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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ROY. .L MEEKER, Commissioner
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES )
B UREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS [
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
j WHOLE
* * * ( NUMBER
S E R I E S :
170
N O .
FOREIGN FOOD PRICES AS
AFFECTED BY THE WAR
MAY, 1915
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1915
9
CONTENTS.
Page.
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 5-15
Austria................................................................................................................................. 16-24
Belgium............................................................................................................................... 24-28
Bulgaria............................................................................................................................... 28, 29
Egypt...................................................................................................................................
29
France................ ................................................................................................................. 29-35
Germany.............................................................................................................................. 35-62
Great Britain...................................................................................................................... 62-79
Greece.................................................................................................................................. 79-81
Italy..................................................................................................................................... 81-87
Netherlands........................................................................................................................ 88-91
Russia................................................................................................................................... 91-96
Servia...................................................................................................................................
96
Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden)........... ...................... 97-116
Denmark................................................................................................................... 98-101
Norway.................................................................................................................... 101-108
Sweden.................................................................................................................... 108-116
Spain.............. ................................................................................................................. 117-119
Switzerland..................................................................................................................... 120-122
Turkey........................................................................................... ................................. 123-126
Appendix A .—Relative prices of food and household commodities................ 127-128
Appendix B.— Copy of a bread and flour ticket issued by the municipal
authorities of Vienna.......................................................................
129
3
BULLETIN OF THE
U. S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
W HOLE NO. 170.
W ASH IN G TO N .
MAY, 1915.
FOREIGN FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR.
INTRODUCTION.
The following report, based principally upon data furnished by the
Department of State through its consular service, was undertaken to
show the effect of the European war upon prices of important articles,
especially food, entering into the cost of living. In the main it relates
to the period between August 1 and December 1, 1914, but in a few
instances the figures have been brought down to a later date. The
prices prevailing in June or July, 1914, have been used as the standard
of comparison whenever they were available. In some instances, how
ever, it has been necessary to compare prices for specified months of
1913 and 1914. Prices are given from 18 countries and represented
by reports from over 100 towns, cities, or consular districts.
In comparing these data it is evident that the first effect of the
war was the same practically throughout Europe. Its outbreak was
followed by a sharp rise in prices, due mainly to panic and uncertainty.
In some countries legislative measures were at once undertaken to
check this rise; in others the Governments strictly adhered to a handsoff policy and trusted to the natural course of events for a readjust
ment. Within a fortnight the first panic was over and except in the
actual war zone prices began to sink. In most places, however, prices
did not get back to the July level.
From this point on the movement of prices was so dependent on
local circumstances that general statements can hardly be made. In
the actual war zone and its immediate vicinity conditions were chaotic.
In one part of a given district supplies might have been requisitioned
for the support of an invading or a defending army until little was left
for the inhabitants and prices would run up to any figure. In another
part of the same district producers might be trying in anticipation of
a military occupation to dispose of their foodstuffs and prices might
fall below the normal.
Outside of the war zone prices were almost equally dependent on
local conditions. Transportation was hampered from the first day.
6
B U L L E T IN
OF T H E BU BEA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
On land the first duty of the railroads was to serve military ends, and
freight had to take its chance. On sea there was an actual scarcity
of neutral shipping, a constant danger of destruction by mines, or of
confiscation if a cargo fell within the widening definition of contra
band. Naturally both freight and insurance charges rose and ocean
traffic fell off. If therefore a given city depended largely on im
ported foodstuffs, the cost of living within its limits rose rapidly;
if it were situated within a food-exporting district prices were apt to
fall, owing to the inaccessibility of the usual markets. Other local
causes might have similar .effects. In some parts of Norway, for
instance, the cessation of tourist travel left the inhabitants over
supplied with foodstuffs, and on some articles prices fell to a lower
level than before the outbreak of hostilities. In Venice, on the other
hand, the reduction in the number of foreign visitors meant seriously
reducing the incomes of a large portion of the population at the very
time that the interference with imports sent the cost of living up, so
that the city was doubly affected by the war.
Within the same country prices might be affected in widely differ
ing ways according to local conditions. Thus, in France, Rheims, lying
within the zone of hostilities, reports a marked advance in the cost of
living with certain important articles of food unobtainable at any
price. Paris reports no increase in the general price level and an
actual decrease in the price of fruits, vegetables, and some meats,
while Marseille reports an increase of about 20 per cent in cost of
living.
The two Austrian cities of Carlsbad and Vienna afford another
striking illustration of local difference. Carlsbad is in the extreme
west of Austria, almost on the German border; Vienna, although
decidedly in the west, is still much nearer than Carlsbad to the eastern
Provinces which produce a large part of Austria’s supplies. The
change in the prices of certain articles in the two places was as follows:
Articles.'
Bacon..............................................
Flour, wheat.................................
M ilk.................................................
Potatoes.........................................
Rice..................................................
Carlsbad: Per
cent of in
crease July,
1914, to Octo
ber, 1914.
25
67
25
3 100
07
Vienna: Per
cent of in
crease October,
1913, to Octo
ber, 1914.
1
12-13
67-50
( 2)
4 J0-29
67-50
1 Decrease.
2 No change.
3 Wholesale price.
4 Decrease for poorer, increase for better, grades.
The difference in the changes shown is too marked to need com
ment. The only explanation suggested is the different position of
the two cities with regard to the source of supplies.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W AR ---- IX T R O D U C T IO X .
7
Where such diversity exists within a single country, comparisons
between different countries can be made only in the most tentative
fashion. Nevertheless, to give some idea of the effect the war has
had upon prices in different parts of Europe, the following table has
been prepared showing the percentage of change in the cost of speci
fied articles in thirteen cities. The figures given for London apply
equally to all large places within Great Britain; those for other
cities apply only to the place named. The effort has been made to
take for each country a city not affected by proximity to the war
zone or other disturbing local factors, but rather one which repre
sents as nearly as possible the general conditions of the country in
which it lies. Probably, therefore, these cities represent the mini
mum changes for places of their size in their respective countries.
P E R C E N T A G E O F IN C R E A S E I N P R IC E O F S P E C IF IE D A R T IC L E S O F F O O D .
Articles.
London,
Copenha
I Berlin,
Carlsbad,
gen, Den Limoges,
and
Germany:
Austria:
France:
Great
mark:
July,
July,
Britain:
July,
Aug. 1,
1914, Oc
1914, Oc
1914, De 1914, Dec.
July,
tober,
tober,
1914, Dec.
1,1914.
cember,
1914.
1914.
1,1914.
1914.
Bacon...................................................
Beef......................................................
Bread, wheat.....................................
Bread, rye...........................................
Cheese..................................................
25
0)
20
31-48
07
Flour, rye............................................
Millc......................................................
Potatoes..............................................
Rice......................................................
Sugar....................................................
Coal (anthracite).........................
Petroleum
.....................................
25
2 100
67
10
83
Total increase, estimated
or calculated................
Articles.
Bacon...................................................
Beef.......................................................
Bread, wheat.....................................
Bread, rye...........................................
Cheese..................................................
Flour, wheat......................................
Flour, rye........................................
M ilk .....................................................
Potatoes..............................................
Rice......................................................
Sugar....................................................
Coal (anthracite).............................
Petroleum
........................
Total increase, estimated
or calculated..................
1 No change.
2 Wholesale prices.
3 Decrease.
31
2
5
9
0)
0)
0)
Flour,
31 wheat..................................
0)
5
17
0)
50
0)
99
6
35
(!)
4
17
8
7-11
14
Rom e,
Italy:
July 15,
1914,
Nov. 7,
1914.
20
(I)121
4
7
13
5
3 14
70
Athens,
Greece:
June,
1914, No
vember,
1914.
0)
40
16
(I) i ,
W 3
30
0)
10.3
17
25
Stock
Amster
Chris
Malaga,
Basel,
Constan
Moscow,
holm ,
Spain:
dam,
tiania,
Switzer tinople,
Sweden:
Russia:
Holland: Norway:
Novem
land:
Turkey:
Aug. 1,
July,
July 1,
ber, 1913,
July,
July 31,
M ay,
1914, Nov.
1914, N o
1914, Nov. 1914, Nov.
1914, Oct. 1$14, Nov.
Novem
10,1914.
vember,
9,1914.
ber, 1914.
31,1914.
1,1914.
5,1914.
1914.
0)
24
10
19
3 14
20
50
75
25
11
95
20
0)
50
33*
25
8
5 33*
59
12
0)
0)
3 3-6
10-5
0)
3 33*
6-33*
0)
35
20
7
18
29
28
20
(,)50
33*
( ,\ c
14
0)
10
3
0)
0)
12
3
(1) 8
12
33*
22
44
0)
80-66§
2- 8
29- 8
20
|
i
* No change, but very little is to be had.
®Increase due to short crop.
0)
2 52
2 150
2 258
45
100
8
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
These data are confessedly fragmentary, yet they show the different
effects of the war upon different localities. In France the best sugarhcet fields lie in the northern parts, which were early invaded by the
Germans and the price of sugar rose considerably. Germany and
Russia are sugar exporting countries, and in Berlin and Moscow sugar
shows no change in price. England imports its whole supply, and in
London the price had risen 70 per cent. Turkey usually imports her
sugar from Russia and from Austria. The Russian supply was shut
off altogether when Turkey entered the war, and the Austrian supply
was reduced to what could be brought through by rail— a very uncer
tain dependence. Apparently Greece was likely to undergo a similar
experience, for though at Athens sugar had risen only 30 per cent,
in Saloniki at the same date it had increased in price 150 per cent.
(See pp. 80 and 81.)
Flour is another article which shows decided changes. Russia is
the greatest wheat exporting country of Europe, and the outbreak
of the war practically shut off its foreign markets. It is not surpris
ing, therefore, to find that the price of wheat flour had actually fallen
in’ Moscow during the period covered. Germany and Austria both
claimed to have enough wheat on hand to last through another
harvest, but in Austria the rise in price of wheat flour is very marked.
Holland is the only place reporting as to flour which shows no change
in price. This is due to the fact that the Government, at an early
date, took charge of the distribution of flour at a fixed price. The
changes in other countries are connected with the expense and diffi
culty of its importation, the difficulty of distributing it within the
country, and the extent to which the Government had taken control
of both distribution and price.
The table gives some indication of one fact which greatly increases
the seriousness of the problem presented by the increased cost of
living. To a considerable extent the increase is greater on the arti
cles used by the poor than on those commonly used by the well-to-do.
Almost invariably, for instance, when the prices of both wheat and
rye flour are reported, rye flour shows the greater increase. This
difference in the incidence of the increase is shown more plainly
in the detailed tables which follow. It is partly explained by the
fact that as soon as prices begin to rise, people cut off luxuries and use
necessaries more freely. For themselves, in spite of the increased cost
of the necessaries which accompanies or follows this increased use, the
change may be an economy, but its effects fall heavily on those whose
living has always been confined mainly to necessaries.
Two other factors which can not appear in this table enter into the
problem. One is that for the Balkan States and their immediate
neighbors the present increase in cost of living follows hard on a
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W AR---- IN TR O D U C TIO N .
9
similar increase, clue to the Eastern wars, to which the population had
not yet become adjusted. The American consul at Saloniki notes:
For the past three years the territory of this consular district has
been more or less in a continuous state of war. The Turco-Italian
War was followed by the Balkan War of 1912; then came the War of
the Balkan Allies in 1913, and now the European War. During this
period there has been a steady increase in the cost of living, which
may be divided as follows:
First 'period.—From January 1, 1912, to the time of Greek occupa
tion, November 8, 1912. During this period an increase of 10 per
cent took place.
Second j>eriod.—Commencing with Greek occupation and ending
August 1, 1914, during which an average increase of 25 per cent was
established.
Third period.—Beginning with the outbreak of the European war
and concluding November 10th, when the cost of living was increased
30 per cent over the second period.
For other countries similarly situated with regard to recent wars,
the successive increases have not been specified, but in each case the
rise in prices due to the present war represents only the climax of a
series of advances. The particular 10 or 20 or 30 per cent increase
shown in this report for such a country may therefore bear far more
heavily upon its inhabitants than a similar or even larger increase in
a country which, although sharing in the world-wide increase in cost
of living, has not experienced these rapid and spectacular advances.
The second factor which can not appear in this table is the decrease
in purchasing power among the workers, due in some cases to unem
ployment and in others to the fact that the principal wage earners of
a family have been called to the colors. It is impossible to estimate
the effect of these two causes. In some farming regions, remote from
the region of actual fighting, it is said that the ordinary routine has
been but little affected; in others, the withdrawal of men from the
work of cultivation has already produced serious consequences. In
industrial and commercial regions the disorganization and depression
caused by the war have produced much unemployment. Practically
every government which has maintained employment bureaus in the
past has recognized the seriousness of the situation and taken special
measures in an effort to cope with it. The decrease of purchasing
power due to the withdrawal of wage earners is even more difficult to
estimate. To some extent an effort has been made to offset this by
allowances to a soldier’s dependents, but such measures are not
universal.
The importance and full significance of these increases in prices
would not be fairly presented without reference to the fact that the
increased cost of living, and especially the increase in food prices, has
for a number of years been a question of serious concern in practically
all of the countries included in this report. The upward movement
10
B U L L E T IN OF TH E BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
in prices prior to the war had, in fact, been world wide. An inquiry
of the British Board of Trade in 1912 showed increases in food prices
in various countries over prices in 1900 ranging from 15 per cent in
Great Britain and France and 16 per cent in Australia to 30 per cent
in Germany, 32 per cent in Belgium, and 35 per cent in Austria. In
Canada and in the United States the increase shown was even greater
than the highest figures above given. Thus, it will be seen that the
increased prices, directly due to the war, coming as the culmination in
the long period of increases, are much more serious to the masses of
the population than the mere figures indicate. It is obvious, too,
that the increases of the first four to six months represent only the
beginning of the war’s effect on the cost of living.
GOVERNMENTAL EFFORTS TO CHECK THE INCREASE IN COST OF LIVING.
Legal and administrative measures to check the rise in cost of
necessaries were very generally taken. An embargo on exports and
a removal of customs duties on imports of foodstuffs were common
measures. Denmark, Egypt, Great Britain, Italy, Russia, Spain, and
Turkey forbade the exportation of practically all foodstuffs; France,
Norway, and Sweden listed certain articles which must not be exported,
and Holland placed an embargo on butter and cheese. In some cases,
these restrictions were removed or modified after business had be
come adjusted to war conditions. Thus, in Russia the embargo v/as
only temporary, while in Spain it was soon made to depend on a kind
of sliding scale of prices. For example, rice, which is a very im
portant article of diet among the poorer classes, might be exported
only so long as its wholesale price remained below a specified figure.
Fixing maximum prices, especially for foodstuffs, by some gov
ernmental agency was a very common measure. To some extent
it was used by every country included in this report, although in
Great Britain, and Sweden, so little of the sort w’as done that these
countries might almost be excepted. In Great Britain the Govern
ment’s action was purely advisory, except in regard to sugar, which
the Government purchased in large quantity for resale in order to
keep down the retail price. In Holland the wheat supply was seized
by the Government, to be distributed under its supervision at fixed
prices, and in Sweden, although a law was passed October 9, 1914,
empowering the Crown to fix maximum prices from time to time, no
arbitrary prices had been fixed up to December.
The methods adopted for fixing prices differed considerably.
Belgium was one of the first countries to adopt special measures. On
August 4 a law was passed authorizing the fixing of maximum prices,
in accordance with which King Albert issued a decree fixing prices for
flour, bread, potatoes, native wheat, salt, sugar, and rice, and per
mitting local authorities to requisition these articles if dealers tried
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W A R ---- IN TR OD U C TIO N .
11
to hold them back. By October the attempt to maintain uniform
prices throughout the Kingdom was given up, and another decree was
issued permitting the local authorities to fix prices in each district.
At present this arrangement is not in force, owing to the utter lack
of a normal food supply.
In France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, and
parts of Turkey the municipal authorities, either alone or in cooperation
with the central or military authorities, might fix maximum prices if
they thought best. In most cases this right was of long standing. In
all of these countries the municipal authorities have very generally
made use of this right.1 In Switzerland the municipal authorities
had the same right but found difficulties in the way of its exercise.
In Basel, for instance, when the authorities proposed to fix the price of
meat, the butchers threatened to close their shops if they were thus
restricted. In Bulgaria a special law was passed early in August
authorizing local authorities “ with the participation of the financial
authorities” to fix prices, both wholesale and retail. In Egypt a
commission was appointed by the central Government with power
to fix maximum prices, publishing weekly lists of the prices thus fixed.
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden also resorted to commissions for this
purpose. In Servia the ministry of the interior was charged with the
duty of fixing maximum prices.
Some Governments, while allowing the local authorities to fix
prices on most things, issued decrees applicable to their whole terri
tory concerning a few highly important articles. Thus, Austria and
Germany both prescribed the proportion of wheat or rye flour that
should be used inmaking bread. In November Austria was considering
fixing the price of grain, while Germany had fixed the wholesale price
of cereals throughout the Empire; had prohibited the use of grain for
brewing, distilling, or feeding the cattle; had established maximum
prices for potatoes by geographical districts, and had forbidden the
use of potatoes in the manufacture of spirits. Turkey had fixed prices
for petroleum, sugar, and flour. In Italy, salt, tobacco, and matches
are Government monopolies, so that their prices ar& in any case fixed
by the central authority; like articles of private monopoly their
prices were raised.
Denmark, Holland, and Switzerland contented themselves with
controlling the most important breadstuff of each country. Denmark
had appointed a committee on foodstuffs charged with the duty of
collecting data and advising the Government as to suitable action.
Rye bread is the principal food of the poorer classes in Denmark. In
December, although exportation of grain or its use as food for animals
1 Cities mentioned b y the consuls in the statements reproduced in this Bulletin, in which the muni
cipal authorities have fixed m axim um prices, are: Sofia, Bulgaria; Havre, Rheims, and Rouen, France;
K ehl, Germany; Athens, Greece; Naples, Milan, Rome, and Venice, Italy; Moscow, Petrograd, Tiflis,
and Warsaw, Russia.
12
B U L L E T IN
OF T IIE BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
had boon forbidden, rye broad was 50 per cent higher than at the
outbreak of the war, and still rising. The committee found that the
country had not a sufficient supply of rye to last to the next harvest,
and only about two-thirds of what was needed for bread alone. On
the other hand, enough to make up the deficiency had already been
bought in the United States, but had not yet reached Denmark.
The committee, therefore, came to the conclusion that the most
advisable steps to take were:
1. To fix a maximum price on Danish rye.
2. To have the Government authorized to expropriate all private
stores if necessary.
Danish rye alone, in ordinary circumstances, is not well suited for
bread and generally is not used for it, German rye or the finer qualities
of American rye being substituted for it; but the last Danish harvest
was of such an extraordinarily good quality that it would go very well
in bread when mixed with first-class American flour. The idea of
the committee, then, was to obtain the absolute control of the whole
store of Danish rye and to keep the prices down by fixing a maximum
price on it. It would then be possible to fix a certain proportion in
which American flour should be mixed with Danish flour in the bread,
and as the Danish rye on hand was supposed to be sufficient for twothirds of the whole consumption until next year, it was but natural
that the proportion should be fixed at two-thirds Danish flour and
one-third American.
A law fixing maximum prices and authorizing the Government to
enforce them was accordingly passed. The expropriation has not
taken place and the Danish peasants therefore are keeping their rye,
because the maximum price, although about 25 per cent above the
ordinary level, is 20 per cent lower than might have been obtained
before the price was fixed.
The Dutch Government had before the middle of November taken
possession of the whole stock of wheat and was taking care of its dis
tribution at fixed prices. White bread was practically unobtainable,
only brown and dark bread being sold. In Switzerland the Govern
ment ground and sold rye flour.
Great Britain made an interesting attempt to modify prices with
out taking the responsibility of fixing them. At the outbreak of the
war there was the same panic which prevailed elsewhere. The wellto-do thronged the provision shops, buying in anticipation of future
scarcity. In Glasgow some of the shops are said to have closed at
noon, the crowd of would-be buyers was so dense and so eager. In
smaller places shops were literally bought out by one or two pur
chasers. There was no actual or prospective lack of supplies, but
transportation was temporarily disorganized, and the frenzied buy
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W AR ---- IN TR O D U C TIO N .
13
ing sent prices up in a way likely to cause serious distress among the
poorer classes. “ Not only were prices abnormally inflated, but in
many districts, owing to panic orders, supplies of necessary articles
of food ran out altogether.” There were immediate and earnest
demands that the Government should do something.
On August 5 a cabinet committee on food supplies under the chair
manship of the Home Secretary met “ the representatives of certain
great companies owning 3,000 distributing shops and the grocers’
federation owning 14,000 shops.” 1 It was decided that a standing
committee should be formed to advise as to maximum retail prices
for staple articles of food. These prices were not compulsory, but
represented the opinion of experts, acting under governmental sanc
tion, as to what purchasers might reasonably regard as the highest
figures they ought to pay. The. first list of prices was issued August
7th, to be effective through the 10th. These prices gave rise to com
plaint that the committee was acting in the interest of dealers, rather
than of purchasers.
“ The prices current yesterday,” says a daily paper, “ were well
under the maximum fixed by the State.” The following are the home
and colonial quotations and the State maximum compared:2
Articles.
To-day’s price, per
pound.
State m aximum, per
pound.
s. d.
s. d.
0 4J 9.1 cents].
Granulated sugar...................................................................................... 0 3 [6.1 cents].
[7.1
cents].
Lum p sugar................................................................................................
0 5 10.1 cents
0 3*
Butter........................................................................................................... 1 3 30.4 cents
1 6 36.5 cents
Cheese (colonial)....................................................................................... 0 8J 17.2 cents
0 9} 19.3 cents
Lard (American)...................................................................................... 0 7 14.2 cents
0 8 16.2 cents
0 10 20.3 cents
Margarine..................................................................................................... 0 8 16.2 cents
Bacon:
British (by the side)....................................................................... 1 2 |
[28.4 cents]
1 6 |
[36.5 cents]|.
1 4 j[32.4 cents]
Continental (by the side)..............................................................
By the time the next list was issued, August 11, current prices had
risen somewhat, and the maximum set on bacon by the committee
was reduced by 3d. (6.1 cents) for British and 2d. (4.1 cents) for con
tinental bacon.3 Accordingly the current and maximum prices
agreed, except that the committee’s price for sugar was still fd. (1.5
cents) higher than current quotations. The committee continued
to issue price lists for about three weeks, by which time prices had
become fairly stable, though at a higher level than that prevailing in
July.
Another weapon was provided against artificially induced high
prices, although up to the present it has not been used. On August
1 London Morning Post, Aug. 6,1914.
2 The Daily Citizen, Saturday, Aug. 8,1914.
3 See Board of Trade Labour Gazette, August, 1914, p. 283.
14
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
8 a bill was passed through all its stages in the House of Commons,
one clause of which provided that—
If the Board of Trade are of opinion that any foodstuff is being
unreasonably withheld from the market they may, if so authorized
by His Majesty’s proclamation * * *, take possession of any
supplies to which the proclamation relates, and pay to the owner
such prices as may, in default of agreement, be decided to be reason
able, having regard to all the circumstances, by a judge of the High
Court selected by the Lord Chief Justice of England.
This clause may yet have a practical bearing, since at the present
writing (March, 1915) the labor party in Great Britain is urgently de
manding governmental action to lower the prices, especially of coal
and flour.
One further step the Government took. Two-thirds of the sugar
supply of Great Britain is ordinarily imported from Germany and
Austria, both of which sources of supply were at once cut off by the
war. Within a week the wholesale price of sugar had trebled, and
quite apart from any panic there was reason to fear a still greater
rise. Accordingly, in October the cabinet committee on food sup
plies purchased over 900,000 tons of sugar, raw and refined. This
was sold to refiners at a price which would protect the Government
from loss, and yet make it possible to retail the sugar at 3 f d . (7.6
cents) per pound for granulated sugar and 4-Jd. (9.1 cents) for good
cubes.
Another scheme adopted by the Government was undertaken not
to keep down prices, but to maintain the food supply. At the out
break of the war a plan for State insurance of ships and cargoes had
been hastily devised. In the case of ships the Government was to
insure all war risks at a flat rate of premium, ranging from 1 to 5 per
cent. For cargoes a special State insurance department was set up
with an advisory board to fix the rate of premiums. Not long after
the Board of Trade arranged a similar scheme of insurance with an
association representing the owners of steam fishing vessels. It was
hoped that by this arrangement the owners of such vessels would be
enabled to pursue their occupation and to maintain the customary
supply of fish.
Detailed studies of the steps taken by the German and the .Scandi
navian Governments to control prices are given in the studies of con
ditions in those countries, which follow.
The removal of import duties on certain articles as a means of
keeping down prices was an expedient adopted early in the war by
France and Germany. By the end of October a mass meeting at
Gottenborg, Sweden, passed resolutions calling upon the Government
among other things “ to suspend import duties on foodstuffs/*1and the
1 A t a later date than that covered by the body of this report, the Swedish Government complied in
part with this request. In December an act was passed removing import duties from wheat and rye, and
from wheat flour and rye flour from Dec. 28,1914, to May 21,1915.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY T H E
W A R ---- IN TR OD U C TIO N .
15
consul at Barcelona reports early in November that appeals had been
made to the Spanish Government to “ permit the free entry of wheat,
beans, and lentils, because certain food products can not be sold
without loss/7 Elsewhere import duties seem to have been regarded
as beyond all suggestion of modification, even when, as in Saloniki,
they were almost unendurably heavy.
While the efforts of the different Governments have in general
been directed toward keeping down the cost of living there are a few
instances of raising revenue by increasing prices, directly or indirectly.
The action of the Italian Government in raising the prices of its
monopolies, salt, tobacco, and matches, has already been mentioned.
In addition the consul at Genoa remarks:
“ The Government has also contributed to the increased cost of
living by raising the taxes on business enterprises, causing dealers, in
turn, to increase the cost of their goods.”
In Great Britain no such action was taken until the adoption of
the war budget, which was introduced in Parliament November 17,
1914. Among other provisions it contained the following items:
1. Income tax and super tax to be doubled.
2. The duty on beer to be increased by 17s. 3d. ($4.20) the barrel.
It was estimated that this would amount to an increase in the retail
price of |d. (1 cent) per half pint.
3. The duty on tea to be increased by 3d. (6.1 cents) per pound.1
Considering the part which tea plays in the English dietary, the
last increase will affect almost the whole population.
SUMMARY.
The war has caused an increase in the cost of living throughout
Europe, but this increase has varied greatly according to local con
ditions. In the main, the greatest rise has been in the price of
necessaries. The hardship caused by the increased cost of living has
in many cases been aggravated by a decrease of purchasing power
among the working classes, due in part to unemployment and in part
to the departure of wage earners to join their respective armies. All
the Governments which previously maintained State employment
bureaus have taken special measures with a view to reducing unem
ployment, and in some cases an attempt has been made to meet the
other difficulty by making allowances to the dependents of soldiers.
Practically every country included in this report has taken some
legal or administrative steps to check the advance in cost, of living.
How far these steps have been successful may be judged from the
detailed data as to changes in the price of necessaries given in the
following pages.
1 Political Quarterly, December, 1914, p. 175.
16
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
AUSTRIA.1
Up to November, 1914, the general level of prices in western Aus
tria had not been seriously affected by the war. Meat was abundant,
and though the lack of food supplies usually obtained from the eastern
Hungarian provinces was beginning to be felt, the supplies of fruits,
vegetables, and dairy products were plentiful. The chief cause of
concern was the scarcity of wheat and other breadstuffs, and the
difficulty of importing them. Governmental action had already been
undertaken with a view to making the supply on hand go as far as
possible.
Reports from the American consuls at Carlsbad and Vienna are
presented:
C a r l s b a d , A u s t r i a , November 10,1914.
A comparative statement of prices for July, 1914, and October,
1914, with the percentage of increase, is shown below:
Commodities.
July, 1914.
Coffee.......................................................................................per pound.
Flour................................................................................................... d o ...
Sugar................................................................................................... d o ...
Sugar, cube....................................................................................... d o ..*
Sugar, powdered.............................................................................d o .. .
Salt....................................................................................................... d o ...
Groats................................................................................................. d o ...
R ice......................................................................................................d o ...
B arley................................................................................................. d o .. .
Meat..................................................................................................... d o .. .
M ilk........................................................................................... per quart.
Cream..................................................................................................d o ...
E ggs..................................................................................................... each.
Butter, best...........................................................................per pound.
Butter, second grade.....................................................................d o .. .
F a t........................................................................................................d o ...
F at, vegetable..................................................................................d o .. .
Bacon...................................................................................................d o ...
H on ey................................................................................................. d o ...
Soap..................................................................................................... d o ...
Petroleum.............................................................................. .per quart.
Vinegar............................................................................................... d o .. .
Potatoes................................................................................. per pound.
Potatoes.....................................per 100 kilograms (220.5 pounds).
Apples.....................................................................................per pound.
Vegetables.....................................................................................................
$0.332-$0.738
.039
.074
.078
.044
.030
.044
.044
.044
.166- .258
.046
.123
.014
.399
.295- .351
.231
.111
.148
.221
.074
0)
.046
.812
.092
October, 1914.
$0.443-$0.738
.065
.081
.092
.052
.037
.055
.074
.052
.2 3 1 - .323
.058
.134
.0 2 8 - .032
.443
.3 3 4 - .369
.277
.185
.185
.277
.089
.127
.058
.014
1.624
.0 9 2 - .185
Per cent
of
increase.
10
67
10
19
17
25
25
67
17
30
25
9
114
11
9
20
67
25
25
20
83
25
100
50
25
1 Not in such small quantity.
V i e n n a , A u s t r i a , November 20,1914.
With some few exceptions, the cost of living in Vienna has not
greatly increased since the war began. Exceptionally good crops and
Vienna’s proximity to fertile agricultural regions have made it pos
sible to keep the markets supplied nearly as well as in normal times.
Wheat and other breadstuffs are scarce, and, being contraband,
can not be imported. The Government has therefore decreed that
from December 1, 1914, only 70 per cent of wheat or rye flour may be
used in making bread, the remainder to consist of barley, corn, or
potato flour. Measures for establishing a maximum price at which
grain may be sold are under consideration.
1 For table of relative prices, see Appendix A .
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- A U ST R IA ,
17
Retail prices of the principal articles of consumption during the
second half of October for 1913 and 1914 are given in the following
table issued by the burgomaster of Vienna. The percentages of in
crease for 1914 over 1913 have been computed.
Articles.
B eef.....................................
Pork.....................................
Lard.....................................
Bacon..................................
Butter, table.....................
Butter, cooking...............
Milk, whole.......................
Milk, skimmed................
Eggs, fresh.........................
Potatoes.............................
Sauerkraut.......................
Beans...................................
R ice.....................................
Flour, wheat, b e s t .........
Flour, wheat, dark.........
Flour, wheat, mixed . . .
.............. per po u n d ..
...........................do____
.........................do____
........................ d o . . . .
.................per q u a rt..
........................ d o . . . .
........................ d o . . . .
.........................do____
October, 1913.
October, 1914.
SO. 148-HO. 240
. 148- .277
.170- .203
.166- .221
.314- .391
.221- .295
.050- .061
.038- .050
.018- .020
.009- .013
.022- .031
.037- .065
.037- .076
.033- .041
.027- .038
.024- .037
* 0 .148-SO. 240
.166- .277
.166- .203
.162- .192
•314r* .388
.221- .295
.050- .061
.038- .046
.024- .032
.008- .017
.018- .026
.050- .070
.044- .081
.055- .061
.034- .046
.030- .042
Per cent
of
increase.
4
*1
*9
*1
14
47
13
U7
18
11
58
25
19
1 Decrease.
On October 10, 1914, an imperial decree was issued granting to
the Government authority under the fundamental law to take such
economic measures as might be found necessary because of the state
of war, and under this authorization a number of decrees have
been issued with the purpose of conserving the supply and regulating
the prices of some of the more important foods. Under one of these
decrees maximum wholesale prices were fixed for grain and flour.
These prices were as follows:
In pursuance of the ministerial decree of November 28, 1914, the
governor of Lower Austria has determined the following maximum
prices for the wholesale trade in grain and flour:
A . F o r grain.
For 100 kilograms of wheat weighing 76 kilograms per hectoliter, 40.50 crowns.
[$2.20 per bushel of 59 pounds.]
For 100 kilograms of rye weighing 70 kilograms per hectoliter, 33.50 crowns. [$1.68
per bushel of 54.4 pounds.]
For 100 kilograms of barley, 29 crowns. [$1.28 per bushel of 48 pounds.]
For 100 kilograms of maize (cinquantin and white maize excepted) naturally or
artificially dried, 24 crowns. [$1.24 per bushel of 56 pounds.]
B . F o r flour.
Wheat semolina and fine wheat baking flour, 67.85 crowns per 100 kilograms.
per barrel.]
Wheat cooking flour, 63.80 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$11.51 per barrel.]
Wheat bread flour, 47.55 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$8.58 per barrel.]
Whole wheat flour, 49.40 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$8.92 per barrel.]
Rye flour, 45.35 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$4.18 per hundredweight.]
Barley flour, 45.75 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$4.21 per hundredweight].
Maize meal, 34.80 crowns per 100 kilograms. [$3.20 per hundredweight.]
87285°—Bull. 170—15------ 2
[$12.25
18
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU BEA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Beginning with the decree of October 10,1914, already referred to,
a series of decrees and regulations were issued, as follows:
Imperial decree o f October 10, 1914) authorizing the Government to take such economic
measures as are required by the extraordinary conditions caused by the existing state of
war. (R . G. Bl. No. 274.)
In accordance with article 14 of the fundamental law of the State (Staatsgrundgesetz) of December 21,1867, R. G. Bl. No. 141, I herewith issue the following decree:
A rticle 1. The Government is herewith authorized to take such measures as are
required for the economic promotion of agriculture, industry, commerce, and the
handicrafts, as well as for the provision of the population with foodstuffs and other
necessaries of life.
The communes may be obligated to give their cooperation in the enforcement of
such measures.
A rt. 2. Decrees issued in pursuance of article 1 may provide that contraventions
of their provisions shall be punished by the administrative authorities with fines up
to 5,000 crowns [$1,015], or in case of nonpayment of the fine with imprisonment up
to 6 months.
A rt. 3. Decrees issued in pursuance of the present imperial decree shall immedi
ately be abrogated as soon as normal conditions have been restored.
A rt. 4. This imperial decree becomes effective on the date of its publication. The
required measures shall be taken and enforced by the ministers interested.
Joint decree o f October 31, 1914, o f the ministers o f commerce, interior, and agriculture
relating to the restriction o f the use o f wheat and rye flour in the industrial manufacture
o f bread. (R . G. Bl. No. SOI.)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10, 1914, R,. G. Bl. No. 274, the fol
lowing decree has been issued:
A rticle 1. During the continuance of the present extraordinary conditions caused
by the existing state of war, only such a mixture of flour may be used in the indus
trial manufacture of bread as contains a maximum of 70 per cent of wheat or rye
flour or of a suitable mixture of wheat and rye flour. The remainder of the mixture
must be composed of potato flour or mashed potatoes.
A rt. 2. If the mixture used in the baking of bread contains potato flour or mashed
potatoes, the obligation according to the pure food law providing that in selling the
bread this fact must be made known remains in force.
Such obligation, however, does not exist in case of flour mixed with barley flour
or maize meal.
In cases of exigency the political provincial authorities are authorized to fix the
sale price of mixed bread with due consideration of its weight and composition and
of existing circumstances.
A rt. 3. As industrial manufacture of bread shall be considered all manufacture of
bread undertaken for the purpose of its sale to third parties.
A rt. 4. Bread sold by dealers must, if made in Austria, be composed of the mix
tures of flour provided in this decree.
A rt. 5. The provisions of this decree are not applicable to the manufacture and
sale of bakery goods made exclusively of wheat flour (Weissgebdck).
A rt. 6. Contraventions of this decree shall in so far as they are not subject to crim
inal prosecution be punished by the industrial authorities with a fine not to exceed
2,000 crowns [$406] or with imprisonment up to 3 months.
If the contravention is committed by a person engaged in an industry coming under
the provision of article 133b, paragraph 1, lit. a, of the industrial code, he may in
addition be punished by revocation of his industrial license.
A rt. 7. Article 2, paragraph 2, of this decree shall become effective on the date
of its publication, and the rest of the decree on December 1, 1914.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R---- AU ST R IA .
19
Joint decree o f October 31,1914, o f the ministers o f commerce and o f the interior relating to
the prohibition o f the exchange or return o f bakery goods sold to restaurants and. saloons
and dealers. (R . G. Bl. No. 302.)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10, 1914, E. G. Bl. No. 274, the
following decree, applicable during the continuance of the present state of war,
has been issued:
A rticle 1. The exchange and return of bakery goods sold by bakers to restau
rants, saloons, and dealers is prohibited.
A rt. 2. Restaurant and saloon keepers, and dealers, as well as bakers, shall be
punished by the industrial authorities for contraventions of this decree with fines up
to 500 crowns [$101.50] or with imprisonment up to one month.
A rt . 3. This decree becomes effective on the date of its publication.
Joint decree o f November 28, 1914, o f the ministers o f commerce, agriculture, and interior
relating to the manufacture o f and traffic in flour. (R. G. Bl. N o. 324*)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10, 1914, the following decree,
applicable during the continuance of the present state of war, has been issued:
A rticle 1. In mills producing various grades of flour, wheat intended for the
manufacture of flour for human consumption shall be milled up to a maximum of 80
per cent. This product shall consist of the following three grades of flour only:
1. Grits and fine baking flour of grade 0 up to a maximum of 15 per cent of the
entire product.
2. Cooking flour up to a maximum of 15 per cent of the entire product.
3. Bread flour of the remainder of the entire product.
Mills milling one grade of flour only (whole wheaten meal) shall mill the wheat
used up to 85 per cent.
A rt . 2. Only one grade of flour may be milled from rye. In the manufacture of
such flour rye shall be milled up to 82 per cent.
A rt . 3. Wheat cooking flour (art. 1, No. 3) may be placed in traffic only in a mix
ture composed of 70 per cent wheat flour and 30 per cent barley flour.
Wheat bread flour (art. 1, No. 2) and whole wheaten flour (art. 1, par. 3) may be
placed in traffic only in a mixture composed of 67 per cent wheat flour and 33 per cent
barley flour or of 70 per cent wheat flour and 30 per cent maize meal or potato flour
or fine rice flour.
A rt . 4. Rye flour (art. 2) may be placed in traffic only in a mixture composed of
67 per cent rye flour and 33 per cent barley flour or of 70 per cent rye flour and 30 per
cent maize meal or potato flour or fine rice flour.
A rt . 5. In the manufacture of mixtures of wheat bread flour, whole wheat flour,
and rye flour (art. 3, par. 2, and art. 4) it is permitted to use also barley flour, maize
meal, potato flour, and fine rice flour, but always only two of these kinds of flour.
The total quantity of the admixed flour may not exceed 30 per cent of the mixture to
be manufactured.
Wheat bread flour and whole wheat flour may be mixed with rye flour in any suitable
proportion. Such a mixture, however, may be placed in traffic only if mixed with
barley flour, maize meal, potato flour, or fine rice flour in the proportions given in
article 3, paragraph 2, and article 4.
A rt . 6. In the manufacture of barley flour the barley must be milled up to 70
per cent.
Only naturally or artificially dried maize may be used in the manufacture of maize
meal. At least 19 per cent in germs and hulls in addition to the dust must be
separated from this raw product.
A rt . 7. The mixing of flour, as prescribed in articles 3 to 5, must, as a rule, be effected
in the mills without distinction as to whether the mixing is effected by milling the
20
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OP LABOE STATISTICS.
mixed varieties of grain or by mechanical mixing of the separately milled varieties
of flour.
The political provincial authorities may on application permit, exceptionally and
subject to revocation, that individual mills, which for technical reasons are not in a
position to effect the mixing of flour, may sell the individual varieties of flour unmixed
to other mills or to establishments engaged in the business of working up flour.
If a mill is granted such a permit, the flour or final product worked up by some
other establishment may be placed in traffic only in the mixtures provided for in
articles 3 to 5. The mixing regulations of the ministerial decree of October 31,1914,
(R. G. Bl. No. 301) are applicable to the manufacture of bread.
A rt. 8. Mixtures of flour manufactured in the meaning of the present law, if con
tained in bags or other closed packages, may be sold only with indications of the
proportions of the mixture.
A rt. 9. Special measures may be taken for the supervision of the observance of
the above provisions. Especially the authorities may order the keeping of lists of
entry and exit of all merchandise, which lists must be submitted to their inspection.
In the instances provided in article 7, paragraph 2, the political provincial authori
ties when granting exceptional permits must simultaneously take additional measures
for the supervision of the proper observance of the exceptional provisions by the mills,
as well as by the establishments working up the flour.
A rt. 10. The present decree is not applicable to flour sold to the military adminis
tration, nor to the manufacture of such flour as producers of grain have milled from
their own grain for their own home consumption.
A rt. 11. The minister of commerce is herewith authorized to grant exceptions from
the provisions of this decree with respect to the placing in traffic of unmixed flour
imported from foreign countries.
A rt . 12. Contraventions of this decree and of provisions issued in pursuance of the
same shall be punished by the political authorities of the first instance with fines up
to 5,000 crowns [$1,015] or imprisonment up to six months, provided that such contra
ventions are not subject to criminal procedure.
If the contravention is committed by a person engaged in any industry coming
under the provision of article 133b, paragraph 1, lit. a, of the industrial code, he may,
in addition, be punished by revocation of his industrial license.
A rt. 13. This decree shall become effective on December 7, 1914. Flour still in
stock on this date may, however, be sold up to December 15, 1914.
Joint decree o f November 28, 1914, o f the ministers o f commerce, agriculture, and interior
relating to the determination o f maximum prices for grain and flour. (R. G. Bl.
N o. 325.)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10, 1914, R. G. Bl. No. 274, the
following decree, applicable during the continuance of the extraordinary conditions
caused by the present state of war, has been issued:
A rticle 1. The political provincial authorities shall within their administrative
territories determine fixed prices for the wholesale trade in wheat, rye, barley, and
maize (naturally or artificially dried), which shall not be exceeded in the sale of
these commodities. The approval of these maximum prices shall be reserved to the
ministry of commerce conjointly with the ministry of agriculture.
The maximum price for wheat and rye shall be determined on the basis of the
average wholesale price paid in the corresponding administrative territory during the
last two weeks of October, 1914, and that of barley and maize, in like manner, on
the basis of the average for the first two weeks of November, 1914. Temporary
abnormal increases in price caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as the pas
sage of troops through the territory, interruption of railroad transportation, etc., shall
however, not be considered in the computation of the average price.
FOOD PEICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W AR---- A U ST R IA .
21
The determination of the maximum price for wheat shall be based on wheat weigh
ing 76 kilograms per hectoliter [59.04 pounds per bushel] and that for rye weighing
70 kilograms per hectoliter [54.4 pounds per bushel].
If the weight per hectoliter of wheat or rye is more or less than 76 or 70 kilograms,
respectively, the maximum price fixed by the political provincial authority shall be
increased or decreased 20 heller [4.1 cents] per 100 kilograms for wheat and 15 heller
[3 cents] per 100 kilograms for rye for each full kilogram [2.2 pounds] in excess of or
below the above basic weight.
These increases or decreases in the price shall not, however, be made for more
than 3 kilograms in excess of or below the basic weight.
A rt . 2. Wholesale dealers may sell flour only at prices which do not exceed the
maximum prices to be computed according to the provisions of the following para
graphs:
The maximum price of wheat semolina and of fine wheat baking flour shall be
computed 67.5 per cent higher per 100 kilograms than the maximum price fixed per
100 kilograms of wheat for the corresponding administrative territory.
Likewise, the maximum price shall be computed for—
Wheat cooking flour.......................................................57.5 per cent higher.
(Wheat bread flour.......................................................... 17.4 per cent higher.
iWhole-wheat flour.......................................................... 22.0 per cent higher.
Rye flour
35.3 per cent higher.
Barley flour.
57.8 per cent higher.
Maize meal.
45.0 per cent higher.
than the maximum price fixed for the corresponding raw material.
The maximum prices of mixtures of flour manufactured from the above varieties
of flour in the meaning of articles 3 to 5 of the ministerial decree of November 28,1914,
R. G. Bl. No. 324, shall be computed according to the proportion of the varieties
of flour used in the mixture.
A rt . 3. As wholesale trade in the meaning of this decree shall be considered all
traffic between producers, dealers, and manufacturers.
A rt . 4. Maximum prices in the meaning of this decree are net cash for delivery
without bags in the locality contractually agreed upon. If the buyer does not furnish
the bags, the seller shall be obligated to furnish them and to take them back for the
price charged, provided they are returned within six weeks after delivery in perfectly
usable condition. The political provincial authorities may fix a maximum price for
bags.
Maximum prices for grain and flour, include the costs of loading and transportation
up to the freight station of the place of origin.
A rt . 5. The political provincial authorities shall be authorized to determine maxi
mum prices for the retail trade in articles mentioned in this decree with proper con
sideration of the maximum prices determined for these articles.
A rt . 6. Owners of articles mentioned in this decree may in so far as these articles
are not needed by them for their own home consumption be requested by the political
provincial authorities to deliver them at the maximum prices fixed in this decree.
Such a quantity of these articles as shall be sufficient for the continuance of operation
of their establishments must, however, be left to agriculturists and manufacturers.
If an owner of such articles refuses to comply with this request, the political provin
cial authorities may sell the articles in question for the account and at the cost of the
owner. In such a case the political provincial authority shall, after a hearing of
experts, definitely determine the sale price with proper consideration of the maximum
prices, as well as of the quality and salableness of the articles.
A rt . 7. This decree is not applicable to the importation of grain and flour from
foreign countries.
22
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A r t . 8 . On application of an agricultural corporation or of the imperial royal seedcontrol station in Vienna, the minister of agriculture may permit exceptions from the
provisions of this decree for the traffic in seed grain.
A r t . 9. Contraventions of the provisions of this decree and of regulations issued in
pursuance of it shall be punished by the political authorities of the first instance with
fines up to 5,000 crowns [$1,015] or imprisonment up to 6 months.
A r t . 10. This decree becomes effective on the date of its publication.
Joint decree o f December 19, 1914, o f the ministers o f commerce, agriculture, and interior
relating to the determination o f maximum prices fo r 'potatoes. (R. G. Bl. No. S4o.)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10, 1914, R. G. Bl. No. 274, the fol
lowing decree, applicable during the continuance of the extraordinary conditions
caused by the present state of war, has been issued:
A r t i c l e 1. The following maximum prices shall not be exceeded in the selling of
potatoes at wholesale:
[The prices of the original decree which were in crowns per 100
kilograms have been changed to the basis of price per bushel in
United States money.J
Price per bushel of po
tatoes, w ith the ex
ception of so-called
“ Kipfler”
(fancy)
potatoes.
Province.
Food
potatoes,
sorted
(yellow,
white,
rose).
Lower Austria.............................................
Upper Austria.............................................
Salzburg.........................................................
Styria...............................................................
Carinthia.......................................................
Carniola..........................................................
Gorz, Trieste, Istria...................................
Tirol.................................................................
Vorarlberg.....................................................
Bohemia.........................................................
Moravia..........................................................
Silesia..............................................................
Dalmatia.......................................................
$0,497
.552
.58
.58
.58
.58
.608
.608
.608
.497
.497
.497
.663
Potatoes
for indus
trial and
feeding
purposes,
unsorted.
$0,331
.331
.387
.359
.359
.359
.387
.359
.359
.331
.331
.331
.387
A rt. 2. As wholesale trade in the meaning of this decree shall be considered all
traffic between producers, dealers, and manufacturers.
The maximum prices provided for in article 1 may also not be exceeded in direct
traffic between producer and consumer.
A rt. 3. Maximum prices in the meaning of this decree are per 100 kilograms, net
cash, for delivery without bags in the locality contractually agreed upon. If the
purchaser does not furnish the bags, the seller is, in case of sale f. o. b. place of origin,
authorized to furnish at the cost of the purchaser the straw required for protection of
the potatoes while in transit.
Maximum prices for potatoes include the cost of loading and transportation to the
freight station of the place of origin.
A rt. 4. The political provincial authorities shall be authorized to determine maxi
mum prices for the retail trade in potatoes with proper consideration of the maximum
wholesale prices determined.
A rt. 5. Owners of supplies of potatoes may, in so far as they are not needed for
their own home consumption, be requested by the political provincial authorities to
deliver them at the maximum prices fixed in this decree. However, such a quantity
FOOD PKICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- AU STRIA.
23
of potatoes must be left to agriculturists and manufacturers as shall be sufficient for
the continuance of operation of their establishments.
If an owner refuses to comply with this request , the political provincial authorities
may sell the supply in question for the account and at the cost of the owner. In
such a case1the political provincial authorities shall, after a hearing of experts, defi
nitely determine the sale price with proper consideration of the maximum prices, as
well as of the quality and salableness of the supply.
A rt. 6. This decree is not applicable to the importation of potatoes from foreign
countries.
A rt . 7. On application of an agricultural corporation or of the imperial royal seedcontrol station in Vienna the minister of agriculture may permit exceptions from the
provisions of this decree for the traffic in seed potatoes.
A rt. 8. Contraventions of the provisions of this decree and of regulations issued in
pursuance of it shall be punished by the political authorities of the first instance with
fines up to 5,000 crowns [$1,015] or with imprisonment up to six months.
A rt. 9. This decree becomes effective on December 23, 1914.
Joint decree o f December 21, 1914, o f the ministers o f commerce, agriculture, and interior
relating to the determination o f maximum prices fo r oats. (R. G. Bl. No. 347.)
In pursuance of the imperial decree of October 10,1914, R. G. Bl. No. 274, the follow
ing decree, applicable during the continuance of the extraordinary conditions caused
by the present state of war, has been issued:
A rticle 1. The following maximum prices per 100 kilograms shall not be exceeded
in the selling of oats at wholesale:
In Lower Austria and Upper Austria, 25 crowns. [$0,737 per bushel.]
In Salzburg, 25.50 crowns. [$0,751 per bushel.]
In Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Gorz, Trieste, and Istria, 26.50 crowns. [$0,781 per
bushel.]
In Tirol (exclusive of the provincial addition to grain prices) and Vorarlberg,
27.50 crowns. [$0.81 per bushel.]
In Bohemia, 23.50 crowns. [$0,692 per bushel.]
In Moravia and Silesia, 24 crowns. [$0,707 per bushel.]
In Dalmatia, 27 crowns. [$0,796 per bushel.]
A rt . 2. As wholesale trade in the meaning of this decree shall be considered all
traffic between producers, dealers, and manufacturers.
The maximum prices provided for in article 1 may also not be exceeded in direct
traffic between producer and consumer.
A rt . 3. Maximum prices in the meaning of this decree are per 100 kilograms,
net cash, for delivery without bags in the locality contractually agreed upon.
Maximum prices include the cost of loading and transportation to the freight station
of the place of origin.
A rt. 4. The political provincial authorities shall be authorized to determine
maximum prices for the retail trade in oats, with proper consideration of the maximum
wholesale prices determined.
A rt. 5. Owners of supplies of oats may, in so far as these are not needed for their
own wants, be requested by the political provincial authorities to deliver them at
the maximum prices fixed in this decree.
If an owner refuses to comply with this request the political provincial authorities
may sell the supply in question for the account and at the cost of the owner. In such
a case the political provincial authority shall, after a hearing of experts, definitely
determine the sale price with proper consideration of the maximum price as well as
of the quality and salableness of the supply.
A rt . 6. This decree is not applicable to the importation of oats from foreign
countries.
24
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A r t . 7. On application of an agricultral corporation or of the imperial royal seed
control station in Vienna the minister of agriculture may grant exemptions from the
provisions of this decree for the traffic in seed oats.
A r t . 8 . Contraventions of the provisions of this decree and of regulations issued in
pursuance of it shall be punished by the political authorities of the first instance with
fines up to 5,000 crowns [$1,015] or imprisonment up to 6 months.
A r t . 9. This decree shall become effective on December 25, 1914.
BELGIUM.
The conditions in Belgium are so chaotic that no general statement
can be made as to the rise in the cost of living. A copy is given of the
law of August 4, 1914, showing the effort to control prices in their
first sharp rise, and a later proclamation which recognizes the im
possibility of maintaining uniform prices after the military occupa
tion of the country had begun. Prices in Antwerp and Brussels
at different dates, as reported by the American consuls, are also
shown.
A n t w e r p , B e l g iu m ,
January 15, 1915.
Owing to the military occupation of Belgium by the German troops,
it is practically impossible to establish any basis with regard to the
cost of living in the Province of Antwerp.
Every village and town in Belgium exists at present under different
conditions, some being able to provide for themselves, others being
totally dependent upon the committee of relief for Belgium.
At Antwerp, prices for meat have so far remained normal, because
the few farmers still existing are obliged to sell what cattle are left
them for want of forage.
The following articles are shown with amount and percentage of
increase.
Articles.
Bread, brown, per 2 pounds....................................................................
Bread, white, per 2 pounds.....................................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Salt, per pound.............................................................................................
Flour, per pound.........................................................................................
Former prices.
Present prices.
$0.06
.063
.29
.003
$0.03-. 035
$0.08
$0.10-. 14
.36
.013
.055
Per cent
of in
crease.
33
92
24
300
69
B r u s s e l s , B e l g iu m ,
November 20,1914Since the breaking out of the war, the cost of living has increased
considerably, especially the prices of food and coal. White bread
can not be purchased at all to-day, as the supply of flour has been
almost exhausted and for several weeks wheat flour was mixed with
other materials, causing the bread to be of poor quality. There was
only three days’ supply of grain for making black bread, when the
American supply arrived recently. This supply will last about six
weeks.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- B E L G IU M .
25
The following table shows prices of some commodities for a period
iust before the war and now. The percentage of increase is also
shown.
Articles.
B utter................................................................. .
Sugar, l u m p .................................................................................... d o . . . .
Coffee.....................................................................
Macaroni............................................................ .
Soap, common black......................................
Coal, semibituminous.....................................
Salt_____________ •.............................................
Beef, veal, and m u tton .............................................................................
Prices before
the war.
Prices N ov. 20,
1914.
$0.35
.019
.088
.061
.201
.088
.042
6.18
$0.53
.039
.175
.105
.285
.123
.079
9.65
Per cent
of in
crease.
51
100
100
71
41
40
88
56
100
50
i
ROYAL DECREES GIVING THE PRICE OF FOODSTUFFS.
The following decrees were issued by King Albert governing the
price of foodstuffs:
ROYAL DECREE OF AUGUST 14,1914.
In view of article 1, No. 4, of the law of August 4, 1914, concerning the urgent
measures necessitated by the events of the war;
Considering that, in the interest of the victualing of the population it is important
to prevent the hoarding of food supplies and all speculation in their prices;.
Upon the proposition of our ministers of war, interior, finance, and justice,
We have decided as follows:
A rticle 1. The maximum price at which may be sold during the war, and until
further orders, the food stuffs hereinafter mentioned, is fixed as follows:
Bolted flour (at 25 per cent minimum), per 100 kilograms [220.5 pounds], $5.40.
Plain bread, per kilogram [2.2 pounds], 6 cents, without distinction as to quality.
Potatoes, per 100 kilograms [220.5 pounds], $1.74, from August 15 to September 30;
$1.45 to $1.54 after that period.
Native wheat, per 100 kilograms [220.5 pounds], $4.05.
Salt, wholesale, 1 cent per kilogram; retail, 2 cents per kilogram.
Sugar, wholesale, 12 cents per kilogram [2.2 pounds]; retail, 13J cents.
Bice, wholesale, 11 cents per kilogram [2.2 pounds]; retail, 12 cents.
A rt. 2. (a) Governors of Provinces may requisition in their Provinces, at the
prices fixed by article 1, the flour and wheat necessary to feed the population.
(b) Burgomasters may, on the other hand, requisition in their communes, at the
prices fixed by article 1, the potatoes, salt, sugar (in all its forms), and the rice re
quired to feed the population.
A rt. 3. The requisitions of flour and wheat by the governors are made upon the
request of the burgomasters of their Province or upon the request of the governor of
another Province who might run short of flour or wheat.
The requisitions of potatoes, salt, sugar, and rice by a burgomaster are made for the
locality or upon the request of the burgomaster of another locality which has a shortage
of one or another of those articles.
The governors of the Provinces shall come to an agreement in order to supply with
potatoes those regions which do not find within the Province the quantity necessary
for revictualing.
A rt. 4. When the governor is forced to abandon his functions and retreat before the
invading enemy, the powers conferred upon him by the present order are transferred
26
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
to each of the district commissioners and even to the burgomasters when the district
commissioners have also been forced to withdraw.
A rt. 5. Requisitions of wheat or of potatoes from the farmers shall not include the
quantity necessary for the maintenance of the farmer’s family nor the amount used for
seeding.
A rt. 6. The requisitions made upon the farmers require them in case of need to
immediately thrash the grain and to dig up the potatoes that are called for.
A rt. 7. In case an attempt is made to corner any of the foodstuffs mentioned in
article 1, or to contravene any of the rules of the present executive order, on the part
of a producer or furnisher the merchandise shall be immediately confiscated, upon the
requisition of the King’s prosecutor, for the benefit of the civil or military authorities.
Merchandise thus seized shall be sent to the charitable organizations in sections of
the country unprovided with resources, to be distributed gratuitously to the inhabit
ants of the locality, commencing with the most needy, and among those the prefer
ence is given to those families having one or more members with the colors.
A rt. 8. In addition to the confiscation of their goods, monopolists and other delin
quents are amenable to imprisonment of from one to eight days or to a fine of from $10
to $100, to say nothing of the application of article 311 of the Penal Code.
A rt. 9. Are considered as monopolists:
(a) Those who, with the idea of gain, remove from circulation merchandise or food
stuffs of prime necessity and which they conceal in certain premises without putting
them up for sale to the public daily.
(b) Those who allow perishable goods to rot or who make them rot voluntarily, no
matter what their motive may be.
A rt. 10. The present order is applicable, with retroactive effect , to the 1st of August,
1914, the first day of the mobilization of the army. It shall be published in every
commune of the country through the medium of the local authorities.
Sales made since that date at prices higher than those fixed by the present order give
rise to the recovery of the money in conformity with article 1235 of the Civil Code.
A rt. 11. Our ministers of war, of the interior, of finance, and of justice are charged,
each within his jurisdiction, with the execution of the present order.
Done at our general staff headquarters. August 14, 1914.
ROYAL DECREE O F OCTOBER 6, 1914.
In view of article 1, No. 4, of the law of August 4, 1914, concerning the urgen
measures necessitated by the events of the war:
Considering that, in the interest of revictualing the population, it is important to
prevent the cornering of food supplies and all speculation on their cost thereof ;
Considering, also, that owing to the present circumstances it is impossible to main
tain the maximum prices fixed for foodstuffs by our decree of August 14, 1914;
And desiring finally to permit the civil administrations to intervene more directly
and more efficaciously in favor of food supplies and, in a general way, in favor of the
welfare of the population;
On the proposition of our ministers of war, interior, finance, justice, agriculture, and
public works;
We have decreed and decree:
A rticle 1. The maximum prices at which may be sold during the war and until
further orders wheat, flour, bread, potatoes, salt, sugar, rice, and coffee are fixed in each
commune by a commission having as president the military commander of the Province
and comprising notably the civil governor and the burgomaster of the seat of govern
ment of the Province or their respective delegates.
The tariff of prices thus fixed by the commission aforementioned is to be submitted
beforehand to the approval of our minister of war on the 10th and 25th of each month.
The tariff approved of is valid for the following fortnight, either from the 1st to the
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W A R---- B E L G IU M .
27
15th or from the lGth to the last day of the month. On the proposition of the pro
vincial commissions, our minister of war may add to the list of foods mentioned above
either other foodstuffs or forage supplies or other merchandise of whatever nature
which may be considered indispensable to the normal life of the population.
A rt. 2. Until further orders, foreign wheat shall be supplied to the public adminis
trations through our Government, either directly or in the form of a permit to import.
A rt. 3. Governors of Provinces may requisition in their Province, at prices approved
of by our minister of war and, eventually, those articles of merchandise mentioned in
article 1.
When the requisition is insufficient, the governors of Provinces may purchase, to
the best interests of their population, the foodstuffs and merchandise lacking; they
are expressly enjoined to make an agreement between themselves in order not t®
compete with each other.
For the distribution of these foodstuffs and merchandise, the governors must con
sult with the district commissioners and the burgomasters in their Province, to whose
patriotic devotion we make an urgent appeal to aid us as much as possible to lessen
the heavy burden momentarily placed upon our people.
A rt. 4. The governors of Provinces may requisition in their respective Provinces
the flour mills and oblige them to work by the piece. The price of the piece shall in
no case exceed 2 francs [39 cents] per 100 kilos [220.5 pounds] of wheat, all costa
included.
The mills requisitioned must grind not only for the consumption of the Province in
which they are situated, but also for the consumption of other Provinces, if the public
need so demands. The governors of Provinces shall reach an agreement as to this
among themselves, under the direction of our minister of war.
A rt. 5. The governors of Provinces shall cooperate, in the largest possible way,
to the revictualing of the civil population in the region invaded by the enemy, either
by favoring transportation, or by supplying themselves the needed foodstuffs and
merchandise.
The moral obligation here conflicting with an idea of military security, the gov
ernors of Provinces shall submit all their plans of forwarding or of cession first of all
to the approval of the military commander of the Province, who shall finally refer
the matter to our minister of war.
A rt. 6. When the governor is forced to abandon his functions and retire before the
invading enemy, the prerogatives conferred upon him by the present decree are to be
transferred, as the case may be, to the district commissioners and to the burgomasters
of those regions not occupied by the enemy. The permanent commission shall
exercise under the prescribed conditions of our decree of September 20, 1914, the
right to requisition for the account of the administrations of the communes whose
territory is occupied by the enemy.
A rt. 7. The requisitions of wheat or of potatoes from farmers shall not include the
quantity necessary for the maintenance of the farmer’s family nor the amount used
for seeding.
A rt. 8. The requisitions made upon the farmers require them in case of need to
immediately thrash the grain and to dig up the potatoes that are called for.
A rt. 9. In case an attempt is made to comer any of the foodstuffs mentioned in
article 1, or to contravene any of the rules of the present executive order on the part
of a producer or furnisher, the merchandise shall be immediately confiscated upon
the requisition of the King’s prosecutor for the benefit of the civil or military authori
ties.
Merchandise thus seized shall be sent to charitable organizations to be distributed
gratuitously to the inhabitants of the place, commencing with the most needy, the
preference being given to those families having one or more members with the colors,
or to those who have been wounded or killed since the outbreak of the war.
28
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A r t . 10. In addition to the confiscation of the food or merchandise, monopolists
and other delinquents are amenable to imprisonment of from one to eight days or to a
fine of from $10 to $100, to say nothing of the application of article 311 of the Penal
Code.
A r t . 1 1 . There are considered as monopolists:
(a) Those who, with the idea of gain, remove from circulation merchandise or food
stuffs of prime necessity and which they conceal in certain premises without putting
them up for sale to the public daily.
(b) Those who allow perishable goods to rot or who make them rot voluntarily, no
matter what their motive may be.
(c) Those who for some reason decline to obey the requisition orders provided for
in the present decree when they are in a position to do so.
A r t . 12. The present decree is applicable from this date.
It shall be published
in all the communes of the country not invaded by the enemy, by the personal care of
the governors of Provinces.
Sales made at prices above those approved of by our minister of war give rise to suit
for the recovery of the money paid in conformity with article 1235 of the Penal Code.
Done at our central headquarters the 6th of October, 1914.
A lbert.
BULGARIA.
At the very outbreak of the war Bulgaria passed a law empowering
the municipalities to fix the market price “ of all edible and other
objects of first necessity.” Prices fixed by the municipality of Sofia
are given in comparison with the prices prevailing in July, 1914.
S o f i a , B u l g a r i a , November 18, 1914.
The following prices were fixed as maximum prices by the munici
pality, on the dates named. The percentages of increase of the
August and September prices over July prices are also shown:
Articles.
Flour, N o . I l l grade, per barrel.
Flour, N o . I V grade, per barrel.
Bread, per loaf of 2.2 pounds____
Bread, per loaf of 1.1 pounds____
Beef, first grade, per po u n d ..
Beef, second grade, per pound
Beef fillet, thigh and veal, per pound___
M utton, fore part, per p o u n d .
Mutton, hina part, per pound.....................
L am b, fore part, per p o u n d .........................
Lam b, hind part, per pound........................
Pork, per pound................................................
Buffalo, per pound...........................................
Milk, per quart..................................................
K ashaval (pressed cheese) from plains,
per pound........................................................
Kaskaval (pressed cheese) from moun
tains, per pound............................................
W h ite cheese, beaten, per pound...............
W h ite cheese, not beaten, per.pound.......
B utter, cows, for cooking, per pound____
Butter, sheep, for cooking, per pound___
Butter, buffalo, per pound.......................... .
Bacon, per p ound.............................................
Beef fat, per pound..........................................
Eggs, best, per dozen.....................................
Price
July 31,
1914.
$5.47
5.00
Price
Aug. 21,
1914.
$5.57
5.11
Price
Sept. 30,
1914.
.088
.070
.105
.070
.079
.061
.070
.088
.053
$0,064-. 073
.088
.070
.105
.070
.079
.061
.070
.097
.053
.073
$5.57
5.11
.060
.031
.088
.070
.105
.070
.079
.061
.070
.097
.053
.073
.140
.132
.132
. 175
.053-. 070
.088-. 114
.228
.228
.246
.114
.140
.139
.175
$0,053- .070
.088- .114
.263
.228
-.246
.114
.140
.139
.175
$0,053- .070
.088- .114
.263
.228
.246
.132
.158
.139
Per cent
of inAug. 21.
10
Per cent
of in
crease
Sept. 30.
10
’ *7
16
15
15
15
13
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W AR ---- BULG A RIA.
Articles.
Eggs, second grade, per dozen.....................
Sugar; per pound...............................................
Olive oil, extra, per pound............................
Olive oil, first, per po u n d ..............................
Sesame oil, per pound.....................................
Cotton an<f other vegetable oils, per
pound.................................................................
Salt, fine, per pound........................................
Salt, coarse, per pound...................................
Rice, first grade, per pound..........................
Rice, second grade, per pound.....................
R ice, third grade, per pound........................
Beans, white, per pound................................
Beans, green, per pound.............................
Potatoes, per pound.........................................
Paprikas, per pound.........................................
Onions, per pound............................................
Tomatoes, per pound.......................................
Kerosene, per quart.........................................
Alcohol for burning, 95 per cent, per quart .
Price
July 31,
1914.
Price
A ug. 21,
1914.
Price
Sept. 30,
1914.
$0.116
.097
.211
.193
.158
$0,116
.097
.211
.193
.158
$0,116
.097
.211
.193
.158
.140
.026
.022
.061
.053
.044
.026
.018
.013
.018
.018
.013
.073
.201
.140
‘.026
.022
.061
.053
.044
.026
.018
.013
.018
.018
.013
.082
.201
.140
.026
.022
.061
.053
.044
.026
.018
.013
.022
.018
.018
.082
.201
Per cent
of in
crease
Au g. 21.
29
Per cent
of in
crease
Sept. 30.
22
13
38
13
EGYPT,
In Egypt the outbreak of the war was followed by an immediate
increase in prices, the cost of foodstuffs advancing in some cases from
10 to 100 per ceiit. This rise seemed to be purely a matter of panic,
as there was no interference with the food supply.
On August 20, 1914, a decree was issued providing for the appoint
ment of a commission which should fix maximum prices for food
stuffs and articles of primary necessity. These prices, which were
to be revised each week, were to be posted in the markets and pub
lished in the newspapers.
No comparative prices are available, but in Alexandria it is said
that the commission’s rulings have kept prices to a normal level,
while in Cairo local dealers state that prices are on an average about
5 per cent higher than for the same period a year ago.
FRANCE.
On the outbreak of war the public authorities took prompt action
to keep the rise in prices within reasonable limits. Duties were
remitted on importations of the more important foodstuffs, and the
municipalities quite generally fixed maximum prices, not to be ex
ceeded under penalty of the law, on certain necessaries, such as bread,
flour, potatoes, and the like. These measures appear to have had an
important influence in steadying prices in regions where they would
otherwise have been much affected.
Reports from consuls are available from cities in practically every
part of France. Six out of ten cities reported no noticeable increase
30
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
in the cost of living. In Rheims, for obvious reasons, there was a
scarcity of food and prices were high. Havre in the west, Limoges
in the west center, and Marseille in the south, also report advances
in the general price level. Elsewhere prices were either normal or
even lower than usual. The latter condition prevailed in regions
which usually produce largely for export, and which, owing to the
loss of some markets and the difficulty of reaching others, had larger
food supplies than were customary on hand.
H a v r e , F r a n c e , November 10, 1914An average increase of probably 10 per cent is noted in prices of
articles of food over the period just preceding the outbreak of the
war. For some of the more important articles of food no change in
price has occurred. Thus, there has been no advance in bread, the
price being subject to the supervision and control of the authorities.
The price of meat also has remained stationary, while eggs have shown
only the usual seasonal advance. Butter has even decreased in price,
due to the difficulty of shipping it to Paris and elsewhere.
The stocks of canned and tinned goods, fruit, vegetables, sardines,
etc., are still large and have not advanced in price.
A few of the commodities affected are shown below, with quota
tions before the war and at the present time, with the percentage of
increase.
Articles.
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Vegetables, dried, per quart. . .............................................................
Petroleum, per gallon................................................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Prices l>efore
the war.
Prices N ovem
ber, 1914.
$0.061
.146
.256
.351
$0.105
.183
.292
.228
Per cent
of
increase.
71
25
14
1 35
i Decrease.
Dutch cheese has increased $0,026 per pound.
Lard and salt have increased $0,009 per pound.
L im o g e s , F r a n c e , November 24,1914.
An inquiry into the present cost of living shows that the war has
had a considerable influence in the increase shown in the table hereto
attached. It will be noticed that quite a number of articles have
increased in price, and while these increases are in each case moderate,
they form quite an important total.
Meats are an exception as they show no increase thus far. Nor is
an increase expected. It should be stated, however, that this is a
cattle raising section, and the demand from Paris has decreased to
such an extent that the supply will remain such as to keep the prices
where they now are.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E
W A R---- FRANCE.
31
The following table shows prices for August 1, 1914, and November
1, 1914, where there was any change. Where prices have increased
the percentage of increase is shown:
Articles.
Roast beef, per pound.......................................
R um p steak, per pound....................................
Roast veal, per pound.......................................
Veal chops, per pound.......................................
Mutton chops, per pound.................................
Pork chops, per pound......................................
Pork roast, per pound.......................................
Salt pork, per pound..........................................
H am , ordinary, whole, cooked, per pound
H am , sliced, cooked, per pound....................
Bacon* sliced, per pound..................................
Chickens, about 3 pounds, each.....................
Lard, per pound......... .......................................
Butter, table, per pound..................................
Butter, cooking, per pound.............................
Cheese, Gruyere, per pound............................
Eggs, per dozen.....................................................
M ilk, per quart.....................................................
Petroleum, per quart.........................................
Salt, per pound.....................................................
Tea, per pound.....................................................
Coffee, per pound.................................................
Chocolat8, per pound............................... , —
Sugar, per pound.................................................
Beans, per pound.................................................
Prices Aug. 1,
1914. '
Prices N ov. 1,
1914.
$ 0, 218-$0.327
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
$0,455
Same.
145182145145-
.164255-
.291
.236
.218
.236
.182
.182
.145
.291
.327
.291
.50
.182
.364
.291
.291
.20
.057
.085
.018
727- 1.091
364- .545
.273
.077
.073
Prices July
20,1914.
Anthracite coal, per ton (2,000 pounds)..........................
Coal used for kitchen stoves, per ton (2,000 pounds)..
$12.61
8.06
Prices 1 year
ago.
$0,014
.009
.009
Potatoes, per pound.
Cabbage, per pound.
Turnips, per pound..
W in es.............................
.40
.327
Same.
Same.
.066
.095
.027
Same.
Same.
.291
.105
Same.
Per cent
of in
crease.
10
13
17
11
50
7
35
Prices N ov.
1,1914.
$13.14
8.51
Prices N ov.
1,1914.
$0,014
.009
.009
1 Decrease.
L y o n , F r a n c e , October SI, 1914*
No considerable change has taken place in the cost of living since
the outbreak of the war. Sugar has risen to 12 and potatoes to 4
cents a pound, but other articles have not increased in price, while
fruit and certain kinds of vegetables have been much cheaper than
for years past. This is due to the fact that the Lyon consular dis
trict is one of the principal exporting centers of fruits and vegetables
to Germany, Austria, and England. The exports to the first two
countries ceased entirely with the beginning of the war, and those
to England fell off greatly for lack of transportation facilities.
M a r s e i l l e , F r a n c e , November 2 , 1914.
There has been an average increase of about 20 per cent in the
cost of necessaries of life in the Marseille district since the outbreak
of the present war. Not all products, however, have increased in
price. The following table shows the retail prices of certain articles
32
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
of general consumption on July 31 and October 31 of this year,
together with the percentage of increase:
Articles.
Bread, per pound........................................................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Cheese, Gruy&re, per pound....................................................................
Coffee, Santos, green, per pound...........................................................
Eggs, per dozen............................................................................................
Flour, per pound.........................................................................................
Macaroni, per pound..................................................................................
Beef, fresn, per pound...............................................................................
Veal, fresh, per pound...............................................................................
Mutton, fresn, per pound.........................................................................
Pork, fresh, per pound..............................................................................
H am , salted, per pound............................................................................
Pork, salted, per pound...........................................................................
Milk, per quart.............................................................................................
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
Rice, per pound..................................... .....................................................
Salt, per pound.............................................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Prices July
31,1914.
$0,037
$0,264- .350
.264
.307
.290
.052
.061
.218- .395
.218- .307
.209- .264
.175- .218
.527
.175
.073
.009
.052- . 070
.018
.070
Prices Oct.
31,1914.
$0.037
$0,264- .439
.307
.307
.460
.061
.070
.218- .439
.218- .395
.209- .264
.175- .268
.527- .614
.195
.073
.018
.052- .070
.023
.083
Per cent
of
increase.
14
16
59
17
15
7
17
13
8
12
100
25
18
The cost of wearing apparel of almost every description has gone
up from 10 to 30 per cent.
Fresh and dried vegetables are still to be had at normal prices.
Fresh fruits have been cheaper than usual, as local crops could not
be exported.
N a n t e s , F r a n c e , November 12, 1914.
There has been no marked increase in prices except in sugar, and
living conditions have not changed to any great degree on account
of the war.
The Bretons live largely on bread, vegetables, wine, and cider.
All are to be had very cheaply. Not one of these items has been
affected by the war except wme, which is cheaper. Fish also are to
be had cheaply. The people do not eat much meat. It is exensive. Large quantities of beef are required for the army and
igher price levels became noticeable almost immediately upon
opening of hostilities. Beef ruled at 15 cents per kilo [7.3 cents per
pound] in July. Now (November) it is 17 cents per kilo [7.7 cents
per pound].
The following table shows prices of a few of the principal articles
of food for November, 1913, and November, 1914, with the per
centage of increase :
E
Articles.
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Eggs, per dozen............................................................................................
Milk, per quart.............................................................................................
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
Bread, per pound........................................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Kerosene, per quart....................................................................................
Prices Novem
ber, 1913.
Prices Novem
ber, 1914.
$0.251
.347
.046
.009
.077
.065
.068
$0,251
.347
.046
.009
.077
.096
.082
Per cent
of
increase.
47
20
N i c e , F r a n c e , November 4,1914*
The cost of living in this district has remained practically the same
as it was before the war, for though the prices of some commodities
have increased, the prices of others have decreased. Vegetables,
fruits, and all other foodstuff produced in the country are lower in
33
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- FRA N CE.
price than they have been for the past years. The following
table shows the retail prices on certain commodities just before the
war, and at the present time, with the percentage of increase:
Prices just
before the war.
Articles.
Beef, first grade, first cuts, per pound.........
Beef, first grade, second cuts, per pound. . .
Beef, second grade, first cuts, per pound. . .
Beef, second grade, second cuts, per pound
Veal, first cuts, per pound.................................
Veal, second cuts, per pound...........................
Mutton, first cuts, per pound...........................
M utton, second cuts, per pound......................
Pork, first cuts, per pound................................
Pork, second cuts, per pound...........................
Horse flesh, first cuts, per pound...................
Horse flesh, second cuts, per pound..............
H am , per p o u n d ...................................................
Sausages, cheapest, per pound.........................
Sausages, usual quality, per pound...............
Bread, per pound..................................................
Flour, per pound...................................................
Macaroni, per pound............................................
Rice, per pound.....................................................
Dried vegetables, per pound.............................
Potatoes, per 100 pounds....................................
Sugar, per pound...................................................
Coffee, per pound..................................................
Tea, per pound....... ...............................................
Butter, ordinary, per pound............................
Butter, sweet, fresh, per pound.......................
Olive oil for cooking, per gallon.......................
Olive oil for salad, per gallon............................
1
Decrease.
Prices N ovem
ber, 1914.
Per cent
of
increase.
11
$0.
$0.36
.18
.29
.16
.36
25
9
25
13
28
.20
.29
.20
10
5
.275
.24
.20
.09
.54
.32
.54
.04
.055
.073
.063
.055
1.59
.073
.455
.55
i 12
15
1
10
4
1
1.
$0. 100-.
45
.36^
.455
1.24
1.545
Present price fixed b y decree.
P a r i s , F r a n c e , December 4, 1914.
Strange as it may seem, the cost of living in Paris and vicinity has
not increased since the beginning of the European war. The prices
of some necessary articles have even decreased. This, however, is
not due to the war, but to other causes.
During the month of August there was an advance in the price of
grain, due to the demands of the army, but the prices of both grain
and meats have returned to their normal figures. A very heavy crop
of fruits and vegetables has made unusually low prices on those com
modities. The following table shows the prices on meats for No
vember 10, 1913, July 30, 1914, and November 9, 1914, with the
percentage of increase on the last two dates over the first:
Articles.
Beef, first grade...........
Beef, second grade.. . .
Veal, first grade...........
Veal, second grade. . .
Mutton, first grade. . .
Mutton, second grade.
Pork, first grade..........
Pork, second grade. . .
Price Nov. 10,
1013.
Price July 30,
1914.
Price Nov. 9,
1914.
$0.101
$0,158
.149
.175
.158
.236
$0.158
.149
.202
.182
.175
.158
.112
.105
.149
.228
.210
.219
.201
.140
.137
1 Decrease.
87285°— Bull. 170— 15-
.201
.170
.163
Per cent
of
increase
July 30.
1914.
Per cent
of
increase
Nov. 9,
1914.
12
12
123
125
8
112
1 13
120
122
120
124
21
18
34
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R h e im s , F r a n c e , November 7, 1914*
The cost of living in this district, which during the past five years
has risen fully 25 per cent on all necessaries of life, has since the
outbreak of war increased considerably. The authorities in nearly
all municipalities have fixed maximum prices on certain necessaries,
such as bread, flour, potatoes, milk, sugar, salt, and so forth, which
keeps prices much lower than would otherwise prevail.
The concentration of either, or both, belligerent armies, and the
requisitions for their maintenance in all parts of this district have
brought about such a shortage in the market of a number of articles
of food that they can not at times be had at any price. For more
than two months butter, milk, and fresh eggs could not be bought
at Rheims. What little milk comes in is distributed by the city
authorities for the nourishment of infants. There has been no bread
for days. Not only articles of food, but all household articles are
much higher priced than three months ago. These conditions pre
vail throughout the district generally.
The following table shows prices in July and November, and the
percentage of increase:
Articles.
Prices in
July.
Prices in
November.
Per cent
of
increase.
$0.04
$0,035
Bread, per pound........................................................................................
14
•055
Flour, common, per pound.....................................................................
.07
27
.09
Flour, fine, per pouncl...............................................................................
.13
44
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
.07
.113
61
.02
Salt, per pound............................................................................................
.018
14
.24
Eggs, preserved, per dozen......................................................................
.36
50
.32
.44
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
38
M ilk, per quart.............................................................................................
.05
.07
40
Coal, common, per ton..............................................................................
7.00
11.00
57
Coal, stove, per ton.....................................................................................
9.00
14.50
61
11
.54
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
.6 0
.16
.19
19
Beef, common, per pound............... : ......................................................
6
.33
Veal, per pouncf..........................................................................................
.35
.25
Pork, per pound...........................................................................................
.28
12
M utton, per pound.....................................................................................
.24
.28
17
Chocolate, per pound.................................................................................
.27
.32
19
.065
.12
Grapes, per pound.......................................................................................
85
.02
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
.038
88
Canned and preserved goods...................................................................
20
25
Vegetables......................................................................................................
R o u e n , F r a n c e , November 5, 1914.
The cost of living in Rouen has been but little affected by the war.
Harvests have been abundant and Normandy is rich in natural
products, including supplies of meat and fish. Also, local regula
tions are in force, prohibiting any merchant or group of merchants
from raising the prices of articles of food considered as necessaries of
life. These two conditions are believed responsible for the mainte
nance of steady prices. At this date sugar and milk show a tendency
to rise.
S t . E t i e n n e , F r a n c e , November 4, 1914.
The war has caused an increase of 40 per cent in the price of sugar,
many refineries in northern France having fallen into the hands of
the German forces; an increase of 20 per cent in the prices of dried
vegetables, supplies of which were requisitioned for the use of the
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R---- FRA N CE.
35
armies, while it is thought that the closing of the Dardanelles has
restricted the importation of these articles; and of 10 per cent in the
>rices of farinaceous products, due both to the closing of certain
actories and to requisitions for the armies.
No other staple food products appear to have advanced in price,
but on the other hand, dairy products, veal, and fruits have declined
in price. Owing to the abundant grape crop wine has decreased 40
per cent in price.
J
GERMANY.1
The outbreak of the war brought a sharp rise in prices throughout
Germany and for a time a panic seemed imminent, but the prompt
action of the police relieved the situation. In Germany a simple order
from the police is sufficient to keep prices from soaring beyond the aver
age citizen’s buying power. Any attempt to speculate or charge enor
mous prices is promptly punished by confiscation of the goods and
sale from Government warehouses. The German Government also
took prompt action to encourage imports, to preserve the supply of
grain, and to control prices.
In November it was estimated that the general cost of living had
advanced from 8 to 15 per cent. This advance was very unequally
distributed. On articles where a principal part of the supply was
imported, such as tea, coffee, cocoa, and rice, the advance was very
marked. The same was true also of beans, peas, and lentils, which
were largely bought up for the use of the army and navy. In the
case of potatoes a notable advance was shown, probably due to the
necessity of a largely increased use of potatoes to meet the deficiency
in the supply of grains. In the case of meat and other domestic
products the advance was relatively small.
The marked increases in the prices of breadstuffs were to be
expected, since it is estimated that only about two-thirds of Ger
many’s wheat supply is home grown. The measures taken with
regard to the control of the grain supply had for one of their purposes
the conserving of that supply by a largely increased use of potato
flour. This was possible because of the unusually large crop of pota
toes, estimated at 1,725,000,000 bushels, or more than 73,000,000
bushels in excess of the average crop for the preceding 10 years.
The slight increase in the price of meat is largely explained by the
fact that Germany produces 95 per cent of the meat consumed.
The following table, from a report submitted by the consul general
at Berlin, shows the wholesale prices before the beginning of the war
and for several dates since of potatoes, rice, eggs, and butter in
Hamburg and Berlin. The increases in the prices of butter and eggs
are, of course, to a considerable extent due to seasonal causes. The
1 For table of relative prices, see Appendix A .
36
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
increase in the price of rice, averaging approximately 80 per cent
from July 24 to October 30, and of potato flour, averaging approxi
mately 60 per cent from July 20 to November 2, have already been
explained.
B e rlin ,
June 8,
1914.
June 22,
1914.
July 6,
1914.
July 20,
1914.
Oct. 5,
1914.
Oct. 19,
1914.
Cents.
2.1
2 -2 .1
. Cents.
2.1
2 -2 .1
Cents.
2.1
2 -2 .1
Cents.
2 .1
2 -2 .1
Cents.
2 .6 -2 .7
2 .5 -2 .6
Cents.
3 .1 -3 .2
3
July 24,
1914.
Aug. 28,
1914.
Sept. 18,
1914.
Oct. 2,
1914.
O ct. 30,
1914.
Cents.
3 .3 -4 .2
Cents.
3 .3 -4 .2
Cents.
4 .9 -5 .2
Cents.
4 .9 -5 .4
Cents.
6 .5 -6 .9
Aug. 13,
1914.
Sept. 28,
1914.
Oct. 15,
1914.
Nov. 5,
1914.
Cents.
Cents.
Cents.
Cents.
Eggs,fresh, per dozen3........................................................... 19.6-20.4
37.2
(4)
(4)
Eggs, ordinary, per dozen 3.................................................... 18.0-19.6
27.6-28.6 32.8-35.2
(4)
Eggs, storage, per dozen 3.........................'............................. 1 8 .0 -i9 .0 22.8-23.8 27.6-28.6. 31. S-32.8
26.2 29.0-29.8
Eggs, inferior, per dozen3 ......................................................1jl7.4-17.8
(4)
Cents.
35.2-38.0
32.2-33.8
31.8-33.4
26.6-27.6
Articles.
Potato flour, superior, per pound 1
Potato flour, prime, per p ound1.
N ov. 2,
1914.
Cents.
3 .3 -3 .5
3 .2 -3 .3
H am burg.
R ice, per pound2.......................................................................
B erlin .
July 28,
1914.
H am burg,
Butter, per pound2 .......................................................................................
1 In lots of 220.46 pounds.
2 In lots of 110.23 pounds.
Feb. 26,
1914.
Apr. 30,
1914.
June 11,
1914.
Cents.
29.1
Cents.
25.5
Cents.
24.8
Oct. 29,
1914.
Cents.
32
3 i n 5-dozen lots.
4 N ot reported.
A second table is intended to show the price fluctuations of a
number of the common articles of food in 24 German cities. The
table was submitted by the United States ambassador at Berlin as
a r6sum6 of reports from 24 consuls and agencies in Germany to
show the increase in prices, in October, 1914, over the same month
in 1913, of the more important necessaries where the prices had
advanced. In view of the fact that it excludes articles which have
either not changed in price or of which the prices have fallen, its
figures somewhat overstate the increase in the cost of living. In
creases are shown in percentages.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R---- G E R M A N Y .
Bar
men.
Ber
lin.
B arley.......................
49
21
B utter........................
Beans......................... 149
Coal............................
Beef.............................
Cocoa..........................
92
Coffee.........................
8i
Clothing.....................
60
E g gs...........................
Flour (w heat). . . . .
34
Flour (rye)..............
Fruits.........................
L a rd...........................
44
Lentils.......................
Peas............................. 150
Pork...........................
50
Potatoes....................
Petroleum
Rice.............................
84
Salt.............................
6
Sugar.........................
10
T e a ..............................
Veal.............................
10
Articles.
Articles.
K onigsberg.
B arley.........................
B utter.........................
Beans...........................
Coal..............................
Beef.............................
Cocoa...........................
Coffee...........................
Clothing.....................
E ggs.............................
Flour (wheat)..........
Fruits.........................
Lard.............................
Lentils.........................
M ilk .............................
Oatmeal.....................
Peas.............................
Pork.............................
Potatoes.....................
Petroleum.................
R ent.............................
R ice.............................
Salt...............................
Sugar...........................
T ea...........................
V eal.........................
Vegetables.................
Bre
m en.
Bres Co Chem Co Dan
lau. burg. nitz. logne. zig.
5
22
16
25
7
71
22
22
10
10
10
35
31
54
50
114
99
60
94
25
25
150
116
15
25
8
45
66
30
7
10
10
60
20
14
100
100
78
66
20
10
10
i
12
50
18
28
5
11
50
50
10
50
8
20
15
15
28
18
20
8
50
24
10
5
100
100
100
49
48
48
48
50
100
95
84
100
40
34
60
20
20
14 ” *40' " “ i s '
16
7
26
16
8
9
100
33
100
25 ’ " * 3 9
10
25
50 " " i o
MarkMag
W ies
Leip
neuMu N u m - Plau- Schweine- Stet Stutt
Aver
de
ba
munde.
en.
tin. gart.
age.
zig. burg. kirch- nich. berg.
den.
en.
38
20
6
18
7
5
100
10
100
157
50
25
27
14
9
14
12
200
10
25
25
8
10
25
25
50
8
6
8
6
52
20
18
10
100
24
16
66
18
100
25
10
10
Dres■ Er Frank H an H am
den. furt.
fort.
over. burg.
14
6
92
78
37
25
5
100
10
25
18
28
44
10
14
8
37
Flour (ry
...... 8
14 e ). . 14
18
8
243
10
43
200
104
6
17
45
31
30
30
15
49
14
14
25
15
100
26
50
200
100
34
60
200
7
9
40
9
50
25
10
33
33
50
11
11
54
100
12
28
9
9
16
60
50
100
10
50
30
8
16
9.6
106
9.3
3 .4
42
13.5
1.7
34.7
20
14.9
8.1
27.4
112
.04
14.5
109
42.1
9
£L.
10.8
8.2
23.4
.5
0)
1 Lower.
The following official summary of the most frequently observed
retail prices of important foodstuffs and household articles, compiled
by the Prussian State Statistical Office from data obtained in 50
Prussian cities, in February, 1915, illustrates the increase of the cost
of living necessaries at that date over February of the preceding
year:
38
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
[Translated from the article “ Die Lebensmittelteueran,9:,, in Soziale Praxis tind Archiv fur Volks wohlfahrt.
Vol. X X I V , p. 700.]
Feb
ruary
1914.
Articles.
Peas, yellow, per pound.....................................................................................................
■RftnnSj par pnm id____________________ __________ ______________ _______ ________
Lentils, per pound...............................................................................................................
Potatoes, per pound............................................................................................................
Butter, table, per pound...................................................................................................
Flour, wheat, per pound...................................................................................................
Flour, rye, per pound.........................................................................................................
Rice, per pound....................................................................................................................
Coffee,roasted,per pound.................................................................................................
Sugar, loaf, per pound.........................................................................................................
Sait, table, per pou n d.........................................................................................................
W heat semolina, per pound.............................................................................................
Buckwheat semolina, per pound...................................................................................
Barley, hulled, per pound.................................................................................................
Coal, anthracite, per pound..............................................................................................
Briquets, per 100 pounds...................................................................................................
Briquets, per 100 pieces.....................................................................................................
Petroleurrijper quart..........................................................................................................
Milk, unskimmed, per quart............................................................................................
Eggs, each...............................................................................................................................
Feb
ruary.
1915.
$0,043
.048
.058
.008
.299
.040
.031
.052
.338
.054
.022
.052
.059
.047
.003
.239
.241
.046
.047
.022
$0.117
.117
.150
.012
.348
. 057
.053
.100
.358
.059
.024
.085
.099
.087
.003
.255
.268
.053
.050
.029
Per cent
of in
crease.
175
144
160
60
16
43
70
92
6
9
9
65
68
86
11
6
J1
16
7
29
In the following pages are given the reports, somewhat condensed,
of the American consuls in a number of German cities, showing
prices in July just before the war began and for several more recent
dates. The reports were furnished upon the instructions of the
Department of State.
A i x - l a - C h a p e l l e , G e r m a n y , November 27, 1914•
An increase in the cost of living incident to the first three months of
the war is indicated by the following table of comparative prices for
the month of October in 1913 and 1914 for standard articles of food.
There seems to be a plentiful supply of food, and no want is
apparent. Prices for meals at restaurants and hotels remain the
same. There is a shortage in wheat flour, which is being made up
by a substitution of potato flour, resulting in an increase m the cost
of this standard article of food.
The percentage of increase in 1914 over 1913 is shown.
Prices in Oc
tober, 1913.
Articles.
Vermicelli, per pound................................................................................
W heat flour, per pound.............................................................................
Buckwheat nour, per pound...................................................................
Peeled barley, per pound.........................................................................
Millet, per pound.........................................................................................
Rice, per pound............................................................................................
O at grits, per pound...................................................................................
Coffee, per p o u n d .......................................................................................
Sugar, per pound................................................. ........................................
Salt, per pound.............................................................................................
Flour, per pound..................................................... ...................................
Butter, per pound................................................................... ....................
Eggs, per dozen............................................................................................
Milk, per quart.............................................................................................
Beans, per pound........................................................................................
Peas, per pound...........................................................................................
Potatoes, per bushel...................................................................................
Bread, black, per pound...........................................................................
Bacon, per pound........................................................................................
Beef, per pound............................................................................................
Veal, per pound............................................................................................
Pork, roast, per pound..............................................................................
Pork, cutlets, per pound...........................................................................
Pork, ham, per i)ound...............................................................................
Pork, lard, per pound................................................................................
Petroleum, per quart................................................................................. |
1 Decrease.
SO. 07
.05
.02
.04
.05
.05
.05
.25
.04
.02
.02
.26
.37
.05
.06
. 05
.40
.02
.19
$0.17- . 33
.1 7 - .38
.28
.24
.48
.21
. 05
Prices in Oc
tober, 1914.
$0.08
.06
.02
.06
.05
.06
.06
.30
.05
.03
.03
.25
.40
.05
- .10
.11
.80
.03
.22
$0.21- .43
.2 1 - .43
.33
.28
.57
.24
.06
Per cent
of in
crease.
14
20
50
20
20
20
25
50
50
i4
8
67
120
100
50
16
28
16
18
17
19
14
20
FOOD PEICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- G E R M A N Y .
39
B e r l i n , G e r m a n y , November 7,1914•
The German Government has passed a series of legislative measures
having as their object the conserving of the local grain supply. The
principal laws concerning high prices for grains were those of August
4 and October 28, 1914. A law has also been passed preventing the
use as cattle food of grains which can be used for human con
sumption. Immediately after the outbreak of the war, grains, meat,
and other raw products were placed upon the free list so as to encour
age importations as much as possible. The most interesting of the
German laws conserving the grain supply is the order of the Bundesrath which went into effect on November 4, 1914, relative to the use
of rye flour in the making of wheat bread and the use of potato flour
in the making of rye bread.
Since it has become known that potato flour is required to be used
in bread, the price of potato flour has increased considerably, so that
the rise in price has caused the potato product to be almost as expen
sive as rye flour.
It was natural that the temporary isolation of Germany, caused
by the outbreak of the war, should produce a lack of articles gen
erally imported from the colonies. The principal articles of this
kind are tea, rice, cocoa, and coffee. The prices of some of these
articles have more than doubled. Tea and cocoa are particularly
short. Imported cocoa products are much in demand because they
can be used in their manufactured form for field refreshments.
The meat supply of Germany is regarded as sufficient on the whole
for the needs (hiring the war. Besides placing meat products on the
free list, other measures have been passed facilitating importations.
The authorities have also taken measures to prevent an undue waste
in the slaughtering of cattle. Although certain kinds of fresh meat
have increased in price, this increase has not been abnormal in view
of the present conditions. Pickled and smoked meats which had
been stored up for some time are now coming into use.
The crops of grain and fruits are in general reported to be good.
The Berlin market is well supplied with vegetables and native Fruits
and no decided increase beyond the usual fluctuations of the season
has been noticed. The prices of foreign fruits, such as oranges,
lemons, and apples have greatly increased. Taking into considera
tion all of the increases in prices mentioned, householders generally
estimate that their cost of living has increased by 15 per cent.
B r e s l a u , November 3,1914*
Since the outbreak of the war there has been a very slight increase
in the cost of wheat and rye bread. The price of butter has also
increased slightly. The very best potatoes sell at retail for about
1 cent a pound, which is about 15 per cent higher than normal prices
before the war. Pork is even cheaper than before the war, while
poultry is reported as plentiful at normal prices. Other meats are
about 2 cents per pound higher than normal. For vegetables a slight
increase in price is reported, while fruits are about 10 per cent higher
than normal.
The supply of petroleum is reported to be nearly exhausted, and
retailers are limiting their sales to quantities of \ liter per customer
so long as .their supply lasts. The prices for men’s, women's, and
children’s clothing remain at about normal, although the supplies of
40
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
cotton and woolen hosiery and underwear are reported to be
getting low.
H a m b u r g , G e r m a n y , November 3,191 lh
The cost of living in Hamburg has increased somewhat, but not as
much as might have been expected.
The only products which have increased considerably in price
since the outbreak of war are beans, peas, lentils and the like, rice,
cocoa, and tea, because the military authorities placed restrictions
upon a large part of these products. The prices for rice and cocoa
have increased owing to speculation and decrease in receipts. Tea is
particularly scarce and can not be imported.
Prices ot potatoes have risen on account of speculation, but there
are enough on hand. At present the farmers do not want to sell and
are preserving them in holes dug in the ground, pretending that they
will need them as fodder. It is expected, however, that tne Govern
ment will regulate the prices, inasmuch as the statement that a short
age of fodder exists is not true, the crop of beet sugar being enormous.
If a part of this crop is then used for fodder, sugar will be more expen
sive, owing to a reduction in the crop.
Prices are given below for the period just before the war and for
the present time, with the percentage of increase:
Articles.
Eggs, Russian and Galician, each..............
Eggs, German, each.........................................
Chickens, each....................................................
Hares, each..........................................................
Ducks, each.........................................................
Geese, per pound...............................................
Mutton, per pound...........................................
Fa t, m utton, per pound.................................
Pork, best, per pound.....................................
Pork, second grade, per pound....................
Beef, per pound.................................................
Beefsteak, per pound.......................................
Sausage, per pound...........................................
M ilk, per quart...................................................
Butter, per pound.............................................
Cheese, ordinary, per pound.........................
Coffee, roasted, per pound.............................
Coffee, raw , per pound...................................
Coffee, prime, not much used, per pound
Tea, ordinary, per pound..............................
Tea, finest, per pound.....................................
Rice, Rangoon, per pound.............................
Rice, P utna, per pound.................................
Rice, Java, per pound.....................................
Rice, Carolina, per pound..............................
Rice, Bassein, per pound...............................
W heat flour, per pound..................................
Maizena, per pound.........................................
Quaker oats, per p o u n d ................................
Barley groats, Russian, per pound............
Buckwheat and oats groats, per p o u n d ..
Peas, 2 per pound..............................................
Beans,2 per pound.............................................
Lentils, Russian,2 per pound.......................
Potatoes, per sack of 143.3 pounds.............
Turnips, each.....................................................
Cabbages, each...................................................
Carrots, per quart..............................................
Chocolate, per pound.......................................
Cocoa, per pound...............................................
Sugar, granulated, per pound......................
Sugar, lum p, per pound.................................
Salt, per pound..................................................
i None in the market.
Prices before
the war.
$0,021*
.026
.357
.833
.952
.238
.238
.166
.333
.154
.238
.357
.380
.067
$0,309- .333
.333
.333- .428
.240
.571
.380
1.785
.043
.043- .052
.064- .086
.097
.043- .052
.043- .047
.108
.090
.054
.054- .064
.054- .064
.054- .064
.064
1.428
.035- .047
.095- .142
.056
.261
.238- .710
.057
.071
.023
Present prices.
0)
$0,033
.428
1.070
1.070
.261
.285
.190
.333
.154
.261
.380
.380
.067
.380
.333
$0,356- .451
.240
.571
.714
1.785
.054
.064
.075- .097
.108
.064
.052
.108
.090
.075
.075- .086
.097
.097- .108
.129
1.904
.035- .047
.095- .142
.056
.261
.357- .710
.057
.071
.026
2 Mostly used for military purposes.
Per cent
of in
crease.
27
20
28
12
10
20
14
10
6
18
6
88
26
37
14
11
37
15
41
37
65
74
100
33
13
13
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W AR---- G E R M A N Y .
41
K e h l , November 4,1914At the beginning of the war there was quite a panic among the
people of this region and a strong speculative tendency among the
dealers. Prices began to jump at a very rapid rate, but these condi
tions were of short duration. Military and municipal authorities soon
established maximum prices for the more important articles of food.
Taken altogether, it appears that since the war prices of food have
advanced about 15 or 20 per cent, but as these prices are fixed arti
ficially it is a question whether they can be maintained for long. Al
ready the bourse or exchange prices on some things, for example, flour
and lard, are higher than the wholesale prices at Strassburg. It should
further be noted that while prices of food commodities have been fixed
by municipal and military ordinances, articles of good and choice qual
ity are sold at higher prices than the maximum prices thus established,
and in some cases, as, for example, in the case of coffee and flour, it
appears that the quality has been reduced to meet the fixed prices.
In certain districts where villages have been destroyed, crops
ruined, and communication with the markets cut off, prices are very
high and some things can not be had at any price.
iiread has advanced 15 per cent in price, clothing, wool, and woolen
goods have advanced considerably, cotton is dearer by 25 per cent,
and coal has advanced 10 per cent. Restaurant prices have been
advanced about 20 per cent.
The following table shows the maximum prices fixed by the mili
tary government at Strassburg compared with the average retail
prices prevailing there during the month of June, with the percentage
of increase caused by the war.
Price in June,
1914.
Articles.
Flour, O quality, per pound.....................................
Flour, D quality, per pound....................................
Milk, whole, per quart................................................
Beans, per pound..........................................................
Peas, green, shelled, per p o u n d ..............................
Peas, yellow, per pound.............................................
Barley, groats, per pound..........................................
Semolina, per pound....................................................
Coffee, roasted, per pound.........................................
Condensed milk, per can............................................
Lentils, per pound........................................................
Salad oil, ordinary, per quart...................................
Salad oil, Jaffa, per quart...........................................
Palm-oil butter in barrels, per pound...................
Palm-oil butter in tins, per pound.........................
Palm-oil butter in tablets, per pound...................
Kice, per pound..............................................................
Salt, per pound..............................................................
Lard, American, in barrels or pails, per pound.
Sugar, loaf or granulated, per pound....................
Sugar, cube, per pound...............................................
Petroleum, per gallon..................................................
Oxen meat, per pound................................................
Cow meat, per pound...................................................
Pork, fresh, per pound..............................................
$0,056
.047
.049
.052
.056
.066
.069
.064
.360
.140
.086
.290
.360
.175
.175
.175
.067
.023
$0.16.1 4 .1 5 -
.056
.056
.234
.230
.200
.190
Present price.
$0,060
.058
.053
.064
.097
.108
.086
.060
.345
$0.13- .15
.110
.260
.360
.162
.162
.1 8 3 - .194
.0 4 3 - .065
.026
.194
.065
.060
.222
. 18 - .240
. 1 9 - .220
. 1 9 - .230
Per cent
of
increase.
7
23
8
23
73
64
25
16
14
28
UO
17
17
8
119
13
16
7
15
8
21
24
1 Decrease.
In accordance with the law of August 4, 1914, authorizing the
Federal Council to take economic measures, the council on October 28,
1914, issued a number of decrees with the object of assuring nutrition
of the German nation with bread grains for the full duration of the
war at reasonable prices.1
1
From “ Jahrbiicher fur Nationalokonomie und Statistik,” vol. 103, N o. 6, December, 1914, p. C88 fit*
Jena, 1914
42
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
PRICES OF CERTAIN COMMODITIES IN DIFFERENT MARKETS.
Several general tables have been taken from German sources to
show the prevailing prices of important articles of food.
The following table shows the grain prices in the principal Ger
man markets:
P R IC E S O F G R A IN IN T H E P R IN C IP A L G E R M A N M A R K E T S .
[Source: Jahrbiicher fur Nationalokonomie und Statistik, December, 1914, p. 688. The original prices in
marks per 1,000 kilograms have been converted to prices in United States money per bushel, using the
weights per bushel indicated b y the standards fixed in the original German decrees, namely, wheat, 1
hectoliter==75 kilograms; rye, 1 hectoliter=70 kilograms; barley, 1 hectoliter= 6 8 kilograms. For oats
the American standard of 32 pounds per bushel has been used in the absence of any standard fixed by
decree.]
Locality.
Date.
N ov.
2
2
2
2
2
O ct. 31
N ov. 2
Oct. 31
31
30
N ov. 2
Oct. 31
31
30
N ov. 2
2
Oct. 31
N ov. 2
Berlin..................................
Konigsberg in Prussia..
D anzig.................................
Posen...................................
Breslau................................
R ostock..............................
Ham burg............................
K ie l......................................
Magdeburg.........................
Leipzig................................
Dresden..............................
Cassel...................................
Dusseldorf..........................
Cologne................................
Frankfort on the Main..
Mannheim..........................
Munich................................
Stuttgart............................
W heat, per
bushel of
58.3 pounds.
R ye, per
bushel of
54.4 pounds.
Barley, per
bushel of
52.8 pounds.
$1.64-$l.
1.46- 1. 59
$1.30
1.23
1.24
$1.25-41.35
$1.23- 1.26
1.26- 1.29
1.31- 1.32
1.39
1.28- 1.34
1.27
1.33- 1.40
1.43
1.30- 1.32
1.32
1.29- 1.34
1.39- 1.41
1.39
1.36- 1.38
1.39- 1.42
1.43- 1.44
1.44— 1.50
1 .37- 1.43
1.20- 1.40
1.
1 .56- 1.
1.59- 1.
1. 68- 1.
1.
1.59- 1.
1.
1.64- 1.
1.70- 1.
1.
1.701.741.791.76-
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.40- 1.43
1.341.341.361.34-
1.37
1.37
1.41
1.43
Oats, per
bushel of
32 pounds.
$0.77-$0.80
.7 0 - .75
.73
.7 1 - .72
.7 2 - .73
.7 2 - .73
.7 8 - .79
.73
.7 7 - .79
.7 5 - .77
.7 4 - .75
.7 8 - .79
.8 2 - .83
.8 1 - .82
.8 1 - .82
.8 1 - .83
.8 0 - .81
.7 9 - .83
The bureau of market reports of the German Agricultural Council
at the end of October, 1914, made an investigation as to the prices
and weight of bread in Berlin and suburbs. The results are given in
the following table:
P R IC E S A N D W E I G H T O F R Y E B R E A D A N D R O L L S I N 70 B A K E R I E S O F B E R L I N A N D
IT S S U B U R B S A T T H E E N D O F O C T O B E R , 1914.
[Source: Jahrbiicher fur Nationaldkonomie und Statistik, January, 1915, pp. 752 and 753.]
W eight of one loaf rye bread, costing—
Locality.
Bak
ery
num
ber.
9.5
cents.
Ozs.
Berlin, W .
10.7
11.9
cents. cents.
Ozs.
"u. i'
44.1
Berlin, N W .
55.5
Ozs.
47.6
49.3
47.0
49.3
47.6
52.9
52.9
52.9
49.3
49.3
49.3
49.3
14.3
15.5
cents. cents.
Ozs.
Ozs.
16.7
cents.
Ozs.
W eight
of 10
large
rolls
(schrip23.8
21.4
pen),
cents. cents.
costing
6 cents.
Ozs.
Ozs,
Ozs.
14.1
14.1
13.0
14.1
13.0
14.1
14.1
15.0
14.1
14.1
14.1
13.4
16.7
W eight
of 10
small
rolls
(kniippel),
costing
6 cents.
OZS.
7 .0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
9.7
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
8.3
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- G E R M A N Y .
43
P R IC E S A N D W E I G H T O F R Y E B R E A D A N D R O L L S IN 70 B A K E R I E S O F B E R L I N A N D
IT S S U B U R B S A T T H E E N D O F O C T O B E R , 1914— Concluded.
W eight of one loaf rye bread, costing-
Locality.
Bak
ery
num
ber.
9.5
cents.
Ozs.
10.7
11.9
cents. cents.
Ozs.
Berlin, O .
Ozs.
.. 61.7
52.9
51.1
51.1
14.3
cents.
15.5
cents.
16.7
cents.
21.4
cents.
Ozs.
Ozs.
Ozs.
Ozs.
large
small
rolls
rolls
23.8 (sehrip- (kniippen),
pel),
cents.
costing costing
6 cents. ! 6 cents.
Ozs.
123.3
82.2
74.0
70.5
!
56.4
78.9
77.5
63.4
51.1
53.9
W eight W eight
14.1
14.1
14.1
105.7
’ 49*3
52.9
52.9
49.3
52.9
52.9
59.9
52.9
52.9
40.5
49.3
52.9
| Ozs.
8.5
7.8
7.8
14.1
7.8
14.1
7.8
16.6-17.3 9 .5-10.2
14.1
7.0
14.1
7.4
16.0
14.1
7.0
14.1
7.0
7.4
14.1
14.8
7.4
15.2
8.1
7.9
15.0
13.4
7.4
14.1
7.8
74.4
52.9
Charlottenburg.
Ozs.
72.2
56.4 j
52.9
52.9
52.9
55.0
'52*9
52.9
52.9
56.4
49.3
52.9
54.6
52.9
Schoneberg.
79.3
* 76.7
ic 7 .5
98.7
72. 2
76.7
52.9
51.1
47.6
47.6
49.3
51.1
51.1
52.9
53.9
50.4
51.1
Gr. Lichterfelde, W .
70
Highest weight.
Lowest w eig h t..
47.6
40.5
56.4
44.1
72.2
72.2
54.6
54.6
52.9
51.1
54.6
52.9
51.1
52.9
51.1
61.7
45.8
59.9
75.1
72.2
70.5
59.9
79.3
72.2
83.2
67.0
16.2
9.2
12.3
14.1
7.0
10.6
14.1
14.1
16.7
14.1
13.4
15.0
14.8
13.2
14.1
15.2
14.8
15.2
14.8
14.8
15.9
14.8
14.8
14.8
15.9
14.6
15.0
16.7
12.3
7.0
7.9
9.3
8.5
8.1
7.8
7.8
7 .8
7.4
8.1
7.8
8.1
7.8
7 .8
7 .8
7.8
7 .8
7.8
7 .0
7 .6
7 .0
10.2
7 .0
98.7
67.0
74.5
59.9
7.4
7.4
8.1
7.4
118.9
83.2
51.1
52.9
Plotzensee..
Steglitz____
14.8
14.8
13.0
14.8
105.7
75.8
82.8
50.2
49.3
9.3
7.0
9.0
7.8
7.9
105.7
74.0
59.3
45.8
47.6
16.7
14.1
16.0
15.9
15.9
i0 7 .5
98.7
102.2
123.3
102.2
Based upon the above table the average price of one pound of
rye bread at the end of October was, in the 21 Berlin bakeries inves
tigated, 16.02 pfennigs (3.81 cents), and in the 49 bakeries investi
gated in the suburbs of Berlin 15.90 pfennigs (3.78 cents), while
according to an investigation made in 40 Berlin bakeries by the
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
44
statistical office of the city of Berlin the average price was 14.85
pfennigs (3.53 cents) during the month of July, and 16.10 pfennigs
(3.83 cents) during the month of September.
The following table shows the prices of a number of important
articles of food in the Berlin markets as compared with the prices of
similar articles toward the end of 1913:
AVERAGE
R E T A IL
P R IC E S IN
T H E M U N IC IP A L P U B L IC M A R K E T S O F B E R L I N .
[Source: Preiszusammenstellungen des statistischen Am ts der Stadt Berlin.]
Month and
year.
Sirloin,
Cutlets,
round
Breast.
Flank.
steak, Breast.
loin.
rump.
1914.
January........... $0,220
February.........
.220
March...............
.220
Ap ril................
.218
M ay..................
.218
June..................
.220
July..................
.218
A u gust............
.229
September___
.225
October...........
.222
1913.
October...........
Month and
year.
1914.
January..........
February____
March..............
April____ . . . .
M a y .................
June.................
.222
Chops,
loin.
Breast,
flank.
Loin,
spare
ribs.
H am .
Shoul
der,
belly.
$0.218 $0.190
.207
.184
.199
.175
.203
.173
.209
.171
.216
.168
.216
.168
.225
.175
.214
.173
.203
.177
$0,173
.164
.160
.158
.153
.147
.149
.164
.164
.171
$0.173
.171
.171
.166
.158
.158
.160
.168
.166
.166
$0,231
.225
.222
.222
.222
.220
.220
.235
.216
.214
$0,205
.203
.201
.199
.199
.199
.205
.216
.203
.199
$0.192
.188
.186
.184
.186
.184
.188
.199
.190
.188
$0.216
.214
.212
.218
.216
.225
.220
.240
.227
.214
$0.190
.188
.188
.186
.188
.190
.194
.218
.205
.194
.194
.173
.229
.203
.186
.216
.194
$0,320
.313
.309
.304
.304
.302
Pork, per pound.
Shoul
der.
$0.192
.194
.192
.186
.181
.179
.184
.186
. 184
.188
H am , per pound.
Bacon,
smoked,
per
pound. Smoked. Sliced.
$0,207
.201
.194
.188
.186
.179
Mutton, per
pound.
V eal, per pound.
Beef, per pound.
Lard,
per
pound.
Butter,
per
pound.
$0,386
.380
.378
.369
.369
.363
$0.181
.177
.175
.171
.168
.166
$0,300
.298
.298
.296
.287
.283
Eggs,
each.
$0,024
.021
.019
.017
.017
.017
July..................
.175
.302
.363
.164
.283
.019
August............
Septem ber...
October..........
.212
.220
.229
.313
.311
.309
.371
.367
.374
.186
.188
.199
.291
.289
.322
.024
.024
.029
1913.
October..........
.212
.322
.384
.184
.291
.021
.229
.196
.181
Milk , 2
Pota
R ye
W heat
toes,
bread,i bread,i unskim
med,
per
per
per
per
bushel. pound. pound.
quart.
$0.389 $0.030
.389
.030
.389
.030
.389
.030
.389
.030
.518
.030
/ . 583
} .032
\ .972
.713
.036
.518
.035
.583
.035
.389
.031
$0,059
.058
.058
.058
.058
.058
$0,054
.054
.054
.054
.054
.054
.059
.054
.064
.062
.062
.054
.054
.054
.057
.054
1 Average of 40 bakeries according to weight tests of the statistical office of the city of Berlin.
2 According to reports of the Chamber of Commerce (Attesten der Kaufmannschaft).
It will be noticed that, with the exception of bacon and shoulders
of veal, meats in October, 1914, were either unchanged in price or
lower than in October, 1913. The price of milk shows no change,
but for all the other articles there has been an advance which is in
some cases considerable.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W AR-----G E R M A N Y .
45
DECREES CONCERNING PRICES OF GRAINS AND FOODS.
The text of the decree of October 28 as to maximum prices for grain
is as follows:
In Germany this year’s crops of grain used in the making of bread and the available
supply in the country at the outbreak of the war assure our nutrition without the aid
of imports. The consumption of rye is provided for until the beginning of September
and that of wheat until the beginning of August of next year. If we should be so short
sighted as to take into consideration the current crop year only, conditions would look
less serious. This war, however, which was forced upon us, will be conducted by
England as an economic war the more vigorously the longer it lasts. We must in time
be prepared for it to last longer than the current crop year and must consequently
make our supplies last not only until the next crop, but well into the next year.
In order to achieve this end and to keep prices from going beyond a certain limit,
which represents the true relation between supply and demand, a number of measures
have become necessary for the enforcement of which the Federal Council in its session
of October 28 has issued the following regulations which, unless otherwise stated, come
into force on November 4._ In addition the Federal Council will soon issue another
decree as to the collection of new statistics of the available supplies, which may lead
to the taking of further measures.
I . A U T H O R IZA T IO N
OP TH E
C E N TR A L
STATE
A U T H O R IT IE S TO
F IX
M A X IM U M
P R IC E S .
The law of August 4 relating to maximum prices is herewith extended in such a
manner that the central State authorities or authorities designated by them shall also
be authorized to fix maximum prices for daily necessaries, among which belong food
stuffs and fodder, provided that the Federal Council has not done so. Owners of
such necessaries shall be obligated to sell them to the proper authorities on their re
quest.
I I . M E A S U R E S TO E N FO RC E E C O N O M Y IN TH E A V A IL A B L E
SU PP LY OF B R E A D
G R A IN .
1.
Order relating to the mixing o f flour.— Considering its consumption, the available
supply of wheat is relatively smaller than that of rye. The most natural measure to
remedy this shortage of wheat is the admixture of rye flour to all wheat flour. The
supply of rye may, on the other hand, be made to last longer by mixing potatoes with
the rye flour when baking. Investigations and practical experiments have shown
that rye bread with an admixture of 20 per cent of potatoes is as nutritive as pure rye
bread and as palatable. In order to secure general enforcement of these necessary
measures the Federal Council has issued the following order as to the traffic in bread:
A r t i c l e 1. Traffic in wheat bread shall be permitted only when rye flour has also
been used in its preparation. The proportion of rye flour must be at least 10 parts to
every 90 parts of wheat flour.
A r t . 2. Traffic in rye bread shall be permitted only when potatoes have also been
used in its preparation. The proportion of potato in the bread, if potato flakes, potato
flour, or potato starch flour are used as admixture, must be at least 5 parts to every 95
parts of rye flour.
Bye bread, in the preparation of which more than 5 parts of potatoes have been used,
must be marked with the letter “ K .” If the potato contents exceed 20 parts, the
number of these parts must be affixed in Arabic figures to the letter “ K. ” If mashed
or grated potatoes are used, 4 parts of them shall be considered equivalent to 1 part of
potato flakes, potato flour, or potato starch flour.
A r t . 3. These provisions are also applicable to consumers’ cooperative societies,
which sell only to their members.
46
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A r t . 4. Bakers and persons selling bread must post a copy of this order in their sales
places.
The provisions contained in articles 1 and 2 come into force on December 1, 1914.
2. Milling o f bread grain.— Further economy in the use of the available supply of
bread grain may be achieved by more intensive milling, a measure which during the
last years has been repeatedly recommended for hygienic reasons. The Federal Coun
cil, therefore, issues the following regulations as to the milling of bread grain:
A rticle 1. Rye is to be milled up to at least 70 per cent in the manufacture of rye
flour.
A rt. 2. Wheat is to be milled up to at least 75 per cent in the manufacture of wheat
flour.
The central State authorities or the authorities designated by them may permit in
this milling the manufacture of a superfine flour of specified grade.
3. Prohibition o f the use o f bread grain as forage.— Even in normal years one-fourth
of our rye crop is being used for feeding stock and with the scarcity of all kinds of
forage in the present year rye might possibly be used for this purpose to a still larger
extent. A prohibition of this use, therefore, became necessary. In order to some
what lighten the burden to be imposed in this manner upon agriculture, article 3 of
the following provisions permits certain exceptions, and the enforcement of the
above prohibition, which it will be very hard to control, shall be further facilitated
by the fixing of very low maximum prices for barley and bran. (See under III.)
The order prohibiting the use of bread grain as forage provides as follows:
A rticle 1. The use as forage of rye and grain fit for milling, also if rough ground,
as well as of rye flour and wheat flour which is suitable for the manufacture of bread,
is prohibited.
A r t . 2. The central State authorities may restrict or prohibit the rough grinding of
rye and wheat.
A rt. 3. In case of pressing economic needs, the central State authorities or the
authorities designated by them, may generally, or for specified districts, or for specified
kinds of establishments, or in individual instances, permit the use as forage of rye
produced in the agricultural establishment of an owner of live stock for the live stock
kept in his establishment.
II I. D E T E R M IN A T IO N OF M A X IM U M PR IC E S FO R G R A IN A N D B R A N .
The enforcement of all the above measures is, in the opinion of the Imperial Govern
ment, only possible if the prices of grain are regulated simultaneously. The Govern
ment is fully aware of the difficulties connected with such a regulation and has its
scruples as to such interference, but war requires special measures. To limit its in
terference with economic conditions to a minimum the Government has fixed
maximum prices only for rye and wheat, for feed barley grading at 68 kilograms per
hectoliter [52.8 pounds per bushel] or below, and for bran. (See 11,3.) For the present
it has been decided not to fix maximum prices for oats, because the administration
of the army has so far been able to obtain an ample supply at reasonable prices.
Neither have maximum prices been fixed for potatoes, because it is the Governments
belief that the present high prices are only temporary. If, however, the prices of
potatoes should not go down after the close of the potato harvest and after the im
pending improvements of transportation facilities, maximum prices will also be
determined for them, although great technical difficulties stand in the way of such a
measure if for no other reason than that of the difference in qualities.
In the determination of maximum prices rye delivered at Berlin has been taken
as basis. The price for rye delivered at Berlin has been fixed at 220 marks per 1,000
kilograms [$1.29 per bushel of 54.4 pounds], i. e., at an average of the prices demanded
by the interested parties, which range between $1.17 and $1.41. The price of wheat
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- G E R M A N Y .
47
has been fixed 25 cents higher according to the average price during the period 19081913, and the price of feed barley has been set lower than the price for rye in order to
make the prohibition of the use of rye for forage more effective. It has been fixed
at $1.17 for districts which cultivate barley and at $1.20 for those districts which buy
barley. (See art. 5 of the following order.) The price of bran has been fixed uni
formly for the entire Empire at 13 marks per 100 kilograms [$1.40 per 100 pounds] at
the mill, wholesale as well as retail. This will be of special advantage to small mills
and compensate them in some manner for the disadvantage suffered on account of
the order regulating the milling of bread grain. The fixing of prices of flour for the
whole Empire has encountered such insurmountable difficulties that their determina
tion has been left to the central State authorities.
The following maximum prices have been decreed for grain and bran:
A r t i c l e 1. The wholesale price of 1,000 kilograms of native rye may not exceed in:
Locality.
Aix-la-Chapelle.............................
B erlin...............................................
Brunswick.....................................
Brem en...........................................
Breslau................ ............................
Bromberg.......................................
Cassel....................................... ........
Cologne............................................
Danzig.............................................
Dortm und......................................
Dresden...........................................
Duisburg.........................................
E m den.............................................
Erfurt...............................................
Frankfort on the Main..............
Gleiwitz...........................................
Marks.
237
220
227
231
212
209
231
236
212
235
225
236
232
229
235
218
Per
bushel of
54.4
pounds.
Locality.
Ham burg................................
$1.39
1.29 1 Hanover..................................
1.33 : K ie l...........................................
1.36
Konigsberg in Prussia____
Leipzig.....................................
1.25
Magdeburg............................
1.23
Mannheim..............................
1.36
Munich....................................
1.39
Posen.......................................
1.25
1.38
R ostock...................................
Saarbriicken..........................
1.32
1.39
Schwerin in Mecklenburg
S tettin .....................................
1.36
1.34
Strassburg in Alsace............
1.38
Stuttgart................................ .
1.28
Zwickau.................................. .
Marks.
228
228
226
209
225
224
236
237
210
218
237
219
216
237
237
227
Per
bushel of
54.4
pounds.
$1.34
1.34
1.33
1.23
1.32
1.32
1.39
1.39
1.23
1.28
1.39
1.29
1.27
1.39
1.39
1.33
A r t . 2.— If the weight of 1 hectoliter of rye is in excess of 70 kilograms [54.4
pounds per bushel] the maximum price shall be increased 1.50 marks per each full
kilogram [equivalent to 12.6 cents per bushel for each 0.78 pounds per bushel].
A r t . 3. In secondary localities not mentioned in article 1, the maximum price shall
be the same as in the nearest-situated principal locality mentioned in article 1.
The central State authorities or the higher administrative authorities designated
by them may determine a lower maximum price. If another principal locality than
the nearest-situated governs the price formation in a secondary locality, the above
authorities may determine the maximum price for the secondary locality as high as
the price fixed for this principal locality. If this principal locality, however, is situ
ated in another Federal State, the approval of the imperial chancellor is required.
A r t . 4. The maximum price of 1,000 kilograms of native wheat shall be 40 marks
[25.2 cents per bushel] higher than that for 1,000 kilograms of rye (articles 1 and 3).
If the weight of 1 hectoliter of wheat is in excess of 75 kilograms [58.3 pounds per
bushel], the maximum price shall be increased 1.50 marks for each full kilogram
[equivalent to 12.6 cents per bushel for each 0.78 pounds per bushel].
A r t . 5. The maximum price for 1,000 kilograms of native barley not weighing in
excess of 68 kilograms per hectoliter [52.8 pounds per bushel] shall in the Prussian
provinces of Schleswig-Holstein, Hanover and Westphalia, as well as in Oldenburg,
Brunswick, Waldeck, Schaumburg-Lippe, Lippe, Liibeck, Bremen, and Hamburg,
be 10 marks [5.7 cents per bushel] lower than the maximum price per 1,000 kilograms
of rye (articles 1 and 3); in that part of Bavaria which is situated east of the Rhine 13
marks [7.4 cents per bushel] lower; and in all other localities 15 marks [8.6 cents per
bushel] lower.
B U L L E T IN OF T H E B U REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
48
A rt. 6. Maximum prices for a locality, according to articles 1 to 5, are for delivery
in that locality.
A rt. 7. As wholesale trade in the meaning of articles 1 to 6 shall be understood
trade between the producer, the miller, and the dealer.
A rt. 8. The price per 1,000 kilograms [2,204.62 pounds] of rye bran or wheat bran if
sold by the miller may not exceed 13 marks [$3,094]. This provision is not applicable
to feeding meal ( Vollmehl, Rand, Grieskleie, etc.).
A rt. 9. The maximum prices shall be in force without change until December 31,
1914. Beginning with this date they shall be increased on the 1st and 15th of each
month 1.50 marks per 1,000 kilograms [35.7 cents per 2,204.62 pounds] in the case of
grain and 5 pfennigs per 100 kilograms [1.2 cents per 220.462 pounds] in the case of
bran.
A rt. 10. Maximum prices are for delivery without bags, cash on delivery. If the
sale is made on time; up to 2 per cent annual interest in excess of the discount rate
of the reichsbank may be added to the price. Maximum prices for grain, but not for
bran, include the costs of loading and transportation to the freight yard, or, in case of
transportation by water route, to the landing place of the ship or barge.
All of the above decrees come into force on November 4,1914; paragraph 1 of article
2 of the decree relating to traffic in bread, however, not before December 1, 1914.
Contraventions of the provisions given under II shall be punished with a fine up to
1,500 marks [$357]. The decree No. I l l as to maximum prices does not provide
fines for contraventions because all agreements in contravention of it are void in
accordance with article 134 of the Civil Code. The imperial chancellor shall deter
mine the date on which the above decrees shall be considered as abrogated.
In its session of November 5, 1914, the Federal Council issued the
following decree as to maximum prices for oats:
A r t ic l e
1. The price of 1,000 kilograms of native oats may not exceed in:
Locality.
Aix-la-Chapelle..............
B erlin................................
Brunswick.......................
B rem en.............................
Breslau..............................
Brom berg.........................
Cassel.................................
Cologne..............................
D anzig...............................
D ortmund........................
Dresden............................
Duisburg..........................
Em den..............................
Erfurt................................
Frankfort on the Main,
Gleiwitz............................
Marks.
221
212
217
219
204
206
218
221
207
223
212
222
218
217
221
202
Per
bushel of
32
pounds.
$0,763
.732
.750
.757
.705
.712
.753
.763
.715
.770
.732
.767
.753
.750
.763
Locality.
H am burg................................
Hanover..................................
K ie l..........................................
Konigsberg in Prussia___
Leipzig.....................................
Magdeburg............................
Mannheim..............................
Munich....................................
Posen.......................................
R ostock...................................
Saarbriicken..........................
Schwerin in Mecklenburg.
Stettin.....................................
Strassburg in Alsace..........
Stuttgart................................
Zwickau..................................
Marks.
217
218
216
204
214
216
222
220
205
210
224
210
209
223
220
215
Per
bushel of
32
pounds.
$0.750
.753
.746
.705
.739
.746
.767
.760
.708
.725
.774
.725
.722
.770
.760
.743
These maximum prices are not applicable to seed oats. Particulars shall be pro
vided for by the Federal Council.
A r t . 2. In secondary localities not mentioned in article 1, the maximum price shall
be the same as in the nearest-situated principal locality mentioned in article 1. The
central State authorities or the higher administrative authorities designated by them
may determine a lower max imum price. If another principal locality than the nearestsituated governs the price formation in a secondary locality, the above authorities may
determine the maximum price for the secondary locality as high as the price fixed for
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTE D B Y T H E W A R — G E R M A N Y .
49
this principal locality. If this principal locality is, however, situated in another
Federal State, the approval of the imperial chancellor is required.
A r t . 3. Maximum prices in a locality, according to articles I and 2, are for delivery
in that locality.
A r t . 4. As wholesale trade in the meaning of articles 1 to 3 shall be understood trade
between the producer, the miller, and the dealer.
A r t . 5. The maximum prices shall remain unchanged up to December 31, 1914.
Beginning with this date they shall be increased 1.50 marks per 1,000 kilograms [35.7
cents per 2204.62 lbs.] on the 1st and 15th day of each month.
A r t . 6 . Maximum prices are for delivery without bags, cash on delivery.
If the
sale is made on time, up to 2 per cent annual interest in excess of the discount rate of
the reichsbank may be added to the price. Maximum prices include the costs of
loading and transportation to the freight yard, or, in case of transportation by water
route, to the landing place of the ship or barge.
A r t . 7. This decree becomes effective on November 9, 1914.
The imperial chan
cellor shall then determine the date on which this decree shall be considered as
abrogated.
In pursuance of the decree of the Federal Council of October 28,
1914, relating to the traffic in bread, on November 3, 1914, the
Prussian minister of commerce permitted grain to be so milled that
30 per cent of the ground product should be superfine wheat flour.
The text of the decree of November 23,1914, fixing maximum prices
for food potatoes, is as follows:1
A r t i c l e 1. The price per 1,000 kilograms [2204.62 lbs.] of native food potatoes in the
case of sale by the producer shall not exceed:
In the Prussian provinces, East Prussia, West Prussia, Posen, Silesia, Pomerania,
and Brandenburg, and in the Grand Duchies Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz, 55 marks [35.6 cents per bushel] for the varieties Daber, Imperator,
Magnum Bonum, and Up-to-date, and 50 marks [32.4 cents per bushel] for all other
varieties;
In the Prussian Provinces Saxony, in the district domain Schmalkalden, in the
Kingdom of Saxony, in the Grand Duchy of Saxony exclusive of the enclave Ostheimvor-der-Rhon, in the district Blankenburg, in the bailiwick Calvorde, in the Duchies
Saxe-Meiningen, Saxe-Altenburg, Saxe-Coburg-Gotha exclusive of the enclave
bailiwick Konigsberg in Franconia, and Anhalt, in the principalities SchwarzburgSondershausen, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Reuss older line, and Reuss younger line,
57 marks [36.9 cents per bushel] for the varieties Daber, Imperator, Magnum Bonum,
and Up-to-date, and 52 marks [33.7 cents per bushel] for all other varieties;
In the Prussian Provinces Schleswig-Holstein, Hanover, Westphalia exclusive of
the Government district Amsberg and the district Recklinghausen, in the district
county Schaumburg, in the Grand Duchy Oldenburg exclusive of the principality
Birkenfeld, in the Duchy Brunswick exclusive of the district Blankenburg and the
bailiwick Calvorde, in the principalities Schaumburg-Lippe, Lippe, in Liibeck,
Bremen, and Hamburg, 59 marks [38.2 cents per bushel] for the varieties Daber,
Imperator, Magnum Bonum, and Up-to-date, and 54 marks [34 cents per bushel] for
all other varieties;
In all other parts of Germany 61 marks [39.5 cents per bushel] for the varieties Daber,
Imperator, Magnum Bonum, and Up-to-date, and 56 marks [36.3 cents per bushel] for
all other varieties.
1 From ‘ 'Jahrbiicher fur Nationalokonomie und Statistik, ” vol. 104, N o. 1, January, 1915, p. 743 ff
Jena, 1915.
87285°—Bull. 170— 15------ 4
50
B U L L E T IN OF T H E B U REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The central State authorities may decree that other high-grade varieties of food
potatoes shall be considered as equivalent to the varieties Daber, Imperator, Magnum
Bonum, and Up-to-date.
The maximum prices are not applicable to sales made to consumers, consumers’
cooperative associations, or communes, provided that the quantity sold does not exceed
1.000 kilograms [36.7 bushels]. Neither are they applicable to seed potatoes and salad
potatoes.
Each person selling food potatoes, who before August 1,1914, has not conducted the
sale of potatoes as a business, shall be considered a producer of potatoes in the meaning
of this decree.
A r t . 2 . The maximum prices provided for in article 1 are applicable for good, sound
food potatoes of a minimum size of 3.4 centimeters [1.3 inches], delivered in the
varieties mentioned in this decree and free of admixture of other varieties.
A r t . 3. The maximum prices fixed for a district shall be applicable to potatoes
produced in this district.
A r t . 4. Maximum prices are for delivery without bags, cash on delivery.
If the
sale is made on time, up to 2 per cent annual interest in excess of the discount rate of
the reichsbank may be added to the price. Maximum prices include the costs of
loading and transportation to the nearest freight yard, or, in case of transportation by
water, to the landing place of the ship or barge.
A r t . 5. The maximum prices determined by this decree are maximum prices in
the meaning of article 2, paragraph 1, of the law of August 4,1914, relating to maximum
prices (R. G. Bl. p. 339) and according to the text of the decree of October 28, 1914,
relating to maximum prices (R. G. Bl. p. 458).
A r t . 6. This decree becomes effective on November 28, 1914.
The imperial chan
cellor shall determine the date on which this decree shall be considered as abrogated.
M AXIM U M PRICES FOR POTATO PRODUCTS.
Potato flakes.
Per 100
kilograms.
M arks.
Producer’s price (0.50 mark [5.4 cents per 100 lbs.] to be
paid in addition at the close of the fiscal year)................ 23.00
Wholesale price....................................................................... .....25. 30
Retail price (maximum)............................................................25.90
Per 100
lbs.
,
$2.48
2. 73
2. 80
Sliced potatoes, suited as forage for live stock.
Producer’s price (0.50 mark [5.4 cents per 100 lbs.] addi
tional, as above)....................................................................... 21. 75
Wholesale price....................................................................... .....24. 50
Retail price (maximum)............................................................24. 65
2. 35
2. 64
2. 66
Potato flour.
Producer’s price (0.50 mark [5.4 cents per 100 lbs.] addi
tional, as above)....................................................................... 27.00
Wholesale price....................................................................... ..... 28. 80
Retail price.............................................................................. ..... 29. 40
2. 91
3.11
3.17
Potato starch flour.
Producer’s price........................................................................... 29. 80
Wholesale price............................................................................ 31.10
Retail price................................................................................... 31. 70
3. 22
3. 36
3. 42
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- G E R M A N Y .
A mendment
of the
P r e v io u s l y I s s u e d D e c r e e s
P r ic e s
for
as to
51
M a x im u m
G r a in .
On December 19, 1914, the Federal Council issued several amend
ments to the decrees relating to maximum prices for bread grains and
oats. These amendments are briefly as follows:1
Maximum prices shall be governed by the locality in which delivery of the
merchandise takes place and up to which the seller has to bear the costs of trans
portation. In the case of agriculturists this locality is as a rule the loading station.
An additional amount not to exceed 4 marks [95.2 cents] per 1,000 kilograms [2,204.62
pounds] may be added to the maximum prices if the sale of grain is effected through
commercial channels. This additional amount may include especially commission,
brokerage, and similar fees, as well as all kinds of actual expenditures. However,
it shall not include expenditures for bags or for freight from the loading to the receiv
ing station. A charge of 1 mark [23.8 cents] per 1,000 kilograms may be made for
the loan of bags. The sale price of bags has been fixed at 80 pfennigs [19 cents] for
small bags and at 1.20 marks [28.6 cents] for bags holding 75 kilograms [165.3 pounds]
or more.
The price increases for higher than the standard weight per hectoliter have been
annulled in the case of wheat and rye.
The 68-kilogram standard for barley has likewise been set aside. Special excep
tional provisions have been issued for seed grain. Sales of barley and oats to retailers
or consumers no longer come under the provisions as to maximum prices provided
that the quantity sold does not exceed 3,000 kilograms [6,613.86 pounds].
The so-called “ Reports” (increases in the maximum prices at specified points of
time) shall in the case of wheat and rye continue to be in force, but shall be discon
tinued in the case of oats. To offset this discontinuance the maximum prices of
oats shall be increased 2 marks [47.6 cents] per 1,000 kilograms, beginning with
December 24, 1914.
For bran there has been fixed, in addition to the maximum price of 13 marks per
100 kilograms [$1.40 per 100 pounds] at the mill, a wholesale price of 15 marks [$1.62
per 100 pounds], and a retail price for sales not exceeding 1,000 kilograms of 15.50
marks [$1.67 per 100 pounds]. The sale of bran mixed with other substances has
been prohibited.
All punitive provisions for contraventions and evasions of the decrees on maximum
prices have been strengthened.
A m endm ent
and
of
M illin g
D ecrees
of
B read
R e la tin g
G r a in s .
to
th e
M ix in g
R e g u la tio n
of
op
F lo u r
W ork
in
B a k e r i e s .2
Guided by experience, the Federal Council, on January 1, 1915,
supplemented and enlarged the provisions relative to the husbandry
of the available supply of grain, in the manner shown in the follow
ing summary:
Rye shall in the future be milled up to 82 per cent and wheat up to 80 per cent.
The central State authorities may, however, for special reasons grant exceptions from
this provision to individual mills.
The central State authorities may as heretofore permit the milling of superfine
wheat and rye flour, but only up to 10 per cent of the output. Wheat flour may
1 From “ Finanz- und Handelsblatt der Vossischen Zeitung,” Berlin, December 20,1914, N o. 646.
2 From the article “ Verbot der Nachtarbeet im Backergewerbe ” in Vosssiche Zeitung, Berlin, Jan. 6
1915. Erste Beilage.
52
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
in the future only be sold by mills in a mixture composed of 70 per cent wheat flour
and 30 per cent rye flour. This provision is applicable also to mills which mill grain
for third parties.
The provisions prohibiting the use of grain as forage have also been strengthened.
Rye and wheat fit for milling may no longer be used as forage, be rough ground, or be
used in the manufacture of forage. This prohibition is applicable also to rye and
wheat mixed with other grain, as well as to rye or wheat flour which alone or mixed
with other kinds of flour is suitable for the manufacture of bread. Finally it has
been prohibited to use bread, with the exception of spoiled bread or bread refuse,
as forage. The central State authorities have been authorized to further limit or
prohibit the use of rye and wheat and rye and wheat flour for other purposes than
human nutrition.
The use of superfine flour (Auszugmehl) in the manufacture of rye or wheat bread
has been prohibited. Wheat bread must contain up to 30 per cent rye flour. The
wheat flour in it may, however, up to 20 per cent be replaced by potato-starch flour.
Rye bread must contain to each 90 parts of rye flour 10 parts of potato flakes, potato
flour, or potato-starch flour, or it must contain 30 parts mashed or grated potatoes.
In case of a larger percentage of potato contents the bread must be marked with the
letter “ K .” Barley flour, oatmeal, rice flour, or coarse-ground barley may be sub
stituted for potatoes in the manufacture of rye bread. Pure rye bread, for the manu
facture of which rye must be milled up to 93 per cent, need not contain any admix
ture of potatoes. Wheat bread may only be manufactured in loaves weighing not
more than 100 grams [3.5 ounces]. The central State authorities are authorized to
limit the use of wheat bread at variance with the preceding provision and may also
prescribe specified forms and weights for rye and wheat bread.
In the manufacture of cakes not more than one-half of the weight of the flour or
flour-like substances used may consist of wheat. The central State authorities may
limit the manufacture of cakes to specified week days. All nightwork shall be
prohibited in bakeries and confectioneries, inclusive of hotel bakeries and similar
establishments. Rye bread weighing more than 50 grams [1.8 ounces] may not be
delivered from bakeries sooner than 24 hours after it has been baked. Flour fit for
baking may not be sprinkled in pans to prevent the dough sticking to them.
In order to facilitate strict enforcement of these provisions police officers and experts
specially charged with the enforcement have been authorized to enter at any time
all mills and bakeries and their storage and business rooms, as well as rooms in which
feed is kept, and to make inspections there and take samples.
The decree relating to the milling of bread grains and to the prohibition of the
use of bread grain as feed becomes effective on January 11, 1915, and that relating
to the manufacture of bakery goods on January 15, 1915.
St a t e
and
M u n ic ip a l R e g u l a t io n s
F lour,
and
of
T rade
in
B r e a d G r a in s ,
B r e a d .1
The Federal decree of January 31, 1915, relating to the regulation
of the trade in bread grains and flour, authorizes the central State
authorities and communal federations to issue more detailed regula
tions for the enforcement of its provisions. Several central State
authorities and some of the principal communal federations have
already made use of this authorization.
1 The digests of decrees and ordinances given under this heading were translated from the article “ Gemeinwirtschaftliche Brot- und Mehlversorgung” in Sociale Praxis und Archivfur Volkswohlfahrt, V o l. X X I V ,
N o. 19, pp. 429 ft. Berlin, Feb. 4,1915.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R -----G E R M A N Y .
53
The regulations for Prussia were issued on the same date on which
the Federal decree was published. These regulations were issued in
a joint decree of the ministers of commerce and industry, agricul
ture, finance, and interior. They relate especially to supplies in
agricultural establishments, strengthen the prohibition of the use of
bread grains for feeding purposes, regulate the reporting by bakeries
of supplies and sales, especially as to sales to restaurants and saloons,
provide as punishment for false reports confiscation of the supplies
without compensation, and regulate the procedure of expropriation
with respect to seed grain and the prices to be paid for expropriated
supplies. Finally, the decree regulates the trade between the War
Grain Association and the communal federations.
The Prussian decree further contains provisions regulating the
consumption of bread and the work in bakeries and the issuance
of bread tickets. These regulations, issued in pursuance of articles
36 and 37 of the Federal decree, are as follows:
(a) A specified form and weight may be prescribed for rye bread as well as for
wheat bread.
(b) The baking of cakes may be restricted to specified quantities and kinds, as
well as to specified days.
(c) The provisions of article 36c make possible more far-reaching consideration of
small mills and a greater production of bran, but effect a corresponding lessening of
the supply of bread grain.
(d) Communal federations and communes charged with the redistribution of flour
shall be held responsible for insuring an equal distribution of the supply of bread
among all classes of the population. The method by which this shall be effected
shall be left to their own judgment. It is as a rule to be expected that this object
will be attained without too far-reaching restrictions upon the bread trade. If this
should not be possible in in vidual localities, use shall be made of the authorization
granted in article 36d of the Federal decree. It may, for instance, be prescribed
that bread shall be sold only on presentation of a bread ticket issued by the potice
authorities in the quantities and during the period specified in the ticket.
If the regulations issued by a communal federation or a commune, in pursuance of
article 36, prove to be ineffective, the District president (Regierungsprasident), or,
in the case of Berlin, the provincial president (Overprdsident) may issue new regula
tions.
Finally, the Prussian regulations specify how the “ special com
mittees^ provided in article 38 of the Federal decree shall be formed
in the communes:
“ The committee shall be elected by the district committee and in
urban districts by the communal council. If the committee has been
authorized to render decisions or to issue orders independently, reso
lutions relating thereto must be approved by the communal super
visory authority. Subcommittees may be formed in large com
munes.”
The Prussian, as well as the Bavarian regulations, lay special stress
upon the fact that contraventions may, in addition to the punitive
54
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
measures provided in the Federal decree, be punished with closing of
the establishment for the entire period of the effectiveness of the
Federal decree, i. e.; for the entire duration of the war.
The regulations issued in the Kingdom of Saxony have extended
the obligation to report supplies by making it obligatory to report a
supply of flour as low as 5 kilograms (11 pounds) instead of 100 kilo
grams (220.5 pounds) as provided in the Federal decree, and by leav
ing it to the discretion of the communes whether supplies in excess of
5 kilograms shall later on be credited to their owner when the sup
plies needed by him are assigned to him.
As the effectiveness of the Federal decree depends entirely on its
proper enforcement by the communes, the measures taken by the
communal administrations are of high importance. Considering the
short space of time given to them (Jan. 26 to 31) the communes
acted with admirable promptness. In this short period many
of them worked out far-reaching regulations and published them
on Sunday, January 31, in the papers and by means of public
posters. Special mention should be made of the uniform regulations
issued by the communes comprised in Greater Berlin after discussions
attended by representatives of all the city councils concerned and
after extensive hearings of experts.
In a proclamation to the population of Berlin the city council
mentions the plan of Germany’s enemies to starve the civilian popula
tion, and then adds that this plan may be frustrated by means of
rational frugality in the use of foodstuffs: “ Nobody need starve
but each person is in duty bound to limit his former superabundant
consumption to that which is absolutely necessary. ‘ Not more than
2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of bread and flour are required per week
for the nutrition of a person.’ A person can, however, get along on
even less than this quantity, and of those persons whose standard
of living permits them sufficient nutrition with other foodstuffs, a
lesser consumption of bread and flour must absolutely be expected.
In the beginning difficulties will be unavoidable, but the patriotism
and the reasonableness of our citizens will help us to overcome them.”
This proclamation is followed by the text of the municipal ordi
nance of January 30, 1915, which is as follows:
In order to regulate the consumption of bread and flour, the following ordinance
was issued on January 30, 1915, in pursuance of article 36 of the Federal decree
of January 25, 1915:
A r t i c l e 1. The sale of bread and flour is only permissible with the restriction that
the per capita consumption of rye and wheat bread as well as of flour made of rye,
wheat, barley, or oats shall for bread and flour combined not exceed 2 kilograms
[4.4 pounds] for the calendar week beginning with Monday, February 1, 1915, and
for each calendar week beginning on each subsequent Monday. This shall be ap
plicable without reference to the communal district in which the sale is made.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTE D B Y T H E W A R — G E R M A N Y .
55
A rt. 2. The sale of bread and flour to restaurants and saloons shall be so restricted
that the quantity of rye and wheat bread as well as of flour made of rye, wheat, oats,
or barley which may be sold to them during the calendar week beginning with Mon
day, February 1, 1915, and during each calendar week beginning on each subsequent
Monday shall for bread and flour combined not exceed seven times the quantity which
corresponds to three-fourths of their average daily consumption during the period
January 1 to January 15, 1915.
A rt. 3. The following uniform weights are herewith prescribed for bread:
1. For wheat bread 75 grams [2.6 ounces]. This shall not be applicable to crackers
(ziviebach), which shall be sold by weight.
2. For rye bread 1, 1£, and 2 kilograms [2.2, 3.3, and 4.4 pounds].
A rt. 4. In cakes the contents of wheat and rye flour may not exceed 10 per cent of
the total weight of the cakes.
A rt. 5. Contraventions of these provisions shall, according to article 44 of the
Federal decree of January 25, 1915, be punished with imprisonment up to six months
or with a fine up to 1,500 marks [$357].
A rt. 6. This ordinance becomes effective on February 1, 1915.
A very strict ordinance was issued by the city of Stuttgart, the
capital of Wurttemberg. The provisions of this ordinance relating
to the sale of flour were the following:
After February 1, 1915, dealers in flour, groceries, bakeries, cooperative and other
stores may, during the periods February 3 to 8 and February 9 to 15 sell flour for each
of these two periods only in quantities not to exceed 1 kilogram [2.2 pounds] for each
household consisting of not more than six persons. In the case of larger households
i kilogram [1.1 pounds] more may be sold them for each three persons in excess of six.
From this quantity apportioned to each household shall be deducted the supply in
its possession on the date on which the proposed census of existing supplies shall be
taken.
The giving away of purchased flour to third parties, be it for or without a compensa
tion, is prohibited.
Persons entitled to purchase flour shall, between February 3 and February 5, be
furnished with flour tickets by the censors assigned to their district. These tickets
shall be shown and left in the flour store, bakery, etc., when flour is purchased. It
shall be prohibited to request the sale of flour or to sell flour if the flour ticket is not
presented.
The retail price of flour No. 0 may not exceed 30 pfennigs per J kilogram [6.5 cents a
pound], and that of “ war” flour 28 pfennigs [6.1 cents a pound].
The following is a translation of the decrees providing for the
seizure of the bread and grain supply and conservation of the meat
supply in Germany. The decrees were first published in a special
edition of the Reichsanzeiger at Berlin shortly before midnight on
January 25, 1915.1
A nnouncement Concerning
and
R egulation of the T rade
Flour, January 25, 1915.
the
in
B read , Grains ,
The Federal Council has issued the following decree in accordance with article 3
of the law concerning the powers of the Federal Council with respect to economic
measures, etc., of August 4, 1914.— [Reichsgesetzblatt, p. 327.]
i.— seizure.
A rticle 1. Beginning with February 1, 1915, all supplies on hand within the
Empire of wheat (amelcorn and spelt), rye, pure or mixed with other grains, as well as
i This translation is made from a reprint appearing in the Vossische Zeitung (N o. 46, Jan. 26,1915).
56
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
nnthreshed, shall be seized for the War Grain Association (Ltd.), of Berlin, and sup
plies of flour made of wheat, rye, oats, and barley shall be seized for the communal
federation (Kommunalverband) in whose district they are found. Flour supplies
which are at this time in the course of transportation shall be seized for the communal
federation in whose district they are delivered after transportation.
A rt. 2. Exempt from seizure are: (a) Supplies owned by the Empire, a Federal
State, or Alsace-Lorraine, particularly those in the possession of a military fiscal officer,
the naval administration, or the central bureau for the provisioning of the army at
Berlin, or in the possession of the communal federation in whose district they are
found; (b) Supplies belonging to the War Grain Association (Ltd.), or to the Central
Purchasing Association (Ltd.), at Berlin; (c) supplies of threshed grain and flour not
aggregating more than a double zentner [224 pounds].
A rt. 3. No alterations may be made in the seized commodities and contractual
transactions with regard to them shall be void save as otherwise provided for in articles
4 and 22. In particular the use of them for feeding purposes is prohibited. Attach
ments and distraints are to be considered in the same way as contractual business
transactions.
A rt. 4. Owners of seized supplies shall be aathorized and obligated to take such
measures as shall be required for the preservation of the supplies. Transportation
which has been begun may be carried out. Sales made to the War Grain Association
(Ltd.) or to the proper communal federation, as well as alterations and dispositions
made with the permission of the War Grain Association (Ltd.) or the proper communal
federation, are permissible. Sales by one communal federation to another com
munal federation require the approval of the higher administrative authorities and
must be reported to the imperial distributing bureau (art. 31).
The above provisions as to the seizure of supplies are applicable with the following
modifications:
(a) Owners of agricultural establishments may, for the subsistence of the members of
their household, inclusive of the hands, use 9 kilograms [19.8 pounds] of bread grain per
month and per capita and may also use the seeds required for spring sowing purposes.
Instead of 1 kilogram [2.2 pounds] of bread grain, 800 grams [1.76 pounds] of flour may
be used. On the same footing as members of the owner’s hou sehold shall be considered
those entitled to compensation in kind, especially persons who have made over their
property to their heirs and are entitled to subsistence from them during the rest of their
life (Altenteiler) and laborers in so far as they are entitled to demand bread grain or
flour as their due or as wages.
(b) Farmers and dealers may supply grain for so^\ ing purposes if it can be proven
that it comes from agricultural concerns that have for the last two years been engaging
in the sale of seed grain. Other seed grain may only be delivered for sowing purposes
with the permission of the competent authorities.
(c) Mills may grind the corn; the flour falls subject to seizure in behalf of the
communal federation in whose district the mill is situated.
(d) Mills may deliver flour to the naval authorities in February, 1915, if they are
obligated to do so in that month on account of a varying storage contract or similar
contractual obligation.
(e) Dealers and merchant mills may per month sell flour up to one-half of the amount
of flour sold and delivered from the 1st to the 15th of January, 1915.
(f) Bakers and confectioners may daily use for baking purposes three-quarters of the
average amount of flour used daily, from the 1st to the 15th of January, 1915. The
limitation to this amount holds good also if they use flour not subject to seizure.
(g) Bakers in February, 1915, may use for baking purposes the flour which is neces
sary to fulfill their contracts of supplying the military or naval authorities.
A rt. 5. The operations of the seizure cease with the expropriation or with the sale
or use as set forth in article 4.
FOOD PKICES AS AFFECTE D B Y T H E W AR-----G E R M A N Y .
57
A r t . 6. Disputes arising from the application of articles 1 to 5 are to be finally
decided by the higher administrative authorities.
A r t . 7. Whoever without authority conceals, damages, destroys, uses for feeding
purposes, sells, buys, or otherwise disposes by alienation or acquisition of seized
supplies will be punished by imprisonment up to one year or a fine up to 10,000 marks
[$2,380]. Similar penalties will be imposed on whoever, in negligence of his duty,
omits to take the necessary steps for the preservation of the supplies, or who uses grain
obtained as seed grain for other purposes, or who uses flour not subject to seizure in
contravention of the provisions of article 4, section f.
I I .— O B L IG A T IO N TO M A K E R E P O R T S .
A rt. 8. Whoever, beginning with February 1,1915, has in his possession supplies of
the kind indicated in article 1, as well as oats, shall be obliged to report the supplies
and owners thereof to the competent authorities in the district in which they are stored.
Reports of supplies which are at that time in course of transportation must be made
immediately after receipt thereof by the recipient. Persons whose supplies do not
amount to a double zentner [224 pounds] have only to give assurance that their sup
plies do not exceed that amount. The duty to report does not extend to supplies
belonging to the War Grain Association (Ltd.) or to the Central Purchasing Association
(Ltd.). Supplies which are needed as seed grain (art. 4, sec. (a)) are to be reported
separately.
A r t . 9. The reports must be handed in to the competent authorities until February
5,1915. The central authorities have until February 20,1915, to submit to the impe
rial distributing bureau a list of supplies on hand and of the persons coming under
article 4, section (a), separated according to communal federations. In the list of these
supplies there must be indicated separately those which belong to the Empire or a
Federal State or Alsace-Lorraine, especially to the military or naval authorities or the
central bureau for provisioning the army. For the reports the forms prescribed by
the Federal council must be used.
A r t . 10. Bakers, confectioners, dealers, and merchant mills desiring to make use of
the privileges of article 4, sections (e) and (f), must, when making their report in accord
ance with article 8, announce how much flour they have used in baking in the period
from the 1st to the 15th of January, 1915, or how much they have sold and delivered.
A r t . 1 1 . Mills, bakers, confectioners, and dealers desiring to avail themselves of the
privileges of article 4, sections (e) and (f), must report changes of their supply to the
competent authorities, in accordance with detailed regulations to be issued by the
central authorities.
A r t . 12. The competent authorities are authorized, in verification of the reports
filed, to examine the storage and work rooms of those required to make the reports, and
to examine their books.
A r t . 13. Whoever does not make the report in the period here fixed, or whoever
knowingly makes false or incomplete reports, shall be punished with imprisonment
up to six months or a fine up to 1,500 marks [$357]. If a person liable to report makes
report of supplies which he concealed at the time of the taking of the census of
supplies on December 1, 1914, he will not be liable to the punishment due for that
concealment.
I I I .— E X P R O P R IA T IO N .
A rt. 14. The ownership of the seized supplies is by a decree of the competent
authorities transferred to the person in whose favor the seizure has taken place. If
the person entitled thereto applies for its transfer to another person, the property must
be transferred to that person; the name of the person must be designated in the decree.
In the case of owners of agricultural establishments it must be determined before the
expropriation what supplies in accordance with article 4, section (a), they need for food
58
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
or for spring seeding up to August 1, 1915. These supplies must be separated and
exempted from the expropriation; they become exempt from seizure at the moment
of separation. Seed grain which can be proved to have come from agricultural con
cerns that for the last two years have been engaged in the seed-grain trade must also
be separated and exempted from the expropriation; it becomes exempt from expro
priation at the moment of separation.
A rt. 15. The decree of expropriation may be directed to the individual holders or
to all holders of the district or of a part of the district; in the former case the property
passes as soon as the decree is received by the holder; in the latter case, with the
expiration of the day after the issuance of the official paper in which the decree is
officially published.
A r t . 16. The party acquiring the transferred supplies must pay an appropriate
price for them. If supplies subject to report are not reported, no price shall be paid
for them. In special cases the higher administrative authorities may admit excep
tions. In case of commodities for which maximum prices have been decreed, the
transfer price is ultimately fixed by the higher administrative authorities with con
sideration of the maximum price at the time of the expropriation as well as of the
quality and useableness of the supplies, after hearing experts on the subject. In the
case of commodities for which no maximum price has been fixed, the average price
paid during the period from January 1 to January 15, 1915, at the respective markets
takes the place of the maximum price. If it is impossible to ascertain an average
price, the expenses actually incurred are to be considered.
A r t . 17. The owner of the expropriated supplies is in duty bound to store and
handle them with reasonable care until the person acquiring them takes possession
thereof. For this the holder can demand an appropriate compensation, to be fixed
finally by the higher administrative authorities.
A r t . 18. If the decree refers to the produce of real estate, this produce will be
released from the liability entailed by mortgages, taxes, and annuities so far as it
has not been seized in favor of the creditor before February 1, 1915.
A r t . 19. Disputes arising from expropriation measures are finally decided by the
higher administrative authorities.
A rt. 20. Whoever neglects the duty, as imposed in article 17, to store and take
care of expropriated supplies will be sentenced to imprisonment up to one year or
fined up to 10,000 marks [$2,380].
I V . — SPEC IA L P R O V IS IO N S FO R U N T H R E S H E D G R A IN .
A r t . 21. In the case of unthreshed grain the seizure and expropriation also apply
to the straw. When threshed out, the straw becomes exempt from the seizure. If
the threshing is done after the expropriation, the straw reverts to the original owner
as soon as the grain has been threshed out.
A r t . 22. The owner is not prevented by the seizure or expropriation from threshing
the grain.
A r t . 23. The competent authorities may, at the request of the person in whose
behalf the grain has been seized or expropriated, decree that the grain be threshed by
the owner with his own farm implements within a certain time. If the person so
obligated does not comply with the decree, the competent authorities can have the
threshing done at his expense by a third party. The person obligated must permit
the threshing of the grain in his bam and with his implements.
A r t . 24. The transfer price is to be fixed, in accordance with article 16, after the
grain has been threshed.
A rt. 25. The higher administrative authorities decide finally in disputes which
may arise in the application of articles 21 to 24.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTE D B Y T H E W A R ---- G E R M A N Y .
59
V .— R E L A T IO N OP TH E W A R G R A IN A S SO C IA T IO N (L T D .) TO TH E CO M M U N A L F E D E R A T IO N S .
26. The Wax Grain Association (Ltd.) is obliged:
(a) To transfer to or have expropriated for the communal federation in whose dis
trict it is found, on its request and in the amount to which it is entitled to share (art.
32), the grain in possession or seized in behalf of the War Grain Association.
(b) At the request of a communal federation to take over the flour seized in behalf
of it, as far as it meets the requirements with respect to quality, quantity, and storage
conditions set as loan conditions by the loan bank of Berlin and to undertake to sell
the seized flour.
(c) At the request of a communal federation to leave there, up to the extent of the
share accruing to it (art. 32), the grain which has been in its district beginning with
February 1, 1915, and to give the mills of the district a share in the milling of this
grain.
A rt.
V I .— O B L IG A T IO N TO G R IN D G R A IN , A N D R E G U L A T IO N
O P TH E F L O U R T R A D E .
A r t . 27. The mills must grind the grain which the War Grain Association (Ltd.),
the Central Purchasing Association (Ltd.), or the communal federations in whose
district they are situated apportion to them. The higher administrative authorities,
in case of exigency, fix an appropriate milling fee; the decision is final.
A r t . 28. The mills may deliver flour belonging to them only to the War Grain
Association (Ltd.) or to the communal federations. This does not apply to the
deliveries allowed in article 4, sections (d) and (e). The War Grain Association may
deliver flour only to the communal federations, the military administration, or the
naval administration. In the case of delivery to the communal federations, to the
military or naval authorities the transfer price is finally fixed regard being had to
the cost price and the milling fee (art. 27) in the case of paragraph 1 by the higher
administrative authorities in whose district the mill is located, and in the case of para
graph 2 by the imperial chancellor.
A r t . 29. In the milling of grain which is subject to seizure, or which a mill has
received from the War Grain Association (Ltd.), or from a communal federation the
mill is obliged to deliver the bran produced in the operation to the authorities desig
nated by the imperial chancellor. If the mill has received the grain from a communal
federation, it must deliver the bran to it on its request. The price will be finally
fixed by the higher administrative authorities in whose district the mill is located,
.after hearing experts and considering the maximum price as well as the quality of
the bran.
A r t . 30. Whoever violates article 27, paragraph 1, or whoever acts contrary to
articles 28 and 29, in so far as they apply to mills, by transferring flour or bran, will
be punished with imprisonment up to six months or a fine up to 1,500 marks [$357].
V I I .— R E G U L A T IO N OF CO N SU M P TIO N .
A rt. 31. An office shall be formed, to be designated as the imperial distributing
bureau.
The office shall consist of 16 delegates to the Federal Council, namely: In addition
to the chairman, of 4 from the Kingdom of Prussia, 2 from the Kingdom of Bavaria,
1 from the Kingdom of Saxony, 1 from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, 1 from the
Grand Duchy of Baden, 1 from the Grand Duchy of Hesse, 1 from the Grand Duchy
of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, 1 from the Grand Duchy of Saxony, 1 from the Duchy of
Anhalt, 1 from the Hanse Towns, and 1 from Alsace-Lorraine. In addition the Ger
man agricultural council, the German commercial congress, and the German muni
cipal congress shall each be represented in the bureau by 1 member. Detailed regu
lations shall be issued by the imperial chancellor.
60
B U L L E T IN OF T H E B U REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A rt. 32. The function of the imperial distributing bureau is to provide, with the
help of the War Grain Association (Ltd.), for the distributing of the supplies on hand
throughout the Empire for the period extending to the next harvest according to
principles to be laid down by the Federal Council.
A r t . 33. The communal federations must give information on the request of the
imperial distributing bureau and must deliver any surplus supply of flour to the
authorities designated by the bureau.
A r t . 34. The communal federations must regulate the consumption of the sup
plies in their districts, particularly the distribution of flour to bakers, confectioners,
and retail dealers. No more than the quantity fixed by the imperial distributing
bureau for the designated period may be delivered.
A rt. 35. The communal federations may charge the communes with the regula
tion of consumption (art. 34) within their districts. Communities which at the last
census had more than 10,000 inhabitants may demand to have such charge transferred
to them.
A r t . 36. Communal federations or communes which have been charged with regu
lation of consumption may for this purpose—
(a) Order that only uniform bread be baked.
(b) Forbid or limit the baking of cake.
(c) Permit the grinding of grain even in such mills as do not fulfill the legal require
ments for grinding capacity, but can at least produce up to 75 per cent flour. In
these cases they are authorized to determine the grinding capacity accordingly.
(d) Limit the delivery and acceptance of bread and flour to certain definite places
and times of distribution, as well as in other respects.
(e) Forbid or curtail the delivery of bread or flour by dealers, bakers, and confec
tioners outside of the district in which their establishments are located.
A rt. 37. The central State authorities or the higher administrative authorities des
ignated by them can prescribe the method of regulation (arts. 34 to 36, 40).
A rt. 38. For the carrying out of these measures special committees are to be formed
in the communal federations and in communes which have been charged with the
regulation of consumption.
A r t . 39. If a communal federation consumes within a month less than the quan
tity of grain or flour allotted to it for that period, the War Grain Association (Ltd.)
must repay to it one-tenth of the price of the amount saved. The communal federa
tion must place the amount saved at the disposal of the War Grain Association (Ltd.).
The reimbursed sums are to be used for feeding the people.
A r t . 40. Communal associations or communes which have been charged with the
regulation of their consumption must fix the price of the flour delivered by them.
Any possible surplus is to be devoted to feeding the people.
A r t . 41. Communal associations or communes which have been charged with the
regulation of their consumption may requisition storage accommodations in their dis
tricts for the storing of supplies. The higher administrative authorities shall finally
decide the amount of reimbursement.
A r t . 42. The State central authorities may determine the procedure for the issuance
of the decrees. These regulation^ may deviate from the State laws.
A rt. 43. Disputes that may arise in regard to the regulations of consumption (arts.
34 to 41) are finally to be decided by the higher administrative authorities.
A rt. 44. Whoever violates the decrees which a communal federation or a com
mune charged with the regulation of its consumption has issued for the carrying out
of these measures shall be punished with imprisonment up to six months or a fine
up to 1,500 marks [$357].
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTE D B Y T H E W AR---- G E R M A N Y .
61
V I II.— F O R E IG N G R A IN A N D F L O U R .
A rt. 45. The provisions of this ordinance do not apply to grain and flour which
are imported from foreign countries after January 31, 1915. The grain and flour
imported from foreign countries may be delivered by the importer only to the War
Grain Association (Ltd.), to the Central Purchasing Association (Ltd.), or to the
communal associations.
N o t e . — This last sentence was subsequently [Feb. 6] rescinded.
I X . — PR O V IS IO N S FO R E N FO R C E M E N T .
A rt. 46. The State central authorities shall issue the necessary provisions for the
enforcement of this decree. They may establish special agencies on which the sub
distribution and regulation of consumption in their districts devolves.
A rt. 47. Whoever violates the provisions issued by the central authorities for the
enforcement of the regulations shall be punished with imprisonment up to six months
or a fine up to 1,500 marks [$357].
A r t . 48. The central authorities shall decide who are to be regarded as communal
federations, who as communes, who as competent authorities, and who as higher
administrative authorities in the meaning of this decree.
X . — R E G U L A T IO N S G O V E R N IN G T R A N S F E R .
A r t . 49. The delivery of flour made of wheat, rye, oats, and barley in commercial
trade is prohibited in the period from January 26 to January 31, inclusive. Deliveries
to authorities, public institutions, and public-welfare institutions, dealers, bakers,
and confectioners are not prohibited.
A r t . 50. Whoever sells or acquires flour in violation of the provision in article 49
will be punished with up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine up to 1,500 marks
[$357].
A rt. 51. Until the regulation of consumption has been carried out by the imperial
distributing bureau the State central authorities or the authorities designated by
them may, in case of urgent need, order the transfer of flour from the district of one
communal federation to another communal federation. If the communal federa
tions belong to different Federal States, the imperial chancellor has the same authority
after first getting into communication with the central authorities concerned. The
amounts transferred are to be appropriated for the imperial distributing bureau.
X I . — C O M PU LSO RY A U T H O R IT Y .
A r t . 52. The competent authorities may close business establishments the owners
or managers of which prove unreliable in carrying out the duties which this decree
or the provisions issued for its enforcement impose upon them. Against such meas
ures appeal is admissible. The higher administrative authorities have final decision
on the appeal.
X I I .— F IN A L P R O V IS IO N .
A r t . 53. This ordinance becomes effective on the day of its announcement.
The
imperial chancellor shall decide on what day the provision in article 29, paragraph
1, shall go into force. The imperial chancellor shall determine the date on which
this decree shall be abrogated.
Berlin, January 25,1915.
D elbrueck,
Vice Chancellor.
62
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
A n n o u n c e m e n t o f Ja n u a r y
25, 1915,
Co n c e r n in g
the
S a f e g u a r d in g
of
M eat
S u p p l ie s .
The Federal Council, in accordance with article 3 of the law concerning the powers
of the Federal Council with respect to economic measures of August 4,1914, has issued
the following decree:
A r t i c l e 1. Cities and rural communities with more than 5,000 inhabitants shall be
obligated to procure and insure the safe-keeping of a supply of preserved goods for the
provisioning of their population with meat. The competent authority shall deter
mine the amount and kind of supply that it is necessary to procure.
A r t . 2. For carrying out this obligation the competent authority can transfer to the
communes or to a third party the ownership of hogs.
Hogs, which by reason of contracts for fattening, are to be delivered for fattening
or are to be delivered to authorities, to communes, or to the Central Purchasing Asso
ciation (Ltd.), in Berlin, are not subject to expropriation.
For this procedure there is applicable article 2 of the law concerning maximum
prices, as announced by the imperial chancellor on December 17, 1914 (Imperial
Law Gazette, page 516), with the provision, however, that the transfer price is to be
fixed in consideration of the market price.
The price shall be finally fixed by a court of arbitration of three members. The
higher administrative authority nominates the chairman and the associates, one of
whom shall be proposed by the official representatives of the commercial and one by
the official representatives of the agricultural interests.
A rt . 3. The market price is the officially fixed market price for cattle determined
by the State central authorities at the place of delivery on the basis of the average
price on the last two principal market days preceding the transfer of ownership.
Place of delivery, as used in this decree, is the place up to which the seller pays the
cost of transportation.
A rt . 4. The central authorities shall issue provisions for the enforcement of this
decree.
A rt . 5. This ordinance goes into force on the day of its announcement. The im
perial chancellor shall determine the date when it ceases to be effective.
Berlin, January 25, 1915.
D elbrueck,
Vice Chancellor.
GREAT BRITAIN.
Throughout Great Britain the declaration of war appears to have
been followed by a sudden and sharp increase in food prices, due to
uncertainty as to what the future might bring forth, and to a general
desire to lay in supplies against a possible time of scarcity. As soon
as the effect of this prudential buying became evident, there was an
outcry against such action, and the newspapers were full of intima
tions that the Government had fixed or would fix maximum prices
and limit the amount purchasable by any one buyer. The Govern
ment, however, appears to have limited its action to the one article,
sugar, of which the price rose in some places to four times its
normal figure. Under these circumstances the Government approached
the leading refiners and an agreement was soon reached by which
speculation was prevented and the price kept within reasonable
limits.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- GREAT B R IT A IN .
63
The sharp rise in food prices of early August was followed by a par
tial decline, but prices did not return to the July level, and since the
beginning of September they have shown a continuous increase. Part
of this is ascribed to seasonal influences—butter, eggs, and milk nat
urally rise in price as winter comes on—but the greater part is due to
the effect of the war. There is no scarcity of food, but some sources
of supply have been cut off altogether, necessitating a troublesome
readjustment, and the cost and difficulty of importation has been
much increased by war conditions. The cost of living has been un
equally affected, according to the extent to which a given locality
depends on getting its food supply from elsewhere; but on the whole
Great Britain does not seem to have been as much affected in this
respect as the countries of continental Europe.
A summary of the course of food prices as published by the British
Board of Trade is presented, with 14 reports from England, 4 from
Scotland, and 2 from Ireland.
RETAIL FOOD PRICES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM JULY TO
FEBRUARY l .1
Retail prices of food began to move upward on August 1, but it
was not until August 4 that any sharp general rise occurred. The
average rise at August 8 was 15 or 16 per cent. After that date,
however, there was a fall in the price of most articles, uniil at the
beginning of September prices were approximately 10 per cent
above the level of July. Since then there has been a gradual rise,
the amount of the percentage increases on “ normal prices in July”
at the beginning of each month, September to February, being as
follows:
Sep
tember.
Large tow ns........... ........................................................................
Small towns and villages...........................................................
11
9
Octo
ber.
13
11
Novem Decem
ber.
ber.
13
12
17
15
Janu
ary.
19
17
Feb
ruary.
23
20
To some extent the increase is due to seasonal influences, such
articles as eggs and butter becoming dearer as the year advances.
The greater part of the rise, however, must be attributed to other
causes.
The articles showing the greatest advance are sugar, eggs, and
fish. On August 8 the average price of granulated sugar was between
80 and 90 per cent above the level of the previous month. In the
following three weeks it fell somewhat, but it rose again in September.
During the last three months of the year prices again declined, but
not quite so much as they advanced in September. At the beginning
of February the price of granulated sugar was about two-thirds higher
than before the war, the predominant prices being 3id. [6.6 cents] in
London and 3Jd. [7.1 cents] in the Provinces taken as a whole.
i From the Board of Trade Labour Gazette, January and February, 1915.
64
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
After a sharp rise at the beginning of August, the price of eggs
receded during the month to 11 or 12 per cent above the level of July.
During September prices advanced about 10 per cent on the average,
in October the rise was twice as great, and in November it averaged
about 13 per cent, some part of these advances being, of course, due
to the time of year. By January 1 prices were slightly lower than a
month earlier and a further seasonal decline occurred during the
month.
Fish showed a comparatively small increase in price at the beginning
of August, and, as would be expected, prices have fluctuated consider
ably from time to time. The most marked increase is that recorded
for December, but during January prices showed a slight decline.
The prices of British meat have not shown much increase on the
whole, but imported meat is much dearer than before the war. After
a sharp rise early in August, followed by a slight recession in the
middle of that month, an advance commenced which, though gradual,
has been almost continuous, with the result that the prices on
February 1 were much higher than those recorded at any date during
the past seven months.
On the outbreak of the war there was a sharp rise in the price
of flour, and at the end of the first week in August the advance
amounted to about 20 per cent. During the three following weeks
prices fell, and at the end of the month the net increase averaged
about 11 per cent. From then until the beginning of November
there was practically no change, but by January 1 prices had reached
about the same average level as on August 8, viz., 20 per cent above
July, and by the end of January had reached a point about 35 per
cent above the July level.
Bread increased only about half as much as flour at the beginning
of August, about 11 per cent on the average, and receded to show an
advance of about 8 per cent at the end of August. As with flour,
there was no further important change until November, but during
November and December there was a rise amounting to 5 to 6 per
cent on the average.
The average percentage of increase in the prices of flour and bread
at the beginning of each of the last four months over prices in July
ast are summarized in the following table:
Percentage increase since July.
Flour.
Bread.
Month.
Large
towns.
Beginning of—
N ovem ber.................................................................................
December...................................................................................
January......................................................................................
February....................................................................................
10
13
18
33
Small
towns and
villages.
13
17
23
37
Large
towns.
12
14
18
29
Sm all
towns and
villages.
8
10
14
24
The average price of bread throughout the country was 7Jd. [14.7
cents] per 4 pounds at February 1, an average advance of about ljd .
[3 cents] per 4 pounds since July. In five-sixths of the places from
which returns of prices were collected the predominant price was
stated as 7d., 7|d., or 8d. [14.2 cents, 15.2 cents, or 16.2 cents].
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R — GREAT B R IT A IN .
65
After a marked rise early in August the prices of butter rapidly fell
to little above normal, remaining thus up to the end of November,
the increase during September to November being apparently almost
entirely seasonal. Between December 1 and February 1, however,
the price rose steadily to a level about 16 per cent above that of July.
Bacon, margarine, and milk all show increases of about 5 to 10 per
cent. On August 8 the prices of bacon and margarine were from 15
to 20 per cent above those of the previous month, but both showed an
almost continuous decline until the end of November, since when
there has been a tendency for prices to recover a little. Cheese did
not increase greatly in August, but by February 1 had increased 16
per cent and milk showed a slight and purely seasonal advance.
The fluctuations in the price of potatoes vary considerably from
lace to place, and generally the position in regard to potato prices
as been more favorable in the small than in the large towns. In the
latter prices on August 8 averaged about 15 per cent above those of
July; m the small towns and villages the percentage increase averaged
only 4 per cent. Subsequently prices fell continuously until the end
of October, being at that date below the prices of July by 16 per cent
in the large towns and by 25 per cent in the small towns and villages.
Since then there has been some advance, but by February 1 prices
were still below those of July.
The change in the price of tea may be ascribed solely to the raising
of the duty by 3d. [6.1 cents] per pound in November. This was
usually followed by increases of 2d. [4 cents] or 3d. [6.1 cents] per
pound in the retail price, the average advance being nearly 3d.
[6.1 cents] per pound, or about 16 per cent.
The average percentages by which prices on February 1 exceeded
the normal prices of July last in large towns (i. e., towns having popu
lations over 50,000) and in small towns and villages are shown below:
E
Percentage increase since July.
Articles.
Small towns and
villages.
Large towns.
Jan. 1,1915. Feb. 1,1915. Jan. 1,1915. Feb. 1,1915.
Beef, English:
R ib s..............................................................................................
Thin flank.................................................................................
Beef, chilled or frozen:
R ib s..............................................................................................
Thin flank.................................................................................
Mutton, E n g lish :
Legs....... ......................................................................................
Breast..........................................................................................
M utton, frozen:
Legs..............................................................................................
Breast..........................................................................................
Baeon (streaky)...............................................................................
Flour (household)...........................................................................
Bread...................................................................................................
T e a .......................................................................................................
Sugar (granulated).........................................................................
Margarine..........................................................................................
Cheese..................................................................................................
M ilk .....................................................................................................
Butter:
Fresh...........................................................................................
Salt...............................................................................................
Eggs (fresh).......................................................................................
Potatoes..............................................................................................
F ish ......................................................................................................
A ll above articles (weighted net percentage in
crease) .................................................................................
87285°—Bull. 170— 15------5
i Decrease.
8
15
11
19
6
8
10
12
18
32
21
36
15
21
18
26
6
16
8
19
5
7
8
11
19
28
9
18
18
14
69
5
10
6
22
32
12
33
29
17
70
5
16
7
14
21
5
23
14
13
65
4
10
7
16
26
8
37
24
15
65
4
16
9
12
10
62
i 11
51
14
14
46
i 4
45
16
14
65
i 22
31
20
18
43
1 14
31
19
23
17
20
66
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Combining the figures for all the articles, and allowing for their
relative importance in working-class household expenditure, the
general level of prices at February 1 was higher than that in July by
about 23 per cent in the large towns and 20 per cent in the small towns
and villages.
To some extent the comparison with July is affected by seasonal
changes in the prices of certain articles ; but as the series of returns on
which these figures are based was initiated at the commencement of
the war it is not possible to carry them back to the corresponding date
a year ago. From other information in possession of the department
it is, however, possible to state that, while the majority of the articles
included were at about the same price in July as in February, 1914,
eggs, milk, and butter were considerably lower. The effect of these
differences may be estimated to reduce the above-stated general
percentage increases for all the articles included from 23 per cent to
19 per cent in the large towns and from 20 per cent to 16 per cent in
the small towns and villages if the comparison be made with February,
1914, instead of with July.
RETAIL PRICES OF M EAT.
The following announcement in regard to the retail prices of meat
was issued by the Board of Trade on 11th January, 1915:
The Board of Trade are informed by the advisory committee of the
national federation of meat traders’ associations that the retail
prices of home-killed beef need not be more than l^d. [3 cents] per
pound higher than a year ago, coarser ioints being advanced some
what more than prime joints. Home-killed mutton has advanced less
on the prices of a year ago than home-killed beef. Pork is also some
what dearer than a year ago. The price of veal has advanced as much
as that of beef.
On account of the restricted supplies of imported chilled and frozen
beef, the committee consider that an advance, compared with the
prices ruling in the middle of July, of Id. [2 cents] to 2d. [4 cents] per
)ound for prime joints and 2d. [4 cents] to 3d. [6.1 cents] per pound
or coarser parts may still reasonably be charged. For imported
frozen mutton the advance need not exceed 2d. [4 cents] per pound.
f
PRICES OF BREAD, WHEAT, AND FLOUR.*
I.— Bread.
Returns showing the predominant prices of 4 pounds of bread on
February 1 and 8, 1915, have been received from 120 of the principal
master bakers’ associations in the United Kingdom, and 30 from other
sources.
1 Great Britain, Board of Trade Labour Gazette, February, 1915.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- GREAT B R IT A IN .
67
District summary.
District.
Mean price
Feb. 1,
1915.
London:
N .a n d N . W ..................
E . a n d N . E ...................
S. E ...................................
SO. 15
. 15
.15
.15
.15
s. w...................
W .a n d W . C .................
N . counties and Yorkshire
Lancashire and Cheshire..
M idlands..................................
Eastern counties...................
Southern counties................
S. W . counties and W a l e s .
Scotland...................................
Increase as compared
with—
|Mean price
_________________________ ! Feb. 8,
1915.
Month ago. Year ago.
$0,155
.15
.15
.155
.155
.01
.0 3
.15
.015
.03
.035
.035
.03
.02
.145
.145
.16
.15
.15
.03
.15
.02
.02
.02
. 15
.14
.145
. 155
.145
.145
.02
.015
.015
.005
.145
Great B ritain.............
.015
$0.04
.045
.05
.045
.03
$0,015
.015
The mean of the predominant prices showed an increase of fd. [1.5
cents] per 4 pounds, compared with January 1, 1915, and of l^d. [3
cents], compared with February 1, 1914.
Predominant prices in principal towns.
Of the prices at which bread was sold in each of the following towns,
the predominant price was as under:
Place.
London.................
Birmingham___
B r is to l.................
Cardiff...................
D e rb y ...................
H u ll.......................
Ipswich.................
L eeds.....................
Leicester..............
Liverpool.............
Manchester____^
Middlesbrough..
Norw ich...............
N ottingham ____
O ld ham ................
Plym outh............
Portsmouth........
Stoke-on-Trent..
S o u th am p to n ...
Wolverham pton
Aberdeen.............
D undee................
E d in b u rgh ..___
Glasgow................
Belfast...................
Predominant
price1per 4
pounds on Feb.
1,1915.
$0.15
.16
.15
.15
.14
.15
.14
.1 4 a n d .16
.14
.15
.15
.14
.14
. 14 and
.15
.14
. 14 and .15
.15
.14
.15
.14
.14
.14
.15
.14
.14
$0. H a n d
.14 and
Increase as compared
w ith one—
Month ago.
$0.02
.02
.02
.01
.01
.01
.01
.02
.01
.02
.01
.01
.02
.015
.02
.02
.01
.02
.015
.01
.01
.01
Year ago.
$0.04
.035
.035
.03
.03
.04
.02
.03
.03
.03
.04
.025
.04
.035
.05
.035
.03
.04
.035
.04
.03
.03
.02
.02
.02
Predominant
price* per 4
pounds on Feb.
8,1915.
$0.15 and $0.16
.14 and . 16
.15 and .16
.16
.15
.15
. 15
.14 and .16
.15
.15
.16
.16
.15
.15 and .16
.14
.15 and .16
.16
.14
.16
.14
.16
.15
.15
.14
.14
* Where two prices are quoted, about equal quantities were sold at each price.
Compared with a month ago, the predominant price of bread had
risen in all the towns shown m the table, except Aberdeen, Glasgow,
and Belfast. In nine cases, including London, the rise was Id. [2
cents] per 4 pounds, and in eleven it was |d. [1 cent]. Compared
with a year ago, there was an increase in all the towns. In six cases
the rise was 2d. [4 cents]. On February 8 a further increase had
occurred at 15 places, including London.
68
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
II.—Wheat and flour.
Imports (average declared
value).
British wheat,
mean London
Gazette price
(England and
W ales), per
quarter of 480
pounds.
W heat per
quarter of 480
pounds.
1914.
January..............................................................
Novem ber.........................................................
December...........................................................
$7.54
9.81
10.34
$8.21
10.44
10.89
$2.54
2.99
3.11
$6.45
8.67
9.25
1915.
January...............................................................
11.84
11.94
3.31
10.52
Month.
Average month
ly price of flour
(town house
holds ex mill
W heat-m eal'
for cash), per
and flour, per
sack of 280
hundred
pounds.
weight.
The imports of wheat during September, 1914-January, 1915,
amounted to 10,408,820 quarters, or 1,116,915 quarters more than in
the corresponding months of 1913-1914. The imports of wheat-meal
and flour during September, 1914-January, 1915, amounted to 4,805,088 hundredweights (equivalent to 1,557,204 quarters of wheat,
allowing 28 per cent for offal), or 975,122 hundredweights less than
in September, 1913-January, 1914.
Reports furnished by the American consuls in various cities of
England, Scotland, and Ireland are given in the following pages:
B r a d f o r d , E n g l a n d , November 10, 1914•
The present cost of living has undoubtedly been increased slightly
since the outbreak of the war, but the increase has not attracted
much attention locally, owing in part to the fact that the very large
army contracts placed in this district have given abundant employ
ment to so many in the textile trades; and also because the increased
prices have not as yet percolated down to the consumers.
A conservative estimate places the advance on provisions and
groceries at approximately 5 per cent all around.
The following table shows prices on certain articles for July 1, 1914,
and November 1, 1914, with percentage of increase:
Articles.
Flour, per 240 pounds................................................................................
Sugar, castor, per 112 pounds (hundredweight).............................
Sugar, lum p, per 112 pounds (hundredweight) ..............................
Sugar, Demerara, per 112 pounds (hundredweight).....................
Sugar, Scotch, per 112 pounds (hundredweight)............................
Rice, per 112 pounds (hundredweight)...............................................
Pearl barley, per 112 pounds (hundredweight)...............................
Lentils, per 100 pounds.............................................................................
Tapioca, per 112 pounds (hundredweight).......................................
Macaroni, per pound..................................................................................
Semolina, per 112 pounds (hundredweight).....................................
Rangoon beans, per 112 pounds (hundredweight)........................
Sirup, per 112 pounds (hundredweight).............................................
Cheese, Cheshire, per pound...................................................................
Cream of tartar, per pound......................................................................
Biscuits............................................................................................................
Jams and m arm alades..............................................................................
Prices July 1,
1914.
Prices N ov. 1,
1914.
$5.35
3.65
4.14
3.65
3.04
2.43
2.43
3.16
3.89
.055
5.11
2.31
3.95
.135
.21
$6.81
6.81
7.66
7.30
5.72
3.41
4.87
4.50
4.62
.095
7.79
3.41
5.47
.18
.46
Per cent
of
increase.
27
87
85
100
88
40
100
42
19
73
52
47
38
33
114
10
25
FOOD PRIC ES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W AR---- GREAT B R IT A IN .
69
B r i s t o l , E n g l a n d , November 11, 1914Since the outbreak of the war retail prices of the following commod
ities have increased as per schedule below:
Bacon, per pound...................................................................
Bread, per 4-pound loaf........................................................
Biscuits, per pound...............................................................
Butter, Danish, per pound...................................................
Candles, per pound...............................................................
Cheese, per pound.................................................................
Chickens, each........................................................................
Coal, per ton............................................................................
Eggs, each................................................................................
Fish, per pound......................................................................
Flour, per pound....................................................................
Fruits, dried, per pound.......................................................
Lard, per pound.....................................................................
Matches, per dozen boxes............. ; .....................................
Meats of all kinds, per pound..............................................
Milk, per quart.......................................................................
Oatmeal, imported, per 21-pound packet.........................
$0.04
01
02
so .o i- ! 02
01
01
06
73
,026
12
01
02
02
01
04
02
01
^ o i - ! 02
.0 1 - . 02
\ o s - . 09
*.01- . 02
The price of coffee and tea has not yet increased. There has been
a goodharvest of fruit and vegetables, and these are sold at normal
prices.
B u rslem , E n glan d , November 16, 1914•
The following list of necessities entering into the cost of living in
this district is shown with the percentage of increase in price since the
beginning of the war:
Per cent
of
increase.
Butter.............................................................................................
20
Bread..............................................................................................
25
10
Boots..............................................................................................
Boot repairing.................................................................................
15
Clothing..........................................................................................
10
Drapery:
Calico.......................................................................................
50
Flannel................................................................................. 25 to 50
Ribbons....................................................................................
25
Silk..........................................................................................
25
Woolen.....................................................................................
25
Eggs, foreign...................................................................................
50
Eggs, fresh........................................................ .............................
25
Fish:
Cod...........................................................................................
60
Canned.....................................................................................
13
Halibut.....................................................................................
100
Plaice.......................................................................................
25
Sole..........................................................................................
70
Flour..............................................................................................
15
Gas mantles.....................................................................................
100
Jam.................................................................................................
7J
Lard................................................................................................
7J
Meat, fresh......................................................................................
50
Meat, foreign...................................................................................
50
25
Milk, condensed....................... ......................................................
Matches...........................................................................................
25
Sugar...............................................................................................
100
i Prices have doubled.
70
B U L L E T IN OF T H E BU REAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The following necessities remain at the same prices as quoted pre
vious to the war: Bacon, butter, beer, cocoa, chickens, coal, coffee,
gas, ham, lace (Nottingham), meal, milk, rents, rice, sago, slack, soap,
spirits, tapioca, taxes, tea, and wine.
Game, fruit, and vegetables are, at the present time, cheaper than
before the war started.
H u d d e rsfie ld , E n glan d , November 11, 1914The general cost of living is but little, if any, higher than before the
war. Sugar, flour and its products, maize and canned goods have
made a marked advance at wholesale, but this increase has not
affected the consumers to the same extent, as the retail prices have
not advanced correspondingly.
Beef and footwear have advanced slightly.
Leeds, E n g lan d , December 8, 1914•
The following table shows average prices of 20 commodities before
the war, and since the beginning of the war, with the percentage of
increase on each:
Articles.
Flour, per stone (14 pounds)...................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Lard, per pound..........................................................................................
Eggs, cooking, each....................................................................................
Tea, per pound.............................................................................................
Baking powder, per pound.....................................................................
Bacon, per p o u n d .....................................................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Raisins and currants, per pound...........................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
Yeast, per ounce..........................................................................................
Cheese, per pound.......................................................................................
Jam, per jar...................................................................................................
Soap, per pound...........................................................................................
Corn flour, per pound................................................................................
Oatmeal, per pound...................................................................................
Beef, best cuts, per pound.......................................................................
Beef, rough, per pound.............................................................................
M utton, best cuts, per pound.................................................................
Mutton, rough, per pound.......................................................................
Prices before
the war.
$0,395
.046
.144
.020
.439
.203
.177
.304
.101
.051
.009
.183
.183
.071
.041
.041
.213
.122
.203
.142
Prices since
war com
menced.
$0.456
.066
.160
.030
.500
.243
.223
.345
.115
.061
.013
.213
.243
.081
.061
.051
.233
.152
.223
.172
Per cent
of in
crease.
15
44
11
50
14
20
26
13
13
20
43
17
33
14
50
25
10
25
10
21
L iv erp ool, E n glan d , November 16, 1914*
_There has been no material visible increase in the cost of living
in this district on account of the war, with the exception of the price
of sugar, which has increased slightly.
For a very short period at the outbreak of hostilities prices went
up very rapidly, but soon subsided.
H u l l , E n gla n d , November 13, 1914Since the outbreak of war prices have fluctuated greatly. The
returns for October show an average decrease from the prices of
September; but it is not supposed that the recession will continue
until the July level is reached. Two causes are at work to keep up
prices— the closing of normal sources of supply for many commodi
ties, and the increased expense and difficulty of importations owing
to naval hostilities.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED B Y T H E W A R ---- GREAT BRITAIN*
71
Local merchants report the following increases in price:
Eggs and yeast have doubled in cost, and onions have increased
20 per cent. Advances on the following articles are:
Wheat flour, per stone (14 pounds)............................................ $0. 04-$0.
Butter, per pound..........................................................................
Beef and mutton, per pound.......................................................
Sugar, per pound................................................................................... 03Lard, per pound.............................................................................
Oatmeal, per pound.......................................................................
Cheese, per pound.........................................................................
Tea, per pound...............................................................................
Boots and shoes (military style), per pair....................................... 50B ir m in g h a m , E n g la n d ,
06
.04
.04
. 05
.02
.01
.02
.01
. 75
November 1 6,1914.
The cost of living is estimated to have advanced an average of
15 per cent.
Prices are given below for July, August, and November, 1914, and
percentages of increase in August and November over the July prices
on bacon and butter:
Prices.
Per cent of increase.
Articles.
July 1.
Bacon, Wiltshire, sliced, per pound..............
Bacon, Canadian, m id cut, per pound.........
Bacon, home cured, per p o u n d ......................
Butter, best, per pound......................................
Butter, ordinary, per pound.............................
Aug. 6.
$0.32
.24
.24
.32
.28
$0.34
.30
.30
.37
.32
N ov. 6.
$0.30
.28
.28
.34
.30
Aug. 6.
6
25
25
13
14
N ov. 6.
*6
17
17
6
7
i Decrease,
Prices of other articles are compared for November, 1913, and
November, 1914, with percentage of increase in 1914, as follows:
Articles.
Sirloin and chine, per pound..................................................................
Legs of mutton, per pound.....................................................................
.Shoulders and necks of mutton, per pound......................................
Fillets of veal, per pound.........................................................................
Lam b, per pound........................................................................................
Sugar, granulated, per pound.................................................................
Sugar, lump, per pound...........................................................................
Sugar, Demerara, per pound...................................................................
Lard, best English, per pound...............................................................
Flour, firsts, per 3 pounds.......................................................................
Flour, seconds, per 200 pounds...............................................................
Cheese, Canadian, per pound................................................. ...............
Eggs, Irish................................................. . ..................................................
Coffee...............................................................................................................
November,
1913.
November,
1914.
$0.21
.20
.18
.21
.20
.05
.055
$0.02- .04
.16
.13
5.60
.1 6 - .18
6 for .24
$0.22
.22
.19
.22
.22
.075
$0.08- .085
.0 7 - .075
.20
.14
7.0 6 - 7.30
.20
5 for .24
Per cent
of in
crease.
5
10
6
5
10
50
50
142
25
8
28
18
20
Cheaper grades of fresh meats have increased 1 cent and 2 cents,
and chilled meats from abroad 2 cents and 4 cents per pound. Fish
and poultry have increased about 10 per cent. Scotch underwear
has increased about 10 to 15 per cent.
72
B U L L E T IN OP T H E BU REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
There has been no advance in the prices of coffee, tea, raisins
(except sultanas), margarine, vegetables, and clothing. Fruit is
cheaper.
London, E n g la n d , November 7, 1914 .
The following table shows maximum prices per pound for cash
recommended for:
A u g. 18 to
A u g. 20,
Articles.
Sugar, granulated........................................................................................
Sugar, lu m p ...................................................................................................
Butter, im ported, first quality (other qualities in proportion).
Cheese. colonial............................................................................................
Lard, Am erican....................................... ....................................................
Margarine........................................................................................................
Bacon, colonial or continental, side.....................................................
Bacon, B ritish..............................................................................................
$0,076
.086
.34
.19
.16
.20
.24
A u g. 21 to
A u g. 27.
$0.076
.086
.34
.19
.16
.18
.23
.25
Aug. 28 to
Sept. 17.
$0,076
.086
.34
.20
.16
.18
.24
.26
A prominent retail butcher of London states that for the first 10
days after the declaration of war the prices of beef advanced con
siderably; but that he is now selling the best Scotch and English beef
at the prices prevailing in July. Imported beef is higher than before
the war. Mutton and veal were practically unaffected.
M an ch ester, E n glan d , November 24, 1914•
The following table shows the retail prices of the main selling lines
of the four largest distributive cooperative societies in the Manchester
area for July 15, August 18, September 15, October 20, and Novem
ber 15, 1914. The percentage of increase is also shown for each of
the last four dates over July 15, 1914.
Prices.
Articles.
July 15, 1914. A u g. 18, 1914. Sept. 15, 1914. Oct. 20, 1914. Nov. 17,1914.
Tea, superior, per pound. .
Tea, good, per pound......................
Sugar, white, granulated, per
pound.................................................
Bacon, Danish, sides, per pound.
H am s, Irish, gammon, per pound.
Lard, American, per pound..........
Eggs, Irish, per 120...........................
Cheese, Canadian, per pound—
B utter, Danish, per pound...........
Bread, best, per 4 pounds.............
Bread, seconds, per 4 pounds—
R ice, m edium , per pound.............
Tapioca, per pound.........................
Oatmeal, per pound.........................
Condensed m ilk, per pou n d.........
Fresh beef, prime cut, per pound.
Fresh m utton, leg, per p o u n d .. .
Fresh lam b, leg, per pound. . .
Fresh pork, leg, per pound. . .
$0.57
.36
$0.22.2 3 .1 4 .1 8 .3 0 .1 2 .1 0 .0 4 .2 2 .1 7 -
.05
.26
.28
.16
2.92
.22
.36
.13
.12
.06
.08
.05|
.13
.24
.24
.26
.22
$0.57
.36
$0.06.2 4 -
.08
.31
.16
2 .9 2 - 3.65
.2 0 - .22
.36
.1 2 - .14
.1 1 - .13
.06
.08
.0 4 - .05£
.1 4 - .16
.2 2 - .26
.2 4 - .26
.2 4 - .28
.1 7 - .22
$0.57
.36
$0.07£.26 .28 3.24
.20
.32
.12
.10
.06
-
.05
.14
.22
.24
.26
.17
-
.08
.28
.30
.16
3.65
.22
.34
.14
.13
.08
.08
.05*
.16
.24
.26
.28
.22
$0.57
.36
.08
$0.25- .26
.2 4 - .26
.1 6 - .18
3 .9 5 - 4.86
.2 0 - .22
.36
.1 2 - .14
.1 0 - .13
.0 6 - .08
.08
.0 5 - .05^
.16
.2 2 - .24
.26
.2 4 - .26
.1 7 - .22
$0. 57
36
$0.07- .,08
.2 2 - .,26
.2 1 - .,24
.1 6 - .,18
3 .9 5 - 4.,86
.2 0 - . 22
.3 4 - .,36
.1 3 - . 14
.1 1 - .,13
.0 6 - .,08
.08
.05
.16
.24
.24
.26
.1 7 - '. 19
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY T H E W AR---- GREAT B R IT A IN ,
73
Per cent of increase over July 15, 1914.
Articles.
Aug. 18,1914.
Sept. 15,1914.
Tea, superior, per pound.........................
Tea, good, per p ound...............................
Sugar, white, granulated, per pound.
Bacon, Danish, sides, per p ound.........
H am s, Irish, gammon, per pound___
Lard, American, per pound...................
Eggs, Irish, per 120....................................
Cheese, Canadian, per pound.................
Butter, Danish, per pound.....................
Bread, best, per 4 pounds.......................
Bread, seconds, per 4 pounds................
Rice, medium, per pound.......................
Tapioca, per pound..................................
Oatmeal, per pound..................................
Condensed milk, per pound...................
Fresh beef, prime cut, per pound------Fresh mutton, leg, per pound...............
Fresh lamb, leg, per pound....................
Fresh pork, leg, per pound.....................
Oct. 20,1914.
N ov. 17,1914,
60
6
12
50
112
13
51
5
9
4
5
17
13
51
5
6
8
9
17
5
23
4
14
18
i Decrease.
Prices of chickens and ducks have increased about 10 per cent and
potatoes are 25 per cent cheaper.
N e w c a s t l e - o n - T y n e , E n g l a n d , November 18, 1914•
The cost of living has not increased to any great extent by reason
of the war. Sugar has increased about 67 per cent and eggs 25 per
cent. On the other hand, ham and bacon are about 2 cents per pound
cheaper. For a period of three or four years, however, cost of living
has increased from 7\ to 10 per cent.
The following list of articles is reported showing present prices and
the amount ana percentage of increase:
Articles.
Sugar, per pound...............................
Butter, per pound.............................
Beef and mutton, per pound-----Matches, per dozen...........................
Raisins, per pound...........................
Fish, per pound.................................
Eggs, 6 and 9 .......................................
Bacon, per pound.............................
Fruit, cooking apples, per pound
Tomatoes, per pound.......................
Coal, per ton ........................................
Potatoes, per stone (14 pounds)..
M ilk, per quart...................................
Rice, per pound.................................
Flour, per stone (14 pounds).........
i Decrease.
•esent prices.
$0.07-10.08
.3 0 - .32
.1 6 - .24
.06
.0 6 - .08
.1 0 - .12
.24
.2 4 - .26
.0 4 - .06
.0 8 - .12
4.87
.1 2 - .14
.08
.0 4 - .06
.4 0 - .48
Am ount of
increase.
$0.03
.04
.02
.02
.02
.04
.048
1 .0 2
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
! Percent
j of in-
j crease.
67
15
11
50
40
57
25
17
2 N o increase in price.
N o t t i n g h a m , E n g l a n d , November 5,1914•
The average increase in prices of provisions immediately caused by
the war is about 20 per cent. The following table shows the present
retail prices of some articles entering into the cost of living and the
74
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
percentage of increase caused by the war, and on others the per
centage of increase only:
Articles.
Present
prices.
Beef, per pound........................ $0.22-$0.29
Mutton, per pound..................
.1 4 - .24
Pork, per pound.......................
.1 8 - .23
H a m , whole, per pound.........
.2 2 - .24
.2 8 - .30
H a m , cut, per pound..............
.2 2 - .24
Bacon, plam , per pound........
.2 4 - .28
Bacon, smoked, per po u n d ..
. 18— .24
Cheese, per pound....................
.0 7 - .09
Sugar, per pound.....................
.34
Butter, per pound...................
.24
Eggs, fresh, 5 for.......................
.24
Eggs, cookmg, 8 for.................
Per cent
of in
crease.
10 to
10 to
10 to
10 to
10 to
10 to
10 to
12£
12£
15
15
15
15
15
50
10
20
20
Articles.
Present
prices.
Lard, per pound....................... $0.16-SO. 18
Flour, per stone (14 pounds).
.4 4 - .56
Tinned goods, meats, milk,
etc..............................................
Biscuits........................................
Fish...............................................
Stone fruit jams........................
O atm eal......................................
Soft soap......................................
Cream of tartar.........................
Tartaric acid..............................
Saltpeter......................................
Per cent
of in
crease.
7
19
10 to 15
5 to 10
10
10
25
20
20
20
20
R e d d i t c h , E n g l a n d , November 16, 1914The average cost of living is estimated to have advanced 20 per
cent at this place. The cost of gasoline, wearing apparel, rents,
taxes, heat, water, and light has not increased. Prices immediately
preceding the war and for the present date, with the percentage of
increase, are shown for the following articles:
Articles.
Bread, per 2-pound loaf...........................
H a m , per pound........................................
Bacon, per pound.....................................
Sugar, castor, per pound........................
Sugar, lu m p , per pound.........................
Sugar, brown, per pound.......................
Cheese, Cheddar, per pound..................
Cheese, per pound.....................................
Milk, per quart...........................................
Butter, per pound.....................................
Eggs, each.....................................................
Sausage, i>er pound...................................
Salmon, tinned, per pound...................
Flour, best, per 1J pounds.....................
Dried fruit, currants, etc., per pound
Crochet cotton, per 2 balls.....................
Boots, per pair............................................
Calico, per yard..........................................
Beef, average cuts, per pound..............
Mutton, per pound...................................
Pork, per pound........................................
Potatoes, per pound.................................
Cabbage, per head.....................................
Onions, per pound....................................
Turnips, per 2 pounds.............................
Cereals, per p a ck et...................................
Sauces, per bottle......................................
Teas, per pound.........................................
Lard, pastry, per pound.........................
Before the war.
$0.12
.28
.22
.06
.05
.04
.18
.18
.07
.32
.027
.18
.13
.06
.08
.07
2.17
$0.06- .14
.21
.21
.19
.01
.02
.02
.03
.12
.12
.32
.16
Present price.
$0.14
.30
.24
.07
.08
.06
.20
.20
.08
.34
.049
.20
.15
.08
.09
.08
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Same.
Percent
age.
17
7
9
17
CO
50
11
11
14
6
80
11
15
33
13
14
S h e f f i e l d , E n g l a n d , November 10, 1914.
The following table shows the retail prices of the principal articles
affecting the cost of living, on July 15, 1914, and November 10, 1914,
with the percentage of increase. In each case the increases shown
can be traced to the effects of the war:
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- GREAT BRITAIN.
Articles.
Coal, per ton....................................................
Beef, rump roast, imported, per pound
Beef, rump roast, domestic, per pound.
Mutton chops, imported, per p o u n d .. .
Mutton chops, domestic, per pound___
Lam b, imported, per pound.....................
L am b, domestic, per pound.....................
Pork, American, per pound......................
Pork, domestic, per pound........................
Bacon, imported, per pound.....................
Bacon, domestic, per pound.....................
H am s, imported, per p o u n d .. .................
H am s, domestic, per pound......................
Halibut, per pound.......................................
Plaice, per pound..........................................
Cod, per pound...............................................
Lem on soles, per pound.............................
Haddock, per p o u n d ...................................
Butter, imported, per pound...................
Margarine, per pound..................................
Flour, per stone (14 pounds).....................
Bread, unbaked, per pound 2...................
Sugar, best granulated, per pound.........
Cheese, American, per pound...................
Cheese, Italian, Gorgonzola, per pound
Cheese, French, Gruyfcre, per p o u n d .. .
Eggs, domestic, each....................................
Eggs, imported, each...................................
’ricos July 15, Prices N ov. 10,
1914.
1914.
$4.38
.13
.18
$0.12- .14
.2 0 - .22
.16
.28
.14
.18
.26
.32
.24
.34
.1 6 .20
.12
.0 8 .10
.16
.08
.26
.10
.44
.032
.06
.19
.24
.26
8.04
5.034
$4.62
.17
.21
$ 0.14- .16
.2 2 - .24
.20
.32
.16
.20
.24
.30
.22
.30
.24
.16
.1 2 - .16
.2 4 - .28
.12
.28
.12
.51
.041
.09
.20
.37
.39
4.048
3.04
75
Per cent
of in
crease.
5
31
17
15
10
25
14
14
11
18
i 6
»8
i 12
33
33
56
63
50
8
20
14
25
50
5
50
<6
20
17
* Decrease.
* Weight of 6-cent loaf was decreased from 30 ounces to 24 ounces, unbaked.
* Six for 24 cents.
* Five for 24 cents.
* Seven for 24 cents.
S o u t h a m p t o n , E n g l a n d , November 7 , 1914.
The cost of living here has increased but little, the majority of
commodities in common use being unaffected by the war. The fol
lowing table shows the retail prices before the war, and at the present
date, of the principal articles on which there has been an increase,
together with the percentage of increase:
Articles.
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Eggs, imported, per dozen.......................................................................
Matches, imported, per gross..................................................................
Beef, foreign, most Argentine:
Fore quarters, per pound.................................................................
H ind quarters, per po u n d ..............................................................
Beef, English:
Fore quarters, per pound.................................................................
H ind quarters, per pound...............................................................
Mutton, Argentine and Australian, per pound...............................
Mutton, English, per pound...................................................................
Peas, dried, imported, per pound.........................................................
Sugar, lum p, English cubes, per pound.............................................
Sugar, granulated, per pound.................................................................
Sugar, Demerara, per pound..................................................................
Prices before
the war.
$0.26-$0.28
.2 4 - .30
.1 2 -
.1 1 .0 4 .0 4 -
.13
.14
.14
.16
.13
.20
.m
.05
.05
.02
Present prices.
$0.28-$0.32
.5 5 - .67
.3 2 - .44
.1 6 .1 6 -
.1 5 -
.0 4 -
Per cent
of
increase.
11
126
.17
.18
32
21
.16
.19
.16
.23
.05
.08
.07
.06
14
19
29
15
43
78
56
150
The cheaper grades of teas have advanced 6 cents per pound.
Cereals (rice, tapioca, sago, etc.) have increased 20 per cent in price.
Jersey, Channel Islands, reports that the cost of living is practically
the same as in England. Sugar, beans, and cereals have advanced
in price, but butter is cheaper.
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
76
A b e r d e e n , S c o t l a n d , November 12, 1914Immediately after the declaration of war in August last, panic prices
revailed in Aberdeen, as elsewhere, for such items as sugar, flour,
aeon, coal, and other household necessities; but all of these com
modities have since reached more reasonable prices. Following is
a table showing comparative prices of common household necessities
before the war and at the present time, together with the percentage
of increase:
E
Articles.
Bread, 4-pound loaf.....................................................
Flour, per stone (14 pounds).....................................
Oatmeal, per stone (14 pounds)..............................
Sugar, per pound......................................................... .
Barley, common, per pound....................................
Barley, pearl, per pound...........................................
Split peas, per pound..................................................
Coffee, essence, Curr’s, per pound..........................
Coffee, essence, Vanbeck's, per pound..................
Butter, per pound........................................................
Bacon, per pound.........................................................
Eggs, fresh, per dozen.................................................
Eggs, cookmg, per dozen..........................................
Corned beef, 1-pound cans........................................
Corned beef, 2-pound cans....................................... .
Corned m utton, 1-pound cans..................................
Cheese, per pound.......................................................
Beef, rum p steak, per pound..................................
Beef, round steak, per pound................................
M utton chops, per pound.........................................
Pork, fresh, per pound..............................................
Fish, fresh, herrings and small haddocks, each.
Fish, fresh, cod, per pound.....................................
Fish, fresh, halibut, per pound.............................
Fish, smoked, red herrings, per dozen................
Fish, smoked, finnan haddies, per pound.........
Laundry soap, per bar...............................................
Prices Aug. 1, Prices N ov. 12,
1914.
1914.
$0.12
$0.45 .04 .03 .11 .07 -
.4 9
.41
.05
.03
.04
.04J
.17
.12
.28
.30
.30
.26
.20
.34
.18
16-. 18 .18 .18 .01 -
.22
.30
.24
.26
.02
.24
of
$0.13
.57
.49
.0 7 - .08
.04£
. 05
. 05
.1 1 - .19
.1 0 - .14
.37
.32
.53
.32
$0.53-
.21
.37
. 20-. 22.1 8 .1 8 .0 2 -
.07
.18
.14
.12
Per cent
increase.
.1 0 -
8
17
20
67
50
25
33
7
26
29
7
73
23
5
6
.21
17
.26
.30
.26
.26
.22
.04
.14
.24
.16
.14
.28
21
100
100
33
14
20
17
D u n d e e , S c o t l a n d , November 16,1914•
The first week of the war witnessed a sharp advance in the cost of
food supplies amounting to about 15 per cent above normal prices
in July. By the middle of September prices had receded to about
10 per cent, but have advanced slightly since. The advance in price
is shown for the following articles:
Advance in 'price o f specified articles.
Eggs, per dozen.....................................................$0.08-$0.12.
Butter, per pound......................................................02- . 04.
Flour, per stone (14 pounds)............................................. .08, about.
Oatmeal, per stone (14 pounds)........................................ .06, about.
Sugar, per pound.................................................. ............... .03, sells at $0.07.
Best steaks, per pound........................................ ............... .02, sells at . 34.
Roast beef, per pound......................................... ............... .02, sells at .26.
Loin chops, per pound........................................................ .02, sells at .28.
Barley......................................................................
20 per cent.
French plums are cheaper.
D u n f e r m l i n e , S c o t l a n d , November 30,1914.
The cost of living in Dunfermline and its vicinity rose from 10 to
20 per cent in August but has not increased materially since. The
change in the prices of certain commodities is shown in the following
table:
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- GREAT BRITAIN.
77
Difference in prices between July 1, 1914, and Nov. 16, 1914.
Tea.....................................................................................
Coffee................................................................................
Sugar.................................................................................
Flour.................................................................................
Meal...................................................................................
Barley.............................. ................................................
Rice................................... ............... ...............................
Sago...................................................................................
Butter...............................................................................
Lard..................................................................................
Cheese...............................................................................
Tinned fruits...................................................................
Bacon.................................................................... ; .........
Same price.
Same price.
80 per cent increase.
10 per cent increase.
10 per cent increase.
10 per cent increase.
20 per cent increase.
5 per cent increase.
10 per cent increase.
8 per cent increase.
10 per cent increase.
3 per cent decrease.
3 per cent decrease.
E d in b u r g h , S c o t l a n d ,
November 11, 1914.
The cost of living has advanced as a result of the war, but it is
difficult to say to what extent. On some articles of clothing, shoes,
and drugs there has been a marked increase in value, which has not
yet been been fully appreciated by the consumer, as dealers did not
mark up their stocks on hand to the full increase.
The following articles of food show changes in price:
Articles.
Beans, butter................................................................................................
Beans, haricot...............................................................................................
Butter, Danish.............................................................................................
Cheese...............................................................................................................
Eggs, fresh, per dozen...............................................................................
Fish, cured, cod, per pound....................................................................
Lard, per pound...........................................................................................
Lentils, per pound.......................................................................................
Margarine, per pound................................................................................
Oatmeal:
Scotch, 14 pounds................................................................................
Rolled oats, 7 pounds.........................................................................
Peas:
Finest medium, per pound.............................................................
Finest split, per pound.....................................................................
Sugar:
Brown, per pound...............................................................................
Granulated, per pound.....................................................................
Dutch, crushed, per pound.............................................................
Cubes, per pound................................................................................
Meats:
Steak, round or minced, per pound.............................................
Stewing beef, per pound...................................................................
Second mince, per pound.................................................................
Boiling beef, per pound.....................................................................
Salt beef, per pound...........................................................................
Tongue, per pound.............................................................................
Sausages, beef, per pound................................................................
Sausages, pork, per pound...............................................................
Tripe, per pound.................................................................................
Liver, per pound.................................................................................
Sheep fiver, per pound......................................................................
Mutton:
Stewing shoulders, per p o u n d .......................................................
Boiling flank, per pound..................................................................
Sausages and other meats:
Cambridge sausages, per pound.....................................................
Oxford beef sausages, per pound...................................................
Tomato sausages, per pound...........................................................
Pork chops, per pound.....................................................................
Scotch haggis, per pound.................................................................
Cooked ox tongue, per pound.........................................................
Veal and ham loaf, per pound.......................................................
Braised beef, cooked, per pound...................................................
Price July 1,
1914.
$0.14.1 8 -
Price N o v . 2,
1914.
Per cent
of
increase.
$0.08
.07
.30
.20
.36
.08
.16
.06
.13
$0.09
.08
.38
.22
.64
.10
.18
.07
.16
13
14
27
10
78
25
13
17
23
.57
.34
.61
.34
7
0
.05
.04
.06
.06
20
50
.04
.05
.05
.05
.07J
.08
.08£
.09
81
60
70
80
.26
.22
.16
.19
.20
.18
.14
.18
.08
.10
.12
.28
.24
.18
.20
.22
.20
.16
.20
.10
.12
.14
8
9
13
9
11
11
14
11
25
20
17
.22
.16
.24
.18
9
13
.18
.16
.20
.24
.18
.36
.20
.32
.20
.18
.22
.26
.20
.38
.22
.34
11
13
10
8
11
6
10
6
$ 0.16.2 0 -
78
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
G l a s g o w , S c o t l a n d , November 20, 1914 .
The following list comprises the principal commodities in which
changes have taken place since the beginning of the war. There has
been an approximate advance of 16§ per cent in the cost of living.
The amount of increase and the percentage of increase are shown.
Articles.
Am ount of
increase.
$
Lentils, per p o u n d 1......... .
0,022
Split peas, per p o u n d 1___
Eggs, fresh, country, per
.24
dozen....................................
Eggs, imported, per dozen. $0.16- .22
.06
Fish, per pound.....................
.02
Sugar, per pound...................
Oats, per bushel (32 lbs.) . .
.209
Eartnen and glass ware.
Flour, per barrel.............
2.04
Petrol.
.011
Sago, per p o u n d 1...................!
Tea, per pound1.....................i
.09
Raisins and currants, per j
pound 1...................................1
.009
Condensed m ilk.....................
.022
Per cent
of in
crease.
100
100
50
30
50
50
40
25
25
25
25
Articles.
Am ount of
increase.
Canned m eats.........................
Bread, per 2-pound loaf___
Butcher meat, per po u n d ..
H am s, per p o u n d 1................
Butter, per p ound.................
Cheese, per pound.................
Medicinal preparations____
Matches, per gross b o x e s ...
Coal.............................................
Preserves and confection
e ry...........................................
Woolen goods and union
suits, part wool..................
Draperies (except c otton )..
Boots and shoes, per p a ir .. .
Leather goods...................
$0.02
.04
.017
.04
Per cent
of in
crease.
15
15
15
12*
10
10
10
.06
5
5
10-15
20
10
.60
*i 5^-20*
i In hundredweight (112 lbs.) lots.
T r o o n , S c o t l a n d , November 11, 1914 .
The following list comprises the principal commodities in which
changes have occurred since the beginning of the war. There has been
an approximate advance of 10 per cent in the cost of living. The
amount of increase and percentage of increase are shown.
Articles.
Lentils, per p o u n d 1.................
Split peas, per pound1............
E ?gs, per dozen.........................
Fish, per p ou n d.........................
Flour, per barrel........................
Rice, per pou n d1......................
Sago, per pou n d1......................
Oats, per bushel (32 lb s )........
Sugar, per pound......................
Butter, per pound....................
Tea, cheap grade, per pound.
Cheese, per pound....................
Am ount
of in
crease.
$0 ,0 2 2
.022
.24
.06
2.04
.009
.011
.139
.01
.04
.03
.02
Per cent
of in
crease.
100
100
50
50
25
25
25
20
15
10
10
10
Articles.
R aisin s1 and currants, per
pound...........................................
Butcher meat, per pound........
Bread, 4-pouna loaf....................
Matches, gross boxes..................
Drapery...........................................
Leather and saddlery g o o d s..
Gas m antles...................................
Glass and earthen ware............
Boots and shoes...........................
Chemicals show a substantial
increase.
Am ount
of in
crease.
$0.004
.04
.01
.06
Per cent
of in
crease.
10
10
8
5
10
15
50
25
.60
1 In hundredweight (112 lbs.) lots.
B e l f a s t , I r e l a n d , November 12,191 4 .
The following table shows the average retail prices, before the war
and at the present time, of the principal commodities affecting the
cost of living, which have advanced in price, together with the per
centage of increase:
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- GREAT BRITAIN.
Prices before
the war.
Articles.
Fish:
Cod, per pound.................... . ..............................................................
Plaice, per pound................................................................................
Haddock, per pound..........................................................................
W hiting, per pound........................................................................... !
Lemon soles, per pound.................................................................... 1
Halibut, per pound.............................................................................
Flour, per pound.........................................................................................
Bread, 4-pound loaf....................................................................................
Sugar, standard, granulated, per pound............................................
Sugar, cubes, per pound...........................................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
$0.10
.14
.10
.08
.20
.22
.03*
.12
.04
.05}
.04
Present prices.
$0.12
.16
.12
.10
.22
.24
.04
.13
.07
.09
.06
79
Per cent
of
increase.
20
14
20
25
10
9
23
8
75
64
50
Cork (Q ueenstow n), Ir e la n d , November 7, 1914.
The increase in food prices at Cork since August, 1914, is estimated
at 15 per cent.
No change in rents and very little in clothing is noted.
GREECE.
There appears to have been a very general increase in the cost of
living in Greece, estimated as ranging from 15 to 30 per cent in dif
ferent localities. One effective cause for this was the interference
with imports on which certain regions depend largely for their food
supplies. A system of police regulation of prices has been enforced
in Greece for many years, and this has prevented speculative ad
vances, but has been unable to check the natural rise.
Reports from the American consuls at Athens and Saloniki follow:
A th en s, G reece, December 15, 1914.
The first effect of the declaration of war in Europe upon prices in
Athens and surrounding districts was a certain stiffening of prices
for ordinary articles of consumption. Under a law of April 6, 1835,
the police may, with the approval of the ministerial council, regulate
both wholesale and retail prices by police ordinance. Ordinances of
this kind have been issued a number of times, increasing prices, until
at the present time it is estimated that since August 1, 1914, com
modities entering into the normal standard of living have advanced
25 per cent in most parts of Greece.
Statistics compiled by the statistical bureau of the Greek Govern
ment indicate that the general range of prices is now from 20 to 25
per cent higher than during the first six months of the present year.
The figures as submitted by the statistical bureau show prices for the
following commodities for June, August, and November, 1914. The
percentage of increase has also been worked out.
80
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Per cent of increase
over June, 1914, i n -
Prices forArticles.
June,
1914.
W heat, native, per 100 okes (285 pounds)..............
Barley, native, per 100 okes (285 pounds)...............
Maize, native, per 100 okes (285 pounds).................
W h eat, imported, per 100 okes (285 pounds).........
Maize, imported, per 100 okes (285 pounds)...........
Flour, A 1 , per 100 okes (285 pounds)........................
Flour second grade, per 100 okes (285 pounds). . .
Flour, third grade, per 100 okes (285 pounds)____
Beans, ordinary, per pound.................................... *
Beans, Lim a, per pound...........................................
Chick peas, per pound...............................................
Potatoes, per p ound...................................................
Beef, per po u n d ...........................................................
Veal, per pou n d...........................................................
M utton, per pound.....................................................
L a m b,p er pound........................................................
Chicken, per pound....................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................
Olive oil, per pound...................................................
Eggs, per pair...............................................................
M ilk, per pound...........................................................
Cheese, per pound.......................................................
Coffee, per pound.........................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................
$5,211
August,
1914.
November,
1914.
$7.720
$8,299
6.369
4.632
8.646
5.211
11.870
5.211
4.343
3.860
7.141
4.246
10.229
9.650
9.071
.034
.034
.034
11.001
10.422
10.229
.036
.039
.020
.135
.176
.108
.149
.135
.176
.135
.176
.108
.379
.095
.044
.054
.112
.339
.081
.039
.054
.102
.203
.068
I
August.
November.
47
20
21
23
16
14
15
40
11.001
10.422
.047
.041
.039
.024
.163
.192
.122
.192
.203
.474
.102
.068
.054
.142
.237
.088
20
14
17
21
25
18
13
12
17
15
9
13
29
82
40
25
75
40
17
30
1 Decrease.
The present retail prices of the following articles are also shown:
Anthracite coal.................................................................... $16.00 per ton.
Bituminous coal.................................................................. 10. 00 per ton.
Bacon..............................................................................................35 per pound.
Bread.............................................................................................. 09 per pound.
Ham, imported, boiled...............................................................80 per pound.
S a lo n i k i , G r e e c e , November 14, 1914For the past three years the territory contiguous to this city has
been more or less in a continuous state of war. The Turco-Italian
War was followed by the Balkan War of 1912; then came the War
of the Balkan Allies in 1913; and now the European War. During
this period there has been a steady increase in the cost of living,
which may be divided as follows:
First period.—From January 1,1912, to the time of Greek occupa
tion, November 8, 1912. During this period an increase of 10 per
cent took place.
Second period.—Commencing with Greek occupation and ending
August 1, 1914, during which an average increase of 25 per cent was
established.
Third period.—Beginning with the outbreak of the European war
and concluding November 10, 1914, when the cost of living increased
30 per cent over the second period.
The following statement shows the percentage of increase since
January 1, 1914, in the cost of various commodities entering into the
cost of living.
The general average of this statement is 44 per cent.
FOOD
PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- GREECE.
Articles.
Beans...........................
B e e f ..:........................
Biscuits......................
Bread, best...............
Bread, second grade.
Bread, third grad e..
Butter, Russian........
Butter, local..............
Canned sardines-----C h eese........................
Chickens.................... .
Coffee, Turkish.........
f l ? , fresh * .* '.;!!!!!!
Fish, salted................
Flour, best................ .
Flour, second grade.
Flour, third grade...
Fruits...........................
Liquors, foreign........
Liquors, local............
Macaroni, Italian.. ..
Margarine....................
M ilk..............................
M utton.........................
Onions..........................
Per cent
of
increase.
80
15
20
80
60
40
35
30
15
30
60
60
80
28
15
80
60
40
30
100
25
66
22
50
35
15
Articles.
Peas, canned.......................................................
Potatoes...............................................................
R ice.......................................................................
S a lt........................................................................
Sugar, loaf............................................................
Sweets, local and foreign...............................
Charcoal.............................I................................
Coke.......................................................................
Firewood.............................................................
Gas.........................................................................
Petroleum............................................................
Soap, local...........................................................
Soap, foreign.......................................................
W ater.....................................................................
Canned fruits and vegetables......................
Jams and preserves......................................
Ladies’ dress goods.......................... ................
Men’s suitings....................................................
Men’s wearing apparel....................................
Shoes.....................................................................
Underwear..........................................................
Furniture, foreign.............................................
Furniture, local.................................................
R ent.......................................................................
Fire insurance...................................................
81
Per cent
of
increase.
10
50
50
50
150
80
100
25
70
10
100
33
50
10
25
20
40
25
25
30
30
25
15
30
5
ITALY.
On the whole, Italy had not, in November, suffered any great
increase in the cost of living due to the war. To a large extent the
native population of Italy lives upon Italian products, so that the
restriction of imports affected them but little, while the great decrease
in the number of tourists left an increased proportion of the crops for
the use of the permanent residents. The Government placed an
embargo upon the exportation of foodstuffs, and the municipalities
very generally fixed prices and checked speculative advances. In
addition, the harvests and crops of 1914 happened to be unusually
abundant. Nevertheless there was some rise in prices, and it was
thought that if the war proved of long duration, such imports as
wheat, coal, rice, and sugar would show a marked increase.
A list of the articles on which the Government placed an embargo
follows; also consular reports from Florence, Genoa, Leghorn, Milan,
Naples, Palermo, Rome, and Venice.
ARTICLES ON WHICH AN ABSOLUTE OR PARTIAL EMBARGO WAS PLACED.
Wheat.
Rye.
Oats.
Barley.
Rice.
Maize or Indian corn.
Other grains not mentioned here (lupines,
beans, chick-peas, and millet may be
exported).
Flour.
87285°— Bull. 170—15------ 6
Semolina.
Bread and sea biscuits.
Hay.
Straw.
Carob bean.
Coffee.
Sugar.
Horses.
Mules.
Donkeys.
82
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Bovine animals.
Fresh and chilled meats.
Live pigeons.
Wearing apparel and equipment for troops.
Prepared skins.
Cloths.
Linen and cotton goods.
All the material for the manufacture of
these last.
Every kind of vehicle, including aero
planes and dirigibles.
Coal.
Petroleum.
Benzine.
Glycerine.
Lubricating goods.
Aluminum.
Brass.
Lead.
Flint.
Nitrate of soda.
Sulphuric acid.
Calcium carbide.
Sulphuric anhydride.
Picric acid.
Carbonate of soda.
All medicines.
All kinds of sanitary goods.
Surgical instruments.
The goods indicated in article 216 of the
code of the mercantile marine— e. g.,
cannons, rifles, etc.
Raw hides.
Pigs.
Dried vegetables (only partially prohib
ited).
Macaroni, etc. (only partially prohib
ited).
Cheese, in the same proportion as last
year.
Portable railways.
Gold bars or rods and money.
F lo r e n c e , I t a ly , November 4, 1914.
There has been no noticeable change in average retail prices of
foods caused by the war. The following table is a comparison of
prices for October 24, 1912, 1913, and 1914. It was thought best to
ive these quotations, as owing to lack of cold storage facilities prices
uctuate considerably with the season of the year. Increases for
1913 and 1914 over 1912 are shown in percentage.
f
Articles.
Oct. 24,
1912.
Oct. 24,
1913.
Oct. 24,
1914.
$0,050
.042
.026
.051
.053
.052
.047
.051
.055
.044
.039
.036
.046
$0,050
.042
.026
.051
.053
.052
.047
.052
.053
.039
.036
.031
.039
.044
.038
.073
.032
.031
.018
$0,050
.039
.025
.033
.052
.053
.051
.047
.057
.044
.039
.032
.038
.041
.038
.073
.032
.033
.024
.013
.189
.191
W h ea t flour, A , per p o u n d .. ,
W h ea t flour, B , per p o u n d ..
Corn meal, per pound.............
Chestnut flour, per pound___
Fine wheat flour, per pound.
Pastes A 1 A , per pound..........
Pastes A 1 B , per pound..........
Rice, per pound.........................
Bread, de luxe, per pound. . .
Bread, first, per pound...........
Bread, second, per pound____
Bread, third, per pound.........
Beans, white, per pound........
Beans, red, per pound............
Beans, eye, per pound............
Lentils, per pound....................
Vetches, per pound..................
Chestnuts, per pound..............
Chestnuts, small, per pound.
Potatoes, per pound................
Olive oil, per pound.................
Chickens, per pound................
Turkeys, per pound.................
Veal w ith bone, per p o u n d ..
Veal, boned, per pound..........
V eal, rum p, per pound...........
Veal, rib, per pound.................
Veal, roast, per pound............
Veal, fillet, per pound.............
O x , rum p steak, per p o u n d ..
.049
.073
.032
.032
.020
.014
.180
.211
.224
.218
.329
.184
.197
.224
.289
.175
i Decrease.
.011
.189
.215
.329
.224
.316
.184
.197
.211
.263
.175
.211
.244
.333
.184
.211
.224
.289
.175
Per cent
of in
crease,
1913.
Per cent
of in
crease,
1914.
16
13
134
12
2
2
15
U0
19
7
17
3
115
U5
110
123
123
15
113
119
5
2
47
3
14
119
3
17
16
5
19
16
12
1
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR----ITALY.
Articles.
O x , rib* per pound....................................................................
O x , roast, per pound................................................................
O x , best cuts, per pound........................................................
Lam b, shoulder, per pound...................................................
Lam b, leg and rib, per pound...............................................
Pork, per pound.........................................................................
Mutton, pAf pnimd ..................................................................
Coffee, raw, per pound.............................................................
Coffee^ roasted, per pound.....................................................
Sugar, whitfi, per pound.......................r, , . r, . , , _____
Sugar, brown, per pound.......................................................
Pepper, per pound....................................................................
Butter, per pound.....................................................................
Margarine, per pound..............................................................
Bacon, per pound......................................................................
Lard, per pound.........................................................................
Cheese, Parmesan, per pound ..............................................
Cheese, Gorgonzola, per pound............................................
Cheese, Holland, per pound..................................................
Cheese, Tuscan, per pound...................................................
Sausage, pqr pound...................................................................
Bologna sausage, per pound............................. ....................
H am , per pound........................................................................
Codfish, dried, per pound.......................................................
Stockfish, per pound................................................................
Anchovies, per pound.............................................................
Charcoal, per pound.................................................................
Petroleum, per pound.............................................................
W in e, red, old, quart...............................................................
W in e , red, quart............................................ .......................
W in e , white, quart...................................................................
W ine, vinegar, quart...............................................................
Milk, skimmea, quart........................................................... .
M ilk, natural, quart.................................................................
Eggs, dozen.................................................................................
Oct. 24,
1912.
Oct. 24,
1913.
Oct. 24,
1914.
$0.184
.211
.211
.154
.175
.197
.219
.355
.461
.136
.136
.298
.329
.197
.197
.167
.268
.232
.268
.241
.417
.351
.439
.145
.145
.241
.012
.038
.164
.115
.100
.067
.055
.100
.29Q
$0,184
.175
.197
.154
.197
.197
.219
.338
.447
.136
.127
.298
.329
.197
.197
.167
.272
.250
.276
.263
.417
.373
.461
.096
.132
.241
.012
.038
.155
.106
.106
.082
.055
.064
.280
$0.193
.175
.211
.140
.193
.197
.219
.368
.447
.132
.127
.298
.285
.206
.167
.272
.211
.250
.276
.417
.373
.461
.136
.167
.241
.012
.038
.127
.091
.091
.082
.055
.064
.318
83
Per cent
of in
crease,
1913.
Per cent
of in
crease,
1914.
1 17
16
13
15
13
16
5
U7
19
10
4
13
13
16
113
4
2
8
3
9
2
19
17
6
5
133
19
6
5
16
15
1
1
6
8
5
22
1 22
1 21
19
136
13
136
10
15
22
i Decrease.
' Genoa, I t a ly , November 7, 1914.
There has been a gradual and marked increase in cost of living in
Genoa during the past five years, covering not only foodstuffs but
also house rent, clothing, fuel, light, and power.
During the first few weeks of the war, prices took a jump, in some
cases of oVer 100 per cent, and coal rose to five times its normal
value. After the receipt of large consignments of coal, that article
dropped. The Government undertook to regulate food prices,
which resulted in checking the rise somewhat. The Government
>rohibited the reexportation of foodstuffs, which has done more to
ower prices than anything else. On the other hand, certain measures
of the Government have contributed to the increased cost of living,
for taxes on. business enterprises have been increased, causing dealers,
in turn, to increase the cost of their goods. There have also been
general advances in the articles which come under the head of Govern
ment monopolies, such as salt, tobacco, and matches, a recent advance
of the latter taking the form of a smaller box and fewer matches.
!
84
BULLETIN OF THE BUBEAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The following table shows the retail prices, including the city duty
or “ octroi” during the month of July, 1914, and the month .of October,
1914, and the percentage of increase:
Prices
July, 1914.
Articles.
Prices
October, 1914.
$0. 193-80.218
Bacon, per pound.....................................
Beans, dried, per pound........................
Beef, jper p ound.........................................
Brea<f, first quality, per pound...........
Bread, second quality, per p o u n d .. .
B utter, per pound....................................
Cheese, Parmesan, per pound..............
Cheese, Piacentino, per pound.............
Cheese, Sardinian, per pound..............
C om m eal, per p o u n d .............................
Codfish, per pound...................................
Coffee, per pound......................................
Charcoal, per pound................................
E ggs, per dozen.........................................
L ard, per pound........................................
Macaroni, first quality; per p o u n d .. .
Macaroni, second quality, per pound
M ilk , per quart..........................................
O live oil, first quality, per quart-----O live oil, second quality, per qu art..
Peas, per pound.........................................
Petroleum, per quart..............................
R ice, per pound.........................................
Potatoes, per p ound.................................
V eal, per pound.........................................
M utton, per pound...................................
Stockfish, per pound...............................
Pork, per pound........................................
W h e a t flour, per pound..........................
Sugar, per pound......................................
035132039035263263280193026088-.
298-
.040
.245
.044
.040
.307
.307
.332
.263
.031
.131
.395
170177-
.230
.218
.055
.045
.063
.454
.365
.031
.064
.064
.010
.368
.227
.159
.263
.036
.132
041055365274026055009245218105175035-
2
.011
$0,218-80. 264
.035- . 044
.114- . 227
.052- . 070
.039- . 044
.285- . 327
.307- . 351
.264- . 351
.218- . .263
.0 2 6 - . .035
.110- . .153
.314- . .482
.011- .013
.290- . .420
.21 8 - . .264
.059
.0 4 5 - ! .055
.06 3 - . .073
.3 7 9 - . .502
.27 4 - . .331
.055- . .068
.06 4 - . .073
.055- . .068
.013- .017
.218- .395
.218- .245
.150- .195
Pefr cent
of in
crease.
17
5
no
49
10
7
15
(2)
5
7
20
15
.
.036-
8
7a
22
13
16
15
7
15
114
7
4
60
4
31
.044
.132
13
Less than one-half of 1 per cent.
L egh orn , Ita ly ,
November, 1914•
The following table shows the prices of the principal items affecting
the cost of living for a period just before the war and at the present
time, together with the percentage of increase:
Articles.
i Same this season as at the same season last year.
$0,053
.026
.307
.263
.158- .211
.132- .149
.526- .658
.053
.035
.351
i .347- 1.386
.058
.053
Per cent
of in
crease.
$0,263-
00
o
$0,053
.026
.307
.237
.158
.132
.491- .526
.053
.033- .035
.351
.232
.053
.044
.013- .018
.219
.237
.064
.035- .079
.154- .386
.061- .070
.018
.088
2.316
11.580
$0,263.145.132-
Present
prices.
£3
0
Flour, per pound.........................................
Corn meal, per p o u n d ...............................
B eef, fillet, per pound...............................
Beef, round, per pound............................
Beef, boiling, per pound..........................
Sugar, per pound........................................
Coffee, per pound........................................
Salt, per pound............................................
Bread, per pound.......................................
B utter, per pound.......................................
Eggs, per dozen...........................................
Macaroni, per pound..................................
Beans, per pound.......................................
Potatoes, per pound..................................
Lard, per pound..........................................
Pork, per pound..........................................
M ilk, per quart.............................................
Apples, per pound.............. ........................
W in e , per flask............................................
Codfish, dried, per pound........................
Soda, per pound..........................................
Soap, per pound..........................................
Charcoal, per quintal (220.46 pounds)
Coal, metric ton (2204.6 pounds)..........
Prices
before the
war.
.219
.237
.064
.035- .079
.154- .386
.1 0 5 - .132
.026
.105
2.895
13.510
38
27
7
16
3
58
10
20
80
50
20
25
17
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- ITALY.
M ilan , I t a ly ,
85
November 10, 1914-
The great European war has not, as yet, appreciably affected the
cost of living in this district. The stoppage of importation of grain
has increased the prices of home products.
Th-e following table shows the principal articles affected, giving
prices for July 29, 1914, and November 7, 1914, with the percentage
of increase:
Prices
July 29,1914.
Articles.
$5.11
5.50
$6.47- 6.95
.085
1.54
4.05- 5.40
W h ea t, Italian, per 220 p o u n d s.. .
W h ea t, imported, per 220 pounds.
Flour, per 220 pounds.......................
Bread, per 2.2 pounds.......................
Potatoes, per 220 pound?.................
R ice, per 220 pounds.........................
Prices
N ov. 7,1914.
Per cent
of in
crease.
$6.27
23
14
$7.53^ 7.83
.09
2.70
4.4 4 - 5.79
6
75
8
i None imported.
N ap les, I t a ly ,
November 18, 1914•
In Naples and southern Italy, prices of some articles of domestic
production have advanced from 10 to 20 per cent, and prices of
imports have risen higher. To meet this situation, the Government
has placed an embargo on practically all articles of prime necessity,
and the municipalities have fixed maximum prices for their own
markets.
A comparison of the prices of certain articles in July and in Novem
ber, 1914, follows; also prices copied from a bulletin issued by the
municipality of Naples fixing maximum prices for the week of Novem
ber 1, 1914.
Prices July 15,
1914.
Articles.
$0,044
Macaroni, per pound..................................................................................
.184
Meat, per pound.................... ......................................................................
.031
Bread, per p o u n d .......................................................................................
Sugar, per po und ........................................................................................
$0,123- .140
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
.2 6 3 - .526
Flour, per pound. . . w..................................................... ............................
.033
Potatoes, per 220 pounds..........................................................................
1.158
Chickens, each.................................................................................. ............
.483
Eggs, each.......................................................................................................
.012
Haricot beans, per pound.........................................................................
.011
Olive oil, per quart.....................................................................................
.365
Prices N ovem
ber 15,1914.
Per cent
of
increase.
$0,048
.228
.037
$0.132- .149
.3 5 1 - .614
.039
2.316
.579- . 772
.039
.013
.411
10
24
20
7
22
16
100
40
233
15
13
The following prices are copied from a bulletin dated November 1,
1914, issued by the municipality of Naples:
ArticBes.
Beef, first quality, per pound...........
Beef, second quality, per pound____
Beef, third quality, per pound.........
Veal, first quality, per pound...........
Veal, second quality, per pound.
Veal, third quality, per pound......... .
Buffalo, first quality, per pound____
Buffalo, second quality, per po u n d .,
Buffalo, third quality, per p o u n d ..
Beef, year-old, first >quality, per
pound.......................................................
Articles.
$0,210
.175
.158
.246
.219
.184
.175
.149
.123
.193
Beef, year-old, second quality, per
pound........................................................
Beef, year-old, third quality, per
pound........................................................
Pork, first qu ality, per pound.............
Pork, second quality, per p o u n d .. . .
Pork, third quality, per pound..........
Mutton, first qu ality, per p o u n d____
Mutton, second quality, per pound..
L a m b, first quality, per pound...........
Lam b, second quality, per p o u n d .. .
Price.
$0,175
.149
.210
.210
.202
.114
.105
.140
.123
86
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Articles.
Price.
Macaroni, first quality, per pound.
Macaroni, second quality, per pound.
Macaroni, third quality, per pound .
Bread, white, per pou n d.................
Olive oil, first quality^ per quart
Olive oil, second q uality, per quart.. .
M ilk, sold at dairy, per quart................
Bread, brown, per pound.....................
Flour, N o . 2, per pound........................
Cheese, cooking, Rom an, old, per
pound.......................................................
Cheese, cooking, Rom an, new, per
pound........................................................
Cheese, cooking, Sardinian, per
pound........................................................
Bice, Japanese, first quality, per
pound........................................................
Articles.
$0,057
.053
.048
.037
.365
.329
.073
.031
.039
.246
.210
Price.
Rice, Japanese, second quality, per
pound.......................................................
Rice, corpetto, per pound.....................
Potatoes, per pound................................
Beans, per pound.....................................
Eggs, each...................................................
Bacon, in large piece, per pound.........
Salt pork, pei* pound..............................
Lard, first quality, per pound............
Lard, second quality, per pound___
Charcoal, first quality, par pound. . .
Charcoal, twigs, per pound............
Charcoal, scraps, per pound...........
Sugar, broken, per pound...............
Sugar, in squares, per pound.........
$0,035
.031
.011
.033
.029
$0,025.1 8 4 -
.202
.175
.193
.175
.013
.011
.003
.136
.145
Palerm o, I t a ly , November 4,1914-
Sicily has not suffered greatly as yet in consequence of the war,
in so far as the cost of living is concerned. The island is independent
of the outside world for the greater portion of the necessaries of life.
Coal is all imported, but charcoal and oil stoves are used largely for
heating.
The following list shows the increases on November 1, as com
pared with July 1, 1914:
Charcoal, $0,193 per 220 pounds.
Petroleum, $1.16 per 57 gallons.
Sugar, $0.02 per 2.2 pounds.
Meat, $0.05 per 2.2 pounds.
Bread, $0.01 per 2.2 pounds.
Macaroni, $0.02 per 2.2 pounds.
Flour, $1.35 per 220 pounds.
Rome, I t a ly , November 23,1914•
B y reason of the energetic measures taken by the Italian Government
to fix maximum prices for staple commodities and to prohibit export
of certain goods, prices have been held down to very nearly normal.
The following table shows prices on July 15, 1914, August 8, 1914,
and November 7, 1914. Prices on the last two named dates are
maximum prices fixed by the Government. The percentage of
increase on each of the last two dates over the first is also shown.
Articles.
Bread, ordinary, per pound...................................
Alim entary paste {macaroni, etc.), per pound
Rice, per pou n d...........................................................
Potatoes, common, per pound...............................
Dried beans, per pound............................................
Beef, first class, without bone, per pound........
Beef, second class, without bone, per p ound. .
Beef, third class, without bone, per p ound. . .
M utton, per pound.....................................................
Olive oil, per quart.....................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................
Lard, per pound..........................................................
H am , per pound..........................................................
Salame (sausage), per pound..................................
Milk, per quart.............................................................
Cheese, common, per pound...................................
Cheese, Roman, per pound.....................................
Sugar, per pound........................................................
Coffee, roasted, per p o u n d .....................................
Petroleum, per quart.................................................
Prices
July 15,
1914.
Prices
Aug. 8,
1914.
$0,036
$0,036
.055
.059
.050
.055
.023
.014
.050
.264 ........ *264*
.209
.209
.168
.168
.155
.159
.369
.369
.350
.350
.182
.186
.482
.482
.350
.350
.076
.076
.236
.241
.245
.245
.132
.136
.373
.373
.085
.085
1 Decrease.
Per cent
of
increase
Aug. 8.
Prices
N ov. 7,
1914.
$0,041
.059
.050
.032
.264
.209
.168
.159
.369
.177
.482
.350
.076
.245
.245
.136
.395
.085
1
8
9
i 40
Percent
of
increase
N ov. 7.
13
8
1 36
3
3
3
13
2
4
3
3
6
FOOD PBICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— ITALY.
87
.V e n i c e , I t a l y , November 10, 1914Venice is supported to a large degree by tourist travel. The war has
curtailed this travel to a great extent, consequently hard times have
come for a great many of the people. Food produced at home has
not made any material advance in price, but clothing, fuel, etc., have
advanced considerably. Exportation of eggs and of potatoes has
been prohibited by the Government.
The cost of articles of food, especially the character of food con
sumed by the common people, has shown but little relative increase
as a result of the war. in August there was formed a commission of
vigilance for the regulation of the market of articles of prime necessity
(Commissione de Vigilanza per la Regolarita del Mercato dei Generi di
Prima Necessita). This commission has since September 1 pub
lished weekly a list of necessaries, together with the retail price at
which they must be sold. The retail dealers in articles of food are
required under penalty to keep this list posted in their shops. It has
been published each week in the daily papers of Venice under dates
of September 1, September 8, September 22, September 30, October 7,
October 21, etc.
Among other activities this commission has caused the bakers to
agree on a uniform price of white bread of the first quality. It has
agitated for the prohibition of the export of eggs and potatoes, and
the exportation of these articles has now been forbidden by the
Government.
The work of this commission has been effectual in keeping prices
both moderate and uniform.
The lists of prices for October 5 and November 7 are shown below,
together with the percentage of increase on each item on the last
date over the first. The actual increase in price has been somewhat
larger than the list would indicate, as many articles are listed with
both the minimum and maximum price, and within these limits the
price at which goods were actually sold has tended more and more
toward the maximum.
Articles.
Meal, white, per pound.................................................
Meal, yellow, per pound...............................................
Bread, first quality, Venetian, per p o u n d ............
Bread, first quality, municipalloaf, per pound.
Bread, black, per pound...............................................
Olive oil, per quart.........................................................
Cottonseed oil, per quart............................................
Rice, Italian, per pound— .......................................
Rice, Tapanese, per pound...........................................
Bacon, per pound............................................................
Lard, per pound...............................................................
Beef, first quality, per pound.....................................
Beef, second quality, per pound...............................
Veal, per pound...............................................................
Mutton, per pound.........................................................
Milk, per quart.
each............................................................
M, fresh,
r e ---------Eggs, storage, each........................................................
Cheese, Sardinian, salt, per pound.........................
Macaroni, Italian, fine quality, per pound.........
Macaroni, Italian, less fine quality, per pound.
Beans, large, per pound..............................................
Beans, smaller, per pound.........................................
Sugar, per pound...........................................................
Coffee, Santos, per pound..........................................
Potatoes, per pound.....................................................
Fire wood fagots, per bundle....................................
K indling wood, per bundle...................................
Charcoal of soft wood, per pound...........................
Prices Oct. 5,
1914.
Prices N ov. 7,
1914.
$0.021-S0.023
.0 2 1 - .025
.0 3 9 - .043
.039
.037
.3 6 5 - .457
.2 9 2 - .329
.0 4 4 - .053
.0 3 5 - .039
.1 7 5 - .202
.175
.1 4 0 - .193
.1 2 3 - .167
.1 9 3 - .246
.1 4 0 - .184
.0 4 6 - .055
.023
$ 0 .025-$0.026
.0 4 7 .0 2 5 .0 3 5 .1 2 8 .2 9 8 . 011.0 1 7 .0 3 9 .0 1 4 -
.175
.051
.046
.026
.037
.132
.316
.0 4 2 .3 6 5 .2 9 2 .0 4 4 .0 3 5 .1 7 5 -
.175
.193
.167
.246
.184
.055
.029
.0 1 9 -
.021
.0 2 8 .0 4 0 .1 3 0 .2 9 8 .0 1 7 .039.0 1 4 -
16
8
6
7
7
.202
.1 4 0 .1 2 3 .1 9 3 .1 4 0 .0 4 6 -
.0 1 2
.019
.048
.015
.046
.042
.040
.457
.329
.053
.039
Per cent
of
increase.
.175
.053
,046
,030
,044
,132
316
018
019
048
015
25
14
17
1
54
88
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
NETHERLANDS,
Shortly after the outbreak of the war the Dutch legislature amended
the law of August 28,1851, on the right of eminent domain, extending
its provisions so as to permit of the seizure and sale of ordinary com
modities of consumption in order to prevent excessive increases in
prices. This amendment of August 3, 1914 (Statsblad No. 251),
reads as follows:
1. As soon as there is danger of war, the mayors (Burgemeesters) may, by authoriza
tion of the minister of agriculture, industry, and commerce, seize immediately and
without any formality foodstuffs, raw and manufactured, commodities of household
use, and fuels.
The commodities seized in this manner shall be placed by the mayors at the dis
posal of the population at prices not exceeding the rates to be fixed by the aforesaid
minister.
The amount of indemnification shall be fixed by two appraisers and a warrant will
be delivered to the owner of the articles, good for the average price realized.
The warrants shall form a liability of the city where the seizure has taken place and
shall be paid as soon as possible.
The appraisers shall be appointed by the mayor.
2. If the owner of the commodities in question is prepared to keep them at the
disposal of the public at the prices fixed by the minister, the seizure may be waived.
3. The minister may order the mayor of a designated city to seize special kinds or
quantities of the above-mentioned commodities and place them partly at the dis
posal of the mayor of some other city at the prices and in such manner as may be
fixed by the minister.
4. Forage is included among the above-mentioned commodities.
In conformity with the above law several maximum-price lists
have been issued. The following table may serve to show the prices
fixed by the first decree issued and those of the most recent one for
the principal commodities affected. These prices are applicable only
as to commodities of ordinary quality while higher prices are charge
able for special qualities. Many municipalities have found it possible
to charge lower prices than those fixed in any instance.
M A X I M U M P R IC E S O F A R T IC L E S O F F O O D A N D C O M M O D IT IE S O F H O U S E H O L D U S E
I N T H E N E T H E R L A N D S , A S F I X E D B Y D E C R E E S , D A T E D A U G . 4, 1914, A N D F E B . 3,
1915.
[Source: Maandschrift van het Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek. The Hague, 1914, Vol. 9 (August),
pp. 625, 626; 1915, Vol. 10 (February), pp. 194, 195.J
Articles.
Decree, Decree,
Aug. 4, Feb. 3,
1914.
1915.
Coffee, Santos, per pound............... $0 ,2 1 2
Coffee, Java, per pound...................
.321
Coffee, Preanger, per p o u n d ........
Tea, per p o u n d .................................
.401
Sugar, white, refined, per pound.
.1 0 0
Sugar, brown, per p o u n d .............
.1 0 0
Sirup, per pound...............................
.064
Flour, rye, per p o u n d .....................
.046
Flour, wheat, per pound
.046
Flour, buckwheat, per p o u n d ___
.046
.040
Bread, white, per p o u n d .................
50.212
.255
.1 0 0
.1 0 0
.055
.046
.046
.058
1 Not
Articles.
Decree, Decree,
Aug. 4, Feb. 3,
1914.
1915.
Bread, white, m ilk, per pound___
Bread, white, half m ilk, per pound.
Bread, white, water, per p o u n d ...
Bread, brown, per p o u n d ............... $0,036
Bread, rye, per pound..................... .
.033
Rice, other than Java, per pound.
.046
W heat, hulled, cleaned,per pound.
.051
Buckwheat, hulled, cleaned, per
pound................................................. .
.046
Oatmeal, per p o u n d ..........................
.046
Beans, brown, per pound................
.055
reported.
$0,047
.044
.040
.036
0 )
.046
.058
.055
.055
.046
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— NETHERLANDS.
89
M A X I M U M P R IC E S O F A R T IC L E S O F F O O D A N D C O M M O D IT IE S O F H O U S E H O L D U SE
I N T H E N E T H E R L A N D S , A S F I X E D B Y D E C R E E S , D A T E D A U G . 4, 1914, A N D F E B . 3,
1915— Concluded.
Articles.
Decree, Decree,
Aug. 4, Feb. 3,
1914.
1915.
Peas, per p o u n d .................................
Potatoes, per pound........................... $0,013
Salt, per p o u n d ...................................
.016
Butter, per p o u n d .............................
.274
Oleomargarine, per pound..............
.182
Cheese, Gouda, full cream, M a y September, ripe, State branded,
per pound...........................................
Cheese, Gouda, full cream, M a y September, per pound..................
Cheese, Gouda, full cream, green,
State branded, per pound............
Cheese, Gouda, green, per p o u n d ..
Cheese, E d am , May-September
(40 per cent cream), per p o u n d ..
Cheese, E d am , green (40 per cent
cream), per p o u n d .........................
Cheese, Gouda (40
per
cent
cream), per pound...........................
Cheese, Ed am and Gouda (30 per
cent cream), per pound.................
$0,055
.013
.016
.319
.182
.228
.219
.191
.182
.201
.182
.173
Articles..
Decree,! Decree,
Aug. 4,1 Feb. 3,
1914.
1915.
Cheese, Edam and Gouda ( 2 0 per
cent cream), per pound.................
C h e e s e , F r i e s l a n d , s p ic e d ,
per pound...........................................
Cheese, Leyden, Delft, with cara
way seed, per p o u n d .....................
Butter, oil, per quart......................... $0,240
Rape oil, per q u a rt............................
.190
Soap, soft, green or yellow,
per pound...........................................
.044
Soda, per po und.................................
.013
Petroleum, per g a llo n .......................
.169
Vinegar, white, per fla sk .................
.056
Coke, per b u sh el.................................
.113
Coal, anthracite, stove, nut I I ,
per bushel...........................................
.255
Coal, anthracite, stove, nut I I I,
per bushel...........................................
.241
Coal, anthracite, factory, baker’s,
etc., per bushel.................................
.156
$0,128
.109
.201
.240
.219
.047
.013
.146
As a part of its efforts to check the potential rise in prices the
Government took over the entire stock of wheat, and in conformity
with a special law of August 3, 1914 (Statsblad, No. 344) / prohibited
the export of cheese, butter, and bread, the latter in so far, however,
as might be not inconsistent with the need of aiding any people near
the border who might otherwise be unable to obtain bread. The
military authorities were charged with the oversight of such export
of bread over the neighboring border.
For carrying out the provisions of the law relative to the sale and
export of grain special Government bureaus were created. Local
provincial and municipal committees regularly correspond and co
operate with the central Government in following and studying the
movement of the supply and demand of commodities.
By January, 1915, there was complaint that the supply of wheat
was getting somewhat limited and advice was sent to the munici
palities to husband it by directing the use of wheat flour only in com
bination with the coarser grains, rye, etc.2 Some municipalities had
already forbidden the use of unmixed wheat flour in the making of
bread.3
The American consuls in the Netherlands report that retail prices,
by November, 1912, had risen much less than wholesale prices. This,
it was thought, indicated that dealers were charging only a moderate
advance on the stocks they had on hand in the early part of the war,
1 Maandschrift van het Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
(October), p . 843.
2 Idem, Vol. 10 (January), 1915, p. 111.
a Idem, V ol. 9 (October), 1914, pp. 842, 843.
The Hague, 1914, V o l. 9 (September), p. 700;
90
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
but as these stocks had to be replenished at the higher wholesale
rates, retail prices would show a sudden and pronounced advance.
In such necessaries as meats and vegetables, little or no increase in
price had taken place, as the supply produced within the Nether
lands was abundant. Index numbers of 27 principal commodities
were recently prepared by the Dutch statistical office and are here
subjoined. They are based on prices furnished by 6 cooperative
concerns.
R E L A T I V E P R IC E S O F 27 A R T IC L E S O F F O O D A N D H O U S E H O L D C O M M O D IT IE S IN T H E
N E T H E R L A N D S , A U G U S T , 1914, T O F E B R U A R Y , 1915.
[Source: Maandsclirift van het Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
p . 292.]
The Hague, 1915, V o l. 10 (March),
(Prices in July, 1914=100.)
1914
1915
Articles.
Aug.
Beans, brown................................................................
Beans, w h ite.................................................................
Peas, green...................................................... ..............
W hea t, hulled, cleaned.............................................
Buckwheat, hulled, cleaned....................................
Oats, hulled, cleaned.................................................
Cheese, with caraway seed.......................................
Cheese, whole m ilk .....................................................
Coffee................................................................................
Oleomargarine..............................................................
Flour, r y e .......................................................................
Flour, w heat.................................................................
Flour, buckwheat.......................................................
Butter oil........................................................................
Patent oil.......................................................................
Rape o il..........................................................................
Sept.
10 2
102
100
112
10G
104
112
100
100
103
100
100
105
105
104
103
104
102
103
70
96
119
94
97
97
101
100
100
Oct.
115
80
94
115
127
97
98
98
101
102
N ov.
Pec.
117
81
96
117
81
98
121
121
138
97
138
102
102
102
114
109
106
106
103
106
105
114
113
108
115
104
108
107
114
124
109
108
115
108
108
Jan.
115
81
112
10 0
121
100
121
150
103
106
104
104
106
132
119
83
113
122
158
106
106
107
103
106
136
124
126
110
113
121
118
108
121
110
111
120
132
10 0
10 0
103
102
106
114
11 1
Soda..................................................................................
Starch...............................................................................
Sirup.................................................................................
Sugar, unrefined..........................................................
Sugar, granulated.......................................................
Tea....................................................................................
Vermicelli......................................................................
Soap, British, w hite..................................................
Soap, green, soft...................... ...................................
Salt....................................................................................
100
100
100
120
120
120
111
12 0
103
103
103
106
106
100
100
100
100
104
104
108
108
100
110
106
106
106
104
100
1 01
102
10 2
106
115
100
100
112
100
100
112
100
106
106
103
141
109
124
A ll articles..........................................................
102
102
109
103
118
Feb.
121
108
12 0
110
104
108
106
103
150
115
124
132
138
119
112
100
110
112
112
112
112
104
106
106
109
111
105
10 2
Reports from the American consuls at Amsterdam and Rotterdam
follow:
A m s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s , November 9, 1914 .
The following list of articles, entering largely into the cost of living,
are all that have been advanced in price in consequence of the exist
ing war. Prices are shown for July 31,1914, and October 31, 1914,
with the percentage of increase.
FOOD PEICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- NETHERLANDS.
Articles.
Beans, per quart..........................................................................................
Bread, per 4-pound loaf.............................................................................
Butter, per pound................................ ...............
.......... ........
Cheese, good, per pound...........................................................................
Eggs, each.......................................................................................................
H am , raw, per pound........ ........................................................................
H am , cooked, per pound..........................................................................
Lard, per pound...........................................................................................
Margarine, per pound.................................................................................
Milk, per quart.............................................................................................
Onions, per quart.........................................................................................
Potatoes, per peck.......................................................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
Salt, per pound.............................................................................................
Sausage, per pound.....................................................................................
Sugar, lum p, per pound...................................................................... ......
Sugar, granulated, per pound.................................................................
Sugar, light brown, per pound...............................................................
Tea, per pound.............................................................................................
Prices July 31,
1914.
Prices Oct. 31,
1914.
$0.105
.05
.28
$0.132
.06
.36
.24
.044
.52
.56
.2 0
.038
.50
.54
.18
.18
.038
.017
.2 1 1
.048
.016
91
Per cent
of
increase.
26
20
29
20
16
4
4
.2 2
.2 0
22
11
.057
50
33
33
?5
25
.0 2 2
.282
.060
.0 2 0
.2 1 2
.1 1 2
.1 0 0
.1 1 2
.224
.130
.108
$0.40- 1.150
$0.50- 1.250
.1 2 0
6
16
8
7
13
R o t t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s , November 10, 1914.
The war has caused a material advance in the prices of all com
modities except bread, fresh meats, and vegetables. Bread has not
increased because the price is fixed by the Dutch Government. Fresh
meat and vegetables have not advanced because of the plentiful
stock of cattle and large quantities of vegetables in the Netherlands,
which are not only quite sufficient to feed the inhabitants, but also
to allow exportation.
Such groceries as macaroni, oatmeal, cocoa, cereals, etc., have
increased in price from 10 to 15 per cent, some going as high as 40
per cent. Eggs have doubled in price, now selling at 60 cents per
dozen. Hard coal has advanced 40 per cent.
RUSSIA.
In Russia, as elsewhere, the outbreak of war was followed by a
sharp rise in prices, apparently due in the main to panic. The Gov
ernment at once placed an embargo upon all foodstuffs, and the
municipalities1 fixed maximum prices for the most necessary food
stuffs. These measures had a steadying influence, the prices of
domestic products either remaining normal, or in some instances
sinking below their usual level. The price of imported articles rose
sharply; but these are not used largely by the masses of the people.
The effect of the war upon the cost of living varies so much from
place to place that it is difficult to make any general statement.
Apparently in the central portions of Russia prices rose but little, but
Warsaw, being almost within the war zone, experienced sharp fluctua
tions in prices; while in Tiflis, which, lying in the extreme southeast
of Russia, is presumably much affected by the proximity of Turkey,
there was a serious rise in the cost of necessaries.
1 See especially reports from the U. S. consuls at Moscow, Petrograd, Tiflis, and Warsaw, given below.
92
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Reports from the American consuls at Moscow, Petrograd, Riga,
Tiflis, and Warsaw follow:
Moscow, R u s s i a , November 16,1914The embargo placed upon practically all foodstuffs, at the beginning
of the war, together with prompt and energetic measures on the
part of the municipal authorities, prevented an appreciable rise
m the prices of all such articles produced in Russia. At first there
was a sharp rise, not due to the economic effect of the war, but to
its psychological influence. The Government’s action, however, in
preventing the exportation of food supplies, and the regulation of
prices in the city councils, interfered with the plans of the dealers,
who had expected to benefit by the changed conditions.
The following table shows the prices of those articles controlled
by the city for August 1 and November 1, 1914, with the percentage
oi increase on the latter date:
Articles.
Prices Aug. 1,
Prices Nov. 1,
1914.
1914.
Macaroons, per pound.........................
Peas, sugar, per pound....... ................
Peas, Russian, per pound.................
Mustard, Sareptsky, per pound___
Mushrooms, white, per pound.........
Cacao, Russian grind, per pound - .
Cacao,imported grind, per pound.
Tea, black, per pound.........................
Coffee, certain grades, per p o u n d ..
Mustard oil, per pound.......................
Cottonseed oil, per 36.11 pounds. . .
Olive oil, per p o u n d ...........................
Olives, per pound.................................
H oney, best, per pound.....................
Alm onds, per pound............................
Y east, per pound...................................
Pepper, white, per pound.................
Pepper, black, per pound..................
Pepper, cayenne, per pound.............
Rice, best, per pound..........................
Sago, R ostovsky, per pound............
Sugar, lum p, per pound.....................
Sugar, sawn, per p o u n d .....................
Sugar, granulatedL, per pound..........
Sugar, syrup, per 36.11 pounds........
Vinegar, per bottle...............................
Sausage, boiled, per pound...............
Grapes, per pound................................
LemonSjj>er dozen...............................
Apples, Russian, per dozen..............
Apples, Tashkent, per dozen...........
Artichokes, per dozen.........................
Russian dry beans, per pound........
Large turnips, per dozen..............
Sweet potatoes, per pound................
H ead cabbage, per dozen...................
Cauliflower, per dozen........................
Potatoes, per bushel............................
Huckleberry, per 36.11 pounds____
Parsley, per hundred..........................
Celery, per hundred.............................
Onions, per bushel...............................
Carrots, per hundred...........................
Cucumbers, pickled, per hundred..
Radishes, per dozen.............................
'Turnips, per hundred.........................
Salads, per pound.................................
Beets, per hundred..............................
Asparagus, per pound.........................
Garlic, per pound..................................
Spinach, per pound.............................
Peas, large, per pound........................
Peas, m edium, per pound.................
SO. 055-S0.100
.2 2 0 - .605
.135- .190
.2 2 0 - .330
.88 0 - 1 .1 0 0
.5 5 0 - .820
.38 5 - .660
.7 1 0 - 1.700
.2 5 0 - .600
.165- .220
2.800
. 3 3 - .44
. 2 5 - .38
.065- .09
.33 - .485
. 2 5 - .33
.275- .37
. 2 5 - .33
.083- .10
.08 5 - .09
. 0 6 - .09
.078
.083
.065
1.50 - 2 . 0 0
.045- .075
.125- .270
.175- .33
. 3 0 - .48
. 0 9 - .48
. 2 4 - .90
.30 - 1.20
.055- .065
i Decrease.
. 3 0 - .60
.60 - 1 . 2 0
1.60 .1 7 .25 .1 5 .4 0 .1 2 .2 5 .0 4 .1 5 .05 5 .04 -
.2 1
2 .0 0
.20
.375
.52
.38
.50
.36
.50
.08
.38
.11
.075
.025
.023
$0.055-$0.065
.275- .700
.165- .190
.165- .290
.455- .880
.5 5 0 - .660
.8 2 0 - 1 .2 1 0
.7 1 0 - 1.710
.33 0 - .650
.1 6 5 - .200
2.580
.33 - .465
.26 - .385
.0 6 5 - .09
.27 - .475
. 3 0 - .33
. 5 5 - .60
.50
.0 8 3 - .10
. 0 9 - .12
. 0 6 - .09
.078
.083
.065
1 .5 0 - 2 .0 0
.06 - .075
. 1 6 - .27
.08 3 - .22
. 3 6 - .48
. 0 5 - .42
. 2 4 - .90
i60 - 2.40
•04 - .055
. 1 2 - .30
.0 4 5 - .0 5
. 4 2 - .60
.6 0 - 1.80
.14
. 6 0 - .70
. 1 5 - .50
. 3 0 - .75
.35
. 1 5 - .25
. 2 5 - .4 0
. 1 2 - .36
. 2 5 - .50
. 0 8 - .1 1
. 1 5 - .30
. 2 2 - 1 .1 0
.0 6 5 - .085
.0 5 5 - .085
.025
2 Less than one-half of 1 per cent.
Per cent
of
increase.
18
9
1 17
133
112
94
<2)
15
15
18
3
2
19
78
72
20
13
9
140
8
U 8
“ ioo
121
13
33
133
164
76
125
128
58
U5
19
22
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- RUSSIA.
Prices Aug. 1,
1914.
Articles.
Prices N ov. 1,
1914.
$0,023
.033
Peas, fine, per pound.................................
Peas, best, per pound................................
Oats, ordinary, per 36.11 pounds..........
W heat, per 36.11 pounds...........................
R y e, per 36.11 pounds...............................
Barley, per 36.11 pounds...........................
Buckwheat, per 36.11 pounds.................
Semoule (semolina), per 36.11 pounds.
Peeled barley, per 36.11 pounds.............
Oatmeal, per 36.11 pounds.......................
Pearl barley, per 36.11 pounds...............
W heat flour, per 36.11 pounds...............
R y e flour, per 36.11 pounds.....................
Geese, each.....................................................
Turkeys, each...............................................
Capons, each..................................................
Chickens, each...............................................
Fat pullets, each..........................................
Ducks, each..................................... ..............
Woodcocks, each.........................................
Partridges, per pair.....................................
W oodhens, per pair....................................
Capers (cock of the woods), per p a ir ..
Hares, each.....................................................
Tenderloin, per pound...............................
Roast m eat, per pound.............................
First-grade meat, per pound...................
Second-grade meat, per pound...............
Mutton, per pound.....................................
Veal chops, per pound...............................
Pork, best, per pound...............................
Westphalian ham, per pound.................
Milk, per quart.............................................
Cream, per quart.........................................
Butter, R ussian, best, per pound.........
Butter, Finland, per pound....................
Butter, Lifland, per pound.....................
B utter, salted, best, per pound.............
B utter, for export, perpound................
Cheese, D utch, per pound.......................
Cheese, Swiss, per pound.........................
Charcoal, per ton .........................................
Coal, ordinary, per ton..............................
Anthracite, per ton.....................................
W ood , first grade, per cord.....................
W ood , second grade, per cord................
$0 . 50 62550 55 87530 22 30 40 50 75-
.6 6
.73
.525
.625
1.075
1.45
1.42
1.40
1.60
1.60
.81
$ 0 .5 0 -
Per cent
of
increase.
$0,023
.033
.55
19
" ‘.*56’- “ .'525
1.30 1.34 1.22 1.35 1.40 1.45 .8 2 5 -
1.39
1.40
1.425
1.45
1.60
1.50
.85
1 .0 0
1 .0 0
1.50
1.25
1.50
1.75
1 .0 0
1 .0 0
15
7
40
1.00
.625
.50
60
30
.65
1.00
1 .0 0
.50
.70
.90
.25 .0 9 .0 6 5 .1 1 .1 1 5 .1 1
.08
.32
.28
.35
.35
.30
93
.28 .355.3 0 5 .2 5 -
.62
.70
.80
.70
.33
.145
24
"i*ii
.1 2
.11
.11
.193
.133
.44
.08
.32
.30
4
5
.32
.26
u i
115
.2 2
.045
*17.*85*'
13.02
8.96
7.50
1
.045
.1 6 5 - .50
18.60
8.00 •12.40
12.40
8.96
7.68
4
’ *1*5
*2
Decrease.
Of the articles on which prices are not controlled by the city:
Drugs increased from 10 to 500 per cent.
Wine increased 20 per cent.
Dry goods increased from 5 to 15 per cent.
Ready-made clothing increased from 15 to 20 per cent.
Shoes increased from 10 to 15 per cent.
Coffee increased from 25 cents to $1 per pound.
Tobacco increased 10 cents per pound.
P e tro g ra d , R ussia, November 7,1914*
The cost of living in Petrograd has not changed to any great
extent since the declaration of war.
When the war began it looked as if the prices of necessaries might
soar, but the Russian Government took the matter in hand and on
August 8 a notice was published by the Gradonachalnik of Petrograd
setting forth the maximum prices that might legally be charged for
necessaries. Agents of the police were ordered to watch the market,
and merchants were fined if found selling any of the commodities
named at a higher price than designated. This steadied the market
at once and prevented excesses.
94
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The following table shows the approximate prices of necessaries
before the declaration of war and at the present time, with the per
centage of increase.
July, 1914.
Articles.
Beef, per pound............................................................................................
Fillet of beef, per pound...........................................................................
Veal, per pound............................................................................................
M utton, per pound.....................................................................................
Pork, per pound..........................................................................................
H a m , per pound..........................................................................................
Butter, kitchen, per pound.....................................................................
Butter, table, per pound..........................................................................
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
Caviar, per funt (.9 pound).....................................................................
Eggs, per 10....................................................................................................
Milk, per liter (1.05 quarts).....................................................................
Cream, per liter (1.05 quarts).................................................................
Kerosene, per pound..................................................................................
$0.10 -SO. 135
. 2 0 - .30
. 1 2 - .24
. 09 - .18
. 1 0 - .18
.225- .30
. 18 - .24
. 3 0 - .40
.09
3.00 - 4.00
. 1 4 - .24
.05 - .075
. 12 - .24
.0 2
November,
1914.
Per cent
of
increase.
SO. 1 0 -SO. 12
.2 0 .30
.115- .225
. 0 8 - .16
. 10 - . 165
. 3 0 - .45
. 2 0 - .24
. 3 0 - .40
.09
2.00 - 2.50
. 12 - .2 0
.05 - .075
. 12 - .24
.025
16
i6
1 11
15
43
5
36
1 16
1
25
i Decrease.
Chickens, ducks, and geese have decreased in price.
Cab fares have increased.
Furnished rooms have advanced in price.
All grades of coffee have advanced 2i cents per pound, and sugar
has advanced 1 cent to 2 cents per pound.
Merchants who formerly delivered goods free, now charge 20 cents
to 40 cents for deliveries.
A translation of the notice fixing maximum prices for various
necessaries in the markets of Petrograd follows:
GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION.
Notice is herewith given to the population of this city that until
further orders the following maximum prices are fixed for the retail
sale of the following necessaries of life in this city and its suburbs:
1. Tcherkask meat, first quality 2per pound................................... $0,185
Tcherkask meat, second quality, per pound..................................... 12
Tcherkask meat, third quality, per pound........................................ 10
2. Flour, rye, highest grade, per pood (36.11 pounds)........................ 805
Flour, coarse-grained, rye, per pood (36.11 pounds).......................695
Flour, grist, rye, per pood (36.11 pounds)...........................................61
3. Bread, baked, black, per pound.......................................................... 015
Bread, half white, per pound...............................................................017
Bread, white, per pound........................................................................03
4. French bread, as heretofore, according to order of 1895.
5. Peeled barley, per pound...................................................................... 025
Pearl barley, per pound......................................................................... 027
Oats, groat, per pound............................................................................ 03
Buckwheat, per pound...........................................................................025
Millet, per pound.....................................................................................025
6. Butter, cream, per pound...................................................................... 30
Butter, table, per pound........................................................................ 24
Butter, cooking, per pound................................................................... 22
7. Eggs, firsts, per 10.................................................................................... 15
Eggs, seconds, per 10...............................................................................14
Eggs, thirds, per 10..................................................................................125
. 8. Peas, per pound........................................................................................03
9. Macaroni, ordinary, per pound............................................................. 045
Macaroni, best, per pound..................................................................... 06
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- RUSSIA.
95
10. Milk, fresh, per bottle (1| pints).................................................. $0. 05
Milk, homogenized or sterilized, per bottle (1£ pints)..................... 075
11. Rice, per pound....................................................................................... 045
12. Oats, best, per sack (216.66 pounds)............................................ 3. 75
Oats, ordinary, per sack (216.66 pounds).................................... 3.10
13. Kerosene, per pound............................................................................... 05
14. Vegetable oil, sunflower and flax, per pound....................................08
(Signed)
Maj. Gen. Prince O b o l e n s k y ,
Gradonacfialnih o f Petrograd.
July 26 and August 8, 1914.
R i g a , R u s s i a , November 7, 1914•
The following table shows retail prices in Riga in November, as
compared with quotations at the end of July last. Percentage of
increase is also shown:
Articles.
Prices July 31,
1914.
Prices N ov. 5,
1914.
Blitter, perpound.......................................................................................
Flour, per 112 pounds................................................................................
Milk, per gallon............................................................................................
Potatoes, per 112 pounds..........................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Mutton, per pound.....................................................................................
Veal, per pound...........................................................................................
Beef, per pound...........................................................................................
Eggs, per dozen............................................................................ ...............
Pepper, per pound......................................................................................
Coffee, per pound........................................................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
$0.228-$0.285
3.516- 3.83
.234
1.183
.068
.091- .102
. 102 - .16
.102- . 125
.185- .247
.22 8 - .256
.25 6 - .399
.034- .080
$0.228-SO. 285
5.745
.292
.946
.0 7 4 - .085
.0 6 8 - .08
. 10 2 - .16
. 102- . 125
.1 8 5 - .247
.5 7 0 - .684
. 370- . 456
.1 0 2 - .074
Per cent
of
increase.
56
25
i 20
17
123
159
26
54
i Decrease.
T i f l i s , R u s s i a , December 7 , 1914•
~ The prices of provisions as established by the local authorities aver
age 20 per cent nigher since the war began than for the same period
in 1913. Meat, poultry, vegetables, and fruit of good quality, how
ever, range from 20 to 100 per cent higher than the Government
prices. The highest increase is noted in the cost of coffee, chocolate,
and imported groceries.
The following table shows the prices on some commodities before
and since the outbreak of the war, with the percentage of increase:
Prices before
the war.
Articles.
Sugar, per funt (.903 pound )..................................................................
Flour, first grade, per barrel...................................................................
Flour, second grade, per barrel..............................................................
Flour, third grade, per barrel................................................................
W heat, per 100 pounds................................. ...........................................
C om , per 1 0 0 pounds.................................................................................
Barley, per 100 pounds.............................................................................
Oats, per 100 pounds..................................................................................
Beans, per 100 pounds...............................................................................
H ay, per ton of 2,000 pounds..................................................................
Anthracite coal, per ton of 2,000 pounds............................................
W ood , per cord.................................................................................... ........
Charcoal..........................................................................................................
Clothing, domestic......................................................................................
1
Decrease.
Present prices.
Per cent
of
increase.
$0.07
5.23
4.79
4.36
1.38
$0.145
6.32
5.77
5.50
107
1 .6 6
20
1 .1 1
1 .1 1
1.25
1.47
13
33
1.38
.89
7.20
13.85
1 .6 6
8 .2 1
.50
9.97
16.62
13.06
21
20
26
20
l 44
38
20
59
250
20
96
B U L L E T IN OF T H E B U REA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
W a r s a w , R u s s i a , November 7, 1914•
Prices of all kinds of food products rose rapidly at the outbreak of
the war, but later receded somewhat. Speculation was checked by
the energetic measures taken by the Government. In October when
the Germans approached to within 25 miles of Warsaw, prices again
advanced.
The following table shows the present retail prices for the principal
food products and other commodities in Warsaw, as compared with
the prices prevailing before the war. The percentage of increase is
also shown.
Prices before
the war.
Articles.
Present prices.
Per cent
of
increase.
SO. (H3
R ye bread, per pound...............................................................................
$0.04 -$0,044
27
Millr..................................................................................................................
.05
.0 7 7 - . 102
79
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
$0.286- .344
. 429- .456
40
Eggs, each......................................................................................................
.0 1
. 02 - .025
125
Beef, medium quality, per pound........................................................
.126
.160
27
Tenderloin, per p ound.............................................................................
.1 7 1 - .2 0 0
.256
38
.142
Veal, per p o u n d .........................................................................................
41
.2 0 0
Pork, per pound..........................................................................................
. 111 - .142
.1 7 1 - .200
46
.171
.28&- .344
Fish, live, per pound.................................................................................
85
Young chickens, each................................................................................
.15
.31
107
.41
.72 - 1.000
Fowls, large size, each...............................................................................
110
Bacon, smoked, per pound.....................................................................
.156
.1 8 3 - .194
21
.033
.0 5 6 - .067
83
Flour, per pound........................................................................................
.0 1 1
.0 3 3 - .056
Salt, per pound............................................................................................
300
.081
Sugar, per pound........................................................................................
.091- .097
16
.144
27
Lard, per pound..........................................................................................
.183
.067
.091
37
Peas, dried, per pound..............................................................................
.017
323
Herrings, salt, each....................................................................................
.0 5 6 - .086
.32
1.40
338
Coal, per 100 pounds..................................................................................
.8 6
.50
72
W ooa, per 100 pounds...............................................................................
.06
.085
42
Petroleum, per quart........ ........................................................................
.07
.1 1
57
Laundry soap, per pound........................................................................
20-30
1 50-60
i Decrease.
SERVIA.
N is h , S e r v i a , December 12,1914-
A t the outbreak of the war prices advanced materially but after
the withdrawal of a large part of the population prices again receded.
The places to which the refugees fled were then subjected to higher
prices, until the Government fixed prices for the necessaries of life,
which were thus kept from advancing in price.
Imported articles have increased in price on an average 25 per cent.
Petroleum, salt, tobacco, alcohol, and matches are controlled by the
State monopoly and have not been increased.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- SCANDINAVIA.
97
THE THREE SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES.
Monthly prices have been published by the Swedish labor office
since 1904.1 Norway has gathered similar statistics2since January 15,
1911, when the gathering of monthly prices was begun by correspond
ence with retail merchants, cooperative stores, and women’s clubs
from 12 cities or towns and from 7 rural districts, reports being re
ceived from 20 centers at present. Denmark began in 1905 the
yearly publication of retail prices; and recently the statistical
bureau made an investigation of prices at the opening of the war
and continued it through October.3 The Norwegian labor office
has made use of these statistics, and has constructed comparable
tables of prices as between the different Scandinavian countries.
These tables are published in its labor journal (Sociale meddelelser
Christiania, 1914, No. 5, pp. 242, 243).
Probably these tables are fairly comparable because of the similar
ity in the terminology of food products, of customs and habits, and
of economic conditions in the three Scandinavian countries.
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F C E R T A IN C O M M O D IT IE S I N C O P E N H A G E N , S T O C K H O L M , A N D
C H R I S T IA N I A D U R I N G T H E M O N T H S O F J U L Y , A U G U S T , S E P T E M B E R , A N D OCTO
B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel,
industri og fiskeri. Christiania,, 1914. N
" o. 5,
” p. 242.]
Copenhagen, Denmark.
-a-ruuies.
July.
$0.134-80.149
.170
. 280- . 292
. 143- . 170
. 209- . 257
. 029- . 032
.034- .041
.044- .068
.049- .058
October.
$0.122-80.134
.158
. 267- . 280
.151- .177
$0.149-80.170
.170
.304- .316
.165- .192
.386- .450
.044- .046
. 036- . 049
. 061- . 097
.091
Stockholm, Sweden.
Articles.
July.
SepAu
1 temgust.
| ber.
. 046
. 053
. 085
'S3
. 044. 044. 049-
Octo
ber.
\n
>©
Pork, fresh, sides, per pound..................................
Pork, salt, per pound.................................................
Butter, creamery, per pound.................................
Oleomargarine, per pound.......................................
Eggs, fresh, per dozen...............................................
R ye flour, per pound.................................................
W neat flour, per pound............................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................
Peas, yellow, per pound...........................................
August.
Christiania, Norway.
July.
Au
gust.
Sep
tem
ber.
Beef, fresh, steak, per pound................................. 80.152 80.162 80.158 80.160 80.160 80.157 80.145
.124
.128
.125
.119
.1 2 2
.153
Beef, fresh, soup, per pound..................................
.137
.176
.171
.167
.171
.171
.182
Veal, fresh, fattened, per pound...........................
.165
.196
.187
.167
.163
.186
Lam b, fresh, frying, per pound............................
.175
.148
.142
.150
.145
.139
.134
Lam b, salt, per pound.............................................
.181
.188
.182
.188
.176
.188
Pork, fresh, sides, per pound.................................
.186
182
.192
.184
.182
.2 0 2
.194
.194
Pork, salt, per pound...............................................
.299
.291
.299
.334
.311
.299
Butter, creamery, per pound................................
.291
.169
.175
.181
.190
.170
.180
Oleomargarine, per pound......................................
.180
.241
.392
.249
.281
.273
Eggs, fresh, per dozen...............................................
.289
.267
.034
.032
.029
.034
.024
.033
.033
R ye flour, per pound................................................
.039
.049
.045
.047
.039
.043
.044
W heat flour, per pound...........................................
.053
.051
.055
.055
.057
.066
.064
Rice, per pound..........................................................
.032
.035
.041
.053
.049
.055
.056
Peas, yellow, per pound..........................................
1 Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
2
Octo
ber.
80.134
.114
.168
.137
.114
.182
.191
.323
.180
.399
.043
.046
.063
.064
Stockholm, 1904-1915.
Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel, industri
og fiskeri. Christiania, 1911-1915.
3 Statistiske efterretninger. Copenhagen, 1914, No. 12.
87285°— Bull. 170— 15------ 7
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
98
R E L A T IV E
P R IC E S
OF
C E R T A IN C O M M O D IT IE S I N T H E T H R E E
C A P IT A L S , A U G U S T TO O C T O B E R , 1914.
S C A N D IN A V I A N
(Average prices for July =100.)
Copenhagen, Denmark.
Stockholm, Sweden.
Christiania, Norway.
Articles.
August.
Beef:
Fresh, steak.........................
Fresh, soup..........................
Veal, fresh, good........................
P ork...............................................
B litter............................................
O leomargarine............................
Egs;s................................................
R ve flour.......................................
W heat flour.................................
.............................................
Susar..............................................
Coke................................................
Sep
tember.
Octo
ber.
100
100
100
100
1 00
100
91
96
105
109
109
115
184
148
113
1 00
Coffee
1 00
148
129
1 00
103
20 0
111
120
August.
106
103
97
104
Sep
tember.
104
Octo
Sep
August.
ber.
tember.
94
106
96
97
100
101
102
116
104
103
116
125
104
103
155
107
117
108
116
104
103
131
101
101
1 12
162
117
122
99
103
120
98
90
106
107
96
106
94
135
109
101
123
133
90
80
96
105
93
106
92
135
11 2
109
132
123
Octo
ber.
83
75
98
103
104
106
138
175
119
105
116
113
DENMARK.
The actual and prospective increase in prices in Denmark conse
quent upon the war in Europe was met by the Government in two
ways—first, by a law of August 6 prohibiting the export of such
food products and consumers’ goods as might be determined by the
minister of justice through royal orders and, secondly, by a law of
August 7 permitting the regulation of prices of similar articles by
the minister of the interior.
The export prohibition law included within its restrictions seven
classes of articles: (1) Food products, grains, and fodder; (2) fuels
and oils; (3) lumber, iron, and steel; (4) gold and silver; (5) draft
animals; (6) automobiles; (7) war materials and supplies. Infractions
of the law are punishable by a fine of from 500 to 10,000 crowns
($134 to $2,680) or by imprisonment, and goods seized are subject to
confiscation.
From August 6 to September 25 eight decrees or ordinances were
passed, specifically designating particular commodities in the above
seven groups as subject to the export prohibition. Among these
commodities have been gold and silver, horses, dogs, etc., wool, po
tatoes, and grain, etc.
The commission on export prohibition works in close cooperation
with the commission on the food supply. This latter commission was
created under the provisions of the law of August 7, 1914, on the
regulation of prices, a translation of which here follows. The com
mission is composed of 12 members, 11 appointed by the Crown and
one, an expert in grains and flours, selected by the minister of the
interior.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- DENMARK.
P r o v is io n a l L a w
on
the
R e g u l a t io n
of
P r ic e s
of
F ood P roducts a n d
99
Com
m o d it ie s .
[No. 164, Aug. 7, 1914.]
S e c t i o n 1. The minister of the interior is authorized to prescribe measures for the
regulation of prices of food products and commodities under which authorization the
State has the right, upon payment of compensation, to take over food products or
commodities, the control over which is of importance for the welfare of society.
The purchase price of such commodities as the State may take over shall be deter
mined by commissions the scope of whose authority and membership shall be fixed by
royal orders.
S e c . 2. This law shall go into effect immediately.
A royal order of August 29, 1914, provided for the formation of
local or communal commissions on the food supply.
Under the provisions of this law, a valuation committee was
appointed August 29 to appraise the stock of grain taken over in
Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, and Hellerup. There is now no move
ment of wheat in the Kingdom which is not subject to police control,
involving power to ascertain the amount of the supply, its quality,
etc., and power to demand all documents and papers concerned in
the sale or transfer of wheat. (Decree Aug. 31, 1914, No. 193.)
In Copenhagen the wheat supply is in the hands of the city adminis
tration, and on August 28 there were reported in that city 120,000
barrels in the hands of the authorities, although some of this was bond
wheat consigned to Swedish ports. For the wheat seized in Copen
hagen the Government paid 16 crowns ($4,288) per 100 kilograms
(220.46 pounds) for wheat of medium quality, or $1.17 per bushel of
60 pounds.
Both commissions, that on export prohibition and that on price reg
ulation, follow closely the movements of supply and demand for
commodities and issue reports thereon from time to time. The price
commission has also gone so far as to order that all bread shall be
made of a blend of wheat and rye flour in specified proportions. All
bread must be sold, not as a certain standard loaf, but according to
its actual weight in loaves of 500 grams (1.1 pounds) and over.
Prices were fixed on the sale of Danish wheat in Copenhagen from
September 1 as follows:
First grade.................................................... 16. 40 crowns per 100 kilograms.
Second grade........................................ ....... 16.15 crowns per 100 kilograms.
Equivalent to:
First g r a d e ................................................ $1. 20 per bushel (60 pounds).
Second grade................................................ 1.18 per bushel (60 pounds).
The first flurry in the coal market succeeding the outbreak of hos
tilities was very great. Shortly thereafter, however, imports from
England began again, and by an agreement between the importers
100
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
and the commission on price regulation prices were fixed as follows:
For coal under existing contracts of delivery there was added 4
crowns ($1.07) per ton; and for coke, 30 ores (8 cents) per hectoliter
(2.8377 bushels) or 2.8 cents per bushel. On orders to retailers and
consumers, the same prices asked at the beginning of August were
continued with an additional 35 ores (9.4 cents) per hectoliter
(2.8377 bushels) or 3.3 cents per bushel in the case of coal, and 40
ores (10.7 cents) per hectoliter (2.8377 bushels) or 3.8 cents per bushel
on coke. These additions to the former price were aimed to cover
merely freight and insurance from British ports, and were put into
effect the latter part of August. In other words, increases in freight
and insurance rates have been responsible for these price increases.
Early in November the Government made an inquiry as to the
amount of grain on hand in the country. At that date (Nov. 9)
there were on hand 1,070,000 barrels of unground wheat and 1,790,000
barrels of rye. Under ordinary conditions of consumption this was
calculated to last for 260 days in the case of rye and 200 days in the
case of wheat. And this, together with what was expected from the
United States, would make a sufficient supply of wheat for 240 days,
and of rye for 320 days.
Average retail prices of certain articles of food consumption in
Denmark during July, August, and October of 1914 are presented in
the tables which follow:
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F C E R T A IN C O M M O D IT IE S IN C O P E N H A G E N IN J U L Y , A U G U S T , A N D
O C T O B E R , 1914.
[Source: Statistiske eCterretninger udgivet af det Statistiske departementet, 6 aarg., nr. 12 (N o v. 20), nr.
14 (Dec. 19), 1914.]
Articles.
Milk, unskimmed, bottled, per quart........ .
Butter, creamery, per pound.........................
Oleomargarine, per pound..............................
Eggs, fresh, Danish, per dozen.....................
Potatoes, per 22.05 pounds.............................
Peas, yellow, per pound..................................
R ye meal, per pound........................................
W heat flour, American, per p ound.............
Oats, hulled, cleaned, per pound.................
Rice, per pound..................................................
R ye bread, loaf, per pound............................
Mixed bread, wheat and rye, per po u n d ..
Bread, rye flour, best, per pound.................
Bread, French, wheaten? per pound..........
Pork, fresh, shoulder, brisket, per p o u n d .
Pork, salt, per pound.......................................
Lard, per pound.................................................
Herring, fresh, each...........................................
Plaice, per pound...............................................
Sugar, brown or moist, per pound...............
Kerosene, per gallon..........................................
Coal, household, per bushel...........................
Coke, crushed, per bushel...............................
July, last
week.
August,
first week.
October,
last week.
$0,048
.286
.157
.233
.525
.054
.030
.038
.048
.056
2.018
$0,050
.268
.164
.233
.612
.063
1.045
.044
.056
.067
2.024
2.029
2.056
.134
.152
.128
.017
.245
.044
.168
.160
.118
2.030
2.062
$0,050
.310
.179
.402
.482
.091
.045
.041
.062
.084
.027
.023
2.033
2.062
.146
.182
.122
.146
.128
.017
.245
.044
.168
(3)
(3)
1 Price Aug. 15.
Reported from a single cooperative bakery.
s Prices in August very irregular; increases as high as 100 per cent.
2
December,
last week.
$0,045
.329
.107
.465
.510
.071
.079
.026
.024
.046
.053
.150
.200
.215
.015
.175
.048
.196
.174
.142
.143
.044
.142
.161
.106
.012
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- DENMARK.
101
The above figures were prepared by the Danish statistical office and
published in its journal (Statistiske efterretninger). The inquiry for
December, summarized in the British Board of Trade Labor Gazette
(January, 1915, p. 6), shows that the total effect of the increase in
prices for that month on the cost of living of a typical working-class
family in Copenhagen would not exceed 10.3 per cent over the level
of July; and approximately the same total rise took place in the cost
of living in towns other than Copenhagen.
The table which follows shows the relative increase in prices of
certain household necessaries which took place between the last week
in July and the first week in December.
IN C R E A S E IN P R IC E S IN D E N M A R K B E T W E E N T H E L A S T W E E K I N J U L Y A N D T H E
F IR S T W E E K I N D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: The Board of Trade Labor Gazette.
London, 1915.
Vol. 23, N o. 1 (January), p. 6 .]
Per cent of increase in price in—
Articles.
Copen
hagen.
Bread, rye, best quality.......................................................................................
Bread, rye, second quality...................................................................................
Bread, French, whcaten......................................................................................
Flour, Danish, best.................................................................................................
Barley, pearl.............................................................................................................
Sugar, brown or moist...........................................................................................
CoSee, Santos, cheapest........................................................................................
Margarine, cheapest................................................................................................
Milk, unskimmed....................................................................................................
Beef, cheapest...........................................................................................................
Veal, cheapest...........................................................................................................
L a rd..............................................................................................................................
Fish, cod, split..........................................................................................................
Kerosene.....................................................................................................................
Coke...............................................................................................................................
Largo
towns.
31
48
20
31
44
6
19
5
35
9
17
18
Small
towns.
38
51
15
32
38
28
44
19
32
30
10
1 1
21
10
5
i8
16
39
9
28
10
9
4
1
1
44
10
17
15
i Decrease.
NORWAY.
A royal order of August 4,1914, appointed a commission with power
to fix prices and also laid an export prohibition on certain designated
articles. Other provisional orders of a similar character were issued
on August 6 and 7. These orders being temporary in their nature,
a law of the same tenor was passed August 18. This act is not avail
able in this country in the original, which fact has made it necessary
to make a retranslation of it from the Swedish.1 On the same day the
law was passed the King, according to its provisions, authorized the
commission appointed August 4 to execute its provisions. This com
mission on the food supply (Provianteringskommission) is composed of
seven members and is empowered to fix the maximum prices of desig
nated commodities. Detailed regulations under the act (sec. 5) are
to be made by the department of agriculture. Local food commis
sions have also been appointed.
1
Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Stockholm, 1914.
N o. 8 , p. 736.
102
BULLETIN OF THE BLTREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The first list of maximum prices was fixed August 6 according to
the provisional order of August 4 already mentioned. Since then
prices have been fixed from time to time, but by September 30 all
restrictions ordered had been gradually removed.1
Maximum prices on grain, flour, and bread having been removed
by September 30, a new order was issued October 3 concerning the
sale of bread by weight only.
The most recent available order or circular of the commission on the
food supply is dated October 28,1914, and fixes prices on certain grains
and flours in its possession (sec. 2, act of Aug. 18).
The order is as follows:
The State commission on the food supply until farther notice can supply at the
following prices:
From Warehouses in Bergen.
American (Oregon) barley, large grain, good quality, not as clean as Danish barley,
but cleaner than barley from Black Sea regions, 21 crowns [$1.23 per bushel of 48
pounds].
American wheat flour, Gold Medal, first grade, roller mill, 31 crowns [$7.42 per
barrel].
American wheat flour, Gold Medal, extra granular, coarser but same quality as
roller mill, and specially adapted for storing, 31 crowns [$7.42 per barrel].
From, Warehouses at Moss.
Danish barley, 21 crowns [$.1.23 per bushel of 48 pounds].
From Warehouses in Christiania.
Wheat, hard, winter, adapted to storing, 22.50 crowns{$1.64 per bushel of 60 pounds],
American flour, Gold Medal, first grade, roller mill, 31 crowns [$7.42 per barrel].
American flour, Gold Medal, extra granular, coarser but same quality as roller mill,
and specially adapted for storing, 31 crowns [$7.42 per barrel].
Prices are calculated per 100 kilograms [220.46 pounds], gross weight (net weight
including sack), f. o. b. warehouse.
The following provisions are also applicable: (1) Orders from communes shall be
accompanied by cash, or (2) an official guaranty for full payment, in which case (a)
credit shall be extended for one (1) month from time of account stated; (b) if the com
modities are stored as a reserve under control of the proper official in such manner
that the commodity, neither in whole nor in part, may be removed without special
permission, credit may be extended for three months from the time of the arrival of the
commodity at the nearest station or wharf; (c) said special permission may be granted
before the expiration of the said three months provided payment is made for the
quantity removed.
The commission is desirous of aiding those who wish it to make arrangements with
millers if grinding is desired.
Since September 2, 1914, a royal order has been enforced requiring
that bread shall be made of mixed wheat and rye flour.
i Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel, iudnstri
og-fiskeri. Christiania, 1914. N o. 5, p. 255.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- NORWAY.
103
The translation of the act of August 18 as printed in the journal of
the Swedish labor office (No. 8, 1914), follows:
Law
on
the
Sale
and
E xp o r t of F oo d P r o d u c ts.
[Aug. 18, 1914.]
S e c t i o n 1. ( 1 ) Until further notice there may be established maximum prices
which shall not be exceeded in the sale of food products, coal, coke, wood, peat,
mineral oils, forage, and other necessaries. Different prices may be fixed for the whole
sale and retail trades, respectively.
In the retail trade, furthermore, a maximum limit as to the quantity that may be
sold to any one consumer at any one time may be fixed. Maximum prices and quanti
ties are determined by the King or his authorized representatives.
(2) Every person concerned is required to report to such authorized representative
mentioned in the above paragraph according to the rules that apply to witnesses in
criminal suits, except that oath is not required.
(3) The person or persons authorized to fix maximum prices are required to hold as
confidential whatever comes to their knowledge in their official capacity.
Sec. 2. The State, a county, or commune may require to be transferred to it supplies
of commodities on which maximum prices are fixed according to section 1 to such
extent as necessary and provided compensation thereafter is paid, calculated on the
basis of the maximum prices. Compensation shall in each instance be paid, or
adequate security given until a further time, as soon as possible after the taking over
of the goods. Such supply may be seized by the police on orders from the proper
authorities.
Sec. 3. It is prohibited until further notice to use grain or potatoes for the manu
facture of beer and brandy, and likewise the sale and distribution of brandy is pro
hibited until further notice.
Sec. 4. It is prohibited until further notice to export from the Kingdom gold and
silver, food products, horses, animals for slaughter, hogs, sheep, goats, reindeer, as
well as coal, coke, wood, peat, mineral oils, forage, and other articles and commodities
which the proper department may designate.
Until the King directs otherwise there shall be excepted from this provision the
following:
(a) Supplies necessary for a ship on a pending voyage;
(b) Fish and fish products; also condensed milk, butter, cheese, and berries.
S e c . 5. The King or his authorized representative is empowered to draft more
detailed regulations necessary for the execution of this law.
Likewise the King or his authorized representative may, in a special case, grant
exceptions from the provisions of the foregoing sections.
Sec. 6. Infractions of the law are punishable by fines or imprisonment not to exceed
six months. Commodities which are found to have been sequestered to avoid seizure
according to section 2, or those which it has been attempted to use, sell, or distribute
contrary to section 3 or to export contrary to section 4 shall be confiscated to the State
treasury. Likewise there shall be confiscated beer or brandy offered contrary to
section 3.
Sec. 7. This law shall go into effect immediately. The King may, furthermore,
repeal the law wholly or in part.
Actual retail prices of certain commodities, mainly food, for Nor
way as a whole, based on reports from twenty different localities
throughout the Kingdom, and also separately for each of the cities
of Christiania, Bergen, and Tromso, are shown in the tables which
follow. These three cities were selected as representing different
sections of the country—Christiania the southeastern part, Bergen
the southwestern, and Tromso the northern.
104
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F 45 C O M M O D IT IE S I N N O R W A Y , F O R E A C H M O N T H , J U L Y T O N O
V E M B E R , 1914, B A S E D O N A V E R A G E P R IC E S F R O M 20 D I F F E R E N T L O C A L IT IE S .
ISource: Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel,
industri og fiskeri. Christiania, 1914. N o. 5, pp. 240, 241; No. 6 , pp. 232, 283.]
Articles.
Beef:
Steak, fresh, pound...........................................................
Snnp, pnrnid r i . , ______________________________
M utton:
Fresh, hind quarters, p o u n d ........................................
Fresh, forequarters, pound............................................
Salt..........................................................................................
Veal:
Steak, pound.......................................................................
Forequarters, pound........................................................
Pork:
Fresh, pound___ ? ..............................................................
Norwegian, salt, sides, pound.................................
August.
Septem
ber.
October.
SO. 171
.152
$0,168
.148
£0.157
.134
$0.145
.123
$0.146
.125
.181
.170
.136
.175
.165
.143
.152
.147
.136
.140
.134
.130
.146
.137
.133
.175
.157
.1 1 1
.176
.160
.117
.159
.152
.107
.154
.139
.098
.164
.150
.096
.171
.177
.187
.175
.184
.192
.171
.180
.188
.168
.177
.196
.175
.182
.191
.055
.049
.056
.051
.064
.053
.068
.050
.071
.055
.043
.043
.043
July.
N ovem
ber.
Cod:
Salted, p o u n d ...........- .............................................
Milk:
W hole, quart.......................................................................
Skimmed, quart.................................................................
Cream, quart .............................................................................
Butter:
Creamery, best, pound....................................................
Dairy, pound.......................................................................
Oleomargarine, best, pound..................................................
Cheese:
Norwegian, Schweitzer, pound.....................................
Goat’ s m ilk, pound........ - ...............................................
W h ey , pound......................................................................
W ith caraway seed, pound...........................................
Soft cream, pound.............................................................
Eggs, fresh, Norwegian, dozen.............................................
Flour:
W heat, American, Gold Medal, pound....................
R y e, Norwegian, pound.................................................
Potato, pound.....................................................................
R y e bread, pound.....................................................................
Peas, yellow, Victoria, pound..............................................
Barley, pearl, pound ...............................................................
Rice, pound.................................................................................
Oats:
H ulled, cleaned, Norwegian, pound..........................
.Hulled, cleaned, American, pound.............................
Potatoes, Norwegian, peck ...................................................
Coffee:
Java, pound.........................................................................
Guatemala, pound............................................................
Santos, pound.....................................................................
Sugar:
Refined, pound..................................................................
Crushed, pound..................................................................
Brown or moist, pound...................................................
Kerosene:
Water-white, American, gallon...................................
Standard white, American, gallon..............................
Coal, ton of 2 ,0 0 0 pounds........................................................
Coke, N o. 2 , bushel...................................................................
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.213
.043
.023
.216
.0 2 0
.205
.213
.043
.023
.223
.297
.270
.175
.315
.278
.186
.298
.277
.186
.310
.282
.184
.314
.292
.185
.226
.199
.071
.098
.103
.262
.165
.199
.072
.231
.227
.203
.079
.1 0 0
.1 0 2
.098
.270
.098
.262
.230
.203
.074
.107
.106
.315
.038
.024
.057
.028
.043
.033
.058
.044
.033
.062
.035
.051
.039
.066
.045
.034
.062
.036
.051
.040
.064
.047
.041
.061
.039
.055
.044
.064
.049
.041
.061
.040
.062
.044
.066
.041
.038
.2 1 2
.053
.053
.179
.058
.056
.132
.056
.056
.123
.056
.056
.132
.342
.308
.269
.349
.315
.280
.350
.310
.280
.349
.312
.283
.346
.314
.281
.071
.067
.063
.084
.080
.078
.089
.084
.084
.083
.078
.077
.079
.077
.071
.187
.174
6.490
.161
.205
.187
7.560
.196
.203
.187
7.340
.185
.203
.181
7.200
.173
.199
.179
7.120
.172
.2 0 2
.074
.1 1 2
.109
.368
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- NORWAY.
105
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F 45 C O M M O D IT IE S A S R E P O R T E D F O R C H R I S T IA N I A , F O R
M O N T H , J U L Y T O N O V E M B E R , 1914.
EACH
[Source: Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel,
industri og fiskeri. Christiania, 1914. N o. 5, p. 234; No. 6 , p. 276.]
Articles.
Beef:
Steak, fresh, pound...........................................................
Soup, pound........................................................................
Mutton:
Fresh, hind quarters, p o u n d .......................................
Fresh, forequarters, pound...........................................
SaH, ponnd_______ T. - , ____________________________
Veal:
Steak, pound.......................................................................
Forequarters, pound........................................................
Very young, pound..........................................................
Pork:
Fresh, pound.......................................................................
Norwegian, salt, sides, p o u n d ......................................
AmfiTir*a.n; ponnd, ................ ............................................
Cod:
Fresh, pound.......................................................................
Salted, pound.....................................................................
Milk:
W hole, quart.......................................................................
Skimmed, quart.................................................................
Cream, quart...............................................................................
Butter:
Creamery, best, pound....................................................
Dairy, pound......................................................................
Oleomargarine, best, pound..................................................
vllvv^t/ *
Norwegian, Schweitzer, p o u n d ....................................
Goat's m ilk, pound...........................................................
W hey , pound......................................................................
W ith caraway seeds, pound.........................................
Soft cream, pound.............................................................
Eggs, fresh, Norwegian, dozen.............................................
Flour:
W heat, American, Gold Medal, p o u n d ..................
R ye, Norwegian, pound.................................................
Potato, pound.....................................................................
R ye bread, pound.....................................................................
Peas, yellow. Victoria, pound.............................................
Barley, pearl, pound................................................................
R ice, pound.................................................................................
Oats:
H ulled, cleaned, Norwegian, p o u n d ........................
H ulled, cleaned, American, p o u n d ..........................
Potatoes, Norwegian, peck...................................................
Coffee:
Java, pound.........................................................................
Guatemala, pound............................................................
Santos, pound.....................................................................
Sugar:
Refined, pound...................... ............................................
Crushed, p ound.................................................................
Brown or moist, pound...................................................
Kerosene:
Water-white, American, gallon...................................
Standard white, American, gallon.............................
Coal, ton of 2 ,0 0 0 pounds.......................................................
Coke, No. 2, bushel..................................................................
July.
August.
Septem
ber.
$0,160
.153
$0,157
.137
$0,145
.186
.173
.134
.175
.165
.171
.147
.1 0 1
October.
Novem
ber.
$0,134
.114
$0,137
.119
.148
.140
.137
.125
.114
.142
.131
.117
.182
.164
.107
.165
.145
.081
.168
.146
.080
.171
.150
.092
.188
.1 2 2
.176
.195
.195
.2 0 2
.186
.195
.182
.191
.195
.180
.190
.195
.048
.018
.236
.048
.018
.236
.048
.018
.236
.48
.018
.236
.048
.018
.236
.311
.292
.170
.298
.291
.323
.326
.180
.180
.180
.180
.244
.182
.075
.243
.185
.080
.250
.188
.079
.1 2 0
.1 2 0
.1 2 0
.243
.190
.080
.119
.109
.289
.115
.273
.119
.267
.243
.188
.078
.118
.119
.399
.039
.024
.056
.029
.049
.036
.057
.043
.033
.066
.038
.055
.045
.066
.044
.033
.064
.038
.056
.045
.064
.046
.043
.062
.041
.064
.050
.063
.047
.044
.061
.043
.072
.051
.064
.044
.039
.246
.060
.156
.058
.060
.109
.057
.056
.104
.057
.055
.109
.350
.305
.260
.355
.312
.264
.360
.315
.271
.360
.315
.272
.360
.315
.272
.069
.067
.062
.085
.083
.079
.091
.083
.084
.080
.078
.071
.078
.075
.068
.179
.162
6.080
.156
.195
.174
7.490
.208
.191
.170
7.250
.192
.185
.164
7.050
.177
.185
.164
7.050
.165
.1 2 0
.450
106
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F 45 C O M M O D IT IE S A S R E P O R T E D F O R B E R G E N , F O R E A C H
M O N T H , J U L Y T O N O V E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel,
industri og liikeri. Christiania, 1914. N o. 5, p. 239; N o. 6 , p. 281.]
Articles.
Beef:
Steak, fresh, pound...........................................................
Soup, pound........................................................................
M utton:
Fresh, hind quarters, p ou n d........................................
Fresh, forequarters, pound............................................
Salt, pound..........................................................................
Veal:
Steak, pound.......................................................................
Forequarters, pound........................................................
Very young, pound..........................................................
Pork:
Fresh, pound.......................................................................
N orwegian, salt, sides, pound.......................................
A
potind
Cod:
Fresh, pound.......................................................................
Salted, pound.....................................................................
Milk:
W hole, quart.......................................................................
Skimmed, quart.................................................................
Cream, quart...............................................................................
B utter:
Creamery, best, pound....................................................
Dairy, pound.......................................................................
Oleomargarine, best, pound..................................................
Cheese:
Norwegian, schweitzer, pound.....................................
Goat’s milk, pound..........................................................
W hey , pound......................................................................
W ith caraway seed, pound...........................................
Soft cream, pound.............................................................
Eggs, fresh, Norwegian, dozen.............................................
Flour:
W heat, American, Gold Medal, p o u n d ..................
R ye, Norwegian, pound.................................................
Potato, pound...................................................1 ...............
R ye bread, pound.....................................................................
Peas, yellow, Victoria, pound..............................................
Barley, pearl, pound................................................................
Rice, pound.....................................*..........................................
Oats:
Hulled, cleaned, Norwegian, p o u n d ........................
Hulled, cleaned, American, p o u n d ...........................
Potatoes, Norwegian, peck....................................................
Coffee:
Java, pound.........................................................................
Guatemala, pound............................................................
Santos, pound.....................................................................
Sugar:
Refined, pound...................................................................
Crushed, pound.................................................................
Brown or moist, p o u n d .................................................
Kerosene:
W ater-white, American, gallon...................................
Standard white, American, gallon.............................
Coal, ton of 2,000 pounds........................................................
Coke, N o. 2 , bushel...................................................................
August.
Septem
ber.
$0,170
.152
$0.169
.151
$0.147
.125
.182
. 170
.140
.169
.158
.150
.134
.131 !
.139
.118
.109
.119
.130
.128
.182
.160
.109
.170
.151
.168
.147
.090
.158
.150
.084
.146
.140
.077
.142
.146
.145
.158
.137
.145
.146
.136
.146
.158
.146
.049
.043
.062
.036
.062
.040
.061
.043
.061
.043
.046
.025
.203
.046
.025
.203
.046
.025
.203
.046
.025
.203
.051
.025
.254
.292
.261
.154
.310
.271
.177
.295
.267
.174
.292
.267
.174
.316
.292
.174
.231
.207
.085
.146
.227
.195
.077
.107
.109
.236
.231
.195
.078
.109
.109
.294
.231
.195
.079
.265
.230
.195
.074
.103
.097
.238
.......... .*378
.040
.027
.053
.028
.041
.038
.055
.045
.034
.058
.036
.058
.039
.060
.044
.035
.060
.036
.061
.039
.061
.049
.043
.058
.036
.081
.045
.058
.049
.043
.060
.036
.064
.047
.064
.036
.034
.236
.055
.055
.236
.053
. 055
.175
.055
.055
.165
.053
.050
.165
.340
.328
.267
.377
.338
.295
.370
.320
.287
.365
.316
.292
.365
.316
.292
.073
.066
.061
.085
.081
.078
.085
.083
.083
.083
.079
.073
.078
.075
.068
.152
.183
.168
8.170
.142
.191
.172
7.630
.144
. 162
7.290
.132
.172
.162
7.290
.132
July.
.1 2 2
6.590
.127
.1 0 2
October.
$0.125
.1 1 2
Novem
ber.
$0.136
.119
.1 2 2
.1 2 2
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- NORWAY.
R E T A IL
P R IC E S
O F 45 C O M M O D IT IE S A S R E P O R T E D F O R
M O N T H , J U L Y T O N O V E M B E R , 1914.
TROM SO, F O R
107
EACH
[Source: Sociale meddelelser utgit av Socialavdelingen under Departementet for sociale saker, handel,
industri og fiskeri. Christiania, 1914. N o. 5, p. 241; N o. 6 , p. 283.]
Articles.
Beef:
Steak, fresh, pound...........................................................
Soup, pound........................................................................
Mutton:
Fresh, hind quarters, pound........................................
Fresh, forequarters, pound............................................
Salt, pound...........................................................................
Veal:
Steak, pound.......................................................................
Forequarters, pound........................................................
Very young, pound...........................................................
Pork:
■Fresh, pound................................................................. .
Norwegian, salt, sides, p o u n d .....................................
American, pound...............................................................
Cod:
Fresh, pound.......................................................................
Salted, pound.....................................................................
Milk:
W hole, pound.....................................................................
Skimmed, pound...............................................................
Cream, pound.............................................................................
Butter:
Creamery, best, pound....................................................
Dairy, pound.......................................................................
Oleomargarine, best, pound..................................................
Cheese:
Norwegian, schweitzer, pound.....................................
Goat’s m ilk, pound...........................................................
W h ey , pound......................................................................
W ith caraway seed, pound...........................................
Soft cream, pound.............................................................
Eggs, fresh, Norwegian, dozen.............................................
F lo tr:
W hea t, American, Gold Medal, pound....................
R y e, Norwegian, pound.................................................
Potato, pound.....................................................................
Ry© bread, pound.....................................................................
Peas, yellow, Victoria, pound..............................................
Barley, pearl, pound................................................................
Rice, pound.................................................................................
Oats:
H ulled, cleaned, Norwegian, p o und ........................
Hulled, cleaned, Am erican, pound...........................
Potatoes, Norwegian, p eck........... . ......................................
Coffee:
Java, pound.........................................................................
Guatemala, pound.............................................................
Santos, pound.....................................................................
Sugar:
Refined, pound...................................................................
Crushed, pound..................................................................
Brown or moist, po u n d ...................................................
Kerosene:
Water-white, American, gallon...................................
Standard white, American, gallon.............................
Coal, ton o f 2,000 pounds........................................................
Coke, N o. 2 , bushel...................................................................
Novem
ber.
August.
Septem
ber.
October.
$0.150
.130
$0.133
.113
$0 .1 2 2
.106
$0 ,1 2 2
.097
$0 .1 2 2
.097
.154
.137
.124
.109
.126
.1 2 2
.118
.108
.1 0 1
.1 1 2
.118
.106
.113
July.
.1 2 2
.1 2 2
.146
.128
.073
.134
.1 2 2
.1 1 1
.105
.075
.115
.095
.073
.091
.073
.167
.167
.158
.167
.167
.169
.164
.163
.170
.170
.170
.170
.024
.030
.024
.030
.024
.030
.024
.030
.024
.024
.046
.025
.203
.046
.025
.203
.046
.025
.203
.04.6
.025
.203
.051
.030
.228
.276
.267
.164
.288
.276
.174
.283
.280
. 174
.283
.164
.292
.267
.162
.219
.170
.067
.061
.219
.146
.067
.061
.073
.288
.219
.137
.067
.062
.146
.073
.195
.154
.094
.270
.073
.1 2 2
.315
.281
.297
.061
.035
.041
.029
.052
.049
.049
.030
.063 ..........063
.039
.038
.046
.046
.035 1
.036
.060
. 061
.050
.043
.061
.043
.049
.040
.061
.049
.043
.061
.043
.051
.043
.058
.036
.036
.269
.049 '
.049
.246
. 051
.051
.165
.052
.052
.132
.146
.340
.292
.295
.340 !
.310
.278
.340
.316
.280
.328
.328
.304
.312
.073
.085
.084
.079
.089
.085
.094
.085
.........*079'
.085
.085
.077
.223
.203
7.630
. 189
.223
.203
6.690
.170
.213
. 199
6.690
.170
.219
.199
6.690
.170
.041
.0 2 2
.053
1
.073
.203
.183
6 .950
.170
According to a statement of the United States consul general at
Christiania of November 6, 1914, a liberal estimate of the increased
cost of living in Christiania caused by the European war is 10 per cent.
Beginning over a year ago wages of workingmen and salaried em
ployees have been increased to an average extent of about 15 per cent.
All Government employees were granted increases, graded in amount .
According to a report of the United States consul at Bergen, dated
November 3, 1914, the war has caused the cost of living to increase
108
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
about 25 or 30 per cent in Bergen. The following table shows the
retail prices for the city of Bergen of certain articles, immediately
preceding the war, and the prices prevailing November 1,1914, with
the percentage of increase.
Prices,
June, 1914.
Articles.
Butter, pound.................
Eggs, dozen.......................
M ilk, quart.......................
Potatoes, bushel.............
Flour, wheat, hundred
w eight.............................
Bread, loaf.........................
Sugar, hundredweight..
H am , pound.....................
W ood , birch, cord 1 ........
Prices,
Per cent
November,
of increase.
1914.
$0,219
.225
.04
.47
$0,264
.350
.053
.55
2.91
.08
6.08
.17
5.00
4.37
.1 2
8.51
.2 0
6.70
21
56
33
17
50
50
40
18
34
i Price for Swedish cord, which equals 0.126 cubic feet, while English cord equals 0.128 cubic feet.
Staple groceries have increased 20 per cent and canned and package
goods retailing for small amounts have doubled in price in many
cases. Washing and laundry work has gone up from 54 cents per
day to 67 cents per day. Common sewing is now 81 cents per day and
board. Dressmaking costs from $5 to $10 more per dress.
SWEDEN.
Sweden met the possible and actual increase in prices consequent
upon the war in three different ways: (1) By prohibiting the export
of certain food commodities, supplies, etc.; (2) by empowering the
Crown to fix maximum prices on designated articles of general con
sumption; and (3) at a later date by removing the import duty on
certain grains and breads tuffs.
A special State commission on the food supply (Statens livsmedelskommission) was appointed by the King on August 11, while pre
viously, on August 7, local commissions of a similar character had
been appointed. The central State commission is composed of 4
members who are Government officials. The duty of the commis
sion is to ascertain the available food supply with a view to husband
ing it for the future; and, subject to royal order, it was authorized to
fix the maximum price from time to time of those articles coming
within its control. It is to act in cooperation with the local food com
missions, the existing authorities, producers, distributors, and con
sumers. Among the associations with which the commission expects
most generally to cooperate is the National Farmers’ Federation, and
in order to assist this association to meet the additional expenses in
curred in this work, the Government made a loan to the federation
of 500,000 crowns ($134,000) at 4J per cent interest, the loan to be
repayable September 1, 1915.
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- SWEDEN.
109
A special law v>ras passed on October 9, 1914, empowering the
Crown to fix maximum prices from time to time. The enforcement
of the law and supplementary orders is in the hands of the abovementioned commission. In addition to the above law there had
been in force certain royal orders prohibiting the export of desig
nated commodities of general consumption as well as war materials
and supplies. The first of these orders was dated August 1, since
which time others have been issued as circumstances required.
Among the commodities included in the first order were the following:
Fuels, grains, forage, bread, canned goods, leather, hides and skins,
boots and shoes, mineral oils, all kinds of fats (vegetable and animal),
saddlery, ammunition, motor vehicles, and other war supplies. The
order concluded with the significant statement that according to the
best information there was in the Kingdom a supply of breadstuffs
more than sufficient to last until the domestic crop of bread grain
could be harvested. The quality of this latter was reported as very
good and the quantity sufficient to meet all future needs.
A translation of the law relating to the fixing of maximum prices
follows.
Law
on
the
Con trol
over
C e r t a in C o m m o d it ie s d u r in g W a r
W a r , O c t o b e r 9, 1914.
or
D anger
op
S e c t i o n 1. If it is found in time of war or the danger of war, that, anywhere within
the Kingdom or any district thereof, the prices of provisions, forage, articles used for
fuel or lighting or to generate power, articles of clothing, or other necessaries of life
become materially higher than circumstances warrant, the Crown shall have the right,
wherever it is found necessary, to prescribe within proper limits that the prices of
such commodities sold under conditions of normal competition shall not exceed a
level to be fixed by the Crown.
The highest price of an article may, even if the character of the article be similar, be
fixed differently for different parts of the country, and it may also be fixed differently
for the different kinds of selling trades (wholesale, retail).
The Crown shall have the right to grant such exceptions from the above regulations
as may be found reasonable.
S e c . 2 . In case anyone has in his possession a considerable quantity, and evidently
more than what is required by himself or his household or for his business other than a
selling trade, of any article for which a maximum price is applicable according to
section 1, and if he refuses to sell such commodity at such price, and if it is found that
the sale of such commodity is necessary, having regard for the supply thereof, the royal
authorities shall have the right to order the sale of said commodity for the account of
the owner and at his expense at the price fixed.
The provisions of the above paragraph shall be correspondingly applicable where a
creditor is in possession of a commodity referred to in the above paragraph as a pledge
or under rights of a lien or has a right to retain such commodity as security for his
claims; and the creditor shall have the right to satisfy his claims out of the proceeds
of sale.
The orders of the royal authorities concerning the sale of the commodity shall be
executed although a dispute is pending as to such orders.
Sec. 3. If during war and danger from war any commodity within the meaning of
section 1 is likely to become so limited in quantity through unrestricted sale or con
sumption that there shall arise considerable difficulty in providing an adequate
supply, the owner of such commodity, whether or not saia commodity is plainly
indispensable for him or his household, is required, if the Crown so orders, to relinquish
such commodity to the Crown upon payment at its full value.
Such payment shall be determined by a commission, as provided by the law of May
24,1895, on the duty of cities and private persons to meet requisitions for war purposes,
110
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
and there shall be applicable relative to the manner and time of such payment what
is set down in that law concerning the discharge of a complete requisition.
Sec. 4. One who, with knowledge of the fact that a maximum price has been fixed
for a commodity within the meaning of section 1, holds such commodity for sale at a
price higher than fixed, or who, upon inquiry by the royal authorities or by their
deputies at the orders of the former, seeks to mislead said authorities concerning his
possession of a commodity or concerning the quantity thereof, shall be punishable by
a fine of from 5 crowns [$1.34] to 10,000 crowns [$2,680].
The same provision shall be applicable, if one who is in possession of a commodity
ordered relinquished to the Crown according to section 3 seeks knowingly to mislead
the authorities at any inquiry, such as is mentioned in paragraph 1 above, concerning
his possession of a commodity or concerning its quantity.
All fines imposed shall be paid to the Crown. If assets are lacking for the payment
of any fine, commutation thereof shall take place according to the provisions of the
general Penal Code.
Sec. 5. The Crown shall issue more detailed regulations which may be necessary
for the application of this law or for the disposition of the supply of commodities
relinquished to the Crown according to section 3.
The law shall go into effect at once after its passage and shall remain in force until
April 30, 1915. Royal orders concerning the maximum prices of commodities within
the meaning of section 1 shall not be applicable longer than to said day. If on that
day payment has not been made for commodities ordered relinquished to the Crown
according to section 3, the provisions of said section concerning the determination of
the amount, time, and manner of payment shall be applicable. The provisions of
section 4 shall continue applicable relative to offenses referred to therein and com
mitted during the period the law was in force.
Subsequent to the passage of this act, about the middle of
November, an agreement was arrived at between the commission
on the food supply and the large millers, whereby the latter agreed
not to pay for domestic grain more than $1.61 a bushel (60 pounds)
for the best quality wheat and SI.43 a bushel (56 pounds) for the
best quality rye. At the same time, the millers bound themselves
not to raise the prices (wholesale) of their products over the existing
level.1
As late as December, 1914, no decrees fixing prices had been
passed other than the agreement noted above, which is in reality
the equivalent of such a decree, fixing, as it does, jobbers’ prices on
domestic grains.
On December 23, 1914, the Crown ordered the repeal of all customs
duties on wheat and rye, and flours thereof, effective December 28,
1914, to May 31, 1915.
The table which follows shows retail prices of certain commodities
based on average of prices in 44 different centers in Sweden for the
months of June, July, August, September, October, November, and
December, 1914, as reported in the journal of the Swedish labor office.
i Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Stockholm, 1914.
N o. 11, p. 1104.
I ll
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- SWEDEN.
A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R IC E Q U O T A T IO N S O F F O O D , E T C ., F R O M 44 SO U R C E S IN S W E D E N ,
F O R E A C H M O N T H , J U N E T O D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Articles.
Milk:
Unskimm ed, quart............................................
Skimmed, quart..................................................
Separated, q u a rt................................................
Butter:
Table, creamery, pound.............................
Cooking, country, pound............... .................
Cheese:
Full cream, pound........................................
H alf cream, pound..............................................
Skimmed m ilk, pound......................................
Margarine, vegetable, pound..................................
Egas, Swedish, fresh, dozen....................................
Potatoes:
Old, peck..........................................................
N ew , peck............ ................................................
Peas, yellow, pound.............................................
Beans, brown, pound.. .....................................—
Flour, wheat, Swedish, best, pound...................
Meal, rye, Swedish, best, pound..........................
Flour, rye, Swedish, best, pou n d.........................
Oats, steam-prepared, pound.................................
Rice, Swedish, best, pound....................................
Bread:
R ye, hard, coarse, pound...........................
R ye, soft, loaf, sweet, pound..........................
R ye, soft, loaf, sour, pound.......................
W heat, Zwieback, round, ordinary, pound.
W heat, soft, cheapest, with water, pound ..
W h ea t, soft, cheapest, w ith m ilk, pound ...
Beef:
Fresh, steak, pound.....................................
Fresh, soup, pound.......................................
Veal:
Steak, fattened, pound....... .......................
Steak, tender, pound...................................
Lam b:
Fresh, steak, p o u n d ....................................
Salt,Sw edisn, pound........................................
Pork:
Fresh, sides, pound............ ...............................
Salt, Swedish., pound........................................
Fish:
Fresh, perch, pound....... ............................
Fresh, pike, pound............................................
Fresh, herring, pound.................; ...................
Fresh, herring, small, pound..........................
Fresh, cod, pound..............................................
Fresh, plaice, pound..........................................
Salt, herring, pound..........................................
Salt, herring, sm all, pound.............................
Salt, cod, with fins and tail, pound............
Salt, cod, round cut, pound............................
Coffee, green, prime, Santos, pound....................
Sugar, loaf (cubes), pound......................................
Salt, table, pound.......................................................
Small beer, quart........................................................
Kerosene, water-white, gallon................................
W ood , birch, unsawed, delivered, cord..............
W ood , pine or fir, unsawed, delivered, cord ...
Coal, anthracite, bushel............................................
Coal, English-household, b u sh e l..........................
Coke, gas-works, bushel...........................................
Coke, English, stove, bushel..................................
June.
Stockholm, 1914.
!
Sep
July. IAugust.
tember.
!
j
N o. 12, p. 1303.]
Octo
ber.
Novem Decem
ber.
ber.
SO. 036
.020
.015
$0,038
.020
.015
$0,038
-.020
.015
$0,038
.020
.015
$0,038
.020
.015
$0,038
.020
.015
$0,038
.020
.015
.275
.249
.283
.255
.283
.260
.286
.264
.308
.282
.312
.291
.326
.298
.196
.145
.072
.168
.211
.196
.145
.072
.168
.220
.196
.145
.074
.176
.217
.195
.142
.072
.181
.240
.194
.145
.071
.190
.334
.197
.145
.072
. 191
.397
.199
.147
.077
.192
.434
.137
. 151
.486
.036
.056
.038
.026
.033
.044
.047
.165
.264
.040
.061
.044
.030
.038
. 055
.051
„ 170
.146
.146
.151
.038
.056
.038
.026
.032
.044
.047
.043
.062
.043
.030
.038
.057
.051
.052
.064
.045
.033
.040
.062
.051
.057
.069
.045
.034
.041
.062
.052
.060
.072
.045
.034
.041
.063
.052
.050
.046
.038
.091
.052
.073
.050
.046
.038
.091
.053
.072
.057
.052
.040
.098
.060
.077
.056
.051
.039
.098
.058
.077
.057
.053
. 039
.098
.060
.078
.057
.053
.039
.100
.061
.078
.057
.053
.039
100
.060
.078
. 146
.118
.143
.118:
.141
.115
.137
.112
. 133
.107
.130
.106
.133
.108
.160
.086
.159
.084
.156
.083
.154
.081
.152
.081
. 153
.081
.158
.085
.168
.146
.165
.147
.159
.146
.152
.142
.142
.139
.142
.139
.147
.140
.156
.164
.156
.164
.154
.165
.153
.163
. 153
.164
.154
.167
, 159
.170
.088
.131
.040
.044
.067
.098
.051
.038
.068
.092
.191
.078
.091
.137
.046
-. 045
.067
.097
.052
.038
.069
.092
.191
.078
.015
.203
7.067
5.703
.370
.213
. 140
.168
.015
.203
7.094
5.703
.370
.216
.137
.167
.092
.137
.051
.046
.071
.100
.055
.039
.073
.095
.195
.080
.012
.015
.203
7.367
5.975
.441
.274
.154
.210
.091
.135
.047
.046
.071
.098
. 055
.038
.073
.095
.193
.080
.012
.015
. 213
7.340
5.921
.420
.249
.152
.195
.092
.133
.045
.050
.069
.097
.055
.036
.073
.095
.195
.080
.012
.015
.223
7.340
5.921
.403
.241
. 154
.182
.090
.128
.045
.052
.068
.097
.055
.036
.072
.094
.195
.080
.011
.015
.223
7.312
5.894
.399
.237
. 153
.182
.092
.133
.043
.052
.071
.100
.056
.036
.073
.095
.196
.080
.011
.015
. 223
7.312
5.894
.398
.243
. 155
.183
112
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
The Swedish labor office has made a comparison of the increase in
prices in the months of August, September, October, November, and
December, 1914, over prices prevailing in July of that year. The
result is as follows:
P E R C E N T O F IN C R E A S E IN P R IC E S , F R O M 44 S O U R C E S I N S W E D E N , F O R
M O N T H , A U G U S T TO D E C E M B E R , 1914, O V E R P R IC E S IN J U L Y O F T H E
YEAR.
[ Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna av Iv. Socialstyrelsen.
Articles.
Stockholm, 1915.
Au
gust.
Sep
tember.
Octo
ber.
EACH
SA M E
N o. 1, p. 59.]
N ovem Decem
ber.
ber.
Butter:
Table, creamery.....................................................................................
0 .9
8.6
10.3
15
O
fJonlrinp, nrmntry. . ____ ________________________________ _____
3.3
10.5
1.9
13.8
16.7
Margarine, vegetable....................................................................................
5.1
8
13
13.8
14.5
Eggs, Swedish, fresh....................................................................................
1.5
8.8
51.8
80.3
97.1
Peas, yellow.....................................................................................................
10
16.7
43.3
56. 7
63.3
Beans, brown..................................................................................................
8.7
15.2
10.9
23.9
28.3
16.1
Flour, wheat, Swedish, best.....................................................................
19.4
19.4
12.9
19.4
Meal, rye, Swedish, best.............................................................................
19
19
28.6
33.3
33.3
Flour, rye, Swedish, best...........................................................................
14.8
14.8
22.2
25.9
25.9
Oats, steam-prepared...................................................................................
41.7
25
44.4
7.7
7.7
7.7
Rice, Swedish, best.......................................................................................
10.3
10.3
Bread:
12.2
14.6
R ye, hard, coarse...................................................................................
14.6
14.6
14.6
13.2
R ye, soft, loaf, sweet............................................................................
10.5
15.8
15.8
15.8
R ye, soft, loaf, sour...............................................................................
6.5
3.2
3.2
3 .2
3.2
W hea t, Zwieback, round, ordinary...............................................
8
8
8
9.3
9.3
11.4
11.4
9.1
W hea t, soft, cheapest, with water..................................................
13.6
11.4
W heat, soft, cheapest, with m ilk....................................................
6.8
6.8
8.5
8.5
8.5
Beef:
2 1.7
2 4 .2
2 7.6
Fresh, steak.............................................................................................
2 9 .3
2 7.6
2 2.1
2 5.2
Fresh, soup..............................................................................................
2 8.2
2 9.3
2 10.3
Veal:
2 3.1
2 4 .6
2 3 .8
Steak, fattened.......................................................................................
2 2.3
2 .8
2 1.4
2 2.9
2 2.9
2 2.9
1.4
Steak, tender...........................................................................................
Lam b:
214
2 11
2 8.1
2 14
Fresh, steak.............................................................................................
2 3.7
2 .8
2 3.3
25
Salt, Swedish...........................................................................................
2 5 .8
2 5.8
Pork:
2 .8
2 1 .6
2 .8
2.3
2 1 .6
Fresh, sides..............................................................................................
Salt, Swedish...........................................................................................
.7
2 .7
1.5
3.7
7
4 .7
4.7
4.7
4.7
Fish, salt, herring........................................... ..............................................
1.9
1.9
2.5
Co-fee, green, prime, Santos......................................................................
1.3
1.9
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
Sugar, ioaf (cubes).........................................................................................
0
Kerosene, w ater-w hite...............................................................................
10
10
10
(})
W ood :
3.8
Birch, unsawed, delivered.................................................................
3.5
3.1
2.7
3.1
4.8
3 .8
3.8
2 .9
Pine or fir, unsawed, delivered........................................................
3 .3
Coal:
19.1
13.5
8.9
7.7
7.4
Anthracite, w a ln u t........................ ......................................................
26.6
11.4
1 2 .2
English, household, stove..................................................................
15.3
9.6
Coke:
11
12.4
12.4
13.1
11.7
Gas-works.............. ..................................................................................
25.4
16.4
9
English, stove.........................................................................................
9
9.6
i No change.
2
Decrease.
Inasmuch as the retail prices of commodities frequently vary from
place to place on account of local conditions governing their produc
tion, it has been deemed advisable to present some tables to show
these differences. The tables which follow show prices for the same
54 commodities as appear in the general tables already presented for
Sweden and are taken from the same official source, the journal of the
Swedish labor office. The four cities have been selected on the basis
of their location, three coast cities, on the southwest, east, and south
coasts, respectively, and one in the interior of the country.
30.6
4
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— SWEDEN.
113
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F F O O D A N D O T H E R H O U S E H O L D C O M M O D IT IE S I N S R E B R O , F O R
E A C H M O N T H , J U N E T O D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Articles,
Milk:
Unskimmed, qu art.............................................
Skimmed, quart...................................................
Separated, qu art.................................................
Butter:
Table, creamery, pound...................................
Cooking, country, pound.................................
Stockholm, 1914: Nos. 8 , 1 0 ; 1915: N o. 1.J
July.
August.
Sep
tember.
$0,038
.018
.013
$0,038
.018
.013
$0,038
.018
.013
$0,038
.018
.013
$0,041
$0,041
$0,041
.015
.015
.015
.263
.248
.265
.248
.271
.261
.280
.271
.302
.295
.304
.282
.309
.288
.219
.176
.061
.170
.204
.219
.182
.061
.170
.215
.216
.176
.066
.181
.214
.213
.176
.067
.182
.224
.213
.176
.067
.192
.309
.213
.170
.073
.193
.370
.213
.170
.073
.193
.408
.146
.165
.694
.033
.053
.039
.026
.030
.043
.046
.179
.161
.151
.146
.032
.053
.039
.026
.030
.043
.046
.307
.036
.049
.045
.029
.035
.060
.050
.040
.049
.045
.029
.036
.057
.049
.047
.073
.045
.033
.040
.061
.052
.051
.050
.091
.046
.034
.041
.061
.055
.045
.046
.049
.097
.044
.071
.045
.046
.049
.097
.041
.071
.051
.061
.049
.058
.052
.057
.050
.061
.105
.064
.088
.103
.063
.079
.103
.064
.079
.050
.063
.036
.105
.062
.080
.134
.103
.1 2 2
.115
.092
.115
.091
.114
.094
.115
.084
.128
.097
.134
.078
.137
.068
.129
.063
.135
.069
.141
.067
.142
.067
.151
.086
.158
.164
.145
.142
.140
.139
.151
.164
.164
.164
.164
.159
.159
.158
.158
.158
.158
.158
.158
.164
.158
.077
.130
.053
.077
.085
.049
.083
.137
.057
.051
.080
.140
.051
.051
.091
.049
.092
.053
.083
.136
.050
.047
.069
.092
.049
.077
.114
.052
.066
.073
.095
.053
.074
.114
.051
.058
.077
.095
.052
.081
.133
.045
.052
.080
.097
.049
.073.092
.182
.078
.071
.092
.182
.078
.015
.203
.015
.183
.077
.095
.188
.080
.017
.015
.203
.074
.092
.192
.080
.018
.018
.223
.077
.095
.195
.080
.015
.015
.056
.073
.095
.192
.080
.015
.015
.056
.073
.095
.192
.080
.015
.018
.056
VIlwiA« ♦
Full cream, pound..............................................
H alf cream, p ound..............................................
Skimmed m ilk, pound......................................
Margarine, vegetable, pound.......................... ..
Eggs, Swedish, fresh, dozen....................................
Potatoes:
O ld, p e c k ...............................................................
N ew , peck...............................................................
Peas, yellow, p ound...................................................
BfianSj b™wn, pound__ r......................................
Flour, wheat, Swedish, best, pound..................
Meal, rye, Swedish, best, pound...........................
Flour, rye, Swedish, best, pound.........................
Oats, steam-prepared, pound.................................
Rice, Swedish, best, pound....................................
Bread:
R ye, hard, coarse, pound................................
R ye, soft, loaf, sweet, p ound........................
R ve. soft, loaf, sour, p o u n d ..........................
W heat, Zweiback, round, ordinary, pound.
W heat, soft, cheapest, w ith water, pound.
W heat, soft, cheapest, with milk, pound. .
Beef:
Fresh, steak, pound...........................................
Fresh, soup, pound.............................................
Veal:
Steak, fattened, pound.....................................
Steak, tender, pound.........................................
Lam b:
Fresh, steak, pound...........................................
Salt, Swedish, pound........................................
Pork:
Fresh, sides, pound............................................
Fish:
’
Fresh, perch, pound..........................................
Fresh, pike, pound.............................................
Fresh, herring, pound.......................................
Fresh, herring, small, pound..........................
Fresh, cod, pound..............................................
Fresh, plaice, pound..........................................
Salt, herring, pound............ .............................
Salt, herring, small, pound.............................
Salt,cod, with fins and tail,pound................
Salt, cod, round cut, p o u n a..........................
Coffee, green, prime, Santos, pound....................
Sugar, loaf (cubes), pound......................................
Salt, table, pound.......................................................
Small beer, quart.........................................................
Kerosene, water-white, gallon...............................
W ood :
Birch, unsawed, delivered, cord...................
Pine or fir, unsawed, delivered, cord..........
Coal:
Anthracite, bushel..............................................
English, household, bushel.............................
Coke:
Gas-works, bushel...............................................
English, stove, bushel.......................................
87285°— Bull. 170— 15------ 8
Octo
N o
De
ber. vember. cember.
June.
8.73
6.79
8.73
6.79
8.95
6.79
9.11
6.79
8.92
6.58
.046
.033
.041
.061
.055
8.92
6.58
.105
.063
.080
.1 0 1
8.92
6.58
.425
.260
.425
.260
.156
.156
.2 1 2
.2 1 2
.156
.189
.354
.236
.354
.236
.449
.331
.449
.312
.425
.260
.127
.189
.127
.189
.149
.236
.156
.236
114
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F FO O D A N D O T H E R H O U S E H O L D C O M M O D IT IE S I N G O T T E N B O R G ,
F O R E A C H M O N T H , JU N E T O D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Articles.
June.
Milk:
TTnslrimmftd, quart. _____ , - T - - r.................. $0,038
SkiTnjnfid, qu art............... r
^r r, r. .
.018
SApaTHt^d, quart................................
.018
B utter:
Table, creamery, p o u n d ............................... .
.267
Cooking, country, p o u n d ................................
.260
Cheese:
Full cream, pound.............. ...............................
.182
Hal f er^am, pound..............................................
TTnskiTriffiPn m ilk, pound................................
Margarine, vegetable, pound..................................
.162
Eggs, Swedish, fresh, d o z e n ..,________________
.196
Potatoes:
Old, peck.............................. ...............................
.118
N ew , peck.............................................................
Peas, yellow, p o u n d ................................ .................
.036
B m ns, brown, pound __________________
.052
Flour, wheat, Swedish, best, pou n d. . . . . ___
.038
Meal, rve, Swedish, best, pound...........................
.026
Flour, rye, Swedish, best, pound. . . ...................
.032
.043
Oats, steam-prepared, p o u n d ...............................
■Rifip., Swfidisn, pest, pound ^T________________
.043
Bread:
R ye, hard, coarse, pound...............
.045
R ye, soft, loaf, sweet, p o u n d .....................
.043
.027
R y e , soft, loaf, sour, pound.............................
Wheat, Zwieback, round, ordinary, pound
.081
.044
W heat, soft, cheapest, with water, pound.
.050
W heat, soft, cheapest, with milk, po u n d ..
Beef:
Fresh, steak, pound...........................................
.145
Fresh, soup, pound.............................................
.1 2 0
Veal:
Steak, fattened, pound.....................................
.164
.073
Steak, tender, pound.........................................
L a m b:
Fresh, steak, pound....................................... ..
.180
Salt, Swedish, p o u n d ........................................
Pork:
Fresh, sides, pound.........................................
.152
Soft, Swedish, pound.....................................
.152
Fish:
.1 2 2
Fresh, perch, pound...........................................
.164
Fresh, pike, pou n d.............................................
Fresh, herring, pound.......................................
.057
Fresh, herring, small, pound..........................
Fresh, cod, pound...............................................
.052
Fresh, plaice, pound...........................................
.097
Salt, herring, pound...........................................
.036
Salt, herring, small, pound..............................
Salt, cod, w ith fins and tail, pound.............
.061
Salt, cod, round cut, pound . . ...............
.180
Coffee, green, prim e, Santos, pound....................
.078
Sugar, loaf (cubes), pound.......................................
Salt, table, pound .......................................................
.0 2 0
Small beer, quart....................... ...............................
.183
Kerosene, water-white, gallon..........................
W ood , birch, unsawed, delivered, cord.............. 10.31
9.00
W ood , pine or fir, unsawed, delivered, cord .. .
Coal:
.368
Anthracite, bushel............................................
.184
English, household, bushel.............................
Coke:
.123
Gas-house, bushel.................................................
.146
English, stove, bu sh el.....................................
Stockholm, 1914: Nos. 8 , 10; 1915: N o. 1.]
July.
August.
Septem
ber.
Octo
ber.
$0,041
$0,038
.018
.018
$0,033
.018
.018
$0,038
$0,043
$0,043
.0 2 0
.018
.018
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.292
.255
.284
.265
.288
.256
.326
.278
.322
.304
.350
.315
.181
.187
.185
.185
.191
.191
.164
.176
.199
.182
.246
.195
.334
.195
.412
.195
.453
.0 2 0
.2 1 1
N ovem Decem
ber.
ber.
.142
.406 ***.227*
.041
.036
.052
.063
.043
.038
.026
.032
.039
.032
.043
.058
.044
.045
.146
.142
.142
.142
.049
.061
.040
.030
.038
.057
.045
.055
.061
.061
.043
.033
.040
.061
.045
.043
.034
.041
.061
.046
.043
.034
.041
.061
.040
.045
.043
.027
.081
.044
.050
.055
.047
.030
.088
.050
.056
.052
.049
.030
.086
.051
.057
.051
.049
.032
.089
.051
.057
.051
.051
.032
.089
.051
.057
.051
.051
.032
.089
.051
.057
.140
.115
.140
.115
.140
.115
.140
.113
.140
.109
.140
.114
.164
.073
.164
.079
.164
.079
.159
.079
.158
.079
.158
.084
.170
.170
.164
.147
.134
.134
.152
.152
.153
.153
.158
.158
.158
.158
.159
.158
.171
.170
.137
.182
.145
.182
.136
.175
.129
.158
.057
.049
.097
.036
.055
.052
.109
.036
.055
.067
.118
.036
.055
.073
.113
.036
.125
.145
.043
.068
.080
.109
.036
.131
.157
.040
.074
.095
.036
.061
.061
.057
.058
.062
.062
.182
.078
.182
.079
.007
.185
.079
.009
.188
.079
.009
.188
.079
.007
.1 2 2
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.183
10.31
9.00
.183
10.91
9.55
.203
10.78
9.63
.203
10.72
9.42
.203
10.72
9.36
.188
.079
.007
.023
.203
10.72
9.36
.368
.184
.467
.278
.425
.236
.425
.236
.401
.203
.425
.236
.123
.146
.123
.183
.125
.165
.127
.165
.127
.151
.127
.165
115
POOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— SWEDEH.
R E T A IL
P R IC E S
O P F O O D A N D O T H E R H O U S E H O L D C O M M O D IT IE S
F O E E A C H M O N T H , J U N E T O D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna ay K . Socialsfcyrelsen.
Articles.
Milk:
Unskimm ed, quart.............
Skimmed, quart...................
Separated, quart..................
Butter:
Table, creamery, p o u n d ...
Cooking, country, pound..
Cheese:
Full cream, pound..............
H alf cream, pound..............
Skimmed m ilk, p o u n d ....
Margarine, vegetable, po u n d ..
Eggs, Swedish, fresh, d o zen ...
Old, peck............ ..............................................
New, p e c k .,.....................................................
Peas, yellow, pound.............................«..............
Beans, brown, pound...........................................
Flour, wheat, Swedish, best, pound..............
Meal, rye, Swedish, best, pound.....................
Flour, rye, Swedish, best, pound...................
Oats, steam-prepared, pound................... ,.......
Rice, Swedish, best, pound...............................
Bread:
R ye, hard, coarse, pound. . . ___ : ...........
R ye, soft, loaf, sweet, pound....................
R ye, soft, loaf, sour, pound.............................
W heat, Zwieback, round, ordinary, pound
W heat, soft, cheapest, with water, pound..
W heat, soft, cheapest, with m ilk, p o u n d ..
Beef:
Fresh, steak, pound.....................................
Fresh, soup, pound.......................................
Veal:
Steak, fattened, pound................................
Steak, tender, pound...................................
Lam b:
Fresh, steak, pound.....................................
Salt, Swedish, pound...................................
Pork:
Fresh, sides, pound......................................
Salt, Swedish, pound...................................
Fish:
Fresh, perch, pound.....................................
Fresh, pike, pound.......................................
Fresh, herring, pound.................................
Fresh, herring, sm all, pound....................
Fresh, cod, pound.........................................
Fresh, plaice, pound.....................................
Salt* herring, pound.....................................
Salt, herring, small, pound.......................
Salt, cod, with fins and tail, pound____
Salt, cod, round cut, pound......................
Coffee, green, prime, Santos, pound..............
Sugar, loaf (cubes), pound.................................
Salt, table, p ound.................................................
Small beer, quart...................................................
Kerosene, water-white, gallon..........................
W ood :
Birch, unsawed, delivered, cord.............
Pine or fir, unsawed, delivered, cord.. .
Coal:
Anthracite, bushel........................................
English, household, bushel.........................
Coke:
Gas-works, bushel.........................................
English, stove, bushel...................................
IN
M ALM O,
Stockholm, 1914: N os. 8 , 1 0 ; 1915: N o. 1.]
N ovem Decem
ber.
ber.
June.
July.
August.
Septem
ber.
Octo
ber.
$0,038
.015
.013
$0,038
.015
.013
$0,038
.015
.013
$0,038
.015
.013
$0,038
.018
.015
$0,038
.018
.015
$0,038
.018
.015
.263
.242
.286
.250
.276
.249
.288
.261
.317
.292
.316
.298
.344
.315
.229
.184
.146
.164
.229
.184
.146
.164
.225
.226
.184
.146
.174
.206
.226
.184
.225
.182
.218
.184
.225
.184
.184.249
.191
.346
.190
.442
.188
.471
.165
.373
.043
.057
.039
.030
.035
.049
.056
.151
.142
.142
.165
.043
.068
.039
.030
.035
.047
.056
.246
.043
.064
.047
.036
.040
.060
.056
.049
.066
.044
.034
.039
.061
.056
.061
.066
.045
.038
.043
.066
.055
.063
.078
.046
.039
.043
.067
.056
.063
.109
.047
.039
.044
.067
.056
.058
.029
.058
.029
.0 2 2
.0 2 2
.095
.069
.069
.095
.069
.069
.064
.032
.024
.098
.069
.069
.067
.032
.024
.098
.069
.069
.068
.032
.024
.098
.069
.069
.064
.032
.024
.098
.069
.069
.066
.032
.024
.098
.069
.069
.164
.146
.164
.146
.159
.146
.158
.146
.158
.146
.158
.146
.158
.146
.175
.115
.175
.115
.171
.107
.170
.170
.103
.170
.103
.170
.103
.186
.176
.169
.162
.158
.2 1 1
.142
.
.1 1 1
.1 2 2
.158
.195
.158
.195
.151
.186
.157
.190
.158
.192
.158
.196
.170
.198
.113
.162
.056
.109
.171
.056
.117
.164
.088
.1 0 2
.159
.056
.090
.152
.043
.091
.152
.049
.098
.152
.046
.073
.061
.085
.072
.090
.073
.072
.085
.073
.067
.083
.079
.064
.085
.073
.064
.092
.079
.077
.097
.013
.183
.013
.183
.073
.091
.207
.081
.009
.013
.183
.072
.091
.208
.081
.007
.013
.203
.067
.091
.203
.081
.009
.013
.203
.071
.091
.204
.081
.007
.013
.203
.071
.091
.079
.077
.097
.209
.079
8.54
7.99
8.54
7.99
9.91
9.08
9.71
8.90
9.71
8.90
9.71
8.90
.2 0 2
.081
.007
.013
.203
9.71
8.90
.400
.156
.400
.156
.419
.261
.401
.216
.400
.217
.307
.181
.321
.195
.104
.123
.113
.123
.118
.230
.123
.177
.123
.156
.123
.146
.123
.149
116
BULLETIN OF TH E BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R E T A I L P R IC E S O F F O O D A N D O T H E R H O U S E H O L D C O M M O D IT IE S IN S T O C K H O L M ,
F O R E A C H M O N T H , J U N E T O D E C E M B E R , 1914.
[Source: Sociala meddelanden utgivna av K . Socialstyrelsen.
Articles.
June.
M ilk:
Unskim m ed, quart.............................................* $0,041
Skim m ed, quart...................................................
.018
ftp.pqrfttpr}7. rmqrfcT.......... . T.
.018
B utter:
ftfWTiAryj pftnnd . . . . ___ _____ __ .,
.278
Cnnlririg,
........... - r_______
.260
Cheese:
Full cream, pound..............................................
.205
H a lf cream", pound..............................................
.162
Skimmed milk, pound......................................
.125
Margarine, vegetable, pound...................................
.169
TEggs Swp^isT^ froth' rJnzp/n, - - , ___ ____________
.227
Potatoes:
O ld , peck ...............................................................
.156
N ew , peck...............................................................
yftlloWj pnnnd . rT. r. , , . . r' , . . ..........
.030
browntpm ind. _, r . , , _ __________
.058
Flour, w heat/Sw edish, best, pound....................
.039
.028
Meal, rye, Swedish, best, pound.............................
.035
Flour, rye, Swedish, best, pound...........................
.043
Oats, steam-prepared, pound.................................
.051
Rice, Swedish, best,pound......................................
Bread:
.047
R y e , hard, coarse, pound.................................
.047
R y e , soft, loaf, sweet, pound...........................
.053
R y e , soft, loaf, sour, pound..............................
W h ea t, Zwieback, round, ordinary, pound
.117
W h ea t, soft, cheapest, with water, pound.
.056
.075
W heat, soft, cheapest, with m ilk, pound. . .
Beef:
Fresh, steak, pound...........................................
.153
Fresh, soup, pound.............................................
.128
Veal:
.182
Steak, fattened, pound.....................................
.130
Steak, tender, pound.....................................
La m b:
Fresh, steak, pound...........................................
.203
Salt, Swedish, pound.........................................
.143
Pork:
Fresh, sides, pound.............................................
.176
.175
Salt, Swedish, pound.........................................
Fish:
Fresh, perch, pound...........................................
.089
Fresh, pike, pound.............................................
.109
Fresh, herring, pound.......................................
.064
Fresh, herring, small, pound..........................
.091
Fresh, cod, pound...............................................
Fresh, plaice, pound..........................................
.096
.060
Salt, herring, pound...........................................
.049
Salt, herring, small, pound.............................
Salt, cod, with fins and tail, pound..............
.075
.086
Salt, codf, round cut, pound............................
.205
Coffee, green, prime, Santos, pound....................
Sugar, loaf (cubes),pound.......................................
.078
Salt, table, pound.......................................................
.0 2 0
Small beer, quart.........................................................
.193
Kerosene, water-white, gallon...............................
W ood :
8.48
Birch, unsawed, delivered, cord...................
6.90
Pine or fir, unsawed, delivered, cord..........
Coal:
Anthracite, bushel..............................................
.399
.225
English, household, bushel...............................
Coke:
.127
Gas-works, bushel...............................................
.159
English, stove, bushel.........................................
Stockholm, 1914: Nos. 8 ,10; 1915: N o. 1.J
July.
August.
Septem
ber.
Octo
ber.
$0,043
.018
.018
$0,043
.018
.018
$0,043
.018
.018
$0,043
.018
.018
$0,048
.023
.023
$0,048
.023
.023
.299
.270
.291
.270
.298
.275
.334
.312
.327
.306
.356
.326
.2 1 0
.171
.124
.169
.241
.203
.148
.108
.175
.249
.205
.159
.119
.195
.537
.165
.387 ‘ ”
.032
.057
.039
.029
.034
.041
.051
.*373*
.035
.072
.049
.034
.041
.058
.053
.051
.049
.060
.118
.062
.080
N ovem Decem
ber.
ber.
.2 0 2
.2 0 2
.151
.147
.1 1 1
.1 1 1
.181
.281
.190
.392
.199
.157
.115
.193
.473
.213
.170
.165
.161
.041
.069
.045
.032
.039
.061
.055
.053
.085
.047
.034
.043
.067
.055
.056
.091
.046
.034
.044
.069
.057
.061
.083
.046
.034
.044
.067
.057
.057
.055
.055
.119
.064
.081
.056
.055
.050
.117
.066
.085
.057
.061
.062
.047
.062
.090
.060
.062
.049
.117
.064
.090
.152
.124
.162
.128
.158
.125
.160
.119
.156
.123
.165
.128
.176
.123
.171
.115
.167
.114
.171
.1 0 0
.170
.098
.191
.130
.196
.150
.187
.145
.167
.139
.163
.142
.157
.139
.181
.141
.181
.182
.188
.192
.182
.184
.188
.182
.188
.188
.199
.196
.119
.168
.073
.066
.105
.098
.058
.049
.077
.088
.123
.171
.052
.063
.1 1 1
.1 0 1
.169
.057
.050
.154
.057
.047
.086
.094
.058
.057
.073
.094
.103
.137
.055
.060
.089
.115
.157
.052
.055
.090
.117
.060
.061
.074
.097
.1 1 2
.1 0 2
.107
.060
.058
.083
.091
.209
.080
.013
.096
.058
.062
.080
.097
.209
.080
.015
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.183
.193
.2 0 2
.078
8.57
6.95
9.91
8.07
.0 6 1
.047
.113
.063
.088
.1 1 2
.1 0 1
.080
.015
.060
.055
.073
.086
.208
.080
.015
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.0 2 0
.203
.213
.213
.213
9.79
7.80
.2 0 1
9.82
7.50
9.91
7.55
.2 1 0
.080
.015
9.82
7.55
.404
.226
.455
.293
.452
.270
.443
.250
.441
.250
.449
.273
.126
.157
.195
.232
.164
.206
.151
.198
.146
.179
.146
.203
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— SPAIN.
117
SPAIN.
In Spain the cost of living has been steadily rising for some years
past, but up to November, 1914, the war had not seemed to increase
this movement materially. At the outbreak of the war the Govern
ment declared an embargo on foodstuffs, and mo3t municipalities took
steps to regulate prices. The great mass of the people in Spain live on
domestic products, and the cutting off of the export markets rendered
a larger supply available for home consumption. On the other hand
the shutting off of exports has reduced employment and brought
about hard times. In some places the difference between earnings
and cost of living is so great that serious labor troubles are feared.
Reports from the consuls at Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Va
lencia follow.
B a r c e l o n a , S p a i n , November 9, 1914*
Owing to the policy of the Government in placing an embargo on
numerous food products and fixing prices generally, the cost of living
has not advanced materially in this city. There has, however, been
a general tendency for the prices of foods to advance. Importations
of food products used in well-to-do families have decreased. More
over, it is forbidden dealers and others to accumulate and hold stocks
of food products in order to realize higher prices. All firms dealing
in food products are obliged to give a daily report of their sales, for
such quantities as require explanation, to show that no warehousing
of large stocks is intended. In addition, certificates covering sales
of over one ton must be produced to prove that the goods are not
designed for shipment out of Spain.
The prices fixed by the authorities are shown for a number of items
entering into the cost of living.
Prices fixed by the Government.
Olive oil, per quart..................................................................$0.218- $0.341
Rice, per pound.......................................................................
. 041. 073
Macaroni, per pound.......................................................................059. 122
Beans, per pound............................................................................ 041. 073
Chick-peas, imported, per pound................................................ 100. 163
Chick-peas, domestic, per pound.................................................050. 082
Sugar, per pound............................................................................. 073. 100
Bacon, per pound............................................................................163. 204
Lard, per pound.............. ................................................................181. 204
Potatoes, per pound............................................. ..........................009. 018
Lentils, French, per pound.......................................................... 082. 100
Soap, per pound...............................................................................059. 100
Condensed milk, imported, per can....................................
. 160
Condensed milk, domestic, per can.....................................
. 130
Eggs, per dozen................................................................................360. 450
Bread, per pound.....................................................................
.032
Prices not fixed by Government.
Milk, cow’s, per quart.............................................................
Milk, goat’s, per quart........... ................................................
Butter, per pound....................................................................
Cheese, Holland, per pound..................................................
Eggs, strictly fresh, per dozen.............................................
. 085
. 104
. 386
. 218
. 630
M a d r i d , S p a i n , November 9, 1914.
The cost of necessaries in Madrid is usually from 15 to 100 per cent
higher than in New York City. Since the beginning of the war a
slight increase in household supplies generally is noted. An increase
118
BULLETIN
of
the
bureau
of
laboe
s t a t is t ic s .
of 5 per cent on condensed milk and cheese has already occurred, and
an advance on butter is expected to follow shortly. Dealers in meat
held a meeting recently with a view to raising the price of that com
modity, and dealers in bread also met to advance prices, but the
mayor succeeded in averting the raise in each instance.
M a l a g a , S p a i n , November 12, 1914The following prices are shown for November, 1913, and November,
1914, with the percentage of increase:
Articles.
Bread, coarse, per pound...........................
Bread, per pound..........................................
Flour, common, per pound.......................
Flour, best, per pound................................
Beef, best cuts, per pound.........................
Beef, ordinary cuts, per pound................
Mutton, per pound.......................................
Pork, per pound............................................
V eal, per pound.............................................
Pork and bacon, per pound......................
Salt cod, per p o u n d ....................................
Sardines, per pound.....................................
Fresh fish, about, per pound....................
Bice, common, per pound.........................
Onions, per pound........................................
Chick-peas, best, per pound......................
Chick-peas, inferior, per pound...............
Potatoes, per pound.....................................
Tomatoes, per pound...................................
Eggs, fresn, per dozen.................................
Eggs, Moorish, per dozen...........................
M ilk, per quart...............................................
Butter, fresh, per pound.............................
Butter, Danish, per pound.......................
Lard, per pound............................................
Olive oil, per gallon......................................
Sugar, loaf, per pound.................................
Sugar, ground, per pound..........................
W in e, Spanish, ordmary, per quart----W in e, Irench and German, per quart.
Coffee, Java, per pound..............................
Coffee, Porto Rico, per pound.................
Drugs and medicines...................................
Canned fish, meat, and sweets...............
W o o d , per 100 pounds.................................
Charcoal, per 100 pounds............................
Coal, per 100 pounds.....................................
Coke, per 100 pounds...................................
Kerosene, per gallon.....................................
Gas, per cubic meter....................................
Electricity, per kilowatt hour.................
‘ Prices,
November,
1913.
$0,031
.033
.046
.055
.21
.19
.17
.2 1
.27
.17
.05
.07
.03
.03
.04
.08
.05
.02
.02
.32
.28
.08
.51
.42
.175
.74
.09
.075
.07
Prices,
November,
1914.
$0,037
.041
.055
.064
.23
Per cent
of
increase.
18
25
20
17
.21
10
11
.19
.25
.31
20
.21
.06
.07
.03
.04
.04
.12
.06
.03
.03
.46
.42
.08
.55
.46
.185
.76
.10
13
15
25
36
13
50
17
50
50
43
50
9
11
3
14
.075
.07
50
.50
.375
.55
.42
10
11
20-45
.10-25
.23
1.11
.55
.51
.475
.045
.15
1.20
.64
.69
.54
.045
.15
.........8
17
36
2
V a l e n c i a , S p a in , November 6,1914Up to this time there has been no general advance in the cost of
living in this district as the result of the European War, although
some few staple articles have become dearer, and the signs are not
wanting that others will suffer an increase in cost within a short time.
Several threatened rises in food prices affecting people of small
means were registered, until the Government intervened and it was
soon evident that Government pressure must be ready to be applied
at all times to prevent a few individuals from profiting at the expense
of the general public by cornering articles o f prime necessity. The
Government is very prompt to take measures for preventing monop
oly, the effect of which is sometimes that of establishing maximum
prices. For example, a recent decree permitted exports of rice up
to a certain quantity or until the wholesale price surpassed that
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR— SPAIN.
119
fixed in the decree. Since rice is a staple food article among all
classes of the Spanish population, exports were forbidden as a con
servation measure when tJie war began. At the same time it is one
of the main crops of the Valencia region, and the volume of the 1914
crop was so large that the Government was subsequently persuaded
to revoke the prohibition upon the above conditions.
Besides rice, white potatoes, wheat, vegetables, and fruits are also
extensively grown here. During the winter just beginning vegetables
and fruits will probably be much cheaper than usual because home
demands will be heavily oversupplied.
The wheat supply, and consequently the price of bread, is already
a problem. Bread is at once the largest single item in the daily diet
of the working classes, costs more than any other, and was the first
to be affected by the war. The Government and municipality have
repeatedly prevented threatened rises in the cost of bread to con
sumers. On this date, however, the daily press announces that the
three classes of bread consumed here are to be advanced in price at
once 10, 11, and 13 per cent, respectively. Flesh foods have not
suffered any variation in price, but should they do so the consumption
would immediately decline.
The cost of food among the people of limited means, day laborers
and employed classes generally, varies comparatively little, living as
they do principally upon the products of the soil grown at home.
Among the well-to-do the increase in cost of some articles of prime
necessity is already felt. This is noticeably true of coal and coke for
cooking and heating, which have been advanced about 20 per cent.
Fresh butter, all o f which is imported from France, and eggs have
shown considerable advances.
The following table shows the prices of various articles in Valencia
before the war and at the present date. In the case of most articles
no change has yet taken place.
Articles.
B eef for soup, boneless, per p ound .. .
Beef for soup, w ith bone, per pound.
Beef, sirloin steak, per p o u n d .............
Beef, tenderloin steak, per pound—
Veal, per pound.........................................
Pork, fresn and salt, per pound..........
Mutton, per pound...................................
Sausage, blood and fat, per p o u n d .. .
Sausage, pork, per pound.......................
H am , wnole, per pound.........................
H am , without bone, per pound..........
Fish, fresh and salt, per pound...........
W heat flour, per pound..........................
Rice, per pound.........................................
Beans, per pound......................................
Lard, per pound........................................
Olive oil, per gallon..................................
Peanut oil, per gallon.............................
Bread, white, per pound........ ...............
Bread, second grade, per pound........ .
Bread, third grade, per pound............
Eggs, per dozen..........................................
Milk, cows, per quart..............................
M ilk, goat's, per quart.............................
Sugar, per pound.......................................
Butter, canned, per pound...................
Batter, fresh, per pound........................
Coffee, raw, per pound........ ...................
Coffee, roasted, per pound.....................
Tea, per pound...........................................
Coal, per metric to n.................................
Coke, per metric ton.................................
Prices before
the war.
$0 .2 0
.10
$0,164.20 .2 7 7 .245-
.245
.245
.327
.*245
.245
.368
.65
.18 •
.036.028.045-
.49
.25
.049
.061
.074
.20
.836- 1.03
.70 - .80
.0474
.0426
.0355
.2 0
.25
.072
.108
.074
.49
.49
.53
.40 - .57
.40 - .57
9.30
10.05
Present
prices.
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same,
$0.05
Same.
Same
Same
Per cent of
increase.
18
Same
Same
Same
$0.36
Same.
Same
Same
Same.
$0.49-$0.57
Same
Same
Same
$11.16
12.06
60
20
20
120
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
SWITZERLAND.1
In Switzerland the cost of living had by November increased about
one-third. This was due in part to the eager desire of those who
could afford it to lay in a stock of provisions against possible emer
gencies, and in part to the increasing difficulties of importing food.
In its session of August 3, 1914, the Swiss Parliament issued to
the Federal Council a grant of plenary power.2 The text of articles
3 and 4 of the resolution of Parliament is as follows: “ Parliament
grants to the Federal Council plenary power to take all measures
which shall be required for maintaining the safety, integrity, and
neutrality of Switzerland, and for insuring the credit and economic
interests of the country, especially with respect to the insuring of a
sufficient supply of the necessaries of life.” For this purpose an
unlimited credit was opened to the Federal Council for the defraying
of expenditures for such measures.
On August 10,1914, the Federal Council issued a decree prohibiting
unreasonable increases in the prices of foodstuffs and other necessaries
of life. Imprisonment and a fine up to 10,000 francs ($1,930), or a
fine alone for exorbitant prices is provided in the decree. Paragraph 1
of article 1 defines the charging of exorbitant prices as follows:
“ Whoever demands for foodstuffs or other necessaries of life prices
which, as compared with the purchase price, would result in a profit
exceeding the customary business profit * *
The cantonal
governments were authorized to fix maximum prices for the sale
of the individual foodstuffs and other necessaries of life in so far
as they should deem such action necessary, and several of the cantonal
governments have made use of this authorization.
A decree issued by the Federal Council on the same date (September
8) provides as follows:
A r t i c l e 1. The Federal Government will buv domestic grain
directly from the producer, as well as from agricultural associations
and, where such do not exist, from communes. The Federal Gov
ernment will dispose of the purchased grain for the needs of the army
and of the civilian population at cost.
Even at an earlier date, on August 27, 1914, the Federal Council
issued a decree of far-reaching importance with respect to supply
ing the country with bread. According to this decree, all milk
in the country may mill only one kind of flour, so-called whole flour
( Vollmehl), i. e., grain is to be milled in such a manner that the
bran is free of flour. The use as feed for domestic animals of flour
which is fit for the manufacture of bread, and of grain (wheat, spelt,
rye, maize, and wheat and rye mixed) is prohibited.
For the duration of the war a Federal bureau for the provision of the
country with grain has been established in Berne in connection with
For table of relative prices, see Appendix A .
The data given here were based on the article “ Die wirtschaftliche Rustung der Schweiz,” b y Paul
G ygax in Archiv fur Sozial Wissenschaft, vol. 40, N o. 2 , pp . 454 ff. Tubingen, 1915.
1
2
FOOD PRIC ES ASi AFFECTED’ BY T H E W A R — SW IT ZE R L A N D .
121
the central war commissary department. The president of the
grain exchange of Zurich has been appointed as chief of this bureau.
Reports from the consuls at Basel, Berne, and St. Gall follow:
B a s e l , November 9,191 4.
Although wheat flour has advanced in price about 40 per cent,
bread has been selling at an increase of only 10 per cent. This is
accounted for by the Tact that the whole wheat is now being ground
into flour. A much greater quantity of rye flour is now being used
than before August.
Up to the present time there has been no material increase in the
cost of meats, although an advance is imminent. The Basel authorities
have attempted to regulate the prices of meats and prevent an advance,
but they have met with stubborn resistance from the butchers, who
have threatened to close their market places if interfered with.
There is considerable uneasiness about the supply of potatoes. Swiss
otatoes have almost disappeared from the market. It is believed,
owever, that over 75 per cent of the Swiss people have either pur
chased or raised sufficient to supply them until the next crop.
While the advertising prices 01 coffee remain the same as before
the war, it is very evident that the grades are different. Housewives
claim that to maintain their original quality it has become necessary
to buy more expensive grades than formerly.
AH imported cereals, breakfast foods, canned goods and evaporated
goods have advanced in prices, in some cases the increase being as
much as 75 per cent.
The following table shows the price of foods, fuel, and supplies in July
and at present. Where there is an increase the percentage is shown.
E
Articles.
Flour, wheat, per pound..............................
Flour, rye, per pound...................................
Bread, wheat, white, per pound...............
Bread, wheat, dark, per pound.................
Bread, rye, per pound...................................
Beef, boiling, per pound...............................
Beef, roast, loin, per pound.........................
Beef, fillet, per pound...................................
Pork, per p ound ... .........................................
Mutton, per pound.........................................
H am , uncooked, per pound........................
H am , boiled, per pound...............................
Bacon, per pound............................................
Sausages, per pound.......................................
Lard, per pound.............................................
Sugar, cooking, per pound...........................
Sugar, granulated and cube, per pound.
Coffee, per pound.......... ..................................
Butter, per pound...........................................
Milk,fresh, per quart.....................................
Potatoes, per pound.......................................
Rice, per pound...............................................
Macaroni, per pound......................................
Fish, fresh, per pound...................................
Eggs, fresh (drink eggs), per dozen..
Eggs, Italian and Bulgarian, per dozen.
Chickens, per pound.....................................
Geese, per pound.
Ducks, per pound.......................................................
Coal, semihard, for heating, 2,000 pounds ton.
Coke, 2,000 pounds to n ................................. ............
Anthracite, 2,000 pounds ton..................................
H ay, 2,000 pounds ton...............................................
Oats, per hundredweight.........................................
Vegetables, green.........................................................
July, 1914,
prices.
Present prices.
$0,045
$0,065
.04
.07
.07
.07
.0625
.055
.0525
*20
$ 0 .2 5 .2 5 .3 0 .1 5 -
.26 .2 9 .05
.1 0 8 .0 9 .3 0 .1 5 .2 5 .2 5 .25 -
.24
.38
.38
.3 0
.45
.7 0
.6 0
.6 0
.20
.035
.052
.6 0
.4 0
.045
.06
.1 2
.1 2
.40
.32
.25
.40
.35
.3 5 6.80
7.20
10.10
10.80
.9 0
i Prices not affected, bu t grade has been lowered.
Per cent
of in
crease.
44
'i2
27
33
.2 2
$ 0.2 5 .2 5 .3 0 .1 5 -
.2 6 .2 7 .0 9 .1 1 .1 6 .4 0 .3 0 .2 5 .3 0 .3 0 -
10
8
.2 6
.38
.3 8
.3 0
.45
.7 0
.6 0
.6 0
.22
.045
.056
.6 0
.42
.045
.10
.13
.1 6
.6 0
.48
.35
.4 0
.5 0
.5 0
7.20
8.10
12.70
11.70-12,60
1.55
10
29
0)
8
73
5
33
55
42
33
33
6
13
26
13
72
25
122
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU Otf LABOR STATISTICS.
B e r n e , S w i t z e r l a n d , December 1, 1914.
There has been an appreciable rise in grain, flour, and bread, owing
largely to the difficulties of transportation from America. This is
true also in regard to cotton, metals, oils, and wool.
,
S t . G all , November 3 1914-
It is difficult to give an accurate view of the increased cost of living
caused by the war. The personal experience shows that the news
paper quotations are for that purpose very unsatisfactory. This is
to some extent due to the fact that since the war broke out prices
have been to a large extent entirely arbitrary. It has been found, for
example, that on the same day that 3 francs [57.9 cents] per pound
was asked for ham at one shop, at another shop it could be purchased
for 1.80 francs [34.7 cents] per pound.
The supply of wheat flour is exhausted and almost the only flour
to be had is rye flour, ground and sold under the direction of the
Government. The supply promises to be sufficient.
The price of sugar has advanced very slightlv, and in the case of
fresh meat no material advance has yet occurred. Poultry, however,
has advanced nearly 50 per cent. Potatoes have already advanced
in price about 70 per cent, and the supply is practically exhausted.
It is impossible to say where a further supply can be secured. On
the whole, the cost of living in St. Gall to-day is about one-third
higher than it was in June and July, and this increase is due entirely
to the war.
The following prices are given for July, 1914, and October, 1914.
Where prices for both periods are shown, the percentage of increase
is shown.
Articles.
Eggs, each...................... ................................................................................
Blitter, per pound.......................................................................................
Potatoes, per hundredweight.................................................................
W h ea t flour, per hundredweight...........................................................
R y e flour, per hundredweight...............................................................
Bread, wheat, per lo a f..............................................................................
Bread, rye, per loaf.....................................................................................
Sugar, crystal cubes, per pound............................................................
Sugar, ordinary cubes, per pound.........................................................
Sugar, granulated, per pound.................................................................
Boiling beef, per pound............................................................................
Steak, per pound.........................................................................................
Pork, fresh, per pound..............................................................................
Mutton, per pound.....................................................................................
Veal, per pound...........................................................................................
Chickens, each..............................................................................................
Ducks, each...................................................................................................
Geese, each.....................................................................................................
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
Dog biscuits, per po und............................................................................
H a y , per hunared w eight.........................................................................
O ats, per hundredweight..........................................................................
Coal, per ton ...................................................................................................
Coke, per ton .................................................................................................
Gas, per cubic m eter..................................................................................
Electricity, per kilowatt h o u r ..................................................... ..........
i None for sale.
Prices, July,
1914.
Prices, Octo
ber, 1914.
$0.014-$0.015
.32 8 - .347
.9 6 5 - 1.158
3.185
$0.029-$0.031
.425- .444
1.737- 1.930
5.404
7.334
Per cent
of in
crease.
107
29
73
70
.064
( ,)
.0 7 1 .0 4 4 .0 3 7 -
049
1.158- l! 255
1.737
6.948- 7.334
9.843
.085
.073
.048
.039
.290
386
.2 1 2 - .290
.251- .290
.21 2 - .290
.579- .772
.772- 1.158
1.158- 1.544
.386
.068
1.351
2.992
7.334- 7.720
10.615
.039
.116
59
12
72
5
8
FOOD PRICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAR---- TURKEY.
123
TURKEY.
Prices rose sharply on the outbreak of the war. The Government
placed an embargo on foodstuffs and fixed maximum prices for certain
articles, but this only checked the movement, which could not be
stopped. When mobilization took the peasants from the field, the
situation grew worse. In some districts the prices had already, in
November, doubled or trebled, and there was a prospect of absolute
failure of supplies.
Reports are presented from the American consuls at Constantinople,
Kharput, and Smyrna, Turkey; Aleppo and Haifa, Syria; and
Jerusalem, Palestine.
Co n s t a n t in o p l e , T u r k e y ,
November 9 , 1914.
Prices of articles entering into the cost of living in this city have
advanced very decidedly since the beginning of the war. The fol
lowing prices on a few articles are shown for May, 1914, and Novem
ber 5, 1914, with the percentage of increase:
Prices, May,
1914.
Articles.
$0 ,0 2 1
.148
3.55
4.36
1.53
.311
.435
.605
Bread, per pound.........................................................................................
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
Sugar, per 100 pounds................................................................................
Rice, per 1 0 0 pounds...................................................................................
Potatoes, per 100 pounds..........................................................................
Butter, cooking, per pound.....................................................................
Butter, table, per pound...........................................................................
Petroleum, tm .......................................................... ....................................
W ood, per chekie ( 1-horse load)...........................................................
Coal, anthracite, per t o n ..........................................................................
Coke and charcoal, per ton......................................................................
Men's hats...... ................................................................................................
Meats and chickens.....................................................................................
Yoghurt (sour milk)...................................................................................
Cheese...............................................................................................................
Rice, beans, olives, and olive oil...........................................................
Various articles of clothing.......................................................................
i October.
Prices, N ov. 5,
1914.
$0,026
.218
12.70
10.89
2.32
.404
.590
.8 8
.8 8
1.98
12.28
1 2 1 .1 2
*1.93
14.26
12.80
Per cent
of
increase.
22
47
258
150
52
30
36
45
125
72
45
25-40
25
50
10 0
50
2
June.
One experienced housewife reports that if she were to maintain
her table at the same scale as in May or June of this year, the required
food supplies would now cost her about twice as much.
K
harput,
T urkey,
November 5 , 1914.
The cost of living in this district has increased generally about 50
per cent since August 1, 1914. This increase has occurred in the
prices of nearly all commodities.
124
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Prices of the following articles of food in daily use are shown for
August 1, 1914, and November 1, 1914, with the percentage of
increase:
Articles.
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
Tea, per box...................................................................................................
Flour, per pound.........................................................................................
Salt, per pound.............................................................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
Cheese, per pound.......................................................................................
W ood , per hamal load (amount carried b y 1 m a n ).......................
Kerosene, per box ( 2 tin s).......................................................................
Soap, per pound...........................................................................................
Matches, per package.................................................................................
Clothing, shoes, etc.....................................................................................
Prices, Aug. 1,
1914.
Prices, N o v . 1 ,
1914.
$0.062
.233
$0,109
.311
.330
.054
.233
.078
.155
.660
5.280
.186
.440
.2 2 0
.039
.155
.047
.109
50.308- .352
3.520
.140
.308
Per cent
of
increase.
75
33
50
40
50
67
43
100
50
34
43
50
Porters’ charges have increased 33 per cent.
Servants’ wages have increased 25 per cent.
Carpenters’ wages have increased 33 per cent.
Sm y r n a , T u r k e y ,
December 10,1914 .
The port of Smyrna has been closed, and the military authorities
are requisitioning foodstuffs generally. Practically all commodities
have increased in price and afl stocks of imported goods will soon be
exhausted if the war continues. The chief articles that have mate
rially increased in price are shown in the following table, with a com
parison of present prices with normal prices and percentage of
increase;
Articles.
Normal prices.
Present prices.
Coal, for domestic use, per ton...............................................................
$7.00-37.50
.05
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
.15
Butter, cooking, per pound.....................................................................
.03
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
.18
Cheese, per pound.......................................................................................
.09
Salted herrings, per pound.......................................................................
.04
Beans, per pound.........................................................................................
.04
Peas, per pound...........................................................................................
.1 1
...................................................................................
Olive oil, per pound
.1 2
Coffee, per po und ...................................................................................... ..
.26
Firewood, per load..................................................................................... ..
.04
Soap, per pound................................................................................. ..
.0 1
Onions, per pound.......................................................................................
.0 2
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
Matches............................................................................................................
$12.00-$13.00
.2 0 .25
.25
.13
.50
.24
.07
A leppo, Sy r ia ,
.1 0
.18
.35
.65
.07
.04
.05
P ercent
of
increase.
72
350
67
333
178
167
75
150
64
192
150
75
300
150
400
November SO, 1914.
Owing to the embargo on exportation, native products had not
advanced materially in price up to November 1, at which time Turk
ish mobilization took on large proportions, thereby interfering with
productive labor. Products of local origin have since been rising in
price. Imported goods have greatly advanced. A comparative
table of prices for 1913 and 1914, with the percentage of increase is
shown on the following page.
FOOD PBICES AS AFFECTED BY THE WAK---- TURKEY.
Articles.
Prices in 1913.
W ood, per ton...............................................................................................
Charcoal, per pound...................................................................................
per gallon. . . . . . . T__________ ______________________
Onsnlinftf per gallon. . TT . TT............ „ - r - - ..........- ............... ................
Flour, native,'per pound............. ............................................................
Potatoes, native, per pound....................................................................
Macaroni, native, per pound..................................................................
Olive oil, native, per pound....................................................................
Vinegar, native, per gallon.............................................. ........................
Soap, native, per pound...........................................................................
Mutton, per pound.....................................................................................
Beef, per pound...........................................................................................
Peas, per pound...........................................................................................
Beans, per pound........................................................................................
Lentils, per pound......................................................................................
Onions, per pound......................................................................................
Lemons, per pound....................................................................................
Oranges, per pound....................................................................................
Apricots, dried, per pound......................................................................
Figs, dried, per pound...............................................................................
Raisins, per pound.....................................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Cofiee, green, per pound...........................................................................
Rice, per pound............................................................................................
Tea, per pound.............................................................................................
$9.00
Prices in 1914.
$12.60
.0 1
.0 1
.225
.50
.03
.03
.062
.125
.31
.70
.025
.038
.1 2
.125
.1 2
.06
.06
.046
.066
.03
.045
.026
.05
.04
.05
.05
.1 0
.04
.75
.1 0
.176
.14
.16
125
Per cent
of
increase.
40
38
40
1 17
25
61
41
17
28
.1 2
.095
.1 2
.1 0
...............58
100
117
.08
.04
.05
21
.0 2
i 23
40
25
.07
.05
.06
.13
.40
.07
1.50
33
11
20
160
300
75
100
i Decrease.
Matches, salt, spices, pepper, candles, etc., have advanced 100 per
cent, and clothing, cotton goods, woolens, boots and shoes and leather
have increased 30 per cent. Canned goods that remain in the mar
ket have risen 50 per cent, and will entirely disappear by January 1,
1915.
H aif a , Sy r ia , November 18, 1914•
Since the declaration of war exportations and importations have
ceased, operations upon buildings under construction have been
suspended, and a large number of laborers are out of employment.
Food prices have advanced materially. House rent has not been
paid since the beginning of the war, and those who do pay give only
a small part.
The following table shows the comparative prices of some of the
principal articles entering into the cost of living, before the war and
at the present time, with the percentage of increase:
Prices before
the war.
Articles.
Milk, per quart.............................................................................................
Coffee, per pound.........................................................................................
Flour, native, per 100 pounds.................................................................
Rice, per 1 0 0 pounds..................................................................................
Meat, per pound...........................................................................................
Fish, per pound......................... ..................................................................
Fish, better grade, per pound................................................................
Butter, per pound.......................................................................................
Potatoes, per pound...................................................................................
Eggs, per dozen............................................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Salt, per pound............................................................................................
Fuel, wood, per cantar (565.35 pounds).............................................
Fuel, charcoal, per cantar (565.35 pounds)........................................
Petroleum, per tin ......................................................................................
i Decrease.
$0,066
.119
2.713
2.186
.126
.150
.188
.262
.019
.14
.041
.016
1.06
4.40
.77
Present prices.
$0,066
.299
2.554
4.627
.140
.094
.126
.262
.019
.1 1
.062
.023
.77
3.34
1.34
Per cent
of
increase.
152
1 6
112
11
* 38
133
i 21
52
44
1 27
124
74
126
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
Je r u sa l e m , P a l e s t in e ,
November 17, 1914.
The products of this district are wheat and other cereals only.
Other staple commodities are imported from Europe, Egypt, and
other parts of Turkey. In ordinary times the cost oi living m Jeru
salem is high, as compared with other towns of Syria, the chief
causes being:
(a) The physical nature of the surrounding country, which limits
the products of the soil.
(b) The annual influx of tourists and pilgrims who come to Jeru
salem either for pleasure or religion, creating abnormal prices.
(c) The large unproductive portion of the population, many de
pending entirely upon contributions from abroad.
The breaking out of the war has caused a. marked increase in prices.
Imported articles have made an average increase of at least 35 per
cent. Stocks are being rapidly depleted, and as exportations from
neighboring countries have been restricted, the prospect for further
advances is good.
The following table shows a comparison of prices on certain articles
before the war and at present time, with the percentage of increase.
[The prices are based on cost per rottle, which equals 6.34 pounds.]
Articles.
Mutton, per pound.....................................................................................
Rice, per pound...........................................................................................
Sugar, per pound.........................................................................................
Beans, per pound........................................................................................
Petroleum, 10-gallon b o x .........................................................................
Coffee, per pound........................................................................................
Potatoes, per p o u n d ..................................................................................
Italian pastes, per pound........................................................................
Alcohol per p o u n d ....................................................................................
Coal, per to n ........... ......................................................................................
Prices before
the war.
$0,117
.028
.039
.042
1.520
.183
Present prices.
.0 2 0
$0,151
.039
.061
.068
2.230
.323
.033
.063
.099
15.44
.167
23.16
.1 0 0
Per cent
of in
crease.
30
40
57
62
47
77
71
60
69
50
10-50
APPENDIX A.—RELATIVE PRICES OP FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD COM
MODITIES.
R E L A T I V E P R IC E S O F 30 A R T IC L E S I N V I E N N A , A U S T R I A , A U G U S T , 1914, T O F E B R U A R Y ,
1915.1
(Average prices in July = 1 0 0 .)
1915
1914
Articles.
Aug.
M ilk.................... .....................................
M ilk, bottled........................................
Milk, skimm ed.....................................
Butter, table.........................................
Butter, ordinary..................................
Butter, cooking....................................
Oleomargarine......................................
Flour, wheat, best........ .....................
Flour, wheat, second quality.........
Bread.......................................................
Bread, black, m ixed w ith w heat..
Bread, black..........................................
R ice..
Eggs, fresh.
Potatoes..
Cabbage, white.
Sauerkraut.........
Onions.................
Cabbage..............
Lentils.................
Beans, green____
Oct.
N ov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
93
93
93
100
100
100
100
100
107
106
92
111
111
111
100
100
100
122
111
113
117
108
113
133
100
132
124
108
104
141
133
119
133
100
155
106
92
117
113
133
105
173
106
83
111
93
106
100
127
124
117
116
103
113
114
67
67
100
80
188
113
108
108
114
Peas, split...........................................
Sugar, crushed..................................
Sugar, loaf..........................................
K erosene............................................
W ood, kindling, not delivered:
S o f t . . . , .......................................
H ard.............................................
Coal.......................................................
Lignite.................................................
Sept.
101
100
131
100
100
83
88
100
117
100
1 10
120
182
167
151
156
205
190
133
160
229
67
83
125
150
300
250
120
113
122
*i34
131
i.46
144
120
120
120
17i
58
50
117
90
171
67
54
117
127
229
67
50
117
100
110
11 0
200
175
150
142
171
97
105
146
188
203
150
150
171
97
105
154
213
250
175
188
214
97
105
250
250
183
117
117
104
117
117
104
114
67
67
108
60
188
113
117
117
121
97
105
123
100
100
102
100
100
100
200
117
117
111
117
100
200
67
58
125
200
243
97
105
215
117
133
115
156
175
200
229
250
97
105
231
117
133
115
156
R E L A T I V E P R IC E S O F 24 A R T IC L E S IN G E R M A N Y A U G U S T , 1914, TO J A N U A R Y , 1915.2
134
128
Peas, yellow...................................................................
Beans, white.................................................................
Lentils.............................................................................
Potatoes...........................................................................
Butter..............................................................................
Flour, wheat.................................................................
Flour, ry e.......................................................................
Bread, white.................................................................
Bread, dark, wheat and rye m ixed.....................
Rice...................................................................................
Coffee, roasted...............................................................
Sugar............................................................................
Salt .................................................................................
Lard.................................................................................
Buckwheat, hulled, cleaned...................................
Oats, hulled, cleaned................................................
Barley, hulled, cleaned.............................................
Coal...................................................................................
Fuel, briquettes, lignite............................................
Oil, kerosene..................................................................
M ilk..................................................................................
Eggs ................................................................................
Meat, horseflesh...........................................................
Grits, wheat...................................................................
Oatmeal..........................................................................
Barley, pearl.................................................................
84
107
119
126
114
113
115
152
140
138
63
105
117
128
114
115
119
102
102
121
106
108
113
110
1 11
113
195
164
169
69
113
211
72
117
120
121
133
115
117
132
103
105
106
126
135
116
118
152
105
105
106
144
249
219
230
72
131
125
138
118
1 20
160
107
106
109
153
121
/
\
io i
106
107
105
101
121
104
115
103
124
124
139
107
107
1 10
111
109
116
1 20
106
114
107
101
101
112
102
129
106
155
108
113
104
190
107
io7
108
111
i Source: Maandschrift van het Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
p . 294.
a Idem , p . 290.
220
203
170
108
128
123
154
111
257
227
239
72
127
134
147
127
131
168
108
106
110
164
165
135
156
111
111
118
115
104
175
108
The Hague, 1915, Vol. 10 (March),
127
128
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.
R E L A T I V E P R IC E S O F 43 A R T IC L E S IN S W I T Z E R L A N D , S E P T E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R ,
1914.1
1914
1914
Articles.
Articles.
Sept.
Butter............................
Cheese............................
M ilk................................
F a t, leaf........................
Lard, Am erican.........
Lard, dom estic...........
O il, olive.......................
O il, sesame..................
B read.............................
Flour, Basel................
Flour, German...........
W heat............................
Maize..............................
Barley, pearl...............
Flakes, grain, malted
O a tm e a l.......................
Beans, w hite...............
Peas, yellow.................
L entils..........................
R ice, In d ia..................
R ice, Italian................
Veal................................
99
100
95
103
106
102
102
104
103
98
120
102
Dec.
103
97
100
99
109
107
102
106
114
113
118
115
95
103
*129
128
135
148
142
125
123
114
120
120
100
110
181
85
100
Dec.
Beef................................
M utton..........................
Pork...............................
Eggs...............................
Potatoes........................
Macaroni, vermicelli,
H oney............................
Sugar..............................
Chocolate......................
Sauerkraut..................
Prunes..........................
Vinegar, white...........
Tea................................ .
Chicory........................ .
Cocoa............................ .
Coffee.............................
Coal, Belgian..............
Fuel, briquettes____
Alcohol, w ood............
Kerosene.....................
Soap, white................
i Source: Maandschrift van het Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
pp . 295 and 296.
99
99
99
110
85
113
115
129
101
105
100
150
90
134
116
104
102
100
117
109
133
108
97
108
104
98
106
100
102
102
102
107
100
103
1 01
118
101
110
110
100
136
104
The Hague, 1915, V o l. 1 0 (March),
APPENDIX B—COPY OP A BREAD AND FLOUR TICKET ISSUED BY THE
MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES OF VIENNA.
Below is shown a copy of one of several varieties of bread and flour tickets issued
to the population of Vienna since April 11, in accordance with a decree of the gov
ernor of the Province of Lower Austria of March 28,1915. Three kinds of such tickets
are being issued: (1) Full ration weekly tickets entitle the purchaser to 1,400 grams
(3.086 pounds) of flour or 1,960 grams (4.321 pounds) of bread for each member of the
family; (2) reduced ration weekly tickets entitle the purchaser to 1,050 grams (2.315
pounds) of flour or 1,470 grams (3.241 pounds) of bread; (3) dally bread tickets issued
to hotel guests entitle the purchaser to 210 grams (0.463 pound) of bread. Tickets
of the first kind are issued to those households having on hand a supply of flour of 2
kilograms (4.409 pounds) or less per capita; those of the second kind to those house
holds having on hand a per capita supply of flour of over 2 kilograms (4.409 pounds).
The ticket here shown is of the latter kind.
Contraventions are punishable, both as to the seller and the purchaser, either by
a fine up to 5,000 crowns ($1,015) or with imprisonment up to 6 months; punishment
may also extend to the loss of business license. Falsification of the ticket is a crime
subject to the Criminal Code.
Niederosterreich.
AUSWEIS
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
70 g Brot
oder
50 g Mehl
liber den Verbrauch ron
B rot und M ehl
3. Woche
25./4. bis einschl. 1 ./5 .1915.
1470 g B rot
oder
1050 g M ehl
Verkauf nur nach Gewichtgegen Vorlegung der Ausweiskarte und Abtrennung eines
entsprechenden Abschnittes
zulassig.
Nicht iibertragbar!
Sorgfaltig aufbewahren!
Nachdruck verboten!
Strafbestimmungen.
Zuwiderhandlungen werden
an dem Verkaufer wie an dem
Kaufer mit Geldstrafen bis zu
5000 K oder mit Arrest bis zu
6 Monaten geahndet. Bei
einer Verurteilung kann auf
den Verlust einer Gewerbeberechtigung erkannt werden.
Falschung der Ausweiskarte
wird nach dem Strafgesetze
bestraft.
[ s e a l .]
87285°— Bull. 170— 15------ 9
129
@FedFRASER