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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
JAMES J. DAVIS, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ETHELBERT STEWART, Commissioner
MONTHLY
LABOR REVIEW
VOLUME XIII
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
NUMBER 2
AUGUST, 1921
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1921
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A D D IT IO N A L C O PIE S
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AT
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Contents.
Special articles:
Page.
Standardization of output by agreement, by Ethelbert Stewart...................
1, 2
Wages and hours of labor in five Chinese cities, 1917 and 1920, by Ta Chen. 3-15
Industrial relations and labor conditions:
Employees’ councils in the United States Postofiice D epartment................
16
China—Labor unrest, by Ta Chen...................................................................... 16-30
Egypt—Labor unrest, by Mrs. Victoria B . T u rn e r.........................................30-49
France—Industrial and labor situation................................. ...........................
49
Uruguay—Industrial conditions in 1920...................... ........ ........................... 50, 51
Prices and cost of living:
Retail prices of food in the United States................. .......... ........................... 52-73
Retail prices of coal in the United States.......... ............................................. 74-77
Wholesale prices in June.................................................. ...................................78-81
Changes in wholesale prices in the United States................. ......................... 81-85
Chile—Prices of various commodities in 1920........................ .....................
86, 87
Germany—Retail prices of food...........................................................................
’ 88
Great Britain—Trend of wholesale prices..........................................................
89
Italy—Prices of building materials in Naples, August, 1920, and April, 1921. 89, 90
Japan—Index numbers of wholesale prices in Tokyo in April, 1920, and
March and April, 1921.......................................................................................
90
Norway—Wholesale and retail prices of food in Trondhjem.........................
91
Poland—Food prices in 1918 and 1921...............................................................
92
Sweden—Index numbers of wholesale and retail prices, 1920 and 1921___
92
Wages and hours of labor:
Colorado—Wages of women..................................................................................
93
Colombia—Wages and cost of living in Cartagena.................................... ....... 93, 94
Denmark—Wages in various occupations in 1920................................. ........... 94-96
Germany—A ttitude of Christian trade-unionists toward reduction of wages. 96-99
Italy—Wages in building trades of Naples.......................................................
99
Scotland—Wages and hours of labor of farm workers, 1919-20................... 100-102
Sweden—Wages in textile mills, 1921...............................................................
102
South Africa—Wages in certain occupations, December, 1920......................
103
Minimum wage:
Wisconsin—Revision of general order...................................................... ..... 104,105
Becent labor agreements and decisions:
Railroads.................................................................................
106,107
Chicago cloth h a t and cap industry............ ............................................... .. 107,108
New York silk ribbon industry........................................... ............ .................. ’ 108
New York shirt industry................................................................................
109
Chicago printing trades..........................................................................................
109
New classification of steam railroad occupations......................................... 109-111
Wage adjustm ents based on changes in cost of living....................................
Ill
Employment and unemployment:
Employment in selected industries in June, 1921....................................... 112-115
Employment in New York State in June, 1921...............................................
115
Changes in employment in the United States, June 30, 1921..................... 116,117
E xtent of unemployment in foreign countries:
Germany....................................................................................................... 118,119
Great B ritain..............................
119-121
Belgium.........................................................................
121
France.................
121
Germany—Economic effects of colonies for the unemployed.................... 122-125
Housing:
Iowa—Building trades adjustments in Cedar Rapids..........................
126-130
New York—House building in New York City under tax exemption plan.
130
North Dakota—State-assisted home building....................................................
130
Canada—Building activities..................................
131
Great Britain—How England is meeting the housing shortage.................. 131,132
Sweden—Acti vities in home building................................................................
132
in
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IV
CONTENTS.
Woman and child labor:
Page.
Health needs of child workers.......................................................................... 433 134
Bulgaria—Compulsory labor of school children............................................ 434’ 135
Chile—Day nurseries in factories........................................................................ ’ 435
Germany—Measures for stabilizing the demand for woman labor............. 135-140
Great Britain—National Conference of Labor Women at Manchester........
140
Industrial accidents and hygiene:
Coal mine fatalities in the United States in 1920......................................... 141,142
Alaska—Mine accidents, 1920.............................................................................. ’ 442
Industrial posture and seating......................................................................... 442 443
Earliest positive sign of lead absorption......................................................... 143-146
Workmen’s compensation:
Recent reports-—
447
U tah..............................................................................................................
Virginia............................................................................... 4 4 4 4 4 4 ! ’147-149
Alberta.......................................................................................................... ^49 459
Labor organizations:
Forty-first annual convention of the American Federation of L abor........ 151-154
Labor laws and decision s:
Workmen’s compensation legislation of 1921—
4 ri.z,ona: ........................................................................................................ 155-157
California..........................................................................................................
457
Connecticut................................................................................................ ’ ""
457
Delaware.....................................................................................................] 157,158
i^ ah o ............................................................................................................. 158,159
Illinois..............................................................................................................
459
Maine.......................................................................................................... ] ^ 59, 160
Minnesota..................................................................................................... 160,161
Missouri.......................................................................................................
4g4
Nebraska...................................................................4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 ! 461 ,162
.Nevada............................................................................................................
402
New Jersey......................................................................................
402
New Mexico.............................................................! 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 i6 2 ,163
New York..................................................................................................... 163,164
North Dakota............................................................................................... 164,165
O h io .................................................................................................................
165
Oregon ...................................................................................................... 466,167
Jl ennsylvam a................................................................................................
407
Rhode Is la n d ..............................................
' ’l67
South Dakota....................................
...........................................
’ LY
10 «
Texas........................................................... . . 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 .........
Otah - ....................................................................................................... 4 4 6 8 ,1 6 9
Washmgton.................................................................................
169-171
W isconsin..................................................................... 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 171,172
Wyoming...................................................................................................... 472 473
California Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.................4 4 4 .
473
Variations in school attendance laws.............................................................. 173 174
International seamen’s code............................................................................. 474’ 475
Belgium—Decree providing for compulsory care of health of young workers. 175’ 176
Canadian labor legislation—
Ontario....................................................................................................
476
Alberta........................................................................................................ 4 !
177
British Columbia......................................................................................4 i 77 178
Colombia—Decree relating to conciliation and arbitration in collective
labor disputes.................................................................................................. 473 479
Strikes and lockouts:
Strikes and lockouts in the United States, January to March, 1921......... 180-184
Great Britain—Coal miners’ strike.................................................................. 184-193
Japan—Im portant strike of miners......................................................................
493
Cooperation:
Cooperation, a study in constructive economic reform................................ 194-196
Progress of cooperation abroad—
Argentina, New South Wales, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy,
Japan, Portugal, South Africa, United K ingdom............................... 196-203
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CONTENTS.
What State labor bureaus are doing :
Y
Page-
Connecticut......................................................................................................... 204, 205
Kansas.................................................................................................................. 205, 206
Massachusetts...................................................................................................... 206, 207
Minnesota.................................................................. .......................................... 207, 208
North Dakota..........................................................................................................
208
Pennsylvania....................................................................................................... 208-210
Texas.................................................................................................................... 210, 211
Wisconsin.................................................................................................................
211
Wyoming..................................................................................................................
211
Current notes of interest to labor:
Vacations for factory workers............................................................................ 212, 213
British movement for Christian order of industry and commerce............... 213, 214
Chinese in Canada..................................................................................................
214
Coventry firm regulates wages by cost of living................................................
214
Countries prohibiting use of white phosphorus in match m anufacturing.. 214, 215
Czechoslovakia—Industrial conference..............................................................
215
215
Switzerland—Depression in watch-making industry.......................................
Publications relating to labor:
Official—United States............................................................. ....................... 216, 217
Official—Foreign countries......................... ........................... - ...................... 217-219
Unofficial............................................................................................................. 219-223
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
vol
.
x iii- n o
WASHINGTON
. 2
au gust
, 1921
Standardization of Output by Agreement.1
By E t h e l b e r t S t e w a r t , U n it e d S t a t e s C o m m is s io n e r
of
L a b o r S t a t is t ic s .
M
AY it not be true th a t we are neglecting the m ost practical, the
easiest, and the simplest m ethod of solution of the output
problem ? For years the slogan of both capital and labor has
been “ A fair d ay ’s wage for a fair d a y ’s w ork.” Statistics on cost
of living have enabled us, for a num ber of years past, to be fairly
definite in fixing a fair d ay ’s wage on the basis of living costs. I
venture to say, however, th a t there is practically nothing tangible in
any large industry th a t can be used to determ ine w hat is a fair d ay ’s
work. We have standardized b u t one end of our problem and left
the other dangling in the air.
W hat I wish particularly to call attention to now is th a t w hat
constitutes a fair d a y ’s work can be ascertained in any industry or
any occupation; th a t employers and employees can as readily agree
upon a fair d a y ’s work as upon a fair d ay ’s wage; th a t each industry
has the means a t its disposal for ascertaining a fair d ay ’s work; and m y
proposition is th a t these be w ritten into the agreements or m ade the
subjects of subsidiary agreements between employers and employees.
I have in m ind a very recent experim ent along this line. In a
m en’s clothing establishm ent employing a large num ber of people the
1921 wage scale was agreed upon, the wage scale m erely intim ating
th a t a standard of o u tp u t would be m ade the subject of a subagree
m ent. This subagreem ent was worked out by a comm ittee of work
ers, selected by the employees, and the labor m anager and other
representatives of the employers, who developed a standard basic
ou tp u t for each operation. I t lists all operations in the m aking of a
coat or a suit of clothes, the agreed o u tp u t for 1920 and the agreed
output for 1921. The increases in the agreed o u tp u t for 1921 over
the agreed o u tput for 1920 range, in cases where any change a t all
was made, from 4 per cent to as high as 51 per cent in one case; and
to make this m atte r more clear, I attach hereto a list of the opera
tions w ith the production per operative per day of eight hours in
1920 and in 1921 and the per cent of increase. This is a base line
and entitles the operative to earn the standard weekly wage in this
factory. For those who can produce more there are other grades.
For instance, this standard, or w hat we would call in the printing
trade a “ dead line,” is known as “ class A .” To reach the ou tp u t
in class A entitles one to the standard weekly wage. To enter class
B one m ust produce 10 per cent above the standard for a period of
three weeks in succession. Class C is for those whose production aver
ages 20 per cent above the sta n d a rd for three weeks. Class D is for
those whose o u tp u t reaches 30 per cent above the standard for a
period of three weeks. The pay is increased for each of these
grades in an am ount equivalent to the increased output. In this
particular factory standard A is not exactly a dead line. A person
1 P a rt of an address before th e E ig h th A n n u al C onvention of th e Association of G overnm ental Labor
Officials of th e U nited States a n d Canada, N ew Orleans, La., M ay 2-5,1921.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[263]
1
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
who is unable to m ake class A and whose o u tp u t falls to 20 per cent
below class A o u tp u t for a period of three weeks is p u t into a sub
grade, practically a learners’ group, where such person remains until
the o u tp u t is increased to standard.
^ o u m a y ask 1‘ W hat is the difference between this and piece rates V’
The answer is th a t it does n o t drive the workers to anything like the
ex ten t th a t piecework does; it does not tend to reduce piece rates if
one does produce a large output, and it has, w hat to m y m ind is a
m uch more im p o rtan t thing, the m oral advantage of being an agreed
fair d a y ’s work for a fair d ay ’s wage.
In a great m any industries o u tp u t has been a p a rt of the collective
bargaining, a p a rt of the agreem ent; and if it can be done in so com
plicated an industry as the clothing industry it is rath er absurd to
say th a t it can not be done in the building trades and in a great
m any, if n o t all, of the various industries.
C H A N G E IN S T A N D A R D S O F P R O D U C T IO N IN a L A R G E M E N ’S C L O T H IN G ESTA B
L IS H M E N T B E T W E E N Y E A R S 1920 AN D 1921—N U M B E R O F P IE C E S P E R 8-H O U R DAY
IN EA C H O F T H E Y E A R S , B Y O P E R A T IO N .
P roduction per person,
p er 8-hour day.
O peration.
1920
M aking flaps a n d w e lts................................
M aking p atch es...............................................
Joining gores....................................................
Pressing gores..............................................[.
Sewing on pockets.........
’
|
Stitching on patch es......................................
T acking w elts..................................................
Tacking p o ck ets............................................
Joining seam s.............................................
Serging seams (after joining).............
P iping seam s...................................................
D raw ing in arm holes......................... !!!!!!
Pressing seams a n d pockets...................
B asting can v as................................................
P u ttin g in shoulder p a d s .......................
P addin g lap els................................................
Tacking pockets to can v as.......................' .
Pressing fro n ts................................................
Shaping..................................................
M aking lin in g s.......................... . . !
F irst u n d e r b astin g .............................
Second u n d e rb a stin g .....................................
Sewing an d trim m in g yokes.............
Serving ta p e ..............................................
Sewing b u tto n s ................................
Piping b o tto m s............................
B asting facings an d b o tto m s...........
Tacking b o tto m s.................................
Tacking facing to can v a s..........................
B asting lin in g b y m ach in e..........................
J oining shoulders...........................................
Sewing elbow seams a n d v e n t....................
Sewing un d erarm seam a n d sleeve lining
Sewing in sleeves............................................
Pressing shoulder an d arm hole___ ...1 "
B asting shoulder a n d arm h o le...................
B asting on undercollar.................................
Pressing undercollar......................................
Shaping collar.................................................
F ittin g to p co llar..........
Sewing in ends of to p collar........................
M aking to p collar...........................................
Felling collar edge..........................................
S titching edges........................................ .. ”
Pressing shapes...............................................
M achine felling................................................
B utton h o le m ark in g ......................................
E dge pressing.......................................... !. ’ .
Shoulder pressing...........................................
Sleeve pressing................................................
B ody pressing.................................................
B u tto n m ark in g .............................................
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1921
95
60
320
375
95
55
100
60
179
170
125
323
120
185
450
125
200
440
110
58
170
150
155
176
305
350
95
495
100
354
190
77
100
85
77
40
68
300
400
235
306
32|
80
187
450
95
500
152
130
260
20
370
[264]
105
74
350
388
105
57
115
70
179
209
150
374
125
198
450
140
251
580
120
66
200
185
199
184
352
387
114
495
115
426
230
83
115
85
110
48
68
452
445
274
337
38
90
200
600
117
600
174
150
312
25J
450
Per cent of
increase.
a
23
9
3
11
4
15
17
23
20
16
4
7
12
26
32
9
14
18
23
28
5
15
11
20
15
20
21
8
15
43
20
51
11
17
10
17
13
7
33
23
20
14
15
20
28
22
WAGES AND HOURS OE LABOR IN FIVE CHINESE CITIES.
3
Wag es and Hours of Labor in Five Chinese Cities, 1917 and 1920.
By T a C h e n , M. A., Sometime Fellow of Columbia University.
I
N A D D ITIO N to a general discussion of Chinese labor conditions
appearing elsewhere in this issue,1 the following tables have been
compiled to show specifically wages and hours of labor, by occu
pations, in five Chinese cities. The cities selected represent in a
general way several industrial sections of China. Shanghai, the first
city considered, has a population of a million, and is a leading com
m ercial and industrial center of the nation. A bout 210 miles west
of the m outh of the Y angtze R iver lies Nanking, the second city for
which figures are shown. Nanking is connected w ith Tientsin in the
n o rth by railroad and w ith H ankow in the west by steam boat, and
has 378,000 inhabitants. Peking, the third city noted, has a popu
lation of 802,000 and is not only the national capital b u t also a m anu
facturing center in n o rth China. Tai-yuen, the fourth, is the capital
of Shansi, one of the inland Provinces in northw estern China. I t
has heretofore been isolated from the rest of the country geographi
cally and socially, b u t recently rem arkable progress in civil adm inis
tra tio n has been m ade in the Province of Shansi, and its industries
have been developing a t a rapid rate. The population of Taiyuen is 95,916. Amoy, the fifth city considered, is in Fukien, and
claims to be a pioneer city in international trade, the p o rt being
opened in 1842 by the T reaty of Nanking. I t has a population of
114,000 and its commerce and in dustry stand high in southeastern
China.
For Shanghai, Nanking, Peking, and Tai-yuen, the inform ation
covers two years, i. e., 1917 and 1920. The d a ta for 1917 are taken
from the Sixth A nnual R eport of the M inistry of A griculture and
Commerce, published in A ugust, 1920, in Peking. F or 1920, the
Labor N um ber of La Jeunesse, May, 1920, is the chief source of
inform ation, though a num ber of Chinese reports and journals have
been consulted.
The statistical unit of presentation in these reports is n o t the same,
the M inistry of A griculture and Commerce taking the circuit, and La
Jeunesse, the city. The circuit covers m uch wider territo ry th an the
city. F or exam ple, 12 districts are included in the circuit of which
Shanghai is the principal city. The m in istry ’s report does n o t specify
the w ay in which the average for the circuit was com puted. If each
d istrict is given equal weight, the average for the circuit would be
reduced considerably by the relatively lower wages in the outlying
districts. If weights have been used, the average for the circuit,
though necessarily lower than th a t for its principal city, would be
nearer to the latte r. S tatistically speaking, then, the d a ta for 1917
and for 1920 are no t strictly com parable, though for the sake of con
venience they are p u t side by side in the same table. Since this is
the first tim e th a t Chinese labor statistics have been presented to the
English reading public in a rath e r detailed m anner and covering con
siderable areas, both sets of figures are of special in terest irrespec
tive of their noncom parability.
R egarding Amoy, the presentation of the m aterial is slightly dif
ferent, the d a ta for 1921 being taken from a report of the Am erican
1 See post, p p . 16 to 30.
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T2651
4
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
consul a t Amoy, subm itted on April 25, 1921, to the B ureau of Foreign
and Dom estic Commerce, W ashington, D. C. For the year 1917, the
Sixth A nnual R eport of the M inistry of A griculture and Commerce is
used.
As for the reliability of sources, the Am erican consul states th a t the
Amoy figures “ are obtained from three separate sources and are
probably substantially correct.” La Jeunesse, a m onthly m agazine
p rinted in Chinese, m ade the first extensive survey of labor conditions
in China, and a portion of the results of this survey was used in the
M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w of December, 1920 (pp. 207-212). The
report by the M inistry of A griculture and Commerce is the late st
official report on the subject. Taken all in all, it is believed th a t the
figures are approxim ately accurate.
In considering working hours, it m ust be borne in m ind th a t
Chinese workers usually have no holiday on Sundays, except in a
lim ited num ber of factories, m ining concerns, and leading establish
m ents in trading ports, foreign leaseholds, and settlem ents. In
agriculture and various trades, the num ber of holidays per year for
each worker hardly exceeds from 30 to 35 days.
Wages for tim e work are paid in three principal ways : W ith board,
w ithout board, and w ith board and lodging. Besides regular pay,
tradesm en, servants, and unskilled workers receive, in m any cases,
tips and seasonal gifts, which constitute im p o rtan t item s of their in
come. Since the G reat W ar, wages have increased considerably, as
shown by several Chinese reports. In Shanghai the increase has been
about 80 per cent, in Peking 50 to 60 per cent, in N anking 45 per cent,
in Tai-yuen 35 per cent, and in Amoy 25 to 30 per cent.1
Inform ation of special in terest is given in the “ R em arks ” column.
Among other things, the column outlines three phases of Chinese
industrial life. The very old phase is dom inated by the guilds,
which are m ost active in trades requiring high skill, such as carpentry,
carving, and painting. The very new phase is the labor union, which
was ushered in w ith m odern industries such as railways, mining, and
factories. Between them stands the interm ediate group of workers
whose attitu d e tow ard the guild or the union largely depends on the
degree of influence from the one or the other. Thus, the Shanghai
tailors are inclined towards the union, and the m asons in Peking
tow ard the guild.
1 T he A m erican consul a t A m oy considers th e relatively low er increase of wages in A m oy as being an in
dication of unsatisfactory labor conditions in th a t to w n . H e states th a t an average of 60,000 Chinese from
th is district em igrate each year to Singapore an d other countries to th e south, th a t in 1920 about $14,000,000
gold was rem itted b y overseas Chinese for th e su p p o rt of th eir families, a nd th a t thousands of homes are
literally supported b y these rem ittances.
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W AGES AND H O U R S OF LABOR IN FIV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
5
W A G ES A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , TA I-Y U E N , A N D
AMOY.
[Wages show n are in Chinese silver dollars, Worth a b o u t 48 cents in gold.]
Shanghai.
In d u s try an d occupation.
A utom obiles:
'Total employees
D aily wage—
Chauffeurs
H e lp ers............
B arbers:
T otal employees
D aily wage.........
B athhouses:
N um ber of establishm ents .
T otal em ployees....................
D aily w a g e B ack scrateh ers.................
B arbers................................
M anicures..........................
W aiters................................
B lacksm ithing:
T otal em ployees. . . . . . . . . . .
D aily w a g e A pprentices.........................
Jo u rn e y m en .....................
M asters.......... .....................
B utto n s:
N um ber of e sta b lish m e n ts.
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
A pp ren tices.......................
Forem en................... .
W orkers..............................
C andy:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
Total em ployees....................
D aily wage..............................
C arpentry:
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
Coolies, u n sk illed ...............
M asters (fu rn itu re)............
Carriages:
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage..............................
C arving (wood a n d ivory):
D aily wage..............................
Copp ersm ithing :
D aily wage......... ...................
D yeing:
D aily w age..............................
E lectricity :
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
Chinese companies—
F orem en ...........................
W o rk ers...........................
Foreign com panies—
F orem en ...........................
Section h a n d s .................
W o rk ers...........................
Farm ing:
D aily wage—
M ales....................................
Fem ales................................
1920
19171
Hours
per
day.
R em arks.
6,000
$0. 83-11.20
$0. 50
10
10
24,000
2 $0. 20-80.30
11
60
2,100
8 $0.30-80. 50
8 10. 40-80. 65
8 $0.30-80.50
8 $0. 35-$0. 60
13
13
13
13
The barbers’ guild w as re
cently reorganized, rules were
revised, an d officers’ p a y w as in
creased. T he head barber re
ceives 70 per cent of gross receipts
a n d th e w orkers 30 per cent.
W hen te m porarily unem ployed
th e w orker gets board a n d lodg
ing.
T he m anicures’ guild is active;
its in itia tio n fee is $10 p e r m em
ber. F o u r rules deserve m en
tio n : (1) U niform wage; (2) free
m edical care to sick m em bers;
(3) g uild’s loan to unem ployed;
(4) gu ild ’s festival on th irte e n th
d ay of seventh m oon, for common
Worship a n d e n te rta in m e n t.
1,050
12
12
12
(*)
8 $0. 50-80. 70
8 $1.00-13. 70
15
600
2 $0.10
$1. 00
$0.30-$0. 60
12
12
12
15
550
$0.17, $0.24-80. 34
(°)
70,000
8 $0.30
8 $1. 00-$l. 40 8 $6. 25-80. 55
$0. 35-80. 65
12
12
12
2,000
$0. 34-10. 40
(8)
8 $0. 25-80. 35
$0.30-$0. 50
(5)
G)
8 80. 30-80. 35
(°)
80.10-80.30
(5)
E ig h t guilds, representing 8
subdivisions of th e in d u stry ,
have a m em bership of 20,000.
Coolies are n o t a d m itte d to th e
guild.
6,500
$0. 50-80.84
8 $0.17-10. 50
$0. 50-80. 60
8
10-12
8
$1.00-$l. 17
$0. 74-$0. 84
$0.67-80. 77
8
8
8
8 $0.36
8 $0.24
(5)
(»)
1 W ages for 1917 are for th e circuit of W oo H ai, w hich includes 12 d istricts, Shanghai being th e p rin
cipal c ity .
2 A nd b o ard a n d lodging.
8 A nd board.
4 B oard an d lodging only.
5 N ot reported.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[267]
6
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
W A G E S AND H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , AND
AMOY—Continued.
Shanghai—Continued.
In d u stry and occupation.
G ardening:
N um ber of e stab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
D aily wage—
Skilled w o rk ers..................
U nskilled w orkers.............
Gold a n d silver sm ithing:
D aily wage..............................
H a t m aking:
D aily wage..............................
H osiery:
N um ber of e sta b lish m e n ts..
D aily wage—
F o rem en..............................
W o rk ers...............................
H otels:
N u m b er of estab lish m en ts..
D aily wage—
P o rters..................................
W aiters..................... „.........
Incense:
N u m b er of e stab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
D aily wage..............................
K ian g n an Dock:
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage, gun d e p art
m e n t—
Engineers............................
F o rem en ..............................
Section h a n d s .....................
W o rk ers..............................
M inors.................................
L eath er goods m anufactur
ing:
D aily w age............................ .
19171
1920
1,000
4,000
2 $0.14-JO. 24
2 $0.07-J0.10
HI
Hi
310. 40
h
3 $0.30
(5)
$0. 70-J1. 00
JO. 60-J1. 00
R em arks.
This includes workers in public
a n d p riv a te p ark s an d flower
shops, 350 m en of th e la tte r group
having ju s t b u ilt th e ir guild hall,
“ K ing of Flow ers,” w here dis
putes betw een em ployer a nd em
ployees in th e tra d e are to be
settled.
This is piecew ork. The new
union dem ands th e closed-shop
policy.
125
(6)
(6)
102
3 JO. 40-$0. 80
3 $0. 50-J1. 00
(6)
(6)
50
550
3 $0.21
10i
4,500-7,000
Jl.00-J2.70
$0.80-$l. 34
$0.60-JO. 90
JO. 30
3 JO. 10-J0. 20
9
9
9
9
9
2 $0.20-JO. 45
$0. 30-J0.55
M aid servants:
D aily wage—
B eau ty e x p e r ts ..
H ousehold m aids.
Needle w o rk e rs..
W et n u rses...........
M asonry:
D aily w age...............
(5)
(5)
(6)
(6)
(6)
(6)
3 JO. 20
JO. 30
M at m aking:
D aily w age...............
M atches:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage, m ales.................
fem ales.............
M unicipal council:
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
Gardeners, road repairers,
street sweepers, and
tree p lan ters.
H eadm en, te m p o ra ry ___
H elpers, te m p o ra ry ..........
W orkers, tem p o rary .........
H ours
per
day.
3 JO. 20
JO. 30
15
500
$0. 30-J0. 50
7 $0.10
T he guild form ed b y Shanghai
workers dem ands th e closedshop policy. For Shanghai work
ers a d a y ’s w ork is 18 “ ehang
lo o ” (about one-third ofa pound);
f or im m igrant w orkers, 25 “ chang
loo.” P a y for 1 m o n th is based
on 32 days, m onths having less
th a n 30 days on account of sick
ness, holidays, or other necessary
absence being counted as 30 days
a m onth.
Rifle, m achinery, steel, car
tridge, a nd shell departm ents
have sim ilar classes of workers
w ith sim ilar grades of pay. In
b u sy tim es nig h t w ork of two
hours is added w ith an increase
of one-third to one-half of daily
wage.
Tips are a big item in th eir in
come. W et nurses receive good
food, clothing, an d jew elry be
sides regular pay.
10
10
(5)
(5)
(5)
600
J0.26
9
JO. 60
JO. 40
$0.35
9
9
9
1 Wages for 1817 are for th e circuit of Woo H ai, w hich includes 12 districts, Shanghai being the p rin
cipal city.
3 A nd bo ard a n d lodging.
3 A nd board.
N o t reported.
3 No definite hours.
7 P e r 1,000 boxes, done b y young girls.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[268 A
W AGES AND H O U R S OF LABOR IN F IV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
7
W A G ES AN D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , TA I-Y U E N , AND
AMOY—Continued.
Shanghai—Continued.
In d u s try an d occupation.
O ptical com pany:
N um ber of e stab lish m en ts..
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
E x p e rts ................................
A pprentices.........................
P a p e r m aking:
D aily wage..............................
P o st office:
N um ber of e stab lish m en ts..
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
H ead m e n ............................
J a n ito rs ................................
L e tte r carriers....................
Mail so rte rs.........................
U nskilled w orkers.............
P rin tin g a n d publishing:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
B inders (fem ale)...............
Folders (females)...............
F o rem en ..............................
L aborers..............................
R ailw ays:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T otal employees....................
D aily wage—
Baggage m e n ......................
Cooks....................................
F irem en ...............................
Locomotive engineers___
Signal m e n ..........................
R a tta n m aking:
D aily wage..............................
R estauran ts:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T otal employees....................
D aily wage—
Cooks....................................
H ead cooks.........................
H ead w aiters......................
W a lte rs................................
Rice milling:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T otal employees....................
D aily wage..............................
Sauce m aking:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T otal employees....................
D aily wage..............................
19171
1920
Hours
per
day.
10
750
10
10
$2. 30
3 $0. 25-50.35
(5)
18
2 500
$0.67-81. 00
$0.35
$0.39-10. 99
8-10
8-10
8-10
$0.60-$l. 00
$0.30
8-10
8-10
40
11 000
9
9
9
9
9
$0.04-10. 34
$0.83-11. 84
$0.50
$0.67-$l. 70
$0.34-51. 00
F or th e first 2 m onths th e ap
prentice gets no p ay; after th a t
he gets a nom inal pay; three years
la te r he gets $1 a day w ithout
board.
T he head m en get a yearly in
crease of $2 a nd th e other workers
here fisted get a yearly increase
of $1. T hey are all advised to
ta k e lessons a t Y . M. C. A ., 50
p e r cent of th e ir tu itio n being
borne b y th e post office. T hey
have no work on Sundays.
T he commercial press a nd the
C hung H u a Book Co. have no
Sunday work. O ther companies
usually give tw o holidays per
m o n th . B inders are paid from
1 to 3 cents p e r book, a nd folders
from 2 to 9 cents p er 1,000 pages.
Porters get no regular wage,
b u t tips am o u n t to about $1 per
day.
2
1 500
8
8
8
8
8
$0.50
$0. 75
$0.54
$2. 00-$3. 40
$0.34
$0. 30
0)
78
2 000
14
14
14
14
3 $0.40
3 $1. 00
3 $0.3O-$0. 54
3 $0.14
39
675
$0. 30-$0. 40
3 $0.18
$0. 30
144
2 000
3 $0.10-10.17
3 $0.15
$0.25
Sawing:
3 $0. 30
D aily wage..............................
Shoe (leather) m an u factu r
ing:
212
N um ber of e sta b lish m e n ts..
6 300
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
3 0-80.10
A pprentices........................
3 $0.60-10.70
Journ ey m en ........................
3 51.20
M asters................................
Shoe (silk) m anufacturing:
2 500
N um ber of esta b lish m e n ts..
24'000
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
3 51.00
M asters, m a le .....................
3 $0.75
M asters,fem ale..................
3 $0. 50
Sole fixers, fem ale..............
i Wages for 1917 are for th e circu it of W oo H ai, w hich includes
cipal city.
3 A nd board.
6 N ot reported.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
R em arks.
[269]
Tips bring th e earnings of
w aiters u p to from $24 to $40 p e r
m onth. A fter th e stu d e n ts’
strike, re stau ran t w orkers formed
a union a nd issued th e People’s
D aily, w hich has since; been dis
continued.
12
12
14
14
(5)
12
12
12
12
12
12
12 d istric ts, S hanghai being th e p rin
8
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
W A GES A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , AN D
AMOY—Continued.
Shanghai—Concluded.
In d u s try a n d occupation.
Tailors :
T o tal employees.
D aily wage—
A pprentices. . .
W o rk ers..........
Tea m anufacturing:
D aily W a g e F o rem en ...................
Tea pickers, female.
W o rk e rs .................
Tilers—daily w age........
Tobacco:
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
Coolies..................................
F o rem en ..............................
M achinists...........................
W orkers, m a le ...................
W orkers, fem ale.................
V arnishing an d painting:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
Jo u rn ey m en ........................
M asters.................................
W ater supply:
T otal employees.
D aily wage-^B lack sm ith s. .
Boiler tenders.
C arp en ters___
Coolies.............
E ngineers........
W heelbarrow s:
T otal employees
D aily w age.........
Hours
per
day.
19171
1920
Rem arks.
A fter th e fifteenth of th e eighth
m oon th e worker s wage is
doubled (w ith th e addition of
night w ork). T he guild has re
organized a n d has a strong desire
to a d opt labor-union rules.
4,700
8 $0.10-80.24
11
11
8 i l . 00
8$0. 36-10.44
8 $0.28-80. 80
11
' $ 0.
20
80.30
(5)
(5)
0. 20
HI
lli
HI
Hi
11J
11*
20,000
$0. 25
$0. 50-82. 70
$0. 50-il. 00
0. 30
$0. 40-80. 50
$0.20-10. 30
Tea picking is piecework, usu
ally done b y young girls.
T he workers are divided in to
d ay an d night shifts.
3,500
13,500
8 $0. 30-$0. 33
8 $0. 36-$0. 50
450
10i
10i
$0. 47-10. 67
80.40
$1. 40
$0. 30-80. 44
81. 40-82. 70
10i
lot
lot
15,000
$0. 50-80. 80
Nanking.
In d u s try an d occupation.
A utom obiles:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
D aily w age..............................
B arb er shops:
N u m b er of establishm ents.
T o tal employees....................
D aily w age..............................
19178
1920
Hours
per
day.
R em arks.
22
(5)
8 $0.50
(6)
300
1,500
2 $0.22-80.32
13
A t the close of each d a y ’s work
th e head barber gives each of his
m en 35 per cent of th e am ount
tu rn e d in by him during the day.
The wage here given represents
th e w orker’s share.
8 $0.10-80. 30 (5)
8 $0.15-80. 30 ( 5)
$0.20-80. 40 (6)
9
C arpentry—daily w age........
8 $0.30-80.40 8 $0.18-80.22
$0.28-80.32
9
1 W ages for 1917 are for th e circu it of Woo H ai, w hich includes 12 d istric ts, Shanghai being th e p rin
cipal city.
2 A nd bo ard a n d lodging.
8 A n d board.
6 N ot reported.
« No definite hours.
8 W ages for 1917 are for th e circuit of Ching Ling, w hich includes 6 districts, N anking being th e principal
city.
B laeksm ithing—daily wage.
Breweries—daily w age........ .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[2TO]
WAGES AND H O U E S OF LABOE I N F IV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
9
W A G ES A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , AND
AMOY—Continued.
Nanking—Continued.
In d u stry an d occupation.
Carriages:
N um ber o f establishm ents_
D aily w age........... .................
C art m anufacturing—daily
w age......................................
C art driving—daily wage____
Carving (wood an d ivory):
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
Journ ey m en ........................
M asters................................
Cloth:
N um b er of establishm ents.
T otal em ployees....................
D aily wage, m ales.................
D aily wage, fem ales.............
C oppersm ithing :
N um ber of establishm ents.
T otal em ployees...................
D aily w age..............................
D yeing:
D aily wage—
D rier.....................................
D y e r......................................
C le a n e r...............................
F arm ing :
D aily wage, m ales....... .........
D aily wage, fem ales.............
F erry boat—daily w age..........
Gold' and silver sm ithing:
N um b er of establishm ents.
D aily w age..............................
H a t m aking—daily w age........
H osiery :
N um b er of establishm ents.
T otal employees....................
D aily w age..............................
Incense:
T otal employées....................
D aily w age..............................
L eather goods—daily w age. . .
L e tte r carriers—daily w ag e...
M asonry—daily w age...............
M at m aking—daily w age........
M ining:
T otal employees....................
D aily wage-Lcoal m in e rs .. .
D aily wage—iron m in e rs . . .
M int:
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
Common lab o rers..............
F orem en ..............................
Section h a n d s.....................
M ule drivers—daily w age.......
P a p e r m aking—daily w age. ..
Pleasure boats—daily w age...
P rin tin g and publishing—
daily wage.
19178
1920
H ours
per
day.
210
3 $0.30
TO. 60
12
12
3 SO. 20-S0.40
SO. 50-SI. 00
( 5)
( 6)
131
(0
R em arks.
10
10
10
3 SO. 40
3 SO. 50 3 SO. 10-S0.30
S0.30-S0.50
There is night w ork o f about 4
hours betw een th e n in th moon
and th e th ird m oon, w ith extra
p a y of 10 p er cent of daily wage.
10
8
2,500
SO. 35-SO. 45
SO. 25-SO.35
21
126
3 $0.10-S0.20 3 S0.20-S0.50
3 SO. 20-S0. 30
3 SO.25-SO. 35
3 SO. 25-SO. 35
10
j3S0.20-S0. 30
2 SO. 12-SO. 32
C6)
2 SO. 10-S0.20
(*)
SO. 50-S0.60
47
3 SO. 60-SI. 00 3 SO. 30-S0.60
SO. 10-S0. 30
3 SÒ. 20-SÒ. 3Ò
«
F o r night work, price a n d oneh alf.
9
(5)
32
300
SO. 30
10
250
3 SO. 20-TO.25
Most of th e w orkers are young
girls. T here is no night work,
as nights are reserved for practice
lessons of apprentices.
11
SO. 10-S0.25
$0.27-S0.40
3 SO.30-S0.40 3 SO.16-SO.25
SO. 20-SO. 30
3 SO.16-S0.20
......................... $0.26-SO.30
(5)
131
10'
10
(5)
(5)
700
SO. 27-S0.54
SO.27-S0.67
Those who w ork 16 hours get
double pay.
3 SO. 07-S0-14
SO. 50
$2.00
SI. 00
SO. 50-SI. 00
............
3 SO. 10-S0.30
2 $0.30
3 SO. 10-S0.40
SO. 40-SI. 00
( 6)
«
12
( 5)
There are a b out 4 w orkers to a
boat. E ach b oat e arn s $3 to S5
a day. T h irty p e r cent o f to ta l
earnings is divided among th e
workers.
(5)
2 A nd board a n d lodging.
3 A nd board.
4 B oard a n d lodging only.
6 N ot reported.
6 No definite hours.
8 W ages for 1917 are for th e circuit of Ching L ing, w hich includes 6 d istricts, N anking being th e p rin
cipal c ity .
.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
£271]
10
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
W A G ES A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN S H A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , TA T-Y U EN , A N D
AM OY—C ontinued.
Nanking—Concluded.
In d u s try an d occupation.
1920
19178
R ailw ays:
D aily wage—
Engineers............................
F irem en ...............................
L ab o rers..............................
Locomotive engineers___
Rice milling:
T otal employees....................
D aily w age..............................
260
8 $0.20-80.30
R ickshaw com pany:
N u m b er of establishm ents.
T o tal employees....................
D aily w ag e.............................
R oad repairers—daily w a g e ..
R oad sweepers—daily w a g e ..
95
7,500
$0.45-80.60
8 $0.40
8 $0.17
Telegraph messengers— daily
wage.
Tobacco—D aily w age...............
Towel m anufacturing:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
R ate per to w el.......................
V arnishing:
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily w age..............................
W aiters:
D aily wage—
A t h o te ls ............................
A t re sta u ra n ts....................
A t te a houses.....................
8 $0.14-80. 30
$0.24-80.40
10
10
12
10
(5)
8 80.20-80.26
$0.23-80.30
8 $0.24-80. 32
(5)
(5)
(5)
2 $0.20
(6)
2 $0.1040.20
2 $0.10-80.15
2 80.20-80.30
2 $0.20-80.30
(6)
( 6)
(6)
(6)
11,000
60,000
8 $0.04-80.10
$0.40
$0.18
$0.35
$0.30
80. 27
8 $4. 00
$3.00
R em arks.
W orkers are divided into 2
shifts, changing a t 4 a. m . and 2
p. m . T he u nion’s m em ber
ship includes about tw o-fifths of
th e w orkers.
M any of th e workers are farm
ers who re tu rn to th e farms in
A nhw ei each spring.
D ay w orkers p a y 20 cents for
th e rickshaw , night w orkers 25
cents. This wage excludes the
rent.
Sweeps tw ice a day, 6 a. m.
and 1 p. m.
Occasional tips and gifts a t the
Chinese New Y ear from employ
ers constitute im p o rtan t item s of
income.
OOOOOOOO
Sawyers—daily w age...............
Servants:
D aily wage—
M ales....................................
Fem ales—
B eauty ex p erts..............
H ousekeepers.................
N eedle workers...............
W et nurses......................
Silk m anufacturing:
N u m b er of estab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
D aily W ag e A pprentices.........................
Loom te n d e rs .....................
M inors..................................
R eeling girls.......................
Spoolers................................
Spoolers’ h e lp e rs...............
W eavers, fancy s ilk ..........
W eavers, plain silk...........
Silk reeling:
D aily wage, m ales...............
D aily wage, fem ales.............
Silkworm raising:
D aily wage, m ales.................
D aily wage, fem ales.............
Tailors:
N um ber of estab lish m en ts..
T o tal employees....................
D aily w age..............................
N ativ e sty le........................
W estern sty le .....................
Tea
m anufacturing—daily
wage.
Tea picking—daily w age........
10
10
10
10
$0.67-41.00
$0.47
$0. 50-10.65
$0.80
Sauce m a k in g —daily w age...
H o u rs
per
day.
T here is night work of one to
th re e hours after w inter solstice.
W hen fancy-silk weaver is tem po
rarily unem ployed h e still gets
board from em ployer. Spooling
is done a t hom e by fem ale work
ers, of w hom one-third a r e wid
ows a nd one-third young girls.
8 $0.40-80.60
8 $0.30-80. 50
8 $0.30-80.50
8 $0.20-80.30
1,000
4,500
8 $0.16-80.22
2 $0. 25
$0. 75
8 80.20-80.23
101
9
(5)
$0.15-80.30
7
8 $0.10
8 $0.15-80.25
(6)
8 80.22-80. 30
$0.26-80.35
10
10
300
1,900
8 $0.008-80. 02
9
500
8 $0.15-80.30
8
2 $0.50-81.10
8 $0.30-80.60
8 $0.10-80.30
T his is piecew ork. All workers
are young girls.
For th e delivery of a telegram
he receives a tip of 10 cents.
(6)
(6)
(6)
Average w orker m akes 30 to 45
towels a day. R ates v a ry accord
ing to size of th e towel. Fourfifths of w orkers are females.
For dinners served outside
w aiters receive tips, 10 per cent
of w hich goes to th e treasurer of
th e h o te l or restaurant.
2 A n d bo ard an d lodging.
8 A n d board.
6 N o t rep o rted .
8 No definite hours.
8 W ages for 1917 are for th e c ircu it of Ching L ing, w hich includes 6 d istricts, N anking being the principal
city.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[272]
W AGES AND H O U R S OF LABOR. IN FIV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
11
W AGES A N D H O U R S OF L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , TA I-Y U E N , AND
AMOY—Continued.
Peking.
In d u s try a n d occupation.
Automobiles:
T o tal employees...............
D aily wage—
C hauffeurs.....................
H elp ers...........................
Baggage handlers—daily wage
B arbers—daily w age................
B lacksm ithing—daily w age. .
1917»
1920
C arpet com pany:
N um ber of establishm ents.
T otal employees..................
D aily w age............................
Carriages:
T otal employees..................
D aily wage—
D riv e rs...............................
H e lp ers..............................
Carving, wood an d ivory:
D aily wage............................
Cloth weaving:
N um ber of e stab lish m en ts..
T otal employees....................
D aily w age............................
Coppersm ithing—daily wage
D yeing—daily w age...............
E lectrical com pany:
T o tal em ployees..................
D aily w age............................
Farm ing:
D aily wage, m ales...............
D aily wage, fem ales...........'
Flour mills:
N um ber of establishm ents.
T o tal employees..................
D aily wage............................
Gold an d silver sm ithing—
D aily w age............................
H a t m aking—daily w age---Laundries:
D aily wage—
Ironin g ................................
W ash in g ............................
L eather goods m an u factu r
ing—daily wage.
M asonry:
D aily wage—
M asters...............................
W orkers.............................
M at m aking—daily w age.
R em arks.
1,300
$ 1.10
$0. 40
. 25-80. 35
Also receive tips.
Also receive tips, usually more
th a n wage.
A pprentices get food and lodg
ing only. The blacksm iths’
guild is active.
3 $ 0 . 10
$ 0.20
. 23-80. 33 3 $0.10-$0. 35
B rew ery—daily w age...
C arpentry—daily wage.
Hours
per
day.
.57
a $0.10-$0. 33
$0. 20-$0. 45
3 $0.10-10.40
$0. 20-$0. 50
( 6)
(5)
11
11
The guild owns a cem etery in
w hich m em bers m a y be buried.
T raveling carpenters who go to
villages to work on contract earn
about 50 cents a day.
15
1,100
$0.40-10. 50
Also get “ food m o n ey ” and
tips from custom ers.
$0. 50
$0. 35
For urgent business absence is
granted w ith pay . H olidays in
clude New Y ear’s, vacation of 3
weeks, an d 4 days for festivals.
s $0. 20-80. 27 3 $0.18-80. 43
$0. 27-$0. 54
30
100
$0. 35
3 $0. 25
3 $0.12-80. 38
s $0.10-80. 35
(6)
3 $0.05-80. 50
3 $0. 03-80. 30
(5)
(5)
10
( 5)
700
$0.26-S0. 40
3
300
$0. 2L-S0. 40
11
3 $0. 20-$0. 40 3 $0.12-80. 40
10
3 $0.10-80. 30
(5)
3 $0.10-80. 20
10
10
(5)
$0. 30-80. 60
$0. 30-80. 3S
$0. 20-80. 30
$2.50
.10-80. 30 3 $0. 09-80. 38
$0.16-80. 47
3 $0. 04-80. IS
$0.15-80. 26
(5)
10
10
(3)
(5)
Sick employees get board b u t
no pay . Em ployees are some
tim es em ployed on night work
w ith e x tra pay.
The guild gives c harity to poor
m em bers an d to poor families in
th e com m unity.
For n ight w ork from 6 p . m . to
Mint:
9 p. m . one-third of daily wage
T o tal em ployees.......
is paid.
D aily wage—
9
$0.27-80. 99
Common lab o rers.
i
9
81.17-81. 84
Forem en.................
3 A nd board.
6 N ot reported.
. .
9 Wages for 1917 are for th e circuit of Ching Shao, w hich includes 20 districts, Peking being the principal
city
58950°—21----- 2
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[273]
12
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
W A G E S AN D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , AND
AMOY—C ontinued.
Peking—Concluded.
In d u s try an d occupation.
19179
1920
M ule-cart driving:
N um ber of establishm ents..
500
T o tal employees....................
5,000
D aily wage—
Common lab o rers..............
s SO. 10-S0. 20
D riv ers.................................
3 $0.20-S0. 30
P a p e r m anufacturing—daily
wage.
P o st office.:
N um ber of establishm ents..
21
T o tal em ployees....................
252
D aily w age.............................. 8 SO. 37, $0.67, SI. 00
P rin tin g a n d p u b lis h in g 50.27-50. 50
daily wage.
R a tta n m aking—daily wage..
Rice milling—d a ily wage........
R ickshaw :
T o tal em ployees...............
D aily wage—
C ontract b y m o n th __
Coolies............................
P riv a te em ployees___
Sauce m aking—daily wage
Servants:
D aily wage, m ales.................
D aily wage, fem ales..........
Silkw orm raising:
D aily wage, m ales.................
D aily wage, fem ales.............
Soap factory:
N um ber of establishm ents..
T o tal employees....................
D aily wage..............................
Tailors—daily w age.................
Tea m anufacturing — daily
wage.
Telephone—daily wage...........
Telegraph—daily w age...........
Tilers:
D aily wage—
A pprentices........................
.Journeymen........................
M asters................................
V arnishers a n d p ainters—
daily w age..............................
W atch repairers—daily w age.
W ater supply:
T o tal employees....................
D aily wage..............................
10
8 50.16-50. 23
50. 231$0. 30
10
R em arks.
Besides these there are about
2,000 carts a t parking places,
each earning $1 a day.; an d 500
carts a t railw ay stations for car
rying baggage, each earning
about 90 cents a day.
( 5)
(5)
The three classes of workers
receive a yearly increase of 50.75,
51, an d 51.50, respectively.
10
3 $0.12-50. 23
SO. 22-50. 30
8 $0.18-50. 34
3 50. 09-50. 25
50.18-50. 34
(°)
( 5)
The guild is active.
( 5)
60,000
8 $0. 60
$0. 3.5-50. 60
8 $0. 34
11
11
11
3 50. 07-50. 30
$0.18-10. 40
2 50. 07-50.17
2 50. 03-50.13
( 6)
( 6)
Tips am ount to a t least as
m uch as the wages.
2 50. 04-50.08
2 50. 03-50. 07
3
70
$0.27-50. 33
8 $0.15-50. 30 8 $0.10-50. 35
$0. 40
$0. 44
8 50.10-50. 30
$0. 20-50. 40
$0.55
9
10
8 $0. 04-50. 25
50.10-50. 40
(5)
9
9
B oth m asters a nd journeym en
get tips of 3 cents p e r day.
E arly in th e m orning all workers
gather a t a tea house to get in
form ation about opportunities
for em ploym ent; in Peking di
alect it is called “ Shan-kou-tse.”
Sabotage is com m only practiced
in this trade. A t 3 p . m . there is
usually a n interm ission of 30
m inutes w hen th e workers drink
tea a t the expense of th e em
ployer.
(5)
( 5)
10
8 $0. 20-50. 50 2 50.12-50. 40
10. 24-50. 50
2 $0.17-50. 30
Sometimes there is night work,
lasting a candlelight, w ith extra
pay.
( 5)
10
10
10
3 $0. 37
8 50. 57
Tobacco—daily wage.
Toy m akers—daily wage
Hours
per
day.
11
The apprentice gives one-half
of his earnings to th e m aster.
11
10
350
9
50.27-50. .37
2 A n d h o ard an d lodging.
3 A nd board.
6 N ot reported.
9 Wages for 1917 are for th e circu it of Ching Shao, w hich includes 20 districts, Peking being th e prin
cipal city.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[274]
W AGES AND H O U E S OF LABOE IN FIV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
13
W A GES A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN S H A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , AN D
AMOY—C ontinued.
Tax- Yuen.
In d u s try a n d occupation.
B arbers—daily w age..............
B athhouses—daily wage___
B lacksm ithing—daily w a g e ..
C arpentry—daily w age...........
C arving (wood a n d ivory)—
daily wage.
Cooks—daily w ag e...................
C oppersm iths—daily w a g e .. .
D yeing—daily wage.................
F actory for th e poor—daily
wage.
Farm ing:
D aily wage—m ales...............
D aily wage—fem ales............
F reight handlers—rate per
car.
Gold an d silver sm ithing—
daily wage.
H a t m aking—d aily w age........
L eather goods m an u factu r
ing—daily wage.
M asonry—daily wage...............
M ilitary factory:
T o tal employees....................
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
F orem en..............................
W orkers.........................
P aper m aking—daily wage."! ’
Plum bers:
D aily wage—
A pprentices.........................
W orkers...............................
Provincial w eaving factory:
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily w age..............................
P ublishing an d p rin tin g ^d aily wage.
R a tta n m aking—daily w a g e..
Rice m illing—d a ily wage........
R ickshaw :
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily w age..............................
Sauce m aking—daily w age. . .
Servants:
D aily wage—m ales...............
D aily wage—fem ales............
Silk filature:
T o tal em ployees....................
D aily wage..............................
Silk reeling—daily wage..........
Silkworm raisin g—d aily wage
Tailors—daily w age..................
Tilers—daily w age....................
Tobacco—daily wage...............
V arnishing a n d p ain tin g —
daily wage.
W ine m aking—daily wage__
191710
s $0. 30
0.10-30. 25
Hours
per
day.
Rem arks.
13
11
1-30. 30
0-30. 20
6-30.30
8-30. 38
30~$0. 65
3 $0.10-30. 30
$0. 30-31. 00
2 $0.10-10.20
5-30. 38
0-30.25
2 $0. 05
(5)
10
10
10
10
(5)
(5)
8
The factory receives beggars
an d vagabonds an d gives them
certain vocational training. I t
also recruits w orkers from the
c ity ’s slum s a n d gives th e m , in
additio n to nom inal p a y , cloth
ing an d m edical care. A ll w ork
ers are required to ta k e lessons
one hour each day, free of charge.
9-12
9-12
11
W ork 9 hours per d ay in
spring a n d w inter; 12 hours
during crop tim e.
0. 09-30. 30
0.07-30.20
3 $0.15-30.40
3 $0.06-30. 25
( 5)
3$0.10-30. 20
3 $0.04-30.11
(5)
(5)
0.15-30. 25
0.20-30. 40
( 5)
(5)
11
11
3 $0.10-30. 20
The factory serves lunch a t
cost, a n d gives 2 su its per year
to each employee. The w orkers
are all m ales. There is no
S unday w ork.
11
(5)
$0.05
$0.08-30. 30
150
$0. 25-30. 50
W hen w orking1in th e country
th e carpenter gets board.
W hen w orking in the country
th e carver gets board.
Cooks also receive tips.
( 5)
310.15-30. 25
3 $0.10-30.15
232.00-34.00
*30. 01
$1.70
30. 50
Em ployees also receive tips.
Plum bers get board when
em ployed in th e country.
11
3 $0.08-30. 30
$0. 20-30.60
3 $0. 08-30.15
3 $0. 50-30.60
( 5)
( 5)
( 5)
3 $0.02-30.12
( 5)
2 $0.10-30.15 3 $0. 05-30.10
2 $0. 03-$0.09
), 02-30.07
(6)
(r0
1,100
$0. 40-30.90
200
(6)
( 6)
0. 20-30. 35
1$0. 25-30.45
12
(6)
3 30.53
3 $0.13-30. 25
). 20-30. 40
3 30.15-30. 25
$0. 20-30. 30
$0.10-30. 25
3 $0.15-30. 25
). 30-30. 50
). 07-30.15
P a y is based on o u tp u t. A |
lesson of 2 hours is given each j
day to each worker, free of ;
charge.
( 5)
(5)
10
( 5)
( 5)
( 5)
(*)
(5)
( 5)
2 A nd board a n d lodging.
3
8 A nd board.
10Wages for 1917 are for th e circuit of Chee N ing, w hich includes 43 d istricts, T ai-Y uen b ein g th e principal j
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[275]
14
M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW ,
W A G E S A N D H O U R S O F L A B O R IN S H A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , A N D
AM OY—C on tin n e d .
Amoy.
D aily wage.
R em arks.
In d u s try an d occupation.
1917 11
B lacksm iths, m e n .
B ricklayers, m e n ..
Candle makers:
M en...................
W om en............
Carpenters:
M en...................
C hildren..
Carvers, m e n .
Chair coolies, m e n ...................
Common laborers:
M en......................................
W om en..............................
C hildren..............................
Coppersm iths, m e n .................
D yers, m e n ................................
E ngine drivers, m arine, m en.
Farm ers:
M en......................................
W om en...............................
Firecracker m akers:
M en......................................
W om en...............................
C hildren .............................
F ish erm en .................................
Gardeners, m e n ........................
Gold a n d silver sm iths, m en .
3 $0.10-S0.25
0. 523. 21- . 61
3.09- .26
3.43- .87
" 8.09-" ".*26"
3. 26
3.26- .44
3.17- .34
3.10- . 17
3.17- . 44
3.67- 1.33
3. 353. 133. 10-
C hildren.........
M at m akers, m en.
' 3.26- .35
3.61- .87
3.443. 35*.283.17-
.70
. 52
.35
. 44
Servants:
M en...................
W om en.............
Shipbuilders, m e n .
Shoemakers, m e n ..
Silk reelers:
M en...................
W om en.............
3."is-" .36
Foochow experts, who are th e m ost
skilled w orkers in th e trade, earn from
$40 to $50 gold, per m onth.
3.16.303. 20.30-
E a c h w orker receives 40 cents “ small1
m o n ey ” (about 35 silver cents) w orth
of opium to smoke each day.
3.20- .35
.35- .50
3.20- .35
.44- .52
3.2.5- .35
. 3o— . 45
' I ' 2 6 -".’ 35'
3.52- 1.31
*. 26- . 44
Through th e guild organization they
carry on considerable tra d e w ith the,
Form osans.
3.18- .32
.35- .45
Rice millers, m e n ...
Sam pan (boatm an)
Sauce m akers, m e n .
3.15- .30
3.10- .18
3.20- .30
3.16- .32
.25- .42
3. 61- 1.74
C hildren..............................
Q uarrym en a n d stonecutters:
M en......................................
C hildren..............................
R a tta n m akers, m e n ..............
3. 20- . 35
.30- .45
3.25- .50
3.40- .53
3.44- .87
M achinists, m en .
Masons:
M en...............
Policem en (at K u lan g su ).
Printers:
M en................................
Cantonese carpenters, who are con
sidered m ore skilled th a n th e natives of
Amoy, get higher wages.
3. 25- . 50
3. OS- . 18
3.263.17-
H a t m akers, m e n .....................
L eather goods m anufacturers
O pium workers:
M en......................................
W om en...............................
Painters, ch ild ren....................
P ap er la n te rn m akers, m e n ..
P ap er m anufacturers, m e n ...
3.25- . 40
.38- .50
3.44- .87
3.18- .30
.32- .44
3.08- .12
3.08- .10
3.61- 1.74
3.13- .35
3.18- . 32
3.30- . 70
3.25- .50
8 A nd board.
. .
11 Wages for 1917 are for th e circuit of A moy, w hich includes 12 districts, A m oy being th e p rm cip al city .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[276]
W AGES AND H O U R S OF LABOR IN F IV E C H IN E S E C IT IE S .
15
W A G ES AN D H O U R S O F LA B O R IN SH A N G H A I, N A N K IN G , P E K IN G , T A I-Y U E N , A N D
AMOY—Concluded.
Amoy—-Concluded.
D aily wage.
In d u s try an d occupation.
R em arks.
-----1917 il
1921
Silkworm raisers:
M en.......................................
W om en............................... .
Sock a n d towel m akers, wo
m en ...........................................
Tailors:
M en.................
W om en...........
Tea packers, men.
Tea pickers:
M en........
W om en .
Children.
Tilers, men.
Tobacco m akers, men.
V arnishers an d painters, men.
W ine m akers, m en
3. 25- . 50
3.12- .18
3.17-
.61
3.26- .44
3.17- .35
3.44- .87
3.44- .87
3.13- . 20
3.10- .17
3.15- .28
Tailors w orking for foreigners earn.
$8 or $9 a m onth.
3.10- .30
.20- .40
3.16.303.16.283.18.283.20.35-
.32
.48
. 25
.38
.30
.40
.30
.45
8 A nd board.
.
,
.
. . . . .
66 Wages for 1917 are for th e circu it of A m oy .w hich includes 12 districts, A m oy being th e p rin cip al city..
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[277]
IN DU STRIA L R EL A T IO N S A ND LA B O R
CONDITIONS.
Employees’ Councils in the United States Post Office Department.1
P ostm aster General H ays has approved the plan of Dr. Lee K.
Frankel, in charge of the welfare departm ent in the Post Office
D epartm ent, to organize from among the postal employees national
and local councils.
I t is planned to have the national council composed of representa
tives elected by the employees them selves. In order th a t the coun
cil’s work m ight proceed im m ediately it was decided th a t the first
council should be m ade up of the presidents and secretaries of the
postal organizations and representatives of the unorganized employees
until a m ethod of selection by the employees of the m em bers of the
council shall be developed.
The national council will m eet m onthly in W ashington w ith the
welfare director, or other representatives of the welfare departm ent,
to consider m atters affecting working conditions, health, and general
welfare of employees in post offices, m ail trains, steam ships, and other
divisions of the postal service.
I t is planned to have in each city of sufficient size a local council, to
be composed of the postm aster or a supervisory official appointed by
him, and representatives of the le tte r carriers, postal clerks, and other
employee groups. These local councils will m eet periodically to
discuss m atters of local interest.
A council among the employees of the Post Office D epartm ent at
W ashington will be organized.
I t is planned to appoint smaller com m ittees from the perm anent
councils to stu d y the questions of sanitation, light, rest rooms, first
aid, m edical and nurses, recreation, entertainm ents, etc. These
com m ittees will aid the councils in m aking suggestions or recom
m endations.
Labor Unrest in China.
B y T a Ch e n ,
M. A., Sometime Fellow of Columbia University.
H IN A is industrializing. In this process her labor problem is
m ade increasingly complex by the interplay of socio-economic
forces, both im m ediate and underlying. The old-fashioned
industrial institutions like the guilds, though still powerful, are gradu
ally adapting them selves to the changed and changing conditions.
In recent years, particularly since the war, the Chinese proletariat
has found itself in great difficulties on account of shifting from the old
to a new mode of living. All these factors have a p a rt in the present
industrial and social unrest.
C
1 Source: Press release of Ju ly 11,1921.
16
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[278]
LABOR U N R E S T IN C H IN A .
17
immediate Causes of Labor Unrest.
'T H E high cost of living is working havoc among the teem ing millions
of China. In the north, approxim ately five Provinces, comprising
the present fam ine region, are now suffering a great shortage of food.
In central and south China, rice has become a very expensive commod
ity, costing betw een $12 1 and $17 a picul.2 The peak price was
reached last fall, when the polished rice of Shanghai was sold a t $20
a picul, an increase of 90 per cent in 15 m onths. Before the war,
eggs in Ichang, H upeh, cost 4.5 cents a dozen; to-day they cost a t
least 10 cents, an increase of more th an 100 per cent. The dwelling
houses in Shanghai, w ith two rooms on the ground floor and two
more on the floor above, now ren t a t from $240 to $360 per year, and
there has been an increase in ren t of about 150 per cent in two years.3
The wom an workers of the Am erican-British Tobacco Co., of Potung,
Kiangsu, recently w ent on strike on the very issue of the high cost
of living, alleging th a t the introduction of a new system of packing
cigarettes would adversely affect their wages, thereby necessitating a
lower plane of living. Again, though prior to the S hanghaiearpenters’
strike of June 12-16,1920, the employers had given an explicit promise
to raise wages w ithin 12 m onths, the workers declared th a t the steady
m ounting of retail prices would n o t perm it them to wait, and immeditely resorted to direct action.
The precariousness of the situation is aggravated by bolshevist
propaganda. Sporadically, radical doctrine had crept into uni
versity lectures; b u t its penetration into Chinese industries was not
definitely m anifested until the n in th anniversary of the Chinese
Republic, O ctober 10, 1920, when the bolshevik agents in Shanghai
issued circulars inform ing their Chinese com rades: (1) T h a t the
Peking G overnm ent, being in the hands of the capitalists, was op
pressive to the m asses; (2) th a t in bolshevism the workers would
find the only object w orth living for; and (3) th a t the people of
Russia had already achieved this object after three y ears7 vigorous
struggle. Quietly and steadily this force has been gaining a foot
hold in the ran k and file of labor. In F ebruary, 1921, the Chinese
chargé d ’affaires in D enm ark, who was then well inform ed on the
R ussian situation, advised Peking of the broadcast propaganda of the
Moscow society in Tientsin, Shanghai, Hankow, and Canton. A few
weeks la te r Peking residents were startled by m otor cars flying a
red flag w ith a sta r and the letters F. E. R. (F ar E astern R epublic).
T hereafter the Chinese G overnm ent felt it necessary to take precau
tions against lectures on communism and pseudo-welfare speeches
delivered a t m ining cam ps and industrial centers ostensibly for the
benefit of the workers.
Furtherm ore, the mushroom growth of home industries has called
for an increased supply of labor. W ithin the last two years there
have sprung up in the Yangtze Valley 53 factories, 26 electric plants,
18 transportation companies, 16 cotton mills, 16 agricultural enter
prises, 15 commercial houses, 12 mining companies, 3 fisheries, and
8 miscellaneous companies—aggregating a total investm ent of
1 I n all references to th e dollar, th e M exican dollar is m ean t. A t th e p re sen t ra te of exchange, it is w orth
about 48 cents gold.
2 A picul is 133J pounds, or 60.453 kilogram s.
8 E astern Miscellany (published in Chinese, p p. 4-6, Shanghai), M ay 10, 1921.
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M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
$74,187,470.4 This has led the secretary of Chinese m aritim e cus
toms to say th a t “ there are few foreign-type articles of domestic
consumption th a t are not now m anufactured in China by factories
on modern lines, the m ajority of them w ithout foreign assistance.”
Speaking broadly, Tientsin is the training center for industrial
workers for north China, Shanghai for central China, and Hongkong
for south China. The other industrial towns are in a large sense
hinterlands of these cities, constantly drawing away from them a
large body of workmen. The dem and was im m easurably larger
than the supply. Labor then m ade excessive demands for its
services. For instance, the leather goods m anufacturers of Hankow
could not obtain sufficient labor for their work, for the workers
refused to sign the contract until they were told the m inute details
of the work they were to undertake. A fter being so informed,
they demanded much higher wages than the prevailing scale. The
company made several compromises, b u t the workers, after resort
ing to sabotage a few times, dem anded further raises on the pretex t
th a t the employers had deviated from the original contract.
Now, a sudden change has come. The industrial boom has been
followed by business depression. In F ebruary last, about the time
of the Chinese New Year, when the public was indulging in daily
feasts and other social gayeties, business was virtually brought to a
standstill. Shortly afterw ard, the general slump in business which
affected Europe and America a t large began to affect China. Capi
talists warned each other against reckless investments.^ The buying
public, in protest of high prices, sat still and waited for the return
to normalcy. Constant fluctuations in international exchange have
m ade the im porting and exporting trade a gamble. During the war, a
silver dollar was w orth about 90 cents gold or more; to-day it has
dropped to 48 cents and is stillffiictuating. Thus, taking advantage of the
high rate of exchange in favor of silver, the Tientsin piece-goods m er
chants bought m erchandise from English and American exporters
to the value of between $13,000,000 and $17,000,000. Now, busi
ness is dull and silver is low; and the Tientsin m erchants find it
difficult to pay the money imm ediately. In view of these condi
tions the demand for labor has suddenly dropped and unemploy
m ent on a large scale has ensued. The slump in lum ber business in
W uchang (Hupeh) has made 30,000 jobless. The tie-up in the
textile industry in Tientsin and Shanghai has brought unemploy
m ent to about 50,000. In im portant trading ports, business men
are still complaining about hard times, and there seems little hope
for a commercial and industrial revival in the im m ediate future.
Undedying Causes of Labor Unrest.
A SID E from the causes above cited, economic factors of deeper
origin are in operation, A bout one-fourth of the present
Chinese population owns no property and m ust earn its living by
skill or by mere physical strength. _ For m any years this class has
been subject to economic exploitation by the landowners, capital
ists, and middlemen. In consequence, the workmen have not been
* A n n u al R eport of th e M inistry of A griculture an d Commerce, 1920.
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able to get an equitable rem uneration for their p a rt in production,
which has resulted in general discontent.
High rates of interest and high rents in rural communities work
hardship on the agricultural laborer. The landowner usually exacts
from 13 to 20 per cent interest on his loans and charges about the
same rate of interest on mortgages. In hiring a helper, the farm er
has to take this excessive rate of interest into account, especially
if he himself is in debt, and so he feels it necessary to keep the wages
down. A farm helper rarely gets more than 25 cents a day, plus
board and lodging. Besides regular-w ork on the farm, he attends
to such odd jobs as drawing 'w ater from the well or getting fuel
for the kitchen. K ent also is high. The ten ant pays the owner
from 1.4 to 1.8 tan 5 per mow,6 out of an annual yield of from 3.2 to
3.8 tan per mow, or about 46 per cent of the gross produce. The
am ount the m ortgagor-farm er pays in interest to the m ortgagee and
wages to the helper (if any) am ounts to the same as the tenant
pays to the landowner. The laborer lives from hand to m outh.
The small farm er can save little. The wealth seems to concentrate
in the hands of the landowners. There would appear to be no
promise of economic prosperity for the small farm er or the worker,
unless the rate of interest is made m aterially lower by the introduc
tion of some such plan as the rural credit system in the United States.
The city worker, in some cases, is in no b etter position. Take
the rickshaw coolies of Shanghai, for example. They num ber about
35,000 in all, and their work is divided into day and night shifts.
For the privilege of rickshaw pulling, a license is required, covering
one of the three routes; for the whole city the license costs $5; for
the French-Chinese section, $3; and for the Chinese section, $1.
This fee is paid by the owners, who have organized themselves into
the Kickshaw Association. The agents of the association then rent
the rickshaws to the coolies at various rates. For the whole city,
each rickshaw is rented a t 85 cents a day, of which 70 cents goes to
the owner, and the remaining 15 cents to the agent; for the FrenchChinese section, it is rented a t 52 cents, of which 40 cents goes to
the owner and 12 cents to the agent; for the Chinese section, it is
rented a t 36 cents, of which 30 cents goes to the owner and 6 cents
to the agent. The coolie then assumes all the risk of making a
sufficient daily wage to keep himself, after paying this high rate of
rent. As a result, the daily wage varies from 45 to 85 cents, or
about the same as the owner of the vehicle gets.7 Occasionally,
he m ay get two or three dollars a day. B ut rickshaw pulling requires
much physical exertion, and an average person can not stay in the
trade in vigorous health for more than 10 years.
The case of the Shanghai m aidservants illustrates another under
lying cause of unrest—the usurious share of wages demanded by the
middleman. As these women come from Soochow, Yangchow, and
Anching and have no homes in the city, their employment is usually
obtained through a private agency, similar to an employment bureau.
The agent makes arrangem ents w ith the employer and then recom
mends the maid. If the three-day trial proves satisfactory, the
6 1 ta n =100 sen, a n d 1 sen=1.355 liters, or 3.84 bushels,
e 1 mow = one-sixth acre.
i L a Jeunesse (published in Chinese), Shanghai, May, 1920.
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M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
agent closes a contract with the employer and demands an exorbitant
charge for his services. As long as the servant works the agent
deducts 20 cents from every dollar she gets, and obtains another 20
cents from the employer for every dollar he pays to. the maid. The
middleman thus robs both the employer and employee, b u t the
latte r suffers m ost bitterly.
While these cases are not universal, they clearly indicate labor’s
inability to get an equitable reward for its share in production.
The workers are further burdened by large families. The 1910
estim ate of the Ming-chen-poo* (Ministry of the Interior) conserva
tively puts the average num ber of children per fam ily in China
proper at 5.5 and in M anchuria at 8.3. Taking the daily wage of an
average factory worker at 45 cents and striking off 5 per cent for
such luxuries as tobacco and tea, he has 42.5 cents left on which to
feed himself and his family. Even though his wife does some sewing
and his children do some light work at the factory, it is impossible
for the family to live decently.
Manifestations of Unrest.
Strikes.
IN industries where the workers are well organized, their discontent
1 as to conditions of employment is expressed through the strike.
On March 3, 1921, the whole force of the French tram w ays in
Shanghai w ent on strike, having made eight demands, including the
following: (1) T hat the wages of the workers be increased 20 per
cent im m ediately; (2) th a t the rule of the Shanghai Electric Construc
tion Co., in th a t p a rt of the city known as the international settle
m ent, granting one m onth’s extra pay at the end of each year be
adopted by the French company, and th a t the money be paid at
once; (3) th a t when conductors or drivers fall sick, medical expenses
be paid by the company; (4) th a t the regulations governing the
imposition of fines be revised; and (5) th a t the hours of work be
reduced. All the demands were agreed to, except th a t for the in
crease of wages, about which there was some disagreement. Pend
ing the settlem ent, the workers walked out after a series of meetings
which they held a t a Chinese tea house. Prior to the strike there
was no hint to the company th a t a strike was impending except the
appearance of a few pickets on the cars. W hen the strike order
came, the workers m arched out as a well-disciplined arm y. There
was neither violence nor argum ent w ith the employers. The strike
lasted four days, and on the fifth day the workers resumed their
work, with the definite understanding th a t the wages would be
raised 20 per cent as demanded.
Another im portant strike was th a t of the Shanghai carpenters,
June 12 to 16, 1920. A thousand Cantonese carpenters in the
Hankow district went on strike, demanding an increase of wages
from 95 cents to $1.10 a day. The Chang Foong flour mill had
granted an increase of a dollar a m onth to its employees, and other
mills had granted an increase of 6 coppers (or about 3 cents Ameri
can money) a day to their workers. The Cantonese carpenters
therefore agitated to have their wages raised a t once. The situation
quickly became grave, and the K w antung Provincial Guild imme-
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diately sent three delegates to arbitrate. The negotiations were
carried on for over a week, the employers finally agreeing to increase
the wage to a dollar a day.
The contagious strike spirit, now so generally prevalent in China,
was quickly caught by the prison laborer, and the first “ hunger
s trik e ” occurred in Shanghai not long ago. The inm ates of the
Second Provincial Prison were dissatisfied with the general condi
tions, so one day they decided to fast. Fearing far-reaching con
sequences, the prison, authorities pacified the hunger strikers by
agreeing to their demands: (1) T h at regular pay be given to the
nisoners for the work done; (2) th a t relatives of prisoners be alowed to bring into prison, w ithout restriction, food and clothing
for the prisoners; (3) th a t the warden fulfill the promise to give the
prisoners food bought fresh in the m arket a t least twice a m onth,
on the 1st and 15th of the m onth.
On March 14, 1921, 1,500 teachers in eight Governm ent schools
hi Peking w ent on strike, leaving 40,000 students w ithout instruc
tion. They demanded th a t back salaries to the am ount of over
$400,000 be paid immediately, th a t salaries be increased, and th a t
a change of Government policy regarding appropriations for public
education be made. The R epresentatives’ Union for the eight schools
was im m ediately organized, w ith the Semiweekly as its official organ
to bring the case of the strikers vividly before the public. The
negotiations between the Governm ent and the striking teachers
have been under way for several m onths. Up to last m onth, no
satisfactory settlem ent had been reached.
{
Agitation.
In industries where the strike has not been used, trouble has been
brewing unseen. For a long time there has been agitation for increase
in wages. The feeling was especially intense after the increase of
pay on the Chinese tram w ays in Shanghai, in June, 1920. The
executive staffs of the tram w ays had received an increase of $2 a
m onth, the inspectors, conductors, and motormen, $1 a m onth;
and the workers, 4 coppers a day. Throughout the country, there
had been general uneasiness and discontent among the rank and
file of labor.
W ithin labor organizations agitation for better working conditions
is, in a large measure, dependent upon the boss or head m an. The
personality of the head m an is usually of a forceful type and he
possesses a high degree of shrewdness and unusual power of per
suasion. Since m any workers are illiterate, they rely upon him for
inform ation about wages, hours of work, and conditions of employ
m ent. The unquestioned confidence of the workers in the head m an
assures him always of a loyal following in w hatever course he m ay
take. Thus, the Hongkong strike of April, 1920, which involved
9,000 workers and was a gigantic protest against inadequate pay,
was started by a handful of labor “ lead ers” who m ay be accurately
described, in western terminology, as “ professional agitators.”
P a rt of the labor agitation in China is carried on voluntarily by the
liberal press and the N ational S tudents’ Union. The press, voicing
as it does the more enlightened sentim ents of the nation, is sym pa
thetic toward labor. The students constitute a form idable force, as
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M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
illustrated by the nation-wide protest against the Versailles award
of Shantung to Jap an .8 B oth are fighting labor’s battle, p artly be
cause they believe th a t labor should no t be sacrificed to further the
capitalist’s ambitions, and p artly because they consider labor too
weak to enter the contest single handed.
One im portant phase of the agitation touches the present social
renaissance in China. The developm ent of industries has opened to
women m any vocational opportunities. Form erly m any women were
merely social parasites upon the m ale members of the household,
especially where polygam y was practiced. The Huei Valley, w ith
a population ranging from 170 to 380 persons to the square mile, has
often been subject to floods and droughts. Fam ine sufferers usually
saved their own lives by m aking their daughters slaves or concubines
to landed aristocrats. In districts where sewing and spinning did not
yield a sufficient income to support a woman, her livelihood was
occasionally sought in concubinage— a practice indulged in by certain
types of the wealthy, b u t condemned by the right-m inded. A t present, a woman of ability and health has a fair chance to earn a com
fortable living. In fact, some banks and trade corporations in
Shanghai are encouraging woman workers to become bookkeepers
and accountants by offering them pay equal to th a t of male workers
in the same occupations.
B u t the emancipation of women has on the one hand intensified labor
com petition and on the other hand stim ulated public agitation for the
worker’s health and safety. Recently the press of Changsha (Hunan)
and of Shanghai fought vigorously against the recruiting of female
employees by the H ou Sen cotton mill of Shanghai. In an effort to
alleviate the pressure of com petition in the industry, the owner adver
tised for female workers in the Province of H unan in order to increase
m aterially the o u tp u t of the company. In the announcem ent the
following conditions were specified: (1) T h a t 12 hours should consti
tu te the work day; (2) th a t $8 should be the m inim um wage per
m onth; (3) th a t these term s should be binding for a period of n o t
less than three years. No m ention was m ade of increases in wages,
dormitories for the workers, or extra pay for overtime work. Though
the employer declared th a t great economic distress in the Province
had prom pted him to offer the contract as a partial relief for the poor,
the press im m ediately opposed the em ploym ent of women under the
above-m entioned conditions as an indication of capitalistic exploita
tion. Chinese society, it argued, can no t tolerate the enslaving of a
large num ber of women merely to facilitate the selfish accum ulation
of wealth.
Experiment of the Ministry of Communications.
Recent tendencies in agitation, as above indicated, have been along
the line of the worker’s health and safety. In anticipation of a fur
ther development, the M inistry of Communications is taking the
initiative to effect health and other social welfare legislation, includ
ing life insurance, health insurance, accident insurance, and a pension
system for the benefit of the 125,000 railway employees in the country.
In addition, the m inistry is giving the railway workers an ele
m entary education. One hundred and eighty graduates of technical
8 M onthly L abor R eview , F eb ru ary , 1921, p p . 184, 185; December, 1920, p p . 207,208.
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LABOR U N R E S T IN C H IN A .
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colleges, under the m inistry’s direction, have taken a three-m onths’
course in sociology, psychology, railway adm inistration, accident pre
vention, and ethics. They, in turn, are training others to teach the
laborers who are employed on the trains, a t the stations, in the machine
shops, on the tracks, in the storehouses, and in the adm inistrative
offices.
This educational program provides for the establishm ent of schools,
lecture groups, railway libraries, and railway dailies. I t provides
th a t w ithin every 50 miles a t least one “ general school” shall be
established, and w ithin every 200 miles one “ preparatory school”
for the railway employees. The num ber of school hours per week for
each workm an in the general school is six, and in the preparatory
school four. No tuition is charged. The length of instruction is 20
months.
The lecturers, being distributed among all the railways, are to lecture
at least once a week, w ith lantern slides or m otion pictures. The
central library is established in Peking, the branch libraries a t large
stations, and the circulating libraries have the running trains as their
headquarters. The railway daily is of two kinds. The national daily,
published in Peking, and the local daily, published in large stations,
are both w ritten in simplest Chinese language, w ith the phonetic pro
nunciation printed alongside.9
Labor Organizations.
A PPRO X IM A TELY 200,000 factory workers are now organized
into various labor unions in different cities. Lp to the present
they have been the m ost successful of all workers in efforts to secure
higher wages and better working conditions. Their organizations
are the m ost efficiently conducted among all the labor organizations
now in operation in China. Next to them, in numerical strength,
are the miners and railway men, who num ber about 185,000. In
m ost of the trades the craft guilds are active and the influence of
the labor union is not strong. The agricultural workers, who are
more conservative than the craftsm an, are at the present time the
least organized. No accurate estim ate of the num ber of the last
two classes of workers is now available.
The labor organizations of to-day are m ost concerned with the
task of arousing labor from passiveness to a conscious fight for its
rightful position in society. Collectively, the Chinese proletariat is
shaking off the yoke of economic servitude imposed on it by the
aristocracy of old. In a recent speech before the Industrial Workers
Union of Shanghai, T. S. Chen, editor of La Jeunesse, sounded the
keynote of the labor movement in the following language: “ Labor
is now awakened to the realization th a t hum an physical endeavoi
is not a commodity, and th a t the worker s person, health, and safety
m ust be protected by the capitalist on the one hand and by society
on the other.”
. .
„
.
.
To gain m aterial strength in collective bargaining the small focal
unions are organizing on a broader basis. I hey are forced to do so,
as a recent incident will show. In the district of Changsha (H unan),
the great depreciation of paper currency forced a sudden diop in the
9 M illard’s R eview (Shanghai), M ar. 12,1921, p p . 65, 63.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
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dem and for cereals from out-of-town m arkets. In consequence, the
landed aristocracy suffered great financial losses. They then per
suaded the district m agistrate to issue a proclam ation allowing them
to pay wages in grain instead of in real money, as had been the custom.
The change of paym ent from money to grain practically reduced
wages to about one-lialf of the old wage scale, as shown below:10
Occupation.
Original daily
wage (in real
m o n ey ).
U aily wage
(in grain),
m agistrate’s
order
C en ts.
S e n . 11
Common la b o re r......................,
C arp en ter....................................
P lu m b e r......................................
T ailo r............................................
Shoem aker..................................
W eav er........................................
20-30
36
3G
30
36
30
2
3. 5
3.5
3
3
3
111 sen = 1.355 liters, a n d was w orth about 6 cents in m oney value.
Through their local unions the workers lodged vigorous protests
against the new system of wage paym ent. B ut their feeble strength
was greatly overpowered by the well-organized landed aristocracy.
Since then, the workers have been trying by every conceivable means
to cooperate w ith their comrades in neighboring towns to strengthen
their organization by increasing their membership.
Of the more successful labor unions, the R eturned Laborers’
Union, composed of the returned laborers from France, m erits
particular attention. Besides attem pting to improve conditions of
employment, the union has a program of wide scope. While in
France, thousands of the workers abstained from drinking and
gambling in order to send their humble savings to support elem entary
schools in their home villages, and now the organization feels the
wisdom of encouraging tem perance and other character reforms among
the workers on a large scale. Furtherm ore, the union isolates itself
from politics in order to insure a free and unham pered development
along purely industrial lines. W ith these broad objectives in view,
the union makes the following declarations:
Aims.—The principal aims of the union shall be to cooperate w ith the workers to
strengthen collective bargaining, to increase common knowledge through frequent
association, and to promote a cordial b u t nonpartisan friendship.
Resolutions.—The members are resolved not to drink alcohol, or to visit prosti
tutes, or to gamble, or to smoke opium or use its derivatives.
Claims.—The union claims the right to strike for improved working conditions,
and the right to hold meetings or to make public speeches for promoting public wel
fare of the workers.
The union elects a chairm an, a secretary, a treasurer, and ten
councilors to take charge of various activities of the organization.
Tangshan, in the Province of Chili, claims to be a pioneer indus
trial com m unity in north China. Its labor organization has had a
unique growth. Toward the closing days of the House of Ming,
about 285 years ago, the inhabitants of this district employed prim i
tive m ethods to quarry the outcrop coal a t the Tangshan mine. In
1878, when the country was still skeptical about occidental culture,
10 L a Jeunesse, May, 1920.
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Tangshan boldly introduced western m ethods of mining, thus earn
ing the reputation of having the first modernized mine in the na
tion. The great aggregation of workers soon called for group for
m ation. Being village folks, the desire for democratic governm ent
was persistent, and in consequence, a self-government club was
formed. The heterogeneous subjects discussed by the club ranged
anywhere from the w orker’s freedom to play the flute while off
duty to his worship of B uddha in the clubhouse. The club was
the common m eeting place for the workers, and for a tim e it suc
ceeded. In 1905 its membership included a considerable portion
of the executive staff and employees of the Peking-M ukden R ail
way m achine shops, the K aipin mine, and a cem ent company.
Slight friction between the native miners and the Cantonese soon
developed into uncompromising sectional conflicts, resulting in the
w ithdraw al of the la tte r from the club. Over a thousand Can
tonese, constituting about one-sixth of the Tangshan industrial
population, then organized the K w antung Provincial Guild to pro
mote fraternal relations as well as industrial cooperation. Unlike
the craft guild, which enrolls workers of the same trade, this guild
had for its sole standards neighborliness and townsmanship. The
comradeship enjoyed through bringing to the same guild railway
men and bloom m akers was restricted to the provincials of K w an
tung. Liberal thinkers, who deprecated the narrow provincialism
characteristic of this organization, im m ediately agitated for the
creation of the Tangshan Labor Union, extending membership to
all workers who cared to join. A fter the revolution of 1911, the
union was firmly established and figured prom inently in the labor
m ovem ent a t th a t time.
W hile the Tangshan Labor Union has been ham pered by its con
nections wuth the Labor P a rty and by political unrest in recent
years,13 a new developm ent in the com m unity is now" discernible.
Since the student strike, the employees of the Peking-M ukden R ail
way m achine shops have organized the Com rades’ Union to improve
their working conditions as well as to equip themselves w ith an
elem entary education. This has stim ulated similar organization on
the p a rt of the employees of the K ailan Mining A dm inistration.
They have a reading room, a school for teaching the phonetic sys
tem of the Chinese language, and a magazine to popularize the use
of the phonetics. T hirty years of industrial life have taught the
Tangshan workmen, now num bering over 30,000, the im portance of
cooperation and combination. The recent organizations, w ith a
broad educational program, clearly aim at equipping the workers w ith
common intelligence for a persistent struggle wuth the capitalists.
12M onthly L abos R eview , December, 1920, p p . 208, 209.
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The Craft Guilds.13
'T H O U G H the labor union, being an im portation from the West,
* is yet lim ited in scope and influence, the craft guild penetrates
every im portant trade in the country. A correct understanding
of this powerful organization m ay therefore be a long step toward
comprehending the industrial background of modernized China.
Two instances will give in a nutshell the trem endous power of the
guild organization, past and present. In 1883, a dispute about tea
export a t H ankow (Hupeh) became acute. The foreign traders
accused the Chinese m erchants of showing false samples. The
Chinese m ade the countercharge th a t false weights had been used.
W hereupon the foreigners decided to stop buying, and the Chinese
accepted the challenge by stopping sales. The tea m arket in London
rose steadily, b u t no tea could be bought a t Hankow, and no coolie
would work for the foreign concerns. A strike had been declared
by the guild, which both the m erchants and the coolies obeyed m ost
strictly. Consequently, the foreign traders lost an enormous am ount
of money in the export trade.
Though it has undergone m aterial changes, as shown elsewhere in
this paper, the guild of to-day is no less powerful. The salt mer
chants of the Y angtze Valley, including the Provinces of Anhuei,
Kiangsi, Hupeh, and H unan, were in the past required to deposit
money w ith the Bureau of Salt Producing and Transporting Mer
chants. Instead of im m ediately paying the m oney to the producers,
the bureau usually retained it indefinitely and deposited it in banks
of questionable financial soundness to draw interest, thus causing
great inconvenience both to the m erchants and producers. A fter
repeated protests, the bureau was abolished and a new one estab
lished in its place. On hearing of a proposed revival of the old
bureau last August, the guild of the salt m erchants im m ediately
threatened a strike, which, had it not been prevented, would have
cut off the salt supply of the whole Yangtze Valley for some tim e.14
O rg a n iza tio n .—The craft guild varies w ith various trades and
different cities. For b rev ity ’s sake, the Tea Guild of Hangchow
(Chekiang) is here taken as a type. The m anager is elected annually.
W ith him are also elected 12 comm itteem en, all of whom serve w ith
out pay. Each of the committeemen takes charge of the guild for
one m onth, thus keeping the chairmanship in rotation. The execu
tive secretary is the only paid officer in the organization. Finding
th a t the rotation system, though basically democratic, has worked to
13 T h e Chinese guild organization m ay b e differentiated in to th e craft guild ( K u n g S o u ) , th e district
guild ( H u e i K u a n ) , a n d th e H ong m erch an t ( Coo H o n g ).
Neighborliness is th e basis of th e d istrict guild, w hich varies in size according as it iscom posed of persons
w ho come from th e sam e district, from th e sam e prefecture, or from th e sam e Province. These persons
establish a guild a t th e ir new residing place, w ith th e p rim ary object of prom oting tra d e to a n d from th e
hom e locality. T h e m em bers are of various occupations a n d social classes, from ranking officials and
m illionaire m erchants dow n to th e coolies. R egarding control of tra d e an d labor, th e guild functions in a
general w ay like th e craft guild, m inor differences n o t being h ere specified..
T h e m ost strik in g exam ple of th e H ong m erch an t is th e “ T h irte en F irm s” of C anton, w hich was in
active operation betw een 1754 a n d 1842. D uring th is period, in te rn a tio n a l tra d e was confined to Canton
for th e foreign m erchants. T h e incom ing trad ers h a d to deal exclusively w ith th e T h irte en F irm s of Can
ton, w ho v irtu ally monopolized th e trad e a n d labor m ark et. T h e system benefited b o th th e foreign and
n a tiv e m erchants. To-day, its co u n terp art is found in th e G reat G uild of Newchw ang, in th e Province
of Shengking, w hich, b y its organization of th e en tire bod y of influential m erchants, is in monopolistic
control of tra d e a n d labor in th e co m m unity. See R oyal A siatic Society Journal, N o rth C hina B ranch,
n . s., vol. 21, p p . 133-192; China R eview , vol. 12, p p . 5-9; H . B . Morse, “ Guilds of China ” ; T. R . Jernigan,
“ C hina in Law a n d Com m erce,” ch. 9.
u N orth C hina H erald (Shanghai), A ug. 14, 1920.
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increase irresponsibility and division of powers, the tendency to-day
is toward the concentration of executive control in a com m ittee of
three, to be responsible for the work of the guild the year round.In some guilds the num ber of salaried officers is also increased.
Any firm wishing to join the guild m ust pay an initiation fee of a
certain sum, th a t of the Hangchow Tea Guild being $300. The
member firm is then required to obey the regulations of the guild,
some of which follow: (1) T hat no member firm is allowed to accept
from or give to customers any rate other than the guild rate; (2) th a t
no member firm, is allowed, through underhand dealings, to cause
loss to a fellow member firm; and (3) th a t no member firm is allowed
to antedate or postdate drafts. For any violation of these im portant
rules, the firm is fined. In the case of defam atory acts of a more
serious nature, a general meeting of all the guild members is called,
and the guilty firm is, by vote, expelled from the organization.
M em bership .—The firm is a corporate member of the guild. For
ordinary guild meetings, each firm sends its representatives. The
firm is composed of masters, journeym en, and apprentices. The
masters and journeym en are members of the guild, whose vote is
required in such im portant m atters as a common boycott. Though
early initiation is possible, the apprentice becomes a member only
after he has served his term of apprenticeship. The young crafts
m an is then a journeym an, and in th a t capacity he stays for two or
three years. Professional courtesy and loyalty to his m aster impel
him to serve first his m aster, with regular pay, before offering his
services to others.
The m asters and journeymen usually work in perfect harm ony.
Should there be friction, the journeym en hold meetings a t a Chinese
tea house and then m ake representations to the masters. As they
are very helpful in the trade, their complaints receive careful con
sideration and are usually settled to their satisfaction.
More by custom than by guild laws, girls are prohibited from
learning a trade. In the Bankers’ Guild of W uhu, this lim itation is
explicitly stipulated in the regulations. The only place where the
girls are preferred is the needlem akers’ guild. This is apparently
due to women’s aptitude for needle-eye drilling, an a rt requiring
much precision and patience. To-day, however, girls have more
trade opportunities, as shown by the fact th a t 56,000 woman em
ployees practically monopolize the work of the silk-reeling industry
in Shanghai.
A u th o r ity .—The craft guild is the unifying and controlling agency
of a particular trade. Its word is law. I t standardizes weights and
measures. Keeping close w atch of m arket changes, it issues a rate,
usually daily, which m ust be accepted by all the members and the
buying public. Rate-fixing power is given to the guild prim arily to
elim inate cut-throat competition by the members. W hen the guild
system works normally, underbidding and underselling are not
common, unless done in an underhanded way. Small m erchants
are not p u t out of business by unfair com petition on the p art of the
more influential ones in the trade. The industry is thus stabilized.
Disputes arising between members are usually first referred to the
guild for settlem ent, when the m anager and the comm ittee sit as
judges, w ith two or three experts as advisers. In the early days,
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the failure to appeal first to the guild m ight result in the revocation
of judicial protection to the m em ber: “ I t is agreed th a t members
having disputes about money m atters and other im portant m atters
shall subm it their case to arbitration at a guild meeting, where every
effort will be m ade to arrive a t a satisfactory settlem ent of the dis
pute. If it is impossible to arrive a t an understanding, appeal m ay
be made to the civil authorities, b u t if the com plainant resorts to the
court in the first instance w ithout referring to the guild, he shall be
publicly reprim anded, and in any future case he m ay bring to the
guild, he will not be entitled to redress.” 15 To-day no such rigidity
exists. The contestants are given the option of choosing between
the court and the guild for the first appeal for settlem ent of any
dispute. This change has come about m ainly through the extension
of governm ental functions. In the past the Government of China
seemed to assume the laissez-faire attitu d e tow ard commerce and
industry. After paying the taxes, the m erchants were left entirely
free. For the protection of their own interests, the guild undertook
to form ulate laws to regulate trade. In tim e, custom and tradition
grew, and the craftsm en voluntarily subm itted themselves to the
jurisdiction of the guild. Of late, the State has promulgated trade
acts and m ining laws, and has employed experts to adjudicate indus
trial suits. Nowadays, the court as well as the guild m ay be appealed
to as the tribunal of the first instance. But, owing to the craftsm an’s
inability to pay the law yer’s fees and his aversion to legal tech
nicalities, the guild is often preferred.
Incom e a n d expenditure .—The income of the craft guild comes
from five main sources: (1) The initiation fee paid by the member
firm a t the tim e of joining the guild, as shown in the case of the
Hangchow Tea Guild. (2) Donations by w ealthy members.
Twenty-five per cent of the reserve fund of $850,000 is from private
endowments. (3) Fines. The Bankers’ Guild of W uhu requires
each member firm to deposit 100 taels as a guaranty fund against
fines for violations of the guild rules by th a t firm. (4) Commission
fee paid by firms from sales. The Tim ber Guild of Ningpo assesses
its members according to the am ount of their sales, averaging oneten th of 1 per cent on the turnover. (5) Fees from m asters and
journeymen. The H an Yang Guild a t Ichang provides th a t work
men, such as tailors’ or carpenters’ hands, pay 30 cash (about 13
cents gold) per m onth; their masters, if keeping no account books,
are also assessed at the rate the guild sees fit; and clerks pay 2 per
cent per annum on their incomes.16
Broadly stated, the income from the first three sources is for the
perm anent m aintenance of the guild, and the income from the last
two is for its current expenses. O ther im portant item s of the guild’s
expenditure cover the following: (1) The guild gives financial aid
to sick members, and also to those who are tem porarily unemployed.
(2) The guild gives charity to the families of the poorer members.
(3) The guild holds religious or social festivals several times a year.
(4) The guild pays a governm ent tax.
15 R oyal A siatic Society Journal, N orth C hina B ranch, vol. 21, p. 141.
ie D ecennial R eports of Chinese M aritim e Custom s, first series, p . 158.
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The Craft Guild at Work.
As above stated, the m ost im portant activities of the craft guild
are threefold, relating to (1) the trade in general, (2) the member
firms, and (3) the m asters, journeym en, and apprentices. To
illustrate its workings, the Bristle Guild of Shanghai is selected as
an example. The bristle export of China for the year 1917 amounted
to 64,181 piculs and 6,171,638 Haikwan taels.17 One of its largest
mem ber firms employs a m anager, who receives a m onthly salary of
$100, an assistant m anager who receives half th a t much, a chief fore
man, who receives $30, and a num ber of foremen, who receive $20
each. The workers are paid by piecework, and are on a contract
basis. They average about 35 to 50 cents a day. Twelve hours con
stitutes their workday.
The organization of this guild is one of the m ost up-to-date, and
its regulations, of which the following are the main provisions, are
typical: 18
Both long and short bristle, if prepared by the ordinary method, shall be sold at
the guild rate and no other. Bristles specially prepared or imported from other
cities shall be sold at special rates to be fixed by the guild committee and the agent
of the firm.
No member firm is allowed to accept from or give to customers any rate other than
the guild rate.
Every master must, before commencing his work, purchase a certificate from the
guild for $5. Masters from other cities, if in financial difficulties, may work for a
month before purchasing the certificate.
Each master is allowed to take not more than one apprentice at any one tim e.19
After the completion of apprenticeship, the apprentice must work for the master
as journeyman for a t least two years before he himself takes in any apprentice.
The master shall be paid once in every 10 days. Fifteen cents are taken from every
dollar to defray the current expenses of the guild.
There shall be a uniform system of weight, and that of the guild shall be adopted.
Drinking and gambling are prohibited.
All disputes arising between Workers and employers shall be submitted to the
guild for settlement. There shall be no strike pending a settlement.
The Craft Guild’s Influence on Chinese Industries.
The honesty of the Chinese in business dealings has become pro
verbial among Americans. In a large measure, business honesty is
developed in the guild organization. “ One price” for one grade of
goods m ust be strictly observed by all the members. A free ex
change of promises between the promisor and the promisee, for a
consideration, is always binding on both parties. The craftsmen, by
m utual agreement, strive to tu rn o u t faultless work. E quity pre
vails, efficiency is obtained, and industries prosper.
Large-scale com bination has protected the craftsm en and the coolies
from oppression by the landed aristocrats and political demagogues.
As early as the T ’ang D ynasty (618-906), heavy taxation and the
impressed labor act forced the poor to leave their homes secretly in
order to evade the taxes, and in doing so they perm anently lost their
small holdings. Toward the end of the House of Sung (960-1279),
vagrancy was phenomenally increased. In late years, the floating
population has been an exploited class of m anual laborers and skilled
u China Y ear Book, 1919. A H aikw an tael is eq uivalent to ab o u t $1.05.
1« T ranslated from th e guild's “■Revised R egulations,” 1920.
is Some guilds are more le n ie n t. Thus in th e B lack sm ith s’ G uild of W uchang, each m a ster is allow ed
to ta k e three ap p ren tices a t a tim e.
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workers. The guild has acted as their fraternal protector. Even
to-day some guilds pay about one-third of the court fees for the
member who institutes a law suit and has a good cause of action.
In no small degree the guild has saved Chinese trade and labor
from being crushed by the powerful foreign m erchant. Facing a
common competitor, the tradesm en and the coolies stand firm. Pro
testing against a grievance, the laboring classes unhesitatingly follow
the decision of the guild. The foreigner has succeeded in exploiting
China only by the incessant influx of capital, and the natives have
m aintained their industries largely through organization.
B ut here praise m ust stop. The guild, as a unifier, has greatly
hindered freedom of action, and prevented the m aking of “ industrial
captains.;’ A m an of perspicacity and shrewdness finds little ex
pression for business initiative. He is confronted w ith two alter
natives: He m ust either blindly follow the guild regulations, or suffer
a common boycott for exercising his creative intelligence and violating
rules.
There has never been a national guild, the boundaries of the Pro
vince lim iting its furtherm ost developm ent. Interprovincial com
petition by guilds has caused trem endous waste in production and
retarded the growth of industries on national lines. The rice-milling
industry is a favorite battlefield of the “ K w antung gang” against
the “ H upeh g ang” for capital and labor. Regional bias is carried
to the extreme, and closer cooperation rendered impracticable.
Conclusion.
'T H E old and new phases of industrial life in China have here been
A sketched. The craft guilds have been efficient protectors of the
skilled and unskilled workers from economic exploitation by capital
ists and politicians. China is emerging from handicraft, and to-day
the labor union is gaining ground. During this transitional period,
various socio-economic factors have aroused the workers to strive for
their rightful place in the industrial life of the country. This is
clearly seen in the present unrest.
Labor Unrest in Egypt.1
By M r s . V ic t o r ia B. T u r n e r .
R IO R to the spring of 1919 strikes and other public m anifesta
tions of labor unrest were practically unknown in Egypt. B ut
in E gypt, as elsewhere, the afterm ath of the w ar has been
characterized by intense political activity and by a general wave of
dissatisfaction w ith . existing economic conditions. Following the
violent revolt of the Egyptian nationalists against B ritish authority
during the early m onths of 1919 there occurred an epidemic of strikes
which spread so rapidly th a t by the end of the year bu t few trades or
P
1
In prep arin g th is artic le th e following rep o rts a n d cu rren t num bers of p u b lications have been used;
D ep artm en t of Overseas T rade of G reat B rita in , R ep o rt on th e econom ic a n d fin a n c ia lsitu atio n of E gypt
in 1919, London, 1920; R ep o rt of th e special commission to E g y p t, London, 1921 [Cmd. 1131]; U n ite d S tates
D ep artm en t of S tate, R e p o rto n s ta te an d progress oflabor in E g y p t, b y C. Ilassan ; P o litical Science Q uar
terly ; E g y p tian G azette; A siatic R eview ; R ou n d T able; L abor O verseas (B ritish).
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LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
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industries rem ained unaffected. T hat these outbreaks were due to
both political and economic causes is generally adm itted, b u t the
difficulty lies in discovering where one influence supplem ented the
other in producing unrest.
Political Causes of Unrest Prior to 1919.
C*OR m any years, even as far back as 1882 when England first estab*
fished her authority in E gypt, the E gyptian nationalists (home
rulers) have constituted a strong force in the political and social life
of the country. Up to the beginning of the W orld W ar E gypt was
theoretically an autonomous Turkish Province, recognizing both the
religious and the political overlordship of the sultan. England, how
ever, had, through all the years, made such reservations of power in
adm inistrative m atters as rendered her position a peculiarly strong
one; a fact which the nationalists continually resented. N otw ith
standing the prom ulgation of social and economic reforms, which
redeemed E gypt from, bankruptcy and a large p a rt of the population
from virtual slavery, or possibly because of them, nationalism grew
until it embraced men of the m ost diverse types and characters, from
the mobs on the streets to students in the universities, lawyers, and
princes of the reigning family.
After several ineffectual protests to the British Government against
British occupation of E gypt, the ranks of the nationalists, in 1910,
split into two camps, the m oderates advocating constitutional methods
in realizing their aims; the radical element ready to resort to vio
lence of any sort, including religious fanaticism.
*
Constitutional reforms prom ulgated in 1913 provided for the forma
tion of a new legislative assembly and afforded a slightly greater
opportunity for participation in legislation by native Egyptians.
The new assembly, however, under the leadership of Saad Zaghlul
Pasha, who form erly had held the positions of m inister of education
and m inister of justice, proved to be strongly nationalist in character
and failed to cooperate w ith the British.
W hen w ar was declared between G reat B ritain and Turkey in the
fall of 1914, the khedive, an intense nationalist, allied himself with
the Central Powers, and Great B ritain at once established a pro
tectorate in name as well as in fact over E gypt; and the Egyptians,
who had not been consulted as to the change in their political status,
became more and more suspicious of the m otives of British occupancy.
Moreover, through the years a growing dissatisfaction had also
m anifested itself at the num ber of official positions held by the
British, which had increased from a few hundred in the earlier years
of occupation to about 1,600 at the present time, w ith scales of pay
different from those applying to E gyptian officeholders. Many of
the Egyptians regard the increasing num ber of British subjects in
official positions not only as a reflection on the ability of their coun
trym en, who, they believe, m ight otherwise occupy these posts, but
also as an actual menace to ultim ate E gyptian liberty.
A nother contributory cause of the general discontent is the m an
ifest inadequacy of the educational system, which produces an un
necessarily large num ber of applicants for the decreasing num ber
of official posts open to them, and lacks cultural and vocational
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( qualities. In his frank report upon conditions in E gypt Lord Milner
says th a t the Egyptians of 1920, w hether townsmen or peasants, are
different people from those of 1910 and vastly different from the
Egyptians of 1890. The mass of the population (about 92 per cent)
is illiterate, and the system of education is not devised to meet the
changing conditions. E xtrem e nationalist anti-B ritish propaganda,
the social estrangem ent of the B ritish and the E gyptian community,
and the ever-present impatience of the Moslem w ith Christian rule
have also contributed a considerable share to disquietude among
native Egyptians.
During the war the legislative bodies, created to give limited opportunities of
constitutional expression to Egyptian public opinion, were not allowed to assemble;
nor were these bodies permitted any part in shaping the many measures actually taken
by the Egyptian government in its furtherance of the war. ' Throughout the land the
censorship of news and opinions was rigorously and uninteliigently enforced. Before
the war was two years old martial law had completely overshadowed eb.il authority;
requisitioning of supplies and forced recruiting of labor alienated the agricultural
masses which had hitherto been loyal. In pursuing such a policy the British Govern
ment either consciously or unconsciously swelled the ranks of the nationalists.2
B ut w hatever their aims for ultim ate separation from Great Britain,
during the war the Egyptians cooperated w ith the British, furnishing
men as a labor corps, horses, and cereals, and even contributing to
the Red Cross. W hen the war was over m oderate opinion began to
voice the feeling th a t the cooperation and sacrifices of the Egyptians
during the war entitled them to special consideration. The Turkish
yoke had slipped off. N either the Egyptians nor the B ritish had
ever considered E gypt a British dependency. And now the old ques
tion of freeing E gypt from B ritish occupation again arose. Complete
independence became the watchword.
Accordingly, on November 13, 1918, a deputation of nationalists
headed by Zaghlul Pasha called on the British high commissioner to
present a program of complete autonom y for E gypt. At the same
tim e the prim e m inister, Rushdi Pasha, and the m inister of education,
Adli Pasha Yeghen, asked th a t they be allowed to proceed to London
im m ediately to discuss Egyptian affairs w ith the British Government.
The peace conference was about to convene and the Egyptians wished
their rights under British authority defined. Their request was
refused on the ground th a t the foreign secretary and other ministers,
owing to enforced absence from London in connection w ith the peace
conference, “ would not be able to devote sufficient time and a tte n
tion to problems of E gyptian internal reform .” Resignation of the
two E gyptian ministers followed.
All other efforts to secure a hearing having failed, the Egyptians
elected a national delegation to the peace conference, including
Zaghlul Pasha. The delegation succeeded in sending to the members
of the conference an exhaustive m em orandum on E g y p t’s program
for complete independence, but when passports in order th a t they
m ight proceed to Paris were refused the representatives, public
opinion was greatly aroused. Public meetings were held and local
committees formed throughout the country in the interest of national
independence. The crisis, however, came in November, when
Zaghlul Pasha and three of the other prom inent members of the
2 Political Science Q uarterly, March, 1921.
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LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
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delegation chosen to represent E gypt at the peace conference were
arrested because of their political activities and deported to the
island of Malta.
Economic Causes of Unrest.
IN AD DITION to the causes of unrest growing out of the political
* situation prior to 1919, there have been in m any instances economic
reasons for the unrest prevailing since the war. Egypt, like India,
is predom inantly an agricultural country, and during the last few
years the value of her agricultural products has increased by leaps
and bounds. The price of cotton, the leading crop, had a phenomenal
rise. Grades th a t once sold for £E 3 or £E 4 ($14.82 or $19.76, par)
a hundredw eight reached £E20 and £E 30 ($98.80 and $148.20, par).
One im portant result of the soaring prices of cotton was to raise
the price of cotton lands, some of them selling for from 400 to 500
Egyptian pounds ($1,976 to $2,470, par) per feddan (1.04 acres).
Landowners, merchants, and speculators made enormous fortunes.
B ut the landowners constitute only a small m inority of the popula
tion. The m ajority, therefore, the industrial and professional classes
who do n o t own land, have not benefited by this unusual prosperity.
In fact the poorer classes of townspeople were brought to the verge
of starvation by prices out of all proportion to their wages. Prices
of some kinds of food rose from 200 to 300 per cent. Clothing, particu
larly leather, cotton, and woolen goods, rose 300 per cent. House rents
reached unheard-of levels and there were no regulations to protect
tenants. F urniture was a t a premium. Prices of patent foods and
medicines were prohibitive. One workman who had had in all a 25
per cent increase in wages, when asked how he supported his family,
replied naively, “ We have less to eat than form erly.” In his report
upon conditions in E gypt Lord Milner says (p. 12): “ In addition to the
specific grievances to which attention has been drawn, there was in
E gypt also an unprecedented and progressive rise in prices, especially
the necessaries of life, such as corn, clothing, and fuel which weighed
heavily on the poorer classes, whose wages were quite inadequate to
meet the enhanced cost of living, while they saw a lim ited num ber
of their countrym en and the unpopular foreigner m aking large
fortunes. A fam ily of four—a man, his wife, and two small children—could not at the beginning of 1919 obtain a sufficiency of food except
at a cost which considerably exceeded the ordinary rate of wages.”
And even in the country, while the freeholders, large and small, were
very prosperous, a great m ajority of the fellaheen (peasants), who
own little or no land and live by renting a few acres from the rich
landowners, were seriously affected by the increases in land rentals,
which depend upon the price of cotton.
These increases explain in p a rt the series of outbreaks, especially
the attacks upon railway stations, among the fellaheen about the
time of the riots of March, 1919. The fellaheen had profited more
than any other class of society under the B ritish rule. Form erly in
times of crop failure the fellah had been obliged to borrow from
usurers a t rates of from 40 per cent to 60 per cent. W ith the advent
of the English a system of small loans to the p e tty landowner a t 6
per cent was instituted w ith the object of freeing him from the servi
tude induced by debts he was unable to pay. The use of the lash
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(kourbash) had also been discontinued, and the fellah was freer and
more independent than he had ever been.
The fact th a t the controlled price of cotton during the w ar deprived
the small farm er of the advantages of competition while his land rent
increased was probably one source of discontent. Among others
were: (1) The recruiting for the E gyptian labor and camel transport
corps; (2) the requisition of domestic animals; (3) the requisition of
cereals; (4) collections for the Red Cross.
Government in country districts in E gypt is administered by unpaid
officers called omdehs. To these men, who m ust have certain
property qualifications for their positions, recruiting and the collecting
of funds and m aterials were intrusted during the w ar w ithout the
supervision of B ritish officials who were needed elsewhere.
A t the outbreak of the war w ith Turkey the announcem ent was
m ade th a t Egyptians would not be compelled to take p a rt in it. Any
contributions they made were to be voluntary. And while the
voluntary system was m aintained in theory, the facts indicate th a t
the unscrupulous omdehs took unfair advantage of both the Govern
m ent and the fellaheen. Enemies of the omdehs were sent into
service and friends kept at home. Owing to the demand for the
arnry m arket prices of cereals were greater than the requisition rates.
“ N ot only did the omdehs collect larger amounts than they were
required to furnish at requisition rates and sell the balance a t the
higher m arket rates, b u t individuals who possessed no w heat h a d 'to
buy their quota at m arket rates and hand it over at the lower requi
sition rate.3 Paym ents in m any instances were slow, the officials
holding back a portion of the moneys intrusted to them. In the case
of the animals requisitioned selling prices were lower during the war
than buying prices at the end of it. Even the collection of Red Cross
funds intended to be voluntary was often m ade compulsory through
m ethods used by officials seeking their own advancem ent, and belief
was current th a t some of these funds never reached their destination.
The report of the special mission to E gypt questions the advisability
of such collections under existing religious conditions.
All of these various factors in addition to the unprecedented and
progressive rise in prices created a condition of discontent and
unrest among the fellaheen, which while it did not m anifest itself in
labor troubles, since there was no such problem in the country dis
tricts, did, nevertheless, help to augm ent the disturbed conditions
throughout the country.
Manifestations of Unrest, 1919.
the arrest of Zaghlul Pasha and his companions all E gypt is
»aid to have revolted. During the early m onths of 1919 the
smoldering political unrest among large masses of the people burst
into flames. A general uprising ensued, accompanied by rioting,
arson, and bloodshed. Trains and business places were looted;
public buildings were destroyed; railways were torn up; traffic was
suspended; and some of the English inhabitants were m urdered.
Recourse was finally had to m artial law and Gen. Allenby was sent
3 G reat B rita in .
p. 11.
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LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
35
to preserve order. His prom pt release of Zaglilul Pasha quieted dis
order; b u t dislocation of traffic and interruption of business pro
duced a shortage of foodstuffs and a consequent greater rise in prices
of essentials such as eggs, butter, and vegetables, necessitating a
stricter rationing of food, and thus emphasizing an already intolerable
economic situation.
When no redress of grievances followed, the leaders resorted to
passive resistance. Students rem ained away from school, native
lawyers left their courts, tram waymen, cab drivers, cigarette makers,
scavengers, workmen in the State railway shops, in the national
printing office, and gas works were more or less continually on strike.
Student strikes continued until Gen. Allenby was forced on May 4,
1919, to issue an order threatening to close the Government schools
and colleges (which had practically been closed since March) if the
students did not return by a certain fixed time. Very few except
those in the prim ary schools responded. To schools of medicine, law,
engineering, and agriculture almost no students returned. In one
school 77 out of 500 students resumed work. All high schools in
Cairo and Alexandria were ultim ately closed for the rest of the year
by Government order.
The E gyptian employees of all Government departm ents at Cairo
except those of the telephone office and the supplies control board
struck April 3. Among the services affected were the telegraphs,
railways, post office, departm ents of education and agriculture,
public health adm inistration, and war office. Judges of the mixed
courts were out four days; the postal employees for several weeks.
In addition to demands for higher wages and shorter hours, demands
were made for the complete independence of E g y p t and the imme
diate official recognition of Zaghlul Pasha and the nationalist leaders.
On April 22 Gen. Allenby issued a proclam ation ordering the strikers
to return to their work on penalty of losing their jobs. Accordingly
the strike came to an end April 23.
Alexandria bakers went on strike August 12, 1919, demanding sup
pression of night work, a m inimum of 50 piasters ($2.45, par) a day
for first hands, decreasing to 25 piasters ($1.23, par) for those of
lower grade. As the strike continued bread became scarce, the price
increased,'and riots occurred in which shops were looted and property
damaged. A settlem ent was reached August 18 in which the men
were granted a 40 per cent increase in wages. Dem and for abolition
of night work was withdrawn. Before the strike the average paym ent
for baker’s work was 25 piasters ($1.23, par) per day.
Of the innum erable strikes occurring during 1919 the m ost impor
ta n t and m ost far-reaching were those of the tram w ay men on the
Cairo and Alexandria tram ways. The first of these strikes occurred
in March. The m en’s demands included, among others: Wages to
be 15 piasters ($0.74, par) per day; an 8-hour day; free uniforms;
and inquiry into reports subm itted by inspectors against workmen
before fines were paid; bonus of one m onth’s wages for every work
man for each year of work and based upon last wages; interest to
be paid on the deposits which the men make w ith the company;
specified days of rest.
On April 20 the strikers’ position was strengthened by a strike of
the employees of the Cairo Heliopolis Electric Railway, whose
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M O NTH LY LABOE REVIEW.
demands were practically the same as those of the Cairo tram w ay men.
This strike completely isolated Cairo and thoroughly disorganized
business.
Negotiations dragged along through April, and finally on May 1
work was again resumed. In addition to the concessions already
made, the Cairo tram w ay company granted increases in pay running
between 13 piasters ($0.64, par) and 19 piasters ($0.93, par) per day,
including the 2 piasters ($0.10, par) cost-of-living bonus; leave to
be cum ulative; interest on deposits w ith the company to be com
puted a t 4 per cent; g ratu ity given for each year of service; 8|-hour
day. Terms granted to the Heliopolis tram w ay men were apparently
more generous. They included a 9-hour to 9^-hour day (men in
the shops an 8^-hour d a y ); overtime a t the rate of time and a h a lf;
w orkm en’s compensation in case of illness; free medical care; free
lodging, and cost-of-living bonuses.
In each of the tram w ay m en’s strikes the discomfort of the inhabit
ants of Cairo and Alexandria was further increased by strikes among
gas workers, street cleaners, and the employees of the w ater com
panies, as well as the bakers and other classes of workmen necessary
to the normal life of these cities. Among their demands were:
Hours to be reduced from 12 to 8; war-time allowances to be added
to wages; wages to be paid m onthly; two weeks’ annual holiday
w ith pay; advances in wages of 20 to 50 per cent.
After the period of general strikes in the spring of 1919 compar
ative quiet prevailed in the E gyptian labor world until the middle
of the summ er when w ith the continued rise in cost of living new
demands were m ade by various classes of workmen for further in
creases in wages to m eet it. Small, short, sudden strikes occurred
among the railway men, printers, cigarette makers, cabmen, dress
makers, bakers, workmen in sugar factories, and postal and other
Government employees, m any of whom had been “ o u t” in the
spring. Moreover, when it became known th a t G reat B ritain would
send a commission to E gypt in the fall of 1919 to study and “ report
upon the existing situation in the country and the form of constitu
tion which, under the protectorate, will be best calculated to promote
peace and prosperity, the progressive developm ent of self-governing
institutions, and the protection of foreign interests,” agitation was
at once started for the purpose of boycotting it. A nother series of
short strikes occurred in which students, lawyers, shopkeepers, and
m any other classes of workers participated.
After the arrival of the mission, strikes among the printers resulted
in holding up the publication of European papers; cab drivers
refused to carry passengers; native lawyers were on strike for a
week, while E gyptian cotton m erchants suspended business and
E gyptian Government officials refused to work. Bands of students
reinforced by strikers and the rougher floating population paraded
the streets proclaiming their adherence to Zaghlul Pasha and com
plete independence for Egypt. While m ost of the strikers are said to
have been orderly, rioters led by the students and the mob element
looted property, damaged street cars, attacked police stations, and
even attem pted the assassination of some of the m inistry. M artial
law was finally resorted to and order restored.
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Among these strikes also th a t of the tram w ay men ranked first in
im portance. The strike began in August on the Cairo tram ways
and lasted two m onths, during which time traffic was again virtually
suspended. There was, however, a new note in the demands p u t
forward.
To the usual demands for wage increases were added those for rec
ognition of the railway m en’s union and for free lodgings with water,
in localities where the streets are lighted and cleaned. Sym pathetic
strikes were declared by the Heliopolis and Alexandria tram w ay men,
and the whole m atter was referred to the newly established concilia
tion board for adjustm ent. The Heliopolis tram w ay men rem ained
out until Septem ber 18, when they again went to work, w ithdraw ing
their demand for recognition of the union.
The Alexandria companies were on the point of a settlem ent with
their men on Septem ber 23. They were ready to grant increases,
b u t announced their intention of meeting the greater operating
expenses by a 50 per cent increase in rates. A t this point the
Governm ent stepped in and forbade the increase in rates until the
whole m a tte r had been gone into by the Government legal advisers.
A settlem ent now seemed further off than ever. The people of the
city still walked. Finally the truly “ long-suffering public” took a
hand in the proceedings. In an open meeting held to discuss means of
breaking the deadlock it was shown th a t the com pany’s profits had
increased considerably since 1914, and a protest was m ade against
an apparently unnecessary delay in resum ption of normal conditions.
On October 8 the Alexandria municipal commission, presided
over by the president of the Labor Conciliation Commission, decided
th a t increased fares were not justified. Nevertheless, fares were
raised, 100 per cent on single tickets bought on trains; 40 per cent
on books of tickets; 25 per cent on season tickets; 20 per cent on
school tickets. The company estim ated this at a general increase
of 35 per cent. Service was resumed October 15. The men were
granted a 20 per cent increase in wages, a 20 per cent bonus to cover
the high cost of living, and an 8-hour day; deposits w ith the company
were to bear interest a t 5 per cent per annum .
The Cairo strike came to an end October 5, the conciliators having
agreed on the following general term s: The union was not recognized
though the company did no t oppose it; general raise in wages to
the level they would have attained under normal yearly increases
had they not been suspended for two years owing to the war; a
com m ittee of inquiry to examine all offenses; interest on deposits
w ith the company increased to 5 per cent per annum ; advances by
the company to assist workm en’s families, based upon the am ount
of wages received; grants to offset the high cost of living of from 4
piasters ($0.20, par) for those earning 20 piasters ($0.98, par) per
day, to 8 piasters ($0.39, par) for those earning more than 35 piasters
($i.72, par) per day.
Cost of Living, 1919-20.
Food Prices.
FAURING 1919 prices of all kinds rose steadily and the num erous
^
strikes, especially those of the tram waym en, accelerated the
increase. Owing to long periods in which traffic was suspended or
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38
disorganized, m eat could not be brought in from the Sudan, the main
source of m eat supply during the war. Sugar became scarce in the
m arkets and consequently dear. Coffee prices rose 40 per cent.
In Septem ber, 1919, food control was reestablished. Committees
were formed in large cities and towns to fix m axim um prices on cer
tain articles. B u t this a ttem p t a t regulation and relief proved a
failure owing to the difficulty and in m any instances the impossibility
of enforcing compliance w ith the lim its set. Profiteering in foodstuffs
and in clothing of all kinds continued. The following official retail
price figures prepared for the arbitrators in the railway strike give a
fair idea of the increase in cost of food and clothing during the war:
R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C E R T A IN C O M M O D ITIES IN C A IR O , 1914 AN D 1919. l
LI oke=2.75 pounds; 1 piaster tariff=4.9 cents par.]
Commodity.
U nit.
M u tto n ........................................................................................
V eal...............................................................................................
B e e f..............................................................................................
P otatoes.......................................................................................
F lo u r..................... .......................................................................
B u tte r .................................................................................
R ice...............................................................................................
Soap..............................................................................................
F ish b a la d i..................................................................................
Sugar.............................................................................................
M acaroni.......................................................................................
Frying oil.....................................................................................
Cooking oil...................................................................................
O nions...........................................................................................
M ilk...............................................................................................
Pigeons ................................................................................
C hickens.......................................................................................
D ucks............................................................................................
E ggs..............................................................................................
W hite calico...............................................................................
P rovided calico...........................................................................
Z ephyr calico.........................................................................
Suit òf clothes (c lo th )...........................................................
T a rb o u c h .....................................................................................
Shoes.........................................................................................
M atches.........................................................................................
P etro leu m ....................................................................................
O ke............
.. .d o ...........
.. .d o ...........
.do
.. .d o ...........
.do __
.d o ...........
.do ___
. .d o ...........
.d o ...........
. .d o ...........
.do ........
.do .. .
.do
.do
P air
. . . d o .........
...d o ___
i d o z e n .. .
M eter. . .
.. .d o .........
.. .d o ...........
One
1914
1919
P . T.
P . T.
10
8
6
1
1.25
10
1.25
3. 5
2
2. 5
2. 5
5
4
1. 5
3
10
i
1 25
2
2. 5
50
20
P a ir
T in ..
1 E g y p tian G azette, Aug. 29, 1919, p. 4.
50
6
.5
26
20
18
8
4
50
3. 5
12
12
8
8
4
15
2
5
12
40
40
3
9
9
10
180
70
180
2 5
22
Per cent
of increase.
160
150
200
700
220
400
180
243
500
220
290
2 20
275
300
233
300
300
167
200
620
350
300
960
250
260
400
267
2 Decrease.
The upw ard m ovem ent of retail prices continued during the early
m onths of 1920. In February E g y p t was on the verge of a serious
bread famine. In March, owing to the British m iners7 strike she faced
a coal crisis. A special supplies departm ent was established in the
M inistry of Agriculture to take the place of the defunct supplies con
trol board, and Government control was again resumed over wheat,
m eat, sugar, and other necessities. The large profits to be m ade in
cotton led to a reduction of the acreage usually devoted to food
crops. Tem pted by the high prices, landowners no t only planted
cotton on land which they would otherwise have sown to wheat,
barley, and beans, b u t are said actually to have plowed up winter
cereal crops already in the ground for this purpose.
The Government, in order to m eet the needs of the country as
regards the w heat supply, levied a tax of 35 piasters ($1.72, par)
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per hundredw eight on ginned cotton. This was a tem porary measure
which came into effect in October, 1920. Large stocks of w heat
and m eat were also bought, thus forcing a reduction in the prices
of these necessary commodities later in the year. Moreover, instruc
tions were sent out by the supplies departm ent th a t food crops
then in the ground should not be plowed up and planted to cotton
for the 1921 season. Cooperative societies were established at
Kena, Cairo, Alexandria, and other places to help solve the cost-ofliving problem.
Housing
Owing to the virtual suspension of house building during the war
and following the armistice the shortage of houses became particu
larly acute, a deficit of about 8,000 existing in Cairo alone, and rents
of available dwellings, business premises, and offices were abnormal.
In an effort to secure some form of legislation which would lim it the
rapacity of the landlords, a ten an ts’ union was formed in Alexandria
during August, 1919. On behalf of its members, m any of whom
belonged to the working class, the union petitioned the Government
to introduce a law placing a tax on house rents of 6 per cent per
annum and fixing the rents paid in 1915 as a maximum. No remedial
action being taken the members of the unions resorted to passive
resistance, closing all their shops and places of business on certain
days in protest against high rents.
During February, 1920, a rent law relating to dwellings was en
acted providing (1) th a t m aximum rent m ust not exceed 50 per cent
over the rent in 1914; (2) a landlord could not ask a tenant to vacate
unless (a) the latte r had failed to pay his rent within 15 days after
being called upon to do so either by registered letter or summons;
(ib) the tenant had used the house in some m anner not in accord
with the terms of the contract. "The law was to remain in force
until December 31, 1920. This law, though it applied only to pri
vate residences, afforded a measure of relief, for cases had been
known in Cairo where landlords had increased rents from 170 to over
200 per cent.
The ten an ts’ union a t once started an agitation for an extension
of the application of the law to shops, offices, furnished rooms, flats,
or residences the ren t of which included the price of food. The
landlords not only vigorously opposed the modification of the law
b u t sought to have the existing provisions repealed. During May
and again in Ju ly the members of the ten an ts’ union in Alexandria
closed all their shops and places of business for one day in protest
against the stand taken by the landlords. Meanwhile unions were
being formed in Cairo and other large and small towns, their member
ship reaching more than 50,000.
During August, 1920, in further protest against the apparent
inaction of the Government in the rent m atter, members of the
ten an ts’ union in Alexandria decided not to pay their rents. In
stead they deposited the required am ounts plus 25 to 50 per cent
increase over the prewar rate w ith the city treasurer and again
closed their shops for 24 hours. The m atte r was finally placed in the
hands of the m inister of justice.
The agitation on the p a rt of the unions eventually resulted in the
creation of a rent commission, Septem ber 28, 1920, to consider the
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M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
annulm ent or extension of the existing rent law. The landlords pre
sented argum ents before the commission to the effect th a t since
building m aterials had gone up 300 per cent and loans from 6 per
cent to 9 per cent a landlord m ust charge three times as m uch for
rent as in 1914 in order to secure a reasonable return upon his invest
m ent. B ut the unions, which by this tim e were acting cooperatively,
did not relax their efforts in behalf of a modification of the law, and
on February 21, 1921, a law superseding the law of February, 1920,
was enacted, effective until June 30, 1922.
According to its provisions the m axim um rent for unfurnished resi
dences m ust not be more than 50 per cent over th a t in 1914; the
proprietor m ay term inate his lease by giving six m onths’ clear notice,
on condition th a t he wishes to occupy it himself or th a t his father,
m other, son, or daughter wish to occupy it. In this case the residence
m ust be occupied w ithin one m onth of its evacuation and the person
m ust live in it at least one year, otherwise the old ten a n t m ay have
the right to reoccupy the residence, irrespective of any indem nity he
m ay claim. The proprietor m ay likewise have the right of term inat
ing the lease after giving six m onths’ clear notice if he desires to sell
the building for some urgent reason, such as the fear of expropriation,
the liquidation of his position for the purpose of leaving the country,
etc. This he is required to prove and also th a t the sale can not be
carried out unless the ten an t vacates.
The new law provides for a m axim um rent for certain classes of
furnished residences at the rate of 100 per cent above th a t of the
unfurnished residence on A ugust 1, 1914, increased by 50 per cent.
Furnished residences let for short periods to persons seeking a change
of climate in certain places especially adapted to th a t purpose are
excluded from this lim itation.
Quarters which are let for any purpose other than for private resi
dence have also been m ade subject to a m axim um of 50 per cent
increase if their rent on August 1 , 1914, did not exceed £E72
($355.68, par) per annum. Where, however, the rent exceeded
£E72 ($355.88, par) per annum on August 1 , 1914, the m aximum
rent to be fixed is left for the tribunal to decide.
A further effort to relieve the congested housing situation was made
by the Governm ent in March, 1921, when the m inister of finance
announced his intention of cooperating w ith the Cairo Electric Rail
way and Heliopolis Oasis Co. in starting 600 houses at Heliopolis, to
which employees of the E gyptian Government will have a prior claim
Labor Unrest in 1920-1921.
jWjfANY of the disputes which had been previously settled by industrial agreement broke out afresh during the spring and summer
of 1920, and new disputes arose. They were due to several causes:
Wages, though they had increased from 100 to 125 per cent over the
prew ar scale, had n o t kept pace w ith the cost of living; the delegates
who represented the workers in form er settlem ents had been irregu
larly elected and were often not really capable of representing them ;
daily press reports indicate th a t in m any of the disputes agreements
were not kept by either side; long delays occurred in the settlem ent
of demands after the strikers had returned to work.
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In January, 1920, the Cairo gas workers struck, dem anding 50 per
cent increase in pay for native workmen and 20 per cent for the
European staff which had already been granted 30 per cent; 28 days’
work and 2 days of rest on full pay each m onth guaranteed each
workm an who had served 10 years; a g ratu ity on discharge of one
m onth’s pay for each year of continuous service; and all the staff
except four to be taken back. Increases in wages including cost-ofliving bonus were granted b u t the am ount was n o t stated. The gas
workers in both Alexandria and Cairo were on strike again for 15
days in the early p a rt of October. Cairo was plunged into almost
complete darkness, elevators could not run, and business and amuse
m ent houses were closed, because the company was unable to fill the
strikers’ places w ith com petent men. A 30 per cent increase in wages
was granted. These workers had a t this time received wage increases
of from 70 to 150 per cent, including the cost-of-living bonus.
During the same m onth a lockout of 10,000 cigarette m akers oc
curred, and the teachers in the Coptic College a t Cairo struck for
higher wages. Wage increases resulted in both cases, the teachers
receiving an advance of 20 per cent. In August, 1919, employees of
the Alexandria engineering works demanded (1) a 50 per cent in
crease on all existing rates of daily pay; (2) a 48-hour week; (3) rates
of insurance and compensation to be m ade public, showing the scale
for injury to fingers, eyes, limbs, e tc .; (4) a bonus equal to one m onth’s
pay (at hourly rate) to be given any workman discharged after two
years’ continuous employment with the company. As no settlem ent
had ever been m ade with the men for the alleged reason th a t a m ajor
ity of the directors were in Europe, a strike was called Ja n u ary 9,
1920. The men gained demands (2) and (3); compensation rates
were increased from 700 to 1,000 days’ pay for total disablement;
and a scale was fixed for m inor accidents occurring in the workshops.
U nrest m anifested itself among the P o rt Said Canal workers in
August, 1920, when an agitation for higher wages started among the
International W orkers’ Union of the Isthm us of Suez. The company,
after some delay, fixed the m inimum pay of E uropean workmen at
10 francs gold standard ($1.93, par) for an 8-hour day; th a t of a
native workm an at 7.50 francs ($1.45, par) per day, w ith an allow
ance for each dependent in the w orkm an’s family.
The next strike in the canal zone occurred in the early p a rt of
October among the electricians employed by a French com pany to
operate the electric lights used by the ships passing through the
canal a t night. The original cause Of this strike centered largely
around the question of hours. The men demanded th a t they be
allowed to work in pairs instead of singly, as they had been doing, on
the ground th a t a m an m ight have to be on du ty for 8 or 10 consecu
tive hours w ithout an opportunity to leave his post. The company
contended th a t an uninterrupted 8-hour shift was exceptional. The
men then increased their demands, one of which, and the chief one,
was recognition of the International W orkers’ Union. This union,
organized within the last two years, includes among its member
ship the employees of the m ost im portant coal and shipping com
panies in the canal zone. The Suez Canal Co. has recognized it,
b u t the other firms refuse to do so because they believe th a t its
president, who is not a workman, is only a paid agitator.
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The strike was confined to the firm in question, b u t violence
resulted from the conviction by the British consular court of a striker
(a British subject) for assault upon a strike breaker. A crowd of
2,000 attacked the police station, and B ritish troops were finally
called out to preserve order. The employers then refused to deal
w ith the union. Finally an arbitration board consisting of the
governor, as president, and one person not connected with the strike
from every foreign colony interested was formed. The strikers
returned to work and subm itted their grievances to the board.
On November 24 the employees of another French shipping firm
struck for a reduction of the working day from 10 hours to 8 hours
and the com pany closed its workshops. A nother strike among the
employees of a shipping firm occurred at P o rt Said in February, 1921,
which was m arked by sabotage, the essential parts being removed
from the machines. As a result of this strike the men gained a 48hour week, retirem ent w ith pensions, overtime at the rate of time
and one-half; same rates of pay for 8 hours’ work as form erly given
for 10 hours’ work; free medical attendance for first three weeks of
illness, bonus of 15 days’ pay for every year in service based on
good record; disputes to be settled by committee of workmen,
managers, and foremen; union not opposed, b u t not recognized.
There was more or less unrest in the printing industry through
out the year. A strike in May tied up the publication of five news
papers. In November, 1920, the International P rin ters’ League of
Alexandria demanded of the employers a general increase of 40 per
cent in printers’ wages, a 61-hour day, and an agreement providing
for the establishm ent of workm en’s councils in all printing offices,
which for all practical purposes would place the control of the industry
in the hands of the printers. The employers refused to enter into any
such agreement. The league had planned to s ta rt strikes in the
various printing offices, one after another, b u t a t the first strike the
M aster P rinters’ Association declared a lockout which affected the
great m ajority of printing establishm ents in Alexandria.
Several efforts a t reaching an agreement failed through lack of
unity on the p a rt of the men, the employers finally making the sign
ing of individual contracts and resignation from the league conditions
precedent to a return to work. On the sixth week of the strike the
men in one office still refused to accept the term s offered. When,
however, the company threatened to s ta rt work again w ith the
workers who had rem ained the strike collapsed.
Strikes of Tramwaymen, 1920-21.
A t the very beginning of 1920 the tram w aym en at Cairo com
plained th a t the companies had not carried out the terms of the
October, 1919, agreement. Accordingly a bureau of inquiry was
instituted to inquire into the situation. In F ebruary a strike was
broken up, no cause of complaint being found by the conciliation
board, which went thoroughly into the alleged causes of discontent.
Employees of the Heliopolis tram w ay w ent out again in April because
an employee who insulted the traffic m anager was dismissed. A
strike of the Alexandria tram w aym en in the middle of the summer
was averted through the efforts of the conciliation board. A settle-
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LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
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m ent was reached with them on October 15, which granted fa rth e r
increases in wages, the company to raise fares to m eet the additional
expenditure. O ther gains included 20 per cent bonus to offset the
high cost of living; 8-hour day; disciplinary measures to be approved
by the director general; union not to be recognized b u t n o t opposed;
overtime a t rate of time and one-half before m idnight; twice the
usual rate after m idnight.
An adjustm ent was also made in October w ith the Cairo tram waymen who had been working steadily since July, 1920, granting tem
porary increases of 30 per cent in pay, bu t the company refused
to m ake this increase perm anent in addition to the cost-of-living
bonus. No dismissals were to be made except after submission of
the case to the board of inquiry. Dissatisfaction w ith conditions,
chiefly those connected with the board of discipline and inquiry, grew.
The men had insisted on the form ation of this board in the preceding
agreement with the company, b u t apparently they thought th a t
representation of employees on the board would insure either pardons
or nom inal punishm ents for breaches of discipline, for their attitu d e
became one of resentm ent not alone against severity of punishm ent,
b u t against any punishm ent. In cases involving friends syndicalist
action was threatened. Then the m en’s representative began to
absent himself from meetings of the board, which naturally con
tinued to act w ithout him.
Finally in November the Cairo tram waym en being w ithout strike
funds adopted a policy of sabotage and reduction of output. Train
service was dislocated through an im proper m anipulation of the
motors. In five days 212 cars were sent to the shops for repairs
where a practice of “ ca’canny” followed. By these m ethods the
m en retained their wages while reducing the com pany’s returns.
This condition of affairs continued into 1921, and by Jan u ary 2 it
was estim ated th a t only 7 or 8 out of the 18 lines were running, and
some of those did not m ake complete trips. Threatened by the
conciliation board with discontinuance of effort in their behalf, the
men placed the responsibility upon the company, saying th a t the
equipm ent was old and in continual need of repair. A dditional de
m ands m ade by the men included the following: Old employees to be
guaranteed employment; company n o t to continue policy of engaging
m en on a six weeks’ contract; men to be given all profits accruing
from last 20 per cent increase in fare. After a num ber of weeks the
men returned to work, leaving the adjustm ent of terms again to the
conciliation board.
As in the previous big strike of the tram waym en, business was
badly if not entirely crippled. The peripatetic public which origi
nally sym pathized w ith the economic demands of the men, became
thoroughly incensed a t the novelty of the m ethods they employed.
The strikers insisted on driving the cars when and where the spirit
prompted. Cars did or did not stop upon signal, according to the
whim of the m otorm an. If one set out for the Pyram ids, for in
stance, one m ight be taken to the seacoast. A trip into the unknown
could be had for a few cents. Cairo became again a golden city of
the Arabian Nights, where the unusual was the usual.
The situation on the tram w ays continues to be abnormal. Since
the strike in December, 1920, three others have occurred in quick
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M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
44
succession. Those of March 27, 1921, a t Alexandria, and April 16
a t Cairo, were prom ptly settled by Government intervention, while
th a t of April 27 a t Cairo continued a t last reports.
The first of these three strikes is said to have been due to objections
of the men to the general m anager’s inquiry into a dispute in the
workshops. A nother reason given for striking is the dismissal of
large num bers of men. The union claims th a t 653 employees were
discharged between October, 1919, and January, 1921, and £ E 1,000
($4,940, par) in fines imposed, while the company asserts th a t
only 75 out of a force of 3,000 have been dismissed during the
last year and a half and th a t their cases were passed upon by the
board of inquiry and discipline. The m en also dem apd the reem
ploym ent of the leaders of the strike and the repeal of a law recently
enacted to prevent the paym ent of wages to the unions and more
control in the m atte r of strikes and dismissals. Violence and in
tim idation have been resorted to by the extrem ists among them.
An attack on strike breakers a t the workshops resulted in injuries to
nine persons. The clerical staff was also menaced. Although there is
great distress among the workmen, m any of whom would be glad
to retu rn to work, the extremists, who constitute only about 20 per
cent of the working force, have been successful thus far in keeping
up the strike. The public sees politics behind the num erous tram
way strikes, especially so since the Governm ent seems unable to
protect those who are willing to work.
Other Strikes.
Two strikes of unusual character during the present year are
those of the Alexandria cabm en who were out about a week in pro
test against the activities of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals. The cabmen contended th a t officers of the society un
necessarily held animals in their keeping, charging a large fee for
m aintenance, and returning them considerably underfed. An in
quiry was instituted and pending a report the cabmen have gone
back to work and the activities of the society in Alexandria have
been tem porarily suspended. Another strike of the same cabmen
was called on April 25 for the same reason. Cabmen accompanied
by the riffraff paraded the streets. No m otors were allowed to
pass unless accompanied by the police. Urged on by native lawyers
the cabmen took the law into their own hands, and assaulted car
drivers, tram w ay rnotonnen, and carters to force them to join them
in a universal strike.
.
Results of Labor Unrest.
/CO M PA RA TIV E statistics relative to working conditions in indi^
vidual industries are n o t available; b u t it is apparent from the
term s of agreements reached th a t the labor disputes have resulted
in a substantial increase in wages, a reduction in working hours, and
the amelioration of other working and living conditions. Definite
percentages of wage increases can n o t be given because the prewar
rates are rarely ever shown and available figures often include the
cost-of-living bonuses. Frequently apparently large percentages of
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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LABOR USTREST EST EGYPT.
45
increase quoted in the agreements represent the total increases over
prew ar rates.
The general effect on wages, however, has been ail increase of 100
to 125 per cent over the prewar scale, workers of all classes including
judges and Government employees having been affected. The
Egyptian Governm ent granted its employees tem porary allowances
to m eet the cost of living which ran as high as 40 or 50 per cent for
some classes.
Even in the country districts where there has been no distinct
labor trouble and the cost of living has risen more gradually than in
the towns, wages show an average increase of more than 100 per
cent over prew ar rates. This has also been p artly due to the scarcity
of labor during the cotton season 1919-20. Children's wages rose
from 8 to 10 piasters ($0.39 to $0.49, par) per day and cotton
picking which before the war cost 15 piasters ($0.74, par) per hun
dredweight paid by weight, in 1919 cost from 100 to 150 piasters
($4.90 to $7.35, par) per hundredw eight paid by the day. The
recent fall in the value of cotton and in the prices of other articles
has been accompanied by a m ovem ent to reduce wages in some
industries. As the wage increases, though considerable, have not
begun to m eet the rise in the cost of living, a very decided effort
is being m ade by the workers to keep wages a t their present levels
a t least.
A reduction in hours has also been noticeable. Previous to the
w ar hours were long, 12 hours constituting an ordinary day, and
in m any instances they w ere' not fixed. The 48-hour week, while
not general, has m ade great headway. The adoption of the 8-hour
day by jewelers, w atchm akers and w ith few exceptions all the big
retail houses in Cairo, was followed alm ost im m ediately by a similar
m ovem ent among the leading business houses of Alexandria. The
8-hour day is also included in the term s of settlem ent m ade by p a rt
of the tram w aym en and the engineers, as well as by m any of the
employees of shipping firms in the canal zone. W orkers who failed
to secure the 8-hour day have had their working day reduced from
10 and 12 hours to 8 fit, 9 and 9p2 hours. The dem and of the printers
for a 63^-hour day was no t granted.
O ther gains include cost-of-living bonuses, workm en’s compensa
tion, gratuities for unem ploym ent, b etter living quarters, medical
attendance in case of illness, boards of discipline and inquiry on which
workmen are represented and which have brought about a juster
application of the prevailing system of fines for breaches of discipline,
and employee’s representation on conciliation boards.
The Labor Conciliation Commission.
Two of the im portant results of the disturbed industrial condi
tions prevailing since 1919 were the establishm ent of a labor con
ciliation commission and the developm ent of the syndical m ovem ent.
W ith the increasing prevalence of strikes during the early p a rt of
1919, the urgent necessity for the creation of some body to inquire
into the justice of the workers’ dem ands and to use its offices in
preserving a measure of peace in the E gyptian industrial world
became more and more apparent.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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46
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
As a step in this direction the Labor Conciliation Commission was
established August 18, 1919, by the prim e m inister. The members
of the commission included Dr. Alexander Granville, president,
Sadik Younis Bey, Mr. W illiam Hornblower, R afla Tadras Bey, and
Ahmed Om ar Bey.
I t is the function of this group of men to examine all demands for
Governm ent intervention in questions arising between employers and
their employees w ith regard to wages, hours, etc.; to appoint from
among its members or otherwise officials to preside a t meetings of
employers and employees and to examine the reports presented by
them ; to prepare measures for the settlem ent of disputes; to collab
orate in the form ation of local boards of representation; and to
examine complaints relative to the carrying out of the conditions
of the settlem ent of any dispute.
Through the efforts of the commission the labor situation in E gypt
is said to have m aterially improved. An increasing num ber of
disputes are being arbitrated; hours have been fixed and in m any
cases reduced. E x tra pay has been granted for overtime; wages
have increased; and cost-of-living bonuses have been paid. Agree
m ents regulating fines, dismissals, holidays, and pensions are being
reached.
According to its first report, which deals w ith the period between
August 18, 1919, and Novem ber 31, 1919, the num ber of cases dealt
w ith was 24. Of these 12 resulted in strikes, 7 of which were settled
by agreements favorable to the m en; 3 failed, and the issue of the
other 2 is no t reported. Of the 12 cases n o t resulting in strikes
4 were decided in the workers’ favor, 3 collapsed owing to lack of
organization, and the result of the rem aining 5 is n o t given. From
December 1, 1919, to February 29, 1920, the period covered by the
second report, the board considered 16 disputes, 8 of which term inated
in strikes. From M arch to June, 1920, 11 strikes occurred, m ost of
which were settled by compromise. In several instances the em
ployers granted bonuses to men whom they had discharged. Of the
9 strikes occurring during the next quarter, Ju ly to Septem ber, 1920,
the m ost im portant were those of the gas workers and dockers
described elsewhere. Between October 1 and December 31, 1920,
the board settled 20 different disputes, 12 of which were new. The
two m ost im portant cases of this group were the Cairo tram w ay
strike and the strike of the workmen a t P o rt Said, already discussed.
In m ost cases the demands p u t forw ard by the workers included
increased wages and reduced hours. In some instances disputes were
based upon demands for the reinstatem ent of dismissed workers,
recognition of the union, introduction of m achinery to replace hand
labor, and other causes. The board found th a t in a m ajority of the
disputes the economic demands of the strikers were justified, an
investigation into the relation of wages to cost of living showing
th a t a wmrkman who received 6 to 8 piasters ($0.29 to $0.39, par)
a day in 1914 ought to be paid more th an 14 to 16 piasters ($0.67 to
$0.78, par) in 1920 in order to live on the same scale. This estim ate
is based upon the very low wages paid before the w ar and makes no
allowance for im provem ent in living conditions, which the workers
are beginning to realize is so urgently needed.
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LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
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In addition to its work of a purely m ediatory character, the board
has collected statistics as to num ber of workmen, hours of labor,
and wages in E gypt, and labor legislation in other countries. Cost-ofliving figures have also been gathered and tables prepared as bases
in the settlem ent of wage disputes.
Labor Organization in Egypt.
Organization among E gyptian workers is of very recent date and
is still in the form ative stage. Prior to 1919, though a few isolated
unions had been formed, there had been no concerted effort looking
tow ard the am elioration of middle and working class labor conditions.
Among the existing unions were one consisting of Governm ent em
ployees; one known as the “ handicrafts union” which grouped the
laborers of m any different crafts and was benevolent as well as pro
fessional in character; and one called the “ Typographic League”
which while more purely professional than the ‘ ‘handicrafts union ’ ’
was lim ited in its power to redress grievances because its accomplish
m ent depended more upon the personal influence of its leaders than
upon the actual economic rights and dem ands of its members.
The present m ovem ent originated among the Greek workers and
was prom oted by articles in the Greek papers, which also aided in
giving it a loyal character, while the E gyptian G azette (British) of
June 13, 1919, commented favorably upon it. I t is also generally
acknowledged th a t the European labor situation acted as an incentive
and th a t encouragem ent was received from the successful issue of the
strikes on the K hedival Mail Steam ship Co.’s docks where E gyptian
and Greek workers acted in common, and of other strikes won
through united action.
A beginning was made among the grocers’ clerks who even before
their organization asked for a weekly half day of rest. Their request
was granted by the grocers’ society, which was already interesting
itself in the working conditions of its employees. The form ation of
a union of grocers’ assistants was followed by sim ilar organizations
among bakery workers, cigarette makers, employees in restaurants
and cafés.
Organization proceeded rapidly, including barbers, printers,
tailors, gardeners, gas workers, m etal workers, seamen, municipal
workmen, proprietors and m anagers of business houses, postmen,
Jewish unions, and workmen from the Isthm us of Suez. Unions
were also formed among Governm ent workers and bank clerks.
The la tte r class in both the Greek and the foreign banks organ
ized an international syndicate whose membership in June, 1919,
num bered 1,600, of whom 600 were in Alexandria and 1,000 in
Cairo. A t the close of the year there were 17 trade-unions in
Alexandria, one of them being an affiliation of 24 different trades
called the W orkers’ Union (S y n d ic a t des O uvriers ) 21 in Cairo, and 4
in T antah. An alliance of the Cairo tram w ay men, gas workers, and
w ater workers was formed in November, 1920.
The General Federation of Labor.
Complete figures relative to the growth of the trade-union move
m ent during 1920 are not available. B u t the continued activity of
the unions seems evident from the fact th a t on February 27, 1921, a
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3091
48
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
General Federation of Labor for E g y p t was founded a t Alexandria,
to which 21 syndicates and unions signified their adherence. On
May 1, 1921, the federation celebrated the first labor day in E gypt.
Conditions Affecting Trade-union Growth.
For several reasons peculiar to the country the possible extent to
which trade-unionism among the native workers m ay become a force
in the industrial life of E gypt is problem atical. Thus far organization
has developed only among town workers. The fact th a t workers
belong to different races and m utual distrust prevails among them,
and the casual and seasonal character of native town labor m ilitate
against successful trade-union developm ent. Norm ally the supply
of casual labor consists of workers from U pper E g y p t who come to
Alexandria for the winter, returning to agricultural work as soon as
the cotton export season is over. L atterly, however, wages have
been so satisfactory in Alexandria th a t these workmen have contin
ued in the city. W herever the European workmen constitute a
m ajority or even a good working m inority in a trade, organization
is more successful.
The Labor Conciliation Commission reports point out th a t labor
in E g y p t is greatly in need of proper leadership. Because of the
lack of leaders among the workers, which is due both to illiteracy and
to inexperience, the presidents of the labor unions are recruited largely
from the professional classes, are not members of the unions, and are
therefore w ithout real knowledge of the interests of the workers.
The commission also finds th a t owing to the lack of confidence
existing among the workers satisfactory leaders are difficult to
find, and in addition the weakness of labor organizations makes it
impossible to ascertain the workers’ views by vote. The unions
have no legal statu s and have not been recognized in the agreements
thus far. The commission believes th a t a law regulating the organi
zation of employers and workers will be necessary in the near future
and recommends legislation to th a t end for the trade-unions.
The tow n workers, however, constitute b u t a small proportion of
the laboring population. E gypt, like India, is largely an agricultural
country, nine-tenths of the population being connected with the land.
I t is roughly estim ated th a t there are about 2,000,000 farm laborers.
A point of special interest in the organization of labor and an
im portant factor in the ultim ate success of the movem ent will be
the extent to which the peasants ally themselves with it.
Conclusion.
ETGYPTIAN labor unrest in 1919 originated in a tense political
situation and was augm ented by economic conditions which
bore w ith increasing heaviness upon the worker. I t was generally
characterized by numberless, quick, short strikes for which neither
workers nor employers were in the least prepared. T h at day was
counted lost which did not witness an industrial or political upheaval
of some sort. The demands of the workers, w hether or not justified,
were characterized by a notew orthy modernness.
D uring 1920 strikes were less num erous and those th a t did occur
developed from economic rath er than political causes. Throughout
the period under discussion discontent among the tram w ay men has
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[BIO]
LABOR UNREST IN EGYPT.
49
been the m ost deep-seated and they have naturally had an advan
tageous position for m aking their strikes felt among all classes of
society. W ith the amelioration of the economic condition the
demands of the workers, especially those of the tram w ay men are
again taking on the trivial character which m arked m any of the
strikes of early 1919.
The possible seriousness of the labor situation, however, is over
shadowed by the recent riots resulting from the political, racial, and
religious antagonisms existing among the mixed races which consti
tu te the population, and following the retu rn of Zaghlul Pasha from
Europe where he has been working for E gyptian independence since
his release from M alta in 1919. His repudiation of the a ttitu d e of
the present E gyptian cabinet regarding negotiations w ith G reat
B ritain has widened the gulf between the m oderates and the ex
trem ists of the nationalist party. The great mass of the fellaheen,
however, still rem ain practically untouched by economic, religious,
and political doctrines which sway the inhabitants of the cities, and
they serve for the present at least as a balance wheel.
industrial and Labor Situation in Fiance.
S SHOW N by a report from the U nited States consul general
at Paris, under date of April 22, 1921, statistics issued by
the M inistry of Labor, based on the inspection of factories
situated in different regions of France, show th a t out of 37,386
factories visited, which prior to the w ar were engaged in active
production, 35,516 of these had taken up their work again in Octo
ber, 1920. These factories in prew ar days employed 1,313,377
hands, whereas in October, 1920, w ith a slightly smaller num ber
open, the num ber of employees had increased to 1,380,373.
The following table shows the classes and num ber of industrial
establishm ents in operation prior to the war, in August, 1914, and
in October, 1920, together w ith the num ber of employees a t work
during the same periods:
A
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN O P E R A T IO N A N D N U M B E R OF E M P L O Y E E S P R IO R TO T H E
W A R A N D IN A U G U ST, 1914, A N D IN O C T O B E R , 1920, B Y T R A D E G R O U P S.
N um ber of factories w orking. N um ber of workers, m ale and female.
Trade group.
A ugust,
1914.
October,
1920.
Prew ar.
A ugust,
1914.
October,
1920.
Food p ro d u c ts____ ________ _______
Chemicals.................................................
R u b b er an d p a p e r ................... .............
Books, p rin tin g ......................................
Textiles................... ...................... ...........
Cloth a n d clothing..................................
H ides a n d le a th e r..................................
W ood w orking........................................
M etallurgy, o rd in a ry .............................
M etallurgy, fin e ......................................
C utting precious stones........................
M asonry an d stone construction........
P o ttery , e tc ..............................................
T ran sp o rtatio n .......................................
O ther g roups..........................................
3,762
1,108
524
990
3,199
8,095
1,650
3,628
5,327
168
78
1,960
948
415
5,534
2,620
692
287
554
1,223
5,172
928
1,425
2,763
38
10
747
360
264
3,778
3,504
1,089
504
965
2,926
7,641
1,612
3,350
5,211
161
72
1,891
908
402
5,280
88,828
55,192
41,909
32,520
244,526
116,360
60,167
63,089
379,658
5,525
1, 545
56,636
70,603
29,189
73,232
44,464
25,070
19,107
13,637
103,984
48,836
22.361
16,772
111,800
519
.292
10,779
14,248
14,449
35,677
67,731
61,331
47,365
26,777
254,262
97,579
56.676
61,977
454,983
6,055
1,231
85,294
65.994
27,623
64,865
T o tal...............................................
37,386
20,861
35,516
1,313,377
482,001
1,380,373
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Prew ar.
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
50
Industrial Conditions in Uruguay in 1920.
RECENT publication 1 of the N ational Labor Office of U ruguay
is entirely devoted to a report on the condition of the in
dustries of th a t country in 1920. They were said to be in a
decidedly unfavorable state a t the end of the year, and the working
classes were in a precarious position. There was practically no
demand for labor, as compared w ith previous years. Some in
dustries continued w ith the same personnel, b u t a m ajority were
operating with a reduced working force. The decline was most
noticeable in the middle of the year, due, it is said, to the rise in
the cost of raw m aterials, and to the condition of the world m arket.
However, the developm ent of foreign trade in some lines of industry
came in time to avoid paralysis of the principal industries and thus
prevent a more serious problem of unemploym ent, and a t the close
of 1920 there was noted a small im provem ent in industrial condi
tions.
An analysis of the various industries of the country shows a gen
eral falling off in the volume of sales, am ounting frequently to as
m uch as 50 per cent, and a consequent decrease in production.
Wages continued on the 1919 level in general b u t some decreases
are noted. Reductions in the working force, where specified, varied
from 10 to 50 per cent. Some industries were reported normal,
b u t this condition seems to be the exception. Among these were
mills, bakeries, and the coffee, chemical products, wire nails, glass,
dyes, and dairy products industries. The h a t industry was one of
those reported in a precarious condition b u t it had been greatly
aided by the developm ent of foreign m arkets for its products; wages
rem ained about as in 1919 b u t the num ber of workers was reduced
20 per cent. Because of the demands of foreign trade the textile
industry m aintained production as usual; wages were not reduced,
b u t there was a 30 per cent cut in the num ber of employees. About
35 per cent of the m etallurgical workers were unemployed; wages
rem ained as in 1919. A cut of 40 per cent in the num ber of em
ployees in the m achinery industry was noted and wages were still
on the 1919 level. The shoe industry was alm ost paralyzed on
account of a lockout, still unsettled, in the m ost im portant factories;
about 900 workers were affected, of whom 150 were women.
Construction increased in 1920 as compared w ith 1919. In Octo
ber, 1920, construction costs increased to about 8,000,000 pesos,
($8,273,600, par). In 1919 the total expenditures for building were
only 3,301,217 pesos ($3,414,119, par). Twice as m any low buildings
and three times as m any tall buildings were b u ilt in 1920 as in
1919. In spite of this increased building activity there was still a
housing shortage. Brick, tile, and cedar showed the greatest in
crease in price. The following table gives the prices of building
m aterials in 1919 and 1920:
A
1Crónica de la Oficina N acional del Trabajo.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M ontevideo, Marzo de 1921.
[3 1 2 ]
IN D U S T R IA L C O N D IT IO N S I N
URUGUAY IN
1920.
51
P R IC E S O P B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S IN U R U G U A Y IN 1919 A N D 1920.
[1 peso a t par=$1.0342; 1 m eter=3.3 feet; 1 kilogram =2.2 pounds.]
Article.
U n it.
B rick, com m on.................................................
Brick, pressed ........................................................................
Cedar. .*..................................................................
Crushed rock, fin e ...............................................................
G ranite..........’.................................................
Iro n for reinforcing cem en t...............................................
L im e ......................1.......................................
L um ber, w h ite ...........................................................
Mosaics..........................................................................................
P o rtla n d cem ent....... .............................................................
Sand, coarse.................................................................................
Sand, fin e...................................... ...............................................
Tile, com m on.......................................................................
Tile, “ Sacom on” ........................................................................
Tile, w h ite........................................................... .......................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3 1 3 ]
1,000 . .
........d o ...
1,000 fe e t__
M eter___
..d o ...
100 kilogram s__
1,000 k ilogram s..
1,000 feet 7
M eter............
50 kilogram s...........
M eter...................
___do ..........
1,000
..'. .. d o ...........
__ do..........
!
1919
1920
P e so s .
P e so s .
18
20
100
6
5. 50
29
24
170
2.50
2.80
5
3
65
70
90
25
27
190
6
4.50
20
25
145
2.8(1
2 .75
5
3
68
76
ISO
P R IC E S A N D C O S T O F LIV IN G .
Retail Prices of Food in the United States.
H E following tables are based on figures which have been re
ceived by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from retail dealers
through m onthly reports of actual selling prices.1
Table 1 shows for the U nited S tates retail prices of food on June 15,
1921, as well as the percentage changes in the m onth and in the year.
For example, the price of flour, was 8.8 cents per pound on June 15,
1920; 5.7 cents on May 15, 1921; and 5.9 cents on June 15, 1921.
These figures show a decrease of 33 per cent in the year; b u t an in
crease of 4 per cent in the m onth.
The cost of various articles of food,2 combined, showed a decrease
of 34 per cent in June, 1921, as compared w ith June, 1920, b u t a de
crease of only three-tenths of 1 per cent in June, 1921, as compared
with May, 1921.
T
T able 1.—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F S P E C IF IE D FO O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R C EN T
O F IN C R E A S E OR D E C R E A S E , JU N E 15, 1921, C O M PA R E D W IT H JU N E 15, 1920, A N D MAY
15, 1921.
[Percentage changes of five te n th s of 1 per cent an d over are given in whole num bers.]
P er cent of increase
( + ) or decrease ( —)
June 15, 1921, com
pared w ith—
Average retail price on—
U nit.
Article.
Juno 15,
1920.
May 15,
1921.
June 15,
1921.
C ents.
C en ts.
C en ts.
June 15,
1920.
May 15,
1921.
- 0.3
40.1
-1 3
40.0
46.1
Sirloin s te a k ............................................ P o u n d ..............
0
35.6
35.6
-1 6
42.6
R ound stea k .
.............................. ........d o ...............
- 1
-1 4
29.8
30.2
34. 8
........do...............
R ib roast . . .
2
2
2
22.0
21.6
27.8
................. ........d o ...........
Chuck roast
- 6
-2 6
14.1
15.0
19.0
P lato hoof
..................... ........do ............
3
1
6
35.1
34.1
40. 8
P o rk chops
.d o ...............
- 1
-2 0
43.5
42.9
53.9
B aco n ..
.......... ........d o ...............
+ 0.4
-1 5
48.7
48.9
........do ...............
57.7
H am
-1 6
35.0
41. 5
34.7
+ 1
Lam b, leg of. .
........- ........d o ...............
- 7
41.3
38.6
-1 6
46.0
H ens .
.................................. ........d o ...............
- 1
- 6
36. 3
35. 8
38.0
Salm on, can ned
............- ........do ...............
-1 2
- 1
14. 2
14.4
16.2
Milk, fresh .
.............................. Q u a rt..............
- 4
- 8
13. 8
14.3
15.0
Milk; e v ap o rated .................................... 15-16-oz. c a n ..
—5
42. 5
40. 2
-4 0
67.2
B u tte r .
..
................... P o u n d ..............
-3 0
- 3
29.9
30. 8
42.8
........d o ...............
Oleomargarine
-2 6
- 5
28.2
26.8
36.1
___.d o ................
"Nut m argarine
- 6
-2 9
41. 8
31.5
29.5
Cheese . .
.......... . . . . .d o ..............
16.2
- 3
-4 5
16.7
29.3
........do ...............
Lard
- 2
-4 2
21.2
36.6
21.7
. . . . . d o ...............
Crisco
-3 5
33.4
35.0
+ 5
53.6
Eggs, strictly fresh................................ D ozen...............
1 I n add itio n to m o n th ly retail prices of food a n d coal, th e b ureau secures prices of gas an d d ry goods
from each of 51 cities. Gas has heretofore been published in th e June issue, b u t appears th is y ear in the
Ju ly issue. D ry goods appears regularly in th e April, July, October, a nd D ecem ber issues of th e Monthly
L abor R eview .
"
,
.
,
.
2 T he following 22 articles, weighted according to th e consum ption of th e average fam ily, nave been used
from Jan u a ry , 1913, to December, 1920: Sirloin steak, ro u n d steak, rib roast, chuck roast, p la te beef, pork
chops, bacon, ham , lard, hens, flour, corn meal, eggs, b u tte r, m ilk, bread, potatoes, sugar, cheese, rice,
coffee, tea. T he rem ainder of th e 43 articles show n in Tables 1 an d 2 have been included in th e w eighted
aggregates for each m o n th , beginning w ith Jan u a ry , 1921.
52
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3 1 4 ]
53
PRICES OF FOOD IN T H E UNITED STATES.
T able 1 __A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F S P E C IF IE D FO O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R CEN T
O F IN C R E A SE O R D E C R E A S E , JU N E 15,1921, C O M PA R ED W IT H JU N E 15, 1920, A N D MAY
15,1921—Concluded.
A verage re ta il price on—
Article.
B r e a d .........
..............................
F lo u r. . .
......................................
Corn m e a l..
.....................
Rolled o a ts..............................................
Corn flakes................. .............................
Cream of W h ea t......................................
M acaroni..
...................
...............
R ice. . .
..
B eans, n a v y ........................................ ..
P o ta to e s___
Onions.
.....................
C abbage............................... . ..............Beans, b a k e d ..........................................
Corn, canned _
................. ..
Pea«, cann ed .
.
........
Tom atoes, can n ed
........
Sugar, g ra n u la te d __
T e a ..
........ ......................................
Coffee .....................................................
P ru n es......................................................
R aisins.................. ...................................
B a n a n a s__
. ..................................
Oranges.
_ ............................
U n it.
June 15,
1920.
May 15,
1921.
June 15,
1921.
C en ts.
C en ts.
C en ts.
P o u n d ..............
........do...............
........do...............
........d o ......... .
8-03. package..
2S-oz. package.
P o u n d ..............
. .. d o ...............
. . . . d o ...............
. . . . d o ...............
. . . . d o ...............
. . .d o ..............
N o. 2- can____
........do...............
___do...............
.d o .............P o u n d ..............
........d o ...............
........do...............
........d o ,........ .....
........d o ...............
D ozen..............
........do...............
All articles com bined 1
11.8
8.8
6.9
10.5
14.4
30.2
20.9
18.7
11.8
10.3
8.1
7.4
16.8
18.7
19.3
15.2
26.7
74.1
49.2
28.2
27.7
46.3
63.9
9.9
5.7
4.5
9.9
12.6
29.8
21.0
8.8
7.9
2.2
5.6
5.6
14.6
15.9
17.5
11.4
8.4
70.0
36.1
18.7
31.0
40.1
46.7
9.8
5.9
4.5
9.9
12.3
29.8
20.7
8.8
7.9
2.7
5.7
6.0
14.4
15.9
17.6
11.3
7.8
68.3
35. 7
18.5
30.9
41.6
49.9
Per cent of increase
( + ) or decrease ( —)
Ju n e 15,1921, com
pared w ith—
June 15,
1920.
May 15,
1921.
-1 7
-3 3
—35
- 6
-1 5
- 1
- 1
—53
-3 3
—74
-3 0
-1 9
-1 4
-1 5
- 9
-2 6
—71
- 8
-2 7
-3 4
+12
-1 0
-22
—X
+ 4
0
0
- 2
0
- 1
0
0
+23
+ 2
+ 7
- 1
0
+ 1
- 1
- 7
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 0.3
+ 4
+ 7
-3 4
- 0.3
1 See N ote 2, p . 52.
Table 2 shows for the U nited States average retail prices of specified
food articles on June 15, 1913 and 1914, and for each year from 1917
to 1921, together w ith the percentage changes in June of each of these
specified years compared w ith June, 1913. For example, the price of
sugar in June, 1913, was 5.3 cents; in June, 1914, 5.1 cents; in June,
1917, 9.4 cents; in June, 1918, 9.1 cents; in June, 1919, 10.6 cents;
in June, 1920, 26.7 cents; and in June, 1921, 7.8 cents. As compared
w ith the average price in June, 1913, these figures show’ the following
percentage changes: Four per cent decrease in 1914; 77 per cent
increase in 1917; 72 per cent increase in 1918; 100 per cent increase
in 1919; 404 per cent increase in 1920; and 47 per cent increase in 1921.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
rs.151
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW ,
54
T able 2 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F S P E C IF IE D
FO O D A R T IC L E S A N D P E R
C E N T O F IN C R E A S E OR D E C R E A S E , JU N E 15 O F C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D Y E A R S COM
P A R E D W IT H JU N E 15, 1913.
[Percentage changes of five-tenths of 1 p er cent a n d over are given in w hole num bers.]
P er cent of increase ( + ) or de
crease ( —) Ju n e 15 of each
specified year com pared w ith
Ju n e 15,1913.
A verage retail price Ju n e 15—
Article.
U n it.
1913 1914 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1914 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921
Sirloin ste a k ................
R o u n d ste a k ...............
R ib ro ast......................
Chuck ro a st.................
P la te beef.....................
P o rk chops...................
B acon............................
H a m ..............................
L am b , leg o f................
H en s..............................
Salm on (can n ed )........
Milk, fresh...................
Milk, e v ap o rated .. . . .
B u tte r ...........................
O leom argarine............
N u t m arg arin e............
Cheese...........................
L a rd ..............................
Crisco.............................
Eggs, stric tly fresh . . .
B read...........................
F lo u r.............................
Corn m eal.....................
R olled oats...................
Corn flakes...................
Cream of W h eat.........
M acaroni.......................
R ice...............................
B eans, n a v y ___ ____
P o tato es.......................
O nions...........................
Cabbage........................
B eans, b a k e d ..............
Corn, c an n e d ...............
Peas, can n ed ...............
Tom atoes, can n ed ---Sugar, g ra n u la te d ---T e a ................................
Coffee...........................
P ru n es............... ..........
R aisins........... .............
B an a n a s.............. ........
O ranges.........................
P o u n d ___
. ..d o ...........
. ,.d o .
. ,.d o .
...d o .
. ..d o ......... .
. ..d o .........
. ..d o .........
. .. d o .........
. ..d o .........
. ..d o .........
Q u a r t....
15-16-oz.
can.
Pound.
...d o ...
...d o ...
...d o ...
...d o ...
...d o ...
D ozen..
Po u n d ,
...d o ...
. . . d o ......... .
...d o .
8-oz. pkg.
28-oz. p k g ,
P o u n d ___
.. . d o . ___
. . . d o ........
. . . d o ........ .
...d o .....
. . . d o ........
No. 2 can.
. . . d o .........
. . . d o ........
. . . d o ........
P o u n d .., .
.. .d o ____ .
. . . d o ____ .
. . . d o ____
. . . d o ____
Dozen__
. . . d o ____
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
42.6
40.6
33. 5
29.5
22.7
37.2
51.5
46.5
37.4
37.6
29. 6
13.0
43.1
40. 4
33.8
28. 1
21. 0
42. 4
57.2
55.2
38.4
42.6
32. 0
14.9
15. 4
46. 1
42.6
34.8
27.8
19.0
40. 8
53.9
57.7
41.5
46.0
38. 0
16.2
15.0
40.0 + 2 +
35. 6 + 5 +
29.8 + 2 +
21.6 + 2 +
14. 1 + 2 +
34.1 + 4 +
42.9 - 1 +
48.9 - 1 +
35.0 + 3 +
38.6 + 0 .5 +
35.8
14.2 + 1 +
13. 8
35.2 33.5 47.1 51.1 63. 3
41.4
35. 4
'21. 8 22.7 "33. 8 '33.2 42.4
15.8 15.4 28.0 32.6 40.2
35. 3
27.9 28.2 4L 1 42.5 53. 5
5.6 6.2 9.6 10.0 9.9
3.3 3.3 8.1 6.7 7.5
2.9 3.1 5.5 6.7 6.3
8. 5
14. 0
25.1
19. 3
8.6 8.7 10.9 12.5 13.8
19. 5 17. 5 12.1
1.8 2.2 6.2 2.9 3.8
7.0 4. 8 11.2
6. 8
17.3
19.1
19. 0
15.9
5.3 5.1 9.4 9. 1 10.6
54.4 54.7 56.7 64. 8 70. 1
29.8 29.7 30. 1 30.2 42.6
15 7 Ifi. 6
4
........ 14. 6 15. ] 25.
16. 8
38. 2
54. 4
67.2
42. 8
36.1
41.8
29.3
36. 0
53.6
11.8
8.8
6.9
10. 5
14. 4
30. 2
20.9
18.7
11. 8
10.3
8. 1
7.4
16. 8
18. 7
19. 3
15.2
26.7
74.1
49. 2
28. 2
27. 7
46.3
63. 9
40.2 - 5 + 34 + 45 + 80 + 91
29.9
26. 8
29. 5 + 4 + 55 + 52 + 94 + 92
16. 2 - 3 + 77 + 106 + 154 + 85
21. 2
35.0
+ 47 + 52 + 92 + 92
9.8 + 11 + 71 + 79 + 77 + 111
0 + 145 + 103 + 127 + 167
5.9
4. 5 + 7 + 90 + 131 + 117 + 138
S. 9
12. 3
29. 8
20.7
8.8 + i + 27 + 45 + 60 + 117
7.9
2.7 + 22 +244 + 61 + 111 + 472
5.7
6.0
14.4
15.9
17.6
11.3
7.8 - 4 + 77 + 72 + 100 + 404
68.3 + 1 + 4 + 19 + 29 + 36
35.7 - 0 . 3 + 1 + 1 + 43 + 65
18. 5
30.9
41.6
49.9
C ts.
C ts.
25.9
22.6
20. 1
16.3
12.2
20.8
27.3
27.3
19.4
21. 9
26.3
23.7
20.5
16.7
12. 5
21.6
27.0
27.0
20.0
22.0
8.8
C ts.
32. 8
30.2
26.1
21.9
16.6
31. 0
42.6
39. 1
30.4
28.9
26. 3
8.9 10.6
All articles com bined1
1
+
!
27 +
34 +
30 +
34 +
36 +
49 +
56 +
43 +
57 +
32 +
64 + 66 +
80 + 79 +
67 + 68 +
81 + 72 +
86 + 72 +
79 + 104 +
89 + 110 +
70 + 102 +
93 + 98 +
72 + 95 +
78
88
73
71
56
93
97
111
114
110
+54
+58
+ 48
+33
+ 16
+64
+ 57
+79
+ 80
+ 76
20 + 48 + 69 + 84 +61
+14
+ 35
+ 3
+25
+ 75
+79
+ 55
+ 2
+ 50
+47
+26
+ 20
2 + 55 + 66 + 88 + 124 + 4 8
1 See note 2, p . 52.
Table 3 shows the changes in the retail price of each of 22 articles
of food3 as well as the changes in the am ounts of these articles th at
could be purchased for SI, each year, 1913 to 1920, and in June, 1921.
8 A lthough m o n th ly prices hav e been secured on 43 food articles since Ja n u a ry , 1919, prices on only 22
of these articles have been secured each m o n th since 1913.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
o yd
[316 ]
PRICES OF FOOD IN T H E UNITED STATES.
55
T abi -E 3 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F S P E C IF IE D A R T IC L E S O F FO O D A N D A M O U N T
P U R C H A S A B L E F O R $1, IN EA C H Y E A R , 1913 TO 1920, A N D IN J U N E , 1921.
Sirloin steak. R ou n d steak.
Year.
R ib roast.
Chuck roast.
P la te beef.
P ork chops.
AverAverAverAverAverAverA m t.
A m t.
A m t.
age
A m t.
A m t.
age
age
age
age
A m t.
age
retail for $1. retail for $1. retail for $1. retail for $1. retail for $1. retail for $1.
price.
price.
price.
price.
price.
price.
P e r lb.
L b s.
1913..................... 80.254
1914..................... .259
1915..................... .257
1916..................... .273
1917..................... .315
1918..................... . 3S9
1919..................... .417
1920..................... .347
1921: J u n e ......... .400
Bacon.
P e r lb.
L b s.
1913..................... $0. 270
1914..................... .275
1915..................... .269
1916..................... .287
1917..................... .410
1918..................... .529
1919..................... .554
1920..................... .523
1921: J u n e ......... .429
L bs.
1913..................... $0. 221
1914..................... .229
1915..................... .233
1916..................... .258
1917..................... .332
1918..................... .359
1919..................... .426
1920..................... .416
1921: J u n e ......... .295
P e r lb.
P e r lb.
L b s.
L b s.
P e r lb.
P e r lb.
3.7 $0.158
.156
3.7
3.8
.148
3.4
.175
.276
2.6
2.1
.333
1.9
.369
.295
1.8
.162
2.0
Q ts.
P e r lb.
L b s.
P e r lb.
L b s.
L b s.
P e r lb.
P e r lb.
L b s.
P e r d z.
4.7 •SO. 345
4.6
. 353
.341
4.8
4.2
.375
3.5
.481
2.7
.569
2.4
.628
2.2
.681
2.6
.350
F lour.
17.9 $0.033
.034
15.9
.042
14.3
.044
13.7
10.9
.070
10.2
.067
.072
10.0
.081
8.7
10.2
.059
L b s.
P e r lb.
P e r lb.
30.3 $0.030
. 032
29. 4
23.8
.033
.034
22.7
14.3
.058
14.9
. 068
.064
13.9
12.3
.065
16.9
.045
4.8
4.5
4.9
4.4
3.1
2.6
2.4
2.4
2.9
B u tte r.
D o z s . P e r lb.
L b s.
2.9 $0.383
.362
2.8
2.9
.358
2.7
.394
2.1
.487
1.8
.577
1.6
.678
1.5
.701
.402
2.9
Corn m eal.
L b s.
L bs.
8.3 $0. 210
.220
7.9
8.3
.203
7.8
.227
6.4
.319
4.9
.390
5.0
.423
.423
5.5
7.1
.341
Eggs.
L b s.
6.3 $0. 213
6.4
.218
6.8
.208
.236
5.7
3.6
.286
3.0
.377
.411
2.7
3.4
.447
6.2
.386
L b s.
P e r lb.
6.3 $0.121
. 126
6.0
.121
6.2
. 128
5.8
4.8
.157
.206
3.8
.202
3.7
3.8
. 183
.141
4.6
H ens.
Coffee.
18.2 $0.298
.297
16.9
15.2
.300
12.5
.299
.302
10.8
10.3
.305
8.8
.433
5.2
.470
12.8
.357
P e r lb.
5.1 $0.160
4.9
.167
5.0
. 161
. 171
4.7
4.0
.209
.266
3.3
3.1
.270
.262
3.0
3.4
.216
B read.
11.2 $0. 056
11.2
.063
11.4
.070
11.0
.073
.092
9.0
7.2
.098
6.5
.100
6.0
.115
7.0
.098
Sugar.
58.8 $0. 055
55.6
.059
.066
66.7
37.0
.080
.093
23.3
.097
31.3
.113
26.3
.194
15.9
37.0
.078
L b s.
L ard .
M ilk.
P e r qt.
P e r lb.
4.5 $0.198
.204
4.2
.201
4.3
.212
4.1
3.4
.249
.307
2.7
2.6
.325
.332
2.5
.298
2.8
H am .
4.5 $0.089
4.4
.089
.088
4.3
.091
3.9
. 112
3.0
.139
2.8
2.3
. 155
2.4
. 167
.142
3.4
Potatoes.
1913..................... $0. 017
1914..................... .018
1915..................... .015
1916..................... .027
1917..................... .043
1918..................... .032
1919..................... .038
1920..................... .063
1921: J u n e ......... .027
L b s.
3.7 $0.269
3.6
.273
.261
3.7
.294
3.5
2.4
.382
1.9
.479
1.8
.534
1.9
.555
2.3
.489
Cheese.
P e r lb.
P e r lb.
3.9 $0.223
3.9
.236
3.9
.230
.245
3.7
3.2
.290
2.6
.369
2.4
.389
.395
2.3
2.5
.356
L b s.
2.6
2.8
2.8
2.5
2.1
1.7
1.5
1.4
2.5
Rice.
P e r lb.
33.3 $0.087
31.3
.088
30.3
.091
29.4
.091
17.2
. 104
.129
14.7
15.6
.151
15.4
.174
22.2
.088
L b s.
11.5
11.4
11.0
11.0
9.6
7.8
6.6
5.7
11.4
Tea.
P e r lb.
3.4 $0. 544
3.4
.546
3.3
.545
.546
3.3
.582
3.3
.648
3.3
.701
2.3
2,1
.733
.683
2.8
L b s.
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.7
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.5
Index Numbers of Retail Prices of Food in the United States.
IN TABLE 4 index numbers are given which show the changes in the
* retail prices of each of 22 food articles,4 by years from 1907 to
1920, and by m onths for 1920 and 1921.5 These index numbers, or
relative prices, are based on the year 1913 as 100, and are com puted
by dividing the average price of each commodity for each m onth and
4 See n o te 2, p . 52.
6 F or in d ex n um bers of each m o n th , Jan u a ry , 1913, to December, 1920, see Monthly L abor R eview
for F ebruary, 1921, p p . 19-21.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
r3 i7 1
56
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
each year by the average price of th a t comm odity for 1913. These
figures m ust be used with caution. For example, the relative price
of rib roast for the year 1920 was 168, which means th a t the average
money price for the year 1920 was 68 per cent higher than the average
money price for the year 1913. The relative price of bacon for the
year 1919 was 205 and for the year 1920, 194, which figures show a
drop of 11 points b u t a decrease of only 5 per cent in the year.
In the last column of Table 4 are given index num bers showing the
changes in the retail cost of all articles of food, combined. From
January, 1913, to December, 1920, 22 articles have been included in
the index, and beginning w ith January, 1921, 43 articles have been
used.4 For an explanation of the m ethod used in m aking the link
between the cost of the m arket basket of 22 articles, weighted ac
cording to the average fam ily consumption in 1901, and the cost of
the m arket basket based on 43 articles and weighted according to
the consumption in 1918, see M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w for March,
1921 ( p . 25).
The curve shown in the chart on page 58 pictures more readily to
the eye the changes in the cost of the family m arket basket and the
trend in the cost of the food budget than do the index numbers
given in the table. The retail cost of the food articles included in the
index has decreased since July, 1920, until the curve is brought
down in June, 1921, to slightly below where it was in April, 1917.
The chart lias been drawn on the logarithm ic scale,6 because the
percentages of increase or decrease are more accurately shown than
on the arithm etic scale.
* See note 2, p. 52.
0 For a discussion of th e logarithm ic ehart, see article on “ Com parison of arith m etic an d ratio c h arts,”
b y Lucian W . C haney, Monthly L abor R eview for March, 1919, p p . 20-34. Also, “ The ‘ra tio ’ c h arts,”
by Prof. Irv in g Fisher, re p rin ted from Q u arterly P ublications of th e A m erican S tatistical Association,
Jun e, 1917, 24 p p.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 318]
T able 4 .—IN D E X N U M B ER S SH O W IN G CH ANGES IN T H E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D IN T H E U N IT E D ST A TES, B Y
Y EA R S, 1907 TO 1920, A N D B Y M ONTHS F O R 1920 AN D 1921.
[Average for year 1913=100.]
1907..........................
1908........................
1909..........................
1910..........................
1911..........................
1912...
1913..........................
1914..........................
1915..........................
1916..........................
1917..........................
1918..........................
1919..........................
1920: A v.f o r y e a r ..
Jan u a ry ...........
F e b ru a ry ........
M arch...............
A p ril................
M ay..................
J u n e . . . . . . ___
Ju ly .............. .
A ugust............
Septem ber___
O ctober...........
N ovem ber___
December........
1921:
Jan u ary ...........
F e b ru a ry ........
M arch..............
A pril......... .
May..................
J u n e .................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
164
172
159
160
161
170
171
182
192
186
185
177
171
156
68
71
74
78
79
89
100
106
103
110
130
165
174
177
166
167
168
179
179
191
202
196
193
188
178
160
76
78
81
85
85
94
100
103
101
107
126
155
164
168
159
159
161
169
169
176
181
176
175
168
165
152
100
104
101
107
131
166
169
164
158
157
157
166
166
174
179
172
170
162
158
145
159
151
154
157
158
157
163
153
157
160
160
160
157
148
152
154
153
151
148
138
141
140
138
135
71
73
77
80
81
91
100
102
101
108
124
100
101
100
106
130
170
167
151
152
152
150
157
155
157
158
154
152
147
146
136
74
76
83
92
85
91
100
105
96
108
152
186
201
261
178
180
186
206
202
194
208
219
238
238
210
157
74
77
83
95
91
91
100
102
100
106
152
196
205
194
186
186
186
191
195
200
203
203
202
202
196
176
76
78
82
91
89
91
100
102
97
109
112
178
209
206
187
1S8
190
199
206
215
222
223
225
222
212
186
81
80
90
10*1
88
94
100
99
93
111
175
211
134
187
215
204
192
191
189
185
184
177
177
185
1S3
162
81
83
89
94
91
93
100
102
97
111
134
177
193
210
197
210
215
224
221
216
211
212
214
207
201
189
84
86
93
98
93
99
100
102
99
109
139
165
182
197
240
199
161
153
153
155
186
184
206
234
250
268
90
94
88
98
100
94
93
103
127
151
177
133
194
190
196
199
187
175
177
175
179
180
181
162
140
129
130
127
124
117
171
156
168
177
167
162
171
166
155
161
161
159
180
179
181
183
181
182
141
131
124
116
106
103
200
201
203
202
194
181
229
139
121
99
97
101
159
148
150
145
111
105
85
100
104
105
117
150
162
193
188
196
196
194
194
194
189
186
183
184
184
180
176
87
90
91
95
96
97
100
100
99
102
125
156
174
188
187
188
187
1S3
182
182
188
191
193
194
194
189
175
174
176
169
143
133
183
173
171
167
162
160
100
112
124
130
164
175
179
205
195
198
200
200
205
211
213
213
213
211
207
193
95
102
109
108
102
105
100
104
126
135
211
203
218
245
245
245
242
245
264
267
264
255
252
236
221
200
88
92
94
95
94
102
100
205
198
113
192
227
213
217
220
217
217
217
223
230
233
230
227
213
197
183
193
189
188
184
177
175
203
197
194
179
173
179
173
167
160
153
150
150
Cof
fee.
All
Tea. articles
com
bined.
100
101
104
105
119
148
174
200
208
210
211
214
215
215
214
210
202
185
163
152
105
111
112
101
130
135
100
108
89
159
253
188
224
371
318
353
400
535
565
606
524
294
229
200
194
188
105
103
107
109
117
115
100
108
120
146
169
176
205
353
324
342
340
367
462
485
482
416
333
253
235
191
100
100
101
100
101
102
145
158
165
165
165
165
165
165
165
162
153
146
139
133
100
100
100
100
107
119
129
135
132
131
135
136
136
137
137
137
133
135
133
82
84
89
93
92
98
100
102
101
114
146
168
186
203
201
200
200
211
215
219
219
207
203
198
193
178
137
121
113
106
101
101
176
153
147
135
129
159
176
162
176
176
153
142
129
126
125
123
121
120
133
131
131
129
129
126
172
158
156
152
145
144
PRICES OE POOD IN T H E UNITED STATES.
1(5 i-b'J
B u t
R ound R ib C huck P la te Pork B a
Corn
P o ta Su
Y ear a n d m onth. Sirloin
steak. steak. roast. roast. beef. chops. con. H am . Lard. Hens. Eggs. ter. Cheese. Milk. B read. Flour. meal. Rice. toes. gar.
Oi
-4
00
T R E N D O F R E T A IL COST O F 22 FO O D A R T IC L E S , C O M B IN ED , F O R T H E U N IT E D ST A T E S , B Y M O N T H S, JA N U A R Y , 1913, TO J U N E , 1921.
[Average cost for 1913=100.]
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
Ì3201
1913
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1911
1915
1910
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
PRICES OF FOOD IN' T H E U NITED STATES.
59
Retail Prices of Food in 51 Cities on Specified Dates.
A VERAGE retail food prices are shown in Table 5 for 39 cities for
June 15, 1913, for June 15, 1920, and for May 15 and June 15,
1921. For 12 other cities, prices are shown for the same dates with
the exception of June, 1913, as these cities were not scheduled by
the bureau until after 1913.
58950°—21----- 5
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[321]
60
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
[The prices shown in th e tables following are com puted from reports sent m onthly to the bureau b y retail
B altim ore, Md.
A tlan ta, Ga.
B irm ingham , Ala.
June 15—
June 15—
May June
May June
May June
15, 15,
15,. 15,
15, 15,
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1913 1920
1913 1920
1913 1920
June 15—
A rticle.
U n it.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Sirloin ste a k ......................
R ound ste a k .....................
R ib ro ast.................... .
Chuck ro a st.......................
P late beef...........................
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
24.0
21.4
19.6
15.4
10.4
41.1
38.9
31.5
25.9
19.5
36.8
34.5
29.3
20.8
13.7
36.5
34.5
27.7
20.5
12.8
23.3
22.0
18.7
15.7
12.8
46.9
44.8
36.7
29.3
19.9
39.2
36.0
31.3
22.5
15.9
39.0
35.8
30.3
22.1
15.0
26.8
22.5
19. 9
16.8
10.5
45.0
41.3
33.6
28.4
19.8
39.6
35.4
29.9
23.5
14.6
39.3
35.0
28.9
22.6
14.3
P o rk c h o p s........................
Bacon..................................
H a m ..
Lam b, leg o f...............
H e n s...................................
........d o ...........
. „ . .. d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
22.5
32.0
29.0
20.0
20.5
40.5
5«. 1
56.8
43.3
41.3
33.9
43.5
46.9
35.7
32.7
33.3
42.8
46.3
37.1
33.0
18.7
23.7
31.0
18.5
22.4
39.8
47.1
60.8
44.8
48.0
33.3
36.4
52.8
34.6
44,6
31.4
35.7
53.2
36.2
41.5
19.5
33.8
30.0
21.7
18.7
40.3
61.2
60.2
43.9
40.0
33.7
48.5
50.6
36.8
34.5
30.8
47.0
50.5
37.3
33.9
Salm on (canned)..............
Milk, fresh ........ ’...............
Milk, e v a p o ra te d ............
B u tte r................................
Ol Artmargftri tig
........d o ...........
31.0 21.8 19.2
Q u a rt............ 10.0 25.0 20.0 20.0 8.8
16.5 15.1 15.2
15-16 oz. can.
P o u n d .......... 37.9 69.9 48.1 42. C 38.3
46.5 37.2 34.3
........d o ...........
35.4
16.0
14.4
71.3
42.5
33.2
14.0
13.8
49.4
30.6
31.9
39.5 38.0 38.0
12.0 10.3 25.0 20.0 20.0
13.2
16.0 15.6 15.1
43.9 40.0 74.6 46.7 40.6
27. S
44.3 36.4 33.7
N u t m arg arin e.................
Cheese.................................
L ard
Criseo.
Eggs, strictly fresh..........
39.3 31.0 28.0
35.5 28.7 25.9
39.6 31.5 29.7
........d o ...........
........d o ........... 25.0 40.2 27.9 27.1 22.0 42.8 31.5 29.2 21.8 42.2 29.1 27.7
........d o . ____ 15.5 29.2 17.2 16.9 14.1 28.4 14.7 14.7 15.4 30.0 17.1 16.5
33.9 18.9 18.7
35.7 20.1 19.7
........d o ...........
30.8 25.9 26.1
D o zen .......... 24.2 48.4 30.6 30.7 24.7 50.3 32.0 32.7 27.0 49.1 30.3 31.4
B read............... .................
F lo u r..................................
Corn m eal..........................
Rolled, o ats........................
Corn flakes........................
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
8-oz. p k g ___
6.0 12.2 11.1 11.1
3.8 8.5 6. C 6.2
2.5 6.4 3.4 3.5
11. S 11.c 11.3
14.3
13.5
5.4 11.4 9.2 9.2
3.2 9.2 5.6 5. !
2.5 6.1 3.7 3.6
10. (j 9.6 9.5
13.5 11.8 11.1
5.3 11.5 9.4 9.6
3.8 8.8 6.5 6.6
2.2 6.1 3.2 3.2
11.7 11.6 11.4
14 8 14.1 13.6
Cream of W h e a t........
M acaroni..
R ic e ......................... .
Beans, n a v y __________
P o ta to e s. . ”.......................
28-oz. p k g ...
P o u n d . ..
........d o ___ _
........d o ...........
. . . . . d o ..........
31.4 31.6 31.9
29.0 27.8 27.6
20.3 21.1 21.0
21.8 22.6 22.0
8.6 18.2 7.7 7.5 9.0 17.7 9.3 9.5
13.6 9.7 10.C
10.8 7.8 7.8
2.9 10.4 3.2 3.9 2.1 8.2 1.9 2.9
32.4 32.1 31.8
21.-1 22.0 22.3
8.2 18.8 8.5 8.3
13.6 9,0 9.0
2.3 11.3 3.3 4-5
O nions................................
C abbage.............................
B eans, b a k ed .. . . ______
Corn, canned....................
Peas, canned.....................
. . . . .d o ..........
........d o ...........
No. 2 c a n .. .
........d o __ . . .
........d o , .........
Tom atoes, canned...........
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ............
T e a ......................................
Coffee..................................
........d o ...........
14.6 10.3 10.1
P o u n d .......... 5.4 28.7 8.6 7.1 4.5
........d o ........... 60.0 92.3 91.1 91.1 56.0
........d o ........... 32.0 52.9 33. Ö 33.0 25.2
P ru n es................................
R aisin s...............................
B an an as.............................
Oranges..............................
. .„ .. d o ..........
____ d o ___ __
Dozen...........
........d o ...........
10.6 7.3 6.5
8.1 3.8 2.9
16.3 13.8 14.0
20.3 15.2 15.8
20.0 18.1 17.8
29.1 18.5 18.9
24.4 35.0 35.0
37.1 30.5 30.9
43.8 50.0
8.0 6.3 6.0
7.9 4.7 4.5
15.0 13.0 13.0
18.1 15.9 15.5
18.6 16.1 16.2
9.5 7.6 7.2
6.4 4.8 4.1
18.5 16.2 15.9
19.0 16.3 16.9
21.1 21.1 21.2
14.1 9.6 9.8
14.4 10.2 10.1
24.9 7.6 6. 9 5.2 29.2 8.8 7.9
6f>.
9
67.0
61.3
89.0
86.2 85.8
70.4
45.7 31.3 31.3 28.8 49.5 39.0 36.9
26.7
27.8
34.5
62.5
18.0
29.1
30.4
54.1
18.1
28.9
30.5
55.4
29.3
24.4
45.8
64.6
21.2
32.5
40.9
45.0
20.8
32.0
42.9
50.3
1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is know n as “ porterhouse” in m ost of the cities included
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[322 ]
61
PRICES OF FOOD IN T H E U NITED STATES,
O F FO O D F O R 51 C IT IE S ON C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D D A T E S.
dealers. As some dealers occasionally fail to report, th e n u m b er of qu o tations varies fro m m o n th to m o n th .
Boston , Mass
.Tone 15—
1913
1920
C ts.
C ts.
Bridgeport, Conn.
8.9
35.3
2Ì.4
16.0
34.4
5.9
3.7
3.6
.......
..........
9.2
1.7
5.1
58.6
33.0
B u tte, M ont.
C harleston, S. C.
June 15—•
May Ju n e Ju n e May June
May June
M ay Ju n e Ju n e May Ju n e
15,
15,
15,
15,
15, 15, 15,
15,
15, 15,
15,
1921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921.
C ts.
C ts.
137.O 167.9 160.2 1 59.9
34.0 64.9 53.8 53.5
25.0) 44.1 37.0 35.8
18.0 34.4 25.0 24.4
....... 16.7 16.1
24.0
25.4
31.8
23.0
26.2
Buffalo, N . Y .
C ts.
C ts .
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
CIS.
C ts.
C ts.
52.9
49.1
39.7
31.4
15.7
44.6
41.3
34.2
24.1
11.5
44.7
40.9
33.8
23.9
10.7
22.8
19.8
17.5
15.5
11.8
44.4
40.8
34.8
28.2
18.2
37.7
32.5
28.9
21.0
13.6
38.1
32.8
28.7
21. C
12.8
39.8
35.4
32.2
25.8
18.2
31.5
27.3
24.7
18.4
13.1
32.1
27.2
24.9
18.7
12.6
22.3
21.0
21.3
15.0
11.9
43.1
43.0
34.1
27.5
22.4
39.7
38.8
32.2
25.1
18.1
38.8
37.8
31.4
24.2
17.1
20.3
23.3
26.3
18.7
21.7
22.5
25.8
28.3
21.3
21.4
43.6
53.0
55.6
46.8
49.8
40.2
44.1
47.8
41.5
43.5
38.4
42.9
47.9
38.3
42.9
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
44.6
50.4
63.3
44.9
52.5
39.8
39.4
55.0
38.2
47.5
38.4
38.5
56.0
40.2
46.3
40.9
59.7
65.6
43.0
48.7
36.3
47.5
56.3
35.6
45.3
34.3
47.4
56.3
39.0
43.6
41.0
47.8
56.4
36.2
45.1
36.5
33.5
47.1
29.4
41.9
35.6
33.3
48.3
29.7
38.3
40.4
63.7
62.9
36.7
45.1
34.7
54.3
54.7
30.1
40.7
34.2
51.9
54.1
30.1
39.2
36.6
16.3
15.1
67.4
44.7
36.9
15.3
14.8
45.4
33.5
36.2
15.3
14. 4
40.0
30.9
37.8
15.0
14.7
66.3
42.0
39.9
15.0
14.5
44.5
30.7
39.3
35.5
14.0 8.0 15.0
14.0
14.3
39.6 32.9 64.8
29.2 ........ 41.6!
34.7
14.0
13.5
41.1
31.0
34.2
13.0
12.6
38.5
29.3
44.0
15.6
15.2
65.3
40.0
42.0
14.9
15.3
35.7
32.5
36. 8 34.3 34.1
42.3
14.3 11.7 23.7 21.0 20.7
13. 5
14.6 13.3 12.9
37.9 35.2 68.6 45.1 39.1
44.2 30.6 30.4
32.5
36.3
41.5
29.2
35.4
72.7
30.0
35.4
17.0
21.6
51.1
27.3
32.0
16.2
21.0
53.4
35.9
42.6
27.5
34.6
66.8
28.1
35.1
15.5
20.2
45.6
28.1
34. 4 27.8 26.1
33.1 Ì9.Ó 39.51 31. 3 27.9
15.1 14.2 28.2i 14.9 14.3
20.0
34. 5 19.6 19.2
46.6 25.8 54.7 35.5 35.1
40.5
43.1
35.0
42.5
62.8
30.4
37.2
22.3
28.9
38.3
29.7
43.8 30.0
35.7 2(1.0 40.9 28.4
21.4 15.0 29.7 18.9
26.7
35.3 20. 8
40.8 25.3 50.4 31.8
11.3
9.6
7.7
9.5
14.3
9.9
6.4
5.9
9.0
12.8
9.9
6.7
5.9
8.8
12.3
12.3
8.8
8.6
10.4
13.7
11.0
5.7
8.6
9.9
11.4
10.8 5.5 11.2 8.8 8.8 14.4 9.6 9.8 5.9 13.2 11.4 11.3
6.0 3.0 8.6 5.0 5.6 9.2 6.3 6.5 3.7 9.1 6.6 6.7
8.2 2.6 6.2 4.4 4.3 7.7 5.0 4.9 2.4 5.8 3.1 3.1
10.2
8.8 7.6 8.2 10.1 8.6 8.7
11.3 11.0 11.1
11.4 ........ 12.9 11.2 10.9 14.6 14.5 14.3 ........ 14.8 12.9 12.9
30.4
25.1
19.5
11.0
9.7
29.4
24.4
10.8
8.0
1.7
29.4
24.4
10.4
7.8
1.6
28.6
24.5
18.2
11.8
10.3
28.8
24.8
9.4
8.8
1.8
28.9
25.0
9.8
8.9
2.5
28.1 28.1 27.9 33.6 33.4 34.2
22. 8 22.0 22.3 22.6 22.0 21.7
9.3 18.3 8.4 8.3 19.1 10.1 9.5
11.7 7 8 7.5 12.6 9.1 9.1
1.8 9.4 1.2 1.2 9.5 1.3 1.3
7.2
9.7
18.3
21.1
22.1
5.8
7.0
16.9
19.6
20.5
7.4
7.0
16.5
19.5
20.4
6.7
9.6
15. 3
21.2
20.9
5.8
5.8
13.1
19. 8
20.2
5.4
6.1
13.2
20.1
20.6
8.2 5.4 5.5 9.7 3.2 3.1
7.9 5.4 5.7 6.8 5.6 6.8
14.2 11. 9 llJ x 22J ) 20 8 20 5
17.9 15. 9 15.5 18. 7 17. 5 17.2
18.1 15.7 15.7 18.3 17.8 17.2
15.7
25.8
69.9
53.5
12.1
7.9
66.3
41.7
11.9
7.5
66.5
41.4
15.7
27.2
67.1
47.6
D .7
7.8
58.6
34.8
11.6
15.7 11.6 11.7 16.4
7.5 5.2 25.1 7.7 7.4 27.4
58.1 45.0 66.8 64.1 62.9 77.5
34.9 29.3 47.4 33.5 33.1 60.3
27.8
26.7
54.3
64.3
18.5
31.4
48.0
49.5
18.5
30.7
50.4
54.9
27.6
27.6
45.5
64.7
17.8
31.6
39.4
47.4
18.1
31.2
39.4
53.4
.....
27.0
27.1
49.8
61.5
in this report, b u t in th is city it is called “ sirloin” steak
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[323]
17.8
30.2
48.9
52.8
18.1
29.9
48.3
54.1
29.0
24.9
18.8
20.4
31.5
30.0 30. 2 30.3
21.7 20. 7 20.3
5.5 16.1 6.0 6.0
14.2 10.0 10.2
2.4 7.9 2.8 2.7
6.4
14 <1
19.1
22.1
5.3 5.1
2.6 2.6
12 2 12. 0
15.0 14.3
18.7 19.0
13.2 13.3
14.9 10. 2 10.0
10.4 9.6 5.0 23.2 7.6 7.0
75.4 76.2 50.0 79.4 75.2 75.2
48.6 47.9 26.3 47.5 33.1 32.4
29.1 19.8
31.0 32.2
216.1 217.1
67.2 39.9
18.8
32.3
215.6
41.9
2 p er pound.
...
26.6
25.2
51.4
67.5
17.9
31.0
45.5
44.6
17.4
31.0
43.3
48.8
62
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
Chicago, 111.
C incinnati, Ohio.
Cleveland, Ohio.
A rticle.
U n it.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
44.4
37.8
35.0
26.7
18.3
C ts.
37.6
31.3
30.0
20.1
13.3
Cts.
Cts.
23.9
21.3
19.4
15.8
12. 5
41.4
38.8
33. 7
25.0
20. 7
36.4
33.2
30.0
20.0
15.9
Cts.
38.1
31.0
30.4
21.1
13.8
35.5
33.0
30.1
20.7
16.9
Cts.
P o u n d ..........
........ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
« ... „do..........
........ d o ...........
23.4
20.3
20.0
15.9
11.2
Cts.
C ts.
Sirloin s te a k ......................
R ou n d s te a k .....................
R ib ro a s t..........................
Chuck ro a st.......................
P late beef...........................
25.2
22.0
20.0
17.2
12 5
47.5
42.5
33.6
28.7
18.5
38.0
33.0
27.4
21.7
13. 5
38.5
32.9
27.6
21.3
12 9
P ork chops........................
B aco n .................................
H a m ......................
Lam b, leg o f.....................
H e n s...................................
........ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
. . . . .d o ..........
........ d o ...........
___„do............
18.8
32.0
32.4
20.2
20.3
35.5
59.1
58.5
41.5
42.3
31.1
52.3
50.9
34.4
39.6
29.8
51.6
51.3
35.1
34.6
19.6
26.4
29.2
16. 5
24.9
38.0
46.8
59.2
39.0
49.5
33.7
37.6
51.1
36.4
44.5
31.3
36.6
51.5
34.7
39.6
20.7
28.6
36.0
19.2
22.3
40.2
55. 7
62.6
41.4
47.4
34.5
43.1
52.2
32.8
41.8
32.9
43.3
52.5
33.3
37.1
Salmon (c a n n ed ).. . . ___
Milk, fresh .........................
Milk, ev ap o rated.............
B u tte r. . ...........................
O leom argarine.................
. .d o ..........
38.3
Q u a rt............ 8.Ò 14.0
15-16-oz.can.
14.2
P o u n d .......... 32.7 61.1
........ d o ...........
39.2
37.1
14.0
13.8
37.6
25.2
36.8
34.1
14.0 8.0 15.0
13.1
14 3
37.2 35.1 64.1
39.8
24.9
34.5
13.0
13.9
39.8
29.9
35.0
38.6
13.0 8.Ó 15.0
13.6
15 1
39.0 36.2 67.0
28.4
44.3
37.2
14.0
14 2
40.7
29 9
35.9
13.0
13 2
4L 7
29.0
N u t m arg arin e.................
C h eese..~ ..........................
L a rd ....................................
Crisco..................................
Eggs, strictly fresh ..........
........ d o ...........
33.4 23.7 23.5
34.5 27.9 25.8
35.4 28 3
........ d o ........... 25.0 43.6 35.8 34.5 21.0 43.6 34.0 32.8 23.0 42.1 29.3
........ d o __ __ 15.0 27.8 15.9 15.4 14.2 26.0 13.6 13.4 16.5 29.0 17 7
. . . d o ..........
35.1 21.3 20.7
37 5 21 0
34.0 20.9 19.8
D ozen........... 24,3 50.9 32.4 33.4 21.3 46.0 27.9 29.0 27.6 55.7 33.1
27.3
26.9
16 8
2(1 7
34.3
B read .................................
F lo u r..................... ............
Com m e a l..........................
Rolled o a t s . ......................
Com flakes.........................
P o u n d ..........
___.d o ............
........ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
8-oz. p k g ___
6.1 12.4 9.9 9.9
2.8 8.5 5.2 5.4
2.9 7.0 6.1 6.0
9.3 9.5 9.1
13.5 11.9 11.3
4.8 11.5 10.0 9.8
3 3 8 9 5.9 6.0
2.7 6.1 3,6 3.5
10.1 10.0 10.2
14.1 11.9 11.6
5.5 11.2 8.7 9.1
32 9 2 58 60
2.7 6.8 4! 7 4.7
11. 1 9.8 9.5
15 2 13J) 12 7
Cream of W h e a t...............
M acaroni...........................
R ic e .....................................
Beans, n a v y ............. .
P o ta to e s ..”. ...........
28-oz. p k g __
P o u n d . . A ..
........ d o ...........
___ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
29.1 28.3 28.2
19.4 20.0 19.2
8.7 18.1 8.8 9.0
11.9 7.5 7.6
1.2 11.2 1.8 3.0
29 6 29.7 29 6
18.4 19.1 18.9
8.8 18.0 8.7 8.7
10 6 6 5 6.4
2.3 9.4 2.5 4.3
29 9 28 3 28 3
20 7 21 0 21 0
8.5 19,3 8 0 8 2
11 5 6 8 6*8
1.5 lo!ô i! 9 2! 5
O nions........................
Cabbage.............................
Beans, b a k e d ....................
Corn, c an n ed ............. .
Peas! canned.....................
........ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
No. 2 c a n ....
........ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
6.3 5.1 5.5
6.6 5.7 6.7
16.5 14.9 14.6
17.4 15.0 14.7
17.7 15.3 14.9
8.0 5.7 6.1
7.7 5.3 6.3
15 2 13.3 13.1
17 7 15 3 15 2
17 6 17 2 17.2
7 7 6 6 5 5
8 0 o’ 1 6* 4
15 8 138 13 4
20* 3 17’ 4 17' 8
21 5 17 5 178
Tom atoes, canned...........
Sugar, g ran u lated ............
T e a ......................................
Coffee..................................
........ d o ...........
15.2 11.8 11.7
P o u n d .......... 4.9 28.3 8.0 7.2 5.0
........ d o ........... 53.3 70.2 65 7 65.4 60 0
........ d o ........... 30.7 45.4 32.6 32.9 25.6
15.1 11.2 10.9
26.9 8.2 7.7 5.0
77 0 73 2 71 0 50 0
43.2 32.1 31.2 26! 5
15.9 12.2 12.3
27.2 8.3 7.7
75 0 68 9 68 0
5i!è 37! 7 36! Ì
P ru n es............................
R aisin s.........................
B an an as.............................
Oranges..............................
. . . . „do..........
........ d o ...........
D ozen...........
........ d o ...........
30 3
31 1
51 4
57.5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Ju n e 15—
Ju n e 15— May June June 15—
May June
May June
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1913 1920
1913 1920
1913 1920
29.4
28.1
44.1
63.6
19.4
30 5
39.7
42.6
19.5
30.8
39.4
46. 4
22 3
31 2
41 4
45.1
22 0
30 0
42*4
48.9
28 6
29* 1
5ö!_8
6s! 6
17 7
30*0
51*6
49! 9
17 1
29* 2
49 7
5Ü4
1 The steak for w hich prices are here q u o ted is know n as “ porterh o u se” in m o st of
[324 ]
PRICES OF FOOD IN T H E UNITED STATES,
63
O F FO O D F O R 51 C IT IE S ON C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D D A T E S—C ontinued.
Columbus, Ohio.
June May June
15,
1920. 1921. 1921.
D allas, Tex.
D enver, Colo.
D etroit, Mich.
F a ll R iver, Mass.
Ju n e 15—
Ju n e 15—
Ju n e 15—
Ju n e 15—
May Ju n e
May June
May June
M ay June
15,
15,
15,
15,
1921.
1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921.
1913 1920
1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921.
as.
C ts.
C ts.
Cts.
40.1
37.4
31.4
27.1
19.5
36.5
31.8
29.4
23.6
14.5
C ts.
Cls.
Cts.
36.5
32.2
29.4
23.5
15.4
C ts.
22.5
20.8
19.2
16.3
12.8
40.8
38.3
33.9
29.4
23.8
37.5
35. 5
30.5
24.2
19.7
C ts.
36.6
34.3
29.9
23.9
19.2
24. 2
22.1
17.8
15.8
9.4
C ts.
C ts.
43.2
38.9
31.6
26.2
16.5
C ts.
C ts.
32.5
28.1
24.3
18.5
11.4
Cts.
C ts.
32.8
29.0
24.2
18.2
11.3
24.2
19.4
19.4
15. C
11.5
C ts.
46.8
41.2
35.7
27.6
19.0
38.6
32.5
29.3
21.2
13.9
38.9
32.2
29.0
21.2
13.3
134.5
27.5
23.5
19.0
166.8 i 56.4 156.2
52.9 44.4 44.1
38.0 29.8 28.8
30.7 23.0 22.3
15.0 15.0
36.6
52.1
58.9
37.5
41.3
32.3
39.7
48.9
38.0
35.6
29.7
39.5
49.6
38.0
35.2
21.7
38.0
31.3
22.0
18.3
40.7
56.6
60.8
48.3
39.5
34.9
49.2
51.3
40.0
32.8
34.5
48.2
52.1
39.0
31.8
20.3
28.0
30.0
17.8
21.2
38.4
57.2
61.7
37.8
43.3
31.5
46.9
53.8
31.9
37.4
31.3
46.4
53.5
32.4
37.0
19.2
24.0
25.5
17.4
21.6
40.9
54.6
65.0
45.8
46.4
34.9
42.0
52.6
33.2
42.1
33.1
40.3
54.5
35.0
38.2
22.0
25.8
32.7
21.0
24.5
40.9
49.9
57.5
39.2
51.6
36.4
14.0
14.5
63.9
42.1
36.1
13.0
15.0
40.2
28.6
35.1
12.0 ió.ó
14.7
39.3 36. Ó
27.5
38.6
20.0
15.8
66.9
36.6
33.0
15.0
15.3
42.6
19.0
32.5
15.0 8.4
15.4
41.1 34.3
39.6
13.0
14.0
59.3
43.3
38.8
10.8
13.4
36.3
34.1
38.0
38.4
10.8 8.6 15.0
12.7
15.2
37.0 34. Ó65.4
31.9 ........ 43.9
38.5
13.0
14.5
40.0
30.5
37.5
38.7 37.0 36.4
13.0 9.0 16.8 13.0 13.0
13.7
16.1 15.9 15.1
38.8 35.4 66.5 43.8 39.7
29.1
42.0 35.4 31.8
35.2
39.9
26.7
35.5
45.1
25.9
27.6
13.0
21.3
25.5
25.3
37.5 29.9 29.0
36.0 28.9 27.5
34.7 27.9 26.8
24.9 20.0 41.1 32.2 30.7 26.1 44.1 32.1 30.9 20.3 41.6 31.3 28.1 23.4
12.6 17.5 32.5 21.8 21.2 16.3 32.7 18.9 17.9 16.1 29.8 15.8 15.1 15.0
21.5
36.4 19.5 19.2
38.6 21.9 21.9
36.4 20.9 20.5
25.8 22. Ó 40.9 27.4 28.4 25.0 49.3 30.0 31.0 26. Ó 54,9 33.1 36.3 33.6
10.6
8.4
6.5
11.5
14. G
10.4 10.4
5.5 5.6
3.8 3.8
10.6 10.5
12.2 12.2
5.4 12.1 10.2 10.2
3.3 8.6 5.6 5.6
2.7 6.3 3.8 3.9
11.9 11.7 11.7
14.1 13.0 13.4
5.4 12.1 10.0 10.2
2.6 7.5 4.2 4.4
2.4 6.1 3.5 3.4
10.5 9.8 9.6
14.7 13.1 12.7
5.6 11.6 9.4 9.4
3.1 8.6 5.4 5.8
2.8 7.4 4.8 5.1
10.6 10.4 10.4
14.6 11.6 11.5
29.9 30.4 30.4
20.0 21.0 20.5
18.8 9.8 10.1
10.9 6.9 7.0
10.8 1.8 1.8
31.8 31.4 31.7
22.2 21.7 21,6
9.3 19.3 8.9 8.9
12.0 9.1 9.2
2,2 11.9 4.1 4.8
30.4 29.6 29.5
20.1 20.2 20.0
8.6 19.1 8.9 8.8
13.0 8.9 8.8
1.4 12.8 2.6 3.1
29.6 29.6 29.9
20.2 20.0 19.7
8.4 19.3 8.4 8.2
11.3 6.4 6.4
1.5 11.8 1.3 1.3
8.0 6.0 6.3
8.5 4.3 4.9
7.0 5.3 5.4 ..... 5.5 6.3 7.3
19.1 16.4 16.3 ..... 18.0 16.4 16.6
20.8 17.9 18.0 ..... 18.3 15.1 15.3
22.8 21.4 21.5 ........ 18.8 17.5 17.9
10.6 6.8 7.5
9.2 6.8 7.8
15.7 13.8 14.2
15.2 13.6 13.4
16.4 15.8 15.5
.....
14.3 10.0 11.0
15.4 12.2 12.7
23.9 8.3 7.6 5.7 27.7 9.2 8.7 5.4
88.0 84.2 84.2 66.7 90.0 84.3 86.8 52.8
49.1 35.6 34.8 36.7 55.4 39.6 38.2 29.4
29.3
27.8
49.6
61.0
17.6
31.3
41.7
47.9
17.9
30.7
42.7
47.9
28.8
26.6
44.3
63.2
21.3
33.7
34.3
48.7
21.7
33.7
35.0
48.5
36.9
41.9
27.6
35.7
71.9
C ts.
34.3
40.1
50.1
35.5
49.7
32.5
34.4
15.6
21.5
49.0
Cts.
33.3
39.9
50.3
37.5
48.7
25.0
31.6
14.9
21.5
51.9
6.2 12.0
3.3 9.0
3.4 8.4
10.9
14.7
10.4 10.7
5.8 6.0
6.8 6.7
II. 1 11.1
13.9 13.7
28.5
25.2
18.9
11.0
2.1 9.9
30.1 29.9
24.8 25.4
9.8 9.8
7.9 7.5
1.9 1.8
7.3 6.4 5.7
8.2 6.2 7.1
15.4 13.1 12.7
19. 5 16.3 15.3
19.3 16.9 17.1
8.0
10.4
16.4
19.2
20.2
7.1 6.7
6.8 6.9
14.1 14.5
16.4 16.8
18.6 18.3
15.1 12.7 11.9
15.9 9.1 8.5 5.0
72.8 71.0 71.0 43.3
50.2 36.8 36.0 29.3
14.8 11.3 11.1
27.3 7.7 7.4 5.3
66.7 64.7 63.2 44.2
49.8 35.9 34.7 33.0
15.5
26.6
59.8
51.3
12.1 12J2
8.3 7.8
57.6 56.3
41.1 40.5
30.8
27.0
53.4
60.1
30.0
27.4
44.7
61.5
27.6
28.1
46.2
60.4
18.3
30.0
38.8
50.2
18.9
33.0
45.6
44.6
19.1
32.8
47.2
48.5
19.0
29.4
34.3
47.6
the cities included in th is report, h u t in th is city it is called “ ru m p ” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
C ts.
[325]
19.2
28.7
37.1
48.4
ÌÓ.0
17.4
29.3
38.8
51.4
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
64
T able 5 __ A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
H o u sto n , T ex.
A rticle.
U n it.
Ju n e May June
15, ,15, 15,
1920. 1921. 1921.
In dianapolis, In d .
Ju n e 15—
May June
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
Jacksonville, F la .
Ju n e 15—
1913 1920
May June
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
•Sirloin ste a k ................. ...............
R o u n d ste a k .......... ................... .
R ib ro a s t......................................
Chuck ro a s t____ .
P la te beef................................... .
B o u n d ..........
........do........ .
........do............
........do ...........
........d o ........ ..
35.7
35.4
30.1
25. 8
21.«
34.2
34.2
28.8
24. 2
18.«
33.1
32.7
26. i
22. 5
18.0
24.7
23.3
17.8
16.4
12.5
42.4
41.8
30.3
28.3
19.8
36.5
35.1
27.0
22.9
15.3
37.2
35.8
2-7.1
22.2
14.3
26.0
20,3
23. 3
14.0
10. 3
40.9
37.4
30.4
24.1
17.3
33.6
29.2
21.5
13.0
31. 5
27.3
18.8
11.3
P o rk c h o p s ...
.
. ..
Bacon....*.....................................
H a m . . ................................
L am b , leg of................................
H e n s . ' . . ______ _______
____do _____
____do............
____do.........
........do ..........
___.d o ---------
40.7
63.3
55.0
40.0
40.0
34.5
53.4
51.5
37.0
31.8
33.3
52.1
51.5
36. 3
28.8
21.3
29.0
31.2
21.7
20.8
37.9
-52.0
60.3
50.2
44.1
32.6
41.9
52.3
34.3
37.6
31.7
41.4
52.4
34.2
34.9
21.3
26.3
28.3
19.3
22.0
39.6
51.8
-54.2
35.6
44.2
35.3
41.6
49.8
32.5
35.7
•33.7
41.8
48.6
32.5
36.1
Salm on, can n ed .........................
Milk, fresh....................................
M ilk, e v ap o rated ......................
B u tte r...........................................
0 leom argarine............................
___.d o --------Q u a rt_____
15-16-oz. .can
P o u n d _____
____d o . ~ -----
37.6
19.7
15.4
62.6
44.-2
34.2
16. €
14.8
37.5
33.1
34.7
16. C 8. Ó
14.1
39. ( 34.7
33.0 ........
32.4
14.0
15.7
64.7
43.1
28.3
12.0
14.3
38.9
29.2
27.6
12.0 12. 5
13.8
-38.2 39.2
28.2 —
35.9
25.0
14.9
70.9
43.5
28.4
21.0
14.4
43. 8
31.5
27.9
20. 0
13.8
40.0
28.6
N u t m argarine........... ................
Cheese............................................
L a rd ___________ ___________
O risco.._____ _____ ________
Eggs, stric tly fresh ...................
____do............
____do..........
. . . . . d o ....... .
........do______
Dozen...........
37.3
39.5
29.0
39. 8
41.6
28.9
26.4
19.4
21.4
24.2
28.3
25.3 20. 5
18.0 15.2
21.2
28.3 22.-5
35.4
43.1
.27.1
36.-6
46.1
27.3
30.3
14.1
21.8
25. 8
39.0 30.7 29.8
28.2
29.6 22.6 41.8 25.9 25. 9
13.0 15. 5 31.0 18.8 -20.0
38.3 20.8 20.6
21. 2
25. 8 30.0 53.8 31.5 34.3
Bread..............................................
F lo u r........... .............................
C om m e a l.......... ........................ .
R olled oats_________________
C orn flakes_________________
P o u n d .......... 10.2 8.9 8.7
____d o . _____ 8.9 6.1 0.1
____do______ 6.8 4.0 4.0
........d o ........... 11.5 10.7 10.4
8-gz. p k g ___ 14.6 13.4 12.9
C ream of W h e a t.........................
M acaroni____________ ____ _.
R ice_______ ________ _____ _
B eans, n a v y ______ _________
P o ta to e s ../.................................
28-oz. p k g - ..
P o u n d _____
____do______
____d o _____
____d o --------
29.8 .29. 7
20.6 20.4
6.6 ■6.6
8.8 8.7
3.« 3.8
31.9 31.8 31.8
20.8 21.0 20.4
9.2 19.4 9.2 9.4
11.6 6.9 6.9
1.4 12.6 1.7 .1.9
30.6 30.0 -30.6
21.8 22.0 20.6
6.6 17.4 7. 3 7.3
13.2 9.2 9.2
2.6 8.1 3.2 3.6
O n io n s..... ....................................
C abbage......................................
B ea n s,b a k e d _____ _________
Corn, c a n n e d ...............................
P eas, c a n n e d _____ .
____d o ......... . 6.5 4.6 4.9
........d o ........... 4.9 3.6 4.2
No. 2 c a n __ 16.4 13.4 13.2
____d o ........... 16.3 12.8 13.1
____d o ........... 19.6 ¡7.6 17.6
10.5 6.0 6.6
7.4 6.1 7.C
16.7 13.9 14.2
17.5 13.5 1-3. 7
37.1 14. 4 14.6
10.1 4.8 4.6
5.8 3.4 4.1
17.3 13.7 13.3
20.2 15.8 16.6
2 2 .t 19.3 19.1
T om atoes, canned......................
S u g a r,g ra n u la ted ......................
T ea........................ ........................
Coffee_______ _________ ____
........d o ...........
P o u n d ........ .
____do.......... .
____d o --------
P ru n e s ......................................
R aisin s____________________
B an an as...............
O ranges........ ...............................
........d o _____ 25.7 18. .3 18.1
........d o ........... 26.1 32.2 32.6
Dozen_____ 40. 3 32.« 34. 7
........d o _____ 58.4 45.2 46.1
C ts . C ts.
29.4
20.3
17. C
11.6
8.3
C ts. C ts .
3 7 .9 36.3
5.1 11.6 9.2 8.6 6.5 12.5 10.4 10. 4
3.2 8.8 5.5 5.7 3.8 9.2 6.5 6. 6
2.4 6.6 3.3 3.4 3.0 6.3 3.5 3.5
11,8 11. 3 10. 9
11.1 9.7 9.5
.15.8 12.1 12.0 ........ 15.1 13.9 12.9
14.8 10.6 10. ó
15.6 11.7 11.6
:29. 3 8.1 7.2 5.6 29.2 8.6 8.2 5.9
77.3 71.0 70. 5 60.0 85.3 80.8 81.1 60.0
46.1 30.8 29.7 30.5 51.5 39.0 38.8 34.5
28.6
29. S
40.2
58.8
19.3
34.1
29.3
47.4
20.2
33.8
.33. 0
48.2
..
14.7 10.4 10.0
25. 4 8.4 7.9
90.9 SC. 7 86.7
55. 8 3-7.9 37.2
28.4 17.1 16.0
29. 7 33.1 33.6
44. 3 33. 1 34. 3
7 7 .5 46.4 51.3
1 The steak for w hich prices are here q uoted is k now n as “ p o rterhouse” in m ost of th e c ities in e lu d e d in
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1326 ]
PRICES OF FOOD I F T H E U NITED STATES.
65
O F FO O D FOR51 C IT IE S ON C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued.
K ansas C ity, Mo.
June
15—
Mav Ju n e
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
L ittle R ock, A rk.
Ju n e 15—
May Ju n e
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
Los Angeles, Calif.
Ju n e 15—
May Ju n e
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
Louisville, K y.
June
15—
M anchester, N . H .
May June
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
May June
15, 15,
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
C ts. C ts. C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
24.7 44. 0
21.6 39.7
18.2 31.9
15.0 24.3
11.7 17.8
C ts.
37.4
32.4
27.3
18.8
13.7
C ts.
26.3
19.9
19.4
16.3
13.5
40.6
38.6
33.6
26. 8
21.6
C ts. C ts. C ts. C ts.
37.3
33.4
26.9
17.9
11.7
36.5
34.3
30.0
22. 7
17.3
36.3
33.8
29.8
22.9
16.0
24.0
20.8
20.0
15. 8
12.1
37.2
32.8
31.3
22.2
16.8
35.7
31.2
29.6
19.3
15.7
35.0
30.4
29.6
19.5
15.1
32.8
31.3
25.7
21.2
17.1
33.5
31.5
20.4
21.2
16.2
18.7 35.4
28. 8 56.7
27.8 60.3
19.2 36.9
18.0 40.5
30.1
50.0
50.2
31.9
35.4
30.6
50.8
51.2
31.8
30.7
21.3
37.0
31.3
21.3
20.0
40.0
58.2
60.3
42.8
38.5
35.4
48.6
53.1
40. 0
34.0
35.0
49.6
52.7
36.6
30.3
25.4
33.8
35.8
19.2
26.6
47.9
63.8
67.6
34.0
45.6
39.6
54.6
60.9
31.6
45.3
38.9 19.6
54.2 29.1
59.5 29.4
30. 818.1
41.1 23.2
3S. 0
51. 0
58. 6
41. 0
41. 7
32.3
37.5
47.3
35.0
36.6
31.1
37.4
47.3
34.0
31.4
41.9
49.4
55.7
41.0
52.1
37.5
37.8
44.8
34.3
50.7
35.9
36.6
45.8
36.7
50.1
37.4
8.7 16.0
15.3
34.8 66. 0
41.7
33.1
14.3
15.0
39.8
29.6
33.5
35.9 41.8 41.2
46.4 45.5 44.2
30. 9
16. 0
14.3 iò.ò 20.0 15.0 15.0 iò.ò 16.0 16.0 16.0
15.4 15.3 15.0
13.2 12.3 11.9
14.4
15. 9
38.7 37.9 66.4 45.1 43. 3 34.5 64.9 43.4 43.8 35.4 64. 8
42. 9 31.6 33.0
45.2 32.0 31.9
27.8
43. 7
28.6
11.0
14.7
40.3
30.3
28.6
39.8
11.0 8.Ó 15.0
14.3
17.0
40.3 37.2 73.3
28.5
43.8
36.6
15.0
16.2
50.7
31.4
35.6
15.0
15.6
44.0
29.8
35.3
21.8 44.0
16.2 30.4
38.8
22.2 48.4
27.8
30.1
17. 4
23.8
26.9
27.0
29.1 21. 7
17. 0 15.8
22.9
28.5 27.5
35. 0 29.0
25.7
33.4 20. 8 39.6 29.0
16.8 15.3 27. 7 13.1
21.2
35. 5 20.8
36.0 20. 8 44. 1 24.8
26.8
35.3
25.3 2Ì.5 41.5
12.7 16.0 29. 8
21.3
36.7
25.2 30. Ò 68.8
28.0
33.8
16.4
22.7
45.6
26.3
32.0
15.9
23.7
46.4
23.6 39. 7
20.0 38. 9
18.3 30. 3
15.6 26. 4
12.8 21. 5
00
00
37.9
40.6
30. 9
38. 4
47.1
30.0
31.1
19.7
20.8
28.9
28.5
29.3 19. 5
19.3 18.0
20.5
29.2 30.5
36.9
42.8
31.6
35.7
53.0
27.5
34.6
17.5
20.9
32.6
C ts.
C ts .
C ts.
135.8 164.2 156.1
28.8 54.9 47.9
20.7 36.0 28.7
16.8 31.1 24.5
18.9
20.2
23.7
28.8
21.5
25.3
C ts .
155.2
47.1
28.1
23.9
18.0
6.1 12.8 10.7 9.8
3. 0 7.9 5.5 5.6
2.5 7.7 4.8 5.0
11.9 10.2 10.0
.... 15.2 13.7 13.1
6.0 11.0 9.5 9.5
3.6 8.7 6.0 6.2
2.4 6.4 2.9 3.0
11.8 12.0 11.5
14.7 12.4 12.5
6.0 10.6 9.2 9.2 5.7 11. 1 8.9 8.9
3.6 8.2 5.9 5.8 3.7 8. 1 5.8 6.1
3.2 7.9 5.2 5.2 2.4 6. 2 2.6 2.6
10.1 10.4 10.7
10. 8 10.3 10.2
14. 1 12.0 12.1
13.6 12.7 12.7
6.1 11.3 8.6 8.6
3.4 9.4 6.1 6.3
3.6 7.8 5.7 5.6
10.6 9.7 9.8
15.9 13.1 13.2
29.9 30.7 30.5
20.4 22.9 22.4
8.7 19. 2 8.5 8.6
12.3 8.2 8.2
1.5 11.8 2.5 2.4
30.3 31.1 31.8
18.6 21.5 21.8
8.3 18. 2 7.2 7.5
12.2 8.4 8.4
i. 7 9.8 2.7 4.0
29.9 29.0 29.0
28. 8 29.8 29.8
19.2 18.2 17.5
20. 2 20.1 20.1
7.7 18.3 8.9 9.7 8. i 18. 9 8.4 8.3
10.1 7.6 8. 0
11. 8 6.0 6.2
1.6 9.5 3.2 3.5 2.Ó 11. 8 1.8 2.4
29.9 29.4 29.0
25.9 25.2 25.4
8.5 18.8 8.5 8.4
11.7 7.5 7.7
1.9 9.4 1.6 1.5
....
8.7 6.4 6.3
6.0 6.2 6.1
17.4 14.8 15.1
15.7 12.7 12. 8
16.7 14.5 14.9
15.3 10.8 10.6
5.5 30.7 8.8 8.3 5.5
54.0 81.7 79.8 79.0 50. 0
27.8 49.2 37.2 37.1 30.8
....
29.8
31.1
52.5
64.7
18.4
34.0
47.9
47.1
17.7
34.1
47.5
50.2
9.4 6.2
6.8 5.5
16.4 14. 1
18.2 15.2
19.0 17.5
6.3
5.6
14.1
15.4
18.2
14.9 11.5 11.8
27.2 9.4 8.9 5.3
90. 8 91.5 91.5 54.5
52.8 38.6 38.5 36.3
28.3 22.7 21.3
25. 5 33.3 34.0
411.3 411.9 412.3
65.9 47.5 54.4
14. 3 11.6 11.2
215.1 2 13.1 2 13.2
26.4 8.5 7.5 5. i 29. 6 8.4 7.9 5. i
72.5 68.7 68.9 62.5 84. 5 81.7 77.8 46.3
46.4 37.2 37.2 27.5 49. 8 35.8 34.5 32.0
27.0
24.0
413.6
49.6
17.4 17.4
29.2 30. 0
413.6 413.6
27.9 29.0
ihis pap er, b u t in th is c ity it is called “ sirlo in ” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
6. 4 5.3 4.9
7.9 6.8 6.8
7. 0 6.1 4.7
8.7 7.1 7.5
15. 5 12.7 12.7
17.2 16.4 15.9
17. 6 16.1 15.6
21.2 18.9 18.9
16. 5 16.9 17.0 ........ 22.4 20.6 21.5
5.7 2.8 4.0
2.7 3.1 3.6
18.6 16.6 16.3
18.9 17.6 17.1
19.9 18.5 18.2
[327]
....
27. 5
27. 3
43. 2
59. 7
2 N o .2 | can.
22.5
29.9
38.0
40.0
22.6
30.0
39.0
46.4
3 No. 3 can
3 22.3 319.3 3 18.5
27.6 8.4 7.9
63.5 59.5 60.4
51.4 38.8 38.2
28.4 18.4 18.6
29.1 31.9 31.7
4 13.2 4 11.8 412.3
64.8 45.1 49.9
4 P er pound.
66
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
M emphis, Term .
Milwaukee, W is.
M inneapolis, M inn.
June 15—
Ju n e 15—
May June
May June
May June
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1921.
1913 1920
1913 1920
1913 1920
Ju n e 15—
Article.
U nit.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Sirloin s te a k ......................
R ou n d s te a k .....................
R ib ro a s t...........................
Chuck ro a s t.......................
P la te beef..........................
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
........do ............
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
22.5
19.4
20.4
15. 5
12.2
43.4
40.0
34.7
27.3
21. 7
32.7
29.8
26.5
18.6
14.5
33.2
30.2
26.3
18.9
13.8
22.5
21.0
18. 5
16.5
11.5
43.7
39.5
33.5
28.5
18.4
37.2
33. 2
28.7
22.8
14.6
37.7
33.7
29.1
23.6
13.5
23.5
21.0
20. 5
16.5
10.1
41.2
37.4
33.1
27.3
16.4
32.7
28.9
25. 8
20.0
10.8
33.1
29.4
25.9
19.7
9.8
P o rk ch o n s........................
B aco n .................................
H a m ....................................
L am b, leg of......................
H ens. 1................................
........d o ...........
.„ . .. d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
20.0
30.0
30.0
20.8
19.7
37.7
58.1
60.3
45. S
41.9
30.2
42.7
47.9
32.8
33.1
29.5
42.6
47.9
35.8
31.3
19.5
27.3
27.8
19. 5
21. 5
37.3 30.3 32.8
50.8 44.8 45.1
47.1 47.5
42.9 36.1 38.1
41.2 39.4 34.9
18.3
26.7
28.3
17.0
18.2
37.1
58.0
60.3
37.3
36.7
30.6
46.1
48.2
31.8
32.8
30.6
44.5
49.2
32.4
29.6
Salmon (can n ed ).............
Milk, fresh ........................
Milk, ev ap o rated .............
B u t t e r .. / ...........................
O leom argarine.. . . . . . __
........d o ...........
37.9 38.3 37.4
39.6
Q u a rt........... 10.0 18.5 17.3 17.3 7.0 12.0
15-16-oz.can.
15.6 15.6 15.1
15.3
P o u n d .......... 37.1 65.9 39.8 39.1 32.8 62.0
........d o ...........
40.6
43. 8 28.3 29.2
45.3
38.5
9.0 7.0 13.0
15.5
14. 5
36.6 31.8 60. 3
42.5
25.7
41.0
11.0
14. 6
37.2
30.6
40.4
10.0
If. 5
35.0
29.0
N u t m arg arin e.................
Cheese. A ............... ..........
L a rd ....................................
Crisco..................................
Eggs, strictly fresh . . . . . .
38.2 27.9 26.6
33.3 25. 9 25.1
___. d o . „____
33.7 26.0 25.2
____ do ........... 21.3 40.1 25.9 25.3 21.3 39.2 25.6 24.8 20.0 39.9 28.6 27.2
........d o . _____ 15.5 28.4 15. 0 14.8 15.4 29.6 17.3 16.9 15.4 28.8 15.5 15.0
35.7 20.8 19.1
35.9 22.4 22.2
36.8 21.5 21.7
........d o ...........
D ozen........... 24.3 47.3 27.6 30.3 22.2 46.2 27.7 27.9 22.0 45.4 26.5 29.1
B read ............................ .
F lo u r...................................
Corn m eal.........................
Rolled o a ts........................
Corn flakes.........................
P o u n d _____
........d o . . . . . .
........d o ...........
. . . . . . d o . .........
8-oz. p k g ___
6.0 12.9 10.1 10.3
3.6 8.9 6.2 6.3
2.0 5.4 2.7 2.8
11.5 10.9 10. 7
14.5 12.4 12.8
3.1
3.0
Cream of W h ea t...............
M acaroni......................
R ice.....................................
Beans, n a v y . ...................
Potato es......................
28-oz. o k g . . .
P o u n d ../...
. „ . .. d o __ ___
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
30.1 29.3 29.2
19.5 17.9 17.4
8. Ö 17.8 6.3 6.5
12.8 7.2 7.5
Ï. 7 10.6 2.4 3.6
30.0 29.6 29.6
18. 5 20.2 19.1
9.0 19.1 9. 9 9. 9
11.1 7.3 7.2
i . i 10.6 1.5 1.5
31.3 30.2 29.9
18. 2 17. 4 17.1
9.1 19.6 8.6 8.5
11.6 8.2 8.3
0.8 9.6 1.7 1.5
Onions................................
C abbage.............................
Beans^ b a k ed __ ____ . . .
Com, can n ed___. . . . . . . .
Peas^ c a n n e d .................
........d o ..........
........do ...........
N o. 2 c a n __
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
7.4 5.2 4.9
5.2 4.3 5.1
16.9 14.6 14.3
18.1 14.3 14.2
18.9 16.7 15.9
7.4 5.3 6. 2
6.0 6.4 7.5
15.6 13. 2 12.9
17.9 15.0 14.9
17.2 15.3 15.4
8.0 6.1 7.0
5.9 6.1 6.8
18.2 16.6 16.6
17.3 13.9 13.9
17.6 14.6 14.7
Tom atoes, can n ed...........
Sugar, g ra n u la te d . . . . . . .
T e a ......................................
Coffee.................................
........do ...........
14.8 10. 7 10.8
P o u n d . . ___ 5.2 29.4 8.6 7.8 5.3
........d o .......... 63.8 95.2 88.4 89.5 50. C
........d o ........... 27.5 52.0 36.3 35.8 27.5
15.0 12.8 12.7
16.3 14.2 14.3
28.2 7.9 7.5 5.6 29.4 8.7 8.0
71.7 70.2 68. 7 45.0
65.3 65.3
46.6 32.1 31.9 30.8 51.9 38.7 38.6
P ru n es..................... ..........
R aisin s.................. ............
B an an as.......... .................
Oranges......................
___„do............ ........ 31.7 20.5 21.3
........d o ...........
25.3 34.1 34.9
D ozen...........
46.3 37.3 40.5
. „„ ..d o ...........
54.4 47.6 51.9
27.5 20.1
29.6 30.4
313. Ç HI. 8
64.1 45.9
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
39.1
9.0
14. 8
37.6
27.1
10.8 9.4 9.4
8.9 5.4
7 0 5.1 4.9
8.7 7.0 7.0
14.5 12.2 11.8
sNo. 3 can.
i Whole.
[328]
19.1
29.8
312. C
48.6
3.0
2.5
11.1
8.6
7.0
9. C
15.0
30.7
29.3
314.3
63. 8
9.6 9.6
5.9
4.6 4.4
8.0 8.0
12.8 12.7
19. 8
30.1
313. 8
49.2
18.4
30.4
s12.7
52.9
67
PRICES OF FOOD IN T H E UNITED STATES.
O F FO O D F O R 51 C IT IE S ON C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D D A T E S—Continued.
Mobile, Ala.
N ewark, N. J.
New H aven, Conn.
New Orleans, La.
New York, N. Y.
Ju n e 15—
June 15—
June 15—
June 15—
Mav June
June Mav June
May June
May June
May June
15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1.5,
15,
1920. 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1913 1920 1921. 1921.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
C ts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
30.6
36.0
31. 6
26. 7
22.2
33.0
33.0
27.0
21.7
17.0
27.2
26.8
21.6
18.0
12. 8
51. 1
51. 4
39.9
30.9
18. 8
42.9
41. 9
34. 1
23.2
13.4
43. 4
42. 0
34.3
23. 1
12.3
32.4
29.6
24.2
19.2
55. i
49.6
40. 7
33.4
48. 0
41. 1
35.5
26. 4
17.8
Cts.
34.0
33.3
28, 1
22. 2
17. 7
48.6
41.5
35. 7
26.4
16. 5
22.5
19. 5
19. 4
14.5
10. 9
35.3
33. 2
31.9
23.6
19. 1
32.9
29. 8
38. S
21. 6
16.9
32. 1
29.3
28.3
20.4
16. 2
26.3
25.3
22.5
10.4
15.3
47.6
47.0
41.5
30.8
24. 7
42.9
42. 1
37.3
24.0
19. 2
43.0
42.0
36.7
23.2
19.0
46.3
60. 0
57.9
37.7
47.3
36.0
47. 1
47.3
35. 0
41.0
34.6
45. 9
47.3
34.4
38.0
21.8
24.4
120.8
21.2
23.8
43.9
47. 5
142.5
43. 7
50. 7
37.4 36.7
37.3 37.2
132. 1 132. 4
36.2 37. 8
45.2 43.8
23.2
28.8
33. 4
20.8
23.7
41.7
55.6
63.6
43.6
51. 1
36.0
46.3
53. 2
35. 6
47.2
34.6
45. 8
54.2
37.6
46.2
21.9
29.7
26. 8
21.3
20.0
44.2
54. 6
56. 1
43. 2
46.4
37.5
47.9
47.5
36. 3
40.5
34.4
43.6
48.2
36. 4
37.2
21.5
26.0
29. 5
17.2
22.1
43.8
51.8
62.5
35.9
46.1
38.3
40.9
52. 7
34.3
42.9
37.8
40.3
52.5
33.1
41.9
38.7
23.5
17.0
71.7
42.4
34.1
19.0
14.5
47.4
32.3
39.2
34.5
18.0 9.0 16.0
13.8
13.9
39.5 36.4 68.2
41.8
30. 6
35.5
39.9
15. 0 9.6 16.0
12.5
14.8
41.1 34.2 66.4
29.2
43.8
39.5
15. 0
14.0
44.0
29.3
39.3
14.0 10. 0
13.5
38.2 35.0
28.5
37.4
17.5
14.5
68.5
44.7
41.1
16.5
14. 1
42.6
30.0
40.8
42.3
16.5 9. 0 15.0
13.2
14.0
39.8 34.5 65.5
28.0
43.3
40. 7
15.0
13.1
41.5
32.1
39.3
14.3
12.6
39.9
29,8
39.4
42.3
30.2
38.6
50. 0
29.4
27.1
16. 3
19.2
29.6
27.9
36.1 27.1 26.6
36.0 28.3
25.8 24.2 42.9 36.3 34.6 22.0 41.1 34.7
16.0 15.8 29.7 15.1 14.7 15.7 28.3 15. 5
34.7 20. 2
33.5 19.2 19.0
19.3
32.0 34.6 64.0 43.3 44.7 35.0 69.8 46.6
27.3
36.3
17.6
20.2
42.5
20.3
32.2
16.9
19.9
44.6
36.1
17.0
13. 1
42.5
29.9
26.8
36.4 28.1 26.8
32.2 22.0 41.0 28.7 27.9 19. 4
14.9 14.9 27.4 16.2 15.7 16.1
19.8
37.8 22.7 21. 7
48.9 25.6 46. 1 29.0 31. 8 32.8
35.3
42.4
29.4
34.2
63.6
10.8 9.8 9.5
9.2 5.8 5.9
6. 8 3.2 3. 1
11. 7 10. 3 10.2
14.8 12.2 12.4
5.6 11.5 9.3 9.3
3.6 9.2 5.4 5.7
3.6 7.8 6.8 6.4
9.4 8.8 8.4
12.8 10.6 10.5
6.0 12.0 9.6 9.5 5.2 10.4 8.5 8.3
3.2 8. 1 5.5 6.1 3.8 8.8 6.5 6.6
3.0 8.1 6.2 6. 1 2.6 5.7 3. 1 3.1
10.9 9.9 10. 0 ..... 10.5 9.8 9.2
14.1 11.0 10.7
14.1 11.4 10.9
6.2 11.9
3.3 9.7
3.5 8.0
9.2
12.9
10.7 10.0
5.6 6.0
6.6 6.4
8.5 8.3
10.8 10.6
31.2 29.1 29.2
20. 9 19.5 19. 6
18. 0 7.4 7.5
13.7 8.3 8.5
9.7 3.0 3.0
28.6 28.3 28.5
25. 0 21.8 21.9
9. 0 18.4 8. 1 8.1
11.7 7. 7 7.6
2.9 8.9 2.4 3.6
28.8 29.1 28.9
22.7 21.8 21.8
9.3 18.9 9.6 9.0
11.5 7.5 7.4
2.Ö 9.6 1.9 1.8
28.6
23.7
8.Ö 18.2
12. 4
2.8 10.2
28.7 28.8
21. 9 22.0
8.9 8.7
8.6 8.5
2.9 3.7
5. 5 3.6 3.6
7.2
2.5 3.1 4.8
9.3
15.1
16. 7 14.7 14. 0
16.4 13.6 13.6
18.5
17.4 18. 1 18.5 ........ 18.7
6.1 6.3
5.3 5.9
13.4 13.1
15.2 15.2
16.5 16.7
10.6 10.3
7.3 6.9
52.4 53.3
32.2 32.4
30.0 29.6 29.5
11.5 10. 1 10.2
7.4 16.3 7.1 7,4
11.2 6.9 7.1
2.6 9.0 3.3 3.0
8.7 5.4 4.9
6.0 2.8 5.3
16.0 14.4 13.6
19.1 15. 3 14.9
19.6 17.1 16.9
7.6
8.6
14.4
18.6
18. G
15.2 10.3 10.4
27.2 8.6 7.9 5. i
80.4 74.7 74.0 53.8
46.5 33. 0 32.3 29.3
14.0 9.7 9.9
222.7 221.9 221. 4
24.6 7. 4 6.8 5. i 27.4 7.8 7.5 5.1
55.5 48.6 48.6 55.0 64.0 55. 7 54. 5 62. 1
45.7 30.8 31. 1 33.8 51.9 37.3 37. 5 26.7
15.1 11.4 11.2
25.5 7.6 7.0 4.8
73.6 72.1 71.6 43.3
41.5 30.0 30. 2 27.5
14.9
25.3
58.7
46.3
28.2
26.7
35.6
65.0
27.4
27.0
52.7
69.7
28.0
28.4
25.0
65.0
27.2 ' 19.0 18.8
27.9 30.4 30.4
47. 1 42.6 43.1
70.0 55. 4 58.4
17.8
29.2
22.8
50.6
16.8
29.7
27. 5
51.3
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
8.2 7.8
5.7 5.9
12.2 12. 1
15.8 16. 1
17.5 17.5
16.2
29.9
45.8
53.2
16.9
29.6
47. ]
57.5
8. 1
9.2
16.5
21. 9
22.6
28.3
27.2
44. 1
63.1
7.4 6. 6
6.0 6.4
14.2 13.9
19.9 19.5
22.0 22.0
17.7
29.8
38.8
48.7
17.9
29.2
38.5
49.6
3 P er pound.
[329]
17.6
30.2
25. 0
50. 0
17.4
30.6
24.2
49.0
68
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
O m aha Nebr.
Norfolk, Va.
Article.
U n it.
Ju n e May Ju n e
15,
15,
15,
1920. 1921. 1921.
Peoria, 111.
Ju n e 15—
1913
May June June May June
15,
15,
15,
15,
15,
1921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921.
1920
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
Sirloin s te a k ._ .________
R ound s te a k .......................
R ib ro a s t.............................
Chuck ro a s t........................
P la te beef............................
P o u n d ..........
........d o ......... .
........d o ...........
____ d o ...........
........ d o ...........
40.9
41.9
37.8
29.2
17.9
43.2
37.0
34.7
22.8
15.9
42.5
37.0
34.8
22.0
16.1
25.1
22.0
18.1
16.1
10.4
47.0
43.8
32.4
26.4
16.5
36.5
32.8
26.6
20.2
11.9
36.5
33.3
26.8
20.6
11.5
40.2
39.2
28.3
25.9
17.7
34.2
32.7
25.5
22.0
14.2
34.9
33.3
25.6
21.9
14.4
Pork oh ops___- __ . . . . . . .
B a c o n . . / . . . . . .......... ..........
H a m ................... .
L am b leg of................ .......
H en s............... .
. . . . . d o . .........
........ d o . . ___
____ d o ...........
........clo...........
........d o ...........
39.3
50.8
49.4
46.7
48.7
33.9
42.8
43.5
38.5
43.2
33.5
41.0
44.3
40.0
41.4
18.7
27.5
29.0
17.8
17.6
36.7
58.3
63.6
41.9
40.5
31.9
50.6
52.6
32.8
35.2
31.9
52.4
52.6
32.9
32.9
36.6
55.3
59.3
38.3
39.7
31.0
45.3
49.7
33.8
36.1
30.5
46.0
50.7
35.6
33.4
Salmon (canned)........ .
M ilk; fresh................... .......
Milk, e v ap o rated ._____ _
B u tte r ..................................
Ol eom argari TIG_________
____ d o ...........
Q u a rt. . . . . . .
15-16-oz. can.
P o u n d ..........
........do...........
35.1
21.3
14.7
73.6
45.0
28.2
20.0
14.8
49.6
29.0
28.2
20.0
14.0
44.9
25.0
39.8
15.5
15.4
64.4
44.7
37.9
12.0
14.8
39.0
32.0
37.5
11.9
14.4
37.5
29.6
36.6
14,3
15.4
59.3
42.9
35.9
13.3
14.7
39.5
30.4
35.4
12.5
14.9
37.9
29.1
Mnt m arg arin e___. . . ___
Cheese.................................
L a rd .....................................
Crisoo
_______________
Eggs, strictly fresh . . . . . . .
. . . . .d o ...........
........d o ...........
........d o . . . . . . .
........do ............
D ozen...........
35.5
40.5
30.7
37.0
52.1
28.5
28.6
17.0
20.2
33.4
25.0
27.1
16.8
19.6
33.1
36.3
41.6
32.3
39.3
46.9
28.9
30.3
18.6
23.4
26.6
26.9
29.7
IS. 2
22.0
28.8
35.7
41.4
28.8
38.8
44.4
28.8
29.8
16.9
23.2
26.9
27.3
29.7
16.7
23.1
26.1
B re ad ....................................
F lo u r.......... .........................
Corn m eal........................
Rol 1ed o a ts.____________
Corn flakes........ ..................
P o u n d ..........
........do ............
........do ............
__do ............
8-oz. p k g ___
11.7
8.8
6.5
10.8
14.8
9.7
5.9
3.7
9.9
12.3
9.7
6.1
3.9
10.1
12.0
12.4
8.3
6.7
11.6
15.0
11.1
4.9
4.4
11.2
14.5
11.1
5.1
4.4
11.2
14.1
12.4
9.2
6.9
11.7
15.5
10.8
5.8
4.3
11.1
13.8
10.5
5.9
4.0
11.1
13.8
Cream of W h e a t................
M acaroni....................
R ice............................... - __
Beans, n a v y _____ ______
P o ta to e s..............................
28-oz. p k g ...
P o u n d ..........
........do............
........do ............
........do............
28.6
21.4
20.1
12.3
9.0
28.9
20.2
10.0
8.0
2.3
28.8
19.8
10.0
8.2
3.5
31.0
21.7
19.3
12.4
12.5
31.0
20.0
8.0
7.6
2.2
31.0
20.6
8.2
7.6
2.4
31.9
19.8
19.5
12.2
12.4
30.4
20.1
8.9
7.2
1.8
30.6
20.1
8.8
7.2
1.8
O nions..................................
Cabbage...............................
Beans, b a k ed .................. .
Corn, can n ed........... ..........
Peas, can n ed ............... .
........do ...........
........do ............
No. 2 c a n ....
. . . . .d o .......
........d o . ___
9.5
8.1
14.3
21.5
22.7
7.5
4.3
11.6
16.6
21.5
6.6
3.9
11.8
17.1
21.1
10.1
6.2
20.2
18.7
19.4
5.8
5.4
17.5
14.4
15.1
6.7
6.6
17.1
14.3
14.8
10.2
8.3
17.6
17.6
18.6
6.6
6.7
15.0
15.2
17.0
6.0
6.8
14.9
14.8
16.3
Tom atoes, c a n n e d ............
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ..............
T e a . ................................ ..
Coffee....................................
........do ............
P o u n d ..........
........do ...........
........do............
15.3 10.8
27. C 8.1
90.4 83.2
52.6 41.6
11.2
7.5
81.8
40.2
16.5
28.5
81.9
52.7
11.7
8.9
74.9
38.1
11.5
8.1
74.6
37.8
15.5
28.1
73.4
47.8
12,0
9.1
63.9
33.9
11.9
8.3
64.6
34.3
P ru n es............................... .
R aisins.................... ............
B a n a n a s...............................
O ranges...............................
........do............
........do ...........
Dozen...........
........do ...........
28.2
26.1
44.6
74. 5
17.5
32.0
38.6
49.4
16.7
30.9
38.2
46.7
C ts .
7.9
34.0
22.3
17.3
22.8
5.2
2.8
2.3
8.5
1.8
5.7
56.0
30.0
30.0 19.6 19.9 32.5 23.5 23.8
29.3 33.2 33.7 28.7 32. 0 32.0
3 13.6 3 12.6 3 12.9 3 12. 5 3 12. 2 3 12.3
66.9 40.5 48.0 61.1 43.6 47 9
1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is k now n as “ porterhouse” in m ost of th e cities included
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
69
PRICES OF FOOD 1ST T H E U NITED STATES.
OF FOOD FOR
51 CITIES
Philadelphia, Pa.
June 15—
May June
ON CERTAIN SPECIFIED DATES—Continued.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Portland, Me.
June 15—
1913 1920 1921. 1921. 1913
May June June May June
15, ldj
1
1920 921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921.
Portland, Oreg.
Providence, R. 1.
June 15—
June 15—
1913
15,
1913 1920 1921. 1921.
May June
1
1920 921. 1921.
May June
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
130.0L55. 5150.0150.0 27.2 53.7 44.4 44.2163.2157.0157.6 23.5 33.9 30.7 31.0139.6170.4 165.9165.3
25.4 50.2 41.9 41.3 23.7 49.1 38.4 37.6 51.3 45.5 45.7 21.2 32.4 28.3 28.6 31.0 55.5 49.7 49.6
22.3 40. 7 35.2 34.9 22.0 38.4 33.5 33.0 33.7 29.9 30.0 19.5 31.1 26.8 26.3 23.8 44.8 36.8 37.2
17.6 31.0 22.0 20.8 17.0 31.2 23.1 22.5 25.5 19.2 19.4 16.9 23.1 19.1 18.2 18.8 34.2 28.5 28.9
12.3 17.2 12.3 11.9 11.5 18.5 12.5 11.4
15.7 16.0 13.9 17.9 14.5 13.8 ...... ...... 19.4 19.1
20.8 42.1 38.6 36.4 22.0 42.3 35.6 34.6 41.3 36.9 36.5 21.6 41.3 34.5 34.4 21.8 45. 4 40.6 38. 7
27.1 49.8 39.2 38.5 29.0 57.9 46.0 45.5 50.4 41.9 40.3 30.6 58.5 46.7 46.3 23.4 49.9 38.8 37.0
31.6 64.0 53.9 54.5 29.6 65.2 54.5 54.5 57.5 49. 2 49.4 30.8 59.3 47.7 48.3 32. 3 65.1 56.0 ■57.0
21.4 47.9 37.8 39.8 21.4 44.7 38.3 37.7 40.4 33.6 38.9 18.1 37.6 29.2 26.7 20.0 47.3 38.9 41.7
23.2 50.6 46.0 44.4 24.8 51.5 46.5 43.6 53.4 49.1 48.9 20.0 41.2 35.9 33.0 24.8 53.6 48.8 47.6
40.3 37.5 36.8 38.6 37.0 35.5
43.5 43.3 42.0
36.0 32.2 31.4
41.5 39.9 39.9
8.0 14.0 13.0 11.0 8.6 15.0 14.0 14.0 15.0 15.5 15. 5 9.3 14.8 12.9 13.0 9.Ö 16.6 14.9 15.0
14. 8 14.7 13.9
14.9 14.4 13.5 15.8 14.9 14.7
13.7 13.3 12.9
15.4 14.8 14.2
39.7 74.3 51.5 46.5 36.7 67.7 43.6 42.2 74.0 52.6 45.8 35. Ö 61.9 36.2 38.2 36.2 68.0 45.3 41.3
42.1 30.0 28.3
45.7 30.0 29.0 ...... 39.8 28.3 27.9 43.8 36.6 34.7
41.1 32.0 32.3
37.2 28.6 27.3
38.3 29.1 27.4
36.4 25.8 24.5 35.6 29.2 27.8
35.0 27.7 27.5
25. Ö 45.8 39.3 34.6 24.5 43.8 33.6 31.0 43.3 36.3 31.7 20.5 41.3 30.8 29.7 2L 7 41.6 34.4 29.9
15.3 28.2 14.9 14.5 15.5 28.2 14.1 13.5 28.5 15.9 15.4 18.2 34.7 22.0 21.6 15.2 28.5 15.8 15.5
34.4 19.6 19.6
40.1 24.7 24.2
35.4 22.0 21.7
35.0 20.8 20.1 35.6 22.3 22.1
27.7 56.9 36.0 36.5 25.5 54.1 33.9 34.7 63.9 44.1 44.5 26.3 47.0 26.1 30.5 32. 8 69.6 47.8 48.9
4.8 10.6 9.0 9.0 5.4 11.8 9.4 9.4 12.0 10.0 10.0 5.6 11.4 9.5 9.5 5.9 11.9 10.9 10.6
3.2 9.1 5.6 5.9 3.2 8.9 5.7 5.8 9.1 5.8 6.1 2.9 7.7 5.1 5.1 3. 5 9.4 6.2 6.4
2.7 6.2 4.4 4.4 2.7 7.9 5.0 4.4 7.1 4.8 4.8 3.3 7.5 4.7 4.7 2.8 6.7 4.6 4.8
10.4 10.8 10.8 8.9 8.0 7.7
12.4 9.2 9.4
10.6 10.6 10.4
9.3 9.1 9.2
..... 12.5 11.2 11.0 ...... 13.9 11.7 11.6 14.5 12.7 12.5 ...... 15.1 13.6 13.7 ...... 14.0 12.6 12.2
34.3 32.0 32.0
30.3 30.0 30.0
28.9 28.3 28.4
29.6 30.0 29.6 29.6 29.6 29.8
17.0 17.8 17.8
23.6 23.5 23.0
21.6 22.2 22.6 23.5 23.4 23.8
21.7 21.5 21.8
9.4
10.2
20.1
8.6
9.5
9 .3 18.6
9.9 10.1
9.8 19.4 9.4 9.5 9.2 19.0 9.8 9.8 19.1 10.2
10.0 7.2 6.9
11.4 7. S 8.1
11.1 8.1 8.0
11.7 7.1 7.2 11.2 7.7 7.6
6.6
1.8
12.9 1.7
i. 8 10.0 1.7 1.6
2.5 8.8 2.0 3.4 1.7 9.5 1.8 3.3 9.8 1.4 1.3
6.5 3.0 3.2
6.9 6.7 6.3 8.1 5.1 6.3
7.8 4.9 5.7
7.6 5.9 5.1
6.3 8.1 5.3
9.0 5. 9 6.0
8.6 4.9 5.1
7.5 6.8 7.0 8.8 3.4 6.3
21.0 19.0 18.9
16.7 14.1 13.9
15.2 13.0 12.7 __ 15.9 14.6 14.2 18.8 17.1 16.9
21.3 18.4 18.9
20.3 18.2 18.1
17.7 15.4 15.1 19.7 17.1 17.0
17.6 15.6 15.2
20.7 17.5 17.8
21.3 19.7 19.9
..... 18.8 16.2 15.9 ..... 18.4 16.7 16.2 20.7 19.1 19.0
217.3214,3213.8
15.9 13.1 13.1
14.8 11.3 11.1 17.6 13.2 12.0
14.7 10.5 10.6
4.9 25.3 7.5 7.2 5.5 24.9 8.4 7.7 27.0 8.3 7.8 6.2 26.1 9.4 8.6 5.6 27.0 8.3 7.8
54.0 63.0 61.8 61.6 58.0 79.0 77.4 77.0 64.3 56.5 59.2 55. (] 65.9 64.7 64.7 48.3 59.9 60.5 60.3
25.0 44.3 30.2 29.9 30.0 49.1 36.8 35. 8 50.8 38.2 39.1 35.0 50.0 37.9 38.0 30.0 52.7 39.7 39.4
25.6 10.1 9.1
30.2 20.0 20.4 26.4 17.0 17.0
27.8 19.2 19.4
26.2 17.0 17.4
28.2 29.4 29.9
26.8 30.9 30.0
29.7 29.3 28.5 27.8 30.2 29.5
26.2 28.9 28.8
815.0«14.1 »14.0
46.7 42.1 42.5
45.2 38.1 38.8
51.8 45.9 47.0813. 5812.6813.0
68.0 48.0 50.3
69.9 54.9 59.5
59.5 47.5 53.9 75.8 49.1 54.8
...... 66.4 47.9 55.3
in this report, but in this city it is called “sirloin” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[331 ]
2No. 2£ can.
8Per pound.
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
70
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S
R ichm ond, Va.
R ochester,
N. Y.
St. Louis, Mo.
Article.
U n it.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
........do ___ __
........d o ...........
____ d o ...........
21.8
19.6
18.9
15. 3
12.3
45.1
42. 0
35.6
31.1
23.0
41.3
37.2
32.1
24.8
19.1
41.3
37.2
32.2
24.8
19.1
41.9
38. i
32.5
29.0
18.3
39.6
34. 1
29.9
23.8
13.7
39.5
34. 8
30.2
23.8
12.6
23. 7
22.2
18.3
14.3
10.7
43.4
42.1
33.6
25.1
18.6
C ts.
Sirloin-steak................................
R ou n d ste a k ...............................
R ib ro a st................... .................
Chuck ro a s t. . . . . . _______ . . .
P la te beef.....................................
35.6
33.4
29.9
20.3
14.9
37.0
35.0
30.0
19.1
12.8
P o rk chops ...........................
B aco n ...........................................
H a m ............................. .......
L am b, leg of..........................
H e n s .............................. .
....... do............
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
...... d o . , . . ..
. . . . .d o ___ __
20.8
25.0
25.7
19.3
21.3
40.9
48.9
54.0
47.8
46.9
36.2
38.5
43.9
42.0
42. 5
35.2
37.2
43. 2
42.5
40.4
42.2
44. 4
57.3
41.2
48.7
35.3
48. 2
35.0
47.2
36.6
34.9
48. 8
36.2
44.2
18.2
26.0
27.3
18.0
18. 5
37.3
51.4
60. 7
40.9
40.9
31.4
39. 4
47.4
32.9
35.5
30.5
40.1
48.9
32.9
35.2
Salmon (can n ed ) ...................
Milk, fresh ........ «„................
M ilk’ ev ap o rated ........ ...........
B u tte r ..................................
Oleomargarine...................
........d o ___ __
27.2 19. 8
Q u a rt............ 10.0 16.0 14.0
15-16-oz. can.
16.1 15.1
P o u n d ........ 38. 6 78. 5 52. 0
........d o ______
45.1 33.5
20.3
14.0
14.7
46. 6
31.3
39.3
13.5
15.9
66. 9
44.1
36.6
12. 5
14.8
42. 8
31.0
36.5
36. 7
12. 0 8.0 15. 0
14.3
14.6
38. 4 34.4 66. 9
29. 4
40.0
35. 4
14. 0
13.4
41. 5
29. 4
35. 8
13. 0
12.8
40. 2
28. 4
N u t m a rg a rin e .............. .
C h e e s e . ...............
L a rd .....................................
Crisco ................................
Eggs, strictly fresh ................
____ do .........
38.2
____ d o ......... 22.3 43. 1
........d o ......... 15.0 31. 3
____ do .........
38.3
D ozen........... 25.0 53.9
28.6
30.0
17. 2
21.6
33.5
35.4
40. 6
28.9
35.8
56.1
27.9
32. 4
16. 7
20. 0
34.1
25.8
29. 5 19. 3
16.0 13.6
18. 9
34.6 21.4
26.3
27. 6
12. 0
21. 5
26.8
25. 8
26. 5
12.1
20. 6
30.0
B re a d ............................................
F lo u r.............................................
Corn m e a l................ ...................
Rolled o a ts ......... .................
Corn flakes...............................
P o u n d ..........
........do ............
........do .........
.... .d o ........
8-oz. p k g __
Cream of W h e a t.........................
M acaroni .................... .
R ice ......................................
Beans, n a v y ..........................
Potatoes. ..1 ............................
28-oz. p k g _
30. 6 30. 7 30. 8
P o u n d ........
21.3 21. 0 23. 2
........do ......... io.o 20.2 10.5 10. 1
........do .........
13.5 8.8 8. 8
........d o ____
2.1 9.9 2.2 3.1
0 n io n s ........... .
Cabbage ................................
B eans,"baked ........................
Corn, c an n e d .............. .........
Peas, c an n e d ...................
. ___ d o . .. c..
........d o .........
N o. 2 c a n . ..
........d o .........
........d o ...........
Ju n e 15.
Ju n e 15.
May June June May June
May June
15, 15, 15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
1921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921.
1921. 1921.
1913 1920
1913 1920
C ts.
30.3
31. 9
17.4
22. 1
33.0
5.4 13. 0 10. 7 10. 7 11. 4 8. 6 8. 5
3.3 9. 4 5. 8 6.1 9.1
5. 8
2.0 6.9 4.2 4.2 7.4 5. 4 5. 3
11.6 11.0 11.1 8.3 8.1 8.0
15. 4 12.9 12.6 14.3 12. 7 12.2
40.1
23.9
34.9
45.3
5. 5 12.7 10 6 10 6
3.0 8.1
5.3
2.2 6. 2 3. 4 3.4
9. 4 9. 7 9.6
13.4 10. 7 10.9
29 8 28 8 29 2
20 8 20. 8 20. 4
18. 9 8. 7 8. 6
11. 8 8. 0 7.9
9.0 1.1 1.0
30 4 30. 4 30 0
17 0 21. 2 20 9
8.3 17. 7 7.9 8. 0
11. 2 6. 7 6. 8
1. 7 12. 4 2. 2 3. 8
11. 5 5. 3 6. 8 7.6 6. 0 6. 8
6.9 4. 8 3.1 8. 3 5. 7 6. 5
14.6 12.0 11. 5 14. 4 12. 0 11 9
19.5 15.1 15. 0 19. 8 16.1 15. 7
21. 5 20. 0 20. 5 19. 9 18 6 18 7
7.0 5. 5 4. 8
5. 4 5. 3 4 9
15 8 12. i 12.0
15. 9 14. 9 14. 9
16,1 15 7 15 9
Tom atoes, c an n e d ..................... ____ d o ...........
14. 8 12.1 11.6 16. 2 12 6 11. 5
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ................ ... P o u n d ........ 5.0 26.1 8.6 7.9 26.4 7.7 7.3 5.0
T e a ...................................... ...... do ......... 56.0 89. 2 84. 0 84.6
60. 6 59 1 55. 0
Coffee ................................ ...... d o ......... 26,8 ,50.7 36.7 36.7 48.5 33.0 33.9 24.3
14 5 10 7 10 4
27.8 8.0 7.5
74 9 69 7 69 7
44.8 32.9 32.5
P ru n e s .................................. ...... d o .........
R aisins ... ............................. ........d o ...........
B an an as............... .............. ..... D ozen...........
O ranges........................................ ___ do ____
28 1
26 6
40.3
56.6
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
28. 6
26.6
51.5
67. C
21.8
32. 0
40.6
44.1
1
“No. 2jcan.
[3321
21. 2
31. 4
45.3
47.2
28.6
28. 8
47.1
65.0
21J)
80 8
45.3
46.9
20 5
30, 2
44.9
48.0
19 2
30 4
33.7
43.6
19 0
30 8
37'4
47.2
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW ,
72
T a b l e 5 . -A V ER A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D F O R 51
C IT IE S ON C E R T A IN S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —Concluded.
Seattle, W ash.
A rticle.
Unit.
Pound.
........do..
........do..
........do..
........do..
. .. .. d o ..
........do..
........do..
........do..
........do..
........do...........
Q u a rt...........
15-16-oz. can.
P o u n d ........ .
........d o ...........
........do........
........do........
........do........
........do........
D ozen........
P o u n d ___
........do........
........do........
........do........
8-oz. p k g . .
28-oz. p k g .
P o u n d ---....... d o ........
....... do ........
....... do ........
....... do ___
....... do___
N o. 2 can.
___ do ___
....... do ___
....... do ___
P o u n d __
....... d o ___
___ do ___
....... do ___
....... do ___
D ozen___
___ do ___
W ashington, D . C.
15—
May Ju n e June May June Ju n e 15— Mav June
15,
15,
15,
15,
15,
15, 15,
1921. 1921. 1920. 1921. 1921.
1920
1913 1920 1921. 1921.
Cts
Sirloin s te a k .
R ound s te a k .
R ib ro a s t.......
C huck ro a s t..
P la te b eef___
P o rk c h o p s...
B acon.............
H a m ...............
L a m b ,le g of.
H en s...............
Salm on (c a n n e d )...
M ilk, fre s h ...............
M ilk, e v a p o ra te d ...
B u t t e r . .................
O le o m a rg a rin e ___
N u t m arg a rin e ........
C h eese......................
L a rd ...........................
Crisco.........................
Eggs, stric tly fresh .
B re ad .........................
F lo u r.........................
Corn m eal.................
Rolled o a ts...............
Com flakes...............
Cream of W h ea t___
M acaroni...................
R ic e ...........................
Beans, n a v y ............
P o ta to e s....................
O nions.......................
Cabbage....................
B eans, b a k ed ...........
Corn, c an n e d ............
Peas, c an n e d ............
Tom atoes, c a n n e d ..
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ..
T e a .............................
Coffee.........................
P ru n e s.......................
R aisin s......................
B a n a n a s....................
O ranges.....................
Springfield, 111.
C ts.
C ts.
23.8
21.5
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
37.0 33.4 32.3 42.4 37.9 38.3
34.6 30.1 29.1 42.1 36.4 36.8
20.0 30.4 27.5 26.4 28.2 25.4 25.1
16.8 23.1 19.8 18.1 25.3 20.9 21.0
13.0 18.5 16.1 13.8 19.8 15.5 13.9
21.2 45.5 37.6 35.8 39.4 32.0 32.8
31.7 64.3 53. 8 53.1 51.9 39.7 40.3
30.8 62.4 53.9 52.6 56.9 48.5 48.9
37.6 30.8 29.3 43.1 35.8 35.0
20 .
24.3 43.0 36.1 33.9 42.0 34.5 36.0
37.3 35.7 34.8 39.9 39.1 40.7
8.5 13.2 12.0 12.0 14.3 12.5 12.5
13.5 12.3 12.2 17.2 15.6 15.2
35."Ó 60.7 35.4 38.7 65. Ö 40.9 40.9
43.4 27.5 25.7 43.9 29.9 29.2
37.1 28.5 25.7 35.7 27.8 26.9
21.7 40. 9 31.3 29.3 44.6 32.4 30.1
17.7 30.3 20.9 19.9 31.4 16.2 15.9
39.6 24.4 23.1 38.9 23.7 22.2
49.9 28.8 31.8 45.9 28.7 27.8
5.5 11.5
9.9
9.9 13.5 10.4 10.4
2.9
7.7
5.2
5.1
9.1
5.9
6.1
7.4
3.1
4.7
4.6
7.5
4.5
4.4
10.4
8.8
9.0 11.4 11.3 11.1
14.8 13.8 13.7 15.2 14.6 14.3
32.2 30.7 30.7 31.0 30.5 30.5
18.7 18.1 18.5 20.7 23.1 22.4
7 .7 19.7 10.0
9.6 19.4
9.5
9.4
10. 4
7.3
7.0 12.9
7.6
7.5
1.1
12.3
2.2
2.2 12.3
2.2
2.1
7.4
3.2
3.4 10.7
7.6
6.8
6.4
6.5
6.6
7.1
6.7
8.4
20.5 18.0 17.4 18.2 15.4 15.0
19.8 16.6 16.9 17.5 14.0 14.7
20.1 17.1 17.2 18.5 17.1 16.7
i 16.2 1 12. 5 112.4 15.8 12.2 12.0
5.9 26.2
9.5
8.7 31.8
9.3
8.4
50.0 68.5 64.4 64.5 87.5 81.3 80.0
28.0 48.9 37.4 37.4 51.2 37.0 36.5
26.9 16.1 16.4 28.7 22.0 20.9
27.3 30.4 30.3 28.9 34.2 33.7
2 15.1 2 16.8 2 16.9 2 12.4 2 11.0 2 11. 9
64.2 40.7 41.7 67.8 45.4 50.7
1 No. 2} can.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
27.5
23.9
21.6
17.9
12.1
20.9
26.8
30.0
20.9
22.6
53.2
48.5
41.1
31.0
18.3
45.7
49.4
61.1
48.6
51.2
37.8
16.0
15.2
70.0
43.3
35.9
43.0
29.6
35.4
53.8
12.3
9.3
5.9
11.5
14.2
29.9
23.5
19.0
12.2
9.0
7.8
7.9
14.6
17.8
18.2
15.3
25.4
78.7
47.4
28.4
25.9
47.5
64.0
47.2
41.3
36.7
25.3
14.5
38.7
40.5
55.5
41. 2
47.5
37.0
14.0
14.6
46. 7
33.0
29.1
34.0
15.8
21.0
34.6
10.5
6.2
3.9
11.2
11.9
29.1
22.1
9.4
7.8
2.0
6.7
5.3
12.1
13.8
15.3
11.2
8.0
74.0
33.9
21.1
30.3
42 5
48.5
8.0
37.4
22. 8
14.8
25.6
5.7
3.8
2. 5
9.6
i. 9
4.9
57.5
28.8
C ts.
47.0
41.2
36.1
24.9
14.7
37.9
40.8
55.3
42.7
44.4
37.0
13.7
14.3
42.6
28.8
28.2
31.5
15.7
20.9
35.4
10.2
6.3
3.7
11.4
11.9
29.1
22.4
10.2
7.9
3.3
7.1
5 ñ
12.5
14.0
15.5
11.3
7.6
74.0
33.6
20.8
30.1
44 7
51.7
2 P er pound.
Comparison of Retail Food Costs in 51 Cities.
T*ABLE 6 shows for 39 cities the percentage of increase or decrease
in the retail cost of food 7 in June, 1921, compared w ith the
average cost in the year 1913, in June, 1920, and in May, 1921.
For 12 other cities comparisons are given for the one-year and the onem onth periods. These cities have been scheduled by the bureau at
different dates since 1913. These percentage changes are based on
actual retail prices secured each m onth from retail dealers and on
the average fam ily consumption of these articles in each city.8
7 For lis t of articles, see note 2, p . 52.
8 T he consum ption figure used from J an u a ry , 1913, to Decem ber, 1920, for each article in each c ity is
fiiven lii uhe M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w for N ovem ber, 1918, p p . 94 a n d 95. T he consum ption figures
w hich have been used for each m o n th beginning w ith Ja n u a ry , 1921, are given in th e M o n t h l y L a b o r
R e v ie w for M arch, 1921, p . 26.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3 3 4 ]
PRICES OE FOOD IN T H E UNITED STATES.
73
T able 6 __P E R C E N T A G E C H A N G E S IN T H E R E T A IL COST O F FO O D IN JU N E , 1921, COMP A R E D W IT H T H E COST IN MAY, 1921, J U N E , 1920, AN D W IT H T H E A V E R A G E COST
IN T H E Y E A R 1913, B Y C IT IE S .
[Percentage changes of five-tenths of 1 p er cent an d over are given in whole num bers.]
P ercent Percentage decrease
June, 1921, com
age
pared w ith —
increase
June,
1921, com
p ared
June,
May,
w ith year
1921.
1920.
1913.
City.
A tla n ta . .
’B altim ore.
B irm ingham
B oston.
B r i d g e p o r t............
Buffalo....... __
B o tte .........................
Charleston _.
C hicago....................
C incinnati _
Cleveland _ _____
C olom bos.................
B ailas__
B en v e r............. .........
B etro it__
Percent Percentage decrease
June, 1921, com
age
p ared w ith—
increase
June,
1921, com
pared
June,
May,
w ith year
1921.
1920.
1913.
City.
43
46
49
47
33
33
34
31
32
1
1
1
1
1
M ilw aukee................
M inneapolis..............
M o b ile......................
N ew ark .....................
New H a v en ............ .
41
39
40
37
39
29
35
31
2
0.4
3
a 2
a 3
New O rleans............
New Y o rk ................
N orfolk......................
O m ah a......................
Peoria........................
41
48
37
35
31
38
40
0.3
2
a 0.1
a1
i
P h ilad elp h ia............
P ittsb u rg h ................
P o rtlan d , Me....... ..
P o rtla n d , Oreg........
Providence . . . . . . . . .
43
46
55
51
48
50
40
44
34
45
F all R iv e r................
H o u sto n ____ _____
In d ia n a p o lis...........
.1ackson ville.. TTr .
TCansas C ity ______
44
36
37
43
33
31
40
31
38
i
i
1
1
2
R ich m o n d ................
R ochester..................
St. Louis...................
St. P a u l.....................
Salt Lake C ity ........
L ittle R o c k _______
Los Angeles.. _r __
Lonisville - M anchester........... ..
M em phis__
42
37
32
46
40
31
30
39
34
37
a 1
San F ran cisco .. . . . .
S a v a n n ah .................
Scran to n...................
S e a ttle .......................
Springfield, 111.........
W ashington, D . C..
a 0. 4
0.2
2
a 2
39
40
44
28
49
49
29
39
49
32
' 53
38
40
36
32
34
o
2
3
0.2
2
32
31
30
40
38
2
1
0
a 0.1
2
32
32
32
39
32
2
a2
1
a 1
1
32
36
37
40
37
0.1
2
a3
1
a 0. 3
31
33
33
37
39
29
a 0.1
a 0.3
2
0.2
1
» 0.4
a Increase.
For the m onth of June only 6 m erchants failed to send in their
reports in time for their prices to be included in the city averages.
One report was lacking in New York, Bridgeport, Dallas, and Hous
ton, and two reports were not received from Seattle. W ith the ex
ception of these 5 cities, however, the record of the other 46 cities
was perfect; th a t is, every m erchant cooperating w ith the bureau in
the other 46 cities sent in prom ptly his report to the bureau.
The following sum m ary shows the prom ptness with which the
m erchants responded in June:
R E T A IL P R IC E R E P O R T S R E C E IV E D D U R IN G JU N E .
G eographical division.
Ite m .
Percentage of reports received.......................
N um ber of cities in each section from
w hich every rep o rt w as received...............
U n ited
States.
N o rth
S outh
N o rth
A tlan tic. A tlan tic. C entral.
S outh
C entral.
W estern.
99
99
100
100
99
99
46
12
a8
a 14
6
6
a T otal n u m b er of cities in th is division.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[335]
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
74
Retail Prices of Coal in the United States.“
H E following table shows the average retail prices of coal on
June 15, 1920, and on May 15 and June 15, 1921, for the
United States and for each of the cities included in the total
for the U nited States. Prices for coal are secured from the cities
from which m onthly retail prices of food are received.
In addition to the prices for Pennsylvania anthracite, prices are
shown for Colorado, Arkansas, and New Mexico anthracite in those
cities where these coals form, any considerable portion of the sales for
household use.
The prices shown for bitum inous coal are averages.of prices of the
several kinds used. The coal dealers in each city are asked to quote
prices on the kinds of bitum inous coal usually sold for household use.
The prices quoted are for coal delivered to consumers, b u t do not
include charges for storing the coal in cellar or coal bin where an
extra handling is necessary.
T
A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O P CO AL. P E R TO N O F 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E H O L D
U SE , ON JU N E 16, 1920, A N D ON MAY 15 AN D JU N E 15, 1921.
1920
1921
City, a n d k in d of coal.
U n ite d S ta te s :
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Sto v e.............................................................................................................
C h estn u t..................................................................................
B itu m in o u s.........................................................................................
A tlan ta, Ga.:
B itu m in o u s...................................................................................................
B altim ore, M d.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Sto v e.............................................................................
C h estn u t........................................................................
B itu m in o u s..............................................................................
B irm ingham , Ala.:
. B itu m in o u s...............................................................
Boston, Mass.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Sto v e..............................................................................
C h estn u t..............................................................................
Bridgeport, Conn.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove....................................................................................
C h estn u t.................................. ........
Buffalo, N . Y .:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Sto v e..............................................................................
C h estn u t.......................................................
B u tte, M ont.:
B itu m in o u s...................................................................
C harleston, S. C.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove.....................................................................
C h estn u t........ .......................................................
B itum inous........................................ .......
Chicago, 111.:
Pennsylvania an thracite—
Sto v e...........................................................................
C h estn u t..............................................
B itu m in o u s..................................................
Cincinnati, Ohio:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove...............................................................
C h estn u t............................................
B itum inous.........................................................
Ju n e 15.
M ay 15.
$14. 085
14 135
10.188
$14.794
14 878
10.392
§14.768
14. 834
10. 385
12.545
8.813
8.813
1 13. 500
i 13. 600
i 8. 786
i 14.500
i 14.500
8.139
114.500
114.500
8.125
8. 791
8. 733
14.500
14.500
15.000
15.000
15.000
15.000
15.000
15.000
14.000
14.000
14.000
14.000
12.000
12.000
12. 720
12.720
12.820
12.820
10.444
12.014
12.003
1 16.200
1 16.300
12.000
i 17.000
i 17.100
12.000
1 17.000
1 17.100
12.000
14.150
14. 288
8. 414
14.910
15.060
8. 588
14.990
15.140
8.634
Ju n e 15.
15.500
15.333
14.000
15. 750
15. 750
8.000
6. 929
6.786
a Prices of coal were formerly secured sem iannually and published in th e March and Septem ber issues
of th e Monthly L abor R e v ie w . Since June, 1920, these prices have been secured and published
m onthly.
1 P er to n of 2,240 pounds.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[336]
RETAIL PRICES OF COAL IFF T H E UNITED STATES.
75
A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F COAL, P E R T O N O F 2.000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E H O L D
U S E , ON JU N E 15, 1920, A N D ON M AY 15 A N D JU N E 15, 1921—C ontinued.
1920
1921
City, a n d k in d of coal.
Cleveland, Ohio:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove................................ .
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
C olum bus, Ohio:
Penn sy lv an ia an th racite—
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
Dallas, Tex.:
A rkansas a n th racite—
Egg.....................................
B itu m in o u s.............................
D enver, Colo.:
Colorado a n th racite—
Stove, 3 a n d 5 m ix e d .. .
Furnace, 1 a n d 2 mixed.
B itu m in o u s.............................
D etroit, Mich.:
Pen n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t..................................
B itu m in o u s.............................
F all R iver, Mass.:
P ennsylvania an th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
H ouston, Tex.:
B itu m in o u s.............................
Indianapolis, In d .:
Pennsylvania a n th ra c ite —
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
Jacksonville, Fla.:
Pennsylvania an th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
K ansas C ity, Mo.:
A rkansas an th racite—
F u r n a c e ...........................
Stove, or N o. 4....... ........
B itu m in o u s.............................
L ittle Rock, A rk.:
A rkansas an th racite—
Egg.....................................
B itu m in o u s.............................
Los Angeles, Calif.:
B itu m in o u s ...........................
Louisville, K y.:
P ennsylvania an th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
M anchester, N . H .:
Penn sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
M emphis, Tenn.:
Pennsylvania anth racite—
S tove.................................
C h e stn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
M ilwaukee, W is.:
Pennsylvania anth racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
M inneapolis, M inn.:
Pennsylvania a n th racite—
Stove..................................
C h estn u t...........................
B itu m in o u s.............................
Mobile, Ala.:
B itu m in o u s.............................
5S950°—21-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
-6
[337]
Ju n e 15.
M ay 15.
$13.525
13. 500
9. 200
$13,913
13.938
8. 212
$14.125
14.138
8.517
14.650
9.982
14. 833
7.638
15. 000
7. 576
17.000
14.000
17.000
14.500
17.084
14.000
14.600
14. 530
9. 371
16.083
16. 083
10.699
16.100
16.100
10.882
14. 250
14.200
10. 933
14. 550
14.550
9.882
14.450
14.55h
10. 067
14. 500
14.250
12. 250
15. 250
15.000
11.500
15. 250
15. 08311. 500
11.500
13.000
12. 800
13.750
14.250
9. 313
15. 375
15. 417
8.650
15. 250
15. 417
8.638
17.167
16.000-
14.000
12-. 250
12. 250
15.150
15.750
9.118
16. 500
17.188
9. 600
16. 714
17. 438.
9. 633
Ju n e 15.
11.950
12.000
1L 808
17.000
18. I l l
18.000
15. 000
9.813
17! 000
7.923
16! 875
7.808
15.000
15. 000
12,000
16. 500
16. 500
11. 333
16. 500
16. 500
11.333
17.000
17.000
8. 850
18.000
18.000
8.196
18. 000
18. 000
8.071
14.688
14. 788
11.469
15.800
15.800
10.639
15.900
15. 900
10.644
16. 440
16. 480
11.918
17.220
17.320
12.292
17. 580
17. 600
12. 303
11.400
10.813
10. 875
76
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F COAL, P E R T O N O F 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E H O L D
U S E , ON J U N E 15, 1920, A N D ON M AY 15 A N D J U N E 15, 1921—C ontinued.
1920
1921
City, an d k in d of coal.
N ew ark, N . J.:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t...................................................................... ' .................................
N ew H av en , C onn.:
P en n sy lv an ia a n th racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h e stn u t..........................................................................................................
N ew O rleans, La.:
P en n sy lv an ia anth racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h estn u t..........................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s........................... ...............
.....................................................
N ew Y ork, N . Y .:
P e n n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h e stn u t..............................................
..............................................
Norfolk, V a.:
P e n n sy lv an ia anth racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h estn u t........................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s............................................................................................................
O m aha, N ehr.;
P en n sy lv an ia anth racite—
Stove.....................................................................................................
C h estn u t....................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s.............. .......................
Peoria, 111.:
P en n sy lv an ia anth racite—
Stove.................................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t..........................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s..........................................................................................................
P hiladelphia, P a.:
P e nnsylvania anthracite—
Stove.............................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t..............................................................................................
P ittsb u rg h , P a.:
P enn sy lv an ia anthracite—
Stove...........................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t.............................................................................................. „ ..
B itu m in o u s.........................................................................................................
P o rtland, Me.:
P ennsylvania anthracite—
S to v e..........................................................................................................
C h estn u t......................................................................................
B itu m in o u s.................................................................................
P o rtla n d , Oreg.:
B itu m in o u s.............................................................................................
Providence, I t. I.:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove.........................................................................................
C h estn u t.............................................................. ..................................
B itu m in o u s.......................................................................................
R ichm ond, V a .:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove.......................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t........................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s........................................................................................................
Rochester, N . Y .:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h e stn u t..............................................................................................
St. Louis, Mo.:
P e n n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove....................................................................................
C h e stn u t....... ..................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s................
St. P au l, M inn.:
P en n sy lv an ia an th racite—
Stove................... ...........................................................................
C h estn u t.............................................................................................
B itu m in o u s................................................................................. ..........................
1 Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
2 F ifty cents per to n ad d itio n al is charged for “ b in n in g .”
ing th e coal in to th e cellar.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[338 ]
Ju n e 15.
M ay 15.
11 750
1 L. 750
12.375
12.375
12.500
12.500
14.250
14. 250
13.708
13.708
13.792
13.792
18. 500
10. 333
20.750
20.750
10. 409
16. 500
16. 500
10. 250
12. 800
12. 814
13.133
13.117
13. 242
13. 242
14. 500
14. 500
11.727
14.000
14.000
11.464
14.000
14. 000
11.464
19. 940
20. 080
11.168
22. 000
22. 000
12. 281
22.000
22. 000
12. 281
15.500
15. 500
6. 250
15.375
6.375
i 13. 286
1 13. 250
1 13. 813
1 13. 833
1 13.938
1 13.938
i 15. 250
1 15.125
7.333
1 15.000
1 15. 467
7.781
1 15.750
1 15.950
7.250
15.360
15. 360
12.650
15.120
15.120
9. 800
15.120
15.120
9. 800
11. 800
13.105
13.194
2 14. 500
2 14. 500
2 13.167
2 15. 000
2 15. 000
2 10. 500
2 15.000
2 15. 000
2 10. 383
13. 500
13. 500
10.286
14.188
14.188
10. 816
13.750
13.750
10.447
12.100
12. 200
13. 050
13. 050
13.183
13.183
14. 433
14. 433
6,650
16.000
16.188
6.895
16. 000
16.188
6. 816
16. 380
16. 420
13. 277
17.217
17.317
13. 414
17. 533
17.567
13.053
Ju n e 15.
6. 438
Most custom ers require b in n in g or basket
■
77
RETAIL PRICES OF COAL IN T H E UNITED STATES.
A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F COAL, P E R TO N O F 2,000 P O U N D S , F O R H O U S E H O L D
U S E , ON JU N E 15, 1920, A N D ON M AY 15 A N D J U N E 15, 1921—Concluded.
1920
1921
City, a n d k in d of coal.
Salt L ake City, U tah:
Colorado an th racite—
Furnace, 1 an d 2 m ixed...............................................................................
Stove, 3 a n d 5 m ix e d ...................................................................................
B itu m in o u s...............................................................................................
San Francisco, Calif.:
New Mexico an th racite—•
Cerillos egg......................................................................................................
Colorado a n th racite—
E g g ....................; ...........................................................................................
B itu m in o u s...............................................................................................
Savannah, Ga.:
P ennsylvania an th racite—
Stove.................................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t.........................................................................................................
B itu m in o u s............................................................................
Scranton, P a.:
Pennsylvania a n th racite—
Stove.................................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t.........................................................................................................
Seattle, W ash.:
B itu m in o u s............................................................................................................
Springfield, 111.:
B itu m in o u s....................................................................
W ashington, D . C.:
Pennsy lv an ia anth racite—
Stove................................................................................................................
C h e s tn u t..........................................................................................................
B itum in o u s............................................................................................................
Ju n e 15.
M ay 15.
J u n e 15.
17. 833
18.167
9.256
18.100
19.200
9.488
23.000
26.500
26. 500
21. 750
15.643
26.000
18.455
26.000
18.455
3 16.100
8 16.100
8 13.267
3 17.100
8 17.100
8 12.500
8 17.100
3 17.100
3 12. 767
9.100
9.100
9.517
9.517
9.517
9.517
4 9.463
4 11.597
4 1L597
4,420
4.300
4.425
1 13.650
1 13. 729
19.840
1 14.229
1 14.171
i 10.136
1 14.414
114.286
1 10.068
19.300
20.000
9.250
1 P e r to n of 2,240 pounds.
3 All coal sold in S avannah is weighed by th e city. A charge of 10 cents per to n or half ton is m ade. This
additional charge has been included in th e above prices.
4 Prices in zone A . T he cartage charge in zone A is $1.85, which has been included in the average. T he
cartage charges in Seattle range from $1.85 to $3.15, according to distance.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[339]
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
78
Wholesale Prices in june.
HOLESALE prices in the U nited States were generally
lower in June than in the previous m onth, as shown by
inform ation collected by the United States D epartm ent of
Labor through the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of 327 commodities,
or series of quotations, for which comparable data for May and June
were obtained, decreases were recorded for 136 commodities and in
creases for 79 commodities. In the case of 112 commodities no
change in the price level was observed in the two months.
F arm products, after the increase of last m onth, again showed
decided price decreases, the index num ber dropping from 117 to 113,
or nearly 3 J per cent. Fuel declined over 3-1 per cent from May to
June, while the groups of m etals and house-furnishing goods each
showed a decrease of approxim ately 4-1 per cent. Declines of less
than 1 per cent took place among food products, clothing, and mis
cellaneous commodities, while no change in the general level oc
curred for building m aterials and chemicals. All commodities, taken
in the aggregate, decreased about 2 per cent. Compared with the
high peak of prices in May, 1920, the June level showed a decrease of
451- per cent.
Some of the more im portant price changes occurring between May
and June, as measured by average prices in each m onth, are as
follows:
IM P O R T A N T A R T IC L E S IN C R E A S IN G O R D E C R E A S IN G IN A V E R A G E P R IC E IN JU N E ,
AS C O M PA R E D W IT H M AY, 1921, B Y G R O U P S O F C O M M O D ITIES.
Increases.
C om m odity.
Per
cent.
C om m odity.
F a r m p r o d u c ts .
F o o d , etc. —C ontinued.
H ay , tim o th y , N o. 1,
C hicago___.......................
H ides, packers’, Chicago:
H eav y , n a tiv e stee rs___
H eav y , Texas s te e r s .. . .
P e a n u ts, N o. 1, N o rfo lk ...
L a rd , prim e, co n tract,
N ew Y o r k .........................
Corn m eal, w hite, D ecatur.
M eat, Chicago:
B acon, short clear sides..
H am s, sm oked.................
L am b, dressed, r o u n d ...
Olive oil, Spanish, New
Y o rk ....................................
1. 5
IS. 8
21. 7
14.7
F o o d , etc.
B u tte r, cream ery, ex tra:
C hicago................. ............
New Y o rk .............. ..........
San F rancisco...................
Coffee, Rio, N ew Y o r k ....
Eggs, fresh:
F irsts, Chicago.................
F irsts , N ew Y o rk ............
San Francisco...................
Cheese, San F ran c isco ... . .
Flour, w heat:
S traights, K ansas C ity ..
S ta n d a rd p a te n t, M in
neapolis. .........................
Soft stra ig h ts, S t. Louis.
F ru it, Chicago:
L em o n s..............................
Oranges.............................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
9.2
4.0
10.0
7.2
9.7
5.0
26.8
20.0
1.0
Per
cent.
5.5
19.0
98.7
36.9
3.4
3.7
11.5
Linseed oil, raw , N ew
Y o rk ...................................
14.6
C h em ic a ls a n d d r u g s .
2.2
4.7
7.7
1.7
2.4
F u e l a n d lig h tin g .
Coal, b itu m in o u s, p re
p ared sizes, Chicago........
[340]
Copper w ire, bare, f. o. b.
m ill...............................
2.0
B u i ld in g m a te r ia ls .
3.0
1.6
Per
cent.
M e ta ls a n d m e ta l p r o d u c ts .
C loths a n d c lo th in g .
C otton y a rn , B oston:
C arded, 10/1..................... .
Tw isted, 40/2.....................
L eather, glazed k id , black,
B osto n ..............................
Silk, J a p a n , K an sai, New
Y o rk ....................................
Y a rn , w orsted, 2/50s, P h il
adelphia .............................
C om m odity.
2.1
Copper sulphate, New
Y ork .......................
Soda, caustic, New Y o r k ..
Soda ash, light, New Y o rk .
7.1
4.8
9.2
7.1
M is c e lla n e o u s .
Cottonseed m eal, prim s,
New Y o rk ............ ........ .’.
Cottonseed oil, prim e,
New Y o rk .........................
P hosphate rock, f. o. b.
m ine....................................
Linseed m eal, New Y o rk . .
Soya-bean oil, crude, New
Y ork.................................. .
13.7
5.2
11.1
2.1
4.6
W H O L E SA L E PR IC E S I F
JU N E .
79
IM P O R T A N T A R T IC L E S IN C R E A S IN G OR D E C R E A S IN G IN A V E R A G E P R IC E IN JU N E
AS C O M PA R E D W IT H M AY, 1921, B Y G R O U P S O F C O M M O D ITIES—Concluded.
Decreases.
C om m odity.
Per
cent.
C om m odity.
F a r m p r o d u c ts .
C loths a n d c lo th in g .
C otton, m iddling:
New O rleans.....................
N ew A o rk .........................
O ats, cash, Chicago............
R ye, No. 2 cash, C hicago..
W heat:
No. 1 n o rth e rn spring,
Chicago...........................
N o. 2 red w in ter, Chicag o .................................
N o. 2 h a rd w in ter, K ansas C ity ...........................
No. 1 h a rd w hite, P o rtland, Oreg......................
H ay , alfalfa, K ansas C ity ..
H ides,calfsk in s,C h icag o ..
H ops, Pacifies, P o rtlan d ,
T .Oreg........ .........................
Live stock, Chicago:
C attle, steers, good to
choice..............................
Hogs, lig h t.........................
Sheep, ewes.......................
Sheep, la m b s.....................
Sheep, w ethers.................
P o u ltry , live, New Y o rk ..
Tobacco, good leaf, d ark
red, Louisville, K y ..........
Shoes, factory:
Children’s, gun m e ta l. . .
W om en’s, k id , M cK ay
sewed.
Y o u th ’s, gun m etal,
b lu ch er...........................
D enim s, M assachusetts,
New Y o rk . .
D rillings, brow n, Massac h u setts D stan d a rd ,
New Y o rk .........................
Sheeting, bleached. Pepperell, 10/4, N ew Y o r k ..
M uslin, bleached, Lonsdale, 4/4, fa c to ry ..............
L eather, sole, hem lock,
B oston................................
W ool, Ohio, scoured fleece,
la n d ig r a d e s ,B o s to n ...
Y a m , w orsted, '2/32s, Boston
6.5
7.0
3. 8
12.4
4.3
8.3
6.4
4.2
13.8
7.9
23.1
3.9
2.4
34.9
8.6
26.2
6.9
3.0
19.1
M e ta ls a n d m e ta l p r o d u c ts .
32.0
B ar iron, best refined,
P h ilad elp h ia.....................
Iro n ore, Mesabi, Bessem er, lower lake p o rts . . . .
Lead, pig, New Vorlc
Lead pipe, New Y o rk ........
N ails, wire, P ittsb u rg h ___
Pig iron:
Basic, valley furnace___
F o u n d ry , N o. 2 n o rth
ern, P ittsb u rg h
Pipe,
cast-irom
New
Y o rk ...................................
Silver, b ar, fine, New
Y o rk .................
4.3
Cheese, New Y o rk ..............
Codfish, large, G loucester..
Mackerel, large, B oston___
Salm on, can n ed , New
Y ork....................................
F lour, rve, w hite, M innea o oiis..................................
F ru it,ra is in s , New Y o r k ..
Beef, fresh, good n a tiv e
steers, Chicago..................
Beef, salt, m ess, New
Y o rk ............................
M utto n , dressed, New
Y o rk ....................................
P ork, salt, mess, New
Y ork....................................
P o u ltry , dressed, New
Y ork ....................................
M ilk, fresh, New Y o rk ___
Oleomargarine, C hicago. . .
Rice, blue rose, New
O rlean s...............................
P epper, black, Singapore,
New Y o rk .........................
Potatoes, w h ite ,C h ic a g o ..
Sugar, N ew York:
R a w ....................................
G ra n u la te d ........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
3.2
6.7
11.8
5.4
5. 9
5.0
4.3
7. 4
13.4
6.4
7.2
1. 4
19.8
14. 1
10.0
[341]
Com m odity.
Per
cent.
M e ta ls a n d m e ta l p r o
d u c ts —Concluded.
2.8
6.6
4.1
1.9
Steel plates, ta n k , P itts
b u rg h ..................................
Steel, stru c tu ra l, Chicago..
T in , pig, N ew Y o rk ............
W ire, barbed, galvanized,
C hicago.............................
Zinc, pig, New Y o rk ..........
11.4
1.9
10.0
6.7
7.8
B u i l d i n g m a te r ia ls .
3.2
2.8
7.7
2.7
B rick com m on, building,
C in c in n ati..........................
L a th , eastern spruce, New
Y o rk ............. ....................
T u rp en tin e, New A o rk . . .
Shingles, cypress, New
O rleans...............................
Spruce, eastern, B o s to n .. .
3.6
C h e m ic a ls a n d d r u g s.
4.0
Acid, m u riatic, New Y ork.
A lum , lu m p , New Y o rk . . .
B orax, New Y o rk ...............
G lycerine, refined, New
Y o rk ......................
Soda, n itra te of, New Y ork
S ulphur, crude, New Y ork
F u e l a n d lig h tin g .
Alcohol, d en atu red , New
Y o rk ....................................
Coal, bitum inous:
Screenings, Chicago........
R u n of m ine, C in c in n a ti.
R u n of m ine, S t. Louis
Coke, Connelsville, fur
nace, a t ovens..
Gasoline, m o tor, New
Y o rk ....................................
Petroleum , crude, a t well:
California
K ansas-O klahom a..........
P e n n sy lv an ia .
Petroleum , refined, New
Y ork, w ater w hite,
150°.......................
F o o d , etc.
Per
een..
1.3
4.6
5.2
8.7
7.0
3.8
8 1
20.8
21.6
8. 3
2.6
2.9
15.8
3.8
2.7
6.2
6.3
3.2
5.2
6.4
3.1
H o u s e -fu r n is liin g goods.
P lates, w hite granite,
factory ................................
Teacups a n d saucers, fac
to ry ......................................
B edroom sets, 3 pieces,
Chicago...............................
B edroom chairs, rockers,
Chicago..............................
K itchen chairs, C hicago...
K itchen tables, C hicago__
K nives an d forks, factor y ..
Pails, galvanized, facto ry ..
T ubs, galvanized, fa c to ry ..
10.0
10.0
1.2
12.5
9.7
3.5
6.9
5.1
3.1
M is c e lla n e o u s .
2.6
6.9
8 Q
2.1
1.6
5.7
6.0
13. 1
2.0
B ra n ,M in n e ap o lis..............
J u te, raw , N ew Y o rk .........
P aper, w rapping, New
Y o rk ....................................
Rope, m an ila, New Y o rk ..
R ubber, P ara, island, New
Y ork....................................
H em p, m anila. N ew Y ork.
Mill feed, m iddlings, M in
neapolis..............................
Tankage, 9 a n d 20 per cent,
Chicago.............................
W ood p u lp , dom estic,
sulphite, New Y o rk ____
Coconut oil, New Y o rk __
io .O
4. g
2.3
5.0
8.6
14. 7
5.4
7.4
6.5
1.7
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
80
IN D E X N U M B E R S O F W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN S P E C IF IE D Y E A R S A N D M O N TH S, 1913
TO J U N E , 1921, B Y G R O U PS O F C O M M O D ITIES.
[1913=100.]
Y ear a n d m o n th .
F arm
prod
ucts.
1913..............................
J a n u a ry ...................
A p ril.......................
J u ly ..........................
O ctober...................
1914..............................
J a n u a ry ...................
A p ril......................... .
J u ly ..........................
O ctober...................
1915..............................
J a n u a ry ...................
A p ril........................
J u ly ..........................
O ctober...................
1916..............................
J a n u a ry ...................
A p ril........................
J u ly ..........................
O ctober...................
1917..............................
J a n u a ry ..................
A p ril........................
J u ly ..........................
O ctober...................
1918..............................
Ja n u a ry ...................
F e b ru a ry ................
M arch......... ............
A p ril........................
M ay ..........................
J u n e . .......................
J u ly ..........................
A u g u st....................
S ep tem b er..............
O ctober...................
N ov e m b e r_______
D ecem ber...............
1919..............................
Ja n u a ry ...................
F e b ru a ry ................
M arch......................
A p ril........................
M ay ..........................
J u n e .........................
J u ly ..........................
A u g u st....................
S ep tem b er..............
O ctober...................
N o v em b er..............
D ecem ber...............
1920............................
Ja n u a ry ...................
F e b ru a ry ................
M arch......................
A p ril........................
M ay ..........................
J u n e .........................
J u ly ..........................
A u g u st....................
S ep tem b er..............
O ctober...................
N o v em b er..............
D ecem ber...............
1921:
Ja n u a ry ...................
F e b ru a ry ................
M arch ......................
A p ril........................
M ay ..........................
Jun e 1.......................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Food,
etc.
Cloths
and
cloth
ing.
F u el
and
lig h t
ing.
Metals
and
m etal
prod
ucts.
B uild Chemi House- Miscel
A ll
fu r
com
ing
cals
and n ish in g lane
m
odi
m a te
ous.
ties.
rials. drugs. goods.
100
97
97
101
103
103
101
103
104
103
105
102
107
108
105
122
108
114
118
136
189
148
181
199
208
220
207
208
212
217
214
217
224
230
237
224
221
222
234
222
218
228
235
240
231
246
243
226
230
240
244
218
246
237
239
246
244
243
236
222
210
182
165
144
100
99
96
102
102
103
102
95
104
107
104
106
105
104
103
126
113
117
121
140
176
150
1S2
181
183
189
187
186
177
178
177
179
184
191
199
201
206
210
210
207
196
203
211
214
204
216
227
211
211
219
234
236
253
244
246
270
287
279
268
235
223
204
195
172
100
100
100
100
100
98
98
99
99
97
100
96
99
99
103
128
110
119
126
138
181
161
169
187
193
233
211
216
223
232
237
245
249
252
255
257
256
250
261
234
223
216
217
228
258
282
304
306
313
325
335
302
350
356
356
353
347
335
317
299
278
257
234
220
100
103
98
99
100
98
99
98
95
93
93
93
89
90
96
119
105
108
108
133
175
176
184
192
146
163
157
157
158
157
160
159
166
166
167
167
171
171
173
170
169
168
167
167
170
171
175
181
181
179
181
238
184
187
192
213
235
246
252
268
284
282
258
236
100
107
102
98
99
87
92
91
85
83
97
83
91
102
100
143
126
147
145
151
208
183
208
257
182
181
174
176
176
177
178
178
184
185
184
187
188
184
161
172
168
•162
152
152
154
158
165
160
161
164
169
186
177
189
192
195
193
190
191
193
192
184
170
157
100
100
101
101
98
87
98
99
97
96
94
94
94
93
93
101
99
101
99
101
124
106
114
132
134
151
136
138
144
148
148
150
154
157
159
158
164
164
192
161
163
165
162
164
175
186
208
227
231
236
253
308
268
300
325
341
341
337
333
328
318
313
274
266
100
101
101
99
100
101
100
100
99
105
114
103
102
108
124
159
150
172
156
150
198
159
170
198
252
221
232
232
232
229
223
219
216
222
220
218
215
195
179
191
185
183
178
179
174
171
172
173
174
176
179
210
189
197
205
212
215
218
217
216
222
216
207
188
100
100
100
100
100
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
99
115
105
108
121
124
144
132
139
152
152
196
161
161
165
172
173
198
199
221
226
226
226
227
236
218
218
218
217
217
233
245
259
262
264
299
303
337
324
329
329
331
339
362
362
363
371
371
369
346
100
100
98
101
100
99
99
101
97
96
99
100
99
98
99
120
107
no
120
132
155
138
149
153
163
133
178
181
184
191
194
196
190
191
194
196
203
204
217
212
208
217
216
213
212
221
225
217
220
220
220
236
227
227
230
238
246
247
243
240
239
229
220
205
100
100
98
100
101
100
100
98
100
99
101
99
100
101
101
124
no
117
119
134
176
151
172
186
1S1
196
185
186
187
190
190
193
198
202
207
204
206
206
212
203
197
201
203
207
207
218
226
220
223
230
238
243
248
249
136
129
125
115
117
113
162
150
150
141
133
132
208
198
192
186
181
180
228
218
207
199
194
187
152
146
139
138
138
132
239
221
208
203
202
202
182
178
171
168
166
166
283
277
275
274
262
250
190
180
167
154
151
150
177
167
162
154
151
148
1 Prelim inary.
[342]
265
272
269
262
250
242
225
207
189
WHOLESALE PRICES IN JU N E .
81
Com paring prices in June w ith those of a year ago, as m easured by
changes in the index num bers, it is seen th a t farm products have
declined 5 3 | per cent, food 52* per cent, and cloths and clothing
461 per cent. Building m aterials show a decline of 40 per cent and
m etals and house-furnishing goods a decline of oyer 30 per cent.
Fuel and chemicals were approxim ately 24 per cent cheaper th an in
June of last year, while commodities classed as miscellaneous and
including im p o rtan t articles not falling w ithin other groups were 39
per cent cheaper. All commodities, taken together, were 45 per
cent cheaper.
Changes in Wholesale Prices in the United States.
H E downward m ovem ent of prices for m any im p o rtan t com
m odities in the three m onths from April to June of the present
year is in striking contrast to their strong upw ard trend in
the corresponding m onths of 1920. Among articles showing decided
price decreases during the q u arter were cattle, sheep, mess beef, mess
pork, m utton, b u tter, potatoes, sugar, coke, pig iron, crude arid
refined petroleum , plate and window glass, Douglas fir lum ber, and
cast-iron pipe.
Sm aller b u t very perceptible declines in price were recorded for
hogs, milk, wool, sole leather, steel billets, pig tin, tinplate, nails,
gasoline, building brick, lime, and hemlock and oak lum ber.
On the other hand w heat, corn, flour, meal, cotton yarns, hides,
anth racite coal, yellow-pine flooring, and finseed oil increased
m aterially in price during the quarter.
Com paring prices in June w ith those of a year ago, the bureau's
records show decreases of from 25 to 50 per cent for cattle, hogs,
fresh beef, bacon, ham s, lard, salt pork, m utton, b u tte r, eggs, milk,
w heat and w heat flour, r}7e and rye flour, worsted yarns, wool serge,
oak sole leather, wom en’s shoes, ingot copper, copper wire, pig iron,
steel billets, pig tin, pig lead, spelter, building brick, lath , hemlock
lum ber, cast-iron pipe, and stru ctu ral steel.
In the 12-month period wool, worsted suitings, and chrome calf
shoe leather decreased 51 per cent in price, linseed oil and yellowpme flooring decreased 55 per cent, Pennsylvania grade crude
petroleum decreased 57 per cent, packers’ hides and cotton sheeting
59 per cent, Douglas fir lum ber 61 per cent, sheep (ewes) and oak
lum ber 63 per cent, cotton yarns 65 per cent, corn meal, oats, and
K ansas-0klahom a crude oil 66 per cent, corn 67 per cent, and barley,
rice, and turpentine 68 per cent.
L arger decreases were cotton 70 per cent, p rin t cloth 72 per cent,
granulated sugar 73 per cent, furnace coke 81 per cent, and potatoes
90 per cent.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[343]
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN JU L Y , 1917 TO 1919, AND IN C E R T A IN M O N TH S O F 1920 AND 1921, AS CO M PA R ED W IT H A V E R A G E P R IC E S IN 1913.1
Average money 'prices.
J u ly Article.
U nit.
1921
1920
1913
1917
1918
1919
Apr.
May.
June.
July.
Aug.
Sept.
Jan .
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May.
June.
$9. 840
.174
17.000
9.305
,. 143
.249
.136
29. 750
3.450
.113
.483
.598
.075
$9.313
. 160
17.000
9.156
.144
.260
.125
31. 500
3.688
.094
.476
.352
.062
$9.563
.163
17.000
9.463
. 154
.273
.122
30.100
4. 031
.116
. 460
.271
.052
$8.719
.165
17.000
8.225
.139
.276
.105
28.063
4.406
.134
.450
.238
.052
$8.425
. 165
17.000
8.195
.134
.273
.097
25.350
4.125
.136
.292
.218
.056
$8.094
.160
13.750
8.125
.138
.282
.102
24.250
2.688
.093
.319
.239
.049
FOODSTUFFS.
100 lb s... IS. 507 $12. 560 $17.625 $16. 869 $13.906 $12.600 $15.031 $15.381 $15.450 $15.250
L b..........
.130
.164
.240
.208
.209
.195
.223
.255
.255
.260
B b l........ 18.923 30. 500 34. 875 34.300 17.000 17.000 17. 000 IS. 125 18. 500 19. 250
lOOlbs... 8. 365 15.460 17. 720 22. 225 14. S06 13.975 14. 725 14. 856 15.130 16. 544
L b ..........
.127
.248
. 276
.212
.202
.337
.219
.218
.207
.200
L b ..........
.166
.240
.303
.384
.331
.377
. 356
. 365
.373
.363
L b ..........
.264
.110
.201
.351
.200
. 208
.206
.191
.189
.201
B b l........ 22. 471 42.250 48.500 58.900 42. 813 42. 250 40. 400 36.250 32.900 31.000
100 lb s... 4.687
8.600 10.975
6.594
5.544
8.125 14.250 12. 525
7.344
6.575
L b ..........
. 172
.103
. 145
.206
.251
.170
.139
. 118
. 159
.195
L b ..........
.432
.512
.310
.376
.639
. 571
.549
.553
.540
.568
D oz........
.226
.318
.374
.411
.388
.423
. 471
.527
.416
.413
.035
.050
.054
.071
.061
.061
.070
.084
.067
.078
Q t..........
E u ..........
B b l........
B u ..........
100 lb s...
B u ..........
B u ..........
B b l........
B u ..........
L b ..........
B u ..........
L b ..........
.874
4.584
.625
1.601
.376
.636
3.123
.625
.051
.614
.043
L b ..........
L b ..........
Y d .........
Y d .........
Y d .........
L b ..........
L b ..........
Y d .........
Y d .........
.128
.221
.035
.073
.081
.471
.777
1.382
.563
2. 582
2.170
12.750 H0.702
2.044
1.665
4.880
4. 825
. 764
.765
2. 226
1.705
11.620 10. 440
1.391
1.125
.071
.094
2. 375
1.035
.075
.074
2.680
12.155
1.920
4.488
.764
1.555
8.050
1. 268
. 117
1.683
.088
3.006
14.281
1,706
3. 775
1.003
2.007
11.138
1.656
.123
4.249
3 .192
3.075
15.031
1.995
4. 220
1.095
2.174
11. 869
1.725
.122
4. 425
3 .225
2.900
14.160
1. 851
4. 375
1.114
2.208
12. 010
1. 520
.123
3.975
3 .212
2.831
13.669
1. 549
3.590
.935
2.232
11.650
1.214
.125
3. 570
3 .191
2.550
12. 235
1. 541
3.400
.699
1.963
10. 250
1.085
.102
2.097
.167
2.490
12. 594
1.315
2.863
. 585
1.945
9.988
1.006
.095
1.395
.143
1. 788
9.625
.682
1.350
. 454
1.648
9. 756
. 750
.048
.780
.076
1.671
9.181
.665
1.425
.431
1.488
8. 794
.689
.048
.683
.071
1.614
8.730
.649
1. 375
.432
1. 447
8.150
.714
.045
.732
.078
1.406
7.950
.578
1.200
.378
1.339
7. 531
.636
.040
.596
.073
1.492
8.745
.616
1.250
.392
1.467
7. 760
. 657
.035
.510
.063
1.499
9.006
.614
1.488
.377
1. 284
7. 300
.639
.039
.409
.057
.351
. 591
. 116
.219
.274
1. 236
1.600
(4)
1.223
.424
.778
.165
(')
.333
1.200
2. 200
5.423
1.421
.413
.767
.160
(4)
.333
1.164
2.000
5.423
1.421
.393
. 730
.154
(4)
.333
1. 000
2.000
5.423
1.421
.410
.701
.142
(4)
.333
.909
1. 750
5.423
1.421
.360
.631
.117
.277
.305
.873
1. 750
5.423
1.421
.301
.543
.100
. 238
.304
. S30
1.600
4.499
1.267
.167
.288
.058
.121
.154
.546
1.150
3.363
1.047
.139
.278
.053
.118
.152
.546
1.150
2.858
.885
.118
.245
.045
.113
.152
.527
1.200
2. 575
.885
.121
.239
.043
.100
.152
.527
1.200
2.565
.885
.129
.249
. 043
.100
.149
.509
1.250
2. 565
.885
.120
.255
.043
.100
.137
.491
1.200
2. 565
.885
TEXTILES AND LEATHER GOODS.
Cotton, upland, m id dlin g..........
Cotton yarn, carded, 10/1............
P rin t cloth, 27-inch......................
Sheeting, brow n, P epperell........
Bleached m uslin, Lonsdale........
Wool, | and f grades, scoured...
W orsted y arn, 2-32s.....................
Clay w orsted suitings. 16-ounce.
Storm serge, all-wool,'50-inch. . .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.261
.450
.073
.140
.157
1.200
1.600
3.250
1.176
.312
.641
. 113
(4)
.245
1.437
2.150
4.450
1.470
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
[344]
(a) A n i m a l .
Cattle, good to choice steers.......
Beef, fresh, good n a tiv e steers...
Beef, salt, ex tra m ess...................
Hogs, heavy...................................
B acon, short, clear sides.............
H am s, smoked, loose...................
L ard, prim e, co n tract..................
Pork, salt, m ess.............................
Sheep, ew es....................................
M utton, dressed............................
B u tte r, cream ery, e x tra ..............
Eggs, fresh, firsts...........................
M ilk..................................................
(6) Vegetable.
W heat, No. 1, n o rth ern ...............
W heat flour, stan d ard , p a te n t. .
Corn, No. 2, m ix e d ...... ...............
Corn m eal.......................................
O ats, stan d ard , in store...............
R ye, No. 2 ......................................
R ye flour.........................................
B arley, fair to good, m alting___
Rice, H onduras, h e a d ..................
Potatoes, w hite..............................
Sugar, granulated.........................
Hides, packers’ h eav y native
steers............................................... Lb
Leather, chrom e calf...................... S q .f t....
Leather, sole, oak............................ Lb
Shoes, m e n ’s, Goodyear welt,
vici calf, blu ch er..........................
Shoes, w om en’s, Goodyear welt,
k id , 9-inch la c e 3..........................
.184
.270
.449
.330
. 540
.815
.324
.640
. S30
.486
1.100
.950
.351
1.250
.915
.354
1.175
.910
. 341
1.075
.900
294
.875
.900
.285
.875
. 875
.284
.800
. S75
. 168
.525
.600
.133
. 525
.550
.115
.525
. 575
.525
. 575
.101
.119
.525
. 550
.140
.525
.550
3.113
4.750
5.645
7.476
9.600
9.600
9.100
9.100
9.100
9.100
7.250
7.250
7.250
7.000
7.000
7.000
2.175
3.500
5.000
7.250
8.250
8.250
7.750
7.750
7.218
7.000
7.000
7.000
6.871
6.000
5.884
5.600
2,2401bs. 5.313
5.933
2.000 lbs. 2. 200
5.000
2.000 lbs. 2. 538 15.000
L b ..
.157
.318
L b ..........
.167
.338
2,2401bs. 17.133 57. 450
2,2401bs. 25.789 100. 000
100l b s . . 3. 558 12.000
Lb
.449
.620
L b ..........
.044
.114
L b ..........
.058
.093
B b l........ 2.450
3.100
6.693
4.100
6.000
. 255
.285
36.600
47. 500
7.750
.932
.080
.087
4.000
8.304
4.000
4.172
.215
.244
29. 350
38.500
7.000
.702
.056
.079
4.000
8.522
5.500
10.500
. 192
.230
43.650
60. 000
7.000
.623
.090
.086
6.100
9.059
6.000
12.000
.191
.230
44.025
60.000
7.000
.556
.086
.081
6.100
9.462
6.000
15.400
.190
.230
44. 800
60.000
7.000
.490
.085
.080
6.100
9.551
6.000
17.250
.190
.230
47.150
62.500
7.500
.491
.086
. 0S2
6.100
9.711
6.000
17.600
. 190
.230
49.112
61.000
9.000
.472
.090
. 0S3
6.100
10. 541
7.100
16.625
.187
.229
50.460
58.750
9.000
.444
.082
.078
6.100
10.637
5.600
5.063
.129
.159
33.960
43.500
7.000
.355
.050
.059
5.775
10.637
5.100
4.500
.129
.157
31.460
42.250
7.000
.326
.047
.054
4.188
10.642
4.850
4.350
.151
28.160
38.400
7.000
.288
.041
.052
3.000
10.141
4.850
3.500
.125
.148
26.160
37.500
6.438
.304
.043
.052
3.188
10.241
4.850
3.250
.128
.152
26.160
37.000
6.250
.322
.050
.054
3.350
10.360
4.600
2.938
.128
.155
24.710
37.000
6.250
.290
.045
.049
2.625
MINERAL AND METAL PRODUCTS.
.122
B b l____
G al........
G al........
.934
.123
.168
1.700
.120
.240
2.250
.171
.241
2.250
.205
.245
3.500
.260
.285
3.500
.260
.294
3.500
.260
.300
3.500
.260
.300
3.500
.260
.300
3.500
. 275
.310
3.400
.290
.310
1.938
.275
.290
1.750
.263
.268
1.750
.254
.260
1. 500
.240
.260
1.188
1 ,0 0 0 ....
B b l........
B bl
6.563
.971
1.078
8. 875
1.650
1.900
12.750
1. 700
2. 500
15.000
1.650
2.700
25.000
1.650
4.100
25.000
1.742
4.100
25.000
1.800
4.225
25.000
1.800
4.600
22.484
1.887
4.600
15.767
1.950
4.600
16.500
1.931
4.800
16.500
1.718
4.800
16.250
1.700
4.800
15.000
1.700
4. 800
14.500
1.700
4.500
14.500
1.700
4.500
Sq. f t___
50 s q .ft..
1 ,0 0 0 ....
1.000 f t . .
1,000ft..
1.000 f t . .
1.000 f t . .
1,0 0 0 ....
lOOlbs...
2.000 lb s.
Lb
L b ..........
G al........
G al........
.318
2. 221
4.284
9. 208
624. 227
760. 591
323.036
1.967
1.819
23.371
.016
.068
.462
.428
.400
3.420
5.625
18. 500
«28.000
769.000
33. 420
3.000
4.100
65.525
.062
.128
1.120
.420
.460
5.700
5.125
19. 500
534. 500
775.500
34. 030
3.080
3.600
61.750
.033
.136
1.770
.700
.820
.820
.820
.820
.820
6. 555 6.555
6. 555
6. 555
6.55.5
17. 000 16. 000 16. 000 16.000 10. 500
37.500 29. 500 29. 500 29.500 25.500
53.750 52.750 51. 750 51. 750 51.063
155.000 148.500 142.500 127.500 119.500
86.270 71.440 65. 320 66.200 62.220
4.190
4. 570
4.990
4.960
3. 880
4.100
4.100
4.100
4.350
4.350
76.300 76.300 76.300 76.484 77.220
.032
.035
.035
.031
.032
.155
.155
.155
.155
.155
1.690
1.653
1.520
1.413
1.215
2.475
1.868
1.599
1.624
1.473
.820
6.555
8.750
15.500
40.750
75.000
36.890
2.490
3.350
63.300
.028
.132
.782
.724
.820
6. 555
8.250
12. 500
36.000
67.500
33.990
2.560
3.313
63.300
.028
.130
. 655
.609
.820
6.555
8.750
12.500
35.500
61.000
31.920
2.400
3.120
63.300
.026
.130
.658
.584
.820
6.555
8. 750
12. 500
33. 500
57.500
30.710
2.420
3.225
63.300
.026
.130
.604
.591
.700
5.130
8.750
11.500
33.300
53. 500
31.780
2. 570
3.150
61.300
.026
.130
.700
.717
.700
5.130
8.500
11.500
32.000
55.000
32.390
2.520
3.100
53.300
.025
.130
.750
.604
.220
.250
BUILDING MATERIALS.
Brick, red, domestic, b u ild in g ...
C em ent, P o rtlan d , dom estic........
Lim e, com m on, 1u m p ....................
Glassj p la te , polished, 5 to 10
sq u arefee t.....................................
Glass, w indow , single, B ...............
L a th , lj-in c h s la b ...........................
Douglas fir, No. 1............................
H em lock............................................
Oak, w hite, p la in ............................
Pine, yellow, flooring.....................
Shingles, re d cedar..........................
N ails, w ire, 8-penny.......................
Pipe, cast-iron, 6-inch....................
Steel, s tru c tu ra l...............................
Lead, carb o n ate of (w h ite)...........
Linseed oil, ra w ...............................
T u rp en tin e, sp irits of.....................
.580
.820
6.555
6. 200
5. 750 17.000
28. 500 37. 500
39.150 55.350
70.000 155.COO
61.630 97. 090
5.720
4. 820
4.100
3.350
50.920 74.300
.027
.035
.130
. 155
2.115
1. 828
1.176
2.575
1 T his ta b le is published quarterly, in th e February, May, A ugust, and Novem ber
issues of th e Monthly L abor R eview .
2 S tan d ard w ar flour.
3 E stim ated price. No m ark et quotation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
4 No quotation.
6 Prior to Jan u a ry , 1918, prices are for gun m etal, bu tto n .
6 Price a t New Y ork; prices in subsequent m onths are a t Chicago.
7 Price a t New Y ork; prices in subsequent m onths are a t C incinnati.
CHANGES IN WHOLESALE PRICES.
[345]
Coal, an th racite, c h e s tn u t.............
Coal, bitum inous, rim of m in e___
Coke, furnace, p ro m p t sh ip m en t..
Copper, electrolytic.........................
Copper w ire, bare, No. 8 ...............
P ig iro n , B essem er...............! .........
Steel b ille ts........................................
T in plate, dom estic, coke.............
Pig t i n ................................................
P ig le a d ..............................................
Spelter................................................
Petroleum , crude, P en n sy lv an ia.
Petroleum , crude, K ansas-Oldah o m a...............................................
Petroleum , refined, w ater-w hite..
Gasoline, m o to r................................
OO
CO
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN JU L Y , 1917 TO 1919, A N D IN C E R T A IN M O N TH S O F 1920 A N D 1921, AS C O M PA R ED W IT H A V E R A G E P R IC E S IN 1913—Concluded.
Relative prices.
4^
1921
1920
Ju ly —
A rticle.
00
1913
June.
1917
1918
1919
Apr.
May.
June.
Ju ly .
Aug.
Sept.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
A pr.
May.
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
147.6
126.2
161.2
184.8
195.3
144.6
182.7
188.0
183. 5
140.8
121.3
140.7
142.9
207.2
184. 6
184. 3
211.8
217.3
182. 5
240.0
215.8
234.2
200. 0
139. 4
165.6
154.3
198.3
160.0
181.3
265. 7
265.4
231.3
319. 1
262.1
173. 4
154.4
165. 2
184.1
202.9
163.5
160.8
89. 8
177.0
172.4
199.4
181.8
190.5
304.0
243.7
206.1
182.7
174.3
148.1
150.0
89. 8
167.1
171. 7
214.5
189.1
188.0
267.2
189.3
184.2
181.9
174.3
176.7
171. 5
89.8
176. 0
166.9
219.9
187.3
179.8
156.7
167.0
177.1
171. 7
191.4
180.8
196.2
95.8
177.6
163. 0
227.1
173.6
161.3
140. 7
165.0
178.4
187.2
200.0
180.4
196. 2
97. 8
180.9
157.5
224.7
171. 8
146. 4
140.3
135.0
174.2
208.4
222.9
179.3
200.0
101.7
197.8
159.1
218. 7
182.7
138.0
118.3
114.6
183.2
233.2
240.0
115.7
133.8
89.8
111. 2
112.6
150. 0
123.6
132. 4
73.6
109.7
155.8
264.6
214.3
109.5
123.1
89. 8
109.5
113.4
156.6
113.6
140.2
7S.7
91.3
153. 5
155.8
177.1
112.4
125. 4
89. 8
113.1
121.3
164.5
110.9
134.0
86.0
112.6
148.4
119.9
148.6
102. .5
126.9
89.8
98.3
109.4
166.3
95.5
124.9
94,0
130.1
145.2
105.3
148.6
99.0
126.9
89.8
98.0
105.5
164. 5
88.2
112.8
88.0
132.0
94.2
96.5
160.0
95.1
123.1
72.7
97.1
108.7
169.9
92.7
107.9
57.4
90.3
102.9
105.8
140.0
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
248.3
295.4
278.1 2 233. 5
266.4
327.0
301.4
304.8
203.5
203.2
350.0
268.1
372.1
334. 3
222.6
180.0
184.3
139. 2
386.8
168.6
172.1
174.4
323.9
351.8
331.8
306.6
343.9
298.2
265.2
311.5
327.9
308.9
296.2
307.2
273.0
319.2
247.8
273.6
224.5
280.3
236.1
263.9
203.2
291.2
296. 3 248.7
286.8
347.2
350.9
244.5
315.6
341.8
335.9
257.8
321.2
342.2
346. 3
194.2
202.9
276.0
243. 2
265.0
241.2
245.1
229.4
241.2
239. 2
692.0
720.7
647.4
581.4
274.1
204.7 3 446.5 a 523.3 3 493.0 3 444. 2
291.8
266.9
246.6
212. 6
185.9
308.6
295.6
173.6
200.0
341.5
888.4
284.9
274.7
210.4
179. 0
155.6
305.8
288.0
161.0
1S6. 3
227.2
332.6
204.6
210.0
109.1
84.3
120.7
259.1
312.4
120.0
90.2
127.0
176.7
191.2
200.3
106.4
89.0
114. 6
234. 0
281.6
110.2
94.1
111. 2
165.1
184.7
190.4
103.8
85.9
114.9
227.5
261.0
114.2
88.2
119. 2
181.4
160.9
173.4
92.5
75.0
100. 5
210. 5
241.1
101.8
7S.4
97.1
169. S
170.7
190.8
98.6
78.1
104.3
230.7
248.5
105.1
68.6
83.1
146. 5
171.5
196.5
98.2
92.9
100.3
201.9
233.7
102.2
76. 5
66.6
132.6
100
100
100
100
100
100
203. 9
203.6
208.6
191.8
193.8
254.8
281.3
285.5
334.3
379.5
371.9
185.3
235.2
245.7
285.7
326.0
370.7
177.5
130. 5
130.3
165. 7
165.8
190.1
115.9
108.6
125. 8
151.4
161. 6
187.7
115.9
92.2
110.9
128.6
154. 8
187. 7
111.9
94.5
108.1
122.9
137.0
187.7
111.9
100.8
112.7
122.9
137.0
184.0
108.1
93.8
115.4
122.9
137.0
l'o9.1
104.2
FOODSTUFFS.
(a ) A n im a l.
(&) Vegetable.
W heat, No. 1 , n o rth e rn ........................................
W heat flour, s tan d a rd , p a te n t............................
Corn, No. 2 , m ix ed ........ .........................................
Corn m eal..................................................................
O ats, stan d a rd , in s to re . . .*.......................... ....
R ye, No. 2 .................................................................
R ye flour...................................................................
B arley, fair to good, m a ltin g ...............................
Rice, H o n d u ras, h e a d ...........................................
Potatoes, w h ite .......................................................
Sugar, g ra n u la te d ...................................................
TEXTILES A N D LEATHER GOODS.
Cotton, u p lan d , m id d lin g ....................................
Cotton y a rn , carded, 10/L ...................................
P rin t cloth, 27-inch . . . . ........................................
Sheeting, brow n, P ep p erell.................................
Bleached m u slin , L onsdale..................................
W ool, J an d l grades, sco u red .............................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
243.8
289.6
322.9
(4)
302. 5
305.1
274. 2
267.4
331.4
300.0
338. 3
262.4
331.3
352.0
471.4
0)
406.1
254.8
322.7
347.1
457.1
G)
406. 1
247.1
307.0
330. 3
440.0
0)
406.1
212.3
320.3
317.2
405. 7
G)
406.1
193. 0
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW,
[3461
Cattle, good to choice stee rs.................................
Beef, fresh, good n a tiv e steers.............................
Beef, salt, e x tra m ess.............................................
H ogs, h e a v y ............................................................
Bacon, short, clear sides.......................................
H am s, sm oked, loose.............................................
L ard , prim e, c o n tra c t............................................
P ork, salt, m ess.......................................................
Sheep, ew es..............................................................
M utton, dressed.......................................................
B u tte r, cream ery, e x tr a ........................................
Eggs, fresh, firsts.....................................................
M ilk............................................................................
W orsted yarn , 2-32s...............................................
Clay w orsted suitings, 16-ounce..........................
Storm serge, all wool, 50-inch..............................
H ides, p ack ers’heavy native steers..................
L eather, chrome calf............................................
L eather, sole, o a k ............... ..................................
Shoes, m en’s, Goodyear w elt, vici calf, blucher.
Shoes, wom en’s, Goodyear welt, kid, 8-inch
la c e 5.....................................................................
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
205.9
235.2
208.9
179.3
200.0
181.5
152.6
276.7
322.0
261.1
176.1
237.0
184.9
181.3
217.2
264.1
407.4
211.6
240.2
283.1
392.4
252.4
196.2
463.0
203.8
308.4
257.4
392.4
252.4
192.4
435.2
202.7
308.4
257.4
392.4
252.4
185.3
39S.1
200.4
292.3
225.2
392.4
252.4
159.8
324.1
200.4
292.3
225.2
392.4
252.4
154.9
324.1
194.9
292.3
205.9
325.5
225.0
154.3
296.3
194.9
292.3
148.0
243.3
186.0
91.3
194.4
133.6
232.9
148.0
206.8
157.2
73.9
194.4
122.5
232.9
154.4
186.3
157.2
62.5
194.4
128.1
232.9
154.4
185.6
157.2
54.9
194.4
128.1
224.9
160.9
185. 6
157.2
64.7
194.4
122.5
224.9
154.4
185.6
157.2
76.1
194.4
122.5
224.9
100
160.9
189.2
274.5
312.3
312.3
293.3
293.3
273.2
265.0
265.0
265.0
260.2
227.2
222.7
212.1
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
111.7
227.3
591.0
282.5
202.4
335.3
387.8
337.3
13S.1
259.1
160.3
126.5
182.0
97.6
142.9
126.0
186.4
236.4
162.4
170.7
213.6
184.2
217.8
207.6
181.8
150.0
163.3
240.9
139.0
143.5
156.3
181.8
164.4
136.9
146.1
171.3
149.3
196.7
156.3
124. 7
136.2
163.3
240.9
166.7
145.8
160.4
250.0
413.7
122.3
137.7
254.8
232.7
196.7
138.8
204.5
148.3
249.0
374.7
211.4
169.6
170.5
272.7
472.8
121.7
137.7
257.0
232. 7
196.7
123.8
195.5
139. 7
249.0
374.7
211.4
175.0
178.1
272. 7
606.8
121.0
137.7
261.5
232.7
196.7
109.1
193.2
137.9
249.0
374. 7
211.4
178.6
179.8
272.7
679.7
121.0
137.7
275.2
242.4
210.8
109.4
195.5
141.4
249.0
374. 7
211.4
178.6
182.8
272.7
693.5
121.0
137.7
286.7
236.5
253.0
105.1
204.5
143.1
249,0
374. 7
211.4
178.6
198.4
322.7
655.0
119.1
137.1
294.5
227.8
253.0
98.9
186.4
134.5
249.0
374.7
223.6
184.5 '
200.2
254.5
199.5
82.2
95.2
198.2
168.7
196. 7
79.1
113.6
101.7
235.7
364.0
235.8
184.5
200.2
231.8
177.3
82.2
94.0
183.6
163.8
196.7
72.6
106.8
93.1
170.9
207.5
223.6
172.6
200.3
220.5
171.4
77.7
90.4
164.4
148.9
196.7
64.1
93.2
89.7
122.4
187.4
213.8
159.5
190.9
220.5
137.9
79.6
88.6
157.4
145.4
180.9
67.7
97.7
89.7
130.1
187.4
206.5
154.8
192.8
220.5
128.1
81.5
91.0
152.7
143. 5
175.7
71.7
113.6
93.1
136. 7
100.6
195.1
154.8
195.0
209.1
115.8
81.5
92.8
144.2
143.5
175. 7
64.6
102.3
84.5
107.1
127.2
178.9
148.8
100
194.3
228.6
135.2
100
175.0
169.9
169.9
100
165.8
218.1
235.6
144.7
182.4
100
125.8
256.6
279.2
100
154.0
119.6
100
131.3
134.2
100 200.9
211.8
309.5
142.4 3 169.2
100 3 115.6
100 2 113.9 2 124.6 2 160.9
100 145.1
147.7
267.5
156.6
100
152.5
245.0
100
225.4
184.2
197.9
217.9
100
280.4
264.2
100
387. 5 206.3
163.8
188.2
191.2
100
200.0
242.4
383.1
457.8
100
163.5
98.1
100
274.8
380.9
169.9
358.0
257.9
295.]
396.8
407. 3
244.5
388.4
421.5
290.8
225.4
317.9
218.8
227.9
395. 7
601.6
380.9
179.4
358.0
257.9
295.1
396.8
407. 3
237.5
388.4
374.5
253.7
225. 4
326. 5
218.8
227.9
365.8
578.3
380.9
185.4
369.0
257.9
295.1
373.5
320.4*
233.0
372.0
310.1
213.0
225. 4
326.5
218.8
227.9
357.8
436.4
380.9
185.4
401.8
257.9
295.1
373. 5
320.4
228.6
357.1
283.6
232.3
225.4
326.5
200.0
227.9
329.0
373.6
342.6
194.3
401.8
257. 9
295.1
373.5
320.4
228.6
319. 5
287.4
252.2
239.1
327. 3
193. 8
227. 9
305.8
379. 4
240.2
200.8
401.8
257.9
295.1
245.1
276.9
225.5
299.4
270.1
197.3
239.1
330.4
200.0
227.9
263.0
344.2
251.4
198.8
418.8
257.9
295.1
204.3
168.3
180.0
187.9
160.1
126.6
184.2
270.8
175.0
194.1
169.3
169.2
251.4
176.9
418.8
257.9
295.1
192.6
135.8
159.0
169.2
147.6
130.1
182.1
270.8
175.0
191.2
141.8
142.3
247.6
175.0
418.8
257.9
295.1
204.3
135.8
156. 7
152.8
138.6
123.0
171.5
270.8
162.5
191.2
142.4
136.4
228.6
175.0
418.8
257.9
295.1
204. 3
135.8
148.0
144.1
133.3
122.0
177.3
270.8
162.5
191.2
130.7
138.1
220.9
175.0
392. 7
220.1
231.0
204.3
124.9
147.0
134.1
138.0
130.7
173.2
262.3
162.5
191.2
151.5
167.5
220.9
175.0
392.7
220.1
231.0
198.4
124.9
141.3
137.8
140.6
128.1
170.4
228.1
156.3
191.2
162.3
141.1
205.9
(0
MINERAL AND METAL PRODUCTS.
BUILDING MATERIALS.
Brick, red, domestic, building............................
Cement, P o rtland, dom estic................................
L im e . common, lu m p ...........................................
Glass, p late, polished, 5 to 10 souare feet........
Glass, window, single, B ......................................
L ath , 11-inch slab ..................................................
Douglas fir, No. 1 ...................................................
H em lock...................................................................
Oak, w hite, p la in ...................................................
Pine, yellow, flooring............................................
Shingles, red' c ed a r.......................... .....................
Nails", wire, 8-penny........................................ .
Pipe, cast-iron, 6-inch...........................................
Steel, stru c tu ra l......................................................
Lead, carbonate of (w h ite )..................................
Linseed oil, raw ......................................................
T urpentine, spirits of............................................
2 Standard w ar flour.
3 E stim ated prices. No m ark et quotation.
4 No quotation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
O
%
CES IN W HOLESALE PEICES.
[347]
Coal, an th racite, c h e s tn u t...................................
Coal, bitum inous, ru n of m ine............................
Coke, furnace, pro m p t sh ip m e n t.......................
Copper, electrolytic...............................................
Copper wire, bare, No. 8 .................................................
Pig iron, Bessem er................................................
Steel b illets..............................................................
T in p late, domestic, coke.....................................
Pig t i n .......................................................................
Pig lead .....................................................................
S pelter.......................................................................
Petroleum , crude, Pen n sy lv an ia.......................
Petroleum , crude, K ansas-O klahom a...............
Petroleum , refined, w ater-w hite........................
Gasoline, m o to r......................................................
5 Prior to Jan u a ry , 1918, prices are for gun m etal, bu tto n .
e Price a t New Y ork; prices in subsequent m onths are a t Chicago.
2 Price a t New Y ork; prices in subsequent m onths a re a t Cincinnati.
00
Or
86
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
Prices of Various Commodities in Chile in 1920.
H E following ta b le 1 shows the increase in prices of various
commodities in Santiago, Chile, from 1910 to 1920. In the
absence of a direct statem ent in the report from which the
figures are taken, the unit is assumed to be the kilogram (2.2 pounds),
and the time, March, 1920.
T
IN C R E A S E IN COST O F A R T IC L E S O F P R IM E N E C E S SIT Y IN SA N TIA G O , 1920, AS COM
P A R E D W IT H 1910.
[1 peso a t par=36.5 cents.]
Price per kilogram in —
Per cent of
increase.«
Article.
B e a n s.................................
B read .................................
F lo u r............................
Maize...................................
M eat.....................................
Potatoes..............................
R ice......................................
Sugar...................................
W h eat..................................
1910
1920
P e so s .
P e so s .
0.43
.42
.38
.20
.96
.19
.53
.70
.25
0. 64
1.05
1.00
.35
1. 84
.25
2. 22
3.00
.60
49
150
163
75
92
32
319
329
140
o Com puted.
A t the same time the following prices prevailed in certain dis
tricts in the mining Provinces of Conception and Arauco, the data
being obtained from eight shops in the town of Curanilahue, gener
ally patronized by miners, and from a company store:
A V E R A G E P R IC E S IN IN D E P E N D E N T A N D CO M PA N Y ST O R E S IN C U R A N IL A H U E .
[1 kilogram =2.2 pounds; 100 gram s=3.5 ounces; 1 l ite r = l.l quarts; 1 peso a t par=36.5 cents.]
Price a t—
Article.
U nit.
B eans...................................
Candles.............
Cheese..................................
Coffee...................................
F lo u r...................................
M eat.....................................
M ilk......................................
Oil........................................
Oil, cottonseed..................
Paraffin...............................
P otatoes..............................
R ice......................................
S a lt..........
Sugar..............................
Tobacco..............................
V erm icelli.................
W h eat..................................
Y e rb a ................................
1 B oletín de la Oficina del Trabajo.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
K ilogram ..............
300-gram package
K ilogram . .
........d o .........
........d o .............
........d o .............
L ite r. . . .
........d o .............
........d o ..................
. . . .d o ............
K ilogram . . . .
___d o .............
___d o ................ .....
........d o ......................
2<t>gram package. .
Kilogram
........d o .............
__d o .
“ 360-gram package.
N úm . 15. Santiago, 1920.
[3 4 8 ]
Independ
ent
stores.
C om pany
store.
P e so s .
P e so s .
0.60
.80
4.11
1. 60
4.50
.87
.20
2.08
.19
2. 30
.10
1.10
.30
2.43
«1.00
2.60
.33
.25
3.80
.70
.18
1.43
.38
2.26
.87
2.28
PRICES OF VARIOUS COMMODITIES ITT C H ILE I FT 1920.
87
The following table 2 gives the average price of various articles
of prime necessity at several points in the Provinces of A ntofagasta
and Tarapaca in the la tte r p a rt of 1919 or early in 1920:
A V E R A G E P R IC E S O F A R T IC L E S O F P R IM E N E C E S SIT Y IN S P E C IF IE D
P R O V IN C E S .
[1 M logram =2.2 pounds; 100gram s=3.5 ounces; 1 l ite r = l.l q u arts; 1 peso a t par=36.5 cents.]
Average price in
U nit.
A rticle.
B eans.......................
B read .......................
C andles...................
Cheese......................
Chick peas..............
Coffee r .....................
F lo u r........................
L a rd .........................
L en tils.....................
Maize.......................
M eat.........................
M ilk.........................
O h............................
Paraffin...................
Peppers, d w arf. ..
Po tato es..................
R ice.........................
S a lt...........................
Sugar.......................
Tobacco......... .........
Vermicelli...............
W h eat......................
W in e .......................
W ood.......................
Y erba.......................
1140 gram s.
A ntofagasta.
Iquique.
Pisagua.
P e so s .
P e so s .
P e so s .
K ilogram ................
........d o ......................
400-460 gram s.........
K ilogram ................
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
........d o .................
........d o .............
........d o .................... .
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
L ite r........................
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
K ilogram ................
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
........d o ......................
25 gram s..................
K ilogram ................
........d o ......................
L ite r........................
100 kilogram s.........
K ilogram .............. .
2 460 grains.
0.62
.90
.98
.83
3.13
.68
3.02
1.14
.42
2.20
.80
3.43
.75
3.95
.42
1.28
.20
1.20
.20
1.11
.47
.94
4.40
1.78
* W ith bone.
0.77
0. 35
1 .20
2 1.00
3.53
.87
3.33
.70
3.65
1.16
.44
2.41
1.00
3.44
.85
3.87
.35
1.40
.21
i 1.12
3 1.00
1.06
.50
.78
.50
.20
.80
1.71
.90
. 40
1.70
. 40
1.70
3.65
.85
2.30
. 17-2
.70"
. 10
4.60
4 G ranulated.
According to Commerce Reports (W ashington), November 8,
1920, page 626, a decline in the price of sugar, beans, rice, coffee,
and other foodstuffs has led to financial difficulties for m any firms.
a B oletín de la Oficina del T rabajo.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
N úm . 13. Santiago, 1920.
[349]
88
M O NTH LY LABOE REVIEW,
Retail Prices of rood in Germany.
CONSULAR report of June 18, 1921, ju st received by this
bureau, contains figures showing the retail prices of 22 ar
ticles of food in 18 large cities of Germany, on April 13, 1921.
These figures are given in the table below:
A
R E T A IL
P R IC E S O P 22 A R T IC L E S O F FO O D IN 18 L A R G E
ON A P R . 13, 1921,
C IT IE S
OF
G ER M A N Y
[Mark a t p ar= 2 3 .8 cents.]
Article.
R y e bread, officialprice.per kilogram ..
R y e flour, official p ric e ........ ___d o ___
B arley g ro ats.......................... ---- d o ___
O at flakes................................ ___d o ___
O a tm e al................................... ___d o ___
R ic e .......................................... ___d o ___
Peas, y ello w ........................... ___d o ___
B eans, w h ite ........
___d o ___
P o ta to e s.................................. . . . . d o . . . .
C arrots, yellow ....................... ___d o ___
Spin ach .................................... ___d o ___
Beef, soup m eat w ith bones ---- d o ___
P ork, fa t, fresh....................... ___d o ___
Bacon, fat, u n sm o k ed.......... ___d o ___
B u tte r:
Official p ric e ................... ___d o ___
M arket p rie e ............
___d o ___
M argarine................................ . . . . d o . . . .
L a rd ......................................... . . . . d o . . . .
Fresh h a d d o ck ....................... ___d o ___
M arm elade.............................. ___d o ___
Sugar:
Official p ric e ................... ___d o ___
M arket p ric e ................... ___d o ___
E gg s............* ........................... ___each ..
U nskim m ed m ilk:
Official p rice................ per li t e r . .
M arket p ric e ................... ___d o ___
A rticle.
R ye bread, official price.per k ilo g ram ..
R ye flour, official p ric e ........ ___d o ___
B arley g ro a ts.......................... ---- d o ___
O at flakes................................ ___d o ___
O a tm e al................................... ___d o ___
R ice...................................
___d o ___
Peas, y ellow ........................... ___d o ___
B eans, w h ite........................... ___d o ___
P o ta to e s .................................................. ___d o ___
Carrots, yellow ....................... ___d o ___
Spinach.................................... ___d o ___
Beef, soup m e a t w ith bones ------- d o ___
Pork, fat, fresh....................... ____ d o . .. .
Bacon, fat, u n sm o k ed .............. ___d o _____
B u tte r:
Official p ric e ............................ ____ d o ____
M arket p ric e ............................ ___d o ___
M argarine................................ ___d o ___
L a rd ......................................... ___d o ___
Fresh h ad d o ck ....................... ------ d o ___
M arm elade.............................. ___d o ___
Sugar:
Official p ric e ................... ____ do _____
M arket p ric e ............................ ___d o _____
E ggs ................. * ....................................... ___each ..
U nskim m ed m ilk:
Official p rice .............................. p er l i t e r . .
M arket p ric e ............................ ___d o ___
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
B er
lin .
H am Mu
burg. nich.
K ö
F ran k
nigs
D res B res fort S tu t t berg M ann
den.
heim.
lau. on the gart.
in
M ain.
P ru s
sia.
M arks. M arks. M a rks. M arks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks.
2.37
2.40
2.50
2. 30
2.50
2. 20
2.40
2.53
2.67
2.70
5.60
5.80
8.00
7.50
5.00
4.00
1.10
1.30
2. 50
28. 00
33.00
33.00
2.64
5 50
5. 80
5 60
5.00
4.00
4.40
1.00
28.00
32.00
3, 00
26.00
28.00
1. 20
1. 00
1. 60
28. 00
36. 00
40. 00
2. 80
5.60
5.50
6. 40
5.80
4. 50
3.10
1.00
1.40
2. 80
26. 60
32.00
36. 20
51.20
62. 00
21.80
22. 00
6. 50
11.00
50. 00
54.00
22. 00
25.00
6. 00
11.00
23.60
42.00
22.00
24.00
5.60
10. 00
50. 40
70.00
24.00
24.00
6.00
6. 00
40.00 58.33
58.00
18.00 20.00
21. SO 22.00
4.80
7.00
8.80
7.60
25.00
40.00
20.00
24.00
7. 50
9. 00
28.00
50.00
18.00
22. 00
3.00
9.00
36.00
48.00
19. 40
22. 00
7.00
6.00
7.60
27. 00
1.35
7. 72
32. 00
1.35
7. 80
7.60
30 00
1.25
7.12
14 00
1. 20
8.40
23 00
1. 50
7.80
24 00
1. 45
7.68
L05
8.00
20 00
1.60
3.00
4. 50
2.00
2.50
.......
1.52
2.58
4. 50
2.30
3.60
3.80
1.50
3.00
1, 40
4.00
2.20
3.50
A ix la.
Mag
Cha K arls de
pelle. ru h e. burg.
N u
rem
berg.
5. 50
5. 60
6. 00
5.00
6. 00
6. 00
1. 30
1.80
.95
2. 80
5.80
5.00
9. 00
5. 60
4.40
5.20
4.20
2.40
1. 20
1.20
3. 00
24.00
34.00
42.00
2. 90
5.00
7.00
10. 60
5.50
5. 50
3.40
.95
1.00
2. 70
24.00
28.00
36. 00
28.00
30. 00
32.00
5. 30
5 60
2. 50
5. 20
5. 60
5. 30
5.20
4.80
4.00
1.00
1.20
A ugs E ssen. Chem D ort L ü
burg.
nitz. m und. beck.
M arks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks. M a rks.
2. 40
2.53
2. 30
2.40
2.40
2. 50
2.25
2. 33
5.50
6. 00
12. 00
5. 00
6. 00
6.50
. 20
1.30
3.20
30.00
44.00
44.00
1
2. 90
5. 20
6. 00
10. 60
7. 00
5.00
3. 20
.92
1. 80
26.00
34.00
2.80
6. 80
5. 28
5.82
4.14
4. 74
1.11
1.02
1.40
27.80
32. 80
30. 30
5. 60
6. 40
6 40
5. 60
6.00
6.00
1.00
1. 20
3. 00
23.00
30.00
35.00
5. 00
6. 00
9. 30
5. 00
4.40
4. 00
1.10
1. 20
2 00
24.00
32. 00
2.68
2.50
6.00
7.00
2. 84
5.80
6. 50
2. 80
5.60
5. 80
2. 70
5.60
6. 00
6.00
5. 30
5. 50
.90
1.40
3. 30
24.00
28.00
6.00
5. 20
4. 50
1.00
1. 35
2. 30
24.00
36.00
38. 00
6.00
5.00
3.00
1. 20
3. 60
28. 00
32. 00
36. 00
6.50
4.50
5. 00
. 20
1. 60
4.00
29. 00
38. 00
36. 00
6. 00
4. 40
5. 00
1. 20
1 00
5. 00
28. 00
32.00
1
5. 60
5. 40
51. 00
56.00
20.00
23. 00
7. 00
14.00
37.00
60.00
22.00
23. 00
6.00
9.00
45.00
64.00
22.05
23. 80
3. 54
7.50
22. 60
44.00
26. 00
26. 00
9. 00
9.00
23.00
36. 00
24. 00
24. 00
7. 00
7. 00
48. 00
64. 00
20. 00
24.00
4.50
7.00
53. 60
76.00
20.00
24.00
7. 00
10. 00
64.55
23.50
24. 00
5. 00
10. 00
34. 00
50.00
20.00
23. 00
3. 00
9.00
8. 00
18. 00
1. 70
8.00
20. 00
1.60
7. 70
20.00
1.22
7. 60
23. 00
.90
7.60
8.80
7.60
8.00
7.60
.90
L 50
L 25
1. 40
1. 25
2. 80
2. 20
4. 00
2. 40
3.00
1.50
1.45
2.20
2. 60
2. 70
3. 50
2.40
4.00
1.80
[350]
PRICES OF BUILDING MATERIALS IX NAPLES, ITALY.
‘
89
Trend of Wholesale Prices in Great Britain.
r-F",H E changes in wholesale prices in G reat B ritain are shown in the
following table of index num bers taken from the Econom ist and
published by the U nited States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce in Commerce Reports of Ju ly 6, 1921. Prices a t the time
of the arm istice (November, 1918) are taken as the base or 100. The
report states th a t if prices at the end of July, 1914, be taken as 100, the
group totals at the end of May, 1921, would read: Cereals and meat,
206; other foods, 196; textiles, 161; minerals, 207; miscellaneous,
192; total, 190.
IN D E X N U M B E R S OF W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN G R E A T B R IT A IN , N O V E M B E R , 1918, TO
MAY, 1921.
[Prices in Novem ber, 1918=100.]
Cereals and
a n d m eat.
D ate.
Novem ber, 1918...........................
March, 1919...................................
Septem ber, 1919..........................
D ecem ber,1919...........................
M arch, 1920..................................
A ugust, 1920.................................
Septem ber, 1920..........................
O ctober, 1920...............................
N ovem ber, 1920..........................
December," 1920...........................
Jan u a ry , 1921...............................
F ebruary, 1921............................
M arch, 1921..................................
A pril, 1921....................................
M ay, 1921......................................
100
100
108
112
117
111
117
121
115
104
100
91
94
93
93
Other
foods.
Textiles.
100
100
101
113
110
118
119
115
111
103
102
99
93
93
89
M inerals.
100
81
107
132
161
136
128
101
89
69
64
56
56
56
54
Miscella
neous.
100
94
116
126
138
144
145
145
139
134
125
116
111
101
107
100
93
97
104
123
112
110
104
96
92
87
82
81
76
77
Total.
100
92
106
118
134
124
123
116
106
95
90
83
82
79
79
Prices of Building Materials in Naples, Italy, August, 1920, and
April, 1921.
CCORDING to a report from the American consul a t Naples,
Italy , under date of May 12, 1921, there was a m arked increase
in prices of building m aterials between August, 1920, and
April, 192f.
The report gives the average prices of lum ber on the two dates, the
conversions into U nited States money having been m ade on the basis
of 20 lire to the dollar, the average exchange rate prevailing during
the period.
\
A V E R A G E P R IC E S O F L U M B E R IN N A P L E S , IT A L Y .
Price p er 1,000 board feet.
M aterial.
A ugust, 1920.
C alabrian fir lu m b e r.....................................................
A m erican pine tim b e rs .................................................
A m erican p in e lu m b e r.................................................
P o p lar lo g s.......................................................................
P o p lar lu m b e r................................................................
Beech lu m b e r................. ................................................
Oak lu m b e r.....................................................................
Local p in e ........................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1351]
$40.62
118. 75
143. 75
21.87
34. 37
40.02
56.25
50. 00
A pril, 1921.
$45. 00
103.13
131.25
26. 87
51.87
43.12
59. 37
81.25
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
90
The report states th a t cement shows a decrease of 12.2 per cent
between August, 1920, and April, 1921, while building stone (pietra
tufo), which enters into building construction more than any other
one m aterial, shows an increase of 9.8 per cent.
------ ------------Index Numbers of Wholesale Prices in Tokyo, Japan, April, 1920,
and M arch and April, 1921.
H E U nited States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce,
in Commerce R eports of Ju ly 6, 1921, quotes index numbers
of wholesale prices in Tokyo, as com puted by the B ank of
Jap an and published in an issue of the Y okoham a Chamber of Com
merce Journal. The figures are based upon the average m onthly
wholesale prices of 56 representative commodities, the average price
of which for October, 1900, was taken to represent 100.
The index num ber for all commodities combined is 251 for the
m onth of April, 1921, as compared w ith 253 for the previous m onth
and w ith 197 for April, 1920. Of the 56 commodities, 21 show an
advance in price from. March to April, 1921, 24 show a decrease, and
in the case of 11 there was no change in price.
The index num bers for some of the im portant articles are shown in
the following table:
T
IN D E X N U M B E R S O F W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN T O K Y O , A P R IL , 1920, A N D M ARCH AND
A P R IL , 1921.
[Prices in O ctober, 1900=100.]
Com m odity.
R ic e ................................................................
W h e a t............................................................
S u g ar.............................................................
R aw s ilk .......................................................
C otton y a rn s ................................................
I r o n ................................................................
C opper...........................................................
L u m b er.........................................................
Foreign p a p e r.............................................
C oal................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[352]
April,
1920.
March,
1921.
A pril,
1921.
434
326
610
353
589
315
152
440
625
444
219
226
357
197
201
181
102
342
459
347
220
260
329
197
222
178
104
342
441
324
PRICES OP POOD m
TRO N D H JEM , NORWAY,
91
Wholesale and. Retail Prices of Food in Trondhjem, Norway.
H IS bureau is in receipt of a consular report of June 30, 1921,
according to which the wholesale and retail prices of food and
certain other articles on June 16 and 17. 1921, were as follows:
T
W H O L E S A L E AN D R E T A IL P R IC E S O F FO O D AN D O T H E R A R T IC L E S IN T R O N D IIIE M ,
N O R W A Y , J U N E 16 A N D 17, 1921.
[Crown a t par=26.8 cents; kilogram =2.2 pounds.]
Price p e r kilo
gram .
Price p e r kilo
gram .
A rticle.
A rticle.
W hole R etail.
sale.
R ock c a n d y .......................
P o ta to m e a l.........................
O atm eal..............................
Rice:
Sm all yellow ..................
R an g o o n .......................
No. 1 p o lish ..........
Corn meal, w h ite ........
Sago:
R e d ................................
W h ite .......................
Peas:
Yellow, N o. 1__
Yellow, No. 2........................
Green, m arro w fat.............
Green, p rim e ...................
S p lit.....................................
D ried fruits:
P runes—70-80.............................
80-90...................................
90-100.....................................
R aisins—
V alencia................................
K an d ia..................................
Currants, California—
50-60......................................
00-70......................................
70-80......................................
80-90......................... ............
90-100...................................
Peaches, e x tra choice...............
Pears..............................................
Apricots, e x tr a ...........................
Apricots, choice.........................
A p p les......................................
Pork:
M inced.......................................
Clear b a ck ...................................
Chocolate:
No. f ........................ ...............
No. 2 .............................................
No. 3 .........................................
U nsw eetened, m ilk ...................
Short clear b a ck s...........................
C om pound lard ................................
A lm o n d s............................................
C oconut.............................................
C in n a m o n .......................................
A llspice...............................................
Cloves.................................................
Pepper:
B la ck ............................................
W h ite ............. .............................
G inger..................................................
Cardemon:
B leached......................................
M edium bleached....................
U nbleached.................................
C r.
2.10
.95
.70
.65
.85
1.53
1.13
.90
.75
.80
1.S0
1.60
2.50
2.40
2.25
2.10
1.80
1.70
1.50
3.00
2.80
4.40
4.30
2.35
C r.
2.60
1.20
1.10
.80
1.00
.90
1.80
1.20
1.00
.80
1.00
.90
.90
2.00
1.90
1.70
3.50
3.00
5.20
5.00
2.80
3.20
3.00
.95
.90
.85
1.05
2.85
1.90
3.50
2.50
3.25
2. 25
5.75
2. 50
3.50
4.00
W hole
sale. R etail.
N u tm eg s__
M ace. . .
Sirup:
American e x tra lig h t................
O rdinary lig h t..
E nglish h o n e y ..
Sem ouil wheat
Pulverized sugar.
Co flee:
Santos Sunerior
Salvador / . . . .
Salvador, washed
Java B lu e ___
Jav a C row n.........
Jav a Malang.
Liberia Brow n
Liberia Yeliow J a v a ...............
MeaL city killed:
Cow m oat, r>rime
-7
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Cr
.65
50
1 90
05
1.95
9 25
9 45
2.70
8 50
5 05
3. 85
3 85
2.95
9 Q0
2.55
Beef, small
Beef, large...............
Pork, GO—80 kilograms
Pork, large
Meat, c o u n try killed:
Cow m eat, prim e
Cow m eat ordinary
Beef, smell
Y oung calf
Average calf.
M utton
Pork, GO—80 kilograms
Pork, large__
Horse
P otatoes.............................................
Eggs.........
W OOd*
B irch........................................... .
Pine.
F i r ..
H a y ..........
Skins:
Sheep___
Calf .
G o a t.........
K id ___
L am b. . .
Hides*
F resh ..
S alted...........................................
H o rse. . .
24. 50
21.50
15.50
iP e r f v n .
58950°—21-
C r.
11 00
13.00
2 E ach.
[3531
3.05
2 00
2.60
2 70
9 20
2 65
2 90
2 10
9 30
3 40
2 70
9 50
1 85
.09
3.50
153.00
on
00
1 43
1 43
.10
2 1 50
2 5 00
2 4 50
2 9 50
2 75
55
2
13. 00
M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW.
92
Food Prices in Poland,, 1918 and 1921.
F
ROM the June 29, 1921, issue of Commerce Reports, published
by the U nited States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Com
merce, is taken the following note regarding retail prices in
Poland:
A translation from K urjer Polski of April 19, 1921, forwarded by
Consul General L. J. Keena, at W arsaw, Poland, gives the following
table of prices on foodstuffs (including a few household supplies) for
1921 as compared w ith those of 1918:
Price.
Price.
Article.
Article.
U nit.
B read......................... P o u n d ..
W h eat flour.............. 200 - lb.
bag.
B u tte r ....................... P o u n d ..
P o ta to e s.................... P e c k ___
P o rk ........................... P o u n d ..
T e a ............................. ...d o .......
1918
1921
Polish.
m a r k s .1
P o lis h
m a r k s .1
3
820
55
16,000
12
85
8
60
240
1,100
120
280
S u g ar.........................
M ushroom s. . .
P ep p er.......................
S o ap__
K erosene...................
T h rea d ......................
L in e n .........................
U nit.
P o u n d ..
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
Q u a rt...
Spool__
Y a r d ....
1918
1921
P o lis h
m a r k s .1
P o lis h
m a r k s .1
5
14
50
10
20
25
12
180
240
180
58
30
70
200
1 T he exchange value of th e Polish m ark on A pr. 15, 1921, was $0.0062; taut, owing to fluctuations in this
value, th e above prices have n o t been converted in to U n ited States currency.
Index of Wholesale and Retail Prices in Sweden, 1920 and 1921.
CCORDING to the June 22, 1 9 2 1 , issue of the New York Journal
of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin, a continued decline
in wholesale and retail prices in Sweden is shown by a cable
gram received by the New York office of the Federal Reserve Board
from the Skandinaviska K reditsktiebolagot of Sweden. This infor
m ation is presented in tabular form below:
A
R etail price index. Compiled b y Labor
D e p artm e n t (base Ju ly , 1914=100).
W holesale price index. Compiled b y Svensk
H and elstin d in g (base Ju ly , 1914=100).
1920M ay...................................................
J u n e ...................................................
J u ly ...................................................
A ugust..............................................
S eptem ber.......................................
O ctober.............................................
N ovem ber........................................
D ecem ber.........................................
1921—
Ja n u a ry .............................................
F e b ru a ry .........................................
M arch ...............................................
A p ril..................................................
M ay....................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
361
366
363
365
362
340
331
289
267
250
237
229
218
1920M ay...................................................
J u n e ...................................................
J u ly ...................................................
A ugust..............................................
S ep tem b er.......................................
O c to b e r..........................................
N ovem ber........................................
D ecem ber.........................................
1921—
Ja n u a ry .............................................
F e b ru a ry ..........................................
M arch................................................
A p ril..................................................
M ay...................................................
[354]
294
294
297
308
307
306
303
294
283
262
253
248
237
W AGES A N D H O U R S O F LA BO R.
Wages of Women in Colorado.
T Y PE W R IT T E N report, tlie result of a recent survey m ade
by the Colorado Minimum Wage Commission and transm itted
to this bureau by th a t commission, contains the following sta
tistics of wages paid adult woman employees in Colorado.
A
W E E K L Y W A G E S O F A D U L T W OM AN E M P L O Y E E S .
Em ployees receiving, per week—
N um ber
of
reports.
Class of work.
T otal
employees.
U nder $15.
U nder $12.
N um ber. P e r cent. N um ber. P er cent.
L aundries............................................................
M ercantile............................................................
P ublic housekeeping........................................
M iscellaneous.....................................................
31
61
87
31
796
1,739
890
897
251
317
65
127
31.5
18. 2
7.3
14.2
555
964
359
267
69.7
55.4
40.3
29.8
T o tal..........................................................
210
4,322
7G0
17.6
2,145
49.6
Wages and Cost of Living in Cartagena, Colombia.
T
H E following figures taken from a consular report dated June
18, 1921, received by this bureau, show the wages paid for
various classes of work in Cartagena, Colombia.
W A G E S P A ID IN C A R T A G E N A , CO LO M B IA , IN 1920, B Y O C CU PA TIO N .
[Paper dollar a t par=97.3 cents.]
O ccupation.
Casual or m m m nn laborers
M asons.................................................
Longshorem en..........
P a in te rs .........................................
C arpenters. . .
M a,ehi n is ts __
B lacksm iths, first class...................
B oilerm akers.....................................
R iv e ters..............................................
S eam en...............................................
R ate of wages per
8-hour d ay.
1 $0.80-$l. 00
12. 20
1 1. 20
1 1. 00- 1. 50
i 2. 50
i 2. 50- 3. 50
i 2. 50- 3. 50
13.00
11.50
2 1.00
O ccupation.
R ate of wages per
m onth.
Checkers...........................................
Office clerks......................................
Clerks in stores................................
B ookkeepers....................................
C hauffeurs.......................................
L aunch o perators...........................
1 Double pay for overtim e.
$40.00
$30.00- 60.00
50.00- 60.00
80.00-100.00
40.00- 60.00
60.00-100. 00
2 D ay is of indefinite length.
I t is stated th a t there was no reduction in wages in 1920 b u t th at,
on the contrary, wages were in some cases higher than in 1919.
The table following shows the retail prices of food in 1920.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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93
94
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
R E T A IL P R IC E S O F FO O D IN C A R T A G E N A , CO LOM BIA, IN 1920.
[P aper dollar a t par=97.3 cents.]
Com m odity.
U n it.
Cabbage................. „ _ _
Rice
Beef w ith o u t b o n e ._
Beef w ith b o n e............
Beefsteak.......................
P o rk ...............................
Beans
Potatoes, A m erican__
Potatoes, n a tiv e .. _
Flour.
P o u n d -. - . .
........d o ...........
. ..d o .
.
........d o ...........
.. . .d o ...........
........d o ...........
. .. d o ...........
........d o ...........
. . .d o ..........
........d o ...........
C om m odity.
U nit.
Sugar, b ro w n ...............
Coffee, g ro u n d .............
Fish, fresh-w ater.........
L ard, p o rk ....................
Chickens, young..........
H e n s ...............................
T u rk ey ^.........................
E ggs..”. ...........................
B u tte r, n a tiv e ............
B u tte r, im p o rte d ........
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
........d o ...........
B ottle, sm all
E ach.............
. .*.. .d o ..........
........d o ...........
Dozen...........
P o u n d ..........
........d o ...........
Price.
$0.30
.09
$0.20- . 25
.15- .18
.25- .30
.30
.06
. 16- . 20
. 10
. 16
Price.
$0.10
$0.15- . 20
. IS- . 25
.30
. 35- . 50
. 80- 1.00
3.00- 5.00
.60- . 72
1.00
1.50
Wa ges in Various Occupations in Denmark, 1920.
-^HE following wage rates, published by the S tatistical D epart
m ent of D enm ark in “ S tatistiske E fterretninger,” May 7, 1921
(pp. 54, 55), show the average wages per hour in m ost of the im
p o rtan t industries of th a t country during the last two quarters of
1920, the rates for Copenhagen and for the rest of the country being
shown separately.
I
A V E R A G E H O U R L Y W A G E S IN D E N M A R K D U R IN G T H E L A S T TW O Q U A R T E R S O F
1920.
[1 0 re at par=0.268 cent.]
Copenhagen.
In d u s try and occupation.
O utside Copenhagen.
Average hourly
A verage hourly
wages.
wages.
N um ber
N um ber
of
of
w orkers
workers
Dec. 31, October July to
Dec. 31, O ctober Ju ly to
to Decem Septem
to Decem Septem
1920.
1920.
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
B u i ld in g in d u s tr y .
fire .
B uilding joiners, skilled..................................
Glaziers, sk illed.................................................
P ain ters, skilled.................................................
B ricklayers, skilled..........................................
Bricklayers, unskilled......................................
Mill builders, skilled........................................
Stucco w orkers, skilled....................................
C arpenters, sk illed ............................................
C arpenters, unskilled.......................................
Linoleum la y e rs .................................................
V arious la b o re rs......................... .....................
In su la tin g m echanics.......................................
1,017
131
912
851
673
16
55
043
48
51
67
70
284
219
274
376
284
261
278
371
239
239
210
340
fir e .
fire .
fire .
272
206
237
350
286
269
261
350
218
223
227
283
1,372
67
491
1,337
1.037
8
6
1,367
38
204
176
215
218
189
208
226
216
179
179
172
197
207
181
213
231
209
180
39
16
178
253
176
243
13
207
206
1,755
475
228
108
37
9
188
178
184
167
212
187
190
183
183
164
201
170
C h e m ic a l in d u s tr y .
Journeym en d y e rs ............................................
M atch factories:
L ab o rers.......................................................
W o m e n ..
44
199
207
131
262
209
121
208
119
1,693
131
112
65
26
35
284
257
272
203
219
231
275
262
264
197
217
234
C la y , s to n e , a n d g la ss in d u s tr y .
Reinforced concrete w o rk ers..........................
O ther la b o re rs....................................................
S tonecutters, sk ille d .........................................
S tonecutters, u n sk ille d ....................................
Glass grin d ers............... ....................... .
‘ T errazzo” w o rk ers................................—
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR.
95
A V E R A G E H O U R L Y W A G ES IN D E N M A R K D U R IN G TI-IE LA ST TW O Q U A R T E R S OF
1920—Continued.
Copenhagen.
In d u stry a n d occupation.
Average hourly
Average hourly
wages.
wages.
N um ber
N um ber
of
of
workers
workers
Dec. 31, October Ju ly to
Dee. 31, October July to
1920.
to Decem Septem
1920.
to Decem Septem
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
C lo th in g in d u s tr y .
Tailors, sk ille d ...................................................
D ressm akers.......................................................
H a tte rs, s k ille d ..................................................
H a tte rs, w om en.................................................
Furriers, sk illed .................................................
Shoem akers, s k ille d ..........................................
Shoe workers, m e n ............................................
Shoe workers, w o m en ......................................
O utside Copenhagen.
<j)re.
344
1,166
62
258
43
108
996
813
223
128
266
150
233
220
247
148
1,225
598
(¡)re.
</)re.
<J)re.
221
131
287
161
231
225
257
153
68
256
5
22
207
112
237
115
200
112
239
147
42
136
80
178
196
130
172
207
130
181
290
185
1.433
587
170
258
174
942
108
220
212
221
210
542
238
193
186
187
186
70
83
621
248
205
129
251
200
130
26
20
117
211
186
116
213
181
115
13
91
182
114
180
111
9
68
169
103
154
98
39
2
173
110
174
472
190
173
113
173
112
276
18
194
113
193
115
864
65
183
109
184
111
53
51
187
153
192
153
298
14
187
147
186
148
481
191
207
129
219
128
3,688
177
195
116
184
104
31
679
380
105
135
59
191
136
67
234
6,578
490
4,376
260
234
300
220
252
270
266
251
289
320
268
256
212
251
225
289
223
252
261
235
254
275
301
256
246
206
G
669
581
19
57
70
236
76
9
395
5,926
905
5,126
210
226
256
182
222
263
227
204
259
253
232
221
189
203
213
249
182
216
246
213
197
236
242
222
211
185
166
216
18
279
223
168
286
236
168
101
286
26
243
205
122
241
209
130
182
34
189
125
188
131
969
319
176
117
176
120
1,609
154
98
158
395
388
540
261
250
230
202
139
258
139
259
247
226
207
140
255
139
1,123
90
226
217
226
217
52
132
133
54
184
120
193
106
183
121
192
112
C o m m e rc e a n d tr a n s p o r ta tio n .
L aborers..............................................................
Dock lab o rers.....................................................
F o o d in d u s tr ie s .
B ak ers.................................................................
M illers..................................................................
Chocolate:
Skilled w o rk ers..........................................
U nskilled w o rk ers.....................................
W om en.........................................................
C anning:
Unskilled w o rk ers.....................................
W om en.........................................................
M argarine:
U nskilled w o rk ers.....................................
W om en.......................................................
Slaughterhouses:
U nskilled w o rk ers...................................
W om en .........................................................
Alcohol:
U nskilled w o rk ers...................................
W om en .........................................................
Sugar:
U nskilled w o rk ers...................................
W om en .........................................................
I r o n a n d other m e ta l in d u s tr ie s .
E n g rav e rs............................................................
E lectrician s.........................................................
H o ld ers................................................................
Gold w o rk ers......................................................
B raziers................................................................
C oppersm iths.....................................................
P a in te rs ...............................................................
M etal g rin d e rs....................................................
Metal pressers.....................................................
Ship carp en ters..................................................
Sm iths a n d m ac h in ists....................................
W oodw orkers.....................................................
O ther unskilled la b o r......................................
L e a th e r in d u s tr y .
T annery workers, sk illed ................................
T annery workers, u n sk ille d ...........................
T an n ery w orkers, w o m en..............................
P r in t in g a n d a llie d in d u s tr ie s .
P a p e r m ills:
L abo rers.......................................................
W om en.........................................................
P rin tin g :
T yp esetters.................................................
L itho g rap h ers.............................................
Cnem igraphers............................................
UnskilledT w o rk ers.....................................
W om en.........................................................
B ookbinders, s k ille d ...... .................................
B ookbinders, w o m en......................................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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96
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW.
A V E R A G E H O U R L Y W A G E S IN D E N M A R K D U R IN G T H E LA ST TW O Q U A R T E R S OF
1920—Concluded.
O utside Copenhagen.
Copenhagen.
In d u s try a n d occupation.
Average hourlyAverage hourly
N um ber
N um ber
wages.
wages.
of
of
workers October Ju ly to
workers October Ju ly to
Dec. 31, to Decem Septem Dec. 31, to Decem Septem
1920.
1920.
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
ber, 1920. ber, 1920.
T e x tile a n d allied, in d u s tr ie s .
Rope:
Skilled w o rk ers.......... ...............................
U nskilled w o rk ers.....................................
W om en .........................................................
Lace:
/
Skilled w o rk ers..............
W o m en .........................................................
Sailm akers, sk ille d ............................................
f)re.
Ore.
<j.tre.
<f)re.
8
24
90
178
175
120
174
189
119
30
86
64
183
170
105
187
169
105
23
28
15
229
124
271
228
121
260
2
5
32
241
119
223
207
927
79
1,984
198
189
145
204
175
143
961
179
1,496
198
174
127
202
169
123
133
85
24
25
32
49
42
687
418
287
249
209
230
228
256
254
222
235
227
250
241
210
237
223
237
251
215
241
225
247
304
111
26
97
35
5
10
181
1,174
139
219
172
222
202
211
189
245
200
187
199
214
186
216
200
215
182
219
194
188
186
Tobacco in d u s tr y .
Cigars:
Cigar m ak ers...............................................
U nskilled w o rk ers.....................................
W o m en .........................................................
W ood a n d f u r n i t u r e in d u s tr ie s .
Coopers, sk ille d ..................................................
B ra sh m akers, sk illed ......................................
C arvers, sk ille d .........
T u rn ers, s k ille d .................................................
G ilders, s k ille d ...................................................
Coach m akers, sk ille d ......................................
B asket m akers, s k ille d ....................................
F u rn itu re joiners, sk illed................................
M achinery joiners, sk ille d ...............................
U pholsterers an d saddle m ak ers...................
Attitude of German Christian Trade-Unionists Toward Reduction
of Wages.
OZIALE P ra x is1 publishes a letter from Jos. Treffert, Berlin,
secretary of the Christian Trade-Unions,2 in which this tradeunion leader expresses his views on the problem whether wage
reductions should precede price reductions in Germany. He says:
S
The question whether a reduction of wages or one of prices should take place first
has of late been the subject of animated discussions, for the future of German economic
life depends on the solution of this problem. The Deutsche Arbeitgeber-Zeitung
(German Employers’ Journal) has also taken up this question in a recent issue (No. 10)
and arrives at the conclusion th at a gradual reduction of wages must come first if
economic ruin is to be prevented. I t asserts that the costs of production are in the
main determined by wages and interest on capital, and th at an increase of wages is
always followed by an increase of prices for the simple reason th at it increases the costs
of production and also because increased wages increase the purchasing power of all
wage earners and cause a greater demand for goods. I t further asserts th at demands
for wage increases were chiefly responsible for the fact th at the present injurious
development of wages and prices is still progressing. The fact th at the prices of raw
materials also play a role in the movement of prices is dismissed by the ArbeitgeberZeitung with the remark that the prices of raw materials contain next to the interest
on capital chiefly wages. According to the Arbeitgeber-Zeitung prices are a function
of wages and therefore there were only two means for improving the present economic
situation: Either a gradual reduction of wages or a temporary increase of the hours
of labor (to 60 hours per week) without special compensation, i. e., 48 hours’ pay for
60 hours’ work.
1 Soziale Praxis u n d A rchiv fü r V olkswohlfahrt, Vol. 30, No. 20. B erlin, M ay 18,1921. P p . 532-534.
2 The Christian Trade-U nion League, w ith an approxim ate m em bership of 2,000,000, is th e second largest
trade-union organization in G erm any. T he unions affiliated w ith this central organization represent
th e m ost conservative elem ent among G erm an organized labor.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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WAGES AHD 110 UBS OF LABOK
97
In view of the fact th a t similar ideas prevail in larger circles and
the daily press day after day asserts th a t wage increases are the
chief or sole cause of the present high cost of living, the writer deems
it necessary to look a t m atters from a different point of view.
He calls attention to the fact th a t in his H andbook of Political
Economy, Philippovich says th a t wages and interest on capital
form only p a rt of the costs of production. The costs of production
contain also charges for depreciation of m achinery and tools and
costs of distribution. The so-called unearned increm ent (rent, interest,
profits from speculation and m anipulation, etc.) plays also an im
po rtan t role. The rate of exchange m ust likewise be considered in
the determ ination of prices.
The prices of certain raw m aterials and m anufactured articles have
increased by 2,000, 5,000, and even 10,000 per cent, while wages, on
the average, he asserts, have risen only 800 to 1,000 per cent. To
quote only a few examples: An egg has at times cost as much as 3
marks, i. e., 40 times the prewar price, b u tte r and fat 30 times,
m eat and m eat products 20 times, milk 15 times the prew ar price.
Textiles cost now 20 times, furniture, crockery, and other house
hold goods 20 to 30 times, coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, beer, and
cigars about 20 times the prewar price. Prices of articles required
by the electrical and chemical industries have risen by 5,000 to
1 0 , 0 0 0 per cent.
These facts he thinks should be compared w ith the
fact th a t wages to-day are bu t 8 to 10 times as high as in prewar
times. Even if one adds a certain percentage for the shortening of
the hours of labor, wages on the average are now only 10 to 12 times
higher than in 1914. Under these circumstances he questions the
assertion th a t wages are responsible for the present high prices, and
th a t therefore wage reductions m ust precede price reductions.
A further fact to be considered is th a t the prices of food and all other
necessaries have risen first and th a t wages have b u t slowly followed the
upward m ovement of prices. During the w ar the upw ard move
m ent of prices began w ith the day of m obilization and ever since
then prices have steadily risen. On the other hand, extensive wage
reductions and dismissals of workers took place at the beginning of
the war. In some industries high cost-of-living bonuses, m uch too
small to compensate the workers for the increase in prices, were not
granted until 1915, and in the printing and allied industries not
until 1916. The term high cost-of-living bonus in itself shows th a t
it is intended as a bonus for an increase in prices which has already
taken place. And whenever a demand was made for an increase of
this bonus, employers as well as the N ational M inistry of Labor
always requested proof th a t prices have considerably risen since the
granting of the last bonus.
These well-known facts, he thinks, justify the statem ent th a t
wages are a function of prices, and for this reason a reduction of
prices m ust take place first before thoughts can be entertained of
reducing wages. For the great m ajority of the working population
it has only been possible to make ends m eet up till now because
they have subsisted on their prewar supply of clothing, underwear,
shoes, and household articles. The more these are being used up,
the more new purchases become necessary, the more health has
suffered through undernutrition, the greater is and will be the workers’
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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98
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W .
distress, and the more one can comprehend why demands for wage
increases are still being made. Various corporations composed of
experts, such as the N ational Economic Council, have determined
th a t the rise in prices is generally and principally not due to the rise
in wages and salaries but chiefly to the high cost of raw m aterials.
The National Economic Council has made the following statem ent:
“ In addition to unw arrantedly high prices of raw m aterials, exces
sive profits of m anufacturers and dealers as well as excessive specu
lative and m iddlemen’s profits are essential causes of the present
high prices.”
Im m ediate reductions of wages in advance of price reductions or a
general lengthening of the hours of labor will not, he believes, bring
about healthier conditions. O ther means m ust be adopted, and
several of them simultaneously, if the German economic system is
to be rehabilitated. The present high prices of raw materials,
which in p a rt are entirely unjustified, m ust he reduced. The exces
sive m anufacturers’ and dealers’ profits m ust be cut down. The
m any middlemen between producer and consumer increase the cost
of goods considerably. Simplification of the exchange of products
is needed. Production m ust be increased, and the workers m ust do
their share in bringing it about. The hours of labor need not be
lengthened b u t during working hours each worker m ust p u t his full
efficiency in the service of production. In addition tnere m ust be
introduced improved working and operating m ethods. Out-of-date,
unprofitable establishm ents should no longer be perm itted to be
operated in their present form.
I t is interesting in this connection, he points out, th a t even the
Arbeitgeber-Zeitung adm its “ th a t wage increases are n o t the sole
price-raising factor b u t th a t a num ber of other factors are also respon
sible for the present upw ard m ovem ent of prices.”
There is no single cure-all, he states, for rehabilitating the German
economic system. Several means m ust be adopted for cringing such
a rehabilitation about, and all classes of the population, the worker,
the producer, the dealer and the consumer, wilt have to m ake sacri
fices. The view, however, th a t the high wages are solely responsible
for the present economic condition he opposes, for agriculture,
industry, and commerce, and the chaotic internal and foreign political
situation have exercised and still exercise a decisive influence.
Wage Policy of the Christian Trade-Unions.
T H E IR tenth congress, which was in session a t Essen during
AT the
second half of November, 1920, the Christian Trade-Unions
adopted the following resolution defining their wage policy:
In determining wage rates the interests of the whole nation should be taken into
consideration. Greatest stress should be laid upon sufficient production by the
workers. To achieve this end piecework rates regulated by collective bargaining
w ill have to be resorted to in many instances. Piecework must, however, be so regu
lated that it does not lead to injurious overwork and does not cause an increase of
industrial accidents. Iu view of the fact that wages represent not only a part of the
costs of production but also the income of the Worker on which the latter and his
family must live, wages sufficiently high to make possible the existence of a whole
family should be paid. To this end the conjugal condition and number of children
of the worker should be considered bv the granting of sufficient bonuses out of the
adjustment fund (Ausgldchskasse) to he created for this purpose. Such measures
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3 6 0 ]
99
W AG ES A N D H O U E S OF LABOR.
should, however, not lead to wage rates being based on the minimum of existence.
Single Workers must be paid wages sufficiently high to enable them to found a house
hold of their own.
In the “ Z entralblatt der Christlichen Gewerkschaften Deutschlands,” Ludwig W immer supplements this resolution by the following
rem arks:
The capitalistic conception which valuates the worker merely as a part of the costs
of production can no more be accepted by us than the current socialistic conception
that each worker is entitled to the full value of his labor. As labor, in addition to
nature, is the creator of all values, labor must produce the means of existence for all
people, i. e., also for those who for various reasons are not able to exercise a gainful
occupation. The solidarity so much vaunted by the trade-unions must therefore
begin with the distribution of the product of labor. In the collective agreements
hitherto concluded the trade-unions have followed the principles of the liberalcapitalistic economic system and have tacitly accepted a wage system in which the
actual performance of labor is the sole measure for determining the compensation
as the only suitable wage system. The wage no longer adjusted itself to the worker
but the worker had to adjust his personal and family conditions to the wage.
New ways must be found to come as near as possible to the ideal of a fair wage, i. e.,
the assuring of an existence to the workman’s family. It seems precluded to assure
to all a wage representing the minimum of existence of a normal family, i. e., to all
without consideration of age, conjugal condition, and size of family. It would not
even be suitable to grant to all such an income. Birth control, formerly practiced
only by the rich and educated classes, is now spreading among other classes of the
population. Such limitation of births has become now a necessity owing to the
economic impossibility of raising a large family.
Is it possible, in view of the present economic depression in Germany, to allow to all
workers annual earnings of 24,000 marks, which sum represents the minimum of
existence of a family not unnaturally limited in size? This question must be answered
flatly in the negative. Two proposals have been made to assure to workers a fair wage,
making it possible to support a family: Mothers’ pensions and family bonuses. Moth
ers’ pensions are not practical for several reasons. Among other things, they could not
be adjusted to the fluctuations in the value of German currency. Family bonuses
are to be preferred because the workers are, through their organizations, in a position to
regulate in accordance with the cost of living the basis upon which family or children
bonuses are to be granted.
Wages in Building Trades of Naples, Italy.
y | ‘H E American consul a t Naples, Italy, in a recent report states
th a t there has been a m arked increase in wages in the building
A
trades during the last eight months.
The table following shows the hourly wage for various building
trade occupation in August, 1920, and April, 1921, the hours worked
being eight per day.
H O U R L Y R A T E O F W A G E S.
[1 lira a t p a r=19.3 cents.]
Occupation.
B ricklay ers:
F irst class. .
Second class.........................
Concrete w o rk ers.......................
Carpenters:
F irst class. . ..
Second class__
Iro n w orkers:
F irst class.............................
Second class.........................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
A ugust,
1920.
April,
1921.
L ir e .
L ir e .
O ccupation.
13. 00
10. 00
13.00
17. 00
15. 00
17. 00
14. 00
12. 00
22.00
16. 00
16. 00
12. 00
18. 00
16.00
M arble cu tters:
F irst class.............................
Second class.........................
Laborers:
F irst class.............................
Second c la ss.........................
Team sters w ith 3 horses...........
1361]
A ugust,
1920.
April,
1921.
L ir e .
L ir e .
20. 00
10. 00
8. 50
78.00
30.00
25. 00
12. 00
7. 00
no. oo
100
M O NTH LY LABOR REVIEW .
Wages and Hours of Labor of Farm Workers in Scotland, 1919-20.
CCORDING to a report to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland
on the results of an inquiry into the wages and conditions of
labor on farm s in Scotland 1 the average total weekly earnings
in 1919-20 of farm workers between 21 and 60 years of age ranged
from 46s. 2d. ($11.23, par) for orram en (odd men) to 49s. 2d. ($11.96,
par) for plowmen. These m en form the greater p a rt of the workers,
and in each class their wages were higher than those of the old men
over 60 and the youths under 21 years. Their earnings include the
value of allowances m ade in addition to cash wages. Classified
according to age, the average total weekly earnings of farm workers
were as follows:
A
A V E R A G E T O T A L W E E K L Y E A R N IN G S O F M A LE FA R M W O R K E R S IN SC O TL A N D ,
1919-20, B Y A G E G R O U P S.
[1 shilling a t par=24.3 cents; 1 p en n y a t par=2.03 cents.]
Average to ta l weekly earnings of workers—
Class of worker.
Plow m en................................
C attlem en..............................
Shepherds...............................
O rram en L .............................
U nder 21
years.
s.
43
37
40
37
d.
2
1
1
7
B etw een 21
a n d 60 years.
s.
49
48
47
46
Over 60
years.
d.
s.
d.
2
4
5
2
45
47
42
42
7
0
6
7
1 F a rm w orkers other th a n plow m en, eattlem en, a n d shepherds.
Foremen received average total weekly earnings of 54s. 4d.
($13.22, par).
The plowmen form the m ost im portant class of farm workers in
Scotland, and their average weekly earnings of 49s. 2d. ($11.96, par)
for 1919-20 show an increase of 150 per cent over their earnings of
19s. 8d. ($4.79, par) in 1907, and 129 per cent over their estim ated
earnings of 21s. 6d. ($5.23, par) in 1914. As, according to the esti
m ates m ade in the B ritish Labor G azette, the increase in the cost of
living of a working-class family in the U nited Kingdom since July,
1914, rose from 125 per cent on December 1, 1919, to 132 per cent
on April 1, 1920, 141 per cent on May 1, 1920, and 150 per cent on
June 1, 1920, it appears th a t the rise in wages of plowmen corre
sponded closely to the increase in th e cost of living, except in the last
two m onths of the w inter half year.
The earnings of m arried plowmen during the summ er of 1920 were
estim ated on the basis of the previous year’s ascertained averages,
joint agreements entered into, and reports regarding various hiring
fairs, where new labor is engaged, giving as a result average total
earnings of 55s. ($13.38, par) a week or nearly £143 ($695.91, par)
a year. This is an increase of 150 per cent over the estim ated average
weekly earnings of 22s. ($5.35, par) for 1914. As the increase in the
cost of living over 1914, according to the Labor G azette, was 150 per
cent June 1, 1920, 155 per cent on A ugust 1, 1920, and 161 per cent on
1 R eport to th e B oard of A griculture for Scotland on F a rm W orkers in Scotland in 1919-20, b y Sir Jam es
W ilson, K . C. S. I . E d in b u rg h , 1921. 78 p p .
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[362]
101
WAGES AND HOUES OF LABOR.
Septem ber 1, 1920, it would appear th a t the average m arried plow
m an ’s earnings in the summer of 1920 increased in an am ount corre
sponding approxim ately to the increased cost of living.
There is a sharp distinction between m arried and single men drawn
throughout Scotland in regard to farm workers. The m arried m an
generally receives higher cash wages and large allowances and is
provided w ith a house, while the unm arried m an either lives w ith
his relatives, is provided w ith bare sleeping accommodations and food
from the farm kitchen, or receives considerably smaller allowances
th an the m arried m an. The allowances of a m arried m an consist
generally of oatm eal, milk, and potatoes; in some counties coal or
firewood is provided, and in some instances allowances in kind, such
as a pig, poultry, a fa t sheep, straw, m anure for the garden, etc., are
m ade. In some counties an additional harvest fee in cash is paid,
and free cartage for coal and firewood and for moving is universally
allowed. The average cash wages and value of allowances for the
principal classes of farm workers, given separately for m arried and
single men, in the w inter of 1919-20 were as follows:
A V E R A G E W E E K L Y E A R N IN G S O F M A R R IE D A N D S IN G L E M A LE FA R M W O R K E R S ,
21 TO 60 Y E A R S O F A G E , IN SC O TLA N D , 1919-20.
[1 shilling a t p a r = 24.3 cents; 1 p e n n y a t p a r = 2.03 cents.]
M arried m en.
Class of worker.
Average
cask
wages
p e r week.
s.
39
36
33
39
P lo w m e n .
C attlem en
Shepherds
O rra m e n 1.
A verage
value of
allowances
p er week.
d.
s.
8
5
7
11
10
13
14
7
d.
7
4
9
8
Single m en.
Average
earnings
p er week.
s.
50
49
48
47
d.
3
9
4
7
Average
cash
wages
p er week.
A verage
value of
allowances
p er week.
s.
d.
s.
35
29
28
34
1
11
11
2
11
13
13
9
d.
2
8
8
5
A verage
earnings
p e r week.
s.
46
43
42
43
d.
3
7
7
7
1 F a rm workers other th a n plow m en, cattlem en, a n d shepherds.
I t is seen from this table th a t the average total weekly earnings of
m arried men betw een 21 and 60 years of age ranged from 47s. 7d.
($11.58, par) for orram en to 50s. 3d. ($12.23, par) for plowmen, and
those of single m en of the same ages ranged from 42s. 7d. ($10.36, par)
for shepherds to 46s. 3d. ($11.25, par) for plowmen.
^In certain sections of Scotland it is common for women to be em
ployed as outworkers, taking their share in all the work of the farm
except plowing; in other sections they work in the dairy and do
household work, and on small farms often help in the fields during
haym aking and harvesting. During the w ar the num ber of woman
workers increased considerably, b u t the increase was only tem porary,
The average total earnings per week of a woman worker in 1919-20
were, on the whole, about double w hat they were in 1914, and for those
between 21 and 60 years of age were 26s. 2d. ($6.37, par), not much
m ore than half w hat the plowman between those ages receives—
49s. 2d. ($11.96, par).
W hile m ost of the farm workers are p a rt of the perm anent staff,
being engaged for the year or half year, tem porary hands are custom
arily employed at hay time and harvest and during potato planting.
D uring the harvest of 1919 men employed by the week were usually
paid from 30s to 40s. ($7.30 to $9.73, par) w ith board and lodging, or
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[363]
102
M O NTH LY LABOE REVIEW.
from £2 10s. to £3 ($12.17 to $14.60, par) w ithout board. The m ost
common rate for day labor during harvest was 10s. ($2.43, par) per day
of 10 hours for men and 5s and 6s. ($1.22 and $1.46 par) for women.
Before the w ar the recognized summ er working-day on farm s was
one of 10 hours, although in some sections a shorter workday had
been adopted. In harvest tim e alm ost everywhere the workday was
10 hours or longer when the w eather perm itted. During the four
w inter m onths 8 hours’ work was the general rule. As a result of
endeavors of the Scottish F arm Servants’ Union to reduce the working
hours on farm s, in a great p a rt of the country m any farms have
adopted the 9-hour day in summer and the Saturday half holiday.
During harvest, however, when the w eather perm its, the farm day is
still 10 hours (including Saturdays) almost everywhere, and the winter
hours are the same as before the war, except for the Saturday half
holiday. The plowm an’s working week now averages about 50 hours’
work, besides about 7 hours’ stable work, an average reduction of
about 5 hours a week as compared w ith prew ar working hours. The
working hours of the cattlem an depend on the varying needs of the
cattle which it is his d uty to tend and feed, while it is no t possible to
fix working hours for shepherds, because of the nature of their work,
the life of a shepherd being generally an isolated one. Orramen and
perm anent woman workers generally have the same working hours as
plowmen, except th a t they have no stable work.
Wages in Swedish Textile Mills, 1921.
CCORDING to a- report from the American consul a t Göte
borg, Sweden, under date of May 1 , 1921, relative to the
conditions prevailing in Swedish textile mills on February
15, 1921, of the 151 cotton and woolen mills from which reports were
received only 26 w ith 2,870 employees were in operation six days
per week. Five mills were shut dow n; 1 mill w ith 84 employees was
working b u t one day per week; 87 mills w ith 6,220 employees were
in operation three days per week; 68, representing 9,556 workers,
were working only four days; and 14 w ith 1,763 employees were
operating five days per week. On the average, the working time
am ounted to about 33.9 hours per week.
The hourly wages paid Swedish textile workers, effective until
June 30, 1921, are shown in the table following. From July 1 to
Septem ber 30, there is to be a reduction of 5 per cent, and from
October 1 to December 31, 1921, a further reduction of 5 per cent.
A
H O U R L Y W A G E S O F S W E D IS H T E X T IL E W O R K E R S , E F F E C T IV E TO JU N E 30, 1921.
[1 k ro n a a t par=26.8 cents.]
Male workers.
Age 14
Age 16.
Age 18.
Age 19.
Age 20.
Age 21.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
H o u rly wage.
Fem ale w orkers.
K roner.
0.42
.63
.80
.94
1.07
1.19
H ourly wage.
K ro n er.
Age 14.......................
Age 16.......................
Age 18.......................
Age 21.......................
[3 8 4 ]
0.40
.60
.77
.77
WAGES AND HOUES OE LABOR,
103
Wages in Certain Occupations in South Africa, December, 1920.
H E April, 1921, num ber of the Q uarterly A bstract of Union
T
Statistics of the Union of South Africa contains a tabular stateA
m ent of standard or average wages paid to European adult
males in certain occupations in the more im portant towns of th a t
country in December, 1920. The table is here reproduced.
ST A N D A R D O R A V E R A G E W A G E S P A ID E U R O P E A N A D U L T M A LES IN S P E C IF IE D
O C CU PA T IO N S, D E C E M B E R , 1920.
[1 shilling a t par=24.3 cents; 1 penny=2.03 cents.]
Occupation.
PietJoP o rt E a st K im erm
Cape Eliz
ar D u r P re han- Bloem
L on ber
fon
Town. abeth.
itzban.
toria.
nesdon. ley. burg.
burg. tein.
R ate p e r day.
E n g in e e r in g a n d m e ta l w o r k in g .
B lacksm iths, boilerm akers, brass finishers,
coppersm iths, fitters, m olders, p a tte rn s . d .
s. d.
m akers, a n d tu rn e rs ........................................ 27 4 28 0
s . d.
28 0
s . d.
s . d.
30 0
30 0
s. d.
27 6
s . d.
s . d.
s. d.
29 4
28 0
26 0
R ate p er hour.
B u i ld in g .
Bricklayers, carpenters, an d m aso n s.............
P ainters, glaziers, p ap er hangers, an d sign
w riters.................................................................
Plasterers...............................................................
P lum bers...............................................................
3 7J
36
3 3
3 9
3 6
3 10J
4 0
40
40
2 3
3 7*
3 5i
3 0
3 6
3 6
2 9
3 3
2 9
3 1J
3 9
3 9
3 0
36
36
3 5*
3 10*
3 10*
4 0
4 0
4 0
40
4 0
4 0
36
40
40
R ate per week.
P r in t in g , b o o kb in d in g , etc.
B ookbinders, rulers, lithographers, a n d
com positors......................................... ............
Typesetting m achine operators, d a y s h ift. . .
Typesetting m achine operators, n ig h t s h if t.
M achinists an d stereotypers.............................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
152
168
184
152
9
0
6
9
152
168
184
152
9
0
6
9
[305]
152
168
184
152
9
0
6
9
164
181
199
164
6
0
0
6
152
168
184
152
9
0
6
9
164
181
199
164
6
0
0
6
188
206
227
1S8
0
9
6
0
188
206
227
188
0
9
6
0
176
193
213
176
3
9
3
3
MINIM UM WAGE.
Revision of Wisconsin General Order.
H E Industrial Commission of Wisconsin, which is charged with
the adm inistration of the m inimum wage law of the State, has
pursued a policy of establishing a general order covering all
industries. The order in force since August 1, 1919, was believed to
be inadequate to supply the needs of women and minors, and a peti
tion filed November 18, 1920, by the S tate Federation of Labor, the
Milwaukee Council of Social Agencies, and the Wisconsin Consumers’
League asked for a revision of the rates and also the issue of orders
limiting the hours of labor to n o t more than 8 per day and 44 per
week. Hearings were held in various parts of the S tate during the
first six m onths of the year, and a t the conclusion the commission
decided on a revision of rates.
The order of 1919 was the first issued under the law, though it had
been on the sta tu te books since 1913, the delay being due to contests
as to constitutionality. The order was of uniform application
throughout the State, b u t the current revision makes a distinction
between cities having a population of 5,000 or more and those of
smaller population. Instead of a uniform rate for experienced
females or minors over 17 years of age of 22 cents per hour, such
persons employed in cities of 5,000 or more inhabitants are to receive
not less th an 25 cents per hour, the 22-cent rate being retained for
the smaller localities. This increase was based on the finding th a t
“ in the two years which have intervened room rents have m aterially
increased in practically all of the larger cities, with little or no tend
ency to come down.
Board and restaurant prices have also in
creased, w ith only com paratively slight reductions in the last m onth.”
The earlier rate was based on a budget of $4.50 per week for board
and $2 for room rent, while the present rate, assuming a 50-hour
week, would allow $5.25 for board, $2.50 for lodging, the same
am ount as before ($2.50) for clothing, and $2.25 for incidentals, an
increase of 25 cents. The higher rate is to prevail not only in the
cities proper, b u t in communities and isolated establishm ents lying
within the industrial area of the cities, although outside their terri
torial limits. These rates were said to be a compromise, b u t since
they were agreed upon by representatives of employers, employees,
and the public by unanimous action, the commission felt justified in
adopting them, although “ lower than the rate prescribed in m ost
other States which have m inimum wage laws.”
The board was unable to make any recommendations as to hours,
the evidence before the commission being “ very scant.” Such tes
tim ony as was subm itted was said to be “ merely general impressions
and not accurate investigations as to the effect of longer hours of
labor on the life, health, safety, and welfare of women employees.”
No change, therefore, could be recommended, b u t the commission
T
104
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[366]
M IN IM U M WAGE.
105
declared th a t as the law prescribed the duty, “ the commission m ust
and will discharge the same by making investigations in various
industries in which the present regulations m ay be unsatisfactory or
injurious to the health of women employees.”
A nother m atter th a t the commission considered, though not pre
sented to it by the wage board, was as to length of learning period
and rates payable to learners. The rate of 18 cents fixed by the
order of 1919 was so high th a t employers hesitated to take oil begin
ners. A wider difference was therefore approved, and for learners
17 years of age or over 16 cents m ay be paid for the first three m onths,
though the 20-cent rate for the second three m onths rem ains un
changed. Minors between 14 and 16 years m ust be paid not less
than 16 cents during the first year of their employment and 20 cents
per hour thereafter, while those betw een 16 and 17 m ust be paid 20
cents if they have had six m onths’ experience; otherwise not less
than 16 cents per hour. Those producing o u tp u t equal to employees
in a higher wage class m ust be paid not less than the m inim um of
th a t class.
Employers using piece rates were form erly required to guarantee
the m inimum for all employees. This perm itted abuse by lazy or
incom petent workers, and the present order declares the rate ade
quate if 75 per cent of the experienced employees earn 3 cents per
hour more than the m inimum fixed, so th a t the employer need make
up no deficits where such a condition prevails.
The allowance for board and lodging, where the same is computed
as p art of the wages, was advanced from $4.50 per week for board
to $5.25 and from $2 for lodging to $2.50 in cities of 5,000 or more,
the earlier rates rem aining unchanged in smaller places.
The order became effective August 1, 1921.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[3G7]
R E C E N T L A B O R A G R E E M E N T S A N D D E C ISIO N S.
Railroads.
NUM BER of interpretations and decisions recently have been
handed down by the R ailroad Labor Board. Addenda to and
interpretations'"of Decision No. 119 have been m ade necessary
by circumstances arising in the railroad industry. Decision No. 119,
it will be remembered, term inated the national agreements governing
rules and working conditions in force under authority of the United
States R ailroad A dm inistration and called upon officers and system
organizations of employees of each carrier to designate and authorize
representatives to confer and decide as m uch of the dispute relating
to rules and working conditions as possible before Ju ly 1, when u n
decided questions would be determ ined by the board.
In an interpretation (No. 2) m ade public on June 16 the board de
cided th a t Decision No. 119 did not affect existing schedules or
agreements of the train, engine, or yard employees, since these agree
m ents were not included in the dispute before the board when Decision
No. 119 was made. “ Changes in such schedules or agreements,
however, m ay be made after the required notice either by agreement
of the parties or by decision of this board after conference between
the parties and proper reference in accordance w ith the provisions of
the transportation act and the rules of the board.”
In terp retatio n No. 4 to Decision No. 119, issued on June 25,
excludes, on the same grounds, the railroad telegraphers from the
jurisdiction of this decision.
The following interpretation (No. 5) m ade public on June 28 con
cerns the inclusion of employees in general offices in the agreements
made between the carriers and the Brotherhood of Railw ay and
Steam ship Clerks, Freight H andlers, Express, and Station Employees.
Decision.—The employees in general offices now covered by existing agreements of
A
the Brotherhood of Railway and Steamship Clerics, Freight Handlers, Express, and
Station Employees do not constitute, within the meaning of principle 15 of Decision
No. 119. a craft or class separate and different from other employees in clerical and
station service. They should, therefore, be included w ithin the agreement to be
made between the carrier and the organization representing the majority of the em
ployees in clerical and station service. This decision will not operate to prevent the
exclusion of the personal office force and confidential positions in the general offices
from the application of the agreement.
On June 27 Addendum No. 2 to Decision No. 119 was prom ulgated,
providing as follows:
Reports of the results of conferences held in accordance w ith the direction contained
in Decision No. 119 have been and are now being received in considerable number.
In some instances the carriers and the employees have reached an agreement upon all
rules. In a considerable number of instances there remain certain rules upon which
no agreement has been reached, while in others conferences have not as yet been
begun. Under these circumstances, in order that no misunderstanding may exist or
unnecessary controversy arise, i t appears necessary, purely as a modus vivendi, that
the Labor Board establish a uniform, policy to be pursued w ith regard to the undecided
rules until such tim e as it is possible to make a decision.
106
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[368]
RECENT LABOR AGREEMENTS AND DECISIONS.
107
In the available reports from the conferences held in accordance with the direction
contained in Decision No. 119, it is found that the principal rules still the subject of dis
pute are those governing the payment of overtime. The Labor Board directs as follows,
effective July 1, 1921, with the understanding that if the rules promulgated by the
Labor Board to be effective July 1 are more favorable to the employees, adjustment in
compensation due the employees will be made by the carrier:
1. All overtime in excess of the established hours of service shall be paid for at the
pro rata rate; provided, that this will not affect classes of employees of any carrier
which have reached an agreement as to overtime rates, nor classes of employees of any
carrier who by agreement or practice were receiving a rate higher than pro rata prior
to the promulgation of any general order of the United States Railroad Administration
relating to wages and working conditions. Inasmuch as this board has not as yet given
consideration to any dispute on overtime rates, this order should not be construed to
indicate the final action and decision of the Labor Board on disputes as to overtime
rates which have been or may be referred to the board.
2. In lieu of any other rules not agreed to in the conferences held under Decision No.
119, the rules established by or under the authority of the United States Railroad
Administration are continued in effect until such time as such rules are considered
and decided by the Labor Board.
3. This direction shall not be understood to modify Decision No. 119 in any respect
other than is specifically provided for herein.
4. Rules agreed upon by carriers and employees to be effective as of July 1, 1921.
In carrying out the provision of Decision No. 119 with respect to
the holding of conferences and the negotiating of agreements, the
question arose as to whether such negotiations should be carried on
with each of the six shop crafts or with the federated shop crafts, and
whether the federated crafts have a right to insist upon one agreement
to cover employees whom they represent. On this point Decision
No. 153, issued June 7, provides as follows:
Decision.—The Labor Board decides that the work of the six shop crafts and the
conditions under which it is performed are so similar in their main characteristics as
to make it practicable and economical to treat said crafts as constituting such an or
ganization or class of employees as is contemplated in the Transportation Act, 1920,
and in Decision No. 119 of the Labor Board, for the purpose in question, and that said
six shop crafts may negotiate and enter into said agreement jointly through the feder
ated shop crafts, if they so elect, provided said System Federation represents a ma
jority of each craft or class.
Several later disputes between various carriers and their employees
on this point have been decided by the board in which this position is
substantiated.
Chicago Cloth Hat and Cap Industry.
F
OLLOWING is the decision, effective June 27, of the board of
arbitration in the Chicago cloth h a t and cap industry, upon
the request of the Chicago Cloth Headwear M anufacturers’
Association for a wage reduction of 25 per cent in all departments.
This decision modified the ruling of the board of February 21, when
tem porary reductions of 15 per cent were directed, and operated for
about five weeks only, or until August 1, when the present agreement
expired. Negotiations for the renewal of the agreement are now
under way.
The board accordingly directs that a reduction of 10 per cent be made in wages of
Chicago cap makers, to be applied as follows:
1.
Operators.—A reduction of 10 per cent is made in the wages of operators earning
$35.01 and up. Operators earning $35 and less are not to be reduced. No reduction
is to carry the wage below $35.
58950°—21---- 8
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[369]
108
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
2. Cutters and Mothers.—A reduction oi 10 per cent is to be made up of the wages of
cutters and blockers who receive $40.01 and up. Cutters and blockers earning $40
or less are not to be reduced. No reduction is to carry the wage below $40.
3. Lining makers and trimmers.—In general a reduction of 10 per cent is to be made
but no wage of these two branches is to be reduced below $23.
The temporary reduction of 15 per cent for cutters, blockers, lining makers, and
trimmers is hereby modified so that the 10 per cent reduction when it becomes effec
tive shall be made on the basis of the wage these workers were receiving last February
1. The present 15 per cent reduction is to stand until the 10 per cent reduction goes
into effect. The board will not undertake to set standards and no back pay will be
granted for the period since February 21. The temporary reduction will be treated
as it was in New York. The decision of the board in Chicago, February 21, was
controlled in general by the action in the New York market. * * *
6. Certain firms failed to observe the rulings of the board of arbitration in the deci
sion of February 21 when temporary reductions were directed to be made for cutters,
blockers, lining makers, and trimmers, until standards could be set. That decision
required a 15 per cent reduction in those branches and further required that tickets
be issued so that records of the work could be kept in order to furnish a basis for fixing
standards. A subsequent decision, April 20, reinforced the direction to keep tickets.
An investigation shows that some firms made no reductions, others made individual
bargains with the workers, and others provided no tickets. Some firms fall in all
three classes. This irresponsible action, participated in both by employers and
workers, has contributed in very great measure to the critical condition of the Chicago
market. Both employers and workers have suffered from this disloyalty to the
agreement.
In order to express disapproval of these practices the board has decided to lay a
penalty upon those firms that failed to observe the agreement and the rulings of the
board. Fines will be assessed against each employer thus delinquent. These fines
are to be paid in to the board of arbitration before the day when this ruling takes
effect. Unless the fine is paid prior to that date the employer shall not reduce wages.
A supplementary note is attached to this ruling, giving the names of the firms and
companies against whom the fine is assessed, together with the amount of the fine.
The money thus paid in will be under the supervision and control of the adjustment
board and the board of arbitration to be used for the relief of invalid or unemployed
workers, or for any other purpose that may seem good to the boards.
7. These rulings are to go into effect beginning June 27. Reductions may begin
that day if it is the first day of the pay-roll week, or any date thereafter which marks
the beginning of a pay-roll week.
Silk Ribbon Industry, New York City.
N A decision effective June 1, 1921, the Association of Ribbon
M anufacturers Gf Greater New York were refused their request
for a general reduction in wages of their employees. The decision,
which affects about 500 workers, was handed down by Charles B.
Barnes, chairman of the trade council of the silk ribbon industry of
New York.
Two readjustm ents are made, however, to cut labor costs in the
manufacturing of cheaper grades of ribbon, and thus enable firms
under this agreement to compete in m arkets where wages in the
manufacture of this class of goods are lower. These readjustm ents
will increase the maximum “ligneage” allowed for two looms operated
by one worker, and will cut minimum wages 12^ per cent on high
speed looms making the lighter draft ribbons. A minimum of 87£
cents an hour is established for a weaver operating two looms.
I
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1370]
RECENT LABOR AGREEMENTS AND DECISIONS.
109
Shirt Industry, New York City.
H IR T operators and pressers in the New York branch of the
industry, members of the Shirt and Boys’ W aist W orkers’ Union,
whose wages were reduced by 15 to 25 per cent in February by
verbal agreement with the United Shirt M anufacturers’ Associa
tion (Inc.), have been granted an increase from present scales which
will modify the previous reductions to a flat 15 per cent. The
decision, which became effective June 6, was made by Dr. W. M. Leiserson, special arbitrator for the case, and puts the reduction of wages
in this industry on the same basis as th a t recently set for the m en’s
clothing industry.
S
Chicago Printing Trades.
A BOUT 12,000 members of the job printing trades in Chicago
Z_k were affected by the agreement signed on May 5 by 12 of the
^ ^ leading job printing firms of Chicago, members of the Frank
lin Typothetse, and the representatives of Typographical Union No.
16, Printing Pressm en’s Union No. 3, Franklin Union No. 4, and
Bookbinders and Paper Cutters Union No. 8. This agreement pro
vides for the 44-hour week and a reduction of $4.35 per week for each of
the four m ajor crafts. Compositors will receive $46.65 a week, press
men $47.65, feeders $39.65, and bookbinders $42.15. The arbitra
tion board which handled this case consisted of nine members, four
chosen by each of the parties in dispute and the ninth selected by
the eight thus chosen. Prof. Ralph Emerson Heilman, dean of the
school of commerce of Northwestern University, acted as im partial
arbiter.
New Classification of Steam Railroad Occupations.*
R IO R to July 1, 1915, the service and compensation of railroad
emploj^ees were reported annually by the carriers to the In te r
state Commerce Commission under 18 occupational groupings.
On July 1, 1915, a revised classification, providing for the separation
of railroad occupations into 68 groups, was issued by the Interstate
Commerce Commission, and this grouping was used by the carriers
in their reports up to June 30, 1921. These groupings proved inade
quate, however.
•Under new forms and new rules worked out by the United States
Railroad Labor Board and the In terstate Commerce Commission,
and effective July 1, 1921, the railroads will be required to render to
the Interstate Commerce Commission and to the United States Rail
road Labor Board m onthly reports of information on railroad em
ployees. On the two new forms provided for such reports the occu
pations of all railroad workers are classified under 148 occupational
headings. The first form, known as Form A, which applies to all
employees except those in train and engine service, includes 130 of
P
i U nited States R ailroad L abor Board. Rules for reporting inform ation on railroad employees, together
w ith a classification and index of steam railroad occupations. May, 1921, 320 pp.
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110
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
the occupational groups and calls for the following information foi
each group:
Number of employees middle of month.
Number of full-time positions.
Service hours (or days):
Straight time actually worked.
Overtime paid for at pro rata rates.
Overtime paid for at punitive rates.
Time paid for but not worked.
Total time paid for.
Compensation:
Straight time paid for.
Overtime paid for at pro rata rates.
Overtime paid for at punitive rates.
Time paid for but not worked.
Total.
On Form B, designed to cover train and engine service, which in
cludes the remaining 18 occupational groups, the following informa
tion is called for:
Number of employees:
Middle of month.
On dates of month—
7th.
15th,
22d.
28th.
Service hours:
Straight time actually worked.
Straight time paid for.
Overtime paid for.
Constructive allowances.
Total.
Compensation:
Straight time actually worked.
Straight time paid for.
Overtime paid for.
Constructive allowances.
Total (see instructions).
Grand total:
Miles:
Actually run.
Paid for but not run.
Total number of trips for which not less than a minimum day was paid.
Compared with previous report forms, the num ber of occupational
groups has been largely increased and more information is being
asked for as to each group.
Accompanying the rules and forms for reporting described above,
there is a detailed occupational classification of all railroad positions
included within the groups, with descriptions of the duties generally
performed. There is an alphabetical list of occupations and an index
to the classification.
All railroad positions are separated into 17 main divisions, which, for convenience,
are called “ services.” Those are the broadest divisions of positions and are deter
mined irrespective of departmental lines. Such a grouping of services admits of a
bird’s-eye view being made of the entire range of railroad positions.
The services are subdivided into 119 groups of related positions covering work
Which is generally performed in the same profession, vocation, or trade, or in a par
ticular kind of railroad work.
Wherever there are wide and clearly discernible differences in the importance,
difficulty, and responsibility of the work performed, the groups are further subdivided
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RECENT LABOR AGREEMENTS AND DECISIONS.
Ill
into grades which consist of one or more distinctive classes of positions. These classes
are the smallest units provided for in the classification and are made up of positions
carrying essentially similar duties and responsibilities. Each class is given a dis
tinct title and described so far as is necessary to indicate the kinds of positions which
fall under each distinctive class.
Under each of the respective services, groups, and grades there is set out in the
occupational classification general descriptive statements of duties and responsibili
ties of the services and groups, and of the distinctive classes of positions. These
descriptions are designed to distinguish particular kinds of work so as to provide for
essentially homogeneous classes of occupations.
Concerning the classification, the text states:
The occupational classification is in no way and under no circumstances to be inter
preted by the board, by the Interstate Commerce Commission, by the railroads or
by other interested parties, as setting up jurisdictional lines for occupations, or as
limiting the kinds of work which employees may perform, or the duties which they
may assume. In preparing the occupational classification, the board has not aimed
to standardize for the railroads the occupational duties assigned to, or the kinds of
work performed by, their employees, and nothing in the classification nor in the report
forms is to be construed in this light. * * *
The occupational classification with the alphabetical finding list should be used as
a basis in distributing occupations in the reports which are to be made to the Inter
state Commerce Commission and to the United States Railroad Labor Board. This
does not mean that the railroads are required in making up the regular reports to the
Interstate Commerce Commission and to the United States Railroad Labor Board to
observe all of the separate class distinctions provided for in the classification, but
they are required to follow the definitions and make the distinctions which apply to
the divisions of occupations upon which they report. It is hoped, however, that the
classifications in its detailed form will prove of such value to the railroads in viewing
their employment problems as a whole that they will, of their own free will, install
it as a basis for employment administration, and reap the advantages which will
accrue therefrom.
WAGE ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON CHANGES IN COST OF LIVING.
The D epartm ent of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, is desirous of making a study of the methods of
adjusting wage scales, and concluding collective wage agree
m ents where cost of living figures enter into the wage adjust
m ent. To th a t end, the Bureau of Labor Statistics wishes
to communicate w ith the various companies, members of
arbitration boards, labor managers, or others who are using
cost-of-living figures in the determination of wage awards.
If any person (or agency) who receives this publication is
using cost-of-living figures in the adjustm ent of wages it will
be appreciated if he will advise the Commissioner of Labor
Statistics, W ashington, D. C., of th at fact.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[378]
EM PLO Y M EN T AND U N EM PLO Y M ENT.
Employment in Selected industries in June, 1921.
H E Bureau of Labor Statistics received and tabulated reports
concerning the volume of employment in June, 1921, from
representative establishments in 13 selected m anufacturing
industries and in bituminous coal mining.
Comparing the figures of June, 1921, with those of identical es
tablishm ents for June, 1920, it appears th a t there were decreases in
the number of persons employed in ail industries except woolen,
which shows an increase of 3.9 per cent. The most im portant de
creases are 41.6 per cent in car building and repairing, 39.6 per cent
in iron and steel, and 37.5 per cent in automobiles.
When compared with June, 1920, the amount of the pay rolls in
June, 1921, show decreases in 13 of the 14 industries. The one
increase reported—8.3 per cent-—appears in the woolen industry.
The largest decreases appearing during this period are 65 per cent
in iron and steel, 47.7 per cent in paper, 40.6 per cent in leather, and
39.7 per cent in automobiles.
T
C O M PA RISO N O P E M PL O Y M E N T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN JU N E , 1920, AN D
JU N E , 1921.
In d u stry .
Iron a n d steel..........................
Autom obile m an u facturing..
Car building and repairing..
Cotton m anufacturing...........
Cotton finishing.................. .
Hosiery and underw ear........
W o o le n ...................................
S ilk .................................
M en’s ready-m ade clo th ing ..
L eather m anufacturing.........
Boots and shoes....................
P aper m ak in g.......................
Cigar m anufacturing..............
Coal m ining (bitum inous). . .
N um ber on pay roll.
E stab
lish
m ents
Per
report Period of
cent of
ing for p ay roli.
increase
June,
June,
June,
) or
1920.
1921. ( +de
both
years.
crease
(-)•
117
47
56
60
17
61
52
47
42
31
82
51
54
94
i m onth. 184,537 111.540
1 w eek. .
J m onth.
1 w e e k ..
. .. d o .......
. . .d o ___
. .. d o .......
2 w eeks.
1 w e e k ..
.. .do.......
...d o ........
.. .d o .......
.. .d o .......
i m onth.
154,082 96,254
64,965 37,945
59,535 59,283
12,728 12,652
30,978 24.540
48,933 50,859
20,283 18,965
29,750 25,932
15.653 11,239
69,282 60,226
30,280 19,796
16,003 15,902
24.654 23,462
A m ount of pay roll.
June,
1920.
June,
1921.
-3 9 .6 $13,989,510 $4,896,331
-3 7 .5
5,230,496 3,154,773
-4 1 .6
4,084,912 2,515,988
- .4
1,411,138 1,041,004
- .6
348,345
283,398
-2 0 .8
658,990
406,952
+ 3.9
1,099,237 1,190,196
- 6.5
975,338
844,175
-1 2 .8
993,799
780,321
-2 8 .2
436,173
259,083
-1 3 .1
1,728,273 1,405,147
-3 4 .6
927,889
485,689
- .6
309,609
359,952
- 4.8
1,861,533 1,460,027
Per
cent of
increase
( + ) or
de
crease
(-)•
-6 5 .0
-3 9 .7
-3 8 .4
-2 6 .2
-1 8 .6
-3 8 .2
+ 8.3
-1 3 .4
-2 1 .5
-4 0 .0
-1 8 .7
-4 7 .7
-1 4 .0
-2 1 .6
Com parative data for June, 1921, and May, 1921, appear in the
following table. The figures show th a t in 10 industries there were
increases in the num ber of persons on the pay roll in June as com
pared w ith May, and in 4 a decrease. The largest increases, 8.9 per
cent, 7.2 per cent, and 5 per cent, are shown in m en’s ready-m ade
clothing, leather, and bitum inous coal, respectively. A decrease of
5.7 per cent appears in iron and steel and one of 2.4 per cent in car
building and repairing.
112
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EMPLOYMENT AND UNEM PLOYM ENT.
113
W hen comparing June, 1921, w ith May, 1921, 11 industries show
an increase in the am ount of money paid to employees and 3 show a
decrease. The m ost im portant increases are 11.8 per cent in coal,
9.2 per cent in m en’s ready-m ade clothing, and 8.8 per cent in leather.
Iron and steel shows a percentage decrease of 17.5 per cent.
C O M PA RISO N O F EM PL O Y M EN T IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN MAY A N D JU N E ,
1921.
In d u stry .
Iro n a n d steel........................
Autom obile m anufacturing...
Car building and rep airin g . . .
Cotton m anufacturing.............
Cotton finishing........................
Hosiery and underw ear..........
W oolen............_.........................
Silk...............................................
Men’s ready-m ade clothing...
L eather m anufacturing...........
Boots and shoes........................
P ap er m aking............................
Cigar m anufacturing................
Coal m ining (bitum inous)___
E stab
lish
m ents
report Period of
ing
pay roll.
for
May
an a
June.
119
44
54
60
17
63
52
47
44
34
82
52
56
91
J m onth,
i w eek..
i m onth.
1 w eek..
...d o .......
...d o .......
. ..d o .......
2 w eeks.
1 w e ek ..
...d o .......
...d o .......
. ..d o .......
. ..d o .......
1 m onth.
N um ber on pay roll.
May,
1921.
June,
1921.
118, 802 I ll, 988
93,296 93, 407
39,276 38, 318
59,293 59,283
12, 423 12,652
25, 867 26, 572
49, 939 50, 859
18,957 18,965
23, 833 25, 968
10,867 11,651
58, 092 60, 837
19,948 19, 859
16,032 16, 239
21, 390 22,467
Percent
of in
crease
(+ ) or
de
crease
(-)•
A m ount of pay roll.
May,
1921.
June,
1921.
- 5 . 7 15, 957, 985 $4, 914, 476
+ .1 3,126,958 3, 051,662
- 2 .4 2, 545, 577 2, 576,481
1,030, 368 1, 041,004
«
273,334
283, 398
+ 1.8
442,676
+ 2 .7
429, 583
+ 1.8 1,152,974 1,190,196
856,269
844,175
(2)
715, 599
781, 567
+ 8.9
+ 7 .2
246, 557
268,241
+ 4.7 1,325,939 1,418,166
472, 430
-0 .4
486, 817
314,164
316, 014
+ 1.3
+ 5 .0 1,249,629 1,396,982
P ercent
of in
crease
(+ ) or
de
crease
(-).
-1 7 .5
- 2.4
+ 1.2
+ 1.0
+ 3.7
+ 3.0
+ 3.2
- 1.4
+ 9.2
+ 8.8
+ 7.0
+ 3.0
+ •6
+11.8
1 Decrease of less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
2 Increase of less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
In addition to the data presented in the above tables as to the
num ber of employees on the pay roll, 88 plants in the iron and steel
industry reported 82,395 employees as actually working on the last full
day of the pay-roll period reported for June, 1921, as against 143,615
for the reported pay-roll period in June, 1920, a decrease of 42.6
per cent. Figures given by 83 establishments in the iron and steel
industry show th a t 75,005 employees were actually working on the
last full day of the pay period reported for June, 1921, as against
79,923 for the same period in May, 1921, a decrease of 6.2 per cent.
E d it o r ia l N o t e .—It has been learned recently that certain automobile establish
ments misunderstood the nature of the Bureau’s inquiry, and in reporting the number
of employees on the pay roll during the depression they furnished not simply the
number working and receiving wages in the pay period reported, but had included
also employees who were laid off during the entire pay period but whose names were
kept on the pay roll because they were expected to resume work. It has been neces
sary to revise the figures since they were published in the March and April numbers
of the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w . The revised figures are as follows:
On page 137 of the March R e v i e w : Change number on pay roll for January, 1921,
from 77,244 to 28,769; per cent of increase or decrease from —39.5 to —77.5.
On page 138 of the March R e v i e w : Change number on pay roll for January, 1921,
from 76,177 to 27,702; per cent of increase or decrease from + 0 .1 to —63.6.
On page 83 of the April R e v i e w : Change number on pay roll for February, 1921,
from 92,302 to 54,400; per cent of increase or decrease from —41.3 to —65.4.
On page 84 of the April R eview : Change number on pay roll for January, 1921, from
74,879 to 26,404; for February, 1921, from 75,879 to 37,977; per cent of increase or
decrease from + 1.3 to +43.8.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1375]
114
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Changes in Wage Rates and Per Capita Earnings.
POURING the period May 15 to June 15 there were wage changes
^
made by some of the establishments in 11 of the 14 industries.
Iron a n d steel.—All the men in three establishments were reduced
approxim ately 21 per cent in wages. In 22 plants wage reductions
of 20 per cent were reported, affecting the entire force in 21 plants
and 94 per cent of the force in the remaining plant. Eight mills
reported a general wage-rate cut of 15 per cent. In one concern the
foremen were reduced 16 § per cent in wages, while the office force
was reduced 10 per cent. A decrease of 11 per cent, affecting 92
per cent of the force, was reported by one plant. In two establish
m ents a decrease of 10 per cent was made, affecting all employees
in one establishment; the num ber of employees affected in the sec
ond establishment was not stated. Paym ent of time and one-half
for overtime after eight hours was discontinued by three concerns.
Increased business depression is reported throughout the industry.
Many mills are idle or operating p art time, due to lack of orders.
The per capita earnings for June are 12.5 per cent less than those
for May.
A utom obiles. —A wage-rate decrease of 10 per cent was reported
by three plants, affecting all employees in the first plant, 65 per cent
of the employees in the second plant, and 36 per cent of the employees
in the third plant. One factory made a 7.2 per cent decrease to 40
per cent of the force. When comparing the per capita earnings for
June with those for May, a decrease of 2.5 per cent is shown.
Car building a n d repairing. —More time was worked during the
pay-roll period and the per capita earnings show an increase of 3.7
per cent, when May and June figures are compared.
Cotton m a n u fa ctu rin g . —The wages of all employees in one plant
were decreased 8f per cent. The per capita earnings for June show
an increase of 1 per cent when compared with the per capita earnings
for May.
Cotton fin is h in g . —When comparing the per capita earnings for May
and June, an increase of 1.8 per cent is noted.
H osiery a n d underw ear. —An increase of 10 per cent was granted
by two mills, affecting 25 per cent of the employees in the first mill
and 2 per cent of the employees in the second mill. A decrease of
22^ per cent was reported by one concern, but the num ber affected
was not stated. The entire force of one plant was reduced 10 per
cent in wages, while about 66 per cent of the force in another plant
was reduced 9 | per cent. Em ploym ent generally was fairly well
m aintained throughout the period. An increase of 0.3 per cent is
found when comparing per capita earnings for May and June.
Woolen.—There were no changes in rates of wages reported for this
industry. The per capita earnings show an increase of 1.3 per cent
when comparing May and June figures.
Sillc. —A decrease of 10 per cent to 50 per cent of the force was
reported by one mill. The per capita earnings for June are 1.5 per
cent less than those for May.
M en ’s ready-m ade clothing. —Four per cent of the men in one plant
were granted an increase of 10 per cent. All of the men in another
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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EM PLOYMENT AND UNEM PLOYM ENT.
115
plant were decreased 15 per cent in wages. In one establishment
employees earning over $30 per week had wage reductions ranging
from 5 to 10 per cent. An increase of 0.3 per cent is shown when
comparing per capita earnings for May and June.
L eather .—A decrease of 18 per cent was reported by one tannery,
but the percentage of employees affected was not stated. Eightyfive per cent of the force in one establishment was reduced 10 per
cent in wages. When per capita earnings for June are compared
with per capita earnings for May, an increase of 1.5 per cent is
reported.
Boots a n d shoes .—An increase of 11 per cent was granted to 3 per
cent of the men in one factory. Business conditions have slightly
improved, and the per capita earnings show an increase of 2.1 per
cent when May and June figures are compared.
P a y e r .—In one mill the shop force was reduced 20 per cent in
wages. All employees in another mill had a wage-rate reduction of
19 per cent. A 10 per cent decrease was made by one establishment,
affecting 83 per cent of the men. When comparing per capita earn
ings for May and June, an increase of 3.5 per cent is shown.
Cigars .—A wage-rate decrease of about 15 per cent was made to
80 per cent of the men in one factory. A decrease of 10 per cent,
affecting shop employees, was reported by one establishment, while
80 per cent of the force in another establishment was reduced 7 per
cent. The per capita earnings for June are 0.7 per cent less than
those for May.
B itu m in o u s coal .—A decrease in rates of wages was reported by
three mines, but no further data were furnished. The entire forces
of two mines had respective wage-rate reductions of 20 per cent and
15 per cent. However, the June per capita earnings reported are
6.4 per cent higher than the per capita earnings for May.
Employment in New York State in June.
R
EPO RTS received by the New York State D epartm ent of Labor
from 1,540 factories in the State showed no halt in June in the
decline for activities in factory operation. The decline taken
as a whole from May to June was 2 per cent. The total decline in
the number of persons employed in 15 m onths amounts to 28 per cent.
There were varying degrees of change in the different industries.
The heaviest reduction in the m onth again occurred in the m etal
industry. Some of the clothing industries showed considerable cur
tailm ent as a result of seasonal activities, although the settlem ent of
the strike in men’s clothing in New York City was largely responsible
for a gain in th a t branch of the clothing industry.
The decline in employment in chemicals and paper goods continued
into June. The strike in the paper industry continued. Improve
m ent was noted in m any of the textile industries and in several of the
food product industries. In the printing industry there was a minor
gain in June, chiefly, the result of a resumption of work where strikes
prevailed in May.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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116
M O N T H L Y LABOR R EV IEW .
Changes in Employment in the United States, June 30, 1921.
X A press release of July 8, 1921, the United States Em ploym ent
Service has published the results of its m onthly industrial survey
A covering the m onth of June, 1921. The data are based on tele
graphic reports from special agents in 65 principal industrial centers,
the figures being taken from pay rolls of firms usually employing over
560 workers each.
The survey shows th a t the 1,428 firms included employed 1,573,538
workers on May 31, 1921, as compared with 1,527,124 on June 30, a
net decrease of 46,414 or 2.9 per cent. The net decrease since Ja n
uary 31, 1921, has been 101,010 or 6.2 per cent.
As to the causes of the protracted industrial depression and the
increasing unemployment the report states th a t the returns indicate
th a t continued unsatisfactory conditions of transportation, with
freight rates in m any instances considered almost prohibitive; lack
of anything like a normal foreign m arket; the present low value of
farm produce; stagnation in iron and steel; high costs of construction;
and general dullness of the retail trade stand out prom inently as
leading factors in the situation.
As to the housing conditions, the survey shows th a t the almost
nation-wide housing shortage still persists, although there are indi
cations here and there of resumption of building operations, though
for the m ost p a rt on a restricted scale.
As to the future the survey shows th a t business generally is optimis
tic, expecting a dull summer in m ost lines, b u t counting on improve
m ent by fall and a healthy business revival by the spring of 1922.
The tables following show the decrease or increase in employment
on June 30, compared with May 31, 1921, by industry groups and by
cities.
f
CH AN G ES IN EM PL O Y M EN T MAY 31 TO JU N E 30, 1921.
Industries reporting a DECREASE in employment in June, 1921.
Change in
n um ber.
In d u stry group.
Miscellaneous in d u stries......................................... ................
R ailroad repair shops.............................................................
Iro n and steel and th eir p ro d u cts.........................................
Chemicals and a ile d p ro d u cts----------- ------ ---------------Vehicles for land tran sp o rtatio n ............ ...............................
Metals and m etal products other th a n iron and stee l---L um ber and its m anufacture-------------- --------- -----------P ap er and p rin tin g ............................ .................. «..................
q'ntai decrease in 8 in d u s trie s __
18,634
3,390
19,701
4,328
8,862
1,608
135
114
Per cent of
change from
May 31,1921.
R elative
weight (per
cent em ployed
June 30, to
total employed
in 14 groups).
18.2
6.3
5.8
5.7
5.7
21.3
4.9
2.2
4.7
.6
.2
3.5
4.6
11.3
1.4
3.3
56,772
Industries reporting an INCREASE in employment in June, 1921.
rjnnhaeen m on n facto7r p,s............................ ................................
Feather and its p ro d u cts.........................................................
T/iqnor and beverages...................................... . ...................
Ktnne7 clay, and glass p ro d u cts. . . ...... ............ ..................
Textiles and th eir pro d u cts...................................................
Foods and kindred products..................................................
Tot^l increase in 6 in d u stries______
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
3,387
2, 758
67
397
2,579
'901
10,089
[378]
12.8
5.8
3.9
2.8
1.0
.7
1.9
3.2
.1
.9
16.7
8.0
EM PLOYMENT AND UNEM PLOYM ENT.
117
CH A N G ES IN E M PL O Y M E N T MAY 31 TO JU N E 30, 1921—Concluded.
C itie s r e p o r tin g a D E C R E A S E i n e m p lo y m e n t i n
Change in
num ber.
City.
Peoria, 111.............................................................................. .....
San Francisco, Calif.................................................................
Syracuse, N. Y .*.............. ............ .......................... .............
Cleveland, O h io______ _____________ ________ . . . . . . . .
G rand R apids, M id i.............................................. .................
Louisville, K y .................................................................... .......
Indianapolis, I n d . ....................................................................
Bridgeport, Conn......................................................................
Columbus, O hio........................................................................
Baltim ore, M d........... ..............................................................
Bayonne, N . J ............................................................................
Newark, N. J ........................ ....................................... ............
New York City, N. Y .............................................................
M em phis, Terin............................. ....................... .............
Pittsburgh. P a ............................................. ....................... .
Chicago, 111.................................................................................
St. Paui, M in n ....................... _................................ .
D etroit, Mich.............................................................................
Buffalo, N. Y ................................................. ...........................
Camden, N. J ................................ ..................... »................
C incinnati, Ohio.............. ........................................................
Boston, M ass................................................... ........................
Minneapolis, M inn................................................. ................
Johnstow n, P a ..........................................................................
T renton, N. J ............................................................................
Milwaukee, W is........................................................................
R eading, E a ..............................................................................
Jersey City, N . J .......................................................................
New Orleans, L a .... ............... . ..............................................
W at er bury, Conn.................. ...................................... ...........
New H aven, Conn...................................................................
A lbany-Schénectady, N. Y .......................................... ,........
Rochester, N. Y .... ...................................................................
P e rth Amboy, N . J ..................................................................
P hiladelphia, P a . . .................................................... . :..........
N iagara Tails, N. Y ................................................................
Providence, R. I .......................................................................
Youngstown, O hio...................................................................
St. Louis, Mo.............................................................................
Total decrease in 39 cities...........................................
1,074
2 ,362
1,820
9; 468
734
1,352
1,563
492
2, .223
'735
2,329
7,987
146
3,639
8,139
433
6,641
1,005 '
1,273
484
2,041
’ 396
362
367
845
346
259
141
133
144
216
373
254
898
29
78
111
64
J u n e , 1921.
P er cent of
change from
May 31,1921.
R elative weight
(per cent em
ployed to total
employed in 65
cities June 30).
33.9
25.0
17.4
12.6
10.7
10.2
9.6
8.6
7.7
7.3
6.7
6.1
5.2
5.2
5.2
4.9
4.8
4.8
4.5
4.3
3.7
3.6
3.3
3.5
2.9
2. 4
2.1
2.0
2.0
1.3
1.3
1.2
1.2
1.1
.9
.8
.6
.5
.4
0.13
.46
.56
4.3
.3
.42
.83
1.09
.38
1.85
.67
2.3
9.4
.17
4.3
10.4
8.5
1.3
1.7
.82
3.5
.75
.65
.79
.75
1.06
.82
.44
.62
.72
1.2
1.1
.9
6.4
.23
.87
1.4
1.07
61,509
Cities reporting an INCREASE in employment in June, 1921.
A tlanta, Ga...............................................................................
Sioux City, low a------------ - .................................„................
Toledo, O hio..............................................................................
Yonkers, N. Y ...........................................................................
Paterson,N . J .............................................................................
Los A ngeles,C alif................................ ....................................
Brockton, Mass.........................................................................
O m aha, N eb r.............................................................................
F all R iver, Mass.......................................................................
K ansas C ity, Mo.......................................................................
K ansas City, K a n s ...................................................................
F lin t, M ich.................................................................................
Denver, Coio.............................................................................
M anchester, N . H .....................................................................
Springfield, M ass......................................................................
D ayton, O hio............................................................................
Portland, Oreg..........................................................................
Passaic, N . J ..............................................................................
B irm ingham , A la....................................................................
Lowell, M ass..............................................................................
W orcester, M ass........................................................................
New Bedford, Mass.......................................... .......................
Chattanooga, T e n n ............. ......................... ..........................
Seattle, W a s h ................................................................... —
Law rence, Mass........................................................................
R ichm ond, V a ..........................................................................
l, 146
334
1,853
1,469
636
1,431
663
590
1,310
342
607
877
69
768
586
254
1,009
275
233
108
132
260
40
5
73
26
T o tal increase in 26 cities........................................
15,095
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[379]
16.7
16.0
15.6
12.6
8.8
6.7
6.5
6.1
5.0
4.9
4.9
4.7
4.6
3.6
2.8
2.7
2.3
2.1
1.1
.9
.8
.8
.6
.3
.3
.3
0.52
.89
.86
.51
1.49
.71
.66
1.7
4.7
.85
1.28
.102
1.4
1.3
.62
. 35
.88
L 42
.8
1.1
2.09
.407
.12
1.5
.68
118
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Extent of Unemployment in Foreign Countries.
Germany.
I
N ITS report on the state of the labor m arket for April, 1921, the
R eichs-A rbeitsblatt1 says:
Although statistics relating to certain sections of the labor market appear to point
to a favorable condition, nevertheless employment, taken as a whole, tended to become
worse during April.
The renewal of activity in agriculture and in the building trades, due to the good
weather, did not react upon industry. More situations were filled, it is true, during
the month, hut this was due to the ending of the school term, which brought many
thousands of juvenile workers into the labor market, rather than to an actual increase
in the number of vacant situations.
The num ber of totally unemployed persons in receipt of unem
ployment allowances decreased from 415,836 on April 1 to 400,097
on May 1, or by nearly 4 per cent. In the num ber of men receiving
such allowances there was a decrease amounting to 5.2 per cent,
bu t in th a t of women an increase of 2 per cent. The num ber of
family members of unemployed persons who received extra allow
ances fell from 469,426 on April 1 to 440,377 on May 1, or by 6.2 per
cent. These data lead to the conclusion th at married men were of
late given preference in employment. Statistics compiled by the
demobilization commissioners show th a t 14.1 persons out of every
1,000 of the population of Germany were in receipt of unemploy
m ent allowances. Unemployment was most intensive in the States
of H am burg and Saxony where 47.7 and 35.6 persons, respectively,
per 1,000 of the population were in receipt of unemployment allow
ances. The corresponding figure for Prussia was 13.3. The total
amount disbursed in April, 1921, for unemployment allowances was
119,943,816 marks.
R eturns from trade-unions show increased unemployment during
April. Out of a total of 5,509,761 members covered by the returns,
217,307, or 3.9 per cent, were out of work at the end of the month,
as compared with 3.7 per cent at the end of March, 1921, and 0.9
per cent in April, 1920. The following table shows the degree of
unemployment among members of the largest organizations:
U N EM PLO Y M EN T AMONG M EM BERS OF GERM AN T R A D E-U N IO N S.
. • . .......... :
. .■.... ................. —-I
P er cent unemployed.
Federation.
Membership
covered.
B uilding trades (Social-Democratic)................................
466,134
Painters (Social-D em ocratic)............................................
52, 937
Metal workers (Social-Democratic)..................................
1, 286, 211
Metal workers (C hristian)..................................................
213, 904
Metal workers (H irsch-D uncker).....................................
106,358
Textile workers (Social-Democratic)...............................
518,516
Clothing w orkers..................................................................
96, 319
80', 356
Boot and shoe makers (Social-Democratic)...................
T ransport workers (Social-Democratic)..........................
534,377
P rin te rs................................. .................................................
64,698
B ookbinders..........................................................................
79,106
33,622
Saddlers and bag m akers....................................................
W oodworkers (Social-Democratic)...................................
351, 876
W ood workers (C hristian)..................................................
36,410
i R eichs-A rbeitsblatt. Berlin, May 31,1921. pp. 598 fl.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[380]
A pr. 30,
1921.
5.1
4.7
4.2
1.8
1.5
5.4
.9
3.8
3.4
2.1
4.1
10.2
5.4
.4
Mar. 30,
1921.
8.2
4.3
3.5
1.5
1.8
4.7
1. 4
3.2
3.2
2.2
3.2
10.5
5.0
.1
A pr. 30,
1920.
1.9
10.5
1.2
.4
.9
3.6
1.7
1.5
2.8
1.1
5.1
1.3
.1
EMPLOYMENT AND UNEM PLOYM ENT.
119
U N E M PL O Y M E N T AMONG M EM B E R S O F G ER M A N T R A D E -U N IO N S —Concluded.
P er cent unem ployed.
Membership
covered.
Federation.
A pr. 30,
1921.
Mar. 30,
1921.
A pr. 30,
1920.
Glass workers (Social-Democratic).................................
Porcelain w orkers.........................................
Bakers and confectioners (Social-Democratic)..............
Brew ery and flour-mill w orkers.......................................
Tobacco w orkers.............................................
Engineers and firem en...........................................
Factory w orkers................................
Factory and tran sp o rt workers (C hristian)...................
M unicipal and S tate w orkers.............................................
63, 290
53,742
66,010
71, 813
76, 981
36,063
490,146
106,600
263,794
3.2
4.6
8.5
2.1
1.6
1.8
3.5
1.4
2.3
2.0
3.1
8.1
1.5
1.1
2.0
2.1
1.3
2.3
3.4
1.8
10.7
1.4
1.7
2.6
1.6
1.2
1.2
All unions m aking re tu rn s......................................
5, 509, 761
3.9
3.7
1.9
Returns from public employment offices also indicate a situation
slightly worse in April than in the preceding m onth. The num ber of
applicants for employment rose from 1,028,744 in March to 1,039,226
in April, and the vacant situations from 548,108 to 551,057, so th at
in April 189 applicants were registered for each 100 vacancies, as
compared with 188 in March.
According to returns from 6,731 workmen’s sick funds, with an
aggregate membership of 13,246,929 (8,543,482 male and 4,703,447
female members), the num ber of members whose premiums for
compulsory insurance against sickness were being paid (and who
were therefore assumed to be employed) rose by 327,095, or 2.5 per
cent, between April 1 and May 1, 1921.
Great Britain.2
TOURING May the increasing scarcity of coal resulting from the
continued stoppage of work at the mines caused a further
decline of employment in nearly all industries. Many more works
were closed down and in each successive week of the m onth there
were marked increases in the number of unemployed and short
time workers. W ith the exception of agriculture and the building
trades all the principal industries were seriously depressed and in
some of them, notably iron and steel production, and the pottery
and tinplate industries, work was almost entirely suspended.
The per cent of unemployed (excluding coal miners) among mem
bers of trade-unions from which returns are received rose from 10.5
per cent at the end of March to 17.6 per cent a t the end of April, and
to 22.2 per cent at the end of May. The unemployment percentages
for April and May, 1921, are the highest recorded by the British
Ministry of Labor for any m onth throughout a period of over 30
years for which m onthly statistics are available. Trade-unions
with a net membership of 1,342,725 reported 298,144 of their mem
bers as unemployed at the end of May, 1921. In addition large
numbers were on short time. In the following table figures are
given for various groups of unions:
8 The Labor Gazette.
L ondon, June, 1921.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[381]
120
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW,
U N E M PL O Y M E N T AMONG T R A D E -U N IO N M E M B E R S IN G R E A T B R IT A IN , MAY 31, 1921.
Member
ship
covered.
In d u stry group.
U nem ployed members
May 31, 192U
N umber.
Per cent.
P er cent increase or
decrease in num ber of
unemployed as com
pared w ith—
Apr. 30,
1921.
May 31,
1921.
B u ild in g 2 ...........................................................
M achinery and shipbuilding..........................
Miscellaneous m etal industries......................
Textile industries:
C otton...........................................................
W oolen an d w orsted.................................
O thers...........................................................
P rinting, bookbinding, a n d p a p e r................
F u rn ish in g .........................................................
W oodw orking....................................................
Clothing:
Boot an d shoe...........................................
O ther clothing............................................
L eath er................................................................
G lass...................................................................
P o ttery ................................................................
Tobacco4............................................................
78,704
541,610
' 79,952
5,768
159,030
20,022
7.3
29.4
25.0
+2.1
+ 7.8
+ 8.4
+ 7.0
+27.7
+24.4
75,954
12,869
118,610
101,520
40,953
61,613
*11,029
2,665
16,493
13,222
5,533
5,950
*14.5
20.7
13.9
13.0
13.5
9.7
+4.2
+ 5.4
+ 3.8
+ 1.1
- 0 .4
+ 1.3
+ 12.7
+ 19.1
+ 12.6
+ 12.4
+13.1
+ 9.2
82,814
84,709
12,881
1,402
44,072
5,062
6,796
7,525
2,124
141
40,004
1,842
8.2
8.9
16.5
10.1
90.8
36.4
+ 0.4
+ 2.6
+ 5.0
-0 . 1
- 5 .7
+ 7.0
+ 8.1
+ 15.2
+10.1
+90.7
+34.2
T o tal.........................................................
1,342,725
298,144
22.2
+ 4.6
+21. 1
1 Short tim e a n d broken tim e are no t included in these figures.
2 Based m ainly on returns from carpenters a n d plum bers.
* In addition to those to tally unem ployed nearly 40 per cent of the members of the unions reporting
were “paid off p a rt of each week or a ltern ate weeks or fortnights” or on “ tem porary stoppage benefit.”
4 R etu rn s supplied by unions whose m em bers are m ainly cigarmakers.
The Labor Gazette of June, 1921, contains a chart which, in addi
tion to showing the unemployment curve among trade-union members
during the period January, 1920, to May, 1921, also indicates for
each m onth in what year of the 30-year period, 1891-1920, there
was the greatest or least unemployment among trade-union members
and the per cent of unemployed members. According to this chart
the following figures are indicated:
P E R C EN T O F U N E M PL O Y M E N T JA N U A R Y , 1920, TO MAY, 1921, AND Y E A R OF MAXIMUM
AND O F MINIMUM U N E M PL O Y M E N T IN EA CH M ON TH , 1891 TO 1920.
Per cent of
unem ploym ent.
Month.
1920
Jan u a ry .........................................
F e b ru a ry ......................................
M arch............................................
A pril..............................................
M ay................................................
J u n e ______ _______ _______
Ju ly ................................................
A ugust..........................................
Septem ber....................................
O ctober.......................... .............
N ovem ber....................................
December.....................................
2.9
1.6
1.1
.9
1.1
1.2
1.4
1.6
2.2
5.3
3.7
6.0
1921
6.9
8.5
10.0
17.6
22.2
1 C hart indicates 8.5, b u t earlier G azette gives 8.9.
1 Chart indicates 8.7, b u t earlier Gazette gives 9.1.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[382]
Y ear of greatest unem
ploym ent in m onths
specified, 1891-1920.
Year.
1893
1893
1912
1909
1909
1908,1909
1908,1909
1908
1908
1908
1908
1892
Per cent.
9.9
9.4
11.3
8.2
7.9
7.9
7.9
1 8. 5
9.4
9.5
2 8.7
10.2
Y ear of least unem
ploym ent in m onths
specified, 1891-1920.
Year.
1917
1917
1917
1917
1917
1917
1916,1917
1916
1916
1916
1916
1916
Per cent.
0.3
.3
.3
.3
.4
.4
.4
4
4
.3
3
.3
EMPLOYMENT AND U NEM PLOYM ENT.
121
In industries (including coal mining) covered by tbe unemploy
m ent insurance act, which industries employ about 12,000,000
workers, the per cent of unemployed, which was 11.3 on March 24,
1921, and 15.0 on April 29, rose to 15.6 on May 6, 16.2 on May 13, 17.0
on May 20, and 17.6 on May 27. The num ber of applicants for work
on the live register of the employment exchanges on May 27 was
approxim ately 2,122,000, of whom 1,469,000 were men and 497,000
women, the remainder being boys and girls. The corresponding total
for April 29 was 1,854,000, of whom 1,261,000 were men and 448,000
were women. Some unemployed persons in occupations not covered
by the unemployment insurance act do not register at the employ
m ent exchanges, and these figures, therefore, do not fully indicate
the vast extent of unemployment.
In addition to those totally unemployed, 1,887,000 systematic
short-time workers were claiming benefit at employment exchanges
at the end of May. At the end of April the corresponding figure was
1,077,000.
Belgium.3
O ETURNS relating to March, 1921, were received by the Belgian
Ministry of Industry, Labor, and Supplies from 1,761 unem
ployment funds with an aggregate membersliip of 668,047. On the
last working day of the m onth 210,681 of these, or 31.5 per cent of
the total, were out of work. The corresponding per cent in Feb
ruary, 1921, was 22.7. The per cent of unemployed workers in the
metal-working and machinery industries was 23.4, in the textile in
dustry 55.9, in mining 47.9, and in the building trades 12.7. The
aggregate days of unemployment reported in March reached 1,971,562,
unemployment benefit being paid for 336,400 of these.
Em ploym ent exchange returns are available for a later period.
During April, 1921, 16,636 applications were reported by public em
ployment exchanges, as compared with 19,426 in March, while vacant
situations numbered 8,145 (7,675 in March). For every 100 situa
tions vacant there were thus 204 applicants, as against 253 in March.
France.4
’“T H E total number of unemployed persons remaining on the live
register a t employment exchanges at the end of the last week
in May was 26,385 (18,116 men and 8,269 women). The total num
ber of vacancies remaining unfilled was 6,985 (3,532 for men and
3,453 for women). The exchanges succeeded during th at week in
placing 18,273 persons in situations (13,815 men and 4,458 women),
and in addition employment was found for 692 immigrants.
According to the latest returns received, 11 departm ental and 113
municipal unemployment funds were in operation on June 3, 1921,
the total num ber of persons in receipt of unemployment benefit being
73,249 (51,202 men and 22,047 women). Of this total 51,697 were
residents of the Seine Departm ent, and of these 29,032 were residing
in Paris.
8 Revue du Travail.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Brussels, May, 1921.
[383]
* Journal Officiel.
Paris, June 4,1921.
122
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Economic Effects of Colonies for the Unemployed in Germany.
MONG the means for combating unemployment the German
colonies for the unemployed (.Arbeiterkolonien ) deserve special
consideration, particularly in so far as extending a helping
hand to those persons who through long unemployment have sunk
to the lowest depths physically and morally comes in question. In
view of this fact an article in the Keichs-Arbeitsblatt (Berlin, Apr.
15, 1921) on German colonies for the unemployed, w ritten by Pastor
F. Onnasch, director of the colony Iloffnungstal, near Berlin, is
reproduced below in part. The author says :
A
It is a generally recognized principle that man is the most valuable factor in national
economics. In a properly organized economic system it is therefore of greatest im
portance that the man power of the country be not only conserved, but cultivated
and developed. The German economic system has not fully discharged this duty
in so far as unemployed men are concerned and thus has wasted a good deal of its
man power.
The problem of unemployment is not new to Germany. With the growth of Ger
many as an industrial country this problem has merely increased in importance.
In the eighties the number of unemployed in Germany rose to 350,000, and extensive
emigration to America was the result. At that time one could encounter thousands
of homeless tramps on the highways who made a precarious living by begging. With
the exception of a few entirely inadequate emergency works, alms represented the
only aid given to these homeless men. In order to relieve the distress of the home
less and unemployed the large cities built free municipal lodging houses. In these
lodging houses these unfortunates received free shelter at night and a bowl of soup
in the morning and evening. In the morning, however, they had to get out again
into the streets, and, with the exception of a few who were fortunate enough to find
temporary work, had to make their living for the day by begging or stealing. How
protracted unemployment slackens not only the strength of man but also his zest
for work and his moral power of resistance is even to-day known to but very few.
People look down with disgust upon the “ unkempt loafer” but they do not ask
themselves how it is possible that formerly decent men can sink so low. A few social
workers, who, for knowledge’s sake, have spent a night or two in one of these free
lodging houses have learned something about how these unfortunates sink lower
and lower. They found newcomers and degenerate habitués thrown together in the
lodging houses. They heard some of the “ old timers” teach newcomers various
tricks employed in playing successfully upon the sympathy of charitably inclined
people and tell them liow easy it is to get along without ever doing a stroke of work.
Men who have but recently sought shelter in a lodging house, and who with empty
stomachs have walked the streets day after day in search of work, listen to these tales.
Gradually they overcome their scruples and one sees them going out in the morning
in company with some habitual vagrants to beg and steal under the latter’s guidant«.
If this first step on the road of habitual vagrancy has been taken there is seldom a
return to orderly decent living, for the companionship with his “ pals” forms a shackle
which the vagrant can not easily break. The alms given to vagrants are largely
responsible for men finding habitual loafing attractive. It is a generally known fact
that the unemployment allowances granted in Germany since the revolution have
produced an effect very similar to the giving of alms and that the willingness to work
and the moral sense of the people in receipt of unemployment allowances has been
greatly lessened. The system of relieving unemployment through the direct or indirect
giving of alms overlooks in the first place, that alms always dull the zest to work and
secondly, that the idleness caused by unemployment breeds bad habits and vices.
Man does not merely work to earn Ms living. Work develops his physical and mental
capacity and imbues Mm with a sense of his own value.
Economically, the system of relieving unemployment through unemployment
grants or alms has three injurious effects:
1. The moneys disbursed in alms are lost to the national economic system.
2. The man power unexpended during unemployment is irretrievably lost.
3.
TMough the consequences of unemployment men decrease in value as economic
factors.
It is to the credit of the late Pastor D. von Bodelschwingh that he substituted for
tMs principle of almsgiving another principle for the relief of unemployment, namely,
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work instead of alms. The same principle has been revived to-day under the name
“ productive unemployment relief” (productive erwerbslosenfursorat).
Pastor von Bodelschwingh came forward with this program in 1880 and tried it
out first on the pariahs among the unemployed, those who had sunk to the state of
homeless vagrants and tramps. He always addressed them “ brothers of the road”
(Briider von der Landstrasse). In order to practically demonstrate and carry out his
scheme, he founded in 1882 the first labor colony (Arbeiterholonie) at Wilhelmsdorf
near Bethel. Every unemployed person, without distinction of political or religious
creed, could voluntarily become a member of the colony and through manual labor
earn his sustenance, have his tattered clothes cleaned and mended, his physical
strength and his will to work restored, and, when this was accomplished, he could
leave and accept some employment procured for him. In order to reach this goal
strict rules were laid down which covered every activity and the whole mode of
living of the colonists.
Wilhelmsdorf is situated at the foot of the Teutoburg Forest. In this locality there
are still to be found large areas of land which had become barren owing to a thick
stratum of bog ore. If this stratum of ore is dug up and exposed to the air it quickly
becomes disintegrated and the land is then fit for cultivation. The colonies at
Wilhelmsdorf were put to work to reclaim this land, and thus the “ brothers of the
road became agricultural pioneers. The fields, meadows, and gardens which have
been created on these formerly barren areas form a splendid monument to the industry
of the colonists.
Von Bodelschwingh always had to contend with the prejudice that men of this
kind have lost all zest for work; that they do not care at all to obtain any employment.
The fact that his labor colony, Wilhelmsdorf, was always filled to capacity shows,
however, that these men had merely become unwilling to work through being able
to exist on alms, and that work, voluntary work, can cure them of this unwillingness.
In view of the success of Wilhelmsdorf, labor colonies were established in various
I ederal States and Provinces of Germany. When Wilhelmsdorf had no more room
for new colonies, von Bodelschwingh himself founded a second colony in the moor
land of the district Solingen, Province of Hanover, in order to demonstrate what great
cultural values were dormant in those moor areas. The rich grain and potato fields
and the beautiful meadows, pastured by herds of fat cattle, into which within a short
time the former moorland had been converted, were an effective propaganda for Pastor
Bodelschwingh’s labor colonies. Above all he demonstrated what great economic
valves could be created by his ill-reputed “ brothers of the road.”
Although a large number of labor colonies had been established during subsequent
years, none of them had attempted to bring the unemployed and homeless of the large
cities back to the land permanently. Only two colonies, one in Berlin and the other
i n Hamburg, had opened industrial settlements for the unemployed. It was generally
taken for granted that the homeless of the large cities would not be willing to settle
permanently in the country.
In order to refute this assumption Pastor von Bodelschwingh began in 1905 the
foundation of three agricultural labor colonies for homeless and unemployed men who
wanted to settle permanently in the country. These three colonies, named Hoffnungstal, Lobetal, and Gnadental, were situated in the vicinity of Berlin. The
assumption that the homeless unemployed would not care to go to these rural settle
ments was thoroughly refuted by these people themselves. There was such a vast
number of applicants that von Bodelschwingh could not create accommodations for
them fast enough. Within three years the three colonies were completed and could
accommodate 410 settlers. As there were more applicants than accommodations a
new colony, Belbruck, near Nauen, was founded in 1913.
In Hoffnungstal the settlers cultivated fallow moorland and reclaimed swamps.
Up to the outbreak of the war they had set out 300 morgen (189 acres] in orchards.
40 morgen (25 acres) in asparagus, and 50 morgen (32 acres] in all kinds of vegetables.
All this had been done by men who not only were a burden to the community, but
whose man power would have been entirely wasted if they had continued to live on
alms. These orchards and vegetable gardens have a high economic value. Whoever
wanders through them and reflects who has created all these values can not fail to
acknowledge the economic significance of the labor colonies. This impression of the
economic value of the labor colonies would of course be strengthened if the work done
on all of the 40 colonies now in existence in Germany could be outlined here, which
can not be done owing to lack of space. It should, however, be remarked that the
model agricultural establishments of these colonies, and such they were before the
war, have had a stimulating and instructive effect upon the agriculturists living in
the vicinity. In this respect the labor colonies produce an effect similar to that of
the model farms of the chambers of agriculture.
58950°—21-----9
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
As has been said, man is the most important factor in economics, and in the con
servation and uplift of man lies the great economic significance of the labor colonies.
The more industry is developed in a country the greater are the fluctuations in the
number of the unemployed. In agriculture this number remains nearly stationary.
In times of great prosperity industry can not find enough hands to fill all orders in
due tim e. In slack times industry is forced to discharge part of the labor force, and the
most inefficient and physically weak are generally the first to be dismissed. These
become homeless, and populate the highways and the large cities, become a burden
on the community and, as described above, lose all zest and strength to work. Simi
larly situated are the building trades workers, painters, and potters, who are generally
in enforced idleness during the winter months. If they have not made any savings
during the summer, they are in distress in the winter, A considerable part of the
workers is therefore always, so as to say, in reserve.
It is one of the most important duties of a national economic system to keep these
reserves in a serviceable condition and not to let them deteriorate. Here there is a
gap which has not been sufficiently considered and filled in our modern economic
system. Unemployment insurance fills this gap only in so far as the morally strong
members of the reserve come in question. With the small means at their disposal
the labor colonies have attempted to fill in this gap. They have now accommodations
for 6,000 men. As soon as some worker is transferred into the reserve of the labor
battalions and has no home of his own the labor colony is open to him. Here he finds
an orderly life, and can fairly well keep above water until he can obtain employment.
As nearly all the work performed in labor colonics is outdoor work, the sojourn in a
labor colony represents for industrial workers, and especially for those who have to
suffer from dust at their work, a period of recreation, during which the whole organism
is being strengthened for new work. The labor colonies have therefore also been
called “ People’s Sanatoria” in the best meaning of the word.
Sad to say, the reserves do not immediately come to the labor colonies when work
stops. If they did, the task of the labor colonies would be much easier. Man;/ of
them not only run through all their money first but also pawn every useful article
on which they can raise money, and when they finally join the labor colony they are
in rags and are physical wrecks. Some of them wait that long because life in the
large city is so attractive to them, the demon rum holds others, and still others keep
on hoping that they will find work.
In short, it is a fact that many men come to the labor colonies only when they look
more like human wrecks than members of the labor reserve. And this makes the
work of the labor colonies so difficult and expensive. The efficiency of those joining
a labor colony is generally so low that it takes from 5 to 10 men to perform a normal
man’s work. On the other hand, they are so starved that each of them eats two to
three times as much as a normal eater. For this reason none of the labor colonies
earn their expenses, but the subsidies they receive are far below_ the sum which
these unemployed men would cost the community, and, in addition, the colonies
perform the great service of restoring the men to working capacity. On the average,
the men remain about three months in the colony. As all the colonies combined
have accommodations for about 6,000 men, about 24,000 can be taken care of annually.
Since the foundation of the first colony at Wilhelmsdorf in 1882 over 300,000 men
have found asylum in the German labor colonies. This conservation of such a vast
quantity of man power speaks more eloquently than anything else that could be
said for the great economic value of the German labor colonies.
The principle governing the conduct of labor colonies—work instead of alms—
may, moreover, be practically applied to all the unemployed. The late Pastor von
Bodelschwingh always pointed out that all workmen should own a home and a garden
in which they could grow a large part of the foodstuffs required by them. He made
this postulate especially in behalf of the agricultural workers in order to counteract
the exodus from the farms. If the agricultural workers stayed on the farms there
would not be such an oversupply of industrial labor. Industry would not be able to
rid itself so easily of the less efficient workers, and as a consequence the number of
unemployed would decrease considerably. It is, of course, equally important that
the urban industrial worker own his home, for in times of industrial unemployment
he would not be immediately exposed to the injurious influences of idleness, he could
devote all his time to repairs and improvements of his house and to his garden, and
thus by working at his ease in the open air use the period of unemployment as a period
of physical recreation and relaxation. The principle governing the conduct of labor
colonies would thus be practically applied to the workman’s home.
During the last few years our economists, and above all our workmen have laid
too much stress upon money. From money, in the form of unemployment insurance,
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they also expect salvation during times of unemployment. All unemployment
relief by means of money, however great its practical value and under whatever
name it may be granted, always produces the effect of alms. Money produces neither
zest nor strength to work, nor self-satisfaction. It always lowers the unemployed in
their self-esteem and in the esteem of others, and sometimes it even drags them down
to the lowest depths.
Unemployment relief should be generally given on the principle of the labor
colonies—work instead of alms. That this is'no Utopian demand is demonstrated by
the rural settlements of workers in England and Belgium. Much can be done in this
respect in Germany by the creation of settlements in the vicinity of large cities. The
distress of the last few years has taught to Germans the great value of a"patch of land
for the food supply of a family. This knowledge gained during the stress of war should
now be put to practical use. It would mean a step forward in the rehabilitation of
German economic life.
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H O U SIN G .
Building Trades Adjustments in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
N TH E early part of 1921 the building industry in Iowa, as in
most other States, was in a stagnant and uncertain condition.
Building during the latter p art of 1920 had not been at the normal
rate, and whether a revival would come with the return of spring
was uncertain. There was a general belief th at building costs
m ust be reduced before such a revival could be realized, and among
the various parties to the building industry there was a fervent
desire th at each of the others should see the reasonableness of accept
ing a reduction upon whatever factor he supplied to the general
result. The aspect of the discussion which came most prominently
before the public was whether wages should be cut, and if so, to what
extent. In general, the employers felt th at the situation demanded
a reduction of from 20 to 30 per cent in wages, while the employees,
with practical unanimity, declared th a t they could not and would not
accept such a cut. The natural results followed, and by the beginning
of April disagreements were widespread and damaging. “ Strikes
are now on in the building crafts in nearly all the cities in Iow a,”
says a local p ap er1 under date of April 7, and goes on to declare that
“ all over the State, except at Cedar Rapids, ” the building employees
were refusing to accept the wage cuts proposed by the m aster builders,
and th at consequently strikes or lockouts, with a serious interference
with home building, were the order of the day.
The im m unity of Cedar Rapids was due to an agreement between
the employers and most of the building trades-unions, which brought
about two results worth noting—a settlem ent of the wage question
w ithout a strike, and an interesting study of the wage conditions
prevailing in the building trades, compared with the figures for 1914,
and with the current cost of living.
As early as 1910 a plan of adjusting differences between employers
and employees in the building industry in Cedar Rapids had been
adopted, which was renewable from year to year and which gradually
underwent various modifications. As adopted in the beginning
of 1921 by the building trades council, the federation of labor, and
the employers’ association, it provided th at a committee of 10, repre
senting the three bodies, should select from a list of representative
citizens 30 acceptable to both sides. If in any one of the trades
affiliated with the signatory bodies a difference over wage rates should
arise, a court should be formed to consider, during the m onth of
March, the whole question and to give by April 1 a decision which
should be effective till the end of the following March. Each court
should be composed of two members nom inated by the employers,
two by the trade, and three selected by these four from the list of
30 prepared by the cooperative committee.
There was some question as to whether the plan would achieve a
success this year. The carpenters, brick masons, and hoisting
I
1 Sioux City Craftsman, Sioux City, Iowa, A pr. 7,1921.
126
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HOUSING.
engineers were not affiliated with the building trades council or the
federation, and therefore did not come under the term s of the agree
ment. W hether a settlem ent which did not include them could be
effective was doubtful. Moreover, the employers were asking a re
duction of wages of 30 per cent, while the workers were strongly
opposed to any cut. I t was conceivable th at in a situation of such
complexity as the building trades presented, the arbitrators might
not be able to agree, or th at the losing party m ight not accept the
decision. Charges of repudiated agreements and breaches of faith
were rife on both sides in labor questions last spring, and it was felt
th at the situation presented a severe test of the Cedar Rapids plan.
The courts were formed, and arbitration proceedings began in March
according to program. The workers had believed from the time the
question was first raised th a t they could not afford to take a cut in
wages, and felt the need of presenting their case in convincing
fashion. Considering ways and means of doing this, they decided
upon making a survey of the economic condition of the building
workers in relation to the actual cost of living. The Iowa State
Federation of Labor undertook, during the m onth of February
“ a survey of wages, costs of living, and the costs of building in Cedar
R apids,” the study being in charge of a professor in the economics
departm ent of a western university. The results are presented in a
pam phlet which has recently been published, and which is of some
thing more than merely local interest.2 The workers sought to show
th at the 1920 wage scale should be m aintained because (1) wages in
the building trades had not risen proportionately to the increase in
cost of living, and (2) th a t at the 1920 scale the building worker
did not receive enough to keep his family in reasonable health and
comfort. In proof of the first, they presented a table showing the
hourly rates of the building trades for each year from 1914 to 1920,
inclusive, as follows:
W AGE SCALES (IN CENTS) P E R H O U R IN T H E B U IL D IN G T R A D E S O F C ED A R R A PID S
1914 TO 1920.
’
Occupation.
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
Cem ent finisher........................
E lectrician................................
Iron w orker...............................
L a b o re r.....................................
M ortar m aker...........................
L a th e r........
P ainter.......................................
Paper hanger............................
Plasterer....................................
H od carrier...............................
P lu m b er....................................
Sheet metal w orker.................
Team driver..............................
Man and team ..........................
C arpenter..................................
Mason.........................................
Hoisting engineer....................
50.0
53.125
50.25
31.25
37.5
53.125
40.0
(«)
75.0
37.5
56.25
43. 75
31.25
60.0
50.0
62.5
50.0
50.0
53.125
62.5
31.25
37.5
56.25
40.0
(a)
75.0
37.5
60.0
46.875
31.25
62.5
50.0
62.5
50.0
62.5
56.25
62.5
31.25
37.5
62.5
40.0
(a)
75.0
37.5
63. 75
40.875
32.375
68. 75
55.0
75.0
55.0
65.0
56.25
68. 75
35.625
42.5
68.75
50.0
53.125
75.0
42.5
68.75
50.0
34.375
68.75
62.5
75.0
62.5
75.0
62.5
75.0
40.0
46.875
68.75
56.25
59.75
85. 5
46.875
68.75
53.125
36.375
85.0
62.5
87.5
62.5
82.5
68.75
82.5
47.5
58.75
75.0
62.5
(“)
87.5
58. 75
75.0
65.0
47.5
95.0
75.0
87.5
75.0
42.0
48.1
50.6
54.4
63.2
A verage.......................... 41.6
« N o figures obtained for these years.
1920
Per
cent in In
crease crease
per
over
hour.
1914.
96. 75
93.5
100.0
88.2
100.0
77.7
62.5 ' 100.0
75.0
100.0
100.0
88.2
78.0
95.0
80.0
112.5
50.0
82.5
120.0
106. 25
88.8
87.5
100.0
52.08
66.7
120.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
112. 5
80.0
100.0
100.0
82.64
90.5
46. 75
46.875
43.75
31.25
37.5
46.75
37.5
45.0
50.0
43.75
20.83
60.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
41.0
s Economic Survey as applying to the Building Trades Industry in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Under direc
tion of Fred A. Canfield, president, State Federation of Labor. Cedar Rapids, towa, 1921. 24 pp.
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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW .
The average increase, it will be seen, is 41 cents an hour, an increase
of 90.5 per cent in the hourly rate. In calculating w hat this increase
means, however, the irregularity of employment in the building
trades m ust be borne in mind. The average amount of time, the
survey finds, during which the building employees were employed
a t their trades in 1920 was eight months, the range being from
five to eleven months. B ut if unemployed a t his own trade, a man
m ight perhaps find work at something else, so wages from other
occupations m ust be taken into consideration. The following table
presents the findings on this point:
APPROXIM ATE AMOUNT OF WORK AND EARNINGS FOR 1920 IN BUILDING TRADES
OF CEDAR RAPIDS.
Work during year
(months).
Occupation.
Cement finisher..............................
Electrician......................................
Iron worker....................................
Laborer........................ ..................
Mortar maker.................................
Lather.............................................
Painter............................................
Paper hanger..................................
Plasterer.........................................
Hod carrier.....................................
Plum ber.........................................
Sheet metal worker........................
Team driver....................................
Man and team................................
Carpenter........................................
Mason............................................ .
H oisting engineer.......................
Average............................. .
Numbor.
Earnings for year 1920.
Other
work.
At
trade.
Other
work.
Time
lost.
19
40
13
470
SO
8
100
50
18
16
42
60
82
30
400
60
12
6.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
10.5
11.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
5.0
3.0
0.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
1.0
3.0
3.0
0.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
3.0
2.0
0.0
0.0
5.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
2.0
2.0
3.0
3.0
1.5
1.0
2.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
2.0
$1,207.44
1,908.67
1,248.00
1,040.00
1,248.00
1,456.00
1,135.68
1,164.80
1,930. 50
1,100.85
2,127.13
2,002.01
' 848. 52
1,996.80
1,664.00
- 1,872.00
1,040.00
$270.00
0.00
180.00
180.00
90.00
90.00
270.00
270.00
0.00
180.00
0.00
0.00
270.00
180.00
0.00
0.00
450.00
$1,477.44
1,905.67
1,428.00
1,220.00
1,338.00
1,546.00
1,405.68
1,434.80
h 930.50
l', 280.85
2,127.13
2,002.01
1,118.52
2,176. 80
1,664.00
1,872. 00
1,490.00
1,500
8.0
1.3
2.7
1,379. 41
117.54
1,496.95
At trade.
Total.
From these figures it was calculated th at the index number for
building trade wages in Cedar Rapids had risen from 100 in 1914 to
190.7 in 1920. Quoting the figures of the United States Bureau of
Labor Statistics, the survey shows th at in December, 1920, the cost
of living index, as compared with 1914, was 194.4, so th a t wages had
not quite caught up with the increase in the cost of living. True, it
is stated, there had been some fall in prices since December, but by
February 1, as nearly as could be calculated, this had only brought
the cost of living down to about the same level with wages; there was
no justification in this fact for a cut in wages, and some considera
tion should be given to the period when wages had lagged behind;
there were arrearages to be made up.
Turning to the second point, the relative adequacy of the 1920 wage
scale, the survey takes as a standard the so-called cost and quantity
budget of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was
designed to show the quantities of goods and services required to
m aintain the typical family of five in health and decency, but without
any attem pt at luxury.
The assumption of the Department of Labor in the preparation of this budget is
that the family should live in clean, comfortable homes, with sufficient pure and
nourishing food, neat and serviceable clothes, and with sufficient income to give to
the children a reasonable education and bring them up as good citizens.
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HOUSING.
The budget, as given by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is quoted
in full, with the prices of 1920 for the various items included, the total
being $2,151.08. To avoid controversial questions, the items of
savings and life insurance are dropped, and the budget total is further
reduced bv 5 per cent, “bringing it down to the bottom level of
$1,844.03 for the year 1921/’ and this sum is compared with the total
earnings of the building workers in 1920, as given in the table on page
128. Of the 17 groups of workers listed there, only 6 had earned, at
the 1920 scale, enough to meet the requirements of this minimum
standard, while the average for the whole body fell short of this m ark
by nearly $350. These facts showed, it was urged, not only th at labor
had not secured any abnormal and extortionate wages, but th a t it
had not even held its own through the period of rising prices, and that,
if it agreed to a reduction now, it could do so only at the cost of
accepting a standard of living short of the minimum requirements of
health and decency.
By the end of March the awards were announced. The plasterers
had not resorted to arbitration, having agreed to accept a modified
cut without protest. For them and for the other trades included
within the working of the Cedar Rapids plan, the wage scale for 1921
stood as follows. For purposes of comparison, the 1920 wage scale
is also included.
BUILDING TRADES WAGES IN CEDAR RAPIDS, 1920 AND 1921.
Rates per hour (cents).
Rates per hour (cents.)
Occupation.
Occupation.
1920
Cement finisher.................
Electrician........................
Laborer.............................
Mortar m ixer....................
L ather...............................
Painter..............................
Paper hanger....................
99. 75
100.0
6 2 .5
75 .0
100.0
78.0
80 .0
1921
1920
87.5
85 .0
62 .5
75 .0
1 0 0.0
78 .0
80.0
Plasterer...........................
ITod carrier........................
Plum ber............................
Sheet-metal worker___
Team driver..................
Man and team ..................
112.5
8 2 .5
106.25
87.5
5 2 .08
120.0
1921
100. 0
82 .5
95 0
87.5
i 55 0
95 .0
1 Or 125 per week.
I t will be noticed th at what reductions were made occurred in the
better paid trades, and th a t the wages of the. lower paid workers were
left unchanged. I t will be seen th a t in only one case, the cement
finishers, was a cut made when the total earnings for 1920 fell below
the $1,844.03 which, according to the workers’ brief, was needed for
a minimum health and decency budget for 1921. This would seem
to indicate th at the m ajority of the arbitration bodies were im
pressed with the reasonableness of the workers’ contention, based as
it was on data collected in their own trades, th a t the 1920 scale was
not unduly high, taking into consideration the present cost of living.
N aturally the employees in trades in which reductions were made
and the employers in trades in which they were not, did not feel en
tirely satisfied with the awards, b u t both sides accepted them loyally
and set to wmrk. According to local reports, the settlem ent made it
possible to begin work on $75,000 worth of new building. The car
penters and bricklayers, who had not come under the settlement,
held out for a little wdiile, but before the end of April they had
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M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW.
consented to arbitrate the differences with their employers with
regard to wages. Local comment on the situation seems to indicate
th at the Cedar Rapids plan is felt to have scored a success. The cost
and delays involved in a strike were avoided and no bitterness had
been aroused on either side. Employers and employees were working
together harmoniously and looked forward to doing so for the re
mainder of the year, with the prospect ahead of a similar adjustm ent
next spring.
House Building in New York City Under the Tax Exemption Plan.
N FEBRU ARY 25, 1921, a New York ordinance became effective
which provided th a t until January, 1932, new buildings in th at
city, planned for dwelling purposes exclusively, should be ex
empt from local taxation up to the limits of $5,000 for a one-family and
$ 10,000 for a two-family house. The president of the Borough of Man
h a tta n has recently made public figures showing th at in the first three
m onths after the coming into effect of this ordinance plans were filed
providing housing for 13,279 families, wdiich is approximately at the rate
of 1,000 families a week. In the corresponding period of 1920, plans
were filed for the housing of 5,171 families, so th a t the present year shows
an increase of practically 157 per cent. According to the statem ent
given out, of the 13,279 families for whom the housing plans filed will
provide, 7,559 will live in one and two family houses, as against 5,720
in apartm ents. This seems to indicate th a t the tax exemptions are
having the desired effect of stim ulating the building of individual
homes. This is also indicated by the total estimated value of the
housing plans filed, which amounts to about $63,000,000, an average of
a little less than $5,000.
O
State-assisted Home Building in North Dakota.
M
ENTION was made in a recent issue of the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e
v i e w 1 of the plan adopted by N orth Dakota in 1919 for aiding
' citizens to build homes. The constitutionality of the legislation
was questioned, so th a t it was not possible to make a beginning until
well into 1920. Various difficulties in the way of securing funds for the
State scheme have been encountered, but a recent report states th a t
in the past season some 58 houses wTere built under the term s of the
housing law, 8 for business and professional men, and the remainder
for wage earners. State assistance is limited to houses costing not
more than $5,000, of which the applicant m ust furnish $1,000, while
the State furnishes the remainder and through the Home Building
Association undertakes the actual building. Materials are bought
at wholesale and furnished at cost. A 20-year amortization plan is
adopted, under which the $4,000 loan is paid off in m onthly instal
ments of $28.65.
i M onthly Labor Review ,May, 1921, p. 7.
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Building Activities in Canada.
CCORDING to the June 29, 1921, issue of Commerce Reports,
published by the United States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce, the American consul at Kingston, Ontario, under
date of June 10, 1921, states th a t with five m onths’ statistics to work
upon, comparisons can now be made between this year’s activity and
th a t of preceding years. Residential work is more active than ever, the
total for five months being $28,782,300, as compared with $25,312,500
in 1920, $13,198,300 in 1919, and $4,414,100 in 1918.
The construction of business buildings is also increasing in volume.
For the first five months of this year contracts awarded am ounted to
$11,881,800, as compared with $9,507,200 in 1920, $4,346,300 in 1919,
and $2,331,100 in 1918.
Contracts awarded for the first live months of 1921 for industrial
projects amounted to $3,332,300, as compared with $37,103,100 in
1920, $19,439,300 in 1919, and $10,639,800 in 1918. This figure, of
course, is the natural outcome of a quiet fall and winter.
A
How England is Meeting the Housing Shortage.
DISCUSSION, based upon six weeks of first-hand study of the
situation, of the British Government’s housing program, the
causes which led to its undertaking, the difficulties in carrying
it on, the troubles between labor and the Government which have
developed in the course of the enterprise, and other features con
nected with the effort to secure sufficient housing to meet the urgent
needs of the country has recently been published in an interesting
volume by Lawrence Veiller.1 The author considers th a t the Gov
ernm ent program is uneconomic, th a t it necessitates placing a terri
bly heavy burden of taxation upon the country, and th at there is
some reason to look upon it as pauperizing to labor; but, on the other
hand, in the situation existing at the close of the war it was practically
inevitable. Along with the defects of the policy are to be found some
advantages. Thus, the houses built are good, they are so arranged
as to avoid crowding, and town planning needs are taken into con
sideration in placing them. Also, the Government control of building
materials and the extent to which the Government entered the m arket
as a purchaser did much to stabilize the industries producing such
materials and to hasten building by insuring a sufficient supply of
requisites. As an instance, the dealing of the Government with the
brick m anufacturers is cited.
A
The method of procedure adopted was to say to each manufacturer with whom
orders were placed:
_ “ The Government will agree to take so many thousand brick at such and such
times, of such and such quality, at certain basic prices, with the understanding that
if the cost of labor materially increases a proper allowance shall be made for the
increased cost. You are to produce these brick and hold them in your yards for
future deliveries as may be ordered by the Government, but you will be paid 90
per cent of the contract value when the bricks have been passed or inspected by the
Government officials.”
1 Veiller, Lawrence. How E ngland is meeting th e housing shortage. London, Spottiswoode, B allantvne
& Co. (L td .), 1920. 108 pp.
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It is thus seen that the brick manufacturers of the country were enabled to resume
once more the operation of their respective plants, with the confidence that they
could count upon definite orders for a sufficient quantity of their product to make it
worth while for them to resume business at prices which would yield them a failprofit.
The cost of the Government scheme is discussed at length, but
here the report is affected by the fact th a t the study was made in the
summer of 1920, when costs were at perhaps their highest point.
Recent reports from England show th a t contracts for building are
now being let at figures considerably under those prevailing a year
ago, and the experience of the guilds in handling contracts, another
factor which has been developed since the study was made, also
enters into the question. The final paragraph sums up both sides
of the question:
Irrespective of the disadvantages of Government-built houses and of the unsound
ness of a nation’s building houses in large quantities to be rented on other than an
economic basis, the fact remains that England is producing houses in vast numbers
to meet the needs of the people, of a type that marks an epoch in the development
of the housing movement and which will set a standard for years to come.
Activities in Home Building in Sweden.
REPO R T from the American consul at Stockholm, under date
of May 26, 1921, shows the activity in home building in Sweden,
as follows:
In 35 Swedish cities, each with a population of more than 10,000,
there were built, in 1920, 2,073 dwellings; in 1919, 3,043; and in 1913,
5,955. The 1920 figure is preliminary; the others are final. In the
great m ajority of cases a dwelling is an apartm ent in an apartm ent
building, since most of the residents of Swedish cities live in apart
ments. Taking the 5,955 dwellings of 1913 as basis for calculation,
the construction work in the cities in 1914 was 89 per cent normal;
in 1915, 58 per cent normal; in 1916, 65 per cent normal; in 1917, 81
per cent normal; in 1918, 59 per cent normal; in 1919, 51 per cent
normal; and in 1920, 35 per cent normal.
The reasons for the decline of building are cpiite obvious—high
cost of m aterial and labor, scarcity of labor, and, in 1920, a strike
of the union men of the building trades.
In general it m ay be said th a t only the larger cities showed reduc
tion in building apartm ents in 1920 as compared w ith 1919. The
smaller cities, with but six exceptions, showed increases. As has
been stated, the figures are based on returns from 35 cities. If
Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo are removed from the table of
statistics the remaining cities, which in 1919 built 1,363 dwellings,
show 1,419 built in 1920.
The report published by Kungliga Socialstyrelsen (the Bureau of
Social Investigation) shows th a t in 1917 and the three succeeding
years aid granted by the State, by municipalities, and by building
associations was an im portant factor in promoting w hat building
was done. Thus, in 1914 but 10.7 per cent of the dwellings com
pleted received such aid. In 1915 the percentage was 13.2; 1916,
24.9; 1917, 59.1; 1918, 67.3; 1919, 69.2; and 1920^ 55.3.
A
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W O M A N A N D C H IL D L A B O R .
Health Needs of Child Workers.
6 i r T ' ,H E health needs of working children are understood more by
analogy from those children who have been studied through
A
health service in the school or college than through study of
the health problems of the younger industrial and mercantile work
ers,” H. H. Mitchell, M. D., declares in an article entitled “A t w hat
age should children enter in dustry?” published in the May, 1921,
issue of The American Child. While acknowledging the importance
of investigating the physical effects of industrial life upon adolescent
workers, Dr. Mitchell is of the opinion th a t “ a scientific study of all
the factors influencing the health of the child should be the first
consideration.” He points out th a t mental equipment, habits
relating to personal hygiene, use of leisure, opportunities for play and
wholesome recreation, family income, character of occupation, nutri
tion, physical strength, ability to resist fatigue, physical handicaps,
and constitutional tendencies have a significant bearing upon the
health of children. The correlation of these factors with wage earn
ing and school attendance, for purposes of comparison, is indeed a
complex problem.
Dr. Mitchell suggests th at—We might be able to measure health and the effect which any particular factors
have upon it where those effects are of sufficient degree to be expressed in the death
rate, in the morbidity rate, or in the rate of growth and development. Of course,
large and varied groups of children would help to average the effect of the numerous
factors operating. However, there are other effects upon the health of the child not
so easily measured; many may pass unnoticed except under careful periodic, medical
examinations. Some of these effects may be negligible until later in life. It would
be very suggestive if we could measure the fatigue effects of a day in, various industries
upon a large group of children under fairly definite hygienic conditions and compare
those with the fatigue effects upon a similar group of children of a day in school.
Likewise, if we could compare the fatigue effects of one industry with those of another,
we might obtain information of value for vocational guidance. The advocates of
fatigue studies have suggested a number of methods for such a study as, for example,
the use of Ryan’s vascular skin reaction test, and Martin’s spring balance muscle test,
and a comparison of industrial curves of output of adolescent children with those of
adults. Undernourishment is now recognized as having a distinct effect upon health
and this is often not noticed or appreciated. There may be a distinct relationship
between the fatigue or strain incident to certain industrial processes and poor nutri
tion. Very closely related is the question whether the physiological and psychological
changes incident to pubescence involve a peculiar nutrition problem. We could very
well study these two questions together.
Bulletin No. 251 of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics on
Preventable D eath in the Cotton M anufacturing Industry shows
notably higher tuberculosis death rates among cotton-mill oper
atives 15 to 19 years of age than among nonoperatives. Periodic
medical surveys of other industries with somewhat similar health
hazards would, Dr. Mitchell thinks, probably also show an excess of
tuberculosis morbidity.
Children with heart affections m ight easily be subjected to in
jurious strain if p u t to work w ithout supervision or vocational guid-
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
a nee. If accurate data on occupations were added to the hospital
and dispensary records of adolescent children, a valuable study
m ight be made as to the influence of particular industries on child
health.
A better understanding of the health needs of children will be of
tremendous assistance in coming to a decision as to the minimum
age for employment and will offer a scientific basis for future legis
lation.
Mr. Edwin N. Clopper, in The American Child of February, 1921,
defines child labor as “ the employment of a child under 18 years of
age at any task, with or w ithout pay, under direction or independently,
which deprives him of his proper measure of schooling, training,
recreation, and healthy development.
A study is now being made by Dr. Mitchell, in cooperation with
the Newark D epartm ent of Medical School Inspection, of 1,200 con
tinuation school pupils with a view to correlating their occupations
with certain health factors. These children have three hours’
schooling a week and are engaged in various industries. Such a
study, Dr. Mitchell says, “ is necessarily preliminary to a more ex
tensive demonstration of health protection and service for working
children, and a clearer understanding of their needs.”
Compulsory Labor of Bulgarian School Children.1
B
Y DIRECTION of the M inister of Public Instruction of Bulgaria,
the school children have already fulfilled their obligation of one
week’s compulsory labor “ under the supervision and control of
the teaching staff.”
School buildings, yards, and gardens have been cleaned, clearing
and afforestation have been done in the neighborhood of the schools,
sewers and cesspools have been dug, streets and squares near to
schools have been paved,reading rooms decorated, and huts built for
schools and camps, etc.
“The students in Sofia have built em bankm ents to preserve the
land surrounding the seminary from inundation. Pupils of the
m ilitary school have done various pieces of work in the park of the
school. A nother group of boys did some excavation work in the
Church of St. George and in the Lozeniz district, where they found
various objects of antiquity. A large num ber of pupils worked in
the nursery of the Boris Park. The pupils of the girls’ high schools
of Sofia have cleaned the floors and the windows in all the school
rooms and all the school accessories. Some bound the books in the
school libraries. Pupils in one girls’ school m ade blankets, pillows,
and other objects which were soid for the benefit of the school.”
Pupils have cleaned up the a rt school, which the m ilitary had left
in a terrible condition, and have paved the square in front of the
m ilitary hospital.
The provincial school pupils have done their compulsory work
enthusiastically. In Messemvria, Vakna, Stanim aka, and Tianovo
archaslogical objects were cleaned and p u t in order. Two fountains
i Source: Daily Intelligence of the In tern atio n al L abor Office. May 19,1921, Geneva, Switzerland.
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and a little roadw ay have been constructed by the pupils in BelaTserkva. Thousands of young trees have been planted in th a t
locality and also a t Tirnovo and Souhindol.
The M inister of Public Instruction has estim ated th a t the work
accomplished by the Bulgarian scholars is equivalent to over 100,000,000 levas ($19,300,000, par), calculated a t minimum-wage rates.
Day Nurseries in Chilean Factories.
CCORDING to the July, 1921, Bulletin of the Pan American
Union, a Chilean law which was signed March 22, 1921,
requires th a t w ithin six m onths owners of factories employ
ing 50 or more women over 18 years of age provide day nurseries for
the children of their woman employees. Each room used for this
purpose m ust bo in charge of a com petent person, paid by the em
ployer, and m ust be well ventilated and lighted. N ot more than
25 children m ay be accommodated in one room. Plans for such
rooms are to be approved by the general directorate of sanitation.
A medical certificate, which m ay be obtained free from a hospital
or dispensary physician, is required for the admission of a child into
these factory day nurseries. Only contagious diseases debar a child
from entering. Every m other of a child less than a year old m ay
have two half-hour periods per day, in addition to the regular rest
periods, for nursing her child.
A
Measures for Stabilizing the Demand for Woman Labor in Germany.1
H E demand for woman labor in Germany was subject to con
siderable fluctuations during the year 1920. A t the beginning
of 1920 the num ber of women receiving unem ploym ent grants
was- 108,922. Subsequently their num ber decreased steadily up to
May 15, on which date only 59,983 women were in receipt of unem
ploym ent allowances. In the next two m onths, June and July, the
num ber of unemployed women aided by allowances rose again and
on August 1 reached the highest level for the year with 109,017.
Subsequent to August unem ploym ent decreased again, and at the
end of 1920 only 73,753 women were receiving unem ploym ent allow
ances. A similar trend of the unem ploym ent curve has been ob
served in preceding years and is due to the influence of business
conditions in the clothing industry. Brisk business in this industry
during the first five m onths of the year lowers the unemployment
index. During the m onths June to August, inclusive, business in
the clothing industry is practically a t a standstill, and as this industry
employs a large num ber of women the unem ploym ent index for
woman labor rises in these three m onths. Beginning w ith Septem ber
and until the end of November business in the clothing industry is
again very brisk, and during December women discharged by clothing
factories easily find employment in m ercantile stores, in which during
T
1Iicichs-A rbeitsblatt.
B erlin, Feb. 15,1921, p. 349.
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M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
the holiday season there is always a great demand for saleswomen.
Thus there is always a decrease in unem ploym ent among women
during the last four m onths of the year.
A study of the unem ploym ent index for woman labor in Germany
reveals another f a c t: The dem and for woman labor is relatively and
absolutely better than th a t for m ale labor. According to the report
of the German workm en’s sick funds, their compulsory mem bership—
every wage earner in Germany m ust be a m em ber of a sick fund—
was 12,466,62(8 on December 1, 1920, of whom 4,477,130, or 36 per
cent, were women. The reports of the demobilization commissioners
on the other hand, show th a t 350,292 unemployed persons were
receiving unem ploym ent grants on December 1, 1920, and th a t only
73,753, or 21 per cent, of these were females.
The demand for women varies greatly, however, in the individual
occupational groups. While a disproportionately large num ber of
unemployed women sought to obtain industrial jobs requiring no
skill, there was during the entire year a shortage of woman workers in
domestic service and agriculture and at times there was also a shortage
of skilled woman workers in the clothing and cleaning industries
and in commerce. As a rule there was a shortage of woman labor
in those industry groups which during the war regime were system
atically prevented trom getting a full supply of labor.
Since the beginning of economic demobilization the activities of the
public employment offices have therefore been centered upon effect
ing a healthy adjustm ent of the demand for women by leading
woman workers from overcrowded or unsuitable occupations into
such occupations as by their nature are especially suited for them and
m ay be expected to provide them with perm anent employment.
Cooperation of vocational guidance and employment offices and the
taking of measures for improving the vocational conditions and the
vocational training of women were frequently necessary in order to
bring about in individual cases the required vocational adjustment.
In agriculture there was room for woman labor during the entire
year, the average number of applicants per 100 vacant situations
being only 41. The demand was especially heavy in Saxony-Anhalt,
Silesia, E ast Prussia, Brandenburg, and the free State of Saxony.
The State employment offices in Saxony-Anhalt, the free State of
Saxony, Brandenburg, and Lower Saxony had taken measures for
the assignment of rural m igratory workers to agricultural employ
ment. Numerically the num ber of urban woman workers placed in
agricultural employment decreased in 1920 as compared with the
preceding year, but the women so placed during 1920 were much
better suited for agricultural work than those placed in 1919. In
1919 about 40 per cent of the women assigned to agricultural employ
m ent returned before the expiration of the period for which they were
employed, while in 1920 such misplacements averaged only 8 to 10
per cent. Careful preparations were made before sending urban
woman workers to the country. W oman officials of the district
employment offices or woman welfare workers of the State employ
m ent office went first to the localities in question to investigate
working and housing conditions. The latter offered the most serious
difficulties. Only minimum demands could be made in view of the
existing housing shortage. Among these demands were: Separate
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rooms for German and alien workers and for each sex, thorough
disinfection and whitewashing of the rooms, heating and lighting
facilities, curtained or opaque windows, for each person a bed with
straw mattress, pillows, and two or three woolen blankets, a locker,
wash basin, and a chair. I t was generally agreed th a t free board
should be furnished. The wage conditions were as a rule regulated
by means of a collective agreement.
Of like importance for a successful placement was the method of
recruiting and selection of the urban labor forces. I t could not be
carried out from the viewpoint th at the urban unemployment relief
should be disburdened but from the viewpoint th at suitable labor
forces m ust be procured for agriculture. All the difficulties and draw
backs of life in the country had to be explained to applicants for
work, for each small disappointm ent made it later on more difficult
for them to get accustomed to rural work and dulled their willingness
to work. Each group of women sent to the country was accompanied
by a woman welfare worker who was familiar with the home condi
tions of the workers and had their confidence. Whenever possible
she shared the life of the workers during the first two or three days.
This generally led to lasting friendly relations with the workers and
made it possible for the welfare worker to settle small disputes
amicably. The best means to keep the strange girls perm anently in
the country was for the farmer to take them into his own household.
In East Prussia where there are m any small farmers this expedient
was frequently resorted to.
Available unemployment relief funds were frequently used to
defray the costs of welfare measures for m igratory woman workers
and to equip the latter with suitable clothing. The num ber of
woman workers placed in agricultural positions during 1920 was
86,355, as against 5,260 in the prewar year 1913.
The causes of the distaste of women for domestic service were
investigated in a similar manner. Model service contracts regulating
the hours of labor, the work to be performed, rest periods, time off,
vacations, etc., for domestic servants were introduced in a num ber of
cities. Several of the demobilization commissions have fixed mini
mum wage rates for domestic service and in some cities the wage and
working conditions of domestic servants are regulated by collective
agreements. The collective agreements concluded in the cities of
Leipzig, Gera, and Görlitz have been decreed as generally binding.
W hether the introduction of collective agreements has increased the
num ber of applicants for domestic service positions can not yet be
stated offhand; the feared decrease in vacant positions has, however,
not been realized.
Courses in domestic science have been established in numerous
cities with a view to arousing in industrial workers interest in house
work and cooking and to making them perceive how greatly skilled
work in domestic service is valued. In m any localities a commission
composed of housewives and domestic servants has been appointed,
which selects the pupils who are to attend these courses and thereby
assumes to some degree responsibility for the success of the courses.
In Kiel the attendance of domestic science courses was made obliga
tory for all unemployed women and girls under 24 years of age. Up
to July 1, 1920, the num ber of students attending these courses was
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
1,373, of whom 667 were placed in domestic service positions. In
H am burg such courses were attended by 320 unemployed women,
90 per cent of whom were placed in domestic service. In connection
with their unemployment relief, the cities of Ham burg and Hanover
have each established a domestic science training school for juvenile
workers. These schools are conducted as boarding schools, i. e., the
pupils live there.
The training of women in domestic science schools has not been
accompanied by equal success in all cities. In several cities the
municipal employment offices have therefore made experiments with
apprenticing working girls into households. Apprentices were
assigned only to housewives who had presided over a household for
a t least three years. Girls who had finished school were likewise
apprenticed to housewives.
Lack of suitable clothing prevented m any girls and women from
accepting domestic service positions. In order to remove this im
pediment, the employment offices bought up large quantities of
fabrics left on the hands of the m ilitary authorities after the war and
worked them up into dresses, blouses, aprons, etc., in dressmaking
schools and workshops opened for the unemployed. Unemployment
relief funds furnished the money required for these purchases.
In spite of extensive measures taken by the employment service
and careful attention to detail, the adjustm ent of the demand for
woman labor has not yet been effected to the extent desired. This is
chiefly due to the personal and conjugal conditions of woman workers.
An investigation made by the employment office of Charlottenburg
has shown th at of 538 women in receipt of unemployment allowances
only 81 came in question for employment in domestic service. Of the
remaining 457 women, 273 had a household of their own and had to
take care of children, 90 were over 50 years of age, and owing to this
fact could not be placed, 46 were physically unfit for domestic service,
12 could not be recommended as servants for personal reasons, while
19 were dressmakers, and 17 were qualified clerical workers and as
such could soon expect to find employment in their own occupation.
Thus only 6.6 per cent of the women registered as unemployed were
out of work for economic reasons.
On the average there were only 77 woman applicants for domestic
service for every 100 vacant positions. The total num ber of women
placed in domestic service positions in 1920 was 645,341 as compared
with 393,068 in the prewar year 1913.
The new female labor forces for agriculture and domestic service
were chiefly recruited from the ranks of industrial woman labor. The
chances of unemployed industrial workers for reemployment in their
former occupation were everywhere very unfavorable. For every
100 vacant industrial situations there were on an average more than
300 unemployed woman applicants. The clothing and cleaning in
dustries and the printing and allied industries were the only industry
groups in which there was increased demand for skilled woman labor.
In the clothing industry there was demand in all parts of the country
for women who had done sewing either for their own household needs
or had worked on army equipment. Training schools and apprentice
shops were therefore established to train such women for the work
required in the clothing industry. The aim of these training institu-
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tions was not to turn out thoroughly skilled high grade workers but to
fit the women for specialized occupations in the clothing industry,
such as buttonhole making, sewing on of buttons and fasteners, fancy
sewing, plain sewing, quilting, etc., and for mending in their own and
other people’s households. In W ürttem berg the division of educa
tion of the women’s bureau in the M inistry of Labor has established
graded sewing courses and has thus gone farthest in giving unem
ployed women a thorough training. A course in hand sewing was
followed by three courses in plain sewing, dressmaking, and cutting.
Enrollm ent in a more advanced course was conditioned on graduation
from the preceding lower course.
These courses were successful everywhere. Most of the women
attending them could be placed in positions during their apprentice
ship. Sewing and mending shops were established for those slower
to learn. These shops received orders from private parties and public
institutions and were self-supporting in spite of the fact th a t they
were operated with only partly trained labor. These institutions
have benefited especially those women who either had never before
earned their living or were limited in their earning capacity through
household duties.
In the cleaning industry there were also difficulties in filling all
vacancies. In S tu ttg art a course in ironing and pressing was started
in order to provide much needed ironers. The course had to be dis
continued owing to lack of equipment and of work. Lack of proper
training facilities was also the reason th a t a considerable number of
situations for women pressfeeders th a t were vacant in Leipzig and
S tu ttg art could not be filled.
Saxony has made special efforts to introduce home work for un
employed female textile workers. In Plauen a. six weeks’ training
course in fillet lace making and mending was established but had to be
closed owing to lack of raw material. In Dresden an attem pt was
made to introduce hair-net making, an industry formerly carried on
in Alsace-Lorraine, but the work made too severe demands upon the
visual capacity and nimbleness of the workers so th at only a few of
the unemployed women could carry it on. In Breslau women were
taught to sew straw hats, but this is a mere seasonal occupation.
All these examples clearly indicate the experimental character of
all these attem pts to train women in an occupation and to place
unskilled workers under conditions of a steadily changing demand for
industrial labor. Conditions were much simpler in commerce, in
which there is always a demand for qualified workers, especially for
typists and stenographers. Finishing courses for women with insuffi
cient training were currently held in all large cities. In S tu ttg art
brief courses in business correspondence and bookkeeping were opened
for unemployed female school teachers and the results were very
satisfactory.
This survey of the demand for woman labor in 1920 brings out three
characteristic facts. First, although the demand varies greatly in the
individual occupational groups, there is in all these groups a uniform
undersupply of skilled and semiskilled workers. This undersupply
can not be lessened by training unskilled workers in short-term courses
during periods of unemployment, but only through system atic voca
tional training of the female youth. A second characteristic is the
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M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
lack of sufficient workers in all occupations which require th a t the
worker live in the household of the employer. This aversion will
cease if both contracting parties cooperate and if the new domestic
service law be so form ulated th a t its provisions combine domestic
discipline with a certain degree of personal liberty. The third prob
lem is the great num ber of women forced to earn their living who
have dependents of whom they m ust take care. This problem can be
solved only individually through the social energy and circumspection
of the employment office.
National Conference of Labor Women at Manchester, England.
CCORDING to the June, 1921, issue of The Labor Woman, a
publication of the Labor P a rty of G reat Britain, a conference
of labor women was held at Manchester, April 27 and 28, 1921,
attended by over 500 delegates representing 164 women’s sections,
together with divisional labor parties, local labor parties, trades
councils, trade-unions, and national societies, the last named includ
ing the W omen’s Cooperative Guild, the W omen’s Trade-Union
League, and the Association of Women Clerks and Secretaries.
Among the resolutions adopted along labor lines were the following:
Recommending th a t the constitution of the National Labor P a rty
be amended “ so th a t four women representatives of the national
executive committee should be nom inated and elected by the national
conference of labor women.”
Demanding the establishment of credits for countries fallen into
economic ruin, and urging th at “ such credits should be given to
cooperative or nonprofit-making organizations.”
Condemning the British Government for deciding on its own
responsibility not to ratify the W ashington Convention on m aternity
and calling for the immediate introduction of legislation making the
provisions of such convention effective.
Supporting the “ children of unm arried parents bill.”
Agreeing with the Labor P a rty in “ demanding provision either of
work or full m aintenance for all unemployed workers.”
Urging education and m aintenance for all juvenile workers in
periods of unemployment and “ th at domestic workers with no
experience of living-in shall not be disqualified for unemployment
benefit because they refuse to live in.”
Protesting against the refusal of the Government to give equal pay
and opportunity to men and women in the established civil service.
Calling for the establishment of trade boards in all industries where
the workers demand such protection.
Calling for the introduction w ithout delay of legislation to secure
pensions for women with dependent children along the lines of the
Labor P a rty ’s 1920 bill dealing with this subject.
A
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INDUSTRIAL A CCIDENTS A ND HYGIENE.
Coal-Mine Fatalities in the United States in 1920.
H E recent report of the United States Bureau of Mines on coal
mine fatalities in the United States (Technical Paper 288)
presents the statistics of coal-mine fatalities for the calendar
year 1920. According to this report 2,260 men were killed by acci
dents at coal mines during the year, a decrease of 57 from the record
of 1919. This reduction was accompanied by an increase of over 18
per cent in the output, the- figures indicating th a t for every million
tons of coal mined 3.50 lives were lost in 1920, as compared with 4.24
in 1919, the production per death in 1920 being greater than for any
previous year.
When compared with 1919 the report shows th a t in 1920 there was
a decrease of 64 per cent in deaths due to mine fires, of 38 per cent
in deaths caused by explosives, and of 14 per cent in deaths resulting
from explosions of gas and coal dust. There was also a decrease of
16 per cent in haulage accidents above ground.
The following table shows, by causes, the fatalities a t coal mines
during the calendar years 1919 and 1920:
T
F A T A L IT IE S A T COAL M IN ES, B Y CAUSES, 1919 AND 1920.
N um be killed.
Cause.
1919
1920
Percent
Increase
age of
or
increase
decrease.
or
decrease.
U nderground:
Falls of roof or face..........................................................................
Mine cars and locomotives............................................................
Gas a n d dust explosions................................................................
Explosives.........................................................................................
E lectricity .........................................................................................
Mine fires..........................................................................................
Miscellaneous underground...........................................................
1,100
381
191
206
69
22
108
1,127
405
164
127
76
8
104
+27
+24
-2 7
-7 9
+ 7
-1 4
- 4
+ 2.45
+ 6.30
-1 4 .1 4
-38.35
+ 10.14
-63.64
- 3.70
Total underground..................................................................
2,077
2,011
-6 6
- 3.18
Shaft..........................................................................................................
53
56
+ 3
+ 5.66
Surface:
H aulage..............................................................................................
M achinery.........................................................................................
Miscellaneous...................................................................................
93
28
66
78
28
-1 5
-16.13
87
+21
+31. 82
T otal surface..............................................................................
187
193
+ 6
+ 3.21
G rand to ta l................................................................................
2,317
2,260
-5 7
- 2.46
The following table shows the data relating to fatalities and pro
duction for the years 1907 to 1920.
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142
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
COAL-MINE FATALITIES AND PRODUCTION, 1907 TO 1920.
Average production
per m a n (tons).
Production
per death
(short
Per 1,000 P er 1,000
tons).
em
300-day
Per year. Per day.
ployed. workers.
Fatalities.
Year.
Average
days
active.
Men
employed.
231
195
680,492
690,438
666,552
725,030
728,348
722,662
747,644
763,185
734,008
720,971
757,317
762,426
1907........................
1908........................
1909........................
1910........................
1911........................
1912........................
1913........................
1914........................
1915........................
1916........................
1917........................
1918........................
1919........................
1920........................
220
220
225
238
207
209
235
251
258
Men
killed.
3,242
2,445
2,642
2,821
2,656
2,419
2,785
2,454
2,269
2,226
2,696
2,580
2,317
2,260
4.76
3. 54
3.96
3.89
3.65
3.35
3. 73
3.22
3.09
3.09
3.56
3.38
6.19
5.45
5. 31
4. 97
4.46
4. 70
4.66
4. 44
3.93
4. 25
3.94
147,407
167,407
174,416
177^ 808
186,887
220,945
204,685
209,261
234,297
265,094
241,618
262,873
1 235,700
1285,700
708
603
691
692
682
740
762
673
724
818
860
890
3.06
3.09
3.15
3.10
3.29
3. 20
3.25
3.46
3.48
3.43
3.45
1 Subject to revision.
The report shows the statistics by States, and the causes of fatali
ties are shown in considerable detail. There are included lists of
permissible lamps and mining equipment and of permissible
explosives.
Mine Accidents in Alaska, 1920.
H E annual report of the territorial mine inspector of Alaska,
covering the calendar year 1920, contains data relative to
accidents occurring in and about the mines and milling plants
of th a t Territory. During the year 1920 the total num ber of acci
dents reported as occurring at all lode mines and ore dressing plants
was 311, as compared w ith 363 in 1919. There were 9 fatal acci
dents in 1920 and 13 in 1919; the accidents described as serious
numbered 89 in 1920 and 82 in 1919. Of the 22 fatalities occurring
in 1919 and 1920, 7 were caused by explosives and 4 by falls of rock
or ore.
T
industrial Posture and Seating.
PECIAL Bulletin No. 104, “ Industrial Posture and Seating,”
issued under date of April, 1921, by the New York State Indus
trial Commission, embodies the results of an investigation1
made by the New York State Bureau of Women in Industry.
In the foreword of the report it is stated th a t in this study no
stone has been left unturned to discover the best th a t hum an inge
nuity lias devised in the way of industrial seating. The relation of
posture to health has been treated with great care. The principle
and possibility of seats adapted to machinery and processes are firmly
established.
The importance of proper posture a t work has been recognized
through studies of fatigue, and men in charge of production are
beginning to see the relation between good posture and output.
S
i For prelim inary reports on tills investigation see Monthly L abor R e v ie w of December, 1920, pp.
188-189; Jan u ary , 1921, p p . 162, 163.
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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND HYGIENE.
143
Occasionally designers of machines have taken into consideration
the position of the prospective operators. A laundry pressing
machine has been pu t on the m arket by a large manufacturing cornpan 3^ which is emphasizing as one of the best selling points of such
machine th at the worker m ay either sit or stand while operating it.
A uthoritative statem ents defining good posture are quoted in the
bulletin and experiments in interchange of processes and rest periods
are discussed. The bulletin has m any illustrations, showing different
kinds of factory chairs, foot rests, work tables, laundry and depart
m ent store seats.
The conclusions reached by this study are:
First. That posture must be varied.
Continuous sitting and continuous standing are both harmful. Ideally, conditions
should allow the worker to vary his position at will, because of the rest and the enor
mous saving of energy that comes from a change of position during working hours.
Second. That work conditions should be such that correct posture is possible.
a . By providing a physiologically good chair.
b. By insuring a proper relationship of the different parts of the work place.
There is no one chair that is best for all industrial processes. To determine what
chaii is best for a particular process, the nature of the work to be done, the position of
supplies and finished work, the equipment at hand, i. e., the height of bench, chair,
place for foot rest, etc., as well as the height of the individual worker-—all these must
be considered. To provide a good chair is not enough; the important thing is to bring
all parts of the work place into the best possible relationship.
Earliest Positive Sign of Lead Absorption.
LL physicians are aware th at it is impossible to detect the pres
ence of lead in the hum an organism (as soon as it effects a
lodgment there) by means of the familiar physical signs and
symptoms of lead poisoning, such as the blue line 011 the gums, pallor,
paralysis of the extensor muscles of the forearm, etc. These lateappearing phenomena constitute, not the skirmish line, but a mass
attack, of the forces of lead poisoning.
There is a pretoxic period of indeterm inate duration during which
these phenomena are nonexistent, and, of course, not available as
guides to diagonsis.
Are there, then, any manifestations of lead absorption th at indicate
the invasion of the system by the latent poison before it has had time
to do its deadly work?
As long ago as 1914 Prof. P. Schmidt published conclusions, based
upon his own experiments and the observations of others, to the
effect th at the toxic action of lead falls primarily on the red blood
cells, producing the so-called basophile granulations. The presence
ol these abnormal corpuscles in the blood is deemed by Schmidt of
diagnostic import.
Accordingly he m aintains th at a microscopic examination of the
blood will reveal any incipient damage wrought by the toxic action
of lead in season to ward off ulterior mischief by prom pt prophylactic
treatm ent.1
The proposition is not a novel one. Pieraccini advocated this
method at an earlier date, and m any other experimenters have prac1B edeutung der B lu tu n te rsu eh e n fuer die Diagnose der B leivergiftung, p. 11.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
ticed it with varying success. The procedure was discredited, how
ever, byTeleky, who contended th a t basophile granulations could not
be regarded as pathognomic since they occur in other morbid condi
tions, as in malaria, cancer, and pernicious anemia.
B ut this is not quite ingenuous. I t is like setting up a man of
straw, and then toppling the figure over with the air of executing an
exploit. The fact is, Schmidt never affirmed th at the discovery of
basophile granulations in the blood could be deemed conclusive proof
of lead poisoning. On the contrary, he specifically declared, “ This
sign is pot pathognomic.” But he regards it as a valuable aid to
diagnosis, especially when the usual clinical symptoms are absent;
th at is, before they appear.
The critics who depreciate this test seem to forget th at the differen
tial diagnosis between lead poisoning and malaria, or cancer, or per
nicious anemia, does not rest on one isolated sign. There are always
present other characteristic and distinguishing symptoms by which
malaria m ay be recognized. Besides, its clinical history is different
from th at of plumbism. I t m ay not be superfluous to add th at can
cer also betrays its identity by the characteristic sign of malignancy.
Then, too, in a ca,se of pernicious anemia, an experienced diagnosti
cian is no more likely to mistake the disease for plumbism than a
farmer is likely to mistake beans for barley because “ b ” happens to
be the initial letter in the names of both legume and grain.
B ut conceding th at it is not possible to differentiate (from their
appearance alone) between red blood corpuscles damaged by the
action of lead and similar corpuscles injured by malarial parasites,
there are certain signs by which the identity of the causal agent may
be determined with a precision equal to th a t by which the identity of
an individual can be established by his finger prints.
For example, using the microscope as an instrum ent of precision, it
is easy to demonstrate the presence of the malarial protozoa {Plasm o
d iu m m a la rix) in the blood while the segmented hyalins are afloat in
the circulating fluid. B ut the opportune moment m ust be improved
if one would witness the transient phenomenon; for it is not a contin
uous performance. I t is like the street parade of a circus. To see
the pageant one m ust be at his point of observation at the right time.
If one fails to discover the parasite of malaria in the blood of a
patient suffering from the disease, it is because the examination has
been made either too early or too late. When the elusive plasmodium
has been isolated and identified, however, the diagnosis is positive;
for no other living organism has the same peculiarities, and no other
produces the same effects.
On account of its diagnostic importance, let the rem ark be repeated,
th a t the protozoa of malaria can be found in the blood at only one
stage of evolution in the parasitic cycle. If, when the miscroscopist
is watching, the micro-organism swims into his ken, the evidence
suffices. B ut at a later period the sign disappears.
The agglutination test in typhoid fever affords another analogy.
Absence of the clumping sign does not discredit the diagnosis; but its
presence is significant, and m ust be accorded due weight.
Now it has been urged by Teleky and others th at, in certain cases
of unequivocal lead poisoning, no granular erythrocytes are demon
strable in the blood current, and that, therefore, the test is of no value.
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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND HYGIENE.
145
The fact is incontrovertible, but Teleky’s inference from the fact
is not convincing. The fallacy of the deduction is obvious, for we
know th a t the presence of basophile granulations in the blood stream
is only a transient or interm ittent phenomenon incident to lead
absorption. I t is recognizable only at intervals and for a brief
period. At other times it is not distinguishable a t all.
So the tubercle bacillus vanishes sometimes from the sputum of a
tuberculous patient, only to reappear after an indefinite period of
latency.
Schoenfeld finds basophile granulations in the blood of leadinfected persons in a m ajority of cases. Ever since 1911 he has had
the opportunity, as physician of the Leipsic city sick fund, to make
positive diagnosis of plumbism by means of blood te sts:
“ On the basis of 1,043 blood examinations, I have come gradually
to the conviction th a t this test is indispensable, occupying the fore
most place as a means of detecting the earliest stage of plumbism and
making it possible to adopt effective measures for preventing the
further extension of the poisoning.” 2
This author relates the clinical histories of two girls who, after only
three days’ employment as painters (decorating ceramic ware), were
found to exhibit the characteristic blood changes, though all other
signs and subjective symptoms were absent.
Miinz reached the same conclusion: “ Basophile granulation of
the erythrocytes is, according to our experience, the first symptom
of lead poisoning, appearing before signs of any other sort are
manifest. ”
These granular red corpuscles are found in the blood for a variable
period, ranging from a few weeks to two years. The blood test may
often determine, therefore, whether a workman’s illness is of occupa
tional origin or otherwise. As Schmidt observes, “ The microscope
is an absolutely nonpartisan arbiter between employer and em
ployee. ”
Dr. L. Grobe, physician in a white-lead establishment a t Leipsic,
corroborates Schoenfeld’s testim ony and reports the observations
made by himself at the ceramic works of George Nitzke. Formerly
this plant was m ost scourged by plumbism among all the Leipsic
factories. Now for five years it has been wholly free (“ bleierhrank u n g sfre i”) . The exemption is demonstrable by the absence of
granular red blood cells.3
W ith the cumulative volume and weight of evidence attesting the
value of this sign, it is somewhat surprising to encounter the assertion
of a contributor to an American medical publication in which,
ignoring experience, he dismisses the whole subject with the rem ark
that basophile granulation is “ greatly overrated as a diagnostic
sign” of plumbism.4
I t is right to challenge every theory and demand th a t all new
discoveries be verified before they can be accepted; but scientific
skepticism sometimes becomes extreme.
From the foregoing it is obvious th a t the worker in lead or any of
its preparations m ust look to the industrial physician to safeguard
2 Z en tralb latt fuer Gewerbehygiene, Jan ., 1921, p p . 3-7.
8 Z e n tralb latt f. Gewerbehyglene, Mar., 1921, p . 53.
4Journal of Am erican Medical Association, Mar. 26, 1921.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
him against the toxic action of this subtle poison. Otherwise he
can not be forewarned. There are no prem onitory symptoms of lead
invasion. The workman has no microscope with which to examine
his own blood; and if he had one, he could not isolate and indentify
the abnormal leaded corpuscles or distinguish them from the healthy
red cells.
Under the usual conditions of employment the lead worker has
no inkling of danger until his system becomes saturated with the
metallic salt. Then suddenly colic, tremor, paralysis, and other
ominous symptoms descend upon him, like the wolf on the fold.
I t is the office and duty of the industrial physician, therefore,
to anticipate and ward oil' the sequels of cumulative lead absorption
by means of préventive treatm ent.
B ut he can himself detect the ambushed peril in only one way.
The searchlight of the microscope alone can penetrate the obscurity
and reveal the presence of the lurking foe. Hence it is obligatory
upon the shop or factory physician to utilize the microscope as an
instrum ent of precision to scan blood samples taken from every
lead-handling employee, at frequent intervals, in order to curb and
control the potential toxicity of the absorbed lead while it is still
innocuous and quiescent in the circulation. If he neglects this duty,
his is u the very cipher of a function.”
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W ORKM EN’S COM PENSATION.
Workmen’s Compensation Reports.
Utah.
r~jpH E Industrial Commission of U tah has published its second
I
report,1 which is the first biennial report of the commission,
being also the fifth biennial report of the Bureau of Im m igra
tion, Labor and Statistics, which office has been brought under the
supervision of the industrial commission.
The volume covers the operations of the various labor laws of the
State, including mine and factory inspection, and an account of
the agricultural and industrial condition of the State. Statistics
relative to the w orkm en’s compensation act are given on pages 48
to 149, showing the operation of the law for the years 1918-19 and
1919-20 separately. The waiting period during the earlier year
was 10 days, while for the second year it was but 3 days. During
the earlier year ending June 30, 1919, there were 73 fatalities, 3
cases of perm anent total disability, 95 perm anent partial, and 8,718
injuries causing tem porary disability or calling for medical attention.
The days lost on account of tem porary injuries total 103,879, com
pensation paid amounting to $117,850, besides medical, etc-., benefits
of $83,048. Perm anent partial disabilities called for the paym ent
of $72,098.98, while fatal cases totaled $166,186.60, the total am ount
paid in all cases during the year being $419,181.58.
During the second year there were 99 fatalities, no cases involving
perm anent total disability, 126 involving perm anent partial disa
bility, and 9,958 involving tem porary disability or requiring paym ent
of medical benefits. The tem porary injuries caused a time loss of
107,813 days, compensation am ounting to $192,165 besides medical,
etc., benefits of $92,519. The total cost of perm anent partial dis
abilities is given as $112,114.96 and for total fatal cases $235,238.75,
all benefits for the year am ounting to $632,037.71. The various
tables show the cause of injury by extent of disability, pay roll
exposure, pay rolls, premiums and losses by industry classification,
dependency, and cost in fatal cases, and a detailed analysis of in
juries causing perm anent partial disability.
Virginia.
IN ITS second annual report, covering the year ending Septem ber
A 30, 1920,2 the Industrial Commission of Virginia notes the am end
m ents by the 1920 legislature which followed the recommendations
of the commission, m ost of its suggestions being favorably acted
upon. The principal changes increased the m axim um weekly com1 Report of th e In d u strial Commission of U tah, Ju ly 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920. Salt Lake City, 1920.
473 pp.
2 Second an n u al report of the In d u stria l Commission of Virginia for th e year ending Sept. 30, 1920. Rich
mond, 1921. 47 pp.
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148
M ONTHLY LABOE KEYIEW.
pensation from $10 to $12 per week, the m aximum total for perm a
nent total disability from $4,000 to $4,500, and for death cases from
$3,000 to $3,600. The waiting time was reduced from 14 days to
10, w ith a proviso th a t disability continuing for more than 6 weeks
should be compensated from the date of the injury. Medical and
hospital service is allowed for 60 days instead of but 30 as formerly.
Mention is also m ade of the action of the commission in recom
mending a vocational rehabilitation act in anticipation of the Fed
eral sta tu te which subsequently became a law. The commission is
now engaged in laying plans for the coordination of the work under
State and Federal funds. I t is pointed out th a t the provisions for
rehabilitation are not only hum ane b u t also economical; b u t the
im portant factor of accident prevention is w ithout suitable considera
tion in the act. “ W hatever is done is largely voluntary, and in
m any cases comes only after some dangerous machine or m ethod
has proved costly by causing injuries. ”
Em phasis is laid on the savings effected by the act. “ During
the year ending Septem ber 30, 1920, 7,245 cases were adjudicated
by the Industrial Commission of Virginia, and the awards issued
thereon aggregated $720,674.40, exclusive of the costs of necessary
medical and surgical a tte n tio n .” A dm inistrative costs, including
all incidental expenses, am ounted to $55,811.77, or an average of
$7.70 per case. Not only is this a great saving of litigation, bu t as
“ under the common-law doctrine of liability only 15 per cent of
the employees injured in the course of their employment were able
to recover damages in c o u rt” it is evident th a t an act which pro
vides for practically all injured employees not only relieves great
hardship bu t saves the State the burden of caring for objects of
charity.
Receipts of the commission during the year am ounted to $57,872.67,
which w ith the balance on hand show an aggregate of $82,306.51.
This is derived from a tax on compensation insurance premiums,
and w ith current reduction in both the tax rate and the premium
rate some question was felt as to the future income of the commission.
However, the balance at the end of the year was greater than a t the
beginning, so th a t no serious shortage was anticipated.
Accidents causing disability of not more than seven days are not
reported. The num ber reported for the year causing disability of
more than 7 days was 7,139. E stim ating the num ber of short-tim e
accidents on the basis of the American Table for the D istribution
of Accidents, the commission gives 5,184 as the num ber of accidents
causing disability from one to seven days, or a total of 12,323 for
the year.
On Septem ber 30, 1919, there were 492 cases pending, which with
the 7,139 reported up to Septem ber 30, 1920, make a total of 7,631
cases to be handled during the year. Awards were made for perm a
nent disability and death in 630 cases, 5,834 were closed by the
paym ent of proper compensation or did not exceed the waiting
period, while 289 cases were disallowed. This leaves 878 cases
pending, m ostly of recent occurrence.
A num ber of tables are given, the first of which shows th a t the
num ber of cases of tem porary total disability for which awards were
made was 5,384, causing disability for 197,804 days and awards of
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W ORKMEN ’S COMPENSATION.
149
$168,472.15, which is less than $1 per day. Perm anent partial
disability cases num bered 457, causing 155,366 days lost, w ith awards
am ounting to $203,761.89. One case of perm anent total disability
was given compensation for 2,800 days, the award being $3,377.
In 172 fatal cases the face value of all awards adjudicated was
$328,590, besides $16,473.40 for funeral expenses. The total awards
for the year were $720,674.44.
The second table compares the distribution of accidents as to time
loss with the American accident table, showing the Virginia experi
ence to follow the American table quite closely with the exception
of perm anent total and fatal injuries. The rate for perm anent total
injuries for the year was 9 per 100,000 in Virginia as against 63
in the American accident table; while for fatal injuries the rate was
1,476 in Virginia as against 776 in the American table. “ This is
due, no doubt, to the predominance of mining and probably largely
to the amount of construction th a t was being done in the latter part
of 1919.”
Other tables show conjugal condition and sex, immediate cause of
death, ages, and awards in fatal cases, ages of injured workmen,
duration of tem porary total disability, experience by industrial
groups and by localities, part injured, causes of injury, etc.
A ttention is called to the inequitable distribution under the law
of benefits to.surviving dependents. For example, 24 widows with
no children receive an average of $7.19 per week each, while 37
widows with one child each, making 74 dependents, receive an average
of $3.68 for each dependent. Still more striking is the situation of
7 widows with 5 children each or a total of 42 dependents, whose
average benefit is $1.64 per week. I t is suggested th a t this inequi
table result is avoided in m any States by an additional allowance for
each child, a provision th a t is lacking in the Virginia law.
Alberta.
rTvHE report of the W orkmen’s Compensation Board of Alberta
covers the year 1920.1 By extensions this act now includes
practically all industries with the exception of retail stores and rail
ways running outside the Province. Amendments to the act give
the board the power to inspect and make safety provisions in estab
lishments coming under the law, while another change brings within
the provisions of the act all employees in an industry covered by
the act whether or not they are exposed to the hazards of the in
dustry. The maximum lim itation of $2,500 for death benefits is
removed, so th at a widow is now compensated until death or rem ar
riage, receiving in the latter case the sum of $480 in lieu of further
compensation.
The system of insurance is exclusively in a provincial fund. The
total amount collected by assessment during the year, with interest,
was $460,183.98, which with the balance on hand amounted to
$710,744.65. Of this sum $194,965.68 was expended for claims,
with $48,104.95 for expenses and equipment. The board is charged
with the administration of mine rescue work, the cost being charge1 T hird a n n u al report of th e W orkm en’s C om pensation B oard of th e Province of A lberta for the year
ending Dec. 31, 1920. E dm onton, 1921. 40 pp.
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able to this same fund; this amounted this year to $37,978.70,
leaving a balance of $429,695.32, an increase of $179,134.68 over the
previous year. There is, besides this, the medical aid fund, sustained
by assessments of 2 cents per day for workmen in industries in
schedule 1 (the mining group), and 1 cent per day in other industries.
Iteceipts and balances for the year amounted to $84,966, of which
$48,970.16 was paid out in medical and hospital accounts and $6,855
in expenses, leaving a balance of $29,140.84.
There were 6,418 accidents reported during the year, of which
2,690 were in schedule 1 ; other industries gave rise to 3,728 accidents.
Compensation was paid in 3,089 cases, 545 claims being disposed of
w ithout the paym ent of compensation. In 187 cases only medical
aid was required, and in 1,681 no applications for compensation were
received. The num ber of persons employed on December 31, 1920,
in industries coming within schedule 1 was 12,347, the pay roll for
the year being approximately $19,380,475. In schedule 2 the num
ber of workers was approximately 26,531 on December 31, the pay
roll for the year being about $37,939,779. Those figures do not
include employees of the Federal or provincial governments.
The tables show receipts and payments for the fund by classes,
medical aid, number of accidents for which compensation was paid,
injuries to minors and persons of advanced age, accidents finally
disposed of during 1920, m onth of occurrence of accidents, time loss
and average age of persons injured, week of term ination of tem porary
disability, perm anent partial disability cases, dependents in fatal
cases, etc.
For accidents causing perm anent partial disability the days lost
averaged 77.22 per case. For those causing tem porary total dis
ability the average was 20.87 days each; while tem porary partial
disability caused an average loss of 34.58 days each. The total
expenditures for nonfatal accidents during the year was $173,231.97.
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L A B O R O R G A N IZ A T IO N S.
Forty-first Annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor.1
’H E American Federation of Labor held its forty-first annual
convention a t Denver, Colo., June 13-25, 1921. A t the open
ing session the committee on credentials recommended the
seating of 509 delegates, representing 93 international and national
unions, 4 departm ents, 32 State branches, 113 central bodies, 46
local trade and federal labor unions, and 5 fraternal delegates.
On the first day addresses were made by Hon. Dewey C. Bailey,
mayor of Denver; Hon. Oliver H. Shoup, governor of Colorado; Mr.
James C. Bulger, president of the Colorado State Federation of
Labor; Hon. Edward Keating; and Mr. Samuel Gompers, president
of the American Federation of Labor.
On the second day of the convention addresses were made by
both the British fraternal delegates, Mr. J. H. Thomas and Mr.
James Walker, who advocated disarmament. In discussing unem
ployment and other pressing economic problems, Mr. Thomas said
“ overproduction is a mere bogey. I t is underconsumption th at we
are suffering from.” He said th at the old system of exchange has
broken down. The United States is able to supply the needs of
foreign countries, but they are unable to buy. He graphically de
scribed some of the economic dislocations resulting from making
Germany pay indem nity to France in coal.
Mr. U. M. F. Bush, the fraternal delegate from the Dominion Trades
and Labor Congress, spoke of the difficulties Canada had had with
men in the ranks of labor who sta rt dual or secession movements
and are doing more than employers to disrupt Canadian unionism.
Mr. Glenn E. Plumb spoke on the subject of industrial democracy.
Among other speakers at the meeting were the delegates from the
W omen’s International Union Label League and the National
W omen’s Trade Union League, and Bishop J. H enry Tihen, of
Denver.
The convention’s attention was called especially to the statem ent
in the executive council’s report th at bold and audacious recon
struction of method and process is required in the conduct of basic
industries. The committee appointed to consider the report declared
th at there should be “ a rational system which .will secure to the whole
body of workers the full opportunity for productive employ
m ent under conditions th at make for security and comfort and thus
contribute to the progress and solid worthy advancement of hum an
ity at large.”
Summary of Resolutions and Recommendations Adopted.
A MONG the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the
convention were the following:
Instructing the secretary of the American Federation of Labor to
write each Senator to support the congressional resolution calling
for an investigation of the Mingo County miners.
1 A dvance copy of proceedings.
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Urging the United States Senate to investigate the lockout of
seamen.
For the assistance of the Textile Workers of America in their
efforts to raise the workers in the southern cotton mills to a higher
labor level and directing the executive council to bring about a con
gressional investigation of conditions in such mills.
T hat the American Federation of Teachers be more substantially
assisted by the American Federation of Labor.
Instructing the executive council to back the movement for com
plete organization of the lumber industry in the Northwest.
For the further organization of office workers.
For the appointm ent by the president of the American Federation
of Labor of a committee of five to investigate and report as soon as
possible on unemployment.
T hat every effort be made to secure sufficient appropriation for
the United States Em ploym ent Service.
For the instruction of State federations and central bodies to
request State, county, and municipal governments to make immedi
ate provision to carry out public works now under consideration.
Instructing the executive council to cooperate with affiliated organi
zations of civil-service employees to secure legislation giving such em
ployees the right to hearing and appeal upon demotion or discharge.
That the executive council cooperate with representatives of affili
ated organizations to secure legislation liberalizing the United States
pensions and workmen’s compensation acts.
For the appointm ent of a committee on grievances for colored
railway freight handlers and station employees.
That the executive council be instructed to continue its efforts to
secure legislation forbidding the im portation of labor from any
country until such time as conditions in our country have become
more stabilized.
For the exclusion of Asiatics.
Calling upon the convention to protest against “ the campaign for
the destruction of the United States D epartm ent of L abor” arid rec
ommending th at the executive council be instructed and authorized
to continue its effort to preserve th a t departm ent intact.
For the increase and broadening of the services of the United States
D epartm ent of Labor.
T hat steps be immediately taken to bring about the perm anent
organization of the nonpartisan political campaign.
For the continuation of the Federation’s special committee on health
insurance, such committee to report to the next convention.
Protesting against labor conditions in the packing industry and
instructing the executive council “ to aid to the utm ost the workers
in th a t industry.”
For legislation to control the m eat packers.
T hat the cooperative bureau of the American Federation of Labor
be continued.
T hat an exhaustive investigation be made of “ self-instituted coop
erative societies” not operated in accordance with bona fide Pochdale principles.
T hat cooperative enterprises should stand on their merits, subsi
dies or subventions to such undertakings being declared dangerous.
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For legislation in re cooperative banks and credit unions similar
to th a t in Massachusetts.
Indorsing the Personnel Research Foundation and authorizing the
continuance of the relation established between th a t organization
and the American Federation of Labor.
For the continuation of the inform ation and speakers’ bureau of
the American Federation of Labor.
Urging the establishment of conference boards of organized workers
and employers.
T hat to establish democracy in industry the trades-union m ust be
recognized “ as the basic unit and not the group as limited by the
single shop or establishment.”
Against compulsory investigation of industrial disputes.
T hat the law establishing the Kansas Court of Industrial Relations
be repealed.
Against the fixing of wages according to the cost of living, the state
m ent being made th a t “ there are bu t two avenues to higher standards
of living for our people as a whole”—the elimination of waste and
increased productivity; and th at a special committee be appointed
to investigate wages and cost of living.
Against the legal fixing of the wages of adult male workers in private
employment.
Against retail or general sales tax or any other tax on consumption,
and demanding the retention of income and excess-profits taxes until
war costs have been met.
For the issuance of m onthly statem ent by the United States De
partm ent of Labor showing the cost of m anufacture of those staple
articles which form the basis of calculation in fixing the cost of living.
For the continuation of the work of the Federal Trade Commission
in securing and publishing information on ownership, production,
distribution, sales, and profits in the basic industries.
T hat central bodies consider the practicability of establishing daily
labor papers.
Counseling constant alertness on the part of organized labor to
prevent perversion of the schools.
Approving the appointm ent by the executive council of a perma
nent committee on education.
For the amendment to the Volstead law so as to perm it the m anu
facture and sale of wholesome beer.
Indorsing the printing trades-union 44-hour week campaign.
Against demanding the 6-hour day and the abolition of overtime.
T hat international and national organizations which do not now
admit women to membership give early consideration to this m atter.
T hat the executive council make every effort to forward the passage
of the Sheppard-Towner m aternity bill.
For the indorsement of proposed legislation for the relief of tradeunionists with reference to the issuance of injunctions and other
m atters.
For a congressional resolution to prevent the courts declaring laws
invalid.
T hat the executive council assist as much as possible the accredited
railroad organization to secure proper legislation “ providing for Gov-
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15 4
em inent ownership and democratic operation of the railroad systems
of the United States.”
Reaffirming recognition of the Irish Republic.
Repudiating the soviet dictatorship.
T hat the executive council continue its efforts to have the laws of
the International Federation of Trade-Unions amended so as to make
possible the affiliation of the American Federation of Labor by guar
anteeing its autonomy and independence. .
That the United States call a conference on disarmament.
Secretary’s Report.
'“T H E secretary reported th a t the federation’s total balance on hand
April 30, 1920, after all expenses were paid was $203,980.46.
The total receipts of the year, including this balance, were $1,036,150.42. On April 30, 1921, there was a balance of $178,262.72, of
which $17,044.76 belonged in the general fund and $161,217.96 in the
defense fund for local and federal labor unions.
The membership in 1920 was 4,078,740; the average m embership
for the fiscal year 1921 is 3,906,528. This includes 36,247 local
unions in 110 national and international unions and 941 local and
federal labor unions. The voting strength in 1920 was 41,307, and
in 1921, 40,410.
Reports from international organizations, which are not complete,
however, show th a t there were 1,635 strikes during the past year,
involving 191,934 persons. The total expenditure to sustain mem
bers on strike was $8,462,175.09, which includes $213,474.65 donated
by other unions for the assistance of the strikers.
^A total of $3,046,300.62 was paid out in death benefits by affiliated
international organizations during the past year, $1,209,903.49 in sick
benefits, and $903,461.49 in unem ploym ent benefits. These figures
do not cover benefits paid by local unions and therefore represent
only a p a rt of the total am ount paid out by trade-unions in this
connection.
Officers for 1921-22.
T R IE president, the eight vice presidents, the secretary, and the
treasurer of the past year were all reelected. Their names and
affiliations are given below:
President, Mr. Samuel Gompers (cigar makers).
First w ee president, Mr. James Duncan (granite cutters).
Second vice president, Mr. Joseph F. Valentine (molders).
Third vice president, Mr. Frank Duffy (carpenters).
Fourth vice president, Mr. William Green (mine workers).
Fifth vice president, Mr. W. D. Mahon (street railways).
Sixth vice president, Mr. T. A. Rickert (garment workers).
Seventh vice president, Mr. Jacob Fischer (barbers).
Eighth vice president, Mr. Matthew Well (photo-engravers).
Secretary, Mr. Frank Morrison (typographical union).
Treasurer, Mr. Daniel J. Tobin (teamsters).
Mr. W illiam J. Spencer (building trades) and Mr. Jam es J. Forrester
(railway clerks) were elected fraternal delegates to the B ritish Trades
Union Congress, and Mr. John O’H ara (hatters) fraternal delegate to
the Dominion Trades and Labor Congress.
The 1922 convention will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Workmen’s Compensation Legislation of 1921.
ITH the enactment of the Georgia law in 1920, 43 States of
the Union have now superseded the liability system by one
of fixed awards for industrial injuries. The rapid extension
of this system, so different in m any respects from th at formerly in use,
has led to a considerable degree of variety in details and a measure
of avowed experimentation. Each year, therefore, discloses a con
siderable amount of new legislation either of an am endatory type or
by way of a complete substitution of the earlier laws. This year the
legislatures of Arizona and Minnesota redrafted entirely their com
pensation laws, the former after an experience dating from 1912 and
the latter from 1913. The new laws differ considerably from the old,
and they m ay be fairly assumed to represent the results of experience.
In Missouri a new law was enacted this year, not as the result of
experience, but to provide for conditions following the rejection bv
referendum in 1920 of the act of 1919, which never came into opera
tion. The new law embodies m any of the features of the earlier act,
but adds im portant provisions.
Other legislation of the year was purely of an amendatory nature,
and it m ust be recorded th at some of the earnest efforts of adminis
trative bodies to remedy defects, and appeals for more equitable
provisions in the light of experience were fruitless on account of the
unwillingness of certain legislators to act on suggestions made to this
end. Of the States whose legislatures m et in 1921, and which
have compensation laws, the following report no change in legis
lation: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, New
Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
I t is the purpose of the present article to summarize the new legis
lation, and to note the substantive changes made by amendment in
existing laws. The same m ay be said of the general trend of current
legislation as was said last year, i. e., th a t it lies in the direction of
more adequate and certain relief, and the simplification of procedure
to accomplish the desired end of prom pt and equitable consideration
of claims on account of industrial injuries. The States will be
considered in alphabetical order.
W
Arizona.
"T H E Arizona act of 1921, like its predecessor, is an elective statute,
election being presumed in all hazardous employments. An
extensive list is given making coverage fairly complete.
Employers of less than three workmen or operatives are not
included, nor are agricultural and domestic service. Minors, whether
legally or illegally employed, and aliens are included under the act,
but any person whose employment is but casual and not in the usual
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course of trade or occupation of the employer is_ excluded. _ Pro
vision is made for rejection by employees, if filed prior to the time ol
injury. Public employees are included absolutely.
Injuries covered m ust be of an accidental nature “ arising out oi or I
in tlie course of e m p lo y m e n t,a n d do not include occupational
diseases •
The compensation for disability is based" on 65 per cent of the
average m onthly wage, the maximum paym ent being $84.50, and the
minimum, $30, with an addition of $10 per m onth if the injuied
worker has total dependents residing in the united States. Paym ents
for tem porary disability m ay not exceed $8,450, payable during 100
m onths; b u t if the disability is perm anent, benefits continue during
life. For partial disability 65 per cent (law says 55 in one place) of
the loss of earning power is awarded, not more than $60 per m onth,
and no wages in excess of $130 per m onth are to be considered as
basis of computation. For specific injuries (mutilations, etc.) 55 per
cent of the m onthly wage is to be paid for fixed periods, not more
than $71.80 per month, or less than $30, this amount to be in addition
to the compensation for tem porary total disability caused by the
injury. No compensation is payable unless the disability extends
beyond seven days, but in case of its continuance paym ents date from
the time of the injury.
The compensation for death includes burial expenses not to exceed
$150, and an award to widows, dependent widowers, children under
18, and other dependents, if none of the foregoing survive, th e
widow or dependent widower receives 35 per cent of the average
wage, with 15 per cent additional for each child under the age of 18.
Orphan children receive 25 per cent, if one, and 15 per cent additional
for others, equally shared, if more than one. The maximum percent
age is 66§ in any case, and no wages in excess of $130 per m onth will
be considered. Paym ents to widow or widower cease on death or
remarriage, b u t a widow rem arrying receives two years’ benefits in a
lump sum. Nonresident aliens receive 60 per cent of the benefits
above provided.
.
...
. . ...
If there is no dependent the sum of $850 is to be paid into a rehabili
tation fund of the State.
_
.
Medical, surgical, and hospital benefits m ust be given m ail cases,
and artificial members furnished where needed—these services
extending for 90 days from the time of the injury, though they m ay
be prolonged to one year in the discretion of the industrial com
mission. 'A ny continuing paym ent m ay be comm uted to a lump
sum not exceeding $6,500. _
Insurance is compulsory either in the State fund or other author
ized agency, unless satisfactory proof of ability to m ake paym ents
is shown. The earlier law was adm inistered by the courts, bu t the
present act provides for the establishm ent of an industrial com
mission of three members, appointed for six-year term s, w ith the
usual powers of adopting regulations, rendering awards, subpoenaing
witnesses, etc. They also have general powers of adm inistration
regarding industrial legislation in the State, including conciliation,
employment offices, the enforcement of safety laws, etc. Injunction
proceedings have been brought against this commission on grounds
of constitutionality, and an injunction has been issued restraining
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it from acting. An appeal has been taken to the supreme court,
and until its decision is rendered the status of the commission will
not be known. The act specifically provides th a t w ith the exception
of certain sections, a holding of unconstitutionality of separate
provisions will not invalidate the rem ainder of the act. The sections
creating the industrial commission were not nam ed as vital sections,
but the question arises as to how the law could be adm inistered
w ithout the commission.
California.
A L T H O U G H there was no am endatory legislation in California
* * this year, m ention m ay here be m ade of the passage of an act
returning to the State treasury the sum of $100,000 appropriated in
1913 for the use of the State compensation insurance fund, this
assistance not being required.
Connecticut.
'T 'H E first am endm ent to be noted affects section 5341 of the S tatutes
1 and eliminates the provision which declares th a t any disease
caused by an injury shall be classed as a natural consequence of the
injury. Section 5346 is amended by the insertion of a definition of
“ com pensation” so th a t it now includes sums paid out for burial
expenses, medical, surgical, etc., fees; while section 5347 is amended
so as to require hospital service to be rendered to injured workmen,
a t cost. On and after July 1, 1922, the rate of compensation is to
be 65 per cent of the average weekly earnings instead of the present
rate of 50 per cent, and changes are m ade throughout the law to
accord w ith this new basis of compensation. Section 5350 is amended
to give resident dependents preference as to compensation over
dependents who are not residents of the State. Provision is now
m ade by amendm ents to section 5352 perm itting proportionate
awards for the loss or loss of use of any mem ber of the body affected
by the injury. The commissioners are given authority for due
cause shown within two years after the injury to extend the time
for m aking a claim for compensation (normally one year), for a
period not exceeding two years from the date of the injury.
Section 5388, which relates to definitions of term s, is amended in
several respects. “ E m ployee” is now made to include any salaried
officer, policeman or fireman, irrespective of the m ethod of his
employment or appointm ent. I t is also provided th a t in order to
get compensation it is not necessary for them to surrender any claim
they m ay have to pensions or custom of paying full wages during
disability. Members of an em ployer’s fam ily living in his dwelling
house are now brought under the s ta tu te if the full wages of such
m em ber of the fam ily are reported on the pay rolls on which the
prem iums are based.
“ In ju ry ” is defined specifically to include “ any disease which shall
be contracted during and caused by the employment.”
Delaware.
A MENDMENTS to the law of Delaware extend medical aid to
30 days instead of two weeks, and advance the maximum cost
to $100, from $75. Additional provisions authorize the industrial
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accident board to require in its discretion th at the employer furnish
additional surgical, medical, etc., services and supplies. The charges
for these services are not to exceed the regular rates for like services
and supplies to other individuals, and the board retains jurisdiction
over the character of services and supplies to be furnished, and may
also adjust disputes with regard to charges for the same.
The schedule of injuries is considerably enlarged, covering loss of
thumb, fingers, toes, and impairment of vision.
Other changes relate to the construction of the law, among; other
things, authorizing proceedings by a surviving parent, guardian, or
next friend, where the deceased employee was a minor, and directing
the payment of any award, not fully paid off at the time of the death
of an injured employee, to his nearest dependent.
In passing upon the earning power of an employee the value of
gratuities, lodging, etc., in any. subsequent employment is to be
considered.
Idaho.
statute of this State was the subject of several amendments,
mostly of an administrative nature. Thus, the administration
of insurance under the compensation law, which was in 1919 trans
ferred from an insurance manager to the departm ent of commerce and
industry, was again changed into the hands of the departm ent of
finance, the departm ent of commerce and industry being abolished.
The State insurance fund is, therefore, administered by the depart
m ent of finance, the State treasurer still retaining custody of the
fund and making disbursements therefrom on warrants or vouchers
authorized and signed by the commissioner of the departm ent of
finance.
Substantive changes are also made. Range laborers are excluded,
being specifically classed with agricultural workers not covered by the
law. A surety bond is required of any individual corporation or asso
ciation agreeing to furnish medical, hospital, and surgical attendance
required by the act. Specific awards for designated injuries are addi
tional to all other compensation, but m ay not exceed the weekly
maximum provided for total disability. The items of total deafness
of one ear and of both ears are added to the compensation schedule,
the first entitling to 35 weeks’ and the second to 115 weeks’ com
pensation. Employers under the act are declared liable for employees
of contractors or subcontractors where the latter have failed to comply
with the terms of the law, if the employer would have been liable in
case of direct employment.
Many changes of administrative detail are made affecting process,
one of the most im portant of these being the provision for hearings
by a single member of the board instead of an appointed committee
of arbitration. Appeals are provided for to the district court of the
county from any decision of the board, if made wdthin 30 days, but
where the employer appeals and an award is affirmed, without reduc
tion, interest at the rate of 7 per cent per annum m ust be paid
from the date of award by the board to the date of payment. Unin
sured employers m ay be summoned before the board to show cause,
and unless compliance with the law appears the board may file a
criminal complaint.
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Added sections authorize the board to prescribe safety devices and
standards and require the performance of any act necessary for the
protection of the life, health, and safety of employees. Its rules
are binding, and failure to comply therewith is a misdemeanor.
Illinois.
E a number of amendments were made in the Illinois law,
QU ITmost
of them providing for increases in the amounts of com
pensation paid. However, the first amendment to be noted is one
that extends the coverage of the act to all employees of employers
under the act engaged “ m any departm ent” in the classes of work
declared to be hazardous.
The maximum recovery for a widow without children and in cor
responding cases is advanced from $3,500 to $3,750. This includes
cases where children alone survive, where there are totally dependent
parents, and where there are only other dependents than the above
classes. Paym ents to beneficiaries are so regulated as to prevent
the rapid exhaustion of benefits payable to widows and children of
employees receiving high wages, so as to secure the better distribution
of payments.
Paym ents to a widow with one child are advanced from $3,750 to
$4,000 as a total maximum, and if two or more children, from $4,000
to $4,250. Benefits for tem porary total disability range from $7.50
as a minimum to $14 as a maximum per week instead of $7 and $12
as formerly. The same limitations apply where the total disability
is permanent. This weekly minimum is increased where there are
children, and the sum of 50 cents per week is added to the $8, $9,
and $10 minimums formerly established where there were 1, 2, or 3
or more children. ^ Similar provisions affect the established maxi
mum, and where there are 1 or 2 children $15 per week is now pay
able and if 3 or more, $17. The provision th at perm itted the reduc
tion of the total amount of benefits when a child reached the age of
16 is stricken out.
Salaries of members of the commission are.advanced from $5,000
to $6,000 per annum, while the chairman is to receive $7,500. The
salary of the secretary is also fixed at $5,000; while arbitrators are
to receive $4,200 instead of $3,000 as formerly.
Other changes relate to procedure, one forbidding any examination
of the injured employee on the date of the hearing, another requiring
the employee to accept hospital as well as medical and surgical
treatm ent if necessary to his recovery, under penalty of forfeiting
compensation. Provisions relating to records, reviews, and appeals
are also amended, the object being to avoid delay either unintentional
or by dilatory action.
Maine.
rT T IE compensation law of Maine was amended by chapter 222 of
the Acts of 1921, approved April 9. The principal changes are
those reducing the waiting time from ten days to seven; increasing
the compensation basis from three-fifths to tw o-thirds of the injured
worker’s average weekly wages; m aking the weekly m axim um pay
m ent $16 instead of $15, and advancing the total benefits payable
for disability from $4,200 to $6,000. The increase of the wage allow-
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ance applies to specific injuries as well as to total disability and
death. D eath benefits are also increased from a m aximum of $3,500
to $4,000, b u t paym ents to a widow are term inable on her remarriage.
W here the injury is due to the action of a third party, the employee
is given the right to bring action to recover damages, if the employer
o r ’insurer fails within 90 days so to do. O ther amendm ents relate
to procedure, b u t do not affect the general result.
Minnesota.
I IK E the earlier law in Arizona, th a t of M innesota was administered
1 by the courts, b u t chapter 81 of the Laws of 1921, effective June 1,
1921," creates an industrial commission to adm inister the new com
pensation act of the State (eh. 82). This commission supersedes
prior officials having charge of industrial legislation, the office of
labor commissioner and the S tate board of arbitration being abolished.
The commission consists of three members appointed for term s of six
years, the governor m aking the appointm ent by and with the advice
and consent of the senate. This commission adm inisters not only
the compensation law b u t all other legislation affecting workers,
including women and children.
_
_
The compensation system provided is elective, as was the earlier
law, which is in fact in large measure reenacted in the present statute.
Election is presum ed on the p a rt of both employer and employee in
the absence of notice to the contrary, and m ay be changed on 30
days’ w ritten notice to the other party in interest w ith affidavit of
service filed w ith the commission. Rejection of the act entails lia
bility in suits for damages with the custom ary defenses abrogated.
Public service is included, and all private employments except com
mon carriers by steam railroad, domestic service, and farm laborers.
Persons whose employment is casual and not in the course of the
em ployer’s trade are also excepted. Farm labor m ay be brought
under the act by joint election. Accidental injuries, n o t intentionally
self-inflicted nor due to the intoxication of the employee, are com
pensated if they cause disability for more than one week; b u t il dis
ability continues for four weeks or over compensation dates from the
commencement of the disability. A list of 23 occupational diseases
is embodied in the law for which compensation is to be allowed as
for accidental personal injuries.
The basis of compensation is the same as in the earlier law, 66§
per cent of the average wages, bu t the weekly m aximum for disability
is $18 instead of $15 and the minimum $8 instead of $6.60. Tem
porary disability is compensable for not more than 300 weeks, and
perm anent disability during its continuance, the maximum amount
being $10,000. The schedule for perm anent partial disabilities is
retained.
D eath benefits range from 30 to 66§ per cent of the daily wages,
according to relationship and num ber of dependents. The highest
amount payable is $*7,500, no weekly payments continuing lor more
than 300 weeks, except in the case of a wife or child. A widow, on
remarrying, receives a lump-sum settlem ent amounting to one-half
of the amount of compensation remaining unpaid in case there are no
children; if there are children the unpaid balance goes to them. A
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dependent widow, alone, receives 40 per cent of the daily wage of
the decedent, and a dependent widower, 30 per cent. In case of one
child, either widow or widower receives 50 per cent of the daily wage,
if two or three children, 60 per cent, and if four or more, 66§ per cent.
An orphan alone receives 45 per cent; 10 per cent additional is al
lowed for each additional orphan, the total not to exceed 66§ per cent
of the wages. A funeral benefit of $150 is provided in all cases, and
if there are no dependents the employer m ust pay $100 to the State
treasurer. Medical and surgical aid, including artificial members
and apparatus m ust be furnished for not more than 90 days at a cost
not exceeding $100, though the commission maj^ require the employer
to furnish further treatm ent. The commission has control of charges
for this class of service.
Aliens occupy the same status as citizens. A member of the com
mission m ay act in the adjustm ent of claims and disputes, or a
referee m ay be designated. From such decisions an appeal m ay be
taken to the commission and from the decision of the commission an
appeal lies to the supreme court for errors of law, if made within 30
days.
Private employers m ust insure their compensation with an au
thorized carrier, no State fund being provided, though exemption
m ay be allowed on a showing of financial responsibility.
Separate laws require the reporting of accidents, provide for the
regulation of insurance rates, etc.
Missouri.
rTTIIS act is largely copied from the act of 1919, b u t adds the provision
A of a State fund as an alternative m ethod of providing insurance.
By its title the act was to be “ compulsory as to the State, its coun
ties, and municipal corporations and other public employers, unless
their employees reject the act.” However, the act itself specifically
excludes the State and its subdivisions of whatever sort. Private
employments are defined and included in accordance with the pro
visions of the act of 1919. The compensation basis is also the same,
though the maximum weekly paym ent for disability is $20 instead
of $15, the minimum remaining unchanged at $6.
The State fund is to be administered by the commission as a com
petitive self-supporting system w ithout liability on the part of the
State. The State treasurer is custodian, and provision is made for
reserves, dividends, reinsurance, etc. In general, rates m ust be fair,
and m ay be adjusted according to the experience of the employer
insured. The superintendent of insurance is given control of classi
fications of risks and rates.
The compensation provisions practically follow those of the law of
1919, reproduced in Bui. 272 of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Nebraska.
A CHANGE affecting public service was brought about by striking
out the provision excluding persons employed “ not for the
purpose of gain or profit by the employer,” which practically elimi
nated State and municipal employees from the benefits of the law.
This is said to extend the act to about 40,000 such employees. An-
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other amendment removes the lim it of $200 for medical aid, so
th at it m ay now be continued according to the needs of the case,
subject to the control of the compensation commissioner. Compen
sation for maimings, etc., according to the schedule, are to be in
addition to the amount paid for tem porary total disability.
Another change continues paym ents to children until they reach
the age of 18 instead of cutting them off at 16 as heretofore. H ear
ings will bo facilitated by perm itting them to be conducted by one
of the assistants of the departm ent instead of exclusively by the com
missioner; while section 131 is made more clearly to establish the
power of the commissioner to control settlements, none being valid
th at are not in conformity with the compensation schedule.
Nevada.
T H E changes in the Nevada law were few in number, one providing
th a t regularly organized and recognized volunteer firemen in any
city or town shall be recognized as employees of such city or town,
and be compensated on the basis of a monthly wage of $150.
An additional allowance of $30 per m onth is to be granted in cases
of injury causing total disability and rendering the workman so
physically helpless as to require the services of a constant attendant.
The third change corrects an error in the phrasing of a provision
relative to perm anent partial disability, making the maximum of
$60 per m onth for the period of one m onth the measure of 1 per cent
of disability, instead of the rate being a flat one as appeared from the
former wording of the law.
New jersey.
A N IMPORTANT change in the New Jersey statute admits non1 resident alien dependents to rights of compensation, thus end
ing their exclusion provided in the original enactment.
Other changes relate to the manner of conducting trials in common
pleas courts where the award made by the compensation bureau has
been appealed from. The trial m ay no longer be de novo, but m ust
be based exclusively on a transcript taken at the first hearing. Tes
timony can not be modified or new testimony offered. Another
amendment relates to the computation of the waiting period, the
day th a t the employee is first unable to continue at work being
counted as one whole day of such period, irrespective of the question
of whether or not he received full wages for th at day.
New Mexico.
T H E amendments in this case affected the schedule for partial disability, increasing the amount of compensation for certain m uti
lations. Thus the loss of the second finger a t the distal joint calls
for 8 weeks’ compensation instead of 5, while a similar injury to the
third finger calls for 8 weeks’ compensation instead of 4 as formerly.
Loss of the fourth finger at the proximal joint entitles to 12 weeks’
compensation instead of 9, at the second joint 8 weeks’ instead of 6,
and at the distal joint, 6 weeks’ instead of 3. Toe injuries are like
wise made subject to higher rates.
The waiting period is reduced from 14 days to 10 (lays, the term
during which medical, etc., aid m ust be furnished being correspond-
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ingly reduced, but the maximum liability is advanced from $50 to
$150.
New York.
chapters of the laws of 1921 affect workmen’s compensmion, namely, chapters 60, 539, and 540, amending the
W orkmen’s Compensation Law; chapter 50, recodifying the
Labor Law; chapter 642, amending chapter 50; chapters 552 and 554,
amending the Civil Practice Act and the Code of Civil Procedure; and
chapter 409, amending the Insurance Law. A summary of the
effects of these amendments has been furnished by the industrial
commissioner and is reproduced with slight changes.
C om m issioner’s powers and d u ties .—Subdivision 2 of section 21
o'' chapter 50 confers upon the industrial commissioner as adminis
trative head of the departm ent the administration of the W orkmen’s
Compensation Law, except in so far as such adm inistration is vested
in the industrial board. Subdivision 2 of section 3 of the Work
m en’s Compensation Law, as amended by chapter 60, details his
compensation, powers, and duties at length, placing in his hands
such m atters as docketing claims, giving notices, instituting actions,
administering funds, imposing penalties, assessing expenses, etc.
Section 22 of chapter 50 empowers the commissioner to sit without
vote with the board in the consideration of compensation business
other than reviews and makes him custodian of compensation records.
B oard’s powers and duties. —Section 27 of chapter 50 confers upon
the industrial board all powers and duties of the Workmen’s Com
pensation Law except purely administrative functions. I t enu
merates certain of these powers. Subdivision 2 of section 3 of the
Workmen’s Compensation Law, as amended by chapter 60, dupli
cates the enumeration and includes an additional detail relating to
contests of appeals from awards. In brief the industrial board is a
compensation court with original and appellate jurisdiction over
compensation cases.
Referees. —The’ State industrial commission had 12 or more deputy
commissioners for the initial hearing and determination of compensa
tion claims. Their decisions were reviewable by appeal to the com
mission. In continuance of the plan section 19 of chapter 50 substitutes the title “ referee” for the title “ d ep u ty ” and requires the
commissioner to appoint as m any referees as may be necessary.
The powers and duties of the referees are set forth in sections 19,
38, and 39.
P a ym en t o f com pensation. —From the outset the W orkmen’s Com
pensation Law has suggested th at tbe emplojmr advance relief to his
injured employee immediately after the accident and without wait
ing for adjudication by State authority. I t has declared th at the
employer shall be reimbursed for such advance relief upon condi
tions which have been modified by amendments to sections 20, 20-a,
and 25. Some employers have voluntarily adopted the practice of
making advances of relief in regular weekly and biweekly install
ments representing the percentage of wages th a t will be due if and
when an award shall be made. Certain local offices of the industrial
commission have encouraged the practice. Chapter 540 of the Laws
of 1921 amends section 25 of the W orkmen’s Compensation Law with
a view to making the practice as nearly universal as m ay be. I t
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requires advance periodic payments beginning on or before the
twenty-fifth day after disability or the fifteenth day after the em
ployer has knowledge of the alleged accident. The employer m ay
escape such payments by formally notifying the commissioner th a t he
controverts the injured workm an’s right to compensation. Failure to
pay an advance installm ent within 25 days after it is due will increase
it 10 per cent. Governor Miller advocated legislation for this purpose
in his annual message. Chapter 540 is effective July 1, 1921.
U ninsured em ployers. —Chapter 539 amends section 26 of the
W orkmen’s Compensation Law to require an uninsured employer
to make paym ent of an award against him within 10 days after
it is due or, if he appeals, to deposit the amount of it with the com
mission as security. If he fails so to do, any p arty in interest may
file a copy of the award in the county clerk’s office with all the effect
of a court judgment.
A ssessm e n t o f carriers f o r adjourned hearings.— Chapter 540 em
powers the commissioner to assess $5 upon an insurance carrier for
each adjourned hearing held a t its request. Such collections will be
applied to the expenses of the departm ent in adm inistering the com
pensation law. This legislation is expected to secure prom pter de
term ination of claims.
S ta te fu n d disbursem ents a n d in vestm en ts.— Chapter 60 amends sec
tions 9i and 93 of the W orkm en’s Compensation Law relative to the
signature of vouchers, etc., to conform to the Labor Law ’s changes
in the headship of the departm ent.
M u tu a l in su ra n ce corporations.— Chapter 409 amends the Insur
ance Law to perm it a m utual employers’ liability and workm en’s
compensation insurance corporation to do certain business specified
in section 70 of the Insurance Law, as amended by chapter 408, and
to increase the annual prem ium cost requisite for doing business from
$25,000 to $50,000.
A p p e a ls. —C hapter 552 amends section 593 of the new Civil P rac
tice Act to exem pt workm en’s compensation claim ants from the giv
ing of security to perfect appeals to the court of appeals if the decision
of the appellate division is not unanimous or if consent is obtained
for the appeal. The Code of Civil Procedure will be suspended by the
Civil Practice Act and other laws, October 1, 1921. (Ch. 199.)
R epealed sections. —Chapter 60 repeals sections 62, 63, 65, 66, and
75 of the W orkm en’s Compensation Law, relating to expenses, prin
cipal office, investigations, secretary, and report. These subjects are
covered in the Labor Law, as recodified by chapter 50.
North Dakota.
/"''OVERAGE under the N orth D akota sta tu te is slightly affected
^
by an am endm ent excluding executive officers of business con
cerns who receive salaries in excess of $2,400 per year.
The allowance for burial expenses is increased, now being $150 as
a m axim um instead of $100.
O ther provisions are adm inistrative in their nature, one undertak
ing to render more effective the m ethod of collecting prem iums for
the State insurance fund, another requiring employers to report pay
rolls in response to notice from the bureau instead of annually as
heretofore; while a third places certain expenses on the bureau, and
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appropriates an additional $5,000 for its use. - A m ajority of the com
pensation bureau shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, provided th a t representatives of the employers and the em
ployees constitute a p a rt of such m ajority. An order of a m em ber of
the bureau, when confirmed by a m ajority, shall have the same force
and effect as an order of the bureau.
Ohio.
|7 0 U R separate acts were passed amending the compensation law
*
of this State, though one of them related only to the audit of the
State fund, which the auditor of the State is authorized to make “ at
such time as he m ay deem necessary/’ and one to the issue of bonds
by taxing districts, which are to be purchased by the industrial com
mission.
Other amendments affect the substantive provisions of the law,
the most im portant being the addition of occupational diseases to the
disabilities for which compensation is payable. The industrial com
mission is authorized to fix premium rates to m aintain a State occu
pational disease fund until January 1, 1924. On the basis of this
expense occupations and industries are to be classified according to
the hazard, and premium rates for this fund are to be adjusted ac
cordingly. The law lists 15 diseases or injuries which are com
pensable, corresponding largely in their description and the descrip
tion of processes to the British schedule. A nthrax; glanders; lead,
mercury, phosphorus, and arsenic poisoning; poisoning by benzol or
certain derivatives thereof or by volatile petroleum products; carbon
bisulphide or dioxide poisoning; wood alcohol, brass, or zinc poison
ing; compressed-air illness; infection or inflammation from irritant
oils, dust, fumes, etc.; and cancer or ulceration of skin or eye due to
carbon, pitch, etc., are enumerated. Claims m ust be subm itted
within two months after the disability begins, and claimants m ust
have been 90 days resident in the State or in the employ of an em
ployer under the act. Physicians are required to report occupa
tional diseases, and employers m ust use “ reasonably effective de
vices,” as prescribed by the industrial commission to prevent disease.
The maximum benefit for disability is advanced from $12 per week
to $15; compensation m ay also be allowed for “ serious facial or head
disfigurement” impairing opportunity for emplojunent.
Other amendments relate to the disclosure of information relative
to the business of employers, making the maximum penalty $1,000
instead of $500, and including mechanical, chemical, or other in
dustrial processes in the information th at is to be held confidential.
The commission is given added authority with regard to self-insurers
who are negligent or unfair, and m ay revoke their privilege of selfinsurance in its discretion, thus compelling them to become mem
bers of the State fund. The commission is further given added
power with regard to reviewing awards in which claim is made for
continuing disability. Appeals to the court on this point are no
longer possible, being limited to “ jurisdictional” grounds, going to
the basis of the claim ant’s right. Other amendments relate to ap
pealed cases, the admission of new evidence being barred. The
same section limits attorneys’ fees to 20 per cent of any award up
to $500 and 10 per cent on any excess, no fee to exceed $500.
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Oregon.
A N AMENDMENT to the Oregon law perm its railroads and street
railways engaged in one or more hazardous occupations other
than the maintenance and operation of their road, to elect to be
subject to the act in respect of such other occupations, while not
being subject thereto as to m aintenance and operation.
No person, firm, or corporation m ay engage as an employer in
any hazardous occupation under the act until a statem ent in writing
has been filed with the commissioner, giving name and address, and
a description of the employment.
Considerable change was made in the provisions of the law relating
to experience ratings, its principles being extended, while a com
panion change places upon the commission the duty of establishing
standards or rules to promote organization and educational work in
accident prevention. Compliance with these rules entitles employers
to further reduction in premium charges, amounting to 5 per cent
for each year covered by a w ritten statem ent of such compliance
filed with the commission. Credits m ay be made to employers
contributing to the industrial accident fund when a surplus of
$300,000 is accumulated, this provision taking the place of the 50
per cent surplus originally contemplated. The catastrophe fund is
to become available in the event of an accident causing the death
or perm anent total disability of more than one workman instead of
causing “ great liability .’’ The method of computing the rates of
contributions to this fund is set forth.
The law originally allowed $30 per m onth to a widow or widower,
with $8 additional for each child under 16 years of age, limiting the
total to $50 per m onth. This lim itation is now stricken out as was
the similar lim itation on the amount payable to orphans, whether
they were such at the time of the death of the injured employee, or
became such by the subsequent death of a surviving parent.
A rather elaborate schedule of amounts payable in the case of
tem porary total disability was enacted this year, providing for
unm arried workers, workers with wife or invalid husband, but
childless, and for different numbers of children, also for widows or
widowers with one or more children, the rates ranging from $30 to
$97 per month. A m ethod of computing the m onthly wage is
embodied in the law, and a provision for comm utation to a lump
sum in all cases where payments for perm anent partial disability
continue for a time not exceeding 24 m onths is added.
A new provision is made for cases of minors unlawfully employed;
where the employer is misled as to the facts the commission has
authority to pass upon the question of good faith, and if it believes
th at the employer was innocent, compensation is payable under the
act. If good faith does not appear, compensation shall be paid, plus
25 per cent of the sum, not exceeding $500, to be paid to the accident
fund of the State by way of penalty.
Employers defaulting in premium payments, notified of the fact
by the commission, m ust display such notice so as to inform the
workmen thereof. Failure to do so is,a misdemeanor. The com
mission is authorized to employ an attorney to aid in the collection
of contributions to the fund from delinquent employers.
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Appeals from decisions of the commission m ay now be taken
within 60 instead of 30 days as formerly, the case to be tried as
other civil cases, the lim itation of 10 days for the filing of a transcript
by the commission being stricken out.
Pennsylvania.
HTHE Pennsylvania compensation law was amended by changing
the liability of the employer who fails to comply with the require
m ents as to insurance by assessing a penalty of $1 per day for each
person in his employment during the continuance of his failure to
secure insurance or obtain exemption as a self-insurer.
A second amendm ent provides for compensation for serious and
perm anent disfigurement of the head or face, payments to continue
for not more than 150 weeks.
A third amendm ent relates to procedure, and merely changes the
phraseology of the act of 1919 (ch. 310) authorizing the transfer of
suits from the courts to the compensation board.
Rhode island.
HTIIE law of this State was amended in a num ber of respects by
chapter 2095, Acts of 1921. The first amendment relates to
election by the employer, and strikes out the requirem ent of notice
to the workmen by posting or keeping posted copies of a statem ent
to the effect of such election. Notice is to be sent to the commis
sioner of labor instead of to the commissioner of industrial statistics;
similar changes are made throughout the law where the commissioner
of industrial statistics was originally named.
The waiting time is reduced from two weeks to one week,compensation
beginning the eighth day after the injury, and with the beginning of
the disability, if incapacity extends beyond four weeks. Medical
aid is furnished for eight weeks instead of four, b u t a lim it of $200
is newly fixed. The provision of this section holding the employer
liable even though the physician or hospital has not given notice of
the rendition of services to injured workmen is stricken out. The
maximum weekly benefit m ay now be $16 instead of $14 as formerly.
The article on procedure is amended by requiring the clerk of the
superior court to notify the commissioner of labor of any changes made
in an award on appeal to the courts. Memorandum agreements are
to be filed with the commissioner of labor instead of with the clerk of
the superior court, and are to be approved by him before becoming
enforceable. Modifications of agreements on review are to be approved
by the commissioner of labor instead of by the superior court.
’ The ninth section of Article V, relating to insurance, is amended
so as to restrict its application to personal injuries to employees,
excluding all policies of insurance against loss by explosion of boilers,
flywheels, or other single catastrophe hazards. New sections are
added to this article requiring every insurance company writing
policies covering personal injuries to employees to notify the com
missioner of labor of the issuance and cancellation of its policies.
They are also to furnish the commissioner of labor with requested
information either for the adm inistration of the act or for statistical
purposes. Failure of the companies to comply is a misdemeanor.
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Article V I, relative to accident reporting, is amended so as to
apply to accidents causing one week’s incapacity instead of two weeks’
as before. The provision relative to agreements between employers
and employees, found in section 1 of this article, is stricken out.
The m atter of accident reporting is further regulated by requesting
the public utility commission to furnish the commissioner of labor
with duplicate reports of all accidents reported to it which are other
wise reportable directly to the commissioner of labor. Municipalities
and the State are also made subject to the requirem ent of accident
reporting by striking out the exemption clause originally found in
section 8 of article 7.
South Dakota.
nPH E first amendment to this act inserts the words, “ furnished by
A the employer,” in the section penalizing employees for failure
or refusal to use a safety appliance.
Recovery by the employer against a third person responsible for
the injury of his employee is to be for the benefit of the injured
worker or his personal representative as to any excess above the
am ount of compensation and cost of collection paid by such em
ployer. Another amendment is in the reverse direction from th at of
the New Jersey Legislature noted above, and excludes nonresident
dependents from the benefits of the law.
The maximum weekly paym ent for disability or death is advanced
from $12 to $15 per week, and the minimum from $6.50 to $7.50.
Other changes increase the salary of the deputy industrial commis
sioner from $1,800 to $2,400 per annum, and authorize hearings to
be held at other than the place of injury where an injury occurs in a
remote place and some other place would be more convenient to the
parties and witnesses.
Texas.
'"PHE only amendment reported in this State resembles one noted
A under the Idaho law, excluding ranch laborers from the scope of
the law, grouping them with farm laborers and domestic servants, as
exempt from benefits.
Utah.
'"FHE amendments to the compensation law of U tah relate to pro* cedure rather than to the substantive provisions of the laws.
Thus, penalties collected for false statem ents by employers go to the
State treasury instead of to the State insurance fund; a wider option
is given the industrial commission as to the time of readjusting
premium rates; and a method of computing the average weekly
earnings is presented in detail, giving the rule to be followed in each
of several cases. The commission is given authority to modify its
findings of fact w ith regard to self-insurers at any time in its judg
m ent when such action is necessary. Pay-roll expenditures m ust be
reported semiannually at the time when employers make their pre
mium paym ents into the State insurance fund. Self-insurers and
the State fund are subjected to the tax required by law to be paid
by insurance companies writing compensation insurance. The detail
as to capital stock and surplus required of insurance companies is
stricken out.
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16.9
The provision of the act retaining the right to sue in case of fatal
injuries is eliminated, leaving compensation the exclusive remedy
where the law is applicable. The right to sue third parties where
they are responsible for the injury is also withdrawn, the employee
being limited to the compensation provisions, and the right of recovery
against the third party being assignable to the insurance carrier or
person liable for the paym ent of the compensation; this rule holds
in fatal cases as well as in others.
The provision establishing a minimum benefit of $7 per week is
modified so th at where the wages are less than $7 the wages earned
shall be the amount of compensation.
In lieu of the paym ent of $750 into the State treasury in case of
death with no dependents, the employer or insurance carrier is re
quired to pay an amount equal to 20 per cent of the death benefit
payable where wholly dependent persons survive. The commission
is given discretion in making awards to partly dependent persons so
th a t they shall be in keeping with the circumstances and conditions
of dependency existing at the date of the injury. I t m ay also extend
payments “ indefinitely ” where beneficiaries are in a dependent con
dition at the term ination of the period for which benefits have been
awarded under the act, taking into consideration “ all reasonable
circumstances.” A new provision added to this section makes bene
fits to nonresident alien beneficiaries one-half the normal amount
except to residents of Canada and of dependencies of the United
States. These additional sums are to be paid out of the fund accruing
from payments where no dependents survive. Another change gives
to widows rem arrying during the period of benefit paym ents onethird of any unpaid benefits in a lump sum at the time of remarriage.
The provisions with regard to medical and hospital treatm ent are
liberalized, the commission being given discretion to increase the
am ount to be expended for this purpose above the standard of $500
named in the law if “ it shall find th at in particular cases such an
amount is insufficient” ; a similar enlargement is made with regard
to the burial expenses, ordinarily not to exceed $150.
The power to fix attorneys’ fees is newly vested in the commission,
while the State insurance fund is given the same right as other insured
parties to appeal to the supreme court in cases involving the lawful
ness of awards. A new provision prescribes the steps to be taken by
an injured employee who decides to leave the locality or the State
during the period of treatm ent of the injury; failure to comply forfeits
right to compensation for the period of absence. A new section
prescribes penalties where employees fail to report injuries received
or to report for medical treatm ent within the time prescribed.
Reports of the commission are to be biennial instead of annual as
heretofore; and the initial sum of $40,000 appropriated to establish
the State fund is directed to be returned to the State treasury when
it can be done w ithout impairing the solvency of the fund.
Washington.
amendm ents to the law of W ashington are m ainly m ade by
chapter 182, though the “ adm inistrative code” (ch. 7, Acts of
1921) affects the law by placing its adm inistration in the departm ent
of labor and industries in a division of industrial insurance. A t the
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head of the departm ent is a director who has power to appoint and
deputize an assistant director, to be known as the supervisor of indus
trial insurance. This official has charge and supervision of the divi
sion of industrial insurance and, w ith the approval of the director, is
to appoint and employ adjusters, medical and other examiners, inspec
tors, clerks, etc., necessary to adm inister the law. This involves a
change in terminology, the director of labor and industries taking the
place of the commission and the supervisor of industrial insurance
superseding the medical aid board.
The W ashington sta tu te is applicable to enum erated industries
coming within the description “ extrahazardous.” The legislature
this year added to the list general warehouse and storage, transfer,
drayage and hauling, warehousing and transfer, fruit warehouse, and
packing houses. This section was further amended by authorizing
the director of labor, and industries through and by means of the divi
sion of industrial insurance to declare any occupation or work extrahazardous and to be under the act. This m ay be done either on
application or on its own motion.
The definition of employer is extended to include one who contracts
w ith another to engage in extraliazardous work. A new section is
added providing for tem porary employers, classifying as such ail who
engage in extrahazardous work after June 30, 1921, for the first time
since June 30, 1918. This status controls for one year, during which
time his contribution to the accident fund is the class rate for his
industry increased 3 3 | per cent. If he continues in the business he
ceases to be classed a tem porary employer and unless the accident
cost for the year has exceeded his contribution the 331 per cent
increase is either refunded or credited to him out of the accident fund.
A nother new section makes it the duty of county assessors to
furnish annually a list of the employers within their counties on
blanks supplied by the industrial insurance departm ent for the use of
th a t office.
A new provision is enacted w ith regard to nonresident alien bene
ficiaries, lim iting benefits to such persons to 50 per cent of the custom
ary am ount unless otherwise provided by treaty. If the law of the
country of residence of the beneficiary would debar citizens of the
U nited States from compensation rights, no compensation whatever
shall be paid.
A penalty is provided for any physician who fails to make report
as to the condition of injured workmen treated by him, together with
the inform ation required by the act. Physicians are also to furnish
all necessary assistance to injured workmen in preparing their claims.
Public employees cared for by other provisions of law or ordinance
are excluded from the scope of the State compensation law, while the
obligations of workers and employers letting contracts are m ade more
explicit. Medical attendance required m ust be “ efficient and up to
the recognized standard of m odern surgery” instead of “ suitable and
wholesome” as previously directed.
_ Statistics are to be compiled such as “ will afford reliable informa
tion upon which to base operations of all divisions ” of the departm ent
of labor and industries.
The provision of the law relative to m erit rating is recast, and the
procedure to be followed is more accurately outlined. Additional
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classes are created to provide for better distribution of industries on
the basis of their experience, seven being provided for instead of five.
The subject of contracts for medical and hospital service is the last
to be dealt with, the director of labor and industries, through the
division of industrial insurance, being authorized to require a phy
sician or hospital association to give bond conditioned upon any
abandonm ent of such contract. Provision is also m ade for the abro
gation of contracts on complaint where unsatisfactory conditions are
found. The contract m ay be either directly term inated or the order
m ay be contingent on a satisfactory im provem ent within a specified
time.
Wisconsin.
T W iP E E separate enactments directly affect the compensation law
A of Wisconsin, while a fourth (ch. 534), accepting the vocational
rehabilitation law of Congress, provides for certain cooperation on
the p art of the industrial commission.
The first act (ch. 414) is the “ medical panel” act, its purpose being to
require the establishment of a panel of physicians by employers and
insurance carriers, from which injured workmen m ay select the physi
cian of their choice within the limits of this panel. The num ber of
physicians available in the community is to be considered, and no panel
need consist of more than three physicians except in counties where
there is a city of the first class, where the maximum is five.
The second act (ch. 451) deals m ainly with the adm inistration of
the law, the first change being one which authorizes the employer by
affirmative election to bring in domestic and other employees under
the coverage of the act, as well as those employed in the usual class,
of his trade or business.
The second provision of this act relates to the giving of a w ritten
notice of an injury. Equivalent to such notice is any actual notice
given within 30 days to the employer or to a person designated by
him to receive such reports. The name of such person m ust be posted
by the employer in one or more conspicuous places about the premises.
Testimony based on autopsies may be refused if it appears th a t there
was a willful failure to use reasonable effort to notify the opposing
party or the industrial commission a t least 12 hours before the au
topsy; or if it was performed by a coroner for another purpose than
th a t expressly authorized by statute. The commission m ay in its
discretion refuse to make an award until an autopsy is held in accord
ance with its directions.
An im portant amendment authorizes the commission to proceed
with a determ ination of facts on its own motion. This prevents em
ployees from losing their rights by failure to institute proceedings in
their own behalf either by reason of fear or for any other cause.
Delay in making awards, if chargeable to the employer and not to the
insurer, entails a penalty upon the former, though the provision
remains unchanged as to the penalty on insurers for dilatory conduct.
The right of self-insurance granted on an application is to be
based not only on financial ability, b u t also on a readiness to agree
to faithfully report all injuries and to comply with the rules of the
commission relative to the adm inistration of the act. Perm its m ay
be revoked, not only on the discovery of financial incapacity, b u t
on failure to carry out this agreement; while a self-insurer insuring
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M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
his liability in an insurance company or interinsurer not licensed to
operate in the State, autom atically forfeits his status as a self-insurer.
A nother provision as to insurance requires policies to cover the whole
of the employer’s risk. Heretofore certain classifications mentioned
in the policy were said not to cover all the operations, complicating
the situation and jeopardizing the interests of injured workmen.
Contracts of insurance m ust now grant full coverage unless the indus
trial commission specifically consents in writing to a different form
of insurance. In order to secure a more effective observance of the
provision of law requiring employers to insure their liability, delin
quent employers m ay be enjoined from proceeding with the conduct
of their business until the court is satisfied th a t suitable provision
has been made for the insurance of such liability.
The provision allowing 30 days as the time within which pro
ceedings in court should be brought where court review was asked
for was repealed. This leaves the 10-day lim itation prescribed in
the act in full control.
The last statute to be noted (ch. 462) affects the amount of awards
where partial disability tem porarily reduces the earning capacity.
The award is no longer 65 per cent of the weekly wage loss, as the
act formerly provided, bu t is “ such proportion of the weekly indem
nity rate for the total disability as the actual wage loss of the injured
employee bears to his average weekly wage at the time of his injury.”
Thus an employee who had earned $20 a week, and suffers disability
reducing his earning capacity $5 weekly, or one-fourth, would receive
an indem nity to equal one-fourth of the total disability benefit based
on his original earning capracity, or one-fourth of $13, the same result
th a t would have been produced under the original phraseology. More
effective is the amendment th a t increases the annual m aximum th at
m ay be taken into account as the basis of compensation awards from
$1,125, or $22.50 per week, to $1,300, or $26 per week. This increases
the maximum weekly indem nity from $14.63 to $16.90. This provi
sion of an annual maximum is made applicable to employment gen
erally instead of only to employees on steam railroads as formerly.
Instead of fixing $750 as the limit of compensation for disfigure
m ent, the amount m ay not exceed one year’s earnings. Another
amendm ent relates to the reduction of benefits to persons over 55
years of age. The reduction m ay affect only awards for perm anent
disability, the awards for tem porary disability not being subject to
change. An additional provision is made for employees over 70
years of age, who shall be subject to a 20 per cent reduction, and if
over 75 years of age to a 25 per cent reduction of the normal award for
perm anent disability. The same principle is applied to minors
suffering perm anent disability, though w ith the opposite effect. Tem
porary disabilities are to be computed on the basis of present earnings,
the earnings after attaining the age of 21 years to be made the basis
of only those awards which are due for perm anent disability.
Wyoming.
( “'TTY or town firemen and city or town policemen are brought
^
within the scope of the law by an amendment classifying them
as “ extra-hazardous occupations.” Another extension of coverage
is made by striking out the provision making the law applicable
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LABOR LAW S AND DECISIO NS.
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only where three or more persons were employed continuously, so
th a t all employers in the occupations listed are now under the act
without reference to the num ber of persons employed.
Medical and hospital aid m ay be required up to $200 instead of $100
as formerly; the maximum for burial is also advanced from $50 to $100.
California Department of Labor and industrial Relations.
T ITS recent session the California Legislature consolidated the
various commissions and ofhces having to do w ith labor into
a new departm ent bearing the above title. The offices in
cluded are the industrial accident commission, the commission of
immigration and housing, the industrial welfare commission, and
the bureau of labor statistics. The powers and duties of the various
offices are retained by them, the measure being one of consolidation
rather than of internal reorganization.
However, other acts affect somewhat the relative functions of
some of these offices, as one conferring upon the industrial accident
commission the duty of inspecting scaffolds created by section 402(c)
of the Penal Code and chapter 48, Acts of 1913, and the regulation
of the construction, operation, and. m aintenance of elevators in
buildings during the course of construction, provided for by chapter
275, Acts of 1913, these duties formerly devolving upon the bureau
of labor statistics. A similar change applies to the act relative to
tem porary floorings in building operations (chapter 590, Acts of
1911). On the other hand the power of the commission over boiler
inspection, granted by chapter 202, Acts of 1917, was taken away
by a repeal of th a t statute.
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A
Variations in School Attendance Laws.
CHART showing State compulsory school standards affecting
the employment of minors has recently been published by
the U nited States Children’s Bureau which reports th at
all States now have compulsory school attendance laws.
A
In 5 States attendance is required until 18 years of age, in 2 of these in certain
districts only; and 3 until 17; and in 32:until 16. One State requires attendance until
15, 6 others and the District of Columbia until 14, and 1 State requires attendance
until the age of 12 years, but applies this to illiterates only.
The exemptions in the m ajority of the States, however, greatly
restrict the application of the law. Exem ptions for employment or
upon completing a specified school grade are the most frequent. In
4 States children are specifically perm itted to engage in work of
an agricultural character, 3 of these States having no age provision
for such work. Fourteen other States have indefinitely expressed
exemption provisions which m ay be very loosely interpreted.
Several States exempt a child, w ithout any age or educational
provision, if his services are necessary to support himself or others.
Several of the States demand a school attendance of only 12, 16,
or 20 weeks annually. Even in States where city children m ust go
to school 8 or 9 m onths in the year, the required attendance for
rural children is considerably less.
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Legislation for Part-time School Attendance.
ENTY-TW O States now have compulsory provision for con
tinuation school attendance.
In 3 of these States, however, the establishment of such schools is not compul
sory, and in 1, the school authorities are merely empowered, not compelled, to
establish part-time schools and to require attendance. The age lim it to which the
compulsory attendance provisions apply varies, 10 States requiring attendance up
to 18 years of age, 1 State up to 17, and 11 States up to 16. The amount of attendance
is from 4 to 8 hours weekly; the laws of each State either specify or imply that this
period shall be counted as part of the child’s legal working hours.
The law allows no exemption in 8 States. The exemptions vary
in other States, 3 of which excuse a child who has concluded the
eighth grade. Evening school attendance is now provided by only
1 2 States, as the need for such schools has been largely obviated, at
least for children under 16, by the progress made in day and con
tinuation school legislation.
In the m ajority of these 12 States the law includes only minors
over 16 who can not speak, read, or write English w ith specified
proficiency, and in 1 State the law applies to aliens only. In
some States there is only the general requirem ent of “ regular
attendance.” Other States specify a weekly attendance of from
4 to 8 hours.
International Seamen’s Code.1
PAM PHLET of 174 pages has ju st been issued by the In te r
national Labor Office describing the attitu d e of the different
Governments toward this code and giving an account of the
work already accomplished by the Commission on an International
Seamen’s Code and the Joint Maritime Commission.
Previous to the holding of the second International Labor Con
ference at Genoa, Italy, June 15 to July 10, 1920, the International
Labor Office addressed a questionnaire to the governments of all
m aritim e countries to secure their opinions “ as to the possibilities
of establishing an International Seamen’s Code and w hat its general
principles should be.” The replies vary considerably. The United
States points out th a t its Seamen’s Act, “ being very much in the
nature of a code, dem onstrates the possibility of m aking an inter
national code for seamen.” The Argentine Republic, Belgium, and
France think such a code possible, while Finland is of the opinion
th a t any detailed international legislation for seamen “ would
hardly seem expedient.” Germany regards the establishm ent of
this code as impossible at present. G reat B ritain considers th at
the practicability of the plan depends upon the “ willingness or
otherwise of all m aritim e countries to agree to adopt and enforce a
reasonable and proper code.” Greece stresses the fact of the many
problems involved in the proposition and “ reserves the right to
subm it a special mem orandum on the subject to the conference.”
According to the Netherlands, “ the time has not yet com e” for
carrying out the idea, and Norway considers th a t putting such a
A
i Sources: The In tern atio n al Seamen’s Code, Geneva, Switzerland, 1921.
can Correspondent of th e In tern atio n al Labor Office, Ju ly 4,1921.
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Press releases from the AmerL
LABOR LAWS AND DECISIONS.
175
proposal into effect would be very difficult. Spain favors a post
ponement of the undertaking, and Sweden states th a t such legisla
tion should “ only embrace vessels employed in foreign shipping.”
The report of the Commission on the International Code for Sea
men and the debates and decisions on this subject by the Genoa
conference are contained in the document referred to above.
The following recommendation was made by the conference:
In order that, as a result of the clear and systematic codification of the national law
in each country, the seamen of the world, whether engaged on ships of their own or
foreign countries, may have a better comprehension of their rights and obligations,
and in order that the task of establishing an International Seamen’s Code may be
advanced and facilitated, the International Labour Conference recommends that
each member of the International Labour Organization undertake the embodiment
in a seamen’s code of all its laws and regulations relating to seamen in their activities
as such.
To carry out the recommendations of the commission and of the
Genoa conference, the governing body of the International Labor
Office appointed a Joint Maritime Commission of five representatives
of shipowners, five representatives of seamen’s organizations, and
two members of the governing body. The methods of procedure
suggested by this commission are included in the publication, “ The
International Seamen’s Code.” In accordance with the proposals
for the preparation of such code and the proposals of the Joint
Maritime Commission the following questionnaire has been drafted
and the request made th a t replies be furnished before July 1, 1921,
so th at a report m ay be made at the next session of the conference in
October, 1921:
]. What measures have already been taken or are contemplated by your government
for the establishment of the national codes called for by the recommendation of the
Genoa conference?
(In connection with the formulation of national codes, it is of interest to note that
an attempt has already been made in France by a commission presided over by Mr.
Grunebaum-Ballin to assemble in one draft law all existing legislation referring to
articles of agreement and all other questions concerning the protection of seamen.
The draft is very complete in its scope, nothing comparable having been done in
any other country, and the text is therefore given in an appendix hereto [the pamphlet
on*the International Seamen’s Code above referred to] for the assistance of govern
ments when proceeding to codify their maritime laws in accordance with the Genoa
recommendation.)
2. What is the opinion of your government with regard to the program of work
approved by the Joint Maritime Commission in connection with the elaboration of the
International Seamen’s Code?
3. What preliminary suggestion has your government to make, in connection -with
the International Seamen’s Code, bearing upon seamen’s articles of agreement?
Decree Providing for Compulsory Care of Plealth of Young Workers,
Belgium.1
ROYAL decree issued in June, 1920, and effective three
months later, provides for compulsory care of the health of
young persons under lb years of age employed in Belgian
industries. The law provides for a medical examination during the
first m onth of employment, an annual examination, and special
examinations a t such intervals as are necessary for those whose
A
i R oyaum e de Belgique. M inistère de l’industrie, d u trav ail, et d u ravitaillem ent.
Médical d u T ravail Bruxelles. 1921. pp. 3-5.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
health is found to be in such a condition as to make more frequent
examinations advisable.
Employers are obliged to keep a record of all employees under 18
years of age which shall be open to physician inspectors a t all times,
and m ust advise the inspector within 15 days of the hiring of each
employee under 18. They also m ust bring to the attention of the
attending physicians those young persons whose absences are fre
quent because of sickness or who are in an habitual state of ill health,
and m ust provide well heated and lighted rooms for the use of the
inspectors, with such conveniences as will enable the physicians to
make the examinations properly and quickly.
The examinations are made by the physicians of the medical
service of the Ministry of Labor and no fees are charged for these
services although the employer is allowed, subject to the approval
of the ministry, to provide and pay for a physician to make the
examinations if they are carried out according to the directions of
the ministry. The worker also is allowed to present a certificate from
his own physician showing th a t he has been examined, but in this
case can not hold the employer responsible for the medical fee. The
law forbids the employment of young persons who refuse to subm it
to the provisions of the decree.
Canadian Labor Legislation.
r - |p iI E June issue of the Canadian Labor Gazette summarizes the
legislation of interest to labor enacted by the provincial legislatures of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. The princi
pal items noted are given below.
Ontario.
AN
amendm ent to the factory, shop, and office building act
advanced the minimum age for the employment of children in
shops from 12 years to 14 years, except members of an employer’s
family working in a shop attached to the home. The factory in
spector is newly charged with the duty of reporting violations of the
minimum wage act as regards the posting of notices of orders. The
inspector is also authorized to enforce the law as to seats for female
employees when he considers such provision feasible in view of the
nature of the employment.
The provincial employment service m ay provide for the transpor
tation of workers procuring employment through the Government
employment bureau, but only on condition th a t the employer agrees
to reimburse the agency.
The minimum wage act was amended by giving the board power,
either upon petition of employers or employees or on its own motion,
to vary, suspend, or revise any of its orders in accordance with special
or changed conditions in any industry or establishment, and also to
make local variations if conditions justify.
Various laws affecting the employment of children are amended
so as to prevent conflict with the newly enacted adolescent school
attendance act, which comes into force September 1 , 1921, and
requires attendance a t school until the age of 16 is reached.
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LABOK LAWS AND DECISIONS.
177
Alberta.
''T H E compensation act of this Province was amended chiefly by
A way of the enlargement of the benefits provided. A flat rate of
$10 per week for total disability is changed to 55 per cent of the aver
age weekly earnings of the workman during the 12 months previous,
payable during disability, either tem porary or permanent. Perm a
nent partial disability is to be compensated by the paym ent of
55 per cent of the wage loss, but where the impairm ent does not
exceed 10 per cent of the earning capacity, a lump sum m ay be
substituted. Lump sums are permissible in no other case except
on application of and by agreement with the beneficiary. Allowances
to widows and invalid widowers are raised from $30 to $35 per m onth
and for orphan children to $12.50 per month for each child under 16
years of age, instead of $10 as formerly, the m onthly maximum being
also advanced from $40 to $50.
A novel provision in compensation legislation is one th at allows for
the paym ent of benefits to a sister, aunt, or foster m other taking
charge of the household of a deceased workman who leaves no widow
or whose widow dies during the compensation period, the amount
being the same as if the substituted party were the widow.
The basic wage on which benefits are to be computed may not
exceed $2,000 per annum. Other amendments perm it the m ajority
of the workmen in any industry to apply to have their industry
brought within the scope of the act and extend the benefits of the act
to all public employees.
The minimum wage committee is subject to continuance or change
by action of the lieutenant governor in council. The committee is
empowered to recommend classifications of employees according to
locality and to recommend wages and hours in accordance with such
classification. I t is also authorized to recommend classifications,
periods, and conditions of apprenticeship.
British Columbia.
'TTTE provincial legislature of British Columbia for 1921 probably
went beyond any other American legislature in its recognition of
the recommendations of the International Labor Conference held at
W ashington in 1919 in pursuance of the provisions of the treaty of
Versailles. The provisions adopted relate to night work by women,
their employment before and after childbirth, night work of children,
minimum age for children, and a general lim itation of hours of work
in industrial undertakings. These laws are to come into effect on
the proclamation of the lieutenant governor in council concurrently
with or subsequent to the coming into operation of similar laws in
the other Provinces. Their effect is therefore contingent upon the
adoption of similar legislation in the other Provinces.
The law as to night work by women prohibits employment between
8 p. m. and 7 a. m. in industrial undertakings, with exceptions for
emergency and to prevent loss through deterioration of raw materials.
In seasonal employments, or where exceptional circumstances re
quire, regulations m ay perm it the reduction of the night exemption
by 1 hour on 60 days of the year. The law is not to apply to agricul
tural, horticultural, and dairying industries.
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M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
Children under 18 are not to be employed between 8 p. m. and 7
a. m., though emergency requirem ents m ay lead to a relaxation by
action of the lieutenant governor in council. Em ploym ent of chil
dren in any industry is forbidden under 14 for boys and under 15 for
girls, employers being required to keep a record of all employees under
16 years of age.
The m aternity protection act forbids employment during six weeks
following the birth of a child, while on the showing of a medical cer
tificate a prospective m other m ay leave her employment for 6 weeks
prior to the anticipated time of confinement, the right of the employer
to discharge a woman during such absence being regulated by the act.
The hours of work act establishes generally an 8-hour day and a
48-hour week with certain exceptions. Provision is also made for
accidents, emergencies, and the change of shifts.
The minimum wage law of the Province was amended so as to
protect apprentices and substandard workers from being employed
at a lower wage than th at fixed by the board. The num ber of
specially licensed persons emplojmd at any establishment m ay be
one-sev'enth instead of one-tenth as formerly, while the_ aggregate
number of licenses and employees under 18 years of age in any one
establishment is restricted to 35 per cent of the total number of
employees.
The coal mines regulation act now forbids any lamp or light other
than a locked safety lamp to be used underground in any mine of the
Province after July 1, 1921.
Decree Relating to Conciliation and Arbitration in Collective Labor
Disputes in Colombia.
D ECREE of October 4, 1920/ adds to the strike law of November
19, 1919/ and provides th a t no establishment or undertaking,
whether of a commercial, industrial, or agricultural nature,
shall cease work because of differences between employers and em
ployees, whatever the cause, until it has complied with the provisions
of the law. This law establishes three steps in the settlem ent of
industrial disputes, as follows:
1.
D irect settlem ent .—If a dispute threatens to lead to suspension
of work, the employees send a delegation to the manager of the estab
lishment to present their complaints. The delegates m ust be Colom
bians who have reached their m ajority and have been employed in
the establishment for more than six months. The manager is required
to receive them within 24 hours after being so requested and an answer
m ust be given within five days unless an extension of time is agreed
to. If an agreement is reached it is signed by the parties concerned
and has the force of a contract. A copy is filed with the city or town
authorities. In case of failure to reach an agreement the difference
m ust be subm itted to conciliators.
2.
C onciliation .—If the dispute reaches this stage the two parties
agree upon a conciliator or each chooses one. Conciliators m ust be
A
1 Colombia. Diario Oficial, 7 de octubre de 1920. Bogota.
a For a summary of tliis law see th e Monthly L abor R eview lor September, 1920, pp. 197, 198.
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LABOR LAWS AND DECISIONS.
179
Colombians who have attained their m ajority and are familiar with
the business or industry in question. They m ust begin to function
within 24 hours after accepting the task. They summon represent
atives from both sides, not more than three from each, who shall be
authorized to act for the respective parties. The manager of the
establishment shall be one of the employer representatives. The
conciliators are to arrive at a just and satisfactory agreement be
tween the two parties within 48 hours. Their decision is not obliga
tory on the parties concerned, but if an agreement is reached it is
embodied in a contract which becomes binding when signed by the
three parties. If the difference is not settled by the conciliators it
passes on to the third stage—arbitration.
3.
A rb itra tio n .—Each party to the dispute chooses an arbitrator
and these two choose a third. They m ust begin to serve within 28
hours after accepting appointm ent as arbitrators. The tribunal is
to secure all possible information through conferences with representa
tives of the two parties, visits to the works, etc., and m ust render a
decision within eight days after taking up its duties. Meanwhile no
suspension of work m ay occur. Its decision is obligatory upon the
parties to the dispute.
The law applies to undertakings which concern the security, health,
and economic and social life of the citizens, as follows: (a) T r a n s p o r trailroads, street railways, and river and ocean steamers; (b) public
water supply; (c) public lighting systems; (d ) hygiene and sanitation
of cities; and (e) the mines of the nation. Appropriate penalties are
provided for violations of the law.
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STRIK ES AND LOCKOUTS.
Strikes and Lockouts in the United States, January to March, 1921.
CCORDING to information received by the United States
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 595 strikes and lockouts occurred
in this country during the first quarter of 1921. Inasm uch as
m any reports do not reach the bureau until several m onths after the
strikes occur, the number of strikes occurring during the _quarter
was probably somewhat larger than the above figure would indicate.
Complete data relative to these strikes have not been received by the
bureau and it has not been possible to verify all th a t have been
received. The figures in the following tables should therefore be
understood to be only an advance statem ent and not be accepted
as final.
A
N U M B E R OF S T R IK E S AND LO CKOUTS B E G IN N IN G IN EA CH M ON TH , JA N U A R Y TO
MARCH, IN C LU SIV E, 1920 A N D 1921.
K ind of dispute.
Strikes:
1923................................................................
1921................................................................
Lockouts:
1920................................................................
1921................................................................
Total:
1920.....................................................
1921.....................................................
January.
February.
M onth not
stated.
March.
Total.
222
204
185
162
270
200
67
21
744
587
2
3
6
5
7
2
17
8
224
207
191
167
277
200
69
21
761
595
Strikes involving specially large numbers of employees were few,
40.000 waist makers in 2,100 shops and 10,000 children’s dress
makers, both in New York City, and 10,000 building trades workers
in Boston heading the list. In three strikes collectively in Pennsyl
vania, 9,353 coal miners were involved. Some others th a t may be
mentioned are strikes of 4,500 clothing workers in Philadelphia,
4.000 dock carpenters in New York City, 3,300 shoe workers in Man
chester and Nashua, N. H., 4,000 silk workers in New Jersey, 2,300
miners in W ashington, 3,000 tailors in and near New York City,
2,200 tapestry workers in Connecticut, 2,000 leather workers in
Peabody, 1,500 employees of the A tlanta, Birmingham & A tlantic
Railroad, 1,300 packing-house workers in Chicago, and 1,500 tobacco
workers in Porto Rico.
The data in the following tables relate to the 587 strikes and 8
lockouts reported to have occurred in the three m onths under con
sideration. A few strikes th a t occurred during the quarter b u t in
which the exact m onth was not stated appear in a group by them
selves.
180
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181
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS.
STA TES IN W H IC H 8 OR M OR E S T R IK E S AND LOCKOUTS W E R E
OCCURRING D U R IN G T H E F IR S T Q U A R T E R OF 1921.
February.
January.
March.
M onth not
stated.
R E P O R T E D AS
Total.
G rand
total.
S tate.
ock Strikes. Lock Strikes. L ock Strikes. I ock- Strikes. Lock
Strikes. Louts.
outs.
outs.
outs.
outs.
Now Y ork ......................
M assachusetts...............
Now Jersey. .
P e n n sy lv a n ia .. . . . __
Ohio
Illinois.............................
W ashington. . .
M ichigan. . .
C onnecticut...................
C alifornia...__
M innesota......................
T e x a s .. .
N orth C a ro lin a ........
T ow a..
Missouri..........................
Rhode Islan d................
W isconsin......................
K ansas............................
Colorado............
Oklahoma ..,
Tennessee.......................
22 other States and
Territories...................
30
30
14
12
12
13
10
10
T otal.....................
204
3
8
5
1
4
7
5
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
23
3
24
19
11
10
12
11
10
8
5
6
5
3
3
2
2
1
1
2
3
2
5
1
17
2
35
162
5
200
1
1
31
19
9
13
8
9
8
7
8
7
4
5
9
6
4
3
5
4
1
4
1
4
1
2
1
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
21 ;.........
89
69
36
36
35
34
29
25
20
17
17
14
13
12
11
11
11
8
8
8
8
1
1
1
1
1
1
89
69
36
36
35
35
29
26
20
18
18
14
13
12
12
11
11
9
8
8
8
76
2
78
587
8
595
Of these disputes, 390 strikes and 3 lockouts occurred east of the
Mississippi River and north of the Ohio and Potomac Rivers; 144
strikes and 4 lockouts occurred west of the Mississippi River; and
53 strikes and 1 lockout south of the Ohio and Potomac Rivers and
east of the Mississippi River. In 26 strikes union officials repudiated
the action of the men in striking.
As to cities, New York City had the largest num ber of disturbances,
44; followed by Boston and D etroit with 16 each, Chicago with 15,
Cleveland, Rochester, and Seattle with 12 each, and Philadelphia
with 11.
As to sex, the distribution was as follows: Males, 358 strikes and
7 lockouts; females, 11 strikes; both sexes, 79 strikes and 1 lock
out; sex not reported, 139 strikes.
The industries in which 5 or more strikes and lockouts were
reported are shown in the table which follows.
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182
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
N U M B E R O F S T R IK E S AND LO CKOUTS IN S P E C IF IE D IN D U S T R IE S R E P O R T E D AS
O CCURRING D U R IN G T H E F IR S T Q U A R T E R O F 1921.
February.
January.
In d u stry or oocupation.
Metal tra d e s...................
Building trad es.............
Clothing..........................
T ex tile........
P rin tin g an d publishin g ...............
M ining............
B ak ers.......................
Lum ber and tim b e r__
Shipbuilding............
Tobacco........
P a p e r...................
Slaughtering and m eat
c u ttin g ..
A utomobile a n d carriage w orkers___
H otel a n d restau ran t
employees..
R ailroads.......
Chauffeurs and team sters__
L eather workers.
B arb ers..........
S team boat...
F u rn itu re ........
Iro n and steel ...
Miscellaneous.................
T o tal.....................
March.
M onth not
stated.
Total.
G rand
total.
Lock Strikes. Lock Strikes. Lock Strikes. Lock
Strikes. Lock
Strikes.
outs.
outs.
outs.
outs.
outs.
41
25
24
12
37
36
35
21
10
6
4
1
3
3
3
1
5
2
7
5
3
6
2
2
1
1
32
47
23
8
16
8
3
4
3
1
4
3
6
6
1
1
1
113
114
88
41
2
. 31
17
15
10
10
10
9
1
1
1
115
114
89
41
32
17
16
10
10
10
9
9
1
4
9
2
1
8
3
2
2
1
3
3
8
6
8
6
3
3
4
2
4
1
2
7
7
6
5
5
5
65
8
595
4
5
4
2
15
204
1
1
2
4
1
2
30
2
7
7
6
5
5
5
63
5
200
21
587
1
1
1
16
3
162
1
1
9
Included in the above table are 67 strikes of molders, 36 strikes of
tailors, 22 strikes of sheet m etal workers, 17 strikes of coal miners,
19 strikes of carpenters, 15 strikes of bakers, 12 strikes of plumbers
and steamfitters, and 10 strikes of silk workers.
In 413 strikes and 6 lockouts the employees were reported as. con
nected with unions; in 9 strikes they were not so connected; in 165
strikes and 2 lockouts the question of union affiliation was not
reported.
In 332 strikes and 3 lockouts only one employer was concerned in
each disturbance; in 20 strikes, 2 employers; m 20 strikes, 3 employ
ers; in 5 strikes, 4 employers; in 4 strikes, 5 employers; in 51 strikes,
more than 5 employers; and in 155 strikes and 5 lockouts the num ber
of employers was not reported.
In the 331 strikes for which the num ber of persons on strike was
reported there were 215,447 strikers, an average of 651 per strike.
In 45 strikes, in which the num ber involved was 1,000 or more, the
strikers numbered 181,819, thus leaving 33,628 involved in the
remaining 286 strikes, or an average of 118 each. By m onths the
figures are as follows: January, 62,385 strikers in 137 strikes, average,
455, of whom 12,085 were in 119 strikes of less than 1,000 persons
each, average 102; February, 81,914 strikers in 89 strikes, average 920,
of whom 10,198 were in 126 strikes of less than 1,000 persons each,
average 81; March, 60,038 strikers in 102 strikes, average 589, of
whom 11,235 were in 84 strikes of less than 1,000 persons each,
average 134.
The following table shows the causes of the strikes and lockouts
in so far as reported. In nearly three-fifths of the disturbances
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183
ST R IK E S AND LOCKO UTS.
wages was tlie prominent question, in less than one-thirteenth hours
were the main issue, about one-twentieth were m ainly for recognition
of the union, and one-eighteenth involved the closed shop.
P R IN C IP A L CAUSES O F S T R IK E S AND LO CK O U TS R E P O R T E D AS OCCU RRIN G D U R IN G
T H E F IR S T Q U A R T E R O F 1921.
February.
Jan u ary .
March.
M onth not
stated.
Total.
Cause.
Lock Strikes Lock Strikes Lock Strikes Lock
Strikes Lock
outs.
outs.
outs.
outs. Strikes o u ts.
For in crease in wages.
B ecause of decrease in
w ages..............
Because of increase of hours.
For decrease of h o u rs ..
For increase of wages a n d
decrease of hours
Because ofincrease of hours
and decrease of wages ..
R ecog n itio n .. . .
R eco gnition a n d w ages
Recognition, wages, a n d
h o u rs
G en eral eond itio n s
C o n d itio n s an d w ages
Fm ployees discharged
F o /d isc h a rg e of objection-
2
11
2
31
82
2
2
102
2
6
12
281
8
14
2
2
2
6
6
14
6
2
5
4
3
4
19
14
6
19
16
6
16
85
4
5
1
1
2
5
3
2
2
5
1
3
2
6
3
5
2
1
1
7
1
a b le p erso n s
N on 11n i on m on
R ol at.i ye to agreem en t
For a new agreem ent ..
Sym pathy
Jurisdiction .
Open or closed shop
Closed shop an d other
causes
ATi seel 1an eoi l s
4
11
33
1
204
3
N o t reported
Total
G rand
to ta l.
1
1
4
30
3
162
5
1
1
31
1
282
8
14
2
2
0
3
8
6
10
7
13
6
16
7
13
2
2
5
2
2
1
8
2
7
16
2
5
4
19
1
2
7
16
2
5
4
20
1
3
12
69
34.
8
595
2
29
2
1
12
08
31
200
21
587
I t is frequently difficult to state exactly when a strike term inates,
since m any strikes end w ithout any formal vote on the part of the
strikers. The bureau has information of the actual ending of 169
strikes during the quarter, besides 34 strikes in which the positions of
the employees were filled or they returned to work with practically
no interruption in the work. The following table relates to such
strikes and lockouts as the bureau has been advised actually term i
nated during the first quarter of 1920 and 1921. No lockouts were
reported as ended during the first quarter of 1921.
N U M B ER OF S T R IK E S AND LO C K O U TS E N D IN G D U R IN G JA N U A R Y , F E B R U A R Y , AND"
M ARCH IN 1920 AN D 1921.
Year.
Strikes:
1920 ...........................................................
IQ91
...................................
Lockouts:
10 9 0
.........................................
Total:
1920
1921
................................................
.........................................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Jan u ary .
February.
M onth not
stated.
March.
75
55
81
43
126
71
2
4
3
77
55
85
43
129
71
Total.
34
316
169
34
325
169
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
184
R E SU L T S O F S T R IK E S E N D IN G D U R IN G T H E F IR S T Q U A R T E R OF 1921.
January.
R esult.
February.
March.
Total.
I n favor of em ployers..............................................................
I n favor of employees..............................................................
Com prom ised............................................................................
Em ployees returned pending a rb itra tio n ..........................
N ot reported------------------------------ ---------------------------
19
9
12
3
12
14
8
11
3
7
22
23
16
3
7
55
40
39
T o ta l.................................................................................
55
43
71
169
26
D U R A T IO N O F S T R IK E S E N D IN G D U R IN G T H E F IR S T Q U A R T E R O F 1921, O F NUM
B E R R E P O R T IN G .
Jan u ary .
Period.
February.
1 dav or less.................................................................... ...........
2 days .....................................................................................
3 d av s..........................................................................................
4 d a y s .........................................................................................
5 to 7 d a y s ..................................................................................
8 to 14 d a v s ......................................................... .......... ..........
15 to 21 d a y s ..............................................................................
22 to 29 d a y s ................................................................. ..
30 to 90 d a y s ..............................................................................
Over 90 d a v s..................................... .......................................
N ot rep o rted ............................................................................
1
2
4
3
6
4
9
12
11
1
1
1
2
3
6
4
2
10
6
7
T o tal....... .........................................................................
55
43
3
March.
Total.
5
6
4
2
9
7
6
5
6
12
14
18
12
35
27
23
71
169
5
5
8
6
16
9
The num ber of days lost in strikes ending during the quarter was
The average duration of these strikes was about 53 days.
The average duration of strikes lasting less than 90 days was 27 days.
B y months the record is as follows: January, days lost, 3,060, average
70 days; February, days lost, 1,929, average 53 days; March, days
lost, 2,738, average 41 days. No lockouts were reported as ending
during the quarter.
7,727.
British Coal Miners’ Strike, 1921.1
NSETTLED labor conditions which have existed in Great
B ritain in varying degrees since the spring of 1919 reached
another culminating point in the term ination of the contracts
of the coal miners on April 1, 1921. The immediate cause of this
stoppage of work was the announcement of the Government’s decision
th a t decontrol of the mining industry would become effective March
31, 1921, instead of on August 31, 1921, as originally provided under
the law.
Before the war the miners’ wages were adm ittedly too low, but
under Government m anagement substantial increases had been
secured through the Sankey award of 1919 and the agreement of
November, 1920, which brought wages in the mining industry up 163
per cent above prewar wages. Meanwhile, output of coal per man
had, for various reasons, decreased 20 per cent. Prior to 1914
m iners’ wages had been greater in some districts than in others,
U
1 In preparing this article current issues of the B ritish L abor Gazette, M anchester G uardian, Times
(London), Economist (London), New York Times, New Y ork E vening Post, a n d Christian Science Moni
to r were used.
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ST R IK E S AND LOCKO UTS.
185
owing to differences in the operating conditions of the various mines.
To average up these differences and thereby obtain the largest possible
production during the war all the earnings of the industry had been
pooled, and the miners were paid on a uniform scale throughout the
country, the prosperous districts thus making up the deficits of the
poorer ones. Decontrol m eant a return to the unsatisfactory system
of district wage scales.
The owners too were facing their difficulties. During the war the
Government had carried on a very prosperous business in export
coal, enabling it to m eet advancing labor and other costs. B ut since
the arm istice there had been a shrinkage in the export trad e and in
the beginning of the present }'ear an extraordinary slump occurred
in the demand for fuel—both foreign and domestic. France had
been able to supply her demands from Germany under the repara
tions agreement and from the United States at lower prices than
England could offer. The other continental countries which were
possible purchasers were either not allowed to buy or were not in a
position to do so. The cheaper American coal had also adversely
affected G reat B ritain ’s South American m arket. The lack of
m arket in other industries in Great B ritain, especially in the iron
and steel industry, led to a greatly diminished domestic demand.
Accordingly, the price of export coal fell rapidly from 85s. ($20.68,
par) to 40s. ($9.73, par) a ton; and by May coal brought only
about 24s. ($5.84, par) per ton in French and Italian m arkets.
This decrease, together w ith the absence of demand, resulted in a loss
to the industry of £1,000,000 ($4,866,500, par) per week. The aver
age net cost of production per ton of coal in Great B ritain during the
first three m onths of 1921 was between 39s. ($9.49, par) and 40s.
($9.73, par), of which cost wages constituted 28s. ($6.81, par).
The mine owners who thus resumed m anagem ent found themselves
unable to m eet the existing wage scale and proposed a new one em
bodying m aterial reductions and district regulation of wages. The
men, determ ined to retain if possible the advantages gained under
Government control, stood for national regulation of wages and a
national pool.
Mr. Frank Hodges, on behalf of the miners, protested against the
G overnm ent’s action in withdrawing control, leaving the miners un
protected when negotiations were a t such a critical stage. He con
tended th a t the Sankey award was given to m eet the cost of living;
th a t the Government had accepted the Sankey commission’s recom
m endation for a wage advance of 2s. (48.7 cents, par) per day; and
th a t an abandonm ent of th a t position by the Government would he
a breach of faith. If decontrol m ust come the Government ought,
in his opinion, to give assistance during the period of depression.
The Government took the position th a t in bringing control of the
mines to an end it was justly trying to relegate coal to its proper
place in the economic scale, and th a t since the industry was operating
at a loss and there was now no appreciable difference between the
price of inland and of export coal, control was no longer necessary.
Responsibility for m aintaining the m iners’ war wage until cost of
living fell below a certain level was disclaimed. As for the conten
tion th a t more time should have been allowed before the date of de-
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
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186
M O N T H L Y LABOE REV IEW .
control, the miners and owners had already had five m onths in which
to reach a settlem ent; and if the miners continued to hold out for a
national pooling of profits, the hope of settlem ent would be as remote
August 31 as March 31. Since the coal industry was no worse off
than m any other great industries, the Government felt th a t it could
not follow the m iners’ suggestion to subsidize it during the present
trade depression.
Every effort was m ade to avert an actual stoppage of work. The
miners referred the whole m atte r back to the district organizations
to see if they" were willing to tem porarily abandon the policy of the
national wages board and national profits pool and allow their rep
resentatives to proceed w ith negotiations on the district basis. Re
turns showed an overwhelming m ajority opposed to such a procedure.
On the 30th of March the representatives of both the miners and
the owners adm itted their inability to reach an agreement. Mean
time each side had subm itted a statem ent of its position to the Gov
ernm ent. Notices were posted by the owners ending the m iners’ em
ploym ent under the old contracts and new offers a t the reduced rates
were made. Orders directing the miners not to renew their con
tracts a t rates lower than the existing wages went out to every
mine and plant regardless of occupation, and on April 1 practically
all of the miners, including a large num ber of engineers and pum p
men, did not report for work.
The lack of provision made for the safety of the mines was the first
action of this kind taken by the federation, and according to press
reports was made w ithout consultation w ith the district branches.
A great difference of opinion regarding the advisability of such ex
trem e measures at once became apparent, some of the m en declaring
their intention of disobeying the order to the extent of safeguard
ing the mines. The prom pt offer of assistance by the clerical
forces, workmen in organizations not affiliated w ith the federation,
and civilian volunteers saved m any of the mines from partial if not
complete destruction. This unprecedented action on the p a rt of the
federation tended in the very beginning to alienate the public sym
p ath y created by the heavy wage cuts and to minimize the real
principle a t stake.
Proposals of the Miners’ Federation.
'T ’H E proposals of the miners for the future regulation of wages in
- the mining industry included among o th e rs:
1. A national wages board known as the National Coal Board, consisting of 26 rep
resentatives of the owners and 26 representatives of the miners, which shall deter
mine all questions of wages and profits affecting the coal-mining industry as a whole.
Tins means national regulation and distribution of wages.
2. A new 1921 standard wage incorporating all existing percentages. Wages known
as the war wage and the Sankey wage and any other flat rate advances in existence
before March 31,1921, to be converted into one flat rate and added to the 1921 standard
wage.
3. War wage to be payable for time lost through no fault of the miner shall not be
incorporated in the flat rate but shall be paid as heretofore.
4. Minimum profits to be equal to 10 per cent of the amount paid as wages. Owners
to forego this minimum where profits are insufficient after costs are met, until such
time as available balances are sufficient to make up arrears.
5. National profits pool to enable all collieries to run.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[448]
ST R IK E S AND LO CKO UTS.
187
Proposals of the Mining Association.
A S OPPOSED to the m iners’ proposed term s of settlem ent were
those of the Mining Association, which were, in brief :
1. District regulation of wages.
2. A standard wage consisting of the district base rates plus th e percentage of ad
ditions prevailing in July, 1914. Additions which have since been made to the base
rates of 1914 and all percentages added to pieceworkers’ rates consequent upon a
reduction of hours from eight to seven shall be maintained.
3. No war wage for days not worked. Unemployment benefit to take its place.
4. Minimum profits to be 17 per cent of the wages paid.
5. No national pool of profits.
While the miners did not and could not dispute the owners’ figures
regarding the ability of the industry to m aintain the increased costs,
they believed th at the prevailing depression w^as tem porary and th at
wage rates based upon an unusual financial depression in the industry
would not be fair. The coal industry is adm ittedly a seasonal one
and the miners pointed to large profits which had been made in the
past. They insisted th at the wages offered would reduce almost all
of them below the standard of living in 1914, and th at such a reduc
tion, at the existing cost of living, would mean practical starvation
for m any of them. Statistics compiled by the miners’ federation
showed th at the proposed reduction in the various districts would
run from 18 to 53 per cent, according to conditions prevailing in
the industry.
Attitude of the Triple Alliance.
r"f'HE probable action of the triple alliance relative to the miners’
*■ strike became at once a m atter of intense public interest. Up
to th at time the alliance had never called a joint strike, although
crises had arisen in which such action seemed imminent, and the
chances were th a t it would not rush precipitately into one now unless
the railway men and transport workers were convinced th at the
miners’ failure to m aintain present wage standards m eant certain
defeat for them in the near future. B ut whatever their views
regarding the expediency of a cessation of work, the sym pathy of the
labor leaders was with the miners. They contended th at the decontrol
of coal which the Government believed essential to national well
being had been carried through too hastily and in violation of the
Government’s previous intention, and th a t this had been done because
an extraordinary opportunity for a reduction in wages presented
itself.
The sympathetic attitude of the alliance led to the proclamation
of a state of emergency under the act of 1920, and the Government
speedily prepared to cope with a condition analogous to civil war.
Meanwhile efforts at mediation were being made. A t the personal
invitation of the premier, conferences were to be resumed, but the
reopening of negotiations broke down because the owners made the
responsibility for the safety of the pits on the part of the miners a
condition precedent. To this the miners would not agree. B ut the
lack of unanim ity among the rank and file of the railway men regard
ing a sympathetic strike became so apparent th at the prerequisite
condition was finally accepted, pumping resumed, and negotiations
reopened.
58950°—21----- 13
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188
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
A t a full conference on April 12 the miners’ leaders proposed a new
national wage schedule which would be acceptable to them, but the
owners rejected their proposal. The Government, while admitting
th at a national settlem ent of wages might be practicable, stated its
opposition to a national pool of profits on the ground th a t any
arrangement whereby the miners and mine owners in every mining
area would be compelled to contribute to a common pool for the
equalization of wages in the industry could be carried on successfully
only under a complete resumption of State control. I t suggested
in place of such a plan a standard wage for each district, which should
be the first charge upon the proceeds of the industry, any complaints
as to the adjustm ent of which in any particular district to be referred
to a national committee composed of representatives of the miners
and the mine owners in equal numbers. As regards assistance to
meet the abnormal depression of trade, the prime minister said th at
when the owners and the miners had reached an agreement as to
wage rates fixed upon an economic basis the Government would
grant tem porary assistance to m itigate conditions in the poorer-dis
tricts due to such a sudden cut in wages.
B ut after a full discussion of these proposals, the miners still held
to their original program of a national pool as well as a national
wages board. As they looked at the m atter a policy of national wage
fixing would be useless without some pooling arrangement which
would enable the poorer districts to pay a reasonable living wage.
Government assistance granted for only a limited period would not
afford the relief necessary.
The National Pool.
T H E pool th a t the miners were now advocating was not the national
pool of all profits which was in force under Government control,
but was an amount to be made up by a levy on all collieries at a flat
rate per ton of coal extracted. This sum was to be used for the main
tenance of the wage standard in the poorer districts. Under the
miners’ proposals the levy would constitute a p art of the cost of
production and would therefore be taken out of the proceeds of the
industry before the wages and the profits were distributed. As the
miners’ wages form about 70 or 80 per cent of the total cost of pro
duction, the miners in the prosperous mines would themselves be the
heavier losers. They were willing to accept a fiat rate reduction of 2s
(48.7 cents, par) a "day or about £30,000,000 ($145,995,000, par) a
year on the wages bill of the industry. This reduction would bring
wages to 133 per cent above the prewar standard, or exactly to the
level of the cost of living as shown by the official figures for April, 1921.
Furtherm ore they argued th a t instead of destroying the incentive to
production, such a levy would serve rather to create an interest in
promoting the efficiency of the poorer miners, since both wages and
profits would depend on the surplus available over and above the
cost of production, including the suggested levy. The owners,
however, were directly opposed to any pooling of profits plan. They
believed th at only th'e better mines would actually contribute to
the levy, as the poorer ones would get back w hat they put in, in wages
and profits. This would tend to decrease output in the more produo-
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189
tive mines. I t would, they contended, require legislation and the
continuance of Government control.
The miners’ strict adherence to the idea of a national pool, together
with their well-known attitude on the question of nationalization of
the mines intensified a belief already existing th at their demands
were political as well as economic. The premier himself considered
the proposal for a national pool a form of nationalization and sug
gested th at the whole m atter be submitted to the people for decision.
The miners’ leaders disclaimed any desire on the part of the miners for
nationalization except through act of Parliament.
Following this breakdown in negotiations, the triple alliance
decided to support the miners by a strike on the night of April 15.
Other trade-unions, especially the electrical workers, pledged sym pa
thetic strikes. Intensive preparations were made by cooperative
societies, relief committees, and the Government to meet the impend
ing crisis.
Meanwhile the unexpected happened. A self-appointed parlia
m entary committee took negotiations out of the hands of the premier
and the cabinet and heard a special statem ent of each side of the
case. In the course of his speech Mr. Hodges, the miners’ spokes
man, voicing his own opinion, expressed the miners’ readiness to
discuss a settlem ent on a district wage basis, but with the under
standing th at the arrangement should be tem porary and th a t the
question of the national pool should be deferred until autum n. I t
was also understood th at the owners on their p art were willing to
forego profits temporarily. This seemed a possible solution of the
deadlock. B ut the miners’ federation refused to support their
leader; whereupon the triple alliance at once called off its general
strike. Mr. Hodges sent in his resignation, which was not accepted
by the miners. I t was reported th at the motion to accept his sug
gested terms was lost by only one vote.
The lack of solidarity in the ranks of the triple alliance was ad
m ittedly a blow to the labor movement. The miners felt th at they
had been “ disgracefully deserted;” b u t while they had given the
trade-unionists and the people generally the idea th at 'they were
combating impossible wage reductions in which they had wide
spread public sympathy, they refused to discuss wages with the
owners. In consequence of the confusion thus produced there was
no hope of securing united action in support of the strike. The
triple alliance was ready to strike against the reduction of miners’
wages, but it was not willing to throw the nation into chaos for the
miners’ political demands; and when the belief became general th at
the miners’ strike was being conducted for political rather than
economic ends the conservative element prevailed in the conference.
The Miners Continue the Strike.
T T IE loss of support on the p art of the other members of the triple
A alliance did not, however, deter the miners from continuing the
struggle. The Government, too, relaxed none of its efforts to meet
the crisis. Larger defense forces were enrolled and measures taken
to insure food supplies, light, and fuel were continued. The miners’
delegate conference on April 22 reaffirmed the miners’ original
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M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
demands for a national wages board and a national pool and gave
Mr. Hodges a vote of confidence.
As a result of a conference between the owners and the men, on
April 25, a new proposition was made providing for a gradual scaling
down of wages during a temporary period, at the end of which time
(July 31, 1921) wages in each area', constituting the first charge upon
the industry, would be fixed by a national board upon the industry’s
ability to pay. The Government offered a subsidy of £10,000,000
($48,665,000, par) to carry the industry through the tem porary period,
the owners to forego all profits, if necessary, to keep wages up to
the standard agreed upon. Under this plan wage reductions would
am ount to 2s. 9d. (67 cents, par) per shift. B ut the new proposals
did not concede the fundam ental principles for which the miners
were contending, and a deadlock again ensued.
The situation was further complicated by the action taken by the
transport workers and railway men in sending out instructions to
their men to refuse to handle coal. The Government made every
effort to im port coal by furnishing protection to the volunteers who
offered to unload it, but railway services were greatly curtailed, only
essential trains running. The House of Commons prolonged emer
gency regulations, adding greater restrictions necessitated by the
long duration of disrupted national conditions.
I t would be impossible in an article of this scope to give in detail
the various proposals for settlem ent made and rejected between
May 1 and June 27, when the premier at the request of the miners
called a joint conference, a t which a provisional agreement for a
resumption of work was agreed upon.
Briefly, the men finally accepted term s substantially better than
those offered in March. The graduated wage cut is to be 2s. (48.7
cents, par) per shift for July; 6d. (12 cents, par) more for August,
and another 6d. for September, when a perm anent arrangem ent along
the lines of the owners’ proposals is expected to come into operation.
Although the Government grant of £10,000,000 ($48,665,000, par)
to assist the poorer districts during the tem porary period has been
renewed, no perm anent subsidy of the industry has been granted.
Under the perm anent scheme the miners gain a 20 per cent advance
upon the 1914 wage rates extending over the whole period of
the present agreement (from resum ption of work until Septem ber
30, 1922, unless three m onths’ notice is given by either side to
term inate it) and a living wage is guaranteed to the low-paid miner.
For every £100 ($486.65, par) the workmen get in respect of standard
wages the owners will receive £17 ($82.75). The miners will also
share in the proceeds, if there are any, on the following basis: After
the standing charges (which m ust be paid w hether the mines are
in operation or not) are m et, 83 per cent of the balance of the pro
ceeds goes to the men in wages, which constitute the first charge
upon the industry; the rem aining 17 per cent goes to the owners, out
of which establishm ent and other charges m ust be paid. A national
board composed of an equal num ber of representatives of both sides,
w ith an independent chairman, will assist district boards in the
ad justm ent of wages.
The miners were forced to abandon one of the causes for which
they struck—the national wages pool. The fight for the national
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191
pool was a losing one from the beginning. N either the Government,
the owners, nor the public w anted it. The m iners’ leaders them
selves shifted from a national profits pool to a national wages pool
during the negotiations. I t is reported th a t the pool was but faintly
understood by the rank and file of the miners, who, it is believed,
were really more interested in the fixing of a living wage. The
liberal press was relieved to have such a “ bewildering m ethod ” of
wage regulation abandoned.
Though the miners have been defeated upon the issue of the
national wages pool, they have obtained a profit-sharing system
which, as the Econom ist (London), July 2, 1921, points out., is wider
in its scope and more hopeful in its possible effects than any other
yet devised for a great industry. Moreover, to quote from the same
source, their loyalty, self-sacrifice, discipline, and law-abiding quiet
ness “ have commanded the sincere respect of all classes in the
country.”
The miners were really forced to their final acceptance of terms by
several conditions. Their strike funds were depleted and the families
of m any of them were in such w ant th a t the men were returning to
the mines. Their position was further weakened by the withdrawal
of the embargo on coal on May 31, which had never been a success
owing to the fact th a t the Government was able to secure sufficient
transport workers to bring in coal quite easily. The Government
limited the time during which its offer of a £10,000,000 ($48,665,000,
par) subsidy would hold good. While the Labor P a rty a t its confer
ence on June 24 passed a resolution expressing its belief th a t the
m iners’ cause was th a t of labor generally and calling on the unions
to continue their financial support in order to alleviate the sufferings
of the coal fields, the last appeal of the miners to the executives of
other unions affected by wage disputes “ to take national action to
secure their dem ands” failed to m eet any enthusiastic response.
The engineers were taking a ballot on their own wage reductions;
the transport workers were still negotiating wage cuts; the railway
men were working on a sliding scale arrangem ent; and reductions
had just been accepted by the cotton operatives after a strike or
lockout of some length.
Effects of the Coal Strike.
|N T H E entire history of labor disputes probably no strike has
A had more far-reaching or more disastrous effects than the recent
coal stoppage which crippled transportation, reduced foreign trade,
and virtually paralyzed the industrial life of the nation. Many
industries were forced to shorten their hours of labor and m any others
to suspend operations altogether. This was especially true in the
iron and steel and pottery trades, which depend upon a daily supply
of coal. These plants closed in ever-increasing num bers. For a
time the potteries were able to keep going w ith coal secured from
outcrop mining, but this was finally forbidden by the owners of the
mines, thus throwing 54,000 workers a t Stoke-on-Trent and New
castle out of employment. Conditions became so bad th a t during
May 8,000 meals a day were furnished children of the p ottery em
ployees a t Stoke-on-Trent.
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M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
The production of pig iron in May, 1921, according to a statem ent
of the National Federation of Iron and Steel M anufacturers, am ounted
to 13,600 tons as compared w ith 60,300 in April, 1921, and 739,000 in
May, 1920. The production of steel ingots and castings amounted
to 5,600 tons in May, 1921, as compared w ith 70,600 in the previous
m onth, and 846,000 a year ago. G reat blast furnaces were damped
down and some of them have been blown out perm anently.
I t was reported in Parliam ent on July 5 th a t the cost of the Gov
ernm ent measures taken with the coal stoppage, including the sub
sidy, was £18,855,000 ($91,757,858, park
During the first weeks of the strike railway services were greatly
curtailed, bu t there was a very considerable im provem ent in this
respect during the la tte r p a rt of the strike, owing to a freer move
m ent of coal and the use of oil for fuel. A semiofficial statem ent
says th a t the strike caused a deficit averaging £9,500,000 ($46,231,750, par) m onthly on the working railways still under Govern
m ent control.
Manufacturers were not as a rule as seriously affected as the in
dustries mentioned. Falling m arkets at the beginning of the strike
led to an accumulation of stock. The m anufacturers were thus able
to get rid of surplus goods, and they managed to keep up the limited
demand by working their plants on part time. Ordinarily they had
greater stocks of coal on hand, and as their supply diminished they
gradually reduced the hours of working time. The workmen in these
cases naturally felt the pinch of the strike much more keenly than
did the employers.
Owing to the almost total collapse of the great shipbuilding, iron,
steel, and pottery trades, and the lim itation upon working time in
other industries, unemployment grew by leaps and bounds. Accord
ing to figures of the Ministry of Labor for June 3, 1921, there were on
the live registers of the unemployment exchanges 2,147,000, which
num ber is exclusive of short-time claimants, who numbered 1,188,400,
and also of those who did not register. The total num ber of unem
ployed, it is reported, reached over 5,000,000 persons.
The high percentage of unemployment largely depleted the State
unemployment fund. On May 13 the amount paid out had reached
£20,055,200 ($97,598,631, par), none of which had gone to the miners,
cotton operatives, and others on strike. This amount is, of course,
in addition to the immense sums being paid out in benefits by the
various trade-unions, especially those in the iron and steel trades and
among the general workers. The Amalgamated Engineering Union
asked its members to increase their contributions 50 per cent for the
second quarter of the year. The strike is said to have cost the
National Union of Railwaymen £24,000 ($116,796, par) a week.
As a result of the inroads made upon the new unemployment fund
the Government has brought in a bill providing for an increase in the
contribution and a decrease in the amount paid to both men and
women.
One of the worst features of the employment situation is the fact
th a t the dislocation of industry is so great th a t in m any plants it
will be months, perhaps a year, before complete working forces can
be taken on again. This is especially true in the case of some of
the flooded collieries, which m ust be pumped out and restored to a
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STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS.
193
working condition. In the Dunfermline (Scotland) district, for
instance, over 30,000 persons were employed in mining operations.
I t is estimated th at upon resumption of work not more than 50 per
cent of the operatives will find employment the first three months.
The total m aterial cost in the district will be close to $10,000,000.
Fortunately, most of the coal-producing districts are not so badly hit
as this one. A long period m ust also elapse before operations can be
resumed in the great blast furnaces which have of necessity been
allowed to go out. I t seems obvious th at unemployment, which was
general at the beginning of the strike, will continue to be a serious
problem for months to come.
One of the interesting developments of the strike is the increased
use of oil as fuel. The conversion of m any of the locomotives of the
Great Central Railway Co. from coal to oil burning resulted during
the period of the strike when coal could not be had in the increase
of 24 additional services on th at line. I t is stated th at the con
sumption of coal by the tramways has been reduced 75 per cent;
but th a t because of the difference in the qualities of coal used, the
brief period over which the experiment has extended, and certain
mechanical difficulties, it has not as yet been possible to calculate
reliably the comparative values of oil and coal as fuel.
important Strike of Japanese Miners.1
ARLY in April, 1921, the Furukawa Co., of Tokyo, operating
great copper mines at Ashio, curtailed work and cut down the
force. This action, together with several other m atters, led
to a strike and threatened sabotage, the strikers even proposing to
withdraw the pumpmen and flood the mines.
A sym pathetic strike was started at the company’s smelting works
at Ashio in the middie of April, and upon the arrival in Tokyo of a
representative of the Japanese Federation of Labor the strikers staged
a great demonstration.
In the latter part of April, however, it was reported th at the con
troversy had been satisfactorily settled, “ the 340 dismissed miners
agreeing to leave the mine premises on a promise of the Labor and
Capital Harmonization Society th at employment would be found for
them .” I t was also reported th at the striking smelters had gone
back to work.
E
‘ Source: The Trans-Pacific, Ju n e, 1921.
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p. 1C9-
C O O P E R A T IO N .
Cooperation, a Study in Constructive Economic Reform.
H E University of Illinois has recently published an interesting
and readable bulletin entitled “ Cooperation, a Study in
Constructive Economic Reform .” 1 This bulletin was pre
pared as a result of the m any requests for information received by
the university. While the report contains a discussion of the
various forms taken by cooperative societies and an account of each
of these branches of the movement in the United Kingdom, the
greater part of the study is devoted to consumers’ cooperation in
the United States. The author regards the cooperative movement
as of first importance among the constructive forces in our economic
life.
T
The development and present status of the cooperative movement should command
thoughtful consideration for several reasons: First, it manifests the practical possi
bilities of the fundamental principle upon which all such reformist schemes are
established—the principle of mutual interest and cooperation; second, it reveals the
persistence and determination of wage earners to improve their economic status by
controlling agencies of distribution; third, it demonstrates the wisdom and sanity of
peaceful, constructive, and deliberate action in the solution of the serious economic
problems of modern civilization; and, fourth, it proves conclusively that workingmen
can organize and operate successfully business enterprises.
In discussing the conditions out of which cooperation develops,
the writer says;
The existence of private profits and a high price level is not the only condition that
stimulates the development of cooperative enterprise. No less important is the fact
that under modern conditions and methods of production, distribution, and credit,
the amount of capital required to organize and operate a business is usually so large
that it is very difficult, if not almost impossible, for the average wage earner or salaried
man to engage in independent enterprise. Cooperation provides a medium through
which the modest savings of these classes may consolidate to finance the production
and distribution of goods and the construction of homes, and at the same time make
possible the accumulation of additional capital to finance even larger scale operations.
As the economies and efficiencies of large scale production and distribution are effected
the cooperative enterprise becomes self-sustaining and self-perpetuating, yielding
the benefits of business to those who patronize and support it.
T hat part of the study dealing with the consumers’ movement in
the United States gives a sketch of the history and growth of the
movement here, and describes generally the progress in various
sections of the country. A relatively large proportion of this account
is devoted to describing each of the cooperative wholesale societies.
This report, like all the other studies on the movement in the United
States, remarks upon the unavailability of general statistics covering
the country. Some of the information given concerning the whole
sale societies is not now applicable. This, however, is a fault which
1 U niversity of Illinois. Cooperation, a stu d y in economic reform, by Gordon S. W atkins. Bulletin
No. 28, Mar. 14, 1921.
194
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COOPERATION.
195
is unavoidable in view of the continuous state of change which the
movement is undergoing.
No one can study the cooperative movement in Europe, even in the light which
the present brief outline throws upon that subject, without recognizing "the grasp
which the cooperative ideal has upon the minds of the polyglot peoples''of the Old
World. Tlie recent phenomenal growth of the movement in countries whose political
social, and economic structure has been shaken to its very foundation, if indeed the
very foundation itself has not been destroyed as in Russia, is striking evidence of the
practical possibility of the fundamental principles of cooperation. Of one thing we
may be assured, namely, that the cooperative movement has become a permanent
phase of the economic life of Europe. A second fact of no less significance is that
cooperation stands supreme among the movements that seek economic reform and
readjustment in a peaceful, evolutionary, and constructive manner. The immediate
program of cooperation- -the elimination of the middleman—has been achieved on
an unexpected scale. Whether, out of the political and economic chaos of Europe
the cooperators’ ideal commonwealth, founded on mutual aid and functioning in the
interest of all, m il ultimately emerge, is a question which only time can answer
At present there appears to be little ground for thinking that this ultimate prom-am
of cooperation will be realized in the immediate future.
When we turn to the United States and Canada, in which conditions of life are quite
similar, we find cooperation holding a relatively inconspicuous position in economic
life. The achievements of the movement in these countries in recent years rive
some promise of greater stability and continuity, but it can not yet he said that cooper
ation has become a very potent factor in their productive and distributive systems
It may not be that the present period of unemployment and price recession m il result
m an ebbing of the tide of cooperative effort, but for a long period to come cooperation
will attain no such prominence in the United States and Canada as it has achieved
in the Old World. There is every reason to believe, however, that the movement in
these countries will experience a steady growth.
What has just been said suggests the inquiry as to the reasons why cooperation has
developed so tardily and achieved so little success and permanence in North America
Generally speaking, there has been a higher degree of individual comfort here than
m Europe, which has made people less cognizant of the need for small economies and
so has retarded the expression of the associative spirit and the development of cooper
ative action in production and distribution of commodities. In new countries, as the
United States and Canada, the abundance of economic resources and the prevailing
opportunity for economic prosperity have developed a spirit of individualism and
competitive achievement. There has been neither the economic necessity nor the
individual inclination to develop a system of cooperative enterprises. As free access
to the soil and the open door to individual enterprise are closed to the masses of our
people, we shall doubtless have a greater measure of cooperative effort in production
and distribution. In regard to the acquisition of land we are rapidly reaching that
status, and the growth of corporate organization and industrial consolidations indicate
a narrowing of the field of individual enterprise, but for a long time to come America
will, in all probability, continue to reward so generously individual enterprise and
initiative that the cooperative movement will have difficulty in enlisting leaders
and managers with business acumen and ingenuity.
Careful examination of cooperative associations in America reveals the following
specific reasons for their slow development and frequent failure on this side of the
Atlantic:
1 . Geographic isolation of individual societies, which has prevented the develop
ment of solidarity of interest and protective measures.
2 . Isolated societies have been organized frequently by people wholly ignorant of
essential principles of business organization and inexperienced in sound policies of
business administration and operation.
o. The absence of a spirit of thrift among the common people which precluded the
appeal of small economies in purchasing.
4. The polyglot or heterogeneous character of the population which has made co
operative effort difficult. National and racial prejudices have destroyed the good
will so essential to successful cooperation, consequently much of our prosperous co
operation is found among distinct racial and national groups, such as the Finns, the
Russians, the Germans, and the Jews.
. 5- Unscrupulous managers who, lacking true loyalty to the cooperative ideal, have
either administered the stores for selfish purposes or conducted the business care
lessly and inefficiently.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
6. The excessive extension of credit on sales, a serious departure from pure Roehdalism, has resulted in the accumulation of bad debts and bankruptcy.
7. The unwise practice of attempting to sell commodities at cost rather than at
standard or prevailing prices.
8. The strong competition of immense chain stores, department stores, and mail
order houses, capitalized at millions of dollars, and frequently able to undercut
prices in order to lead customers from the small enterprise.
9. The unrelenting opposition of private retailers and wholesalers, who bend
every effort to crush the cooperative enterprises.
10. The degeneration of cooperative movements into aggressive labor organiza
tions, placing more faith in strikes and boycotts and collective bargaining than in
cooperative business ventures.
11. The mobility of American wage earners, a frequent migration of the popula
tion either from one section of the country to another or to and from the mother
countries, is not conducive to permanent interest in a cooperative society in a par
ticular place.
12. The lack of a unified policy and the failure to centralize administration of
educational and publicity work. A beginning has now been made in this regard
by the organization of the National Cooperative League of America, with head
quarters in New York.
13. The absence of adequate cooperative wholesale facilities, a difficulty which
is rapidly being eliminated through the new movement for cooperative wholesale
societies, already discussed in this study.
The advantages accruing to the working classes from cooperative enterprise are
many. Aside from the monetary benefits derived, cooperation acquaints its sup
porters with the practical methods and policies of business administration, develops
an awakened and intelligent interest in the political and economic life of the nation,
promotes the spirit of mutual social service and altruism and creates a financial re
serve and an economic organization which are always beneficial to the laborers in
periods of unemployment and industrial depression. For these reasons the ideal of
cooperation will never be totally absent from the minds of Wage-earning groups.
Nor is it desirable that such an ideal should be absent from the minds of our citizens.
In these days when forces of readjustment seem to degenerate easily into revolution
ary agencies, the wisdom of encouraging peaceful, constructive business ventures
owned and operated by wage earners and salaried groups can not be ove estimated.
Progress of Cooperation Abroad.
Argentina.
CCORDING to the February, 1921, Bulletin of the Pan Ameri
can Union (p. 170), there are at present in Argentina some
120 agricultural cooperative associations with a combined
membership of 30,000 and an approximate capital of 12,000,000
pesos (paper, $5,094,000, par).
A
Australia (New South Wales).
'“T H E report of the registrar of friendly societies, etc., of New South
Wales for the year 19191 shows th at there were 50 cooper
ative societies in th at country at the close of 1919. Most of these
societies sell groceries, provisions, shoes and clothing or are engaged
in the m anufacture of some of the necessaries of life. I t is stated
th a t “ almost w ithout exception the societies outside the m etro
politan area have been established in mining districts, where, as a
rule, they have proved very successful.”
1 New South Wales. Legislative A ssembly, 1920, 2d sess. F riendly societies, trade-unions, building
societies, cooperative societies, a n d tran sactio n s u n d e r the w orkm en’s compensation acts. R eport of the
registrar for th e year 1919. p p. 16, 17, 33-35.
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The following statem ent shows, for the year 1919-20, certain items
of operation of these 50 societies:
Number of societies......................................................................
50
Number of members......................................................................
43, 381
Share capital...................................................................................
£349, 309
Value of real estate and equipment...........................................
£219,439
Value of merchandise at end of year.........................................
£377, 946
Amount of sales.............................................................................. £2,478, 801
Total-expenses............................. ................................................... £2,342,031
Surplus savings...............................................................................
£198, 813
£160, 930
Amount of dividend returned................................
In the following table are shown comparative statistics for the
years 1909-1919:
C O M PA R A TIV E STA TISTICS F O R C O O P E R A T IV E SO C IE TIE S IN N E W SO U TH W A LES,
1909 TO 1919.
Year.
N um
Share A m ount of
ber of
societies. capital. business.
1909
..........................................
1910
..........................................
1911......................................................
1912......................................................
1913......................................................
1914......................................................
1915......................................................
1916......................................................
1917.....................................................
1918......................................................
1919......................................................
40
44
42
42
40
45
46
40
44
44
50
Expendi
tures.
£97, S91
121,241
138,201 £1,032,086
156,534 1,306,250
1,458,252
199;174
234; 846 1,605,849
1,789,103
253,185
274,409
1,804,463
310,776
1,888,925
348,341
2,193,036
349,309
2,478,801
Value of
A m ount of merchan
savings.
dise.
£955,091
1,232,082
1,342,564
1,462,617
1,672,336
1,736,778
1,777,908
2,068,156
2,342,031
£i04,285
113,171
146;183
167,763
163,904
157,752
166,419
186,774
198,813
£137,945
169,654
188,757
197,090
225,448
281,748
313,826
352,327
377,946
Finland.
HTHE following figures, taken from the International Cooperative
*■ Bulletin for January, 1921, show the growth of the cooperative
movement in Finland from 1913 to 1919:
Consumers’ societies:
Number..................................
Membership..........................
Sales........................................
Funds.....................................
Dairy societies:
Number..................................
Membership..........................
Business.................................
Funds......................................
Loan banks:
Number..................................
Membership..........................
Loans granted........................
Funds......................................
Central organizations...........
Registered societies of all kinds
1913
1919
marks 1. .
__ d o .. .
419
90,000
60, 000, 000
5, 400, 000
630
303, 000
840, 000, 000
53, 400, 000
marks. .
.. do. . .
370
40, 000
35, 000, 000
5, 000, 000
426
46, 500
196, 500, 000
10, 200, 000
420
21, 000
5, 500, 000
800,000
5
591
30, 000
marks..
. .d o .. .
20, 000, 000
2, 000 , 000
8
3,135
According to this account there are in Finland a t the present time
a cooperative society for every 1,200 inhabitants and one cooperative
member for every seven inhabitants.
1 Finnish m ark a t par=19.3 cents.
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M O N T H L Y LABOE REVIEW ,
Germany.
A CCORDING to the 1921 Yearbook of the Central Federation of
German Consumers’ Cooperative Societies,2 the number and
membership of the four types of cooperative societies affiliated with
the five largest central organizations in Germany during the period
1916-1918 was as follows:
N U M B ER AND M E M B E R S H IP O F C O O P E R A T IV E SO C IE T IE S A F F IL IA T E © W IT H T H E
F IV E L A R G EST C E N T R A L O R G A N IZA TIO N S IN G ERM AN Y , 1916-1918, B Y T Y P E OF
SOCIETY.
Type of society.
General
Federation
of German
Y ear. Purchasing
and Eco
nomic Co
operative
Societies.
General
Main
National
Federation Federation
Federation
Central
of German of German Federation of German
Raiffeisen
Agricul of German Industrial
tu ral Co Consumers’ Coopera
Coopera
tive
operative
Societies.
tive
Societies.
Societies.
Societies.
Total.
N um ber.
Credit societies................ 1916
1917
1918
Purchasing, productive,
and other societies___ 1916
1917
1918
Consumers’ societies___ 1916
1917
1918
Building societies........... 1916
1917
1918
924
917
888
4,433
4; 119
4,430
11,555
11,320
11,164
38
80
92
255
218
220
190
202
196
890
976
968
13
14
16
3
5
5
6,392
6,210
6,614
1916
1917
1918
1,407
1,415
1,396
5,339
5,114
5,419
T o tal......................
'
432
432
353
17,344
16', 788
16,835
556
847
1,011
41
28
28
29
29
26
1,060
1,063
y 067
1
1
1
7,905
8,142
8,711
1,328
1,295
y 303
235
236
230
17,988
17,558
17,806
1,090
1,093
1,094
986
1,279
1,364
26,815
26,459
27,079
103,240
108;723
92,809
2,288,063
2,240,138
2,239,744
43,102
57,340
69,164
768,199
755,664
896,186
2,357,645
2; 487', 640
2; 50i;619
63;962
65,626
70,774
146,342'
166,063
161,973
5,509,193
5,586,096
5,708,323
M e m b e rsh ip .
Credit societies................ 1916
1917
1918
Purchasing, productive,
and other societies___ 1916
1917
1918
Consumers’ societies___ 1916
1917
1918
Building societies........... 1916
1917
1918
592,544
578,573
575,469
482,523
488;810
471,624
1,019,756
1,104,032
1,099,842
5,749
7,721
8,098
334,549
330,816
303,025
59'510
63; 273
68,347
64,447
76,273
77,979
2,281
2,201
2,513
'183
283
270
645,550
605,119
732,507
3,784
li 585
1,672
9,351
9,181
8,438
2,020,815
2,154,623
2,196,081
'485
485
485
T o tal....................... 1916
1917
1918
992,352
980,383
954,939
549,434
527,567
552,386
1,759,090
1,710,736
1,834,021
2,030,651
2,164,289
2,205,004
The following statem ent shows the status of the consumers’
cooperative movement throughout Germany on January 1, 1921:
Number of members..................................................................
3, 800, 000
Amount of sales......................................................... marks3. . 1, 681, 826, 800
Goods manufactured......................................................do___
263,530, 000
Share capital................................................................... do___
397, 069, 600
2 Zentralverbandes D eutscher Konsum vereine.
Vol. 1, 720 pp.
8 M ark a t par=23.8 Cents.
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Jahrbuch.
[460]
N eunzehnter Jahrgang.
H am burg, 1921.
199
COOPERATION.
Hungary.
A D VANCE figures _showing the progress of the societies affiliated
with the Hungarian cooperative wholesale society, the “ H angya,”
are given in the February, 1921, issue of the International Coopera
tive Bulletin. These figures are shown in the following table:
D E V E L O P M E N T OF C O O P E R A T IV E SO C IE T IE S A F F IL IA T E D W IT H T H E “ H A N G YA ”
1914 TO 1919.
’
[Crown a t par=20.3 cents.!
Year.
N um ber of N um ber of
societies. mem bers.
1914.
1915.
1916.
1917.
1918.
1919.
1,276
1,307
1,386
1,707
2,140
2,334
Share
capital.
C r.
190,555
228,403
292,062
467,077
658,267
800,351
5,184,614
5,953,040
8,014,720
16,507,546
27,161,656
42,589,591
Reserve.
C r.
6,091,399
8,338,681
10,038,730
10,515,335
14,043,216
22,081,201
A m ount of
business.
N et savings.
C r.
Cr.
58,762,483
77,069,069
107,278,794
172,661,259
247,700,037
483,947,988
325,220
568,960
929,521
1,806,628
5,343,365
5,192,733
By the end of 1920, according to the April-Mav, 1921, issue of the
same publication, the num ber of societies in affiliation with the
“ H angya” had decreased to 1,777. During 1920 the business done
by the “ H angya” with these societies amounted to 1,374,400,891
crowns ($279,003,381, par). During 1920, it is stated, the “ H angya”
disbursed a million crowns ($203,000, par) for charitable purposes.
The surplus for 1920 is to be divided as follows: 21,000,000 crowns
($4,263,000, par) to be returned in dividend to member societies;
5.000. 000 crowns ($1,015,000, par) to the employees’ provident fund;
3.000. 000 crowns ($609,000, par) to the fund for developing agricul
tural production among small farmers; 200,000 crowns ($40,600,
par) for publishing; 200,000 crowns ($40,600, par) to the pension
fund of the National Hungarian Agricultural Society; 400,000 crowns
($81,200, par) each to the faculty of economics of the University, the
Hungarian Academy of Science, and the fund for combating infant
m ortality.
Italy.
'T H E Pacific Marine Revieiv for June, 1921, contains (p. 374) a short
account of the progress of the Cooperativa Garibaldi, the cooper
ative navigation society of Italy. According to this account the
financial condition of the association on December 31, 1920, was as
follows :
L ir e .<
Total incom e...............................................................................
Expenditure................................................................................
Net profit......................................................................................
Distribution of profits:
To reserve.............................................................................
To amortization of shares..................................................
To pension fund..................................................................
To development fund.................. : ...................................
Assets............................................................................................
Value of fleet.......................................................................
Bank balance......................................................................
Paid-up capital...........................................................................
18, 609, 369. 05
17, 396, 577. 37
1,213,791.68
121, 379.17
546, 206. 26
242,758.33
303,447. 92
35,631,492.36
17,069, 548. 79
10, 501, 408.18
27, 063, 768. 94
The Cooperativa Garibaldi has about 28,000 members and the
society sails a fleet of nine ships, six of which it owns.
* Lira a t par=19.3 cents.
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200
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
Japan.
ACCORDING to an article in the February, 1921, issue of the In1 ternational Labor Review of the Internationsl Labor Office (pp.
265 to 277), although the cooperative movement in Japan dates from
about 1892, the first great impetus was given by the enactment in
1900 of laws regulating the constitution of cooperative societies.
From th a t time the num ber of societies rapidly increased, and at present
there are over 13,000 of them in 12,000 cities and towns of Japan.
Four classes of cooperative societies are found: Credit, marketing,
workers’ productive, and consumers’ societies; m any societies com
bine the functions of two or more of these classes. As the following
statem ent shows, the credit societies are the most numerous:
Number of societies of each kind in Japan in 1917■ N um ber.
Credit societies............................................................................................ 3, 092
Marketing societies....................................................................................
248
Consumers’ societies..................................................................................
414
Workers’ productive societies..................................................................
133
Marketing and consumers’ societies.......................................................
401
Marketing and productive societies.......................................................
134
Consumers’ and productive societies.....................................................
25
Marketing, consumers’ and productive societies................................
180
Credit and marketing societies....................
251
Credit and consumers’ societies.............................................................. 2, 710
Credit and productive societies..............................................................
55
Credit, marketing, and consumers’ societies........................................ 2,964
Credit, marketing, and productive societies........................................
158
Credit, consumers’ and productive societies........................................
49
Credit, marketing, consumers’, and productive societies................. 1, 111
Total..................................................................................................12, 025
The following table shows the num ber of members and the average
size of each of the types of society in 1916, the latest year for which
detailed figures are given:
NUM BER
OF
SO C IE TIE S, N U M B E R OF M EM BERS, AND A V ER A G E
M EM BERS P E R SO C IETY , B Y T Y P E O F SO C IETY .
N um ber of
societies
reporting.
Type of society.
Credit societies...........................................................................
M arketing societies...................................................................
Consumers’ societies.................................................................
Productive societies.................................................................
M arketing and consumers’ societies.....................................
M arketing and productive societies.....................................
Consumers’ and productive societies......... ........................
M arketing, consumers’ and productive societies...............
Credit a n d m arketing societies..............................................
Credit and consumers’ societies.............................................
Credit and productive societies.............................................
Credit, m arketing, and consumers’ societies......................
Credit, m arketing, and productive societies......................
Credit, consumers’ and productive societies......................
Credit, m arketing, consumers’, and productive societies
T o tal.................................................................................
2,863
165
364
98
328
99
25
144
328
2,462
50
2,572
122
50
917
10,587
N um ber of
members.
402,533
17,167
47,311
7,788
34,390
6,354
2,215
14,268
34,941
284,770
4,037
344,738
18,765
3,871
134,354
1,357,502
N U M B ER
OF
Average
num ber of
members per
society.
141
104
130
79
105
64
89
99
107
116
45
134
154
77
147
128
In most cases, it is stated, only persons of u independent livelihood ”
are eligible for membership in the cooperative societies of Japan. As
the m ajority of the societies are found in rural districts, it is but
natural th a t farmers form a large percentage of the membership.
The composition of ther membership of the societies, by occupation,
is as follows: Farmers, 82.9 per cent; small m anufacturers, 3.9 per
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COOPERATION.
201
cent; traders, 6.7 per cent; fishermen, 1.6 per cent; foresters, 0.1 per
cent; and other occupations, 4.8 per cent.
Credit societies. —I t is stated th at the loans granted by the ^credit
societies amounted at the end of 1918 to 91,700,000 yen (§45,666,600,
par), an average of 8,399 yen ($4,183, par) per society and 62 yen
($30.88, par) per member. Loans are usually unsecured, these
unsecured loans forming 80 per cent of the total amount of loans.
Interest charged is 1 or 2 per cent lower than the current local rate.
The societies receive three kinds of deposits: Current, fixed, and
deferred. At the end of 1918 the deposits amounted to 133,000,000
yen ($66,234,000, par), an average of 12,200 yen ($6,076, par) per
society and 94 yen ($46.81, par) per member. Interest is paid at the
rate of 5 or 6 per cent.
M arketing societies.— 1T hese societies handle such commodities as
rice, wheat, barley, vegetables, fruits, tea, linseed oil, cocoons, raw
silk, m attings, straw and straw products, cattle, textiles, hosiery,
pottery and porcelain, earthenware, timber, fuel and charcoal, fish,
sugar, paper, etc. The business of these societies in 1918 was esti
m ated at 134,000,000 yen ($66,732,000, par), averaging 22,383 yen
($11,147, par) per society and 169 yen ($84.16, par) per member.
Consum ers’ societies. —Most of the consumers’ societies are found
in agricultural districts and are, for the most part, simply buying
clubs, though in some cases the society conducts a store. The price
is in m any cases as much as 5 per cent lower than the standard m arket
price. As a rule cash payment is required, but where old customs
persist paym ent is made every half year or at the end of the year.
The purchases made during 1918 totaled 85,630,000 yen ($42,643,740,
par), which means an average of 10,240 yen ($5,000 par) per society
and 89 yen ($44.32, par) per member. The chief articles bought
through the medium of these societies are manure, agricultural imple
ments, seeds and young plants, silkworm eggs and sericultural imple
ments, all kinds of raw m aterial for work, tools and machinery,
fishing tackel, etc., and such articles of daily necessity as rice, wheat,
barley, and other cereals, salt, soy, sugar, sake, vermicelli, fish, fuel
and charcoal, kerosene oil, textile fabrics, etc.
Productive societies. —These societies undertake such work as pack
ing and repacking of rice and other cereals, rereeling or packing of
raw silk, drying cocoons, thread manufacture, drying and weaving,
cleaning rice and other cereals, the m anufacture of flour, paper, and
sugar, the preparation of the products of fishing, condensed milk
m anufacture, etc. The business of these societies amounted to about
1,160,000 yen ($577,680, par) at the end of 1918, making an average
of 584 yen ($291, par) per society and about 5 yen ($2.49, par) per
member. In addition, as the laws relating to agricultural ware
housing were put into force in 1917, m any cooperative societies were
formed for building barns to preserve corn and cocoons for farmers,
for working such products as were intrusted to them, for the packing,
repacking, and transportation of these articles, for acting as sales
agents or for doing a general brokerage business, and for lending funds
to agricultural communities on the security of agricultural warehouse
bonds. This branch of the work gives promise of a hopeful future,
inasmuch as the cooperative societies in the warehousing business
already numbered 564 at the end of February, 1920.
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202
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
Besides the individual societies there are also 100 federations of
societies.
Cooperative societies in Japan enjoy certain privileges accorded
them by the Government. These are: (1) Exem ption from business,
income, and registration taxes; (2) preferential treatm ent by the
Government in the purchase by the latter of supplies for the army,
much of these being bought from the cooperative societies; (3) loans
at low interest from the Government through certain banks; and (4)
unsecured loans procured from the Japanese mortgage bank and
other real estate banks.
Portugal
t j VEN though Portugal m ay be said to be a backward country from
the standpoint of cooperation, the movement there is growing.
This is shown by a consular report of March 8, 1921, according to
which the Federation of Cooperative Societies, established in 1920
by 46 associations, had up to December 31 of th at year done business
amounting to 167,000 escudos ($180,444. par). During the first quar
ter of 1921 its business amounted to 304,000 escudos ($328,472, par).
The number of societies in affiliation has increased to 135 and the
individual membership is now 70,000. These societies have a com
bined capital of 2,700,000 escudos ($2,917,350, par). The societies
are now said to be considering the formation of a central coopera
tive bank.
Union of South Africa_
A B ILL 5 has been introduced into the Parliam ent of the Union of
•* *• South Africa which provides for the formation and registration
of “ cooperative trading societies.” Only those societies are entitled
to come under the law which return their surplus savings to their
members. The bill specifies the conditions of election of directors
and their powers and lays down rules of procedure for meetings. All
societies registered under the bill m ust make an annual report to the
Government registrar. A schedule is appended, giving model rules
for cooperative societies.
United Kingdom.6
'"THE statistics of operation of cooperative societies, members of the
Cooperative Union during 1919, are given in the People’s Year
book, 1921. The following table shows the details of operation for
these societies:
STA TISTIC S O F O P E R A T IO N O F M EM BERS OF T H E C O O P E R A T IV E U N IO N , 1919.
[£ a t par=$4.8665.J
Class.
N um N um ber
ber of
of
socie members.
ties.
D istributive societies. 1,357
D istributive federa5
tions...........................
95
Productive societies..
3
Supply associations. . .
4
Special societies...........
3
Wholesale societies.. .
T o tal................... 1,467
Share
an d loan
capital.
Sales.
Net
surplus.
4,131, 477 £74,411,306 £198,930,437 £20, 390,833
N um ber
Salaries
of em
ployees. a nd wages.
130,621
£14,219,320
61
39,331
8,351
736
2,063
46, 512
2,299, 565
472,089
82,694
21,489,065
153,735
7,047,147
2,238,312
954,284
115,457,164
10,237
487,282
74,405
52,808
793,998
33
11,075
1,732
1,154
42,920
3,757
1,232,127
252,292
105, 535
5,149,138
4,182,019
98,801, 231
324,781,079
21,809,563
187,535
20,962,169
6 U nion of South Africa. G overnm ent Gazette E xtraordinary. Capetown, A pr. 6., 1921. Vol. X LIV,
No. 1138.
s D ata are from th e People’s Y ear Book, 1921, p. 49; The Producer (Manchester, E ngland), April, 1921,
p. 159; The Economist, A pr. 23,1921, p. 821; a n d the C hristian Science Monitor, May 30, 1921.
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203
COOPERATION.
The report of the English Cooperative Wholesale Society for the
six months ending December 25, 1920, shows sales for th a t period
amounting to £54,213,760 ($263,831,263, par) and for the year
1920 to £105,439,628 ($513,121,950, par). Deposits and with
drawals in the banking departm ent amounted to £331,308,844
($1,612,314,489, par) for the six-months period and to £645,772,632
($3,142,652,514, par) for 1920.
There was a “ disposable balance” of saving amounting to £68,078
($331,302, par). The wholesale committee recommended a dividend
of 5 per cent to members and of half th a t rate to nonmembers. To
do this, it is reported, it will be necessary to take from the reserve
fund £211,112 ($1,027,377, par).
Some of the departm ents of the wholesale showed a loss, which is
attributed in p a rt to the fact th a t “ trade began to decline in the
early p art of April, 1920, a decline which has continued with in
creasing rapidity ever since, w ith the result th a t sales have fallen
off and stocks have increased. To adjust cost to price in a rapidly
increasing m arket for goods was quite easy, but there was the great
est difficulty in adjusting price to cost in a rapidly falling m arket.
This seems to be the very essence and root cause of the troublous
times through which we are passing, and until some adjustm ent is
made between costs of production and selling prices our troubles
are likely to become more acute as time goes on. ”
Ireland.
According to the March, 1921, num ber of the International Cooper
ative Bulletin the number and status of each of the various types of
cooperative societies in Ireland at the end of 1919 was as follows:
N U M B E R , M E M B E R S H IP, AND B U SIN ESS OP C O O P E R A T IV E
L A N D IN 1919, BY T Y P E O F SO C IETY .
SO C IE TIE S
IN
IR E
[£ a t par=?4.8685.]
T ype of society.
N um ber of
societies.
N um ber of
members.
Share and
loan capital.
439
350
138
13
55
31
2
50,324
51,449
15,914
3,576
11,575
2,531
1 490
£607,800
362,028
67,143
6,099
S3,505
50,561
129,882
£7,047,079
1,279,471
33,834
246, 599
696,649
47,791
1,807,160
1,028
135,369
1,307,018
11,158,583
Central an d auxiliary dairy societies....................
Agricultural societies................................................
Credit b a n k s ...............................................................
Poultry societies........................................................
Miscellaneous and home industries societies.. . .
Flax societies...................................................
Federations.................................................................
T o tal..............................................................
A m ount of
business.
i Societies.
Scotland.
According to a consular report recently received by this bureau,
a new feature in cooperative organization in Scotland during the past
year has been the establishment of farm ers’ cooperative blacksmith
shops in a num ber of districts. The farmers combine in the pur
chase of a shop and employ skilled blacksmiths to do the work.
In this way they effect a saving of from 7s. to 8s. ($1.70 to $1.94,
par) for every horse shod and get their jobbing work done at corre
spondingly low rates. The employees receive the union scale of
wages and the business is run at a profit.
58950°—21
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[465]
W H A T S T A T E L A B O R B U R E A U S A R E D O IN G.
Connecticut.
A MONO the more im portant subjects covered in the report
of the industrial investigator of the Connecticut D epartm ent of
Labor and Factory Inspection on the condition of industrial wage
earners of th at State, from January 15, 1919, to November 30, 1920,
are labor conditions, mercantile establishments, and cost of living.
Labor Conditions.
The report states th a t there has been considerable idleness in New
Haven, Norwich, Bristol, New London, New Britain, and Bridgeport,
but not in a degree to be regarded as menacing.
Production is being lowered in nearly every branch of labor by the great law of
supply and demand, augmented by limitation of credit by banks, deficient transpor
tation, irregularity of labor production, and scarcity of raw materials. The latter,
by the way, for months, has m>t existed in the sense that raw material was not some
where, but it could not be obtained when it was needed. For example, it was hard for the woolen mills to secure the liner grades of wool at the time there was a great
demand for the finished product, but there is and has been a surplus in Great Britain,
Australia, South America, and the wool-growing parts of the United States.
An active agent in the bringing about of present conditions as far as many industries
are concerned has been overlooked. This is the combination of the consumer against
the maker and the seller.
The soaring of prices for finished products in 1919 and 1920, when they reached a
scale that even the reckless buying of the war time would not stand, caused people to
limit their expenditures to the absolute necessities. Of course, there were hundreds
who bought as largely as their purses permitted, but there were thousands who did not,
and the result of this quiet and persistent economy had an influence which can not be
discredited.
Mercantile Establishments.
Since 1914 wages in the lower grades in mercantile establishments
have increased over 200, 220, and 250 per cent. In the higher grades,
ranging from $10 to $50 a week, the increase has ranged from 6 to
45 per cent.
This does not take into consideration the paying of bonuses by many firms not
allowing the employees to buy at cost or at 10 per cent to 15 per cent discount from
the selling price.
Many firms, an increasing number since 1916, in addition to the wages, pay their
employees a commission on sales, ranging from 1 per cent to 5 per cent over a certain
amount of such sales.
Notwithstanding the increase in wages, the $8 received to-day really equals in
purchasing about $3.93 of the wages in 1914.
There are 16,634 women in mercantile employment in the State,
of whom have direct connection with stores. Out of 20,329
men in mercantile work about 10,000 are directly connected with
stores. The large stores in m any of the more im portant cities of
Connecticut have made great progress in sanitary and welfare con
ditions. The stores in small towns are to a certain extent also
making improvements along similar lines.
1 0 ,0 0 0
204
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WHAT STATE LABOR BUREAUS ARE DOING.
205
Horae Workers.
The num ber of home workers reported for different periods in 1919
and 1920 in 34 villages, towns, and cities ranged from 1,016 to 2,658.
I t is probable th at a survey at this time would show another change.
Over 100 firms employ home workers, 3,500 in number in 1920, an increase of 48 per
cent in employers and 57 per cent in employees.
There is no growth of sentiment in favor of this work. In no case did any employer
say that he would use it in preference to shopwork. Nor is it of the character which
interferes with the latter. Home work is an adjunct. Many employers stated that
in their experience it was a most helpful and needed means of increasing the home
income. * * *
It is difficult to establish a satisfactory ratio between the rates of pay for home work
and for factory work. Taking piecework for comparison, it must be held in mind
that in the factory the worker attains the highest rate of speed that can be mustered,
while in the home the labor is performed at different times, when opportunity permits,
and at varying rates of quickness. The character of the work is different. But as
far as comparison can be carried out, it is estimated that the difference of wage rate
is from 30 per cent to 45 per cent.
Cost of Living.
The personal budgets of 1,000 workers of every grade of wages and
nationality were secured in 1919-20.
The expenditure in families whose income was between $1,300 and $1,400 was about
$150 for clothing, $300 to $360 for rent, $500 for food. In some cases they had heated
apartments for the latter rent; where they had not, they spent $70 to $80 for heat and
light.
They had very little of the income over at the end of the year.
Families between $1,400 and $1,500 covered their clothing expenses by $200 for
entire family; between $500 and $600 for food; $420 for rent; $80 to $90 for heat and
light; took a daily paper, went to the movies, spent about $50 a year on insurance;
about $40 on recreation.
Between $1,500 and $1,600, clothing expense ran from $200 to $250 a year; food $600,
an average of about $12 a week; some expense for household assistance to the wife;
rent over $400 or whole or part ownership of a home; in some, no expense for heat;
expense for light and phone $68 or $75; incidentals much larger.
In the class from $1,600 to $1,800, in some there was found a closer economy than in
the lower wage earners, but more expense for clothing, amusement, recreation, and
travel.
Other Subjects of Investigation.
Labor unrest and turnover, profiteering, child labor and voca
tional education, housing, the laundry industry, and the worker’s
attitude toward cultural and uplift work in the factory are also dis
cussed in this report on conditions of wage earners.
Labor D epartm ent of Kansas, under the direction of the Court
uf Industrial Relations, is gathering and compiling information
from industrial establishments regarding the num ber of employees,
male and female; their hours of labor and average weekly earnings;
the num ber of strikes, lockouts, and other labor difficulties during
the year. The results of this survey will give very valuable data on
the industrial activities of the whole State.
The women’s division of the Industrial Welfare Commission, under .
the Kansas Court of Industrial Relations, is making a survey of the
cost of living of the women of the State. This survey will include
1Inform ation furnished by th e judge of th e K ansas Court of In d u strial Relations under date ol June 25,
1921.
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the 31 towns in which the United States Women’s Bureau made its
hour and wage study last summer.
Conferences are being held with the retailers in the various com
munities. A general cost-of-living budget has been prepared and also
a special clothing budget.
The plan of procedure will be as follows:
1. To get working women in the various cities to ascertain what
they actually do spend.
2. To study room rent and board, both at restaurants and board
ing houses.
3. To have the women’s division agents take the prepared budgets
and price the various articles by making shopping tours in the dif
ferent communities.
4. To hold conferences with women’s organizations and business
men, especially retailers, and submit to them both the general and
the clothing budgets.
Massachusetts—Department of Labor and Industries.1
A S PART of the industrial health work of the departm ent, a study
of infected injuries is being made by its division of industrial
safety. The questionnaire employed in this connection covers occu
pation of the injured person, previous employment, age and sex,
nature of injury, date and duration of injury, provisions made in the
establishment for treatm ent of injured persons, nature of first-aid
given, when infection was first noted, and result of injury.
The division of minimum wage is conducting an investigation of
wages of women employed in the public housekeeping occupation,
including hotels, restaurants, apartm ent houses, clubs, and insti
tutions.
A study of the pay rolls of 107 buildings inspected in Boston, under
the office and other building cleaners’ decree, shows that in 38 the
rates as recommended by the commission were adopted without any
change in the num ber of working hours or in the number of women
cleaners. No change was necessary in 5 buildings, as the prevailing
rates were as high, or even higher, than those recommended. The
total num ber of women cleaners in these 43 buildings is 320.
Prior to the recent decree of the commission, the m ajority of women
wrnrked 5 hours a night—six nights a week. Subsequent to the de
cree, hours in 10 buildings were changed from 30 to 42 a week.
In 63 buildings, approxim ately one-half, minimum rates recom
mended were technically adopted, but various changes were made in
the working schedules of these buildings which seem to indicate
th a t although the letter of the recommendations was acknowledged,
the spirit of the decree was not. In 23 buildings there has been a
reduction of 105 women since the decree went into operation. Fol
lowing is a summary of the inspection of 107 buildings:
Number of buildings where compliance with the decree was already in effect.. .
Compliance with the decree without a decrease in hours or reduction of working
force......................................................................................................................................
Compliance with decree by increasing the hours from 30 to 42 a week and wages
to $15.40 or more................................................................................................................
1 Note furnished b y th e D epartm ent of Labor and Industries of Massachusetts.
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5
Compliance with the decree by reducing hours and slightly increasing wages___
Compliance with the decree by reducing hours—pay roll remaining unchanged. . 20
Compliance with the decree by reducing hours—pay roll lower than formerly___
2
Compliance with the decree by increasing rates and reducing number of women..
4
Approximate compliance with the decree, employers refusing to pay fractions of
dollars as it complicates bookkeeping........................................................................... 14
Compliance with the decree by increasing hours and reducing number of women..
9
The following question was subm itted to the attorney general’s
office:
“ Does the law perm it a woman to work more than 48 hours in 7
consecutive days, although in any calendar week she does not exceed
48 hours?”
The A ttorney General’s reply was:
“ T hat in the absence of an express declaration th a t the term
'w eek ’ in the statute shall mean any consecutive 7 days, it m ust be
given its usual meaning and be considered equivalent to the phrase
‘ in any calendar week.’ ”
This opinion affects the employment of women in drug stores,
hotels, and restaurants. In such establishments it is possible under
this opinion for women to be employed as long as 57 hours in a period
of 7 consecutive days, provided thay are not employed more than 48
hours in any one calendar week.
During the m onth of May (25 days) the number of persons placed
by the three offices was 2,679, as compared with 2,660 placed during
the m onth of March (25 days) and 1,804 during the m onth of January
(25 days). This very gratifying increase was made possible by an in
crease of 1,166, or 50 per cent, in the number of persons applied for
in May over the num ber in January.
The extent to which the industrial depression has affected the work
of the three State employment offices is indicated by the following
comparisons: During the first 5 months of 1921 the number of persons
placed was 11,523, as compared with 16,885 placed during the first 5
months of 1920—a decrease of 5,362, or 31.7 per cent; while the
number of persons applied for by employers during the first 5 months
in 1921 was 15,019, as compared with 28,014 during the corresponding
period in 1920—a decrease of 12,995, or 46.4 per cent. The three
offices supplied 76.7 per cent of the persons applied for by employers
during the first 5 months in 1921, as compared with 60.2 per cent
during the first 5 months of 1920.
Minnesota.
HTHE secretary of the Industrial Commission of Minnesota reports,
under date of June 27, 1921, th at the former civil-service law of
the State, providing th at all appointments in the departm ent of
labor should be made from a list of eligibles who had passed com
petitive examinations, was amended by the last legislature " b y
eliminating all positions in the departm ent from the civil-service
feature with the exception of factory inspectors, railroad inspectors,
elevator inspectors, inspectors of the bureau of women and children,
statisticians, clerks, and stenographers.” Many have been taking
examinations for these positions.
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Under the above-mentioned date the secretary of the Minnesota
commission also writes th at there was scarcely any improvement
in the industrial conditions in th a t State during the previous 60 days.
Considerable unemployment is reported. Many men have been
thrown out of work by the closing down of a m ajority of the iron
mines on the Mesaba, Range.
There has been, however, an amicable adjustm ent between buildingcon tractors and the building trades, the latter having accepted a
20 per cent reduction in wages, and building operations have been
stim ulated to some extent.
North Dakota.
A T TH E request of the commissioner of agriculture and labor of
N orth Dakota, a special agent of the Federal-State Em ploym ent
Service a t Fargo has forwarded to the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics the following information under date of July 5, 1921:
To facilitate proper handling of harvest laborers, North Dakota has been divided
into districts, with offices at Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Bismarck, Jamestown, Devils
Lake, and Oakes. Each office serves a certain number of counties, the grouping
being primarily based upon railroad facilities. The various county agents, farmbureau presidents, etc., have been advised as to which office will serve them. No
office accepts an order from outside its own territory, but if such an order is received
the applicant is referred to the proper office or the application is relayed to that office.
State distribution headquarters is at Fargo. All offices within the State report to
the Fargo office regarding conditions in their fields. The Fargo office is in a position
to direct the movement of labor in the State and keeps all offices informed as to the
demand and supply of men in other parts of the State as well as an average wage.
Weekly news letters are mailed to each county agent, farm-bureau president, or
other individuals personally interested in the labor market through placing indi
viduals in positions. These news letters contain a summary of the reports from all
offices in the State, giving a general idea of labor conditions throughout the State.
Pennsylvania.
Department of Internal Affairs.
T R IE Bureau of Inform ation of the Pennsylvania D epartm ent of
Internal Affairs reported on July 15, 1921, th at 79,512,200 tons
of hard coal were produced in 1919 in the 10 anthracite counties of
the State, while in 1920 the production was. 79,364,600 tons, or
147,600 less than in the previous year. The coal mined in 1920,
however, had a value of $436,488,000, while th a t in 1919 was valued
a t $364,801,100. In 1919 there were 151,812 workers employed in
178 coal-mining plants in the anthracite field and in 1920 144,551
persons in 187 plants, a decrease in the num ber of employees of 4.8
per cent. The value of the anthracite coal produced was approxi
m ately 20 per cent higher in 1920 than in 1919, while the actual
quantity of coal produced in 1920 was less than in the preceding year.
The records show that anthracite mine workers in 1920 were paid a total wage of
$237,302,900, while in 1919 the total wages amounted to $209,452,900. Of the 144,551
wage earners in the industry in 1920, all were males with the exception of one. Of
the number employed 67,299 were Americans, white, 333 were Americans, colored,
and 76,919 were foreigners. Increases were recorded in both classes of American
employees last year, but the number of foreigners was 7,629 less than in 1919.
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Regulation of Motion Pictures. 1
The committee appointed by the commissioner of the D epartm ent
of Labor and Industry of Pennsylvania to aid the Industrial Board
to draft regulations for the exhibition of motion pictures in churches,
schools, and “ similar places of public assembly*’ has agreed to sub
m it the following rulings for the consideration of the industrial board
at its July 12, 1921, meeting:
1. Approval of motion-picture projectors.—All motion-picture projectors shall be ap
proved by the Industrial Board for use within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in
accordance with the method of procedure for the approval of such devices.
2. Permits and licenses for operators.—(a) All persons operating approved motionpicture projectors in churches, schools, lodges, and other similar places of public
assembly shall file an application for a permit.
( 6) Applicants desiring to operate approved motion-picture projectors designed for
safety films only shall be granted a permit upon filing an application properly filled
in and duly affirmed before a notary public or other person authorized to administer
oaths.
(c) Applicants desiring to operate approved motion-picture projectors designed for
“ standard films’ ’ only, or “ safety and standard films, ’’shall file an application properly
filled in and duly affirmed before a notary public or other person authorized to admin
ister oaths.
Such applicants shall be granted a permit upon completing satisfactorily an exami
nation covering the particular type of projector to be operated.
(d) Applicants desiring to operate approved motion-picture projectors for com
mercial purposes shall be required to take the regular examination for motion-picture
operators of theaters and similar places of public amusement.
3. Permit for use of building.—Every building in which motion pictures are ex
hibited shall be approved for such purpose by the Department of Labor and Industry
and a permit be issued signifying the approval.
Home Work in Custom Tailoring in Philadelphia.
An investigation of 121 homeworkers in custom tailoring in Phila
delphia has recently been made by six Bryn Mawr graduate students
under the supervision of the Pennsylvania D epartm ent of Labor.
I t was found th at in 91 homes the homeworkers whose names were
listed were assisted by 121 additional persons, 71 of whom were
classified as helpers. Thirty-five wives were working with their
husbands, and 5 daughters and 10 sons were assisting their fathers.
Forty-seven of the home workers are operating under city licenses, five under State
licenses, and sixteen did not know whether the license held was city or State. Fiftyfour had no licenses. Thirty-one of the licenses held have been issued since 1920.
The workers in many instances do not know whether their licenses have to be renewed
or not. All but five of the licenses held will have expired by the end of June, 1921.
The ideas of the workers regarding inspection are very hazy. Seven of the homes
have never been inspected. Some of the homes were inspected at the issuance of
licenses, in many cases several years ago, and not since then; some “ every once in a
w hile” ; and a very few “ once or twice a year.”
One hundred and nine of the 121 listed workers have special work
rooms. Fourteen rooms were reported as “ not orderly, poor, or
d irty.” There had been 11 cases of contagious diseases within 6
months.
Of the 121 families, 72 are Italian, 46 Jewish, 2 Hungarian, and 1 Swedish. Thirty
families have 5 persons in them; 36 less than 5; and 54 more than 5. Five constitutes
the average family. In 16 families, 4 girls and 12 boys under 16 years of age run er
rands and receive and return work after school. One family has the children do bast
ing on garments.
* B ulletin of Inform ation issued by th e In d u strial Board of th e D epartm ent of L abor and In d u stry of
Pennsylvania, June, 19i21.
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The work was very irregular in 118 families. The two busy seasons
are about three months in the spring and about three months in the
fall. The figures on hours and wages are for the most p art mere guesses
by the home workers, as in the m ajority of cases no records were kept.
Hours of work are reported, however, as varying from 8 to 18 per day
in the busy times of the year. I t is also reported th at the average
weekly earnings range from “ 0 in the slack seasons to $190 per week
in the busy seasons. The highest wages for one member range from
$6 to $125 and the lowest from 0 to $25. Rates of pay vary from $7
to $25 per coat, $1.50 to $4.50 per vest, and from $2.50 to $5 for
trousers.”
Texas.
A CCORDING to the sixth biennial report of the Bureau of Labor
Statistics of Texas, 1919-1920, the private employment agencies
of the State during the fiscal year ending August 31, 1920, had
121,127 applications for employment and furnished 113,295 positions.
The total fees collected amounted to $135,168.80.
The following figures show the number of positions furnished men
and women (white, Negro, and Mexican) for the same year:
M ALE.
W hite...............................................
Negro...............................................
Mexican...........................................
12, 333
FEM A LE.
2,373
96, 745
W hite...................................................
452
Negro...................................................
107
Mexican ................. ................................................................... 1 , 285
111,451
1,844
The women’s division of the State departm ent of labor has formu
lated the following labor standards for women and children in in
dustry which will be recommended in all industries employing
women and children:
(a) No woman should be employed for more than 8 hours in any one day. The
time when the work period begins and ends and the time allowed for meals and rest
eriods should be conspicuously posted in workrooms, and a strict record of overtime
ept.
( b) Half holidays on Saturday should be the custom.
(c) Every woman should have one day of rest out of seven.
id) At least three-quarters of an hour should be allowed every woman worker for
meals.
(e) A rest period should be allowed in the middle of each work period.
(/) No woman should be employed between the hours of 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.
(g) Equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.
(h) Continuous standing, sitting, or heavy lifting should be prohibited, and suit
able seats provided for every woman employed, and their use encouraged.
(0 All machinery should be safeguarded and fire drills and other forms of safety
regulations instituted.
(j) Dress suitable for occupation, health, and safety should be required.
(k) Thorough study in matters of industrial hygiene in order to be cognizant
of the conditions leading to the deterioration of health of workers, and be able
to promote industrial hygiene and sanitation.
(?) Proper provisions should be made for lighting, ventilation, and sanitation, and
comfortable rest and dressing rooms provided.
(to) N o work should be given out to be done in rooms used for living or sleeping
purposes, or in any rooms directly connected with rooms used for living or sleeping
purposes.
(n)
No child should be employed in industrial pursuits where the service of an
adult can be used, and under no circumstances where it comes in contact with
i
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influences which may have a bad effect upon its physical, moral, or mental con
dition.
(o) No child should be permitted to work more than 8 hours per day of 24 hours,
and under no_condition should it be permitted to work after 8 p. m. or before 6 a. m.
(p) The child who is prohibited from working should be in school, and the school
should make every effort to interest the child, so that he will postpone going into
industry as long as possible.
The findings in the child labor surveys in Austin and Corpus
Christi clearly demonstrate the need for improvement in the legal
protection of children.
Wisconsin—Changes in Personnel of Industrial Commission.
secretary of the Wisconsin Industrial Commission states th at
Hon. F. M. Wilcox, who has been a member of the commission
for eight years, has succeeded Hon. George P. H am brecht as chair
m an of th a t body. Hon. R. G. Knutson, of La Crosse, became a
member of the commission July 1 upon the retirem ent of Mr.
Ham brecht.
Wyoming.
A N IMPORTANT development in the work of the Wyoming
D epartm ent of Labor is its cooperation with the Federal Em
ploym ent Service in conducting an employment clearing house.
The commissioner of labor and statistics reports th a t the scheme is
working out in a very satisfactory manner and th at most of the
activities of the departm ent are centered along this line at present
because of the large am ount of unemployment.
The commissioner also reports th at through a mediation board, of
which he was the chairman, a controversy between the contractors'’
association and the several building crafts of Cheyenne has been
successfully adjusted and a new wage scale established for 1921.
**
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C U R R E N T N O T E S O F IN T E R E S T T O LA B O R .
Vacations for Factory Workers.1
A S A result of a questionnaire on vacations for factory workers,
which was sent out by the Chicago Council of the Industrial
Relations Association of America, in 1920, 63 firms, employing
147,707 persons, responded. Thirty-six of these establishments do
not grant vacations to factory help, which is on an hourly, daily, or
piecework basis. Five firms give vacations w ithout pay; 1 with
half pay; 11 with full pay; and 4 grant vacations to some of their
old employees or to employees whose work involves unusual strain.
The following extracts from the factory m anagers’ replies show
quite a difference of opinion on the question a t issue:
1. A 10-day vacation with pay for each employee is worth while if workmanship,
attendance, and tardiness are considered in granting leave to employees. Also pro
vided the employee works 30 days after the end of the vacation.
2. I believe in vacations for all hands with full pay. These vacations should be
contingent upon length of service and regularity of attendance. * * * Those on
piecework rates should have pay at the average of their earnings for some fair period,
such as the previous six months. The vacations should be given when the employees
can be best spared from their work and as nearly as possible in accordance with the
wishes of the employees themselves.
3. An attendance of 95 per cent or better should be rewarded by vacations with
pay. It is our practice to allow 2 hours a week for 100 per cent attendance, amounting
to approximately 100 hours, or 12 days a year.
4. I believe that a worker deserves some such recompense for faithful service. In
fact, they most generally expect it. The small loss incurred is more than cared for
by additional energy put forth by the workers in an effort to show their appreciation.
5. I believe it would be to the general advantage of all parties to close down for a
period of vacation each year.
6. It is our belief that health warrants vacations with pay.
7. Our labor agreement and piecework system make vacations inadvisable.
8. Our plant could not function properly with part of the men away, as in most
cases our operations are performed in gangs that require particular experience for
each individual gang.
9. Our pieceworkers are all of foreign extraction and wish to work full time. Vaca
tions do not appeal to them.
10. I believe that vacations for industrial workers have no good effect, since they
add nothing to their industry, efficiency, or loyalty, but might have directly the
opposite effect.
11. The factory workers receive time and one-half for overtime, while office workers
are allowed supper money and vacations. One offsets the other.
12. Vacations in addition to overtime payments at time and one-half and double
time for hourly rate employees—now the best paid employees in any organization—
seem to make the arrangements less equitable.
13. I don’t think that employees working on hourly or piecework basis are entitled
to vacations.
The following statem ents are made as a result of interviews with
managers in five establishments granting vacations to their
employees on piecework, hourly, daily, or weekly basis:
Company A is now allowing two vacations annually to its employees
on piecework and weekly basis. I t is the opinion of the manager
fa c to ry
l Factory, May 1, 1921, Chicago, pp. 1086, 1087.
212
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th a t such vacations “ are desirable from an economic standpoint,
th a t confined employees need two periods each year to rest to fit
themselves for further endeavor.”
In company B the “ operation of a vacation plan to include shop
workers in 1920 has brought about a satisfactory reaction.” The
scheme has been made a perm anent policy of the firm. The workers
receive full pay on vacation, the length of which depends upon the
time they have been in the service of the company.
The employees who have worked for three years in company C
have regular vacations with full pay. The men return refreshed and
in better spirits. I t is believed th a t the plan, w hich.has been in
operation for five years, is an economic advantage to the company.
Company D gives all the workers who have been in its service for
a year or more vacations with pay. This has been the practice for
three years and has had satisfactory results. Vacations are equal in
length, but senior employees have priority in the selection of dates.
The m anager of company E not only has summer-resort circulars
posted on the bulletin board for the benefit of the employees, but he
talks over their vacations with them upon their return to the factory.
It is conceded th at vacation allowances will be most efficacious
when they are the reward of good service. “ They should not be
gifts but investments which are to return better work from the
employees.” Each particular business should earnestly study the
question before committing itself to a perm anent vacation scheme.
Different establishments require different plans, local conditions
calling for individual consideration and treatm ent.
The need for employees spending their vacations in a beneficial
way is especially emphasized.
British Movement for a Christian Order of Industry and Commerce.1
A S AN outcome of several informal conferences, a meeting was held
in London on May 18, 1921, to lay the foundations for a national
campaign to “ unite all men of good will engaged in the administra
tion of industry, commerce, and the professions, in a movement for
the application of Christian principles to industrial and commercial
life.” This undertaking has received the support of various religious
leaders, and is also backed by m any prominent business men.
The following are the principles of the movement as drafted for
discussion at the conference:
1. The governing motive and regulative principle of all industry and commerce
should he service of the community.
2. The receipt of an income lavs on the individual the duty of rendering service in
accordance with his capacity. Every person should perform the best possible work.
3. The receipt of an income from industry should carry with it a responsibility for
the conditions and purposes of the industry.
4. Any competition should be subordinated to the service of the community.
5. Industry should create and develop human fellowship, and any practices cal
culated to destroy such fellowship are immoral.
6. The value of all natural resources and of every privilege which owes its worth
to the labor of all or to the necessities of all should he held and utilized for the benefit
of all.
1 Excerpt from Monthly Report British Trade and Commerce, dated at London, England, May 12,
1921, forwarded by the State Department to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Manchester Guardian,
May 19, 1921, p. 5.
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7.
Every individual man and woman is of intrinsic worth and human labor can not
be regarded as a commodity. Therefore, every industry should be organized to
provide—
a. As a first charge an income sufficient to maintain, in reasonable comfort, all
engaged in it.
h. Provision for any special burden to which those engaged in the industry may be
liable, such as undue fluctuations in work, sickness, etc., owing to the conditions of
that industry—this in addition to any general provision that may be made by the
State or otherwise.
c. Provision for superannuation—this in addition to any general provision that
may be made by the State or otherwise.
d. Healthy conditions for all engaged in the industry.
e. Opportunities for development of personality, talents, and self-expression.
The conference on May 18 decided upon the setting up of a govern
ing council of the movement, consisting of men and women engaged
in business, such council to be requested to consider how cooperation
could be brought about with the Christian members of labor organi
zations.
Chinese in Canada.
A CCORDING to a report from the American consul at Kingston,
under date of June 21, 1921, there are about 55,000 Chinese in
Canada, a fifth of whom live east of the Great Lakes, the rest in
western Canada. Vancouver has a Chinese colony of 10,000, To
ronto and Montreal each 5,000, Victoria 3,000, Ottawa and IJam ilton
nearly 500 each, and certain other cities 100 each. In the Province
of British Columbia they are successful m arket gardeners, while
others serve as railway section hands or as miners. Calgary has a
successful knitting mill owned and operated by Chinese.
They are said to be hard-working, honest, and law-abiding, Chinese
communities having lower criminal records than those of other for
eigners, and vagrancy among them is practically unknown.
**
Coventry Firm Regulates Wages by Cost of Living.
’"THE American consul at Birmingham, England, reports, under date
of April 29, 1921, th a t a large sewing-machine m anufacturing
company in Coventry has entered into an agreement (effective until
October, 1921) with its workers, which provides th a t the rates per
hour shall be regulated by the cost of living. The British Board of
Trade cost of living index num ber at 133 points over the prewar level
was made the basis for the rate at the time the report was made.
There is to be an addition or reduction of Id. (2 cents, par) per hour
for every rise or fall of 10 points in the index.
Countries Prohibiting Use of White Phosphorus in Match Manufacture.
'"’FITE British Labor Gazette of May, 1921, states th at Austria and
A Czechoslovakia have announced to the Swiss Federal Council
adherence to the international convention of September 26, 1906, pro
hibiting the use of white phosphorus in the m anufacture of matches.
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In addition to these two countries the following have signed the con
vention: Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy,
Luxemburg, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzer
land, and Tunis. I t will be noted th at the United States is not
one of the signatories. This Government, however, has placed a
prohibitive tax on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of
matches made from white phosphorus, there being a constitutional
objection to the signing of the international treaty.1
Industrial Conference in Czechoslovakia.
•T H E American consul at Prague reports, under date of May 25,
1
1921, th at the chief subject under discussion at a meeting of
representatives from the various industrial organizations of Czecho
slovakia held on May 12, 1921, was the influence of the general eco
nomic situation on wages. The different organizations declared
themselves, by resolution, as not opposed to a fixed rate of salary
and as anxious to cut down the expenses of the working classes by
reducing the cost of necessary commodities. These delegates, how
ever, would not consent to any reduction in the salary rate until the
fall in the cost of living had become permanent.
Attacks on the 8-hour day were protested. Demand was made
th at proposed legislation for the establishment of homes for the
aged should be presented to Parliament.
Emphasis was laid upon the need for more effective unemployment
relief, for protection against arbitrary discharges, and on the necessity
of putting to a vote proposed plans for obtaining financial State aid
and granting public contracts to reduce the number of the unem
ployed.
I t was also stated th a t all persons not earning more than 15,000
Czecho-Slovak crowns (about $3,039, par) a year should be given
tickets entitling them to buy flour at a reduction.
Depression in the Watchmaking industry in Switzerland.
H E American consul at Geneva, Switzerland, reports th at in
1920, and also in the current year, conditions in the watch
making industry in th at country have been very unsatisfactory,
especially with regard to unemployment. In March, 1920, only 97
men were unemployed in the industry; in November, 1920, 6,300;
and in December, 1920, 14,500. In February, 1921, 24,700 were
unemployed, 5,600 being totally out of work.
T
i See C onstitutionality of tre a ty provisions affecting labor, b y Thom as I. Parkinson, in A merican Labor
Legislation Review, March, 1919. P p . 21-32.
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PU B L IC A T IO N S R E L A T IN G T O LA B O R .
Official—United States.
A la sk a .— Mine Inspector. Annual report, 1920. Juneau. 1921. 72 pp.
1he data on mine accidents are summarized on page — of this issue of th e M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
C a l if o r n ia .— Industrial
Accident Commission. Mine safety orders. Effective January
1, 1921. Sacramento, 1920. 125 pp.
y
------------ Shipbuilding safety orders. Effective April 1, 1921. Sacramento, 1921.
61 pp.
C o n n ecticu t . Department of Labor. Report on the condition of wage-earners in the
State. 1919-1920. Hartford, 1920, 125 pp.
Excerpts from the report appear on pages 204 and 205 of this issue of the R e v ie w .
M a ssa c h u sett s .—Department
of Education. Division of Vocational Education
Annual returns to Departments of Labor and Industries, and Education. Home
permits, employment certificates, educational certificates. Boston, 1920. 16 vv
1920, No. 5. Whole No. 114.
Describes the methods of obtaining the required information concerning minors
certified for employment.
N ew Y o r k .— Industrial
Commission. Bureau of Women in Industry. Industrial
posture and seating. Albany. 1921. 56 pp. Illustrated. Special Bulletin No. 104.
T h is p a m p h le t is sum m arized on pages 142 a n d 143 of th is issue of th e M onthly
L a bo r R e v ie w .
T e x a s .—Bureau
116 pp.
of Labor Statistics. Sixth biennial report, 1919-1920 Austin 1921
Data from the manuscript copy of this report appeared on pages 228 and 229 of the
January, 1921. issue of the M onthly L a bo r R e v ie w . Excerpts from the printed
copy of this report are given on pages 210 and 211 of the present issue of the R e v ie w .
U t a h .— Industrial Commission. Report for the period July 1, 1918, to June 30 1920
Salt Lake City [1921}. 473 pp.
Portions of this report are summarized on page 147 of this issue of the M onthly
L a bo r R e v ie w .
V ir g in ia .—Industrial
Commission. Report for the year ending September 30 1920
Richmond, 1921. 47 pp.
' For a summary of this report see pages 147 to 149 of this issue of the M onthly L abor
R e v ie w .
S t a t e s .— Congress. House of Representatives. Committee on Ways and
Means. Recapitulation of wages in industries, domestic and foreign. Washington
1921. 39 pp. Tariff information, 1921. Sixty-sixth Congress, third session.
U n ited
The wage data were compiled from the oral testimony and briefs submitted to the
committee at hearings on general tariff revision in January and February, 1921.
----- Department
of Commerce. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. Statis
tical abstract of the United States, 1920. Washington, 1921. xix, 874 pp.
3 hree sections relate to occupations, labor, and wages; to prices; and to money,
banking, and insurance, respectively. Relative union rates of wages and hours of
labor in various occupations are shown by years, for 1914 to 1920, and wages of farm
labor for 1910, 1919, and 1920, by States.
216
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PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR.
217
UNiTED S t a t e s .— Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. History of the
shipbuilding Labor Adjustment Board, 1917 to 1919. Washington, 1921. 107 pp.
Bulletin No. 283. Labor as affected by the war series.
A r6sum 6 of th is b u lle tin a p p ea red on pages 183 a n d 184 of th e June, 1921, issue of
th e M onthly L abor R e v ie w .
------ Bureau of Naturalization. Student’s textboolc. A standard course of in
struction for use in ihe public schools of the United States for the preparation of the
candidate for the responsibilities of citizenship. Washington, 1921. 1 3 1 pp.
----- T~ 7. Children's Bureau. The administration of the aid-to-mothers law in Illinois.
Washington, 1921. 176 pp. Legal series No. 7. Bureau publication No. 82.
Ihe report points out the need of centralized control of the administration of the
mothers’ pension law and the need of larger pensions to insure fair living conditions.
T 7 ----- State compulsory school attendance standards affecting the employment
^ of minors, January 1, 1921. Washington, 1921. 3 pp. Chart series No. 2.
The information is presented in tabular form and shows the extent to which employ
ment of minors is affected by school attendance laws.
Department of the Interior. Bureau of Mines. Coal-mine fatalities in the United
states, 1920, and coal-mine statistics supplementing those published in bulletin 115.
Washington, 1921. 112 pp. Technical paper 288.
A summary of this report appears on pages 141 and 142 of this issue of the M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
Official—Foreign Countries.
A ustralia (S outh A u stralia ).—Statistical Department. Statistical register for the
year 1919-20. Part V.—Production. (Section 1.—Prefatory report.) Adelaide
1920. xxxi pp.
'
Includes a comparative statement, by industry groups, of the average earnings
of male and female employees in 1914, 1918-19, and 1919-20. The average earnings
of male employees of all ages were £131 4s. 2d. ($638.53, par) in 1914 as compared
with £162 8s. 8d. ($790.48, par) in the year 1919-20, an increase of 23.8 per cent.
Female employees of all ages earned an average of £44 18s. lid . ($218.73, par) in 1914
and of £64 2s. ($311.94, par) in 1919-20, an increase of 42.6 per cent.
Canada (A l b e r ta ). — Workmen’s
Compensation Board. Report, 1920. Edmonton
’
1921. 40 pp.
i h is re p o rt is noted on pages 149 and 150 of this issue of th e M onthly L abor
K
e v ie w
.
(B r it is h Co lu m bia ). —Department
1921. 74 pp.
of Labor. Annual report, 1920
1
Victoria
’
Contains tables of classified wages, by industries, reports of the activities of the
minimum wage board and of the provincial employment service, an account of labor
disputes, and a directory of labor organizations of the Province.
7 T Minimum Wage Board. Report for 1920. {Reprinted from the annual
report of the Department of Labor for the year 1920.) [Victoria, 1921.) 14 pp.
Gives a brief summary of the nine wage orders issued by the board, the first becom
ing effective February, 1919, and the last, February, 1920.
----- (N ova S cotia ).—Commission
55 pp.
on Mothers’ Allowances. Report
Halifax 1921
J ’ '
The commission recommends the passing of an act to provide for the payment of
allowances in certain cases to the mothers of dependent children. It is pointed out
that these allowances are not to be confused with compensation or pensions for widows.
The appendix contains the text of the mothers ’ pension laws passed by other Cana
dian Provinces
D e n m a r k , —Statistisle Departement.
ArbejdsUshedeni aarene 1915-1919. Copenhagen
1921. 82 pp. Danmarks Statistik. Statistiske Meddelelser. 4. rxkke. 61 Bind
4 Ilsefte.
This publication gives unemployment statistics for the period from 1915 to 1919.
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218
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
G rea t B r it a in .—Industrial
Court. Decisions. Nos. 589 to 637.
III. London, 1921. 134, iv pp.
Vol. I l l Part
,
Also contains index to parts I, II, and III of Volume III.
----- Industrial
Fatigue Research Board. Report No. 13. A statistical study of labor
turnover in munition and other factories. London, 1921. 92 pp. General series
No. 4-
This study relates principally to labor turnover during the war period, although
some data for the postwar period is included. The appendixes contain statistical
tables and a memorandum on factory records, including specimen forms for recording
turnover data.
----- Ministry
of Labor. Intelligence and Statistics Department. Standard time rates
of ivages and hours of labor in the United Kingdom at December 31, 1920. London,
1921. viii, 288 pp. Cmd. 1253.
------Registry of Friendly Societies. Building societies, cooperative societies, and tradeunions. Statistical summaries showing the operations of these societies. London,
1921. 5 pp.
The data are for the year 1919.
annual reports.
More detailed information will be issued in the
------ (S cotland ).— Board
of Agriculture. Report on farm workers in Scotland in
1919-20. Edinburgh, 1921. vi, 78 pp.
This report is summarized on pages 100 to 102 of this issue of the M onthly L abor
R e v ie w .
I n tern a tio na l L abor O f f ic e .—International
February, 1921. 129 pp.
Labor Review, Vol. 1, No. 2. Geneva,
Contains among the special articles one on “ Industrial hygiene” by Sir Thomas
Oliver, which outlines the industrial health problems which will naturally fall within
the scope, of the duties of the International Labor Office, and gives a brief account
of what has already been done in different countries toward improving conditions.
The formation, aims, and activities of the Economic Labor Council of France are
given by Leon Jouhaux, secretary of the Confédération Générale du Travail and an
article on “ The German Works Councils Act and its significance” is contributed by
Eduard Bernstein, a member of the German Reichstag. “ Daily tonnage output of
the pick miner, ” by Ethelbert Stewart, United States Commissioner of Labor Statis
tics, is reprinted from the M onthly L abor R e v ie w of February, 1921. Other
articles include: An account of the Kyocho Kai or Harmonizing Society of Japan
and an article on cooperation in Japan; “ Attendance of workers in Moscow factories ” ;
“ Industrial rehabilitation in the United States of America,” and, under the subject
of industrial hygiene, an article on “ Industrial tuberculosis and the problem of
factory dust” and one on “ The health of the British population judged by the exam
ination of recr uits in 1917 and 1918. ”
----- International Labor Review. Vol. 1. No. 3. Geneva, March, 1921. 157 pp.
The principal articles in this Dumber of the Review are one on “ International
labor law,” by Ernest Mahaim; “ Socialization of the German building industry,” by
A. Ellinger, and “ Occupational diseases in Germany.” In “ Social welfare in Japan,”
the recent work of the Kyocho Ivai and other organizations along the lines of poor relief
and emergency aid, clinical and dispensary work, child protection, unemployment re
lief, and factory welfare work is reviewed. In a discussion of the Government proposal
for workers’ control of industry in Italy, the full text of the bill a3 presented to the
Chamber of Deputies in February, 1921, is given. Statistical articles include one on
production, prices, and cost of living in different countries and one on employment
conditions in February, 1921, based on returns from employers. Labor conditions in
Great Britain and in Russia are treated in articles on “ Conciliation and arbitration in
Great Britain ” and “ Regulation of employment conditions in Soviet Russia.”
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PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR.
219
I n t er n a tio n a l L abor O f f ic e .— The International
Seamen’s Code. Note addressed to
the Governments of the States members of the International Labor Organization by the
International Labor Office. Geneva, 1921. 174 pp.
This report is summarized on pages 174 and 175 of this issue of the R e v ie w .
Central Bureau voor de Stalistielc. Overzieht van den omvang der
vakbeweging op 1 Januari 1920. (Statistique des syndicats ouvriers au ter janvier
1920.) ’s-Gravenhage, 1921. 36, xxxii pp. Bijdragen tot de stalistielc van Neder
land. Nieuwe volgreelcs, No. 317.
Statistics of trade-unions of Netherlands to January 1, 1920.
— — Overzicht van den omvang en den voornaamsten inhoud der collectieve arbexdsovereenJcomsten op 1 Januari 1920. (Aperçu de Vétendue et du contenu principal
des. conventions' collectives de travail au 1 er janvier 1920.) ’s-Gravenhage, 1921.
viii, 43 pp. Bijdragen tot dt, stalistielc van Nederland. Nieuwe volgreelcs, No. 316.
Report on principal provisions of collective labor agreements up to January 1.
N et h e r l a n d s .
1920.
Statistielc den spam- en leenbanken in Nederland, 1918-1919. ’s-Gravenhage,
192L 101 pp. Bijdragen tot de stalistielc van Nederland. Nieuwe volgreelcs, No.
818.
Statistics of savings and loan banks in the Netherlands for the year 1918-19.
----- Rijksverzekeringsbank. Verslag, 1919. ’s-Gravenhage, 1921. 185, iv pp.
Report for the year 1919 of the operation of the State insurance bank, organized
for the administration of the Dutch compensation act of 1901. There were 91,499
accidents reported and 86,406 injuries compensated.
Arbeidsbureau. Verslag over het jaar 1919. [Amsterdam, 1920]
49 pp Tables. Verslagen van bedrijven, diensten en commission der gemeente
Amsterdam. No. 17.
----- (A m sterdam ).
Statistical report for the year 1919, on wages and salaries of employees in the various
departments of the city of Amsterdam.
------------- Veiligheidsmuseum. Jaarverslag, 1920. Amsterdam
Annual report of the safety museum of Amsterdam.
N ew Z ea la n d .— Census and Statistics Office.
1920. x, 414 pp.
[1921]. 53 pp.
Official year book, 1920.
Wellington
’
Includes statistics on subj ects of interest to labor, such as accidents in mines and
factories, wages, old-age and widows’ pensions, housing, industrial unions, strikes,
and prices. The data are for 1919 and several preceding years.
S w e d e n .—SociaIstyreisen.
Undersokningar ang&ende Alkoholens Sociala Skadeverkmngar. Stockholm, 1921. [Various paging.] Sveriges OffieiellaStatistik. Socialstatistik.
Report of an investigation by the Labor Department of Sweden concerning injurious
effects of alcohol.
Unofficial.
The party of the third part. The story of the Kansas Industrial
Relations Court. New York, Harper & Bros., 1921. 283 pp.
Allen , H en r y J .
This volume was written by the governor of Kansas, who was largely responsible
for the enactment of the law of that State establishing a court of industrial relations.
It has for its subject the history of the law, the reasons back of its enactment, and
the results of its operations up to near the end of the year 1920. Legal and economic
principles are discussed, with numerous instances of the intimate workings of the
strike system under which there were within 45 months ending December 31, 1919,
705 separate strikes at individual mines in the State of Kansas, entailing, as ’stated
by the author, a wage loss to the miners of nearly $4,000,000 with an actual net gain
by them of $852.83.
58950°—21----- 15
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M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW .
The arguments of the opponents of the law are reproduced at length, and consider
ation is given to the various alternative methods of adjusting labor disputes. As
indicated by the title, the writer bases the action of the Kansas legislation on a con
sideration of the rights of the public, including in that term every member, employer
and employee, as well as the actual “ party of the third part.” Naturally the book
must be accepted as an authoritative presentation of the point of view of the pro
ponents of the law, and of their arguments in its favor and their interpretation of its
workings up to the present time,
of L a b o r . Metal Trades Department. Proceedings, June
8-11, 1921. Washington, D. C., 1921. 107 pp.
----- North Dakota branch. Proceedings, 1921. Grand Forks, N. M. Aune, secretarytreasurer, 1921. 75 pp.
•-----Railway Employees’ Department. Bureau of Research. Exhibits on the national
agreements case presented before the United States Railroad Labor Board by W. J .
Lauck on behalf of the Railway Employees’ Department of the American Federation
of Labor. 13 pamphlets. Washington, D. C. [1921].
Am erican F ed er a tio n
These pamphlets are entitled as follows- The development of collective bargaining;
Human standards and railroad policy; Inadequacies of railway management; Industrial
relations on railroads prior to 1917; Occupation hazard of railway shopmen; Punitive
overtime; Railroad boards of labor adjustment; The recognition of human standards
in industry; The sanction of the eight-hour day; Seniority rules of the national agree
ment; Standardization; The unity of the American railway system; The work of the
railway carmen.
------------------- Exhibits on the wage case presented before the United /States Railroad
Labor Board by W. Jett Lauck on behalf of the railway employees, represented by
12 unions. 11 pamphlets. Washington, D. C., 1921.
These pamphlets, 10 of which are mimeographed, are entitled as follows: Human
standards and railroad policy—an attempted revival of the theory that labor is a
commodity; The cost of housing, 1920-1921; Recent changes in prices and cost of
living—wholesale prices not a guide to cost of living; What a living wage should bo,
as determined by authoritative budget studies; The cost of living in the United States
since 1913, as determined by the studies of the United States Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics; Probability of prices increasing; Wages in various industries—a comparison
of wage rates and wage levels of unskilled railroad labor and similar labor in other
basic industries; Irregularity of employment of railroad workers; Occupation hazard
of unskilled employees on the railroads; Seasonal fluctuations in prices and cost of
living; and The practicability of a living wage—an analysis of the production of the
country in relation to the requirements of a fair standard of living for the whole
population.
Russian workers’ republic.
x, 274- pp.
B ra ilsfo r d , H e n r y N o e l .
and London, 1921.
Harper & Bros., New York
A discussion of conditions in Russia under the soviet regime. The author seeks
to explain or excuse the admitted weaknesses and defects of the soviet system.
for I n tern a tio n a l P e a c e . Division of economics and
h-istory. Government control and operation of industry in Great Britain and the
United States during the World War. By Charles Whiting Baker. New York,
1921. v, 138 pp. Preliminary economic studies of the war, No. 18.
Oa r n e g ie E ndo w m en t
The results achieved through Government control and operation of industry in
Great Britain and the United States during the war are reviewed in relation to a
possible solution of economic problems through Government ownership. The author
maintains that revolutionary changes are impending and indeed are greatly needed
in our industrial system and on the whole draws a favorable picture of governmental
management. In the introduction it is stated that in the author’s belief the aver
age citizen favors Government ownership, while business men generally oppose it,
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PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR,
but, in one of the closing chapters the somewhat contradictory statement is made that
public sentiment is conservative as evidenced by the general demand for the return
of the railways to private ownership. The gradual absorption by the British Govern
ment of control of essential industries and their more rapid absorption in this country
are outlined. There is detailed discussion of the work of the Railroad Administra
tion, of the control of telegraphs and telephones, of the Shipping Board and the Food
and Fuel Administrations, as well as of the work of the War Labor Board in adjusting
disputes and fixing wages. There is a tendency throughout the book to minimize
the mistakes which were made by the excuse that the need for haste was so great
that waste, incompetence, and even graft were to be expected and overlooked. The
writer believes that the only hope for progress is through changes in the organiza
tion and methods of the Government, and says:
There is no doubt that Government control is far from ideal in its operation and
that the special circumstances of the war, as has been fully explained in previous
chapters, made the control then exercised especially faulty in many ways. That
is the reason for its rejection when necessity compels, and the logic of necessity will
compel its gradual extension in the future as in the past, no matter what political
party may rule.
C h ish o lm , A rch iba ld .
L a b o r ’s
Magna Charta.
L ongm ans,
G reen
&
C o .,
London
and New York, 1921. 192 pp.
A study of the labor clauses of the peace treaty and of the draft conventions and
recommendations of the Washington International Labor Conference, in which the
author endeavors “ to estimate the significance of these clauses, to examine the
principles on which they are based, and at the same time to indicate the dangers
attached to a too ruthless application of some of them .”
Co n s u m e r s ’ L ea g u e
of
Ninth Street, 1921.
Cin c in n a t i .
Report for 1919
and
1920.
Cincinnati, 25 E a s t
11 pp.
The general lines of work followed by this organization during 1919 and 1920 were
investigation, law enforcement, legislation, and education. The investigation
covered the wages, hours, and working conditions of charwomen, woman drug clerks,
women and minors in mercantile establishments and factories and some small estab
lishments.
D o uglas , P aul H .
A m e r ic a n a p p r e n tic e s h ip a n d in d u s tr ia l e d u c a tio n .
N ew Y o rk,
C o lu m b ia U n iv e r s ity s tu d ie s i n h is to r y , e c o n o m ic s , a n d p u b lic la w .
1921. 348 pp.
W h o l e N o . 216.
This exhaustive treatise on the increasingly important subject of industrial educa
tion is divided into four parts, viz, (1) American apprenticeship: Its background,
development, and decay; (2) Juvenile labor and the educational requirements of
modern industry; (3) Modern substitutes for apprenticeship; (4) Social aspects.
D r e v e r , J am es.
The psychology of industry. London, Methuen & Co. {Ltd.), 1921.
xi, 148 pp.
A discussion of psychology as applied in the sphere of industry and commerce
prepared partly for the purpose of meeting the needs of the author’s Workers’ Educa
tion Association classes and courses for social study in the University of Edinburgh.
Social legislation in Illinois. Needs ami opportunities in 1921.
Rockford, W. M. Shimmin & Co., 1921. 110 pp.
E ld r id g e , S e b a .
Two chapters are devoted to labor conditions and housing, respectively. The
former relates to child labor laws, minimum wage laws for women, workmen’s com
pensation, and health and unemployment insurance.
History of United Mine Workers of America from the year 1860 to 1900.
Indianapolis, United Mine Workers [1921\. 2 vols. {518, 838 pp.)
I n tern a tio na l A ssociation for L abor L e g isla tio n . Norwegian section. {Norsk
Forening for Socialt Arbeide.) Aarsberetning, 1920. Christiania [1921]. 8 pp.
E v a n s , Ch r is .
Annual report of the Norwegian Association for Labor Legislation.
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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
The relation of wages to the cost of living in Los Angeles, 1915 to
1920. Los Angeles, 1921. 10 pp. University of Southern California sociological
monograph No. 19.
L ig g ett , H azal M.
Based principally on data published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
M e r c e r , T. W. The proposed national cooperative society.
Cooperative Union, Ltd.
Manchester, England,
Holyoake House, Hanover Street, 1920. 16 pp.
Contains a summary of the plan advanced by Mr. J. C. Gray, in 1906, for the amalga
mation of the existing cooperative societies into one national society. Under this plan
the local societies would cease to exist except as branches of the national body, and
would be controlled entirely by the central organization. The author advocates
instead of this plan four measures to forward the ultimate establishment of a na
tional society: (1) The ending of all overlapping by the amalgamation of cooperative
societies in the same districts; (2) the formation of local cooperative federations to
carry on such forms of business—as bakeries, laundries, etc.—as can not be economically
undertaken by one society, creating a sense of fellowship and leading eventually to a
general movement toward a larger cooperative unity; (3) the adoption of a uniform
system of bookkeeping; and (4) the adoption of a system of social benefits, such as
collective life insurance, thus accustoming the members to receive part of their divi
dends in kind instead of cash, making easier the adoption of a uniform rate of dividend
and augmenting the power of the societies to accumulate capital.
O ’B r ie n , G e o r g e .
Labor organization.
London, Methuen & Co., Ltd., 1921.
xi,
182 pp.
In a comparatively brief treatment of the general subject of labor organization, the
author deals first, with the craft guilds of the Middle Age3, describing their organi
zation, movement, aims, their advantages and disadvantages, and the external and
internal causes of their decay. Modern labor organizations he divides into two parts,
viz, (1) organization under the wage system; (2) organization on a nonwage basis.
Part one consists of a history of trade-unionism, a discussion of the classification,
federation, and government of trade-unions; their methods, regulation and value;
combinations of employers and methods of settling industrial disputes. The author
discusses proposed substitutes under which labor might be organized on a nonwage
basis. Among them are profit sharing, cooperation, collectivism, syndicalism, and
guild socialism.
P e o p l e ’s Y ea r B ook and A n nu a l op th e E n g lish and S cottish W h olesale
S o c ie t ie s , 1921. Fourth year of publication. Manchester, England, Cooperative
Wholesale Society (Ltd.), 1 Balloon Street, 1921. 400 pp.
Contains much interesting and valuable material on the cooperative movement
and economic situation in various European countries, by leading cooperators of the
respective countries. For a review of the operations of the societies belonging to
the Manchester Cooperative Union see page 203 of this issue of the M onthly L abor
R e v ie w .
Selected articles on immigration.
H. W. Wilson Co., 1920. 870 pp. The handbook series.
New York, The
P h e l p s , E d ith M. ( co m piler ).
P h ila d elph ia Co n f e r e n c e
on th e
C onstruction I n d u s t r ie s .
Proceedings, 1921.
Philadelphia, Chamber of Commerce, 1921. xiv, 254 pp.
Contains also the proceedings of the National Construction Conference held in
Chicago on March 2 and 3, 1921, under the auspices of the National Federation of
Construction Industries. At these conferences the discussion covered various aspects
of such subjects as housing, transportation, wages and hours of labor, cost of living,
and cost and conditions in the manufacture of building materials.
How England is meeting the housing shortage.
liswoode, Ballantyne & Co. (Ltd.), 1920. 108 pp.
V e il l e r , L a w r e n c e .
London, Spot-
A summary of this book appears on pages 131 and 132 of this issue of the M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
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PUBLICATIONS REL A TIN G TO LABOE.
V erband
der
G a s t w ir t s g e h il f e n .
Juli 1919 bis Sl.
Dezember 1920.
223
Geschäftsbericht der Hauptverwaltung vom 1.
Berlin, 1921. 104 pp.
A business report of the administrative committee of the German Federation of
Restaurant and Hotel Employees covering the period July 1, 1919-, to December 31,
1920. The report shows that in 1920 there were 161 separate movements of restaurant
employees for improved wage and working conditions. These movements covered
23,804 establishments, employing 242,150 persons, and were participated in by 200,166
of the latter; 134 of the movements were peacefully settled, while 27 led to strikes.
The result of these movements was that 31,896 employees obtained shorter hours of
labor, and 160,442 employees obtained wage increases averaging about 22 marks per
capita per week.
W a t k in s , G ordon S. Cooperation, a study in constructive economic reform. Urbana,
March 14, 1921. 85 pp.
University of Illinois Bulletin, Vol. X V III, No. 28.
For a sum m ary of th is stu d y see th is issue of th e M onthly L abor R e v ie w , pages
194 to 196.
W ilso n , R. M. The care of human machinery. London, Henry Frowde, 1921. xi,
238 pp.
The author seeks to show that satisfactory output can be secured only by healthy
happy “ human machinery.” He feels that industrial medicine forms a new basis
for the settlement of industrial disputes. Among the subjects discussed are industrial
fatigue, hours, women, and children in industry, ventilation and output, the dust
peril, safety, first aid, noise in industry, etc.
Z e n t r a l v e r b a n d D e u t s c h e r K o n s u m v e r e in e .
Jahrbuch.
V o ll.
Hamburg, 1921.
720 pp.
The yearbook of the Central Federation of German Consumers’ Cooperative Societies
for 1921, containing statistical data of the German cooperative movement, and par
ticularly of the consumers’ cooperative movement. Some of the data given are
found in this issue of th e M onthly L abor R e v ie w , page 198.
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