hereby made the duty of every person, firm or corporation, or his
or its agents, officers or trustees owning or having the management or control of
any * * * factory or other structure over two stories in height to provide and furnish
such building with safe and suitable metallic, iron or fireproof ladders of sufficient
strength and permanently and securely attach the same to the outside or outer walls
of such buildings in such manner and in such position as to be adjacent to the win
dows and convenient and easy of access to the occupants of such buildings in case
of fire.
LABOR LAWS— IDAHO---- ACTS OF 1903.
479
Sec. 2. Such metallic, iron or fireproof ladders must connect with each floor above
the first, and be well fastened and secure and of sufficient strength and extent from
the first story to the upper stories of such building or to the cornice thereof.
Sec. 4. A n y person, firm or corporation, or his or its agents, officers or trustees,
w ho shall fail to com ply with the provisions of this act shall be guilty of a misde
meanor, and on conviction thereof shall be punishable by imprisonment in the county
jail for not less than three nor more than six months, or by a fine of not less than
two hundred dollars ($200), nor more than three hundred dollars ($300), or b y both
such fine and imprisonment.
Approved the 3rd day of March, 1903.
KANSAS.
ACTS OF 1903.
C hapter 70.—Examination and licensing of barbers.
Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to follow the occupation of a barber
in this State, unless he shall have first obtained a certificate of registration as pro
vided in this act: Providedf however, That nothing in this act contained shall apply to
or affect any person who is now actually engaged m such occupation, except as herein
after provided: Provided, That the provisions of this law shall not apply to barbers in
any city, town or village containing less than three thousand inhabitants.
Sec. 2. A board of examiners, to consist of three persons, citizens of this State for
at least three years prior to their appointment, is hereby created to carry out the
purposes and to enforce the provisions of this act. Such board shall be appointed by
the governor: Provided, That all barbers must have had at least a practice of at least
five years at the said occupation prior to their appointment. Each member so rec
ommended shall appear before the State board of health, whose duty it shall be to
determine whether or not such member possesses sufficient knowledge of inoculable
contagious and inoculatious diseases to enable such member to pass judiciously upon
the qualifications of others in the occupation of barber. If said board of health shall
reject an appointee, then the governor shall appoint some one else in place of the
person rejected, such appointment to be made from the same class of persons from
which the appointment was made. If, on the other hand, the appointment be con
firmed b y the board, said board shall issue a certificate to that effect, and all appoint
ments made under the provisions of this act shall date from the confirmation thereof
by said State board. Each member of said board shall serve for a term of three
and until his successor is appointed and qualified, except in the case of the first
, whose members shall serve one, two and three years, respectively, as specif! ed
in their appointment. Said board shall, with the approval of the State board of
health, prescribe such sanitary rules as it may deem necessary, with particular refer
ence to the precautions necessary to be employed to prevent the creating and spread
ing of infectious or contagious diseases. A copy of such rules shall be furnished each
person to whom a certificate of registration is granted. Each member of said board
shall, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, give a bond in the sum of two
thousand dollars, with a surety or sureties to be approved b y the secretary of state,
conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties, and shall take the oath pro
vided b y law for public officers. Vacancies upon said board caused b y death, resig
nation or expiration from any cause of the term of any member thereof shall be filled
by appointment from the same class of persons to which the deceased or retiring
member belonged.
Sec. 3. Said board shall elect a president, secretary, and treasurer, shall have its
headquarters at such place in the State as the board may determine, shall have a
common seal, and the secretary and president shall have the power to administer
oaths. A majority of said board may, in meeting duly assembled, perform the duties
and exercise the powers devolving upon said board under the provisions of this act.
S ec . 4. Each member of said board shall receive a compensation of three dollars
per day for his services, and also railroad fare and such other traveling expenses as
may be necessary in the proper discharge of his duties, and shall be paid out of any
money in the hands of the treasurer of the said board. Said board shall also be
allowed for such other expenditures and outlays, payable out of the moneys in the
hands of its treasurer, as shall be reasonable and proper for the discharge of their
duties and to carry out the provisions of this act.
S ec . 5. Said board shall report to the auditor of this State at each of its regular
meetings a full statement of the receipts and disbursements of the board during the
preceding two years, a full statement of its doings and proceedings, and such recom
S
480
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR.
mendations as it may deem proper looking to the better carrying out of the intent
and purpose of this act. A ny money in the hands of the treasurer of said board at
the time of making such report in excess of two hundred and fifty dollars shall be
paid over to the State treasurer for the maintenance of the public schools of this State.
Sec. 6. Such board shall hold public examinations at least four times in each year,
at such times and places as it may deem advisable; notice of such meeting to be
given b y publications thereof at least ten days prior to such meetings in at least two
newspapers published in this State, in the locality of such proposed meeting.
Sec. 7. Every person now engaged in the occupation of barber in this State shall,
within ninety days after the approval of this act, file with the secretary of said
board an affidavit setting forth his name, residence, and the length of time during
w hich and the place where he has practiced such occupation, and shall pay to the
treasurer of said board one dollar, and a certificate of registration entitling him to
practice the said occupation for the fiscal year ending January 31, 1904, thereupon
shall be issued to him; and the holders of such certificates shall, within thirty days
after the expiration of their respective certificate, make application for the renewal
of the same, stating the number of expiring certificates, and shall in each case pay
to the treasurer of said board the sum of one dollar therefor. For any and every
license or certificate given or issued by the board a fee of one dollar shall be paid by
the person receiving the same.
Sec. 8. A ny person not following the occupation of a barber at the time this act
goes into operation, desiring to obtain a qualified certificate of the said occupation
in this State, shall make application to said board therefor, and shall pay to the
treasurer of said board an examination fee of five dollars, and shall present himself
at the next regular meeting of the board for the examination of applicants; where
upon said board shall proceed to examine such person, and, being satisfied that he is
above the age of nineteen years, of good moral character, free from contagious or
infectious diseases, has either (a) studied the trade for two years as an apprentice
under a qualified and practicing barber, or (6) studied the trade for at least two
years in a properly appointed and conducted barber school or college under the
instructions of a qualified barber, or (c) practiced the trade in another State for at
least two years, and is possessed of the requisite skill in said trade to properly per
form all the duties thereof, including his ability in the preparation of the tools,
shaving, hair-cutting, and all the duties and services incident thereto, and is pos
sessed of sufficient knowledge concerning the common diseases of the face and skin
to avoid the aggravation ana spreading thereof in the practice of said trade, shall
enter his name in the register hereafter provided for, and shall issue to him a certifi
cate of registration authorizing him to practice said trade in this State: Presided,
That whenever it appears that applicant has acquired his knowledge of said trade
in a barber school or college, the board shall be judges of whether said barber school
or college is properly appointed and conducted and under proper instructions to give
sufficient training in said trade. All persons making such application for examina
tion under the provisions of this act shall be allowed to practice the occupation of
barbering until the meeting for the next regular examination by the said board, and
no longer, and the secretary shall give him a permit to do so: Provided, however,
That such time may be extended by the board for good cause shown.
Sec. 9. Nothing in this act shall prohibit any person from serving as an apprentice
in said trade under license issued by the board, under a barber authorized to practice
the same under this act, nor from serving as a student in any school or college for the
teaching of said trade, under the instructions of a qualified barber: Provided, That in
no barber shop shall there be more than one apprentice to two barbers authorized
under this act to practice said occupation, but all barber shops having one chair shall
be entitled to one apprentice: And provided, That all barber schools or colleges shall
keep prominently displayed a sign, ‘ ‘ barber college” or 4‘ barber school,” and no
other sign or signs: Provided, That all barbers or barber schools or colleges who shall
take an apprentice or student shall file immediately with said board the name and age
of such apprentice or student, and the said board shall cause the same to be entered
in a register kept for that purpose.
Sec. 10. Said board shall furnish to each person to w hom a certificate of registra
tion is issued a card or certificate, in such form as it shall adopt, bearing the seal of
the board and the signature of its president and secretary, certifying that the holder
thereof is entitled to practice the occupation of barber m this State, and it shall be
the duty of the holder of such card or insignia to post the same in a conspicuous place
in front of his working chair, where it may be readily seen b y all persons whom he
may serve.
Sec. 11. Said board shall keep a register, in which shall be entered the names of
all persons to whom certificates are issued and to whom permits for serving appren-
LABOR LAWS---- KANSAS---- ACTS OF 1903.
481
ticeship or as students are granted under this act, and said register shall at all times
be open to public inspection.
Sec. 12. Said board shall have power to revoke any certificate of registration
granted by it under this act for (a) conviction of crime, ( b) habitual drunkenness,
(c) gross incompetency, (d) failure or refusal to properly provide or guard against
contagious or infectious disease or the spreading thereof in the practice of the occu
pation aforesaid, or ( e) violation of the rules of the board mentioned in section 2 of
this act: Provided, That before any certificate shall be so revoked, the holder thereof
shall have notice in writing of the charge or charges against him, and shall at a day
specified in said notice, at least five days after the service thereof, be given a public
hearing on said charges, and full opportunity to produce testimony in his behalf and
to confront the witnesses against him. Any person whose certificate has been so
revoked may, after the expiration of ninety days, apply to have the same regranted
to him, upon a satisfactory showing that the disqualification has ceased.
Sec. 13. A n y person who is engaged in the occupation in shaving the beard or
cutting or dressing the hair for the general public shall be construed as practicing
the occupation of barber, and the so said barber or barbers shall be required to fulfill
all requirements of this act.
Sec. 14. A n y person practicing the occupation of barber without having obtained
a certificate of registration as provided in this act, or knowingly employing a barber
w ho has not such certificate, or falsely pretending to be qualified to practice as bar
ber or instructor or teacher of said occupation under this act, or failing to keep the
certificate or card mentioned in section 10 of this act properly displayed, or failing
to com ply with such sanitary rules as the board in conjunction with the State board
of health prescribes, or for the violation of any of the provisions of this act, shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and the board shall proceed against all such per
sons, and upon conviction thereof they shall be punished by a fine of not less than
ten dollars nor more than one hundred dollars, or b y imprisonment in the county
jail not less than ten days or more than ninety days. Prosecutions under this act
shall be begun and earned on in the same manner as other prosecutions for misde
meanors in this State.
Approved February 27, 1903.
C h a p t e r 222.—Protection of employees as members of labor organizations.
S ection 1. It shall be unlawful for any individual or member of any firm, or any
agent, officer or employee of any company or corporation, to coerce, require, demand
or influence any person or persons to enter into any agreement, either written or
verbal, not to join or become or remain a member of any labor organization or asso
ciation, as a condition of such person or persons securing employment, or continuing
in the employment of such individual, firm, or corporation.
Sec. 2. A ny individual or member of any firm or any agent, officer or employee
of any company or corporation violating the provisions of this act shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined in a sum not less
than fifty dollars or imprisoned in the county jail not less than thirty days.
Approved March 13, 1903.
C h a p t e r 310.—Inspection offactories,
etc.—Fire escapes.
S ection 1. Every building now or hereafter used, in whole or in part, as a public
building, * * * shall, within six months after the passage of this act, be pro
vided with one or more metallic ladders or stair fire escapes attached to the outer
walls thereof, and extending from or suitably near the ground to the uppermost
story thereof, with platforms of such forms and dimensions, and in such proximity
to one or more windows of each story above the first as to render access to such lad
ders or stairs from each such story easy and safe; the number, location, material and
construction of such escapes to be subject to the approval of the fire marshal, chief
of the fire department, city or town marshal, or such other authority as may have
the control of fire regulations in any city or town where such buildings are located:
Provided, however, That all buildings more than two stories in height, used for manu
facturing purposes, * * * shall have at least one such fire escape for every thirty
persons for which working, * * * accommodations are provided above the
second stories of said buildings; * * *
Approved February 28, 1903.
482
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR,
C h a p t e r 356.—Inspection offactories,
etc.—Fire escapes—Safety appliances.
S ection 1. Every person owning or operating any manufacturing establishment
which may contain any elevator, hoisting shaft or wellhole shall cause the same to
be properly and substantially enclosed or secured, in order to protect the lives or
limbs of those employed in such establishment.
Sec. 2. Proper and substantial hand rails shall be provided in all stairways in manu
facturing establishments. The stairs shall be properly secured at the sides and ends,
and all doors leading into such establishments shall be so constructed as to open out
wardly, and shall be neither locked, bolted nor fastened during working hours.
Sec. 3. In all manufacturing establishments three or more stories high, at least
one fire' escape, and as many more as may be reasonably necessary, shall be provided
on the outside of said establishment, connecting with each floor above the first, well
fastened and secured, and of sufficient strength. Each of said fire escapes shall have
landings or balconies not less than six feet in length and three feet in width, guarded
by iron railings not less than three feet in height, and embracing at least two win
dows at each story, and connecting with the interior b y easily accessible and unob
structed openings, and the balconies or landings shall be connected by iron stairs not
less than eighteen inches wide, the steps not to be less than six inches tread, placed
at a proper slant, and protected b y a well-secured hand rail on each side, with twelveinch drop ladder from the lower platform reaching to the ground.
Sec. 4. Every person owning or operating any manufacturing establishment in
which machinery is used shall furnish and supply for use therein belt shifters, or
other safe mechanical contrivance, for the purpose of throwing on or off belts or
pulleys; and wherever it is practicable machinery shall be operated with loose
pulleys. All vats, pans, saws, planers, cog gearing, belting, shafting, set-screws and
machinery of every description used in a manufacturing establishment shall, where
practicable, be properly and safely guarded, for the purpose of preventing or avoid
ing the death of or injury to the persons employed or laboring in any such estab
lishment; and it is hereby made the duty of all persons owning or operating manu
facturing establishments to provide and keep the same furnished with safeguards as
herein specified.
Sec. 5. If any person employed or laboring in any manufacturing establishment
shall be killed or injured in any case wherein the absence of any of the safeguards or
precautions required by the act shall directly contribute to such death or injury, the
personal representatives of the person so killed, or the person himself, in case of
injury only, may maintain an action against the person owning or operating such
manufacturing establishment for the recovery of all proper damages. In cases where
the action is brought by the personal representative of the deceased, said action shall
be governed in all respects not herein provided for by the provisions of the statutes
now in force which authorize and regulate the bringing of actions to recover damages
in cases where the death of one is caused by the wrongful act or omission of another:
Provided, Action shall be commenced in the county where the accident occurred.
Sec. 6. In all actions brought under and b y virtue of the provisions of this act, it
shall be sufficient for the plaintiff to prove in the first instance, in order to establish
the liability of the defendant, that the death or injury complained of resulted in con
sequence of the failure of the person owning or operating the manufacturing estab
lishment where such death or injury occurred to provide said establishment with
safeguards as required by this act, *or that the failure to provide such safeguard
directly contributed to such death or injury.
Sec. 7. Manufacturing establishments, as those words are used in this act, shall
mean and include all smelters, oil refineries, cement works, mills of every kind,
machine and repair shops, and, in addition to the foregoing, any other kind or char
acter of manufacturing establishment, of any nature or description whatsoever,
wherein any natural products or other articles or materials of any kind, in a raw
or unfinished or incomplete state or condition, are converted into a new or improved
or different form.
Sec. 8. W herever the expression occurs in this act in substantially the following
words: “ Every person owning or operating any manufacturing establishment,” or
where language similar to that is used, the word “ person” in tnat connection shall
be held and construed to mean any person or persons, partnership, corporation,
receiver, trust, trustee, or any other person or combination of persons, either natural
or artificial, b y whatever name he or they may be called.
Approved March 11, 1903.
LABOR LAWS---- KANSAS---- ACTS OF 1903.
483
Chapter 359.— Protection of employees as members of the national guard.
Section 1. Sections * * * 28 * * * of chapter 255 of Session Laws of
Kansas of 1901 [shall] he amended to read as follows: Section 28. * * * It shall
be a misdemeanor for any employer to refuse permission to any employee who is a
member of the Kansas national guard to attend drill or annual muster, or perform
active service, when so ordered by the commander-in-chief; and any employer who
shall so refuse, or shall discharge an employee from his service or shall m any way
punish an employee for being absent in the performance of military duty, when so
ordered by competent authority, shall on conviction be punished by a fine of not less
than five dollars nor more than fifty dollars for each offense.
Approved March 9, 1903.
Chapter 377.— Examination and licensing of plumbers.
Section 1. A ny person now or hereafter engaging or working at the business of
plumbing in cities of seven thousand population or more in this State, either as
master plumber or employing plumber or as a journeyman plumber, shall first receive
a certificate thereof in accordance with the provisions of this act.
Sec. 2. A n y person desiring to engage in or work at the business of plumbing,
either as a master plumber or employing plumber or as a journeyman plumber, in
cities having a population of seven thousand or more and a system of water-supply
or sewerage, shall make application to a board of examiners hereinafter provided
for, and shall at such times and place as said board may designate be compelled to
pass such examination as to his qualifications as said board may direct. Said exami
nation may be made in whole or in part in writing and shall be of a practical and
elementary character, but sufficiently strict to test the qualifications of the applicant.
Sec. 3. There shall be in every city of seven thousand inhabitants or more a board
of examiners of plumbers consisting of three members, one of which shall be chair
man of the board of health, who shall be ex officio chairman of said board of
examiners; a second member, who shall be a master plumber; and a third member,
who shall be a journeyman plumber. Said second and third members shall be
appointed by the mayor and approved by the council of said city within three
months after the passage of this act, for the term of one year from the 1st day of May
in the year of appointment, thereafter annually before the 1st day of May, and shall
be paid from the treasury of said city the same as other officers, in such sum as the
authorities may designate.
Sec. 4. Said board of examiners shall, as soon as may be after their appointment,
meet, and shall then designate the times and places for examination of all applicants
desiring to engage in or work at the business of plumbing within their respective
jurisdiction. Said board shall examine said applicants as to the practical knowledge
of plumbing, house drainage, and plumbing ventilation, and, if satisfied of the com
petency of such applicants, shall thereupon issue a certificate to such applicant
authorizing him to engage in or work at the business of plumbing, either as master
plumber or employing plumber or as a journeyman plumber. The fee for a certifi
cate for a master plumber or employing plumber shall be five dollars; for a journey
man plumber, it shall be two dollars. Said certificate shall be valid and have force
throughout the State, and all fees received for said certificates shall be paid into the
treasury of the city where such certificates are issued.
Sec. 6 A ll persons who are required by this act to take examinations and procure
a certificate as required b y this act shall apply to the board in the city where they
reside, or to the board nearest their place o f residence.
Sec. 7. Any person violating any provision of this act shall be deemed guilty of a
misdemeanor, and be subject to a fine of not less than five dollars nor exceeding fifty
dollars for each and every violation thereof.
Approved March 9, 1903.
.
Chapter 393.— Inability of employers for injury to employees—Railroad companies.
Section 1. Section 1 chapter 93 of the Laws of 1874, entitled ‘ ‘An act to define the
liability of railroad companies in certain cases,” * * * is hereby amended so as
to read as follows: Every railroad company organized or doing business in this State
shall be liable for all damages done to any employee of said company in consequence
of any negligence of its agents, or by any mismanagement of its engineers or other
employees, to any person sustaining such damage: Provided, That notice in writing
of the injury so sustained, stating the time and place thereof, shall have been given
bv or on behalf of the person injured to such railroad company within ninety days
after the occurrence of the accident.
Approved March 4,1903.
484
BULLETIN OF THE BUEEAU OF LABOE,
MICHIGAN.
ACTS OF 1903.
A c t N o . 87.— Inspection offactories.
S ection 1. Whenever fire escapes, elevator protection or repairs, water-closets and
other permanent improvements to buildings are ordered by factory or deputy factory
inspectors under the provisions of act one hundred thirteen, session laws of nineteen
hundred one, said improvements shall be made b y the owner of the building or
premises where such improvements are ordered: Provided, That nothing in this sec
tion shall be construed to interfere with any contract between owner and tenant
whereby the tenant agrees to make such improvements when ordered by factory or
deputy factory inspectors.
S ec . 2. Whenever the owner of any building or premises, as mentioned in section
one of this act, is a nonresident of this State, the tenant shall make such improve
ments and may deduct the cost thereof from the amount of rent for use of said
premises.
Approved May 7, 1903.
A ct N o. 106.— Employment of labor—Contracts involving removalfrom home locality.
S ection 1. A ny person, company or corporation, or any agent or officer thereof
w ho shall induce another person, b y promise of wages or other valuable considera
tion, to agree to w ork for the person, company or corporation in whose behalf the
offer of inducements is made, at a point away from his or her home locality, shall
specify in writing the terms and conditions under which the said work is to be per
formed, the rate of wages and how, when and where said wages are agreed to be
paid, and may furnish a copy of such statement of agreement to the person so
induced b y the promises therein to agree to work for the person, company or cor
poration offering said inducements: Provided, That it shall be unlawful for any per
son to make a tender of inducement to go away from the home locality to work, to
any child under sixteen years of age unless the written consent of the parents of such
child has been first obtained, as well as the consent of the truant officer or county
agent o f the board of corrections and charities for the locality where said child
belongs; and in case such consent is obtained and the child goes abroad under the
influence of the inducements so offered, such child under sixteen years of age shall
be safely returned to its home at any time when its parents shall request, in writing,
such return. A n y person or any agent or officer oi any corporation w ho shall, in
offering inducements to any person to work for hire at any place apart from his or
her hom e locality, misrepresent any of the conditions of such employment as men
tioned above, shall be liable to pay to the person injured by such misrepresentation,
the full amount of the damage sustained and shall be further liable to the penalties
provided in section three of this act.
Sec. 2. Every person, who, with intent to defraud, shall accept or receive trans
portation provided b y or at the instance or expense of his employer, from any point
in this State to or in the direction of the place where he has contracted to perform
labor for, or render services to such employer, or w ho shall knowingly, and with
intent to defraud, accept or receive the benefit of any other pecuniary advancements
made b y or at the instance and cost of his employer, under an agreement on the part
of such person to perform labor or render services in repayment of the cost of such
transportation or of such other benefits, shall be deemed and adjudged guilty of a
misdemeanor if he shall neglect or refuse to render services or perform labor of an
equal value to the full amount paid for such transportation or other benefits, or shall
neglect or refuse to pay such employer in money the amount paid therefor. The
value of the services to be rendered, or labor to be performed shall be determined by
the price agreed to be paid therefor by such employer under his contract with the
employee. The failure or refusal of any such employee to perform such labor or to
render such services in accordance with his contract, or to pay in money the amount
paid for such transportation or other benefits, shall be prima facie evidence of his
intent to defraud.
Sec. 3. Every person found guilty of violating the provisions of this act shall be
punished b y a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars or by imprisonment of not less
than ten nor more than sixty days.
Approved May 14, 1903.
LEADING ARTICLES IN PAST NUMBERS OF THE BULLETIN,
No.
1. Private and public debt in the United States, by George K . Holmes.
Em ployer and employee under the common law, by V. H . Olmsted and S. D.
Fessenden.
No. 2. The poor colonies of Holland, b y J. Howard Gore, Ph. D.
The industrial revolution in Japan, by William Eleroy Curtis.
Notes concerning the money of the U. S. and other countries, b y W . C. Hunt.
The wealth and receipts and expenses of the U. S., by W. M. Steuart.
No. 3. Industrial communities: Coal Mining Co. of Anzin, by W . F. Willoughby.
No. 4. Industrial communities: Coal Mining Co. of Blanzy, by W . F. Willoughby.
The sweating system, b y Henry White.
No. 5. Convict labor.
Industrial communities: Krupp Iron and SteelWorks, by W . F. W illoughby.
No. 6. Industrial communities: Familistere Society of Guise, by W . F. W illoughby.
Cooperative distribution, by Edward W . Bemis, Ph. D.
No. 7. Industrial communities: Various communities, by W . F. Willoughby.
Kates of wages paid under public and private contract, by Ethelbert Stewart.
No. 8. Conciliation and arbitration in the boot and shoe industry, bv T. A. Carroll.
Railway relief departments, by Em ory K. Johnson, Ph. I).
No. 9. The padrone system and padrone banks, b y John Koren.
The Dutch Society for General Welfare, b y J. Howard Gore, Ph. D.
No. 10. Condition of the Negro in various cities.
Building and loan associations.
No. 11. Workers at gainful occupations at censuses of 1870, 1880, and 1890, b y W . C.
Hunt.
Public baths in Europe, by Edward Mussey Hartwell, Ph. D., M. D.
No. 12. The inspection of factories and workshops in the U. S., by W . F. W illoughby.
Mutual rights and duties of parents ana children, guardianship, etc., under
the law, by F. J. Stimson.
The municipal or cooperative restaurant of Grenoble, France, by C. 0 . Ward.
No. 13. The anthracite mine laborers, b y G. O. Virtue, Ph. D.
No. 14. The Negroes of Farmville, V a .: A social study, by W . E. B. Du Bois, Ph. D.
Incomes, wages, and rents in Montreal, b y Herbert Brown Ames, B. A.
No. 15. Boarding homes and clubs for working women, b y Mary S. Fergusson.
The trade-union label, by John Graham Brooks.
No. 16. Alaskan gold fields and opportunities for capital and labor, by S. C. Dunham.
No. 17. Brotherhood relief and insurance of railway employees, by E. R. Johnson,
Ph. D.
The nations of Antwerp, by J. Howard Gore, Ph. D.
No. 18. Wages in the United States and Europe, 1870 to 1898.
No. 19. Alaskan gold fields and opportunities for capital and labor, by S. C. Dunham.
Mutual relief and benefit associations in the printing trade, by W . S. Waudby.
No. 20. Condition of railway labor in Europe, by Walter E. W eyl, Ph. D.
No. 21. Pawnbroking in Europe and the United States, b y W . R. Patterson, Ph. D.
No. 22. Benefit features of American trade unions, by Edward W . Bemis, Ph. D.
The Negro in the black belt: Some social sketches, by W . E. B. Du Bois, Ph. D.
Wages m Lyon, France, 1870 to 1896.
No. 23. Attitude of w om en s clubs, etc., toward social economics, by Ellen M. Henrotin.
The production of paper and pulp in the U. S. from Jan. 1 to June 30, 1898.
No. 24. Statistics o f cities.
No. 25. Foreign labor laws: Great Britain and France, by W . F. W illoughby.
No. 26. Protection of workmen in their employment, by Stephen D. Fessenden.
Foreign labor laws: Belgium and Switzerland, b y W. F. Willoughby.
No. 27. Wholesale prices: 1890 to 1899, by Roland P. Falkner, Ph. D.
Foreign labor laws: Germany, b y W . F. W illoughby.
No. 28. Voluntary conciliation and arbitration in Great Britain, by J. B. McPherson.
System of adjusting wages, etc., in certain rolling mills, by J. H. Nutt.
Foreign labor laws: Austria, by W . F. W illoughby.
No. 29. Trusts and industrial combinations, b y J. W . Jenks, Ph. D.
The Y ukon and Nome gold regions, b y S. C. Dunham.
Labor Day, b y Miss M. 0. de Graffenried.
No. 30. Trend of wages from 1891 to 1900.
Statistics of cities.
Foreign labor laws: Various European countries, by W . F. W illoughby.
No. 31. Betterment of industrial conditions, by V . H. Olmsted.
Present status of employers’ liability in the U. S., by S. D. Fessenden.
Condition of railway labor in Italy, by Dr. Luigi Einaudi.
No. 32. Accidents to labor as regulated by law in the U. S., b y W. F. W illoughby.
Prices of commodities and rates of wages in Manila.
The Negroes of Sandy Spring, M d .: A social study, b y W . T. Thom, Ph. D.
The British workmen’ s compensation act and its operation, by A. M. Low.
No. 33. Foreign labor laws: Australasia and Canada, b y W . F. W illoughby.
The British conspiracy and protection of property act and its operation, by
A. M. Low.
No. 34. Labor conditions in Porto Rico, b y Azel Ames, M. D.
Social economics at the Paris Exposition, b y Prof. N. P. Gilman.
The workmen’ s compensation act of Holland.
No. 35. Cooperative communities in the United States, by Rev. Alexander Kent.
The Negro landholder of Georgia, b y W . E. B. Du Bois, Ph. D.
No. 36. Statistics of cities.
Statistics of Honolulu, H. I.
No. 37. Railway employees in the United States, b y Samuel McCune Lindsay, Ph. D.
The Negroes of Litwalton, Va.: A social study of the “ Oyster Negro,” by
William Taylor Thom, Ph. D.
No. 38. Labor conditions in M exico, by Walter E. W eyl, Ph. D.
The Negroes of Cinclare Central Factory and Calumet Plantation, La., by
J. Bradford Laws.
No. 39. Course of wholesale prices, 1890 to 1901.
No. 40. Present condition of the hand-working and domestic industries of Germany,
b y Henry J. Harris, Ph. D.
W orkmen’ s compensation acts of foreign countries, b y Adna F. Weber.
No.. 41. Labor conditions in Cuba, by Victor S. Clark, Ph. D.
Beef prices, by Fred C. Croxton.
No. 42. Statistics of cities.
Labor conditions in Cuba.
No. 43. Report to the President on anthracite coal strike, by Carroll D. Wright.
No. 44. Factory sanitation and labor protection, by C. F. W . Doehring, Ph. D.
No. 45. Course of wholesale prices, 1890 to 1902.
No. 46. Report of Anthracite Coal Strike Commission.
No. 47. Report o f the Commissioner of Labor on Hawaii.
No. 48. Farm colonies of the Salvation Army, b y Commander Booth Tucker.
The Negroes of Xenia, Ohio, by Richard R. Wright, jr., B. D.
No. 49. Cost of living.
Labor conditions in New Zealand, by Victor S. Clark, Ph. D.
No. 50. Labor unions and British industry, by A. Maurice Low.
Land values and ownership in Philadelphia, b y A. F. Davies.
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