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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