The full text on this page is automatically extracted from the file linked above and may contain errors and inconsistencies.
U. S. DEPA RTM EN T OF LABOR
JAMES J. DAVIS, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ETHELBERT STEWART, Commissioner
MONTHLY
LABOR REVIEW
VOLUME 25
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
NUMBER 6
DECEMBER, 1927
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON
1927
C E R T IF IC A T E
T h is p u b lica tio n is issu ed p u rsu a n t to th e
p ro v isio n s o f th e su n d ry c iv il a ct (41 S ta ts.
1430) ap p roved M arch 4, 1921.
A D D I T I O N A L C O P IE S
OF
THIS PUBLICATION M AY B E PRO CURED FROM
T H E S U PE R IN T E N D E N T OF DOCUM ENTS
U . S. G O V ERN M EN T PRIN T IN G OFFICE
W A SH IN G TO N , D . C.
AT
15 C E N T S P E R C O PY
Subscription P rice P er Y ear
U nited S tates, C anada , M exico, $1.50; Other C ountries , $2.25
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Contenti
Special articles:
page
The work of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics_________ 1-30
Public service retirement systems: State employees_______________30-46
Explanation of the new index of wholesale prices, by Ethelbert Stewart. 46-52
Industrial relations and labor conditions:
Sixteenth annual safety congress, Chicago, September 26-30, 1927___ 53-55
Migration of population to and from farms___________ ___________55-57
Coopera tion of employers and workers in England________________57-60
Increased labor productivity in large steel plant between 1902 and
61
1926______________________________________________________
Output, costs, and proceeds of the coal-mining industry in England. _ 61, 62
Wage earners’ vacations_______________________________________
63
Industrial accidents:
Reduction of costs of production through reduction or elimination of
accidents__________________________________________________ 64-68
Accidents in United States metal mines in 1925__________________ 68-71
Organizations for safety in coal mines____________________________ 71-73
Explosives as a cause of mine and quarry fatalities_______________
73
Iowa—Industrial accidents, 1925-26_______________________
74
Kansas'—Industrial accidents, 1926_____________________________
74
Great Britain—Railway accidents in 1926_______________________
75
Mexico— Mine accidents in 1926_______________________________ 75, 76
Industrial hygiene:
Anthrax hazard in Pennsylvania________________________________ 77? 78
Eye conservation through the compulsory use of goggles in workshops.
79
Occupational diseases of agricultural laborers___________ _________80, 81
Australia— Investigation of health hazards in woodworking industi-ies. 81, 82
Great Britain—Telegrapher’s cramp____________________________ 82-84
Workmen’s compensation and social insurance:
Farmers covered by California workmen’s compensation law_______
85
Compensation for eye injuries in New York State, 1926-27________
86
Double compensation awards to minors in New York State, 1926-27. 86, 87
Lump-sum settlements in New Jersey, 1926-27__________________ 87, 88
Electrical workers’ old-age pension plan_________________________
88
British Columbia—Old-age pensions____________________________ 88, 89
England— New unemployment insurance bill_____________________ 89, 90
New Zealand—Pensions and pension expenditures_______________ 90-92
Child endowment:
Australian commission on child endowment_____________________
93
Basic wage and proposed child endowment in western Australia____ 93, 94
Training and placement of the handicapped:
Fourth national conference on vocational civilian rehabilitation____ 95-97
Vocational rehabilitation in New Jersey_________________________
97
Argentina—Industrial aid for the blind__________________________
98
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
in
IV
CONTENTS
Cooperation:
Page
Twelfth international cooperative congress______________________ 99-101
Making cooperation more interesting_______________________ _ 101-103
Cooperative oil associations in Minnesota_____________________ 103, 104
Cooperation in the North Central States______________________ 104-106
labor laws and court decisions:
The Sherman Antitrust Act and labor—The Coronado case______ 107-109
Argentina—Enforcement of labor laws__________________________
110
110
Salvador—Protective legislation for commercial employees________
Women in Industry:
Trend of women’s wages in Ohio_____________________________ 111-113
Chile—Decree relating to employment of women_________________
113
Child labor:
Employment of children in Oregon_____________________________
114
Accidents to working children of Ohio_________________________ 114-116
Industrial disputes:
Strikes and lockouts in the United States in October, 1927______ 117-125
Conciliation work of the Department of Labor in October, 1927__ 125-127
Strikes in New York State, 1925-26 and 1926-27_________________
128
Queensland— Railway strike_________________________________ 128-130
Labor organizations and congresses:
Annual convention of American Federation of Labor, 1927_____ 131-135
Wages and hours of labor:
136
International comparison of real wages as of July 1, 1927__________
Argentina—Wages paid in Buenos Aires in 1926________________ 137, 138
Brazil—Earning possibilities of unskilled worker in Sao Paulo____ 138, 139
England—Wage levels, 1914 and 1927________________________ 139-142
New Zealand— Wages in 1926-27_____________________________ 142, 143
Russia—Wages in 1926 and 1927_____________________________ 143, 144
Uruguay— Minimum wage for Government employees____________
144
Trend of employment:
Employment in selected manufacturing industries, October, 1927__ 145-156
-.Employment and total earnings of railroad employees, September,
1926, and August and September, 1927______________________ 156, 157
Unemployment in Cuban towns______________________________ 157, 158
State reports on employment:
California--------------------------------------------------------------------- 158, 159
Illinois------------------------------------------------------------------------- 160, 161
Iowa________
162
Maryland_______________________________________________
163
Massachusetts_________________________________________ 163, 164
New Jersey------------------------------------------------------------------- 164-166
New York--------------------------------------------------------------------- 166, 167
Pennsylvania__________________________________________ 168, 169
Wisconsin_____________________________________________ 169, 170
Wholesale and retail prices:
Retail prices of food in the United States______________________ 171-192
Retail prices of coal in the United States______________________ 192-195
Index numbers of wholesale prices in October, 1927 (revised series) __ 195-197
Wholesale prices in the United States and in foreign countries, 1923 to
September, 1927._____
197-199
Relative importance of commodities included in the revised index
numbers of wholesale prices________________________________ 200-211
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
CONTENTS
V
Cost of living:
Page
Family budget of a skilled worker in Moscow, Russia_____________
212
Labor awards and decisions:
Award of the Railroad Train Service Board of Adjustment for the east213
era region________________________________________________
Immigration and emigration:
Statistics of immigration for September, 1927_________ _________214-218
Activities of State labor bureaus:
California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin________
219
Publications relating to labor:
Official—United States______________________________________ 220, 221
Official—Foreign countries_____ ____ _______________________ 221-224
Unofficial....................................................... ........................................... 224-228
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
This Issue in Brief
The work of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics during
recent months is reviewed in an article on page 1. The purpose of
this article is not only to give a general idea of the bureau’s activities
but also to indicate the methods employed in securing, handling,
and publishing information, the activities now under way, and
certain lines of study which the bureau should be carrying on but
is unable to undertake because of lack of resources.
Retirement systems fo r State employees, apart from those applicable
to special classes such as teachers, have been adopted by six States.
The general systems in effect in three of these States—New York,
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania—were described in earlier issues of
the Review. An article in the present issue describes the plans of
Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and also gives a general
summary and comparison of all six systems (p. 30).
Anthrax remains a definite hazard in different industries, especially
the tanning industry, in spite of efforts to eradicate it. The Pennsyl
vania Department of Labor and Industry has found as the result of
a recent study covering the five-year period 1922-1926 that 7 fatal and
75 nonfatal cases of an industrial origin occurred in the State during
that time. Much of the blame for this condition lies in the fact that
although there are Federal regulations designed to control and prevent
the spread of anthrax among livestock in this country there are no
general regulations requiring disinfection of materials from countries
in which anthrax is prevalent before the material reaches its des
tination (p. 77).
Eye injuries cost more from the compensation standpoint in New
York State than almost any other type of injury, according to data
published by the industrial commissioner of that State. It is stated
that during the year ending June 30, 1927, there were nearly 3,000
compensated eye injuries in New York State, including 2 cases of
death and 10 of total blindness. The compensation paid for eye
injuries averaged about $578 per case, which is more than twice as
much as the average for all other types of injury (p. 86).
Exposure to the dusts of various hinds of timber among workers in
woodworking industries carries with it the hazard of nasal trouble,
asthma, and dermatitis, according to a study of conditions among
woodworkers in Australia. The study showed, that a high per
centage of the workers had some affection of the nose or throat, that
asthma was an occasional result of exposure, and that persons with
skins which are hypersensitive to the dusts can not expect to be
cured so long as they continue at this employment (p. 81).
The fa rm laborers of California now share with other employees the
benefits of the workman's compensation law, by act of the 1927 legis
lature. If the farmer does not want the protection which the law
affords, he must now elect not to come under it, whereas formerly
the advantages of the act were available to him only if he elected to
have the protection (p. 85).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
VII
VIII
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The Coronado Coal Co. litigation, arising out of labor trouble in
Arkansas in 1914, was settled out of court on October 17, 1927, by
agreement between the parties, after being the cause of two important
opinions by the Supreme Court of the United States (p. 107).
That the cooperative movement needs to be made more interesting
is the contention of one cooperator of 20 years’ standing. The lack
of appeal to the imagination, the lack of the dramatic and the
picturesque, are in this leader’s opinion a weakness that, if not cor
rected, may eventually prove fatal to the movement. This fact has
also been recognized by others and efforts are being made in cooper
ative organizations here and there throughout the country to
humanize cooperation and widen its appeal (p. 101).
British Columbia is the first Canadian Province to adopt, the old-age
pension plan authorized by the Canadian Parliament in March, 1927.
Under this schema the Province will pay a maximum pension of
$240 per year to such of its residents as have reached the age of 70
and meet the other requirements of the law (p. 88).
A n Australian royal commission on child endowment has recently
been appointed to consider the subject from the point of view of the
Commonwealth as a whole, with special reference to the social and
economic effects of such a system. The commission consists of five
members, one of whom is a woman (p. 93).
A n eight-hour da,y fo r men and a seven-hour day fo r women and
minors are established for commercial employees in Salvador under a
recent act of the legislative assembly. This act also provides for a
weekly rest day, an annual vacation of at least 15 days with pay, and
sick leave with pay under certain conditions. The provision of the
old law establishing a workers’ compulsory saving fund is omitted
(p. 110).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
MONTHLY
LABOR R E VI E W
OF
U.
S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
WASHINGTON
V O L . 25, N O . 6
De
c em ber
,
1927
The Work of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
HE character and scope of the bureau’s work may be best
described by a review of its major activities during recent
months. This is done, very briefly, in the present article.
Primarily the Bureau of Labor Statistics is a fact-finding agency.
Its duty as set forth in the act creating it is to “ collect information
upon the subject of labor * * * and the means of promoting the
material, social, intellectual, and moral prosperity” of the wage
earners of this country. The function of the bureau is thus some
what broader than is commonly understood by the word “ statistics.”
J ts field of work not only covers purely statistical data, but also
includes other subjects of vital human welfare, such as accident pre
vention, housing, labor legislation, and social insurance in all its
phases.
The activities of the bureau during recent months have covered
the collection, compilation, and publication of statistical data regard
ing wages and hours of labor in various industries, union scales of
wages and hours of labor, strikes and lockouts and collective agree
ments, employment in selected industries, wholesale prices, retail
prices, cost of living, productivity of labor in various industries, in
dustrial accidents, industrial safety codes, labor legislation in the
various States and decisions of courts affecting labor, building oper
ations in principal cities of the United States, cooperation, industrial
hygiene, workmen’s compensation, personnel activities for employees,
State and municipal pensions, labor turnover, apprenticeship in the
building trades, and the preparation and publication of the Labor
Review. In addition to these more or less permanent lines of work,
much of the bureau’s time and energy was taken up with special
studies, the principal ones being a health survey in the printing
trades, published as Bulletin No. 427, a handbook of American tra.deunions, published as Bulletin No. 420, and deaths from lead poisoning,
published as Bulletin No. 426.
T
Wages and Hours of Labor, by Industries
CUR many years the principal activity of the Bureau of Labor
Statistics was that of gathering and publishing data on wages
and hours of labor in the various industries. Formerly this included
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 8 5 ]
1
2
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
three topics—wages, hours of labor, and length of time each plant
was in operation during the year. The last-mentioned subject, how
ever, proved very unsatisfactory, since employers would list a plant
as in operation if any part of it was in operation, whereas under the
present subdivision of industry into various departments of the
same plant one department might work continuously while other
departments were working on part time or entirely closed down for
a considerable period of the year. This feature of the wage work was
therefore dropped because it is covered in a more satisfactory manner
by the bureau’s report on employment in selected industries.
It would be highly desirable, of course, if the bureau’s wage studies
could cover all important industries at least once a year. Limita
tion of funds makes this impossible, and the bureau’s present policy
is to cover the larger industries once every two years. The follow
ing brief description of the industrial wage studies made during
recent months will indicate the character of the bureau’s work along
this line.
Boots and Shoes
In collecting wage data for the boot and shoe industry, agents of
the bureau during the latter part of 1926 copied wage data for 29,925
males and 22,772 females directly from the pay rolls of 154 repre
sentative shoe factories in 14 States. The 52,697 wage earners covered
in the 1926 report represent 23.4 per cent of the total number reported
in the boot and shoe industry in 1923 by the United States Census of
Manufactures.
As a result of this study, average full-time hours per week in the
boot and shoe industry were found to be 49; earnings per hour,
52.8 cents; and full-time earnings per week, $25.87. Between 1913
and 1926 average full-time hours per week decreased 11.1 per cent,
average earnings per hour increased 119.1 per cent, and average full
time earnings per week increased 95.4 per cent.
Average full-time hours per week for the industry, or of all em
ployees covered in each State in 1926, ranged from 46.2 in New Jersey
to 53.4 in Maine. Average earnings per hour ranged from 39.8 cents
in Maine to 61.2 cents in Massachusetts. Average full-time earnings
per week ranged from $21.25 in Maine to $28.83 in Massachusetts.
The summary figures for the industry were published in the March,
1927, Labor Review, and detailed figures in Bullletin No. 450.
Cotton Goods
Data for the cotton-goods manufacturing industry were obtained
in 1926 from 151 establishments located in the following 12 States:
Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hamp
shire, New York, North. Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
South Carolina, and Virginia. Data for hours of labor and earnings
were obtained for 46,879 males and 36,103 females, or a total of
82,982 wage earners. Schedules from all establishments were ob
tained for a one-week pay period for all occupations except weavers,
for whom a two-week pay period was taken.
Average full-time hours decreased 10.3 per cent between 1913 and
1920. From 1920 to 1926 hours increased 2.9 per cent. The average
full-time hours per week for 1926 were 53.3.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 11SG]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
3
Between 1913 and 1920 earnings per hour increased 223.5 per cent
and between 1920 and 1926 decreased 31.7 per cent. The average
earnings per hour in 1926 were 32.8 cents. From 1913 to 1920 aver
age full-time earnings per week increased 191.8 per cent and from
1920 to 1926 decreased 29.7 per cent. Average full-time weekly
earnings for 1926 were $17.48.
Summary figures of this study were published in the February,
1927, Labor Review, and detailed figures in Bulletin No. 446.
Woolen and Worsted Goods
In the study of wages and hours in the woolen and worsted goods
industry in 1926 schedules were obtained from 112 establishments,
located in the following 8 States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachu
setts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and
Vermont. Data for hours of labor and earnings were obtained for
22,152 males and 17,818 females, or a total of 39,970 wage earners.
Schedules from all establishments were obtained for a one-week pay
period for all occupations except weavers, for whom a two-week pay
period was taken.
Average full-time hours decreased 13.8 per cent between 1913 and
1920, and increased 2.1 per cent between 1920 and 1926. The average
full-time hours per week for 1926 were 49.3.
Between 1913 and 1920 earnings per hour increased 253.7 per cent
and between 1920 and 1926 decreased 21.8 per cent. Average earn
ings per hour were 49.1 cents in 1926. Between 1913 and 1920 aver
age full-time weekly earnings increased 203.6 per cent and between
1920 and 1926 decreased 20.2 per cent. Average full-time weekly
earnings were $24.21 in 1926.
Summaries of this study were published in the February, 1927,
Labor Review and detailed figures in Bulletin No. 443.
Men’s Clothing
The 1926 data for the men’s clothing industry were taken from the
June, July, and August pay rolls of the companies visited, and in
cluded 17,048 male and 16,611 female wage earners of 198 establish
ments operating 359 shops. The number of wage earners represents
17 per cent of the wage earners in the industry in the United States
and approximately 27 per cent of the wage earners in the industry
in the localities covered, according to the 1923 United States Census
of Manufactures. The establishments covered in 1926 were located
In 10 cities, besides a group of cities and towns in eastern Penn
sylvania outside Philadelphia.
Average hourly earnings for the industry as a whole in 1926 were
191.8 per cent higher than in 1913, more than three times that of 1911,
68 per cent higher than in 1919, and 3 per cent higher than in 1922,
but were 1.3 per cent lower than in 1924. Average earnings per hour
for the industry were 25.6 cents in 1914, 44.6 cents in 1919, 72.8
cents in 1922, 76 cents in 1924, and 75 cents in 1926. The earnings
of males and of females as two separate groups were higher in 1926
than in 1924. The paradoxical decrease, for the combined earnings
of males and of females was due to a larger percentage of females in
the industry in 1926 than in 1924. Between 1913 and 1926 full-time
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 8 7 ]
4
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
hours decreased 14.3 per cent and full-time weekly earnings increased
151.4 per cent.
Summary figures for the industry were published in the November,
1926, Labor Review and detailed figures were published in Bulletin
No. 435.
Iron and Steel
The field work for this study was begun early in 1926, and com
pleted about the middle of June. The 1926 data were obtained
from 199 plants, located in 13 States, and included 75,109 wage earn
ers. The plants covered have been grouped into four districts—the
“ Eastern,” “ Pittsburgh,” “ Great Lakes and Middle West,” and
“ Southern.” The wage earners covered were approximately 19 per
cent of all employees in the industry, according to the United States
Census of Manufactures for 1925.
Industry averages of full-time hours were 66.1 in 1913, 64.9 in 1914,
65.5 in 1915, 63.1 in 1920, 63.2 in 1922, 55.2 in 1924, and 54.4 in 1926.
Average earnings per hour were 30.1 cents in 1913 and 1914, 29.7 cents
in 1915, 74.5 cents in 1920, 51.3 cents in 1922, 64.4 cents in 1924, and
63.7 cents in 1926. Average full-time earnings per week were $18.89
in 1913, $18.60 in 1914, $18.65 in 1915, $45.65 in 1920, $31.67 in 1922,
$35.22 in 1924, and $34.41 in l926.
Average earnings per hour in 1926, by districts, for laborers, in all
departments combined were 37.4 cents in the “ Eastern” district, 45.2
cents in the “ Pittsburgh” district, 45.8 cents in the “ Great Lakes
and Middle W est” district, and 28.1 cents in the “ Southern” district.
Average earnings per hour for laborers by departments, all districts
combined, ranged from 35.7 cents in puddling mills to 47.5 cents in
sheet mills.
Summary figures for the industry were published in the September
and October, 1926, and May, 1927, issues of the Labor Review, and
detailed figures were published in Bulletin No. 442.
The representative of the bureau who visited Europe in the spring
of 1926 found that in the iron and steel industry p uddlers in Birming
ham, England, earned from $3.54 to $3.85 per 8-hour shift, and
their helpers $2.12 to $2.31. In open-hearth furnaces in Birmingham
the first melter earned about $9.34 per 8-hour shift, the second
hand $6.31, the third hand $4.67, and the fourth hand $3.04. Stock
ers earned $2.09 per day and common laborers $1.70. In a sample
blast furnace the keeper on an 8-hour day and seven shifts per
week earned $27.83 per week, the charger (top filler) $22.78, the ore
filler $21.63, the first stove man $19.44, the furnace laborer $12.91.
In Germany wages were obtained from several localities. The
earnings per 8-hour day for blast-furnace keepers ranged from
$1.58 to $2.07; stockers had a range of wages for a 10-hour day from
$1.31 to $1.58, open-hearth melters from $2.17 to $2.74, and helpers
from $1.83 to $2.45 per day.
Bituminous-coal Mining
Wage data for the 1926 study of the bituminous-coal mining indus
try covered pay rolls of 556 mines in 11 of the most important coalproducing States and comprised a total of 148,155 wage earners, or
25 per cent of the 588,493 mine workers reported in bituminous-coal
mining in 1925 by the United States Bureau of Mines.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1188 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
5
The three basic occupations in bituminous-coal mining are those
of hand or pick miners, machine miners (cutters), and hand loaders.
They represent approximately 63 per cent of all wage earners in the
industry. Average hours worked per half month based on time at
the face or working place (including time for lunch) of loaders was
66.2 in 1922, 63.3 in 1924, and 73.7 in 1926; of hand or pick miners,
71 in 1922, 65.6 in 1924, and 77 in 1926; of machine miners, 75.4 in
1922, 72.9 in 1924, and 86 in 1926. Average earnings per hour based
on time at the face (including time for lunch) of loaders was 90.2
cents in 1922, 81.1 cents in 1924, and 77.9 cents in 1926; of hand or
pick miners, 84 cents in 1922, 80.9 cents in 1924, and 78.3 cents in
1926; of machine miners, $1,274 in 1922, $1,163 in 1924, and $1,195
in 1926.
Summary figures were published in the July, 1927, Labor Review
and detailed figures in Bulletin No. 454.
Motor Vehicles
The field work for this study of wages and hours of labor in the
motor-vehicle industry was taken up near the middle of October,
1925. The bulk of the data are for a pay period in October, Novem
ber, or December. The 1925 data covered a total of 140,930 male
and 3,432 female wage earners in 99 plants or establishments in
8 States. The number of wage earners covered represents 35.6 per
cent of the total number reported in the 1923 Census of Manufactures.
Average full-time hours per week for the industry increased from
50.1 in 1922 to 50.3 in 1925. Average earnings per hour increased
from 65.7 cents in 1922 to 72.3 cents in 1925. Average full-time
earnings per week increased from $32.92 in 1922 to $36.37 in 1925.
Summary figures were published in the August, 1926, Labor Re
view, and detailed figures in Bulletin No. 438.
Hosiery and Underwear
Between October 1 and December 31, 1926, wage data were col
lected by the agents of the bureau from the pay rolls and other
records of 105 representative establishments in the hosiery industry
in 18 States and 85 representative establishments in the underwear
industry in 15 States. Data were collected for 10,250 males and
20,296 females, or a total of 30,546 in hosiery, and for 2,860 males
and 12,188 females, or a total of 15,048 in underwear. _
The 1926 averages in the hosiery industry were: Full-time hours per
week, 51.9; earnings per hour, 47.2 cents; and full-time earnings per
week, $24.50. Averages for the underwear industry were: Full-time
hours per week, 50.3; average earnings per hour, 37.8 cents; full
time earnings per week, $19.01. The averages for both industries
combined were: Full-time hours per week, 51.3; earnings per hour,
44.3 cents; full-time earnings per week, $22.73.
Full-time hours per week for both industries combined decreased
from an index of 100 in 1913 to 92.4 in 1926. Average earnings per
hour increased from an index of 100 in 1913 to 266.6 in 1926. Aver
age full-time earnings per week increased from an index of 100 in
1913 to an index of 245.6 in 1926.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1189]
6
MONTHLY LABOE -REVIEW
Summary figures were published m the May, 1927, Labor Review
and detailed figures in Bulletin No. 452.
Pottery
To supplement the study of wages, hours, and productivity in
the pottery industry made in 1925,. the bureau sent a representative
to Europe in the spring of 1926 to collect such data as could be
obtained in Great Britain and in Germany for comparison with
American conditions. Government statistical offices, employers, and
trade-union officials were visited.
In the earthenware potteries of England it was found that male
plate makers earned an average of 37 cents per hour; females, 26.4
cents. Male casters had an average earning of 33 cents per hour and
females 17.7 cents. Pressmen in the slip house earned 34.5 cents per
hour; female lithographers, 15.2 cents per hour. The prevailing
working time in the potteries was 8 ^ hours per day and 47 hours
per week. A plate-making crew of three (plate maker, mold runner,
and finisher) made from 120 to 192 plates per hour.
Occupational wage figures for the pottery industry were not found
available in Germany, owing in part to the German method of class
ing employees in skilled or unskilled groups rather than by occupa
tions. Skilled male pieceworkers’ earnings ranged from 31.7 cents
per hour in Berlin to 18.6 cents in small country places. Unskilled
male time-workers’ earnings ranged from 17.9 cents per hour in Berlin
to 13.1 cents in small country localities. These averages cover both
earthenware and porcelain potteries. The prevailing hours were 8
per day and 48 per week.
Wage Studies in Progress
Wage studies for the following industries are now in progress:
Slaughtering and meat packing; foundries and machine shops; elec
trical appliances and equipment for the home and shop; aluminum,
copper, and brass ware; cotton-oil mills, compresses, and gins.
These studies, as in the case of all other wage studies, are being made
by special agents of the bureau, who themselves transcribe all the
data derived from the records of the establishments visited.
Union Scales of Wages and Honrs of Labor
A NOTHER important wage survey of the Bureau of Labor Statis* * tics covers union scales of wages and hours of labor in selected
trades and occupations. This survey is made annually and is con
fined to the unions whose members work at time rates and which
have definite agreements with their employers. In this work the
bureau has secured the cooperation of several of the State bureaus
of labor, which obtain the information from the trade-unions in their
States and furnish the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics with
copies of reports from such cities and such unions as are contained in
the bureau’s list. Information on union wages and hours of labor in
selected trades and occupations has been collected back to 1907.
Data are obtained as of May 15 each year by personal visits of special
agents of the bureau in the case of 50 cities and by cooperation of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 0 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
7
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Ohio State bureaus for the other
16 cities located within those States.
The report for 1927 covered bakers, building trades, chauffeurs and
teamsters and drivers, granite and stone cutters, laundry workers,
linemen, longshoremen, book and job and newspaper printing trades,
and street-railway motormen and conductors. Trades in the above
groups are shown for 66 cities and include a total of 835,924 tradeunion members for whom minimum wages and maximum hours
under agreements are shown.
The average hourly wage rate for 1927 of all trades covered, except
street-railway motormen and conductors, was $1.19; for motormen
and conductors it was $0.682. The average hours for all groups
except street-railway motormen and conductors were 45.2. No hours
were shown in the case of motormen and conductors because of the
irregular shifts worked.
The general index number for all trades combined showed that
hourly rates of wages for 1927 were 159.5 per cent higher than in
1913, while hours per week were 7.3 per cent lower than in 1913.
A bulletin is published each year including all trades and occupa
tions covered in the survey. In addition wages and hours for 20 of
the principal trades in 40 localities are published in the September
issue of the Labor Review and a summary for the year in the
November issue.
Strikes and Lockouts and Collective Agreements
f^LOSELY connected with the wage studies of the bureau has been
the work of the division which reports on strikes and lockouts
and the division reporting on collective agreements and arbitration
awards.
Strikes and Lockouts
Since 1916 the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been compiling
statistics of industrial disputes and publishing condensed statements
thereof in the Labor Review. Prior to 1926 such publication had
been made quarterly and annually, but beginning with November,
1926, a change was made to a monthly basis to conform with the
bureau’s desire to publish its statistics monthly whenever possible.
There is no legislation in the United States requiring the report
ing of strikes and lockouts to the Federal Government, and the
bureau has no machinery for the prompt and full recording of such
disputes. For the initial reports of disputes it must rely largely
upon newspapers and other publications supplemented by informa
tion supplied by the Conciliation Service of the Department of
Labor. As a result the bureau’s records can not be regarded as
entirely complete. It is believed, however, that all the larger and
more important strikes are duly recorded.
Until recently, in following up the preliminary reports of disputes,
reliance was placed chiefly upon correspondence, all parties to a
controversy being written to and requested to fill out forms covering
the principal items of information desired. This system was only
partially successful, and beginning in the latter part of 1927, the
policy was adopted of using representatives of the department to
check up and complete the detailed reports desired. By this means
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 1 ]
8
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
it is expected that in future the bureau’s monthly reports on strikes
and lockouts will be greatly improved.
As shown by the data published by the bureau, the number of
industrial disputes in the United States for the past few years has
been at a low level. Thus in 1926 the number of disputes in which
the number of persons involved was reported was only 783, with
329,592 workers affected, or a smaller number than in any other year
since the beginning of the bureau’s reports in 1916. During 1927 the
bituminous-coal strike greatly increased the number of workers
affected by industrial disputes, but aside from this the number of
disputes during 1927 has continued at a low level.
Collective Agreements and Arbitration Awards
The bureau makes every effort to obtain copies of new collective
agreements and arbitration awards. It has, however, no special
equipment for this purpose and must rely largely on the labor
unions and employers to furnish these documents. A careful search
of the newspapers, trade-union journals, and labor papers is made in
order to keep in touch with developments along this line.
After the agreements have been received, study is made of their
contents and any new features or peculiarities or changes in condi
tions, or any items deemed for any reason to be worthy of mention
are noted and printed in the Labor Review. Similarly, changes in
wages or hours are also stated and printed monthly in the Review.
At the end of the year representative agreements made during the
year are analyzed for publication in bulletin form. Bulletin No. 448
dealt with the year 1926.
Arbitration awards are similarly treated. Significant ones are
printed, in whole or in part, in the Review, as are also decisions of
impartial chairmen in various branches of the clothing industry
in cities where impartial machinery has been set up, and decisions
of the train service boards of adjustment.
Employment in Selected Manufacturing Industries
'T H E Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes monthly reports on cmA ployment in selected manufacturing industries, based on returns
obtained by correspondence from nearly 11,000 establishments.
These reports show the number of people employed and the total
amount of their earnings in one week in 54 of the most important
manufacturing industries. Additional facts are given as to changes
in rates of wages, changes in per capita earnings, and changes in
operating time, and the percentage of full-time and part-time opera
tion for the plants as a whole.
Approximately three-fourths of the 11,000 establishments make
reports directly to the bureau each month; the remaining establish
ments make reports to the bureau of labor of the State in which
they are located, these bureaus in turn furnishing the Bureau of
Labor Statistics with a copy of the data, thereby saving a duplication
of reports on the part of the establishments. At present this co
operative arrangement is in force with seven States—California,
Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and
Wisconsin.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 2 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
9
Index numbers, which show relatively the variations in number of
persons employed and in pay-roll totals in each industry surveyed, as
well as for all industries combined, are published by the bureau, to
gether with charts, which show the course of employment over a
series of months. These graphic charts make easily possible a com
parison of industrial activities in the current month with conditions
in previous months, and especially with conditions in the same month
of the preceding year, the last-named comparison being a most reliable
measure of general industrial conditions. That is, while variations
in employment and pay-roll totals from month to month may truly
indicate increases or depressions in business, the relative monthly
levels are most sensitive to seasonal variations and hence may be
wrongly interpreted, but when a comparison is made over a year’s
interval the variation in levels is of the utmost significance.
The average index of employment in the first nine months of 1927
has been uniformly lower than the corresponding indexes for 1926.
Pay-roll totals also have been lower in 1927 than in 1926, excepting
the month of May, when the level was the same in 1927 as in 1926.
.The collection of monthly employment data of this character makes
possible also a comparison of industrial conditions in the different
sections of the United States and enables a study of the growth or
decline of an industry in one section as compared with another
section. For example, a study of the cotton-goods industry in the
New England States, the Middle Atlantic States, and the Southern
States has just been published, covering the period from January,
1923, to May, 1927, which graphically pictures the remarkable
changes which recently have taken place in the location of this
industry. Similar studies are made from time to time, as variations
in an industry become apparent and as means are available.
In handling the monthly data on employment every effort is made
to secure prompt compilation and publication of the results. Under
the system now employed, a mimeographed summary statement of
the data for each month is released on or about the 15th of the
succeeding month and a printed pamphlet containing all details is
issued about a week later.
In addition to the compilation of data showing the volume of
employment and the amount of pay roll the bureau shows_ (a) the
percentage of establishments operating full time and part time and
the average percentage of full time operated, and (b) the percentage
of establishments operating with full force and part force, and the
average per cent of full force employed. All of these items are
shown by industries and by groups of industries.
Wholesale Prices
W 7H0LESALE prices in representative markets of the country are
*y collected each month by the bureau for 550 commodities. In
some instances prices for a particular grade or quality of an article
of special importance are obtained in several different localities. In
other instances prices for several different grades of an important
article are obtained in the same locality.
A majority of the price quotations are taken from standard trade
journals. About one-third are furnished directly by manufacturers
72923°—27-
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1193]
10
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
or sales agents. In a number of instances prices are furnished by
officials of boards of trade and similar bodies. As far as possible
the quotations for the various commodities are secured in their
primary markets. For example, the prices quoted for livestock and
most animal products, as well as for most of the grains, are for
Chicago; flour prices are mainly for Kansas City, Minneapolis, and
St. Louis; pig iron and steel for Pittsburgh; and so on.
The information collected by the bureau is published annually in
bulletin form, each bulletin containing monthly data for the last
two years and yearly data back to 1890. Detailed information is
also published monthly in pamphlet form and in the Labor Review.
During the current year the bureau decided to revise its index
numbers of wholesale prices in order to provide a better barometer
of price changes.
This revision was completed and made public in September, 1927.
I t consists of (1) a change in the price base from the pre-war year
1913 to the last completed year, 1926, and (2) the substitution of
more recentdata for the 1919 weighting data used in the construc
tion of _the index numbers for groups of commodities. In addition,
a considerable number of articles of great importance, such as
automobiles and tires, agricultural implements, prepared fertilizers,
by-product coke, rayon, and box board, have been included in the
revised figures, while several articles no longer important, as clay
worsted and middlesex suiting, and Bessemer steel billets and rails,
have been dropped.
The shift in the price base from 1913 to 1926 has been made in
order that the latest and most reliable information may be utilized
as the standard for measuring price changes. Also it has become
increasingly apparent that the year 1913 is now too remote to
furnish longer a satisfactory base for comparing prices.
For much the same reasons data for the years 1923 to 1925 have
been substituted for the 1919 figures used in weighting the prices
included in the index numbers. Where trustworthy information for
the three years 1923, 1924, and 1925 could be procured, as in the case
of agricultural products, the average for these years was used as the
weight. For manufactured products the census reports of 1923 and
1925 were used. ^ In all cases the most recent and dependable infor
mation obtainable has been employed in constructing the weighted
index numbers for the various groups of commodities. In addition,
a few changes of minor importance have been made in the arrange
ment and composition of the groups. The revised index includes 550
commodities as compared with 404 formerly used.
The bureau’s indexes show that wholesale prices have been ap
preciably lower in 1927 as compared with 1926, but with a distinct
upward trend beginning in July and continuing as late as October.
Retail Prices
lpOR a number of years the bureau has collected and published data
relating to retail prices of food. Prices are now secured for 43
articles in 51 cities. The information is furnished by approximately
1,500 retail dealers, the number ranging from 10 to 15 in the smaller
cities to as high as 30 in several of the larger cities. Furthermore,
reports are now received from about 240 bakeries, 225 retail coal
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 4 ]
WORK OP BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
11
dealers, 80 gas companies, and 70 electric-light companies. This in
formation is furnished voluntarily on blanks supplied by the bureau.
In the case of food, the retail dealers who furnish the information
are selected through personal visits of agents of the bureau, the
dealers being largely owners of neighborhood and chain stores patron
ized by workingmen’s families. After the agent has selected a store,
arrangements are made with the merchant to forward to the bureau
a statement of prices of the various commodities on the 15th of each
month thereafter. Return visits to the various firms are made by
agents whenever it becomes necessary to make personal inquiries con
cerning the price quotations or to secure new reporters in place of
firms going out of business or who persistently fail to send in their
reports.
Coal dealers in each city are requested to quote prices on the kind
of coal usually sold for household use. The prices relate to coal
delivered to consumers, but do not include charges for storing the
coal in. cellars or coal bins when extra handling is necessary. Gas
and electricity prices are collected twice a year, viz, June 15 and
December 15. Companies are visited by agents of the bureau when
questions arise that can be answered only by a personal interview
with the official supplying the information. Coal, gas, and electric
ity prices are secured in each of the 51 cities for which food prices
are collected.
The information relating to retail prices is published annually in
a bulletin, summaries back to 1890 being given in each report. Since
July, 1915, much information has also been included in the Labor
Review. The prices are published in the form both of averages and
of index numbers. The index numbers for all food articles combined
are made from weighted aggregates of actual money prices in order
that each article may have an influence equal to its relative impor
tance in consumption in the average family, the year 1913 being used
as the price base or 100 per cent.
The retail food index number is used frequently in wage discus
sions, food being estimated at about 38 per cent of the entire family
expenditure and data being available each month, while cost-of-living
figures as a whole are collected only twice a year.
During the first half of 1927 retail food prices were somewhat
higher than in the corresponding period of 1926, but beginning in
June and extending as late as October retail food prices have been
lower than in the corresponding months of 1926.
Cost of Living
1918 the bureau has been publishing “ Changes in the cost
ui living.” However, when the work was begun, prices were
secured in a number of cities back to December, 1914, consequently
the tables bearing on this subject start from that date.
There are two essential features in this work. One is to find the
differences from time to time in the prices or cost of the several
articles entering into the usual family expenditures, and the other is
so to “ weight” the price of each article or group of articles that it
will have its proper effect on the cost of living as a whole. I t is
evident that the price of an overcoat will have greater weight in the
family budget than the price of a pair of shoes or of a hat, but an
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1195]
12
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
overcoat will usually last several years, while most men purchase
shoes and hats each year, so that the latter items may cost as much
or more in the total than the former item.
Having provided a system of weighting, the next step is to secure
information relative to the prices of the various items or articles
entering into the usual family budget and their changes from time to
time. The number of articles is so great that it is impracticable to
get prices at frequént intervals on all the articles the average family
buys, so the bureau has selected a number of the more important and
representative articles of each of the six groups and. secures prices on.
these articles. It is believed that the articles so selected fairly repre
sent ail the articles in the respective groups, and that changes in the
cost of living, based on changes in the cost of these articles, are very
close to the actual changes experienced by the average family. The
manner of securing and computing prices of food, coal, gas, and
electricity is described under the section devoted to “ Retail prices.”
All other prices are secured periodically by special agents of the
bureau, who visit merchants, dealers, and agents and get data directly
from records.
In selecting stores and establishments from which to secure prices
every effort is made to get representative firms in various sections
of the city which are patronized by workingmen’s families.
Quotations for each article are secured from four stores or estab
lishments, with a few exceptions, such as street-car fares, for instance,
where in the nature of things not so many quotations can be obtained.
D ata on rents are secured from 400 to 2,200 houses and apartments
in each city, depending on the population. These houses are such
as are occupied by representative workingmen’s families.
Prices of clothing, furniture, and the like are secured through the
personal visits of agents, rather than by correspondence, for two
reasons. The articles in these groups are not standardized to the
extent that articles of food are; neither can they be described so defi
nitely as to be readily identified at all times. Besides this, the grade
or quality as well as the style of clothing, furniture, and the like is
constantly changing, and substitutions frequently have to be made.
It is absolutely essential in order to secure correct results when such
substitutions or changes are made that the article substituted must
be as nearly as possible of the same quality or grade as the original
article. The experience of the bureau is that it is very difficult, if
not impossible, to obtain satisfactory results in this work by corre
spondence. It requires the personal investigation and careful inquiry
of a trained agent who thoroughly understands the work to secure
the best results. Whenever substitutions have to be made prices are
secured on the articles substituted for the previous price period as
well as for the present, so that the figures will always be comparable.
The following table gives index numbers with 1913 as the base, or
100, showing changes in the total cost of living in the United States
from 1913 to June, 1927:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 6 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
13
IN D E X N U M B E R S S H O W IN G C H A N G E S IN CO ST O F L IV IN G IN T H E U N IT E D S T A T F S
1913 TO JU N E , 1927
’
D ate
Average, 1913_________
December, 1914........... .
D ecember, 1915_______
December, 1916_______
December, 1917 _______
December, 1918_______
June, 1919._________ _
December, 1919_______
June, 1920.......................
December, 1920_______
Index
num bers
100.0
103.0
105.1
118.3
142.4
174.4
177.3
199.3
216. 5
200.4
D ate
M ay, 1921......................
September, 1921______
December, 1921______
M arch, 1922_________
June, 1922___________
September, 1922______
December, 1922_____
M arch, 1923________
June, 1923__________ _
September, 1923_____
Index
num bers
180.4
177.3
174.3
166.9
166.6
166.3
169.5
168.8
169.7
172.1
D ate
D ecember, 1923.............
M arch, 1924_____
June, 1924__________
Septem ber, 1924 _____
D ecember, 1924___
June, 1925 _______
D ecember, 1925___ _
June, 1926___________
December, 1926___
June, 1927_________
Index
num bers
173.2
170.4
169.1
170.6
172.5
173.5
177.9
174.8
175.6
173.4
Need for a New Family Budgetary Survey
From the above it will be noted that the value of the bureau’s
cost-of-living figures depends very largely upon the accuracy of the
measurement of the standard of living as derived from the family
budget survey. The family budgetary survey upon which the bureau
is depending for its weights or, in other words, for the amount of
each article consumed by the average workingman’s family, was made
in 1918-19 and is therefore practically 10 years old. That survey
covered 12,096 families. These families were fairly well scattered,
but the distribution was based upon the fact that the information was
primarily wanted for the United States Shipping Board; hence ship
building centers received possibly more consideration than they would
in a budgetary survey intended to furnish a cross-section view of the
entire industrial population of the United States.
There can be little doubt in the mind of anyone who has had even
casual contact with the workers of the United States that their stand
ard of living has greatly improved since 1918. I t has frequently
been stated_that the per capita consumption of bread and flour is
lower than it was several years ago, but the answer to this is that
as people learn the meaning of a balanced ration more vegetables
and fruits and less bread are used. The same is true of meat.
As a nation we have been accused of being too heavy meat eaters;
nevertheless, as education advances, this corrects itself; and the
decrease in consumption of both of these articles of food does not
mean a lowering of standards, but probably means a better or more
intelligent standard. Also the 1918 survey did not cover installment
buying. Just what effect installment buying of automobiles, radios,
household electrical appliances, and the like may be having upon
the purchases of the more generally accepted regular articles of house
hold need, even food, it is impossible to tell.
I t must be clear that if there has been a redistribution of ex
penditures along lines other than those found to be true in 1918,
then the collection of present prices on articles consumed in 1918 and
the application of these prices to the volume and distribution of
consumption _as found in 1918 do not give a 1927 cost-of-living
picture. I t is a very serious question as to whether or not the
bureau should continue to collect up-to-date prices to be applied
to a 1918 quantity distribution of family purchases and call this an
up-to-date cost-of-living study.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[11971
14
MONTHLY LABOE BEVTETW
Another use that has been recently made of the bureau’s family
consumption figures has shown that those figures enable the manu
facturers to determine very closely the volume of a given product
which the American market would absorb, and also that they give
local merchants a very definite idea as to the quantity of any desig
nated article of household or family use that can be sold in a given
city in a year.
Family budget surveys are too expensive to be done from the
bureau’s ordinary funds, and a special appropriation for this purpose
is highly desirable.
The new survey, if authorized, should cover a better selection of
industrial centers according to the proportion of our working popula
tion engaged in the various industries. A larger number of smaller
cities should bo included. The survey should include a larger
number of families and the income limit of families to be budgeted
should be increased. More stress should be laid upon quantity con
sumption per family and per individual and a more careful study of
installment-plan purchases should be made.
Productivity of Labor
TN THE earlier years of its existence the Bureau of Labor Statistics
1 devoted a very large proportion of its time to the collection of
wages, or what the worker is paid for his time. This grew from
year to year until the bureau has now a very large fund of wage
information covering a very large group of workers. Subsequently
much of the bureau’s time and effort were given to the subjects of
cost of living, food prices, and so on, to determine what it costs the
worker to live, and this in relation to the wages he receives. Under
the present administration it has been felt that the other point of the
triangle should be ascertained to make the picture complete; that is
to say, what the worker does for the wages he receives. The bureau
has ascertained what the worker receives for his labor and what he
gets for the money received when he in turn spends it to maintain
himself, but no attention has been paid to what the employer gets
for the money he pays in wages. While this phase of the industrial
problem has received some attention since the beginning of the
present administration of the bureau, it is only within the past
fiscal year that thoroughly worked-out plans have been put into
operation.
The measurement of productivity is a problem entirety distinct
from that of assigning the causes of any increases or decreases that
may have taken place over a period of time. The increased output
per man-hour in a given industry may have been due to more skill
ful and efficient labor, to new inventions, improved machinery,
superior management, or any one of a number of factors; but the
bureau in these general summaries makes no attempt to determine
the relative importance of these factors. Labor time is used as the
unit for measuring productivity, but this does not imply that the
increased output is due to the efforts of labor alone, or that it is due
to the efforts of labor at all.
The productivity studies of the bureau have been along two lines:
(1) To develop, from existing data, indexes of productivity showing
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1198]
w oke: o f b u r ea u
o f l a b o r s t a t is t ic s
15
for various important industries the changes in the output per man
hour over a period of years, and (2) special field studies of selected
industries. A study of the glass industry has been completed, as has
also a study of one branch of the cotton-manufacturing industry.
Similar field studies of the iron and steel industry, the printing
trades, and longshore work are now under way.
Indexes of Labor Productivity
The primary problem in the compilation of indexes of labor pro
ductivity is that of harmonizing the statistics of production and of
employment which are already being gathered by governmental and
other agencies. These statistics have been compiled for other pur
poses than measurement of productivity, and they can not always be
readily combined to show output per man-hour; but when the im
portance and practicability of productivity measurement are clearly
understood, it should be possible to gather employment and produc
tion figures in the important industries of the country in such a way
that the changes in output per man per hour can be clearly and accu
rately shown from year to year. The timeliness of this work of the
bureau is emphasized by the rapid growth and widespread use of such
measurement by individual concerns for their own purposes.
In approaching this problem the bureau has been interested pri
marily in general summaries of the man-hour productivity in the
industry as a whole rather than sample data for important plants.
The loss in accuracy of the general summary is more than counter
balanced by the comprehensiveness of the material and the signifi
cance of the resulting indexes. Thus far the bureau has been able to
construct productivity indexes for 11 industries. These have shown
increases in output per man-hour from 1914 to 1925, as follows: Iron
and steel, 59 per cent; boots and shoes, 6 per cent; leather tanning,
26 per cent; slaughtering and meat packing, 27 per cent; petroleum
refining, 83 per cent; paper and pulp manufacturing, 34 per cent;
cement manufacturing, 61 per cent; automobiles, 172 per cent; rubber
tires, 211 per cent; flour milling, 40 per cent; and sugar refining, 28
per cent. For the most part the period covered is that from 1914 to
1925, though occasionally it has been possible to make indexes further
back, to 1909 or earlier. In no industry has there failed to be an
advance in productivity between 1914 and 1925, while in some the
output per man-hour has been doubled and even tripled in the last
10 years.
The general productivity studies above described have relied chiefly
on data already compiled and drawn from numerous sources. While
sufficiently accurate for general purposes, the indexes so derived
must be revised and amplified by direct field investigation before
thoroughness and exactness are attained. Further, the bare measure
ment of productivity must be supplemented by analysis of the rea
sons for changes which are discovered in order that the statistical
results may not be misused by those economic groups desiring to
claim the larger share of the credit for greater efficiency. The
bureau is therefore ascertaining and measuring the causes of increased
output per man-hour by means of these special field studies.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 1 9 9 ]
16
MONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW
Labor Productivity in the Glass Industry
A very comprehensive study of the glass industry, with special
reference to_ labor productivity, has been published as Bulletin No.
441. The importance and general results of this study were set
forth as follows in a summary published in the April, 1927, Labor
Review:
In no other industry has the introduction of machinery had a more dramatic
effect upon labor productivity than in the glass industry. Thus, to take an
extreme example, in the blowing of 4-ounce prescription bottles the average out
put per man is more than forty-one times as great with the automatic machine
as with the hand processes which were in general use up to less than 20 years
ago. This means a great reduction in the number of workers necessary to turn
out a given quantity of product. It also means a great change in the character
of the labor force, instead of a group of very highly skilled glass blowers, assisted
by a group of unskilled “ boys,” the automatic machine employs mechanics
and machine operators, with little or no demand for child labor.
These revolutionary changes in the glass industry have taken place within a
period of 25 years. Tire advent of the twentieth century found the glass industry
in the United States still in the stage of hand production. With the exception
of a few experimental semiautomatic machines used for the making of vaseline
jars, the process of blowing bottles and other glassware was essentially the same
as that used in Egypt some 3,500 years ago. In 1925 hand production had all
but disappeared from the field. Its place was taken first by the semiautomatic
and more recently by the automatic machines.
Labor Productivity in Cotton Manufacturing
The results of an investigation of labor productivity in an American
cotton mill were published in the Labor Review for September, 1926.
Comparisons were made of production per man-hour and of labor
costs during selected periods—1911, 1916, and 1925. The tabulations
showed that 10.08 pounds of yarn were manufactured per man-hour
in the 1911 period; that in the 1916 period the production had in
creased^^ per cent to 10.57 pounds per man-hour, while in the 1925
period it had advanced 9.7 per cent over the 1916 production to
11.59 pounds per man-hour. Cloth production from the yarn, also
showed an increase. In the 1911 period the output was 7.95 pounds
per man-hour, but it rose to 8.26 pounds per man-hour in the 1916
period, an increase of 3.9 per cent, and to 10.31 pounds in the 1925
period, a gain over 1916 of 24.8 per cent. The increases in both
departments were largely due to installation or substitution of more
modern equipment or labor-saving devices, though also effected by
more efficient management and better plant organization. Finishing
of the cloth showed an increase from 56.62 pounds per man-hour in
1911 to 74.63 pounds in 1916, or 31.8 per cent, principally due to
reduction in number of workers, but showed a drop to 63.40 pounds
per man-hour in 1925, a decrease from 1916 of 15 per cent, through
employment of additional help to insure better quality of cloth.
Labor Productivity in the Iron and Steel Industry
In the iron and steel industry the bureau’s representatives are now
engaged in gathering data on productivity from blast-furnace, openhearth, and Bessemer plants. This study is expected also to throw
light on the development of the industry and on the comparative
status of the various producing districts and classes of plants. In its
well-established accident statistics the bureau has obtained for
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1200 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
17
many years information showing the total man-hours worked, by
years, in the principal operating departments of the industry. In the
present study effort is made to clarify the man-hour data and to
obtain production and operating data in such a way that reliable
indexes of productivity can be constructed and the changes attributed
to major specific causes.
Labor Productivity in the Printing Trades
A study of labor productivity in the printing trades now beingcarried on seeks to obtain specific information on changes in methods,
tools, and machinery, so as to compare present and past output for
selected occupations, reduced to man-hour basis, as well as conditions
of manufacture and the labor cost.
In the beginning it was intended to include all the different opera
tions belonging to the industry, but when it was realized that the
varied conditions would create conflicting comparisons, and that
such a complete survey would consume too much time, the study
was eventually confined to the three principal mechanical processes
in newspaper printing—composition, stereotyping, and presswork.
Several cities were visited and information obtained direct from the
pay rolls and production records of establishments, together with
required data on equipment and working customs. Manufacturers of
printing machinery were also interviewed for information on the
various machines or attachments built by them, improvements,
capacity, and other records pertaining to the survey.
Labor Productivity in Longshore Work
A study of the productivity of labor in longshore work—that is
to say, in the loading and unloading of vessels—was started in the
early part of 1927. In recent years many new methods and many
new mechanical devices have been introduced in this work, and the
present study should develop valuable information as to the relative
efficiency of hand and machine methods as well as to the changes in
labor productivity which have occurred.
Labor Productivity in Woolen and Worsted Goods Manufacturing
In the late summer of 1927 the assistant commissioner made a visit
to Europe to obtain data regarding productivity in the woolen and
worsted industries. The information obtained has not yet been put
into final shape.
Industrial Accidents
industrial accident division of the bureau had its origin in a
special investigation authorized by resolution of the United
States Senate in 1910. That investigation covered hours, wages,
labor conditions, and accidents in the iron and steel industry. The
inquiry into accidents in the iron and steel industry has been con
tinued annually. Its purpose, as well as the purpose of all accident
inquiries carried on by the bureau, has been as follows:
1.
To set up the average experience as a standard by which a given
section of the industry might determine its relative standing in the
matter of accident occurrence.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1201 ]
18
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
2. To determine by year-to-year presentation whether the trend
of accidents is in the direction of increase or decrease.
3. To show by suitable examples the possibilities of accident pre
vention when the problem is attacked with intelligence and vigor.
4. To afford illustrative material for use in the prosecution of acci
dent-prevention campaigns.
The data used in the accident bulletins of the bureau have been
derived from two sources—namely, from the concerns involved and
from the records of State compensation commissions.
In the case of the iron and steel industry the first data were
assembled before the enactment of any compensation laws. Having
begun by inquiry directed to the individual concerns it has been con
venient to continue that procedure to the present time.
For two years past the bureau has been gathering information
regarding the experience of the State jurisdictions dealing with
industrial accidents in order to determine accident rates for indus
trial groups other than iron and steel. For 1925 reports were secured
regarding 24 industries located in 11 States, operating 1,272 plants
and employing the equivalent of 555,988 full-year workers. This
information in part was furnished by the State bureaus and in part
was secured by a representative of the bureau in cooperation with
the State officials.
It is, of course, impossible to determine exactly wffiat influence
the placing on record of the facts regarding accidents in the iron
and steel industry may have had in the remarkable decline in fre
quency and severity which has occurred in recent years. That it
was an important factor there can be no doubt.
What has taken place in the matter of accident reduction is illus
trated by a few figures from a table printed in the Labor Review for
October, 1927. This table covers a section of the iron and steel
industry in which accident prevention has been long continued and
strenuous. From 1913 to 1926 the frequency rate declined, for the
entire group, from 60.3 to 6.8. In the operation of machinery the
decline was from 7.3 to 1.5. Similar declines might be noted for other
causes of injury. When the accidents are classified according to the
departments of the industry the same trend is observed.
During the current year a compilation of the accident experience of
the iron and steel industry to the end of 1926 was published in the
Labor Review (October, 1927) and also a compilation showing the
accident experience in various American industries in 1925 and 1926
(November, 1927). In addition there was published a bulletin which
brought together accident statistics for the United States over a
period, so far as such statistics were available. (Bui. No. 425.)
The most serious need of this division of the bureau at the present
time is to be able to make more extended and more prompt contacts
with the State bureaus. It is highly desirable to make personal visits
to these bureaus. By" so doing it will be possible to secure a greater
degree of cooperation and to acquaint them with the plans of the
bureau in a more definite way.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 120 2 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
19
Industrial Safety Codes
T H E bureau’s activities in cooperation with the American EngineerA ing Standards Committee in the development of industrial safety
codes are closely connected with the work of the industrial accident
division of this bureau.
The activity of the committee which most directly affects the work
of the bureau is the revision of its Bulletin No. 276, Standardization
of Industrial Accident Statistics. This bulletin, originally prepared
by the committee on statistics and compensation insurance costs of the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Com
missions, with the cooperation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is
now 10 years old and seriously in need of revision. By agreement
of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards
and Commissions, the industrial accident prevention conference held
in Washington, D. C., July 14-16, 1926, and the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the matter of such revision was proposed to the American
Engineering Standards Committee and the revision is now in prog
ress under the procedure of that committee.
In its general work in cooperation with the American Engineering
Standards Committee the bureau is the authorized representative of
the Department of Labor on its executive and main committees, and
as such is delegated to furnish representatives on all sectional com
mittees having to do with industrial safety codes from the ranks of
the workers actually employed to use the tools and machines to which
the codes refer. The bureau further publishes for distribution
throughout the industries and among organizations of workers
interested in each specific code the industrial safety codes as they
nre developed.
Another function of the bureau in connection with the American
Engineering Standards Committee work is to urge upon the States
the adoption of these safety codes. A resume of State action on
national safety codes so far as it had proceeded at that time was
printed in the Labor Review for October, 1926 (pp. 47-50).
Some 40 codes have been projected, on most of which some work
has been done. Of these, 18 have been completed and approved.
Industrial Accident Prevention Conference
industrial accident prevention conference, was held at the May
A N flower
Hotel in Washington, D. C., July 14-16, 1926. In
response to a call from the Secretary of Labor, 33 States sent represen
tatives to this conference, which was attended by 268 persons._ The
vital purpose of the meeting was to secure additional cooperation on
the part of the States in the collection of adequate and uniform
statistics of accidents, by industries, by causes, and by severity, with
special reference to the amount of exposure or the man-hours worked
in each case. I t has been the position of the Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics all along that accident reports, to be of any value for prevention
purposes, must show all the essential facts, not only of the accident
itself but of the industry and department of the industry in which it
occurred and the amount of human exposure to accident at that point
or at least in that department. This would make possible an acci
dent rate or ratio based upon man-hour exposure and not, as is
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1203]
20
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
now generally speaking the case, upon amount of pay roll or volume
of production. The conference itself was very satisfactory, and the
resulting State cooperation has been entirely so. It is confidently
believed that all the fruits of that conference have not yet been
realized.
industrial Hygiene
T H E work of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the field of industrial
1 hygiene includes the publication of occasional bulletins dealing
with industrial poisons or diseases; a review of current medical lit
erature as it relates to occupational hazards, which is published each
month in the Labor Review; and replies to the many inquiries regard
ing specific poisons or the hazards from gases, dusts, and fumes,
which are addressed to the bureau either directly by the persons
requesting the information or by other Government offices which have
referred the inquiries to this bureau.
Recent bulletins dealing with the health of workers which have been
published are Bulletin No. 426, Deaths from Lead Poisoning, and Bul
letin No. 427, Health Survey of the Printing Trades. Bulletin No.
426 is a statistical study from various sources of the number of deaths
occurring from lead poisoning in different occupations in the United
States and certain of the European countries, and Bulletin No. 427
embodies the results of a field survey of health conditions in the
printing trades.
In the review of current medical literature relating to industrial
hygiene and occupational diseases published in the Review, digests
are given of articles appearing in American and foreign medical
journals and. of special reports prepared by Government bureaus or
other investigating agencies. Some of the subjects covered in the
past year were as follows: Health hazards in brass foundries and in
photo-engraving plants; lead poisoning among motor-car painters
and in the rubber industry; benzol poisoning; occurrence of nickel
rash in a nickel refinery; carbon-monoxide poisoning; silicosis in
gold mines; occupational skin diseases; eye conservation in industry;
and the physical and mental effects of noise.
The requests for information in regard to specific hazards which
are directed to this bureau come from employers who suspect that
some substance or process in use in their plants may be hazardous or
who have had suspicious cases of illness arise, and from employees
who fear their working conditions may be harmful to health. Dur
ing the past year information has been sought from the bureau in
regard to the hazards, symptoms of poisoning, and so on, resulting
from exposure to fumes of nitric acid, sulphur and carbon bisulphide
and the danger from exposure to lead, aniline, carbon tetrachloride,
dibutyl phthalate, tetraethyl lead, brass, benzol, nitrobenzol, and.
mercury. Inquiries were received also in regard to the ill effects of
gasoline and other petroleum products and to the incidence of cancer
due to these products; to the effect of dust inhalation on metal
grinders; and to the effects of humidity on the health of workers.
Every effort is made by the bureau to supply the information
requested in these inquiries, but this work is hampered by the lack
of a properly equipped personnel. For the regular work of the
bureau on this subject the part-time services of only one person have
been available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 0 4 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
21
Elimination of the Manufacture of Fireworks Containing Phosphorus
study made by the bureau and published in 1926
A SPECIAL
(Bui. No. 405) demonstrated the dangers incident to the use of
white or yellow phosphorus in the manufacture of fireworks. The
Department of Labor, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there
upon attempted to secure agreement among manufacturers to dis
continue the making of fireworks requiring phosphorus. As a result
an agreement was made, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
between the department and all the manufacturers of such articles
that they would cease to manufacture these particular types of
fireworks on or before August 15, 1926. The text of that agreement
was as follows:
We, the undersigned manufacturers of the articles hereinafter named, agree
jointly and each on his own behalf that we will discontinue on or before the
15th of August, 1926, the manufacture of any type, form, or style of fireworks
containing white or yellow phosphorus, and that after the disposal of the present
stocks on hand and. specifically after April 1, 1927, we will not sell or offer for
sale any forms of fireworks, novelties, or products or other devices that contain
white or yellow phosphorus.
And we hereby agree with the Secretary of Labor not only to cease the manu
facture and sale of these articles on the dates hereinbefore specified, but to
agree to any form of legislation or rules or regulations which may be instituted
to prevent others from engaging in the manufacture or sale of such commodities,
believing as we do that the injury resulting from such articles far exceeds their
worth to the public.
At the present time we, the undersigned, are so far as we know the only
manufacturers of the above-named type of fireworks.
And we, the undersigned manufacturers, do hereby certify that we have the
authority to bind our respective concerns in the manner and form hereinbefore
stated, and that the signatures hereinafter made are ample for this purpose.
It is understood by the parties signatory hereto that this agreement shall
only become effective upon the acceptance of the same by other concerns engaged
in the manufacture of fireworks as per list, and upon its acceptance by the other
concerns as per list shall immediately become effective. This agreement is
intended to be perpetual from the time of its adoption.
The Commissioner of Labor Statistics or the Secretary of Labor hereby agrees
to notify the parties concerned when they shall have become parties hereto.
By correspondence with the wholesalers and jobbers it was agreed
that the purchase of this class of fireworks for resale would end on
or before April I, 1927. It is believed that these agreements were
lived up to, and there is every reason to think that July 4, 1927,
saw the end of the use of these dangerous fireworks.
Labor Legislation in the Various States and Decisions of Courts Affecting Labor
FTTIE two principal lines of work of the legal division of the bureau
that have been carried on since its establishment have been the
compilation of bulletins reproducing the labor laws of the United States
and a presentation of selected court decisions of interest to labor.
Beginning with 1912, bulletins on court decisions have been separate
publications, usually issued annually, but in two instances combining
two years in one.
The sources of the material contained in the bulletins relating to
labor laws have been the officially published codes, compiled statutes,
and session laws of the various States. For the court decisions the
national reporter system of the West Publishing Co. is the chief
reliance. Each issue is examined for the purpose of discovering its
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1205]
22
MONTHLY LABOK KEVIEW
contents, and representative cases or cases of striking importance are
selected for presentation in the annual bulletins.
Besides these general bulletins a separate series is published on the
subject of workmen’s compensation and insurance. An occasional
complete presentation of all workmen’s compensation laws and an
annual review of new legislation and amendments make up this
series.
Occasional bulletins are also prepared on subjects of current im
portance, such as the minimum wage laws, labor laws declared uncon
stitutional, and wage payment laws. Reports of the bureau having
a specific legal basis, as on convict labor, carry also a compilation of
the laws on the subject, which is prepared by this section.
_ During the past year the following bulletins on the above-men
tioned subjects have been published: Laws relating to the payment
of wages (Bui. No. 408), Decisions of courts and opinions affecting
labor, 1926 (Bui. No. 444), Labor legislation of 1926 (Bui. No. 434),
and Workmen’s compensation legislation of the United States and
Canada (Bui. No. 423).
For the Labor Review, articles were written on subjects of current
economic and legal interest, or giving account of outstanding deci
sions or action; digests were also prepared of reports of the State
compensation commissions.
A considerable amount of research was involved in the preparation
of answers to inquiries which reached the department on subjects of
interest involving the legal aspects of labor problems. Various inci
dental activities were also engaged in, as called for by the Secretary
of Labor or the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, such as data for
the drafting of bills and brief discussions of specific points of legal
interest coming before the department.
Cooperation
HPHE Bureau of Labor Statistics has for nearly a decade been fol
lowing the development of the consumers’ cooperative move
ment not only in the United States but throughout the world. An
attempt is made to sketch for the public all new developments by
means of the Labor Review, in which-a regular section on cooperation
is carried month by month. As the cooperative activities in the
agricultural field have long been covered by the Department of
Agriculture, the bureau has confined itself to the other phases of the
movement—those in which the working people are especially inter
ested. In^l920 the bureau made the first comprehensive statistical
study of the consumers’ societies made in this country.
A second and even broader study of the cooperative movement
was completed and published during the past year (Bui. No. 437).
This study covered all phases of the movement except the cooper
ative marketing of agricultural products. The report includes credit
societies; cooperative workshops; consumers’ societies selling general
merchandise, gasoline and motor oils, and bakery goods, and those
operating laundries, restaurants, boarding houses, and the like; and
housing societies. The section on consumers’ societies is a revision
of the study of this type of society made in 1920.
On the basis of returns made to the bureau it is estimated that the
membership of the types of societies covered in the study numbers
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1206 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
23
more than 700,000 persons and that the combined business of the
societies amounts to considerably in excess of $300,000,000 a year.
More than $1,250,000 was returned in patronage dividends in 1925
by the societies reporting.
The credit societies are expanding more rapidly than any other
phase of cooperation, due to the recent passage of enabling legislation
in many States. These societies are filling a real and widespread
need, supplying a source of credit at low rates for persons of small
income, who have heretofore had difficulty in securing loans. The
value of this type of society is attested by the fact that although
credit cooperation has developed only within the past few years, at
the end of 1925 at least 170,000 persons were members of credit
unions, there were societies in some 30 States, and about $30,000,000
was disbursed in loans during 1925. Besides the benefit to the bor
rowers of the low rate of interest, the societies reporting returned in
dividends more than $450,000.
The consumers’ societies have come through a period of hard times
since 1920, but now seem to have rallied. The stability of the move
ment seems further favored by the shift of emphasis within the
movement from high dividends to the accumulation of adequate
reserves.
The housing societies are proving their worth in congested places,
such as New York City, where accommodations are difficult to secure
and rents are high.
The cooperative workshops, though presenting an interesting
attempt to solve the problem of employment and livelihood, are not
expanding to any appreciable extent. The study covered 21 of the
39 known to be in existence in 1925. These had a total membership
of 2,438, of whom 465 were employed in the business; 807 non
members were also employed. The business of these societies for
1925 amounted to somewhat over $4,500,000 and profits were made
by 12 societies amounting to about $250,000. Societies of this type
are often handicapped by lack of knowledge of salesmanship and
market conditions, and hence may have difficulty in disposing of
their product.
The study disclosed on the whole a slow but healthy growth in
cooperation since the bureau’s first cooperative study in 1920.
In order the better to keep in touch with developments in the
movement a representative of the bureau is sent to the national con
gress of consumers’ societies held every two years in one of the
various cities of the United States.
Workmen’s Compensation
’’"THE Bureau of Labor Statistics has by general agreement become
A the clearing house for information concerning the. activities of
the various State boards and commissions administering the work
men’s compensation laws of the various States.
In addition to the publication annually of workmen’s compensa
tion laws as amended in the various States, a section devoted to
this topic is carried in the Labor Review. The bureau also publishes
the proceedings of the annual conventions of the International Asso
ciation of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions, which is an
organization composed of the various State workmen’s compensation
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1207]
24
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
boards and commissions. During the year the following bulletins
were published dealing with the subject of workmen’s compensation:
Bulletin No. 423, Workmen’s Compensation Legislation of the
United States and Canada, and Bulletin No. 432, Proceedings of the
Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the International Association of In
dustrial Accident Boards and Commissions.
Building Operations in Principal Cities of the United States
T*HE Bureau oi Labor Statistics collects data concerning building
1 permits issued, annually from cities having a population of 25,000
or over, and semiannually from cities having a population of 100,000
or over. Summary figures are given in the Labor Review and de
tailed figures are published in bulletin form.
Reports were received from 294 cities for the calendar year 1926,
about 90 per cent being received by mail either direct from the local
building officials or from State bureaus cooperating with the bureau
in this work. The State bureaus of Illinois, New York, New Jersey,
Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania are cooperating with the Bureau of
Labor Statistics.
Data from 10 per cent of the cities had to be collected by agents
of the bureau. These data were obtained in the offices of the local
building officials either from records kept by them or directly from
the building applications. In 1920, when this work was first taken
over by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the Geological Survey,
it was necessary to send^ agents to over 40 per cent of the cities in
order to collect the data in the manner desired.
I he primary purpose of the bureau in collecting information con
cerning building permit^issued is to show the housing facilities pro
vided in the different cities of the country, both as to the number of
families provided for and the kind of dwelling provided. In addition
the bureau also shows the amount expended for building in the dif
ferent cities_ and the changes in the amounts spent for the different
kinds of buildings, thus in a general way indicating the amount of
employment in the building trades.
In 1926 reports were received from 257 cities which have reported
continuously since 1921. In these 257 cities 462,114 families were
provided for in new buildings. Of this number only 40.7 per cent
were cared for in one-family dwellings, 13.9 per cent in two-familv
dwellings, and 45.4 per cent in multi-family dwellings (apartment
houses). In 1921, on the other hand, 58.3 per cent of the 224,545
families provided for in that year were domiciled in one-family dwell
ings, 17.3 per cent in two-family dwellings, and only 24.4 per cent in
apartment houses.
This change in the character of American homes seriously affects
the wage earners of the country. First, the increased apartmenthouse living undoubtedly means a smaller percentage of homes
owned. This makes for less settled conditions in the community.
Less observed, but also very significant, is the effect that such a
fundamental change in type of building has upon the character of
the work demanded of those employed in the construction industry.
Broadly speaking, the one-family dwelling is primarily a matter of
biicks and wood, and the workers employed are chiefly bricklayers
and carpenters. The large apartment house, on the other hand,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1208]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
25
while still demanding carpenters and bricklayers, also calls for struc
tural-iron workers, for concrete work on a large scale, very often for
elaborate stone, tile, and sheet-metal work, and usually for a number
of accessory trades which are needed very little or not at all in the
building of small residences, particularly those of the cheaper type.
While the figures for these cities as a whole show that nearly onehalf the total number of families provided for by new buildings were
to live in apartment houses, the individual cities differ greatly in this
respect. In New York, for instance, 71.6 per cent of the families
provided with new dwellings were cared for in apartment houses,
while in Baltimore only 6.8 per cent were to live in these multi
family dwellings.
Personnel Activities for Employees
A MONG the special surveys made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
during the year the most extensive study was that on personnel
activities for employees. The study covered, in the main, plants in
which more than 300 persons were employed, and industries in dif
ferent sections of the United States were visited by agents of the
bureau, so that the conditions shown may be considered fairly repre
sentative of the policies in effect in the larger plants throughout the
country.
The study was undertaken because of a request by the National
Conference on Outdoor Recreation that the bureau make a survey of
the facilities provided industrial employees for participating in out
door recreation and sports, but was extended to cover other features
of personnel work as well. Schedules were secured from 430 plants
with a total of nearly 2,000,000 employees. Various articles on sub
jects covered in the study were published in the Labor Review. The
full report is now in press.
A comparison of conditions with those shown in a similar survey
made 10 years ago shows a considerable extension of many of the
services provided by employers and improvement in the quality of
service rendered. Emergency hospitals and lunch rooms are among
the more necessary features of personnel work and the proportion of
employers providing these services is greater than at the time of the
previous study. There is a larger number of well-equipped dispen
saries or emergency hospitals at the present time and more com
panies are doing work along preventive lines in addition to the care
of actual cases of sickness or injury. Three hundred and seventythree of the companies visited have hospital rooms and provide the
services of one or more physicians or trained nurses or both, whiff.
34 furnish first-aid equipment only.
The granting of vacations with pay to production workers is be
coming increasingly popular as employers are coming to realize that
the costs are not prohibitive. In the present study 133 firms were
found to be giving vacations to shop employees who have a record
of service varying in the different establishments from a few months
to not more than two years. This is in decided contrast to conditions
10 years ago, when only 16 firms were found to be giving vacations
to the larger part of their wage-earning force. The usual vacation
is one week, although when less than one year of service is required
it may be for varying lengths of time from three days to a week.
Additional leave is granted by many firms for longer periods of service
72923°— 27
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 0 9 ]
26
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
usually beginning with 10 years. Sick leave with pay granted to
factory workers according to a definite plan was also found in a
number of cases.
Facilities for recreation, both indoor and outdoor, are provided by
many companies. These take the form of clubhouses or elubrooms,
athletic fields, country clubs, or summer camps, bowling alleys, and
game rooms, swimming pools, and so on. In many cases the athletics
are in charge of a director and there are many organized teams of
various kinds.
A very great extension in the provision of group insurance has
also been one of the developments of recent years. This form of
insurance, which is changing from straight life insurance paid for
usually by the employer to insurance covering in addition sickness,
accident, and even endowment features, was found in force in 186
of the establishments visited.
Special Studies Now Being Made
State and Municipal Pensions
T T IE public interest in pension systems appears to be growing and
* the bureau is continually receiving requests for information as to
where such systems are in use, how effective they are, and what are
their most important features. To meet these inquiries the bureau
has undertaken a study covering all state-wide pension systems, and
municipal pension systems in cities having a population in 1926 of
at least 400,000. The intention is to find what classes of employees
are brought under such systems; what is the general practice as to
requiring contributions from employees; how the retirement allow
ance is calculated; what are its minimum and maximum amounts;
what conditions as to age and years of service must be fulfilled before
a pension can be claimed; at what age retirement is permitted; at what
age, if any, it is compulsory; whether pensions are given to disabled
employees and, if so, under what conditions; what is the custom as
to refund of contributions in case of death or withdrawal before a
pension is gained; what is the cost of the system; how expenses of
administration are met—in brief, to learn all the attainable facts
which may be of use to those contemplating the establishment or the
reorganization of a retirement system.
Labor Turnover
The Bureau of Labor Statistics was the pioneer in research work
as to the extent, causes, and cost of what has now become generally
known as “ the labor turnover.” These studies had to be dropped in
1920 when the first severe reduction in the bureau’s appropriations
was made. During the past year efforts were made to resume
this work. Cooperation with the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co.
has been perfected to the extent that that organization is now
arranging the contacts with large employers who furnish to the
insurance company their records of labor turnover. The under
standing between this bureau and the Metropolitan Life Insurance
Co. is substantially this, that as soon as a sufficient number of estab
lishments signify their willingness to report labor turnover monthly
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1210 ]
WORK OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
27
to make it possible to classify these returns by industries and there is
a sufficient volume of reports in each industry to make it possible to
establish a labor turnover index, then the entire matter will be turned
over to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In other words, the Metro
politan Life Insurance Co. undertook to do the field work necessary
to put a labor turnover study on its feet. The results of the work of
the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. are published quarterly in the
Labor Review.
The value of a labor turnover study which could be developed into
index numbers by industries is only beginning to be understood by
the manufacturers and by the workers.
It is now planned to have this study include also a labor stability
index; that is to say, to show not only the number of workers who
quit, die, or are discharged but also those who remain in the employ
of the same corporation or company for a period of 12 months or
longer. It is beginning to be realized that a study of the “ stays”
is quite as valuable as a study of the “ quits.” Besides it brings out
the fact that labor turnover is frequently confined to a very small
percentage of the total employees. Cases are on record where there
was a turnover of 234 per cent as applied to the entire pay roll; 19
per cent, however, remained during the year, so that the 234 per cent
must be applied not to 100 per cent of the employees but to 81 per
cent. Again, there was an instance where 82 per cent of the employ
ees remained throughout the year, so that whatever labor turnover
there was applied to 18 per cent of the jobs, but these changed so
frequently that there was a 30 per cent labor turnover applied to the
entire pay roll.
The importance of locating the spot to which heavy turnover
applies is for the purpose of determining whether or not there are
bad conditions of labor in that particular area of the plant.
Another value of labor turnover statistics that is just beginning
to be realized is their application as a quantitative measure of the
success of welfare plans, shop committee plans, stock distributions,
and other schemes having as their basic economic purpose the holding
of employees.
Apprenticeship in the Building Trades
Recent building activity throughout the country emphasized some
unwholesome and unprofitable conditions in the building industry
and led to a renewed interest in the question of apprentice training.
To determine to what extent apprenticeship is a factor in the indus
try, and what effect the agitation for a revival of the apprentice
system is having, the Bureau of Labor Statistics began an investiga
tion in June, 1926, in several cities. The bureau limited its study to
actual apprenticeship; that is, actual contract or some equivalent
obligation extending over a stipulated period of years. Helpers who
are hired and dismissed according to the needs of the moment were
not considered, even though they might be boys of apprentice age
who may eventually become journeymen.
The survey covered the following cities, which are considered repre
sentative: Atlanta, Ga.; Baltimore, Md.; Birmingham, Ala.; Boston,
Mass.; Buffalo, N. Y.; Charleston, S. C.; Chicago, 111. ^Cleveland,
Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; Memphis, Tenn.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Minne
apolis, Minn.; Newark, N. J.; New Orleans, La.; New York City,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1211 ]
28
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
N. Y .; Niagara Falls, N. Y .; Philadelphia, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and
St. Louis, Mo.
Some of these cities were known to have organized movements for
training apprentices in accordance with provisions of the Federal
vocational education law. These were studied to determine the
operation of the system and the effects of the movement on the supply
of mechanics. Other cities, about which the bureau had no previous
information, were visited to determine whether or not anything was
being done in apprenticeship training by any of the parties at interest.
Sources on which the bureau has drawn for information are the
local building-trades unions, the trade associations of employers
where they are organized, builders’ exchanges, school authorities, and
representative individual employers. Among the individual em
ployers visited were union and open-shop men and contractors who
do and who do not employ apprentices.
Factors entering into the apprentice question which have been
made the salient points in the investigation are the supply of trainable material, the demand for trainees on the part of the contractors,
the attitude of unions and employers toward apprenticeship and the
efforts they are making to promote it, the extent and effect of union
regulations governing apprenticeship, provisions for continuity of
employment, the practicability and effectiveness of part-time school
training, the different plans of concerted action on the part of organ
ized employers and journeymen, the record of completion of appren
ticeships, and the effect on the local building situation of the various
systems on the one hand and lack of system on the other.
Accident Compensation to Seamen
A study is being made of the kind and severity of accidents among
seamen and the amount and character of the compensation received.
Publications
IA USING recent years the bureau has placed increasing emphasis
^
upon the prompt publication of the results of its work. For this
purpose the Labor Review is of primary importance. In it are pub
lished the monthly compilations of retail and wholesale prices,
employment statistics, and statistics of strikes and lockouts; the
semiannual surveys of changes in cost of living; summaries of all
wage surveys as soon as such surveys are completed; and the results
of special studies, either in whole or in part.
The detailed basic data of all important studies are later published
in bulletin form. But there is usually and necessarily some delay in
the printing of such bulletins, and the prompt publication of the
principal findings of a study in the Labor Review meets the require
ments of the great majority of interested persons.
Furthermore, for the use of those particularly concerned, mimeo
graphed or printed releases of the monthly studies of employment
and prices and of the semiannual cost-of-living surveys are prepared
and made public as soon as the data are assembled. Thus, as an
example, a summary of the employment statistics for each month is
ready for distribution in mimeographed form on the 16th of the suc
ceeding month, and a printed pamphlet containing the full report,
with charts, is published about two weeks later.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1212]
WOKE OF BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
29
Labor Review
The Labor Review is published on the 16th of each month. As
noted above, its primary function is to serve as a medium for the
prompt publication of the results of the bureau’s surveys and studies.
In addition it seeks to follow the work of other agencies engaged in
activities affecting labor and to present the results of studies and
reports in the labor field both in the United States and foreign
countries. To this end the editorial division of the bureau secures
and reviews practically all the current publications in any way
dealing with labor matters.
The Labor Review averages about 225 pages each month. It is
impracticable to attempt a review of all the material published
therein during the past year. It may be noted, however, that in addi
tion to the current reports on prices, employment, wages, and so
forth, and the current reviews of labor developments, the Labor
Review during that period contained some 35 special articles covering
a very wide field. Most of these represented original work on the
part of the bureau’s staff, while a few were contributed by outside
students and investigators. Of these special articles the following
are believed to be of unusual interest: Prevalence of five-day week
in American industry; the municipal market system of Norfolk, Va.;
changes in occupational character of immigration since the war;
chambers of labor in Austria; productivity of railroad labor; two
new monthly indexes of factory labor turnover; labor conditions
during the 1926 apple harvest in the Wenatchee Valley; comparison
of employment and productivity in manufacturing industries, 1919
to 1925; the work of the International Labor Organization; exploi
tation of labor through nonpayment of wages, and efforts of labor
offices to enforce payment; and cooperation as a world movement.
Bulletins
With few exceptions the bulletin method of publication is reserved
for the more extended studies, which are too long for complete pub
lication in the Labor Review. As already pointed out, however, the
effort is made in every case to publish a summary account of each
study in the Labor Review, this summary appearing well in advance
of the complete report and for most readers supplying all the infor
mation desired. The bulletins, however, contain the detailed data
which are essential for intensive analysis of a subject.
Handbook of Labor Statistics, 1924-1926
During 1927 the bureau compiled and published a Handbook of
Labor Statistics (Bui. No. 439), in which an effort was made to
bring together, in convenient form for reference purposes, digests
of all the material published by the bureau of sufficiently late date
to be of present-day interest and value. It is proposed to issue
similar handbooks from time to time in future years.
Printing
The 12 numbers of the Labor Review issued during the past fiscal
year represented a total of 2,785 printed pages. The 24 bulletins
printed and delivered during the year represented a total of 3,926
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 1 3 ]
30
MONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW
printed pages. This makes a grand total of 6,711 pages.
printing is done by the Government Printing Office.
The
Financial
T H E appropriation of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the fiscal
1 year 1926-27 was divided into two parts—salaries, $220,000,
and miscellaneous expenses, $74,000. There were 115 persons on the
permanent pay roll of the bureau on June 30, 1927.
The scope of the bureau’s work is very extensive and much remains
undone because of the limited appropriations.
Public Service Retirement Systems: State Employees
PART from teachers’ retirement systems and plans for pen
sioning limited groups, such as judges or war veterans em
ployed in the public service, six States (Maine, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) have legis
lation providing for the retirement on allowance of State employees.
Such legislation is of decidedly recent date. Massachusetts led the
way in 1911, with an act covering all persons employed “ in the direct
service of the Commonwealth or in the service of the metropolitan
district commission, whose sole or principal employment is in such
service.” In 1919 Connecticut passed an act authorizing retirement
pensions for persons in the State service who met certain requirements
as to age and length of service, and Maine recast her laws so as to
extend to all State employees legislation which up to that time had
applied only to those in the prison service and to public employees
who were veterans of the Civil War. New York in 1920, New Jersey
in 1921, and Pennsylvania in 1923 enacted laws establishing state
wide retirement systems, since which time there has been a lull in
such legislation. The plans of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl
vania have already been discussed in the Review, in its issues for
August and September. The other three are described in the follow
ing pages, together with a general summary and comparison of all
six systems.
A
State Pensions in Maine
present situation as to pension legislation in Maine has been a
progressive development from an act passed in 1909, which
applied only to officials and employees of the State prison service.
These, after 30 years of service, or, if they had reached the age of 60,
after 20 years of continuous service, might be retired upon the recom
mendation of the warden and with the approval of the board of
prison commissioners and the governor and council, on a pension of
one-half the salary received at the time of retirement. In 1913 an
act was passed providing a similar pension and retirement for veterans
of the Civil War in the State service, if they became incapacitated for
active duty after 25 years of continuous service. In 1919 a third act
authorized the retirement, after 25 years of continuous service, of any
employee in any State institution or State department, upon the
recommendation of the superintendent and board of trustees. In
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1214]
PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
31
this case, while no minimum was set for the pension, its maximum was
placed at one-half the average salary received for the last five years.
In 1923 an amendment to this act carefully defined the word “ em
ployee” so as to include clerks and other employees of the several
State departments and State institutions, and teachers in the State
normal schools, including such as had retired since March 1,1920. In
1925 another amendment brought within the scope of the law teachers
in the Madawaska Training School, including those who had retired
since March 1, 1920.
The plan, as established by these acts and amendments, is not con
tributory, and does not give the employee any inherent right to retire
ment or pension. The superintendent of an institution or the head
of a department may recommend an employee’s retirement, after 25
years of service, if he considers it best to do so. Such recommenda
tions are sent to the governor and his council, who have full discretion
as to what action they shall take, except that, if they decide to approve
the retirement, the pension granted must not exceed the limit set by
the law. No fund is maintained, but the legislature at each biennial
session, makes an appropriation to cover pension payments for the
next two years, estimating the amount required on the basis of the
last two years’ experience. Should a deficiency occur, the amoimt
needed is transferred from one of the other State funds.
Very few retirements have been made under these provisions.
Since the first law went into effect, 19 in all have been placed upon
the pension roll, of whom 14 were still alive at the end of 1926.
Eight of these retirants were prison employees, four were Civil War
veterans, four were emploimd in the State hospital, two in the statehouse, and one was a teacher. The pensions allowed them ranged
from $252 per annum to $884, the average being $539. As of Decem
ber 31, 1926, the annual pension outlay was $8,000.
State Pension for Retired Employees in Connecticut
IN 1919 Connecticut passed an act to provide for retiring State
employees (Public Acts, 1919, ch. 210), which became effective
on July 1 of that year. Since then various amendments have been
passed, liberalizing the conditions for retirement. The system is
noncontributory. The original act applied to all regular State em
ployees in the service at the time the law became effective and to
those who entered thereafter. In 1923 amendments were passed
bringing under the terms of the act persons who had retired before
1917 with the qualifications as to age and service established by the
act. Under these amendments three persons were placed on the
pension roll.
Administration
The State board of finance and control, composed of 10 members,
is in charge of the system.
Source of Funds
The State pays the entire amount of the pensions, or retired salaries,
as they are termed in Connecticut. An appropriation is made for this
purpose in the general fund of the budget every two years, according
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 1 5 ]
32
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
to an estimate of the amount needed. In case the estimate proves
too small, whatever amount is needed to make up the balance is
transferred from the deficiency fund.
Conditions for Retirement
The conditions for retirement have been altered several times, but
by an amendment passed in 1923 length of service is made the only
qualification, except in thè case of those aged 70 or over who have
not completed 30 years of service. These may be retired by the board
of control after they have served for 20 or more years in the aggregate.
For others, retirement is permitted, regardless of age, after 30 years’
service, with a higher allowance for those who remain in the service
for 40 years.
There is no provision for disability allowance.
Retirement Allowances
Under the amendment of 1923 an employee who is retired after 30
years of service, or who, being over 70, is retired after 20 years,
receives an annual allowance equal to one-half his average annual
salary for the last five years. One who has served for 40 years
receives an allowance equal to three-fourths of the salary at the time
of retirement. Those who under the earlier provisions of the act
received allowances of a different amount are to continue to receive
the sum first set, regardless of the changes introduced by the amend
ment of 1923.
Statistics
At the end of the first year of operation there were eight persons
on the roll, and during that year $4,269.56 was paid out for pensions.
At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1926, after the system
had been in existence seven complete years, there were but 41 on the
pension roll, or approximately 1.4 per cent of the active force em
ployed that year. The total amount paid out in pensions in 1926 was
$52,411, or 0.6 per cent of the pay roll of the active force.
Since the law first went into effect 56 persons have been placed on
the pension roll. For these the average age at retirement was 71
years, the average length of service was 33 years, and the average
annual pension was $1,123.
In addition to these 56 persons 11 have been pensioned under
special acts having no connection with the public service system, their
pensions amounting in 1926 to $12,420 a year.
The total amount paid out for pensions from July 1, 1919, to June
30, 1926,_ was $177,937. This total, however, includes the special
pensions just mentioned, and as these varied from year to year, it is
not possible to say exactly what proportion of the amount was
chargeable to the public service pensions.
State Employees’ Annuity Fund of Massachusetts
OEEVIOUS to the passage of chapter 532 of the Acts of Massachu
setts of 1911, which established the present contributory system,
there was no general retirement plan for the employees of the Com
monwealth or the metropolitan district. Some special groups had
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1216]
PUBLIO SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
33
from time to time been covered by noncontributory pension systems
which the State administered and of which it bore the entire cost.
These earlier systems may be summed up in a few words. The
groups covered comprised judges, court officers and messengers, vet
erans of the Civil War, certain persons employed in prisons and
reformatories, the metropolitan park police, the district police, vet
erans of the Spanish War (veterans of the World War were later
included with these), and scrub women employed in the statehouse.
All of the laws under which these pensions were granted have been
amended so that persons belonging to these groups who entered the
public service after July 1 , 1921, should come under the general con
tributory plan, but those already in the service at that time remained
under the provisions of the earlier plans.
Under the noncontributory plans persons were retired by their
department head, subject to the approval of the governor and coun
cil. Their pensions are paid from special appropriations made in
accordance with the laws providing for the different groups. The
total amount paid in pensions under these plans during the year
ending November 30, 1926, was $167,478.
The new system was established by the act referred to above and
became effective June 1 , 1912. It has been amended several times,
and in its present form is contained in chapter 32, General Laws of
Massachusetts.
Scope of System
In general, the system covers all persons permanently and regu
larly employed in the direct service of the Commonwealth or in the
service of the metropolitan district commission, whose sole or prin
cipal employment is in such service. Membership, after a proba
tionary period, is obligatory upon all employed since the establish
ment of the system, but those in the service before that date were
given their choice of entering or remaining outside. The law required
them to make this choice before January 31, 1912, but this period
was afterwards extended, and in 1924 a special amendment gave
those who had failed to enter the privilege of becoming members at
any time before reaching age 70, provided they paid into the fund
a sum equal to what would have been the amount of their regular
contributions, with accumulated interest, had they entered June 1,
1912.
Certain classes of State employees are excluded from membership,
and certain others come in under special provisions. The excluded
classes are, briefly, as follows: (1) Officers elected by popular vote;
(2) persons devoting too little time to the service to make it their
“ sole or principal employment” ; (3) persons aged 55 or over when
employed; (4) judges; (5) certain groups of employees entitled to
pensions under the earlier schemes.
Those brought in by special provision include _employees paid
partly by the State and partly by a county having a retirement
system; persons, regardless of age, in the employ of a department or
institution formerly administered by a city, county, or corporation
which is taken over by the State; the nonteaching force, such as jani
tors, engineers, etc., employed in training schools maintained and
controlled by the department of education in buildings owned by
the Commonwealth (if the building is not so owned, these are not
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1217]
34
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
employees of the State, and consequently are not included); and
persons aged 55 or over who, previous to entering the State service,
have been members of the teachers’ retirement association. Officials
appointed by the governor for a fixed term of years, if under 55 at
the time of appointment, may become members of the system by
making written application within one year from the date of appoint
ment or reappointment.
A further special provision covered employees who were 55 or over
at the time the system was adopted. These might not become mem
bers, but were entitled upon retirement to a nonmember’s pension
of $200 a year.
Administration
The administration of the retirement system is vested in a board
of three members, the State treasurer, ex officio, one employee mem
ber elected by his fellows, and the third chosen by these two. The
State treasurer is custodian of the funds of the system and has power
to invest and reinvest, in accordance with the law, any amounts not
required for current disbursements. The board is required to file
annually with the commissioner of insurance a sworn detailed state
ment showing the financial condition of the system on December
31 and its financial transactions for the year ending on that date.
Subject to the same conditions and requirements the treasurer must
file a sworn statement showing the financial condition of the system
on the same date.
Source of Funds
Contributions from members.—The employees are required to make
contributions of 5 per cent of their salaries up to $1,560 a year, any
amounts received in excess of that sum being exempt from the require
ment. The original law provided that the contributions should be
not less than 1 nor more than 5 per cent of the salaries, but it was
found difficult to establish any general plan of percentage which
would accomplish the same proportionate retirement allowance for
all members, since at that time there were no data as to ages at
which employees would elect to retire. It was decided that members
should be given the choice of contributing 3 per cent or 5 per cent
of the salary, but later it was ruled that all who entered the service
after June 1, 1918, must pay the 5 per cent rate. In 1926 an amend
ment to the law permitted those employees who had at some time
contributed only 3 per cent of their salary or wages and who had
changed to the 5 per cent basis to make up the amount required to
bring the accumulated contributions up to what they would have
been had the 5 per cent rate been chosen from the first. As the
retirement allowance depends on the amount of accumulated contri
butions, as well as on the age at retirement, the importance of this
provision is evident.
Contributions from the State.—The State contributes such amounts
as are needed (a) to meet its share of the allowances for current
service; (b) to pay the full allowance for service rendered prior to
June 1, 1912; (c) to make up an}^ deficiencies due to an inadequate
estimate of the needs of the preceding year; and (d) to meet the cost
°f disability retirements and benefits to dependents of employees
who die as a result of injury received in the service. The board
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1218]
PUBLIC SEEVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
Oi)
submits each year estimates of the amount of appropriations required
from the State to pay the allowances for the following year. It has
been found that about 7 per cent of the members eligible for retire
ment leave the service without waiting for compulsory retirement
at 70. The State also pays the entire cost of administering the
system.
Conditions for Retirement
Superannuation or service retirement is permitted at 60, after 15
or more years of continuous service, or, regardless of age, after 35
years of continuous service. Employees who, when the system was
established in 1912, had reached the age of 55 years might be retired
at any time after reaching 60, whatever their length of service might
have been. Retirement is compulsory at 70.
Retirement is permitted after 15 years of continuous service if an
employee becomes permanently disabled. Medical certification is
required and reexamination may be ordered by the board at any time.
Accidental disability retirement is permitted, without requirement
as to age or length of service, for any member who is found, after
examination by one or more physicians selected by the board, to
have been permanently incapacitated, mentally or physically, by
injuries sustained through no fault of his own while in the actual
performance of duty.
Written application for disability retirement must be received by
the board within two years from the date of the applicant’s last
salary payment.
Other retirements.—When members of the system are husband and
wife, if one of the two retires or is retired, the board may also retire
the other at the same time. When this is done, the enforced retirant
receives an allowance calculated in the usual way for the age attained,
except that the provision for minimum allowances does not apply
in such a case.
Retirement Allowances
Upon service or superannuation retirement the member receives an
allowance consisting of an annuity bought by his accumulated con
tributions, plus a pension of equal amount paid by the State. The
amount of the annuity, and consequently of the pension, depends
upon the sex and age of the retirant, and the amount of the accumu
lated contributions (which in turn depends upon the length of service).
The total allowance may not fall below $300 a year nor exceed onehalf of the retirant’s final compensation; i. e., his average annual
salary for five years before retirement. If the accumulated con
tributions would purchase an annuity amounting to more than onefourth of the final compensation, the extra amount is returned to the
retirant in a lump sum. For those in the service prior to 1912, if
their accumulated contributions will not purchase an annuity equal
to one-fourth of their final compensation, the State pays whatever
pension is needed to bring the total allowance up to the maximum
permitted, one-half of the final compensation.
The allowance for permanent disability retirement is calculated m
the same way as the allowance for service retirement.
i
For accident disability retirement, the allowance is one-half the
salary received at the time of the accident, the State paying whatever
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1219]
36
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
pension is needed to bring the total allowance up to this figure.
If the retirant is entitled, as a result of his injury, to receive com
pensation under the workmen’s compensation law, he must choose
between this and the retirement allowance, as he can not receive both.
O p tio n s .- —Instead of taking the normal retirement allowance,
calculated as above, a member may if he prefers take upon retirement
a smaller allowance with the proviso that, if he dies before having
received the full actuarial equivalent of his contributions at the time
of retirement, any difference will be paid to his estate.
R e fu n d s .
In case of withdrawal, dismissal, or death, a member’s
accumulated contributions are returned either to him or to his estate.
P r o v is io n f o r d e p e n d e n ts . —If a member is killed, or dies as a direct
result of an accident incurred in the performance of duty, his widow
receives, during widowhood, the allowance to which he would have
been entitled had the result been permanent disability instead of
death one-half of his salary at the time the accident occurred.
If there is no widow, the same allowance is paid to a child or children
under 16, and is continued until the youngest child reaches 16.
In other cases no provision is made for dependents, except as the
choice allowed under the options at the time of retirement makes
some such provision.
Statistics
^ i he contributory system has been in operation approximately
15 years. It must be remembered that it exists side by side with the
old noncontributory systems which still cover quite a number of the
State employees; therefore, the number of State employees and the
members of the system are not identical. As mentioned before,
since 1921 no new memberships in noncontributory systems have
been allowed.
The following table shows, for the years specified, the approxi
mate number of State employees, the active membership of the
State system, and the number of its beneficiaries:
T
able
1.-—M E M B E R S H IP A N D B E N E F IC IA R IE S OF S T A T E R E T IR E M E N T S Y S T E M
1913, 1920, A N D 1926
Y ear ending N ov. 30—
1913__________________
1920__________
1926__________ _____ ___
N um ber
of State
employees
Active
m em ber
ship of
system
N um ber of
benefici
aries
10, 593
13, 654
4, 020
6,282
8,693
77
209
i 352
Per cent
Per cent
benefici
benefici
aries
aries
form of
form of
State
active m em
employees
bership
1.92
1.97
2.58
1 Includes 3 widows.
The difference between the membership of the system and the
number of State employees is not quite so great as indicated by this
table, because the latter group includes employees who have not
finished their probationary period, but who will at its close become
members of the State system.
It will be seen that the increase in beneficiaries has been gradual
and that their ratio to the number of active members at the close of
the period is small. The number on the pay roll is, of course, con
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1220]
37
PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
tinually changing as the old annuitants die and the new ones are
placed on the roll.
Since the time the law became operative, June 1, 1912, to the end
of November, 1926, 532 employees have been granted a retirement
allowance, and in addition 3 allowances have been granted to widows
on account of death of husband from accidental injuries received in
the line of duty. Of this total, 183 have died, so there are at present
349 former employees receiving retirement allowances, in addition to
the 3 dependents. Of the retirants on the roll at present, 123 were
retired compulsorily at age 70 or over; 186 were retired upon their
request between 60 and 70 years of age; 12 were under age 60 with 35
years of service; 4 were wives retired at the time of retirement of hus
bands; 19 were retired for ordinary permanent disability, and 4 for
permanent accident disability because of injuries received in the
line of duty. One beneficiary, an employee aged over 55 when the
retirement law was passed, was retired under the special provisions
made for such cases. (See p. 34.) The average age of the 349 on
the retired list at the close of the fiscal year 1926 is 70.46 years, the
range being from 42 to 91 years. Twenty-eight were 80 years or over.
It was not possible to obtain full information regarding the average
age and years of service of all who had retired since the plan became
effective, but the data for the latest four years covered are given in
Table 2:
T able 2 .—A V E R A G E A G E A N D Y E A R S O F S E R V IC E O F R E T IR A N T S , 1923 TO 1926
Superannuation
Year ending
Nov. 30—
N um
ber of
cases
1923 ____________
1924 ______________
1925 ____________
1926_______________
44
46
30
32
D isability
N um
ber of
cases
Average Average
years of
age
service
66.0
67.0
68.0
68.2
26.0
25. 0
25.0
24.2 \r
4
5
5
13
22
1 O rdinary perm anent disability.
Total
Average Average
years of
age
service
55
55
57
1 54
2 62
21.0
20. 0
21.0
1 24.8
2 13. 0
N um
ber of
cases
]
Average Average
years of
age
service
48
51
35
37
66.0
65.0
67.0
66.5
26.0
25.0
25.0
22.7
2 Accidental disability.
Considering first the superannuation retirants it is evident that
during these four years there has not been much variation in either
the average age at retirement or the average length of service, but
that the trend in the two items is in opposite directions; i. e., the
average age has increased, while the average length of service has
decreased. The average age seems distinctly high. When a retire
ment system is installed, the first few years are apt to see a dispro
portionately large number of aged retirants, since those who have
grown too old for efficient service are placed upon the pension rolls
as soon as possible, and thereafter the average age at retirement tends
to be lower. The earliest data shown in this table are for the
twelfth year of operation, so that, this particular cause would have
ceased to affect the figures, and the age at retirement can only be
taken to show the tendency of the empk>37ees to remain in the service
as long as they feel able to do so.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1221]
38
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The age of the disability retirants is also high, and the average
length of service is considerably in excess of that required before
such retirement is permitted.
Allowances and benefits.—The relation between the pay roll of the
active force and the amounts paid out in allowances and benefits
for the two years 1920 and 1926 is shown in Table 3. Unfortunately
it was not possible to obtain the pay-roll data for the year 1913, so
for that year the relationship has necessarily been omitted.
T able 3 .—R E L A T IO N B E T W E E N PA Y R O L L A N D P E N S IO N S , 1920 A N D 1926
[The pay-roll figures are as of N ov. 30 of each year, while th e benefits are for the calendar year]
Allowances for m em ber beneficiaries
Year
P a y roll of
active foree
Superannuation
retirem ent
A m ount
1913___________
1920__________
1926__________
$13, 428,471
18, 618, 904
Per cent of
active
pay roll
$18, 367
66,140
133, 876
0.49
.72
D isability
retirem ent
$1, 774
8,108
T otal pension roll
Pension
roll for de
pendents
$1, 843
A m ount
Per cent of
active
pay roll
$18, 367
67,914
143, 827
0. 51
.77
It will be noticed that while the amount paid out in allowances
and benefits shows a large actual increase, its relative increase has
been small, so that after the system has been in operation for 14
years, it forms less than 1 per cent of the pay roll of the active force.
The actual increase is perhaps more clearly shown in the statement
below, giving the amount paid by the State in pensions each year
for the period 1915 to 1926. (The total allowances for these years
are, of course, larger, since they include the annuity bought with
the members’ contributions as well as the pensions.)
Amounts paid for pensions by the State under contributory plan, 1915 to 1926
Year
Amount
1915________ _______ $30, 434
1916________ _______ 36, 673
1917_„_______________ 43, 944
1918________ _______ 49, 891
1919__________ _______ 56, 052
1920________ _______ 63, 159
Year
Amount
1921_________
72, 342
1922_ _ ___ ________ 83, 600
1923______ .. .________ 98, 245
1924________ ________ 110, 348
1925______
________ 120, 004
1926________ ________ 128, 331
This statement shows that the amount paid in pensions in 1926 is
more than four times as great as that paid in 1915, and that while
the increase has been continuous it has been especially marked within
the latest three years.
t
Tire total average allowance paid in 1926 was $414. This item
has increased considerably since the first year of operation as shown
in Table 4, giving the average and largest retiring allowance paid
during each year since the system was installed.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1222 ]
PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
39
T able 4 .—A V E R A G E A N D L A R G E S T R E T IR E M E N T A L L O W A N C E P A ID IN S P E C IF IE D
Y EARS
Y ear ending N ov. 30—
Largest
Average
retire
retire
m ent
m ent
allowance allowance
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919. _
$291
283
285
305
305
315
328
$905
905
905
1,170
1,150
1,159
1,200
Average Largest
retire
retire
m ent
m ent
allowance allowance
Year ending N ov. 30—
1920________________________
1921________________________
1922________________________
1923_____ __________________
1924..______________________
1925________________________
1926..______ _______________
$334
355
372
382
385
395
414
$1,200
1,363
1,557
1, 363
1, 303
1,771
1,901
The highest allowances, being individual matters, naturally vary
widely from year to year, and while their amount has increased
materially, there has been no regular progression. The _average
allowances, on the other hand, show a slow but continuous increase.
With the exception of 1914 there is not a single year in which the
average is less than that paid in the preceding year, and only one
in which it is not greater.
The dependents are so few that their pensions do not affect the
general averages. In 1926 there were but three of these, widows, for
whom the average allowance was $614 and the highest was $750 a
year.
For the period 1923 to 1926 it was possible to obtain in considerable
detail facts as to the average final compensation of the retirements
and their average annuity, pension, and total allowance. Table 5
shows these data.
T able 5 —A V E R A G E A N N U IT Y , P E N S IO N , A N D T O T A L R E T IR E M E N T A L L O W A N C E ,
1923 T O 1926
N um ber of
cases
Y ear ending N ov. 30—
Average
salary last 5
years
Average
an n u ity
Average
pension
Average
retirem ent
allowance
Superannuation
44
46
30
32
1923________________ ___ ____ _
1924___________________ _______
1925__________________________
1926____ ______________________
$1,415. 00
1,628. 00
1, 598. 00
1, 766.00
$65.00
75.00
97.00
116. 95
$411. 00
350. 00
362.00
443.14
$476.00
447. 00
459. 00
560.00
$260. 00
325. 00
348. 00
267. 00
605.00
$310. 00
362. 00
397. 00
296. 00
657.00
$400.00
347. 00
360. Ö0
432. 00
$462. 00
419. 00
450. 00
536. 00
D isability
1923__________________________
1924__________________________
1925__________________ ________
f
\
4
5
5
13
22
$1, 528. 00
1,339. 00
1,445. 00
1,045. 00
1,492.00
$50. 00
37.00
49.00
28. 07
51. 70
Total
1923................................................... .
1924__________________________
1925__________________________
1926__________________________
48
51
35
37
$1,425.00
1,492. 00
1,578.00
1, 680. 00
i O rdinary p erm anent disability.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1223]
$64. 00
71. 00
90. 00
104. 00
2Accident disability.
40
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
As these averages refer to the retirants of a single year, they nat
urally differ from the averages shown in Table 4, which are based on
all the allowances current during a given year. Comparing the tables
it will be seen that the average allowance received by the retirants
of 1926 was $536, an increase of 84 per cent over the average allow
ance, $291,. prevailing in 1913, which, being the first full year of the
system’s operation, is not much affected by earlier retirements. Dis
ability allowances, however, are included in the total for 1926, while
no such allowances were paid before 1914, so a fairer comparison is
between the average for 1913 and the average superannuation allow
ance of 1926. This shows an increase of 92 per cent.
Finances of the System
Table 6 shows the income and expenditures of the system for the
first year of operation, for 1920, and for 1926:
T
able
6 .—R E C E I P T S
*A N D E X P E N D IT U R E S OP M A S S A C H U S E T T S
A N N U IT Y F U N D , 1913, 1920, A N D 1926
Receipts
1913
1920
1926
From em ployees.......... _ $108, 256 $272,481 $510, 791
F rom S t a t e ................... 24, 935
75, 391 141,443
All other sources______
44, 082 132, 980
4,080
137, 271
391, 954
785, 214
Expenditures
1913
EM PLO YEES’
1920
1926
Superannuation allow
ances
___ _ _ 2 ____ $18, 367
D isability allow ances..
D ependents___________
$66,140 $133,876
1, 774
8,108
1,843
T o tal benefits _ . 18, 367
Refunds
. _.
7, 321
Cost of a d m in istra tio n .. 6,649
67, 914
106, 716
11, 749
143,827
242, 050
12, 731
T o tal expenses___ 32, 337
186, 379
398, 608
The increase in the contributions from employees is due not only
to the increase in the membership of the system, but also to a change
in the rate of contribution required. It will be remembered that at
first employees were permitted a choice between a contribution of 3
or 5 per cent of the amount of salary subject to contribution, but
that, beginning with June, 1918, the 5 per cent rate was made oblig
atory on all new entrants.
In regard to expenditures, the table shows how the system has
been extended since its inception. As first established, it provided
only for superannuation retirement. In 1914 allowances for dis
ability retirants wore added and in 1921 benefits to dependents of
those dying from injuries received in the performance of duty were
included. ■
It will be noticed that the cost of administration is moderate,
being in 1926 $1.46 per capita for the active membership of the sys
tem, and amounting to only 1.62 per cent of the total amount paid
into the fund.
The total receipts of the system from the time it began operation
up to December, 1926, were $5,770,554, and the total expenditures
for the same period $2,394,595.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1224]
PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
41
Summary of State Systems
"'OMPARING these three plans with one another and with the
^
three discussed in earlier issues of the Labor Review, it is
evident that while they differ in various details there is a consider
able resemblance in their outlines.
The Maine and Connecticut systems differ essentially from the
others in that they are noncontributory, and a number of differences
indetail follow from this fundamental divergence. The others are alike
in their main features, varying only in the manner in which these are
worked out. All six are intended to apply to all regular and perma
nent State employees not covered by some other recognized pension
plan, a provision which in all these States rules out teachers. In New
York special provision is made for bringing in employees of cities,,
towns, arid counties, and Massachusetts includes employees paid
partly by the State and partly by counties. Table 7 brings together
the main features of all six plans:
f
72923°—27----- 4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1225]
T
Item
M aine
A uthorization. Laws, 1919, ch.
38; 1923, ch.
199; 1925, ch.
118.
S.—COM PARISON OF STA TE E M P L O Y E E R E T IR E M E N T SYSTEMS
M assachusetts
N ew Y ork
N ew Jersey
Pennsylvania
P u b lic Acts,
Acts of 1911, ch. 532; various
am endm ents, now consoli
dated w ith original act in
ch. 32, General Laws.
Laws of 1920, ch. 741; Law s of
1922, ch. 591; am endm ents
each year since 1920, includ
ing 1927.
Public Laws, 1921, ch. 109;
am ended 1923, 1924.
Acts of 1923, No. 331 (P. L.
858); am ended, A cts of 1927,
N o. 55.
B oard of 3: State treasurer,
an employee m em ber elected
b y his fellows, and a third
elected b y these 2.
S tate com ptroller___________
B oard of 5: State treasurer,
ex officio; 2 appointed b y
governor; 2 employee m em
bers elected b y th eir fellows.
B oard of 5: S tate secretary a nd
treasurer, ex officio; 1 m em
ber appointed b y governor;
a nd 2 employees elected b y
th eir fellows.
1919, ch. 210;
1921, ch. 74;
1923, ch. 119;
1923, ch. 217.
State board of
finance and
control.
[ 1226]
G overnor
council.
Cost ofadminis tra tio n
borne by.
Persons cov
ered.
S tate.
State.
S tate______________ _____ ___
State.
State______________________
State,
All employees of
State in stitu
tions or de
partm ents.
A ll r e g u l a r
S ta te em
ployees.
AH State employees except
teachers.
Employees of
cities, towns, and counties
admitted.
All in classified civil service,
unless covered b y some
other recognized pension
system.
All State employees except
judges and those covered by
school employees’ pension
system,
Conditions for
retirem ent.
25 c o n se c u tiv e
years of serv
ice w ith good
record.
30 y e a r s o f
s e rv ic e , o r
20 i f e mp lo y e e h a s
reached age
of 70; larger
pension for
40 y e a r s ’
service.
P erm an en t a n d regular em
ployees no t covered b y some
other recognized pension
system . Judges an d some
others excepted.
Age 60 years, w ith 15 years’
continuous service, or after
35 years’ service, regardless
of age. Com pulsory retire
m en t a t 70. O rdinary disa
b ility retirem ent: 15 years’
service. D isabilityincurred
in performance of d u ty : No
age or service requirem ents.
Service retirem ent: Optional
a t 60, compulsory a t 70, ex
cept b y special exemption.
O rdinary disability: 10 con
secutive years of service;
medical certification. Aceh
dent disability incurred in
service: N o re q u ire m e n ts
beyond medical certifica
tion.
Service retirem ent: O ptional
a t 60, after 5 years’ service.
N o age for com pulsory retire
m ent. D isab ility retirem ent:
5 years of service; medical
certification.
C ontributions
to fund.
System noncont r i b u t o r ÿ.
State a p
propriates
amounts
needed.
System noncontributo
ry. State app ro p ria te s
bi e n n ially
am o u n t
needed.
Service retirem ent: O ptional
a t 60, compulsory, w ith ex
ceptions u p to 1936, a t 70.
O rdinary disability retire
m ent: 15 years’ service; m ed
ical certification. Accident
disability: In ju ry received
in service regardless of length
of service; m edical certifica
tion. D iscontinued service
retirem ent. (See text.)
From employees: Percentage
of salary determ ined b y sex,
age a t entrance, a nd kind of
w ork. From State:
(1)
N orm al contribution; (2)
deficiency contribution; (3)
cost of adm inistration. (1)
a nd (2) are percentages of
active p ay roll, determ ined
annually.
From employees: Percentage
of salary determ ined b y sex,
age a t entrance, and kind of
w ork. From State:
(1)
N orm al contribution, equal
to sum of m em bers’ contri
butions; (2) contribution to
cover prior service; (3) con
tribution for death benefits
and cost of adm inistration.
F rom employees: Percentage
of salary based on age a t
entrance, choice betw een
tw o rates. From State: (1)
A m ount equal to sum of
m em bers’ contributions; (2)
co ntribution to cover prior
service; (3) cost of adm inis
tration.
From employees: 5 per cent
of salary, u p to $1,560. For
those em ployed prior to
June, 1918, choice of either
3 or 5 p er cent. From State:
M o n th ly contributions to
m eet cost of pensions for
prior a n d subsequent serv
ice, an d am ounts needed for
lia b ility an d a c c i d e n t
death benefits. S tate m akes
u p an y deficiency.
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
C onnecticut
B y w hom ad
m inistered.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
and
able
R etirem ent a l A t discretion of
lowances.
governor and
council, b u t
no t to exceed
one-half av er
age salary for
last 5 years of
service.
One-half aver
age annual
salary
for
la st 5 years;
if employee
has served
40 y e a r s ,
t h r e e fourths.
Service allowance. A nnuity
purchased b y m em ber’s con
tributions, plus pension of
same am ount from State;
m inim um , $300 a year; m ax
im um , one-half of final com
pensation. O rdinary disa
bility: Same as for service
retirem ent. Accident disa
bility: One-half of salary a t
tim e of injury.
In case of w ithdraw al, dismis
sal, or death, an employee’s
contributions are returned
w ith interest.
Provision for
dependents.
For dependents of m em ber
killed in service, pension of
one-half of salary employee
received a t tim e of accident.
F o r others, options a t tim e
of retirem ent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Service retirem ent: F o r each
year of service one-seventi
e th of final com pensation.
O rdinary d isability: A n nui
ty bought b y m em b er’s con
tributions, plus pension from
State, n o t over one-fifth of
final com pensation. Acci
d e n t d isab ility d ue to serv
ice: A n n u ity bou g h t by
m e m b e r ’s contributions,
plus pension from S tate of
tw o-thirds of final com
pensation.
Service retirem ent: F o r each
y ear of service one-eightieth
or one-fiftieth of final com
pensation, a c c o r d i n g to
rate of contribution chosen.
D isability re tirem ent: A n
n u ity a n d pension to equal
for each year of service onen inetieth of final salary, m in
im um , 30 per cent of final
salary; m axim um , eightnin th s of allow ance receiv
able had m em ber served till
age of 60.
On w ithdraw al, dismissal, or
death contributions are re
tu rn ed w ith interest a t 4 per
cent, com pounded annually.
Options a t tim e of retirem ent.
O rdinary death benefit, ac
cident death benefit.
Options a t tim e of retirem ent.
F or death incurred in line
of d u ty , pension to w idow
or m inor children.
On w ithdraw al or dismissal
m em ber m a y receive accum
u lated contributions w ith
com pound in te re st a t 4 per
cent or th e ir a ctuarial equiv
alent in a n n u ity or deferred
a n n u ity . I n case of death, re
fu n d is m ade to estate.
Options a t tim e of retirem ent;
no other provision.
PUBLIC SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
[1227]
Refunds____
Service retirem ent: F o r each
yearofserviceone-seventieth
of final compensation. Or
dinary disability: N inete n th s of one-seventieth
of final com pensation,m ulti
plied b y years of service. Ac
cident disability: A nnu ity
bought by employee’s con
tributions plus pension from
S tate of three-fourths of final
compensation.
D iscontin
ued service: Allowance as
for service retirem ent, plus
extra pension if employee is
SO or over.
On w ithdraw al, dismissal, or
death contributions are re
turned w ith interest a t 4 per
cent, compounded annually.
CO
44
MONTHLY LABOS REVIEW
Administration
A comparison of the six systems shows that in the matter of em
ployee representation they are evenly divided. In Maine and
Connecticut the management of the plan is intrusted to a State
body, and in New York to a State official, the employees having no
representation whatever. The Massachusetts, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania systems are administered by boards on which the
employees have either one or two representatives, chosen by them
selves from their own number.
Conditions for Retirement
Age.—In this respect there have been many changes in the various
systems since they were established, but taking them as of the
present date, two make no requirements as to age, and four set 60
as the proper age for optional retirement, sometimes coupling with
it a service requirement. Maine has only a service requirement, and
in general this is true of Connecticut, though here a modification is
made in favor of those who reach 70 without the service qualifica
tion. New York and New Jersey permit retirement at 60 without
regard to service, and Massachusetts and Penns3dvania permit it
at the same age with a service requirement.
Maine, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania set no age at which retire
ment is compulsory, but Massachusetts and New Jersey require
it at 70. New York at first did the same, but there was so much
complaint against this feature that the law was amended to set the
compulsory age at 80, with progressive modifications which will
bring it down to 70 by 1936.
Service requirements.—Maine requires 25 consecutive years of
service and Connecticut 30, or 20 if the employee has reached 70
with fewer than 30 years of service. Massachusetts requires 15
years of service for retirement at 60, but permits it at any age after
35 years of service. Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 5 years,
and New York and New Jersey make no service requirement.
Disability retirements.—Maine and Connecticut make no special
provision for disability. The other States permit retirement on allow
ance for disability after a certain length of service, Massachusetts and
New York fixing the term at 15 years, New Jersey at 10, and Penn
sylvania at 5. Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey make a
further provision for accident disability, i. e., disability arising from
injury received in the direct performance of duty. For such dis
ability, retirement on allowance is permitted without any require
ments as to either age or length of service.
All four States require that the fact of disability should be estab
lished by medical examination and certification and provide that
the retirant must submit to reexamination whenever ordered.
Source of Funds
In Maine and Connecticut the State provides the necessary funds,
appropriations being made at the regular sessions of the legislatures,
according to estimates furnished. In the other States the funds are
secured through contributions from the employees, contributions by
the public authorities, interest on investments and money in bank,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1228 ]
PUBLIC SEEVICE BETIBEMENT SYSTEMS
45
occasional profits on investments and the like, the contributions from
the employees and the State being the main sources.
Contributions from employees.—In all four States the employee’s
contribution is made in the form of a percentage of his salary or
wage, which is deducted before his salary is paid him. In Massa
chusetts, for all who entered the service after June 30, 1918, the
contribution is 5 per cent of the salary up to $1,560 a year, all salary
over that amount being exempt from, contribution. In New York
and New Jersey the percentage is determined by the employee’s
sex, age at entrance, and kind of work, and in Pennsylvania the
employee is given a choice between two rates, based on age at en
trance, the amount of the retirement allowance being determined by
the rate chosen.
Contributions from State.—In Maine and Connecticut appropria
tions are made as needed for the payment of pensions. In the
other systems, the State’s contribution is usually divided into several
parts, determined by different calculations. One part is needed to
provide for the payment of pensions for service currently rendered,
another to defray the cost of special benefits, such as the accident
disability allowance, and another to pay the allowances for service
rendered before the system went into effect. In addition the State,
in all these systems, pays the full cost of administration of the plan.
In theory the different amounts, except the expense of administration,
are calculated either as a percentage of the active pay roll, or as a
flat sum. which, if continued through a specified period, will extin
guish the claim, and the total amount thus found is appropriated
regularly. In practice, there is occasionally some irregularity about
the appropriations; the State accepts its full responsibility, but some
times prefers to postpone its payments or part of them.
In addition to these two sources of income, interest upon the
accumulated contributions of employees and the State is an important
factor in building up the reserves. In 1926 the New Jersey fund
received a gross amount of $61,680 from this source and the New
York fund, $330,290.
Retirement Allowances
Under the Maine law the governor and council have entire discre
tion as to the amount which may be granted as an allowance, except
that it may not be more than one-half the average annual salary
received for the last five years of service. In Connecticut the amount
is ordinarily one-half of the average annual salary for the last five
years of service, but if the retirant has served 40 years it is threefourths of this average salary.
In the other States the allowance is composed of two parts, an
annuity bought by the retirant’s accumulated contributions and a
pension from the State, which, in the case of service retirement, is
equal to the annuity. For those in the service before the system was
established, the State provides both pension and annuity to cover
the years of prior service, so that the total allowance is the same as
if they had been paying contributions from the time they entered the
public employ. In Massachusetts the minimum allowance is $300
a year, and the maximum is one-half of the average annual salary for
the last five years of service. If the employee has served so long that
his accumulated contributions would purchase an annuity amounting
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1229]
46
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
to more than one-fourth of this final compensation, the State returns
the excess to him in a lump sum at the time of retirement. The other
States do not set a maximum, but the employee’s contributions have
been calculated to produce, for those who enter the service at a rea
sonably early age and remain until they reach the retirement age, a
sum which will purchase an annuity approximating one-fourth of the
final compensation, so that the total allowance will be around onehalf of this compensation.
The allowances for disability and accident disability retirement
are usually fixed as a proportion of a normal retirement allowance,
the employee’s contributions being used to purchase an annuity and
the State altering its pension as may be necessary to make the allow
ance reach the figure set. In the case of accident disability, the
State will, if necessary, make up the whole allowance, and in any case
its contribution is more liberal than in the case of ordinary disability
or service retirement.
Refund of Contributions
As Maine and Connecticut do not require contributions from their
employees, the question of refunds does not arise. The other
States all return the contributions, with compound interest, upon the
death, dismissal, or withdrawal of the employee. Pennsylvania
permits a retiring employee, if he prefers, to receive the actuarial
equivalent of his accumulated contributions in either an annuity
or a deferred annuity.
Provision for Dependents
Maine and Connecticut make no provision for dependents. The
other States permit options at the time of retirement by which the
retirant may, if he chooses, receive a smaller allowance for himself
with some provision for dependents after his death, the nature of the
options differing considerably in the various States.
If death occurs from ordinary causes while a member is still in
the service, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania make no
provision for the dependents, except as the refund of the accumulated
contributions may be looked upon as a provision, but New York, if
the decedent has served for at least one year, makes an additional
lump-sum payment to his dependents, based upon length of service,
but not to exceed one-half of his last year’s salary.
If death results from some accident or exposure incurred in the
direct performance of duty, Massachusetts, New York, and New
Jersey all provide a pension of one-half of the member’s final com
pensation to his widow during widowhood, or to children under a
certain age.
Explanation of the New Index of Wholesale Prices
B y E t h e l b e r t S t e w a r t , U . S . C o m m is s io n e r o f L a b o r S t a t is t ic s 1
the fourth form of a wholesale price index launched by
States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
THIStheInisUnited
the compilation of the first, in so far as any method was
used, it was that of Sauerbeck.
The price base had a spread of 10
1 A ddress before th e N ew Y ork section of th e Am erican Statistical Association, Oct. 27, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 3 0 ]
NEW INDEX OF WHOLESALE PRICES
47
years, being the average of prices from 1890 to 1899. The Sauerbeck
system amounts to an index based upon an average of relatives, and
the element of weighting as we understand it now is entirely ignored.
The less said about that index the better.
It was entirely discarded in 1913, and a new and weighted index
was compiled. This was first published in 1914 in Bulletin No. 181.
In it a system of weighting the money prices of commodities by
their physical quantities sold in the markets was introduced for the
first time in the United States, and the aggregative method of com
putation was employed. The aggregative method had been advo
cated for a number of years by G. H. Knibbs, of Australia, and was
probably first actually put into practice by him. The older indexes,
like the bureau’s old index, were based either upon the Sauerbeck
method, or on other methods more or less kept as secrets.
The 1914 index covered 297 articles or price series. They were
weighted by the census data of 1909, and the price base chosen was
the average of the prices for the year 1913.
A revision of this index was made in 1921, and the number of
commodities w*as increased to 404. Prices were weighted by the then
new 1919 census data instead of the census data of 1909, and the
index numbers for all back years were revised accordingly. The base
price of 1913 was retained, and at this time the plan was adopted of
including in two different commodity groups such articles as properly
belong to both groups. Thus structural steel, nails, and certain other
metal products used in building were placed in the group of building
materials as well as in that of metal products. Similarly, food articles
produced on the farm, and which reach the consumer unchanged in
form, such as potatoes, eggs, and milk, were included both among
farm products and among foods. In computing the general index
number for all comjnodities, however, such articles were counted only
once, thereby avoiding duplication in the final results. Again all
index numbers were revised back to 1890. These index numbers
were continued to August of the present year.
In the bureau’s latest revised index numbers, the results of which
have recently been announced, the number of commodities has again
been increased—this time to 550. This was done in order to give
representation to certain commodities, such as automobiles, which
now loom up large in the country’s commerce but which formerly
were unimportant. Other important commodities have been added,
such as farm machinery, family sewing machines, cookstoves, by
product coke, manufactured gas, and prepared fertilizers, prices for
which have only recently become available to the bureau. All of
these articles have been added in the effort to make the bureau’s
wholesale-price index represent as large a cross section of the country’s
commerce as it is possible to accomplish under present conditions.
On the other hand, a few articles carried in the index of 1921 have
been discarded for the reason that their use has been superseded by
other types of commodities. A striking instance of this is clay
worsted, which is no longer used to any appreciable extent in the
manufacture of men’s clothing.
Distribution of the articles or price series among the various groups
under the revisions of the bureau’s index number is as follows:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 3 1 ]
48
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
N U M B E R O F A R T IC L E S OR P R IC E S E R IE S IN E A C H C O M M O D IT Y G R O U P IN
U N IT E D S T A T E S B U R E A U O F L A B O R S T A T IS T IC S ’ I N D E X N U M B E R S O F 1913, 1921,
A N D 1927
R evision of—
. C om m odity group
1913
1921
F arm p ro d u c ts .. 1_____________ _
C loths and clothing.................. .........
H ides a nd leath er p ro d u cts. . . .
Textile p ro d u cts______
__________
F uel a nd lig h tin g ..
............... ....................
M etals and m etal p ro d u cts_________________ _____ _
B uilding m aterials_________________________ _
Chemicals and d ru g s_______________ _ _ ____________________
House-furnishing goods.______________
M is c e lla n e o u s ...._____ _________________________
T o ta l________________ _____________
30
87
72
56
i 111
65
15
25
30
10
6
22
297
20
37
l 41
43
31
25
404
1927
67
i 121
40
75
23
73
1 57
i 78
l 37
25
550
The new index uses as a weighting factor the average of the cen
suses of 1923 and 1925 for manufactured products, and for agricul
tural products the averages of 1923, 1924, and 1925. Wherever
reliable data could be secured for the mid-census year of 1924 these
were used in the adjustment of the weighting factor. In the matter
of agriculture I think we must concede that the variation in volume
of crops is so great that a somewhat broader base for the weighting
factor is desirable. Having accepted the broader tune base for the
weighting factor of agricultural products, I accepted in the interest
of uniformity a broader time base for the weighting factor of all
commodities. The price base has been changed from the average
of 1913 to the average of 1926. The principle of an average for one
year as the price-base line has not been abandoned.
Some rearrangement of commodities has been made with respect
to certain groups. Thus hides, which now are almost entirely a
packing-house output, have been removed from* the farm-products
group and assigned to the newly added group of hides and leather
products. To this group also belong shoes, formerly with cloths
and clothing, and leather, formerly in the miscellaneous group.
The new group of textile products includes all of the former cloths
and clothing group with the exception of shoes: also, it includes manila
hemp, jute, rope, and Mexican sisal, formerly carried in the miscel
laneous group. It also includes twTo new commodities—binder
twine and burlap.
For a number of commodities composite prices are now being used,
instead of prices from a single source. This applies to leather har
ness, suitcases, and traveling bags, anthracite and bituminous coal,
manufactured gas, plows, automobiles, sewing machines, cookstoves,
brick, Portland cement, prepared fertilizers, furniture, and auto
mobile tires. In all cases simple averages of the prices obtained
from different sources have been made in order to arrive at the
composite prices. To preserve the continuity of the information,
care is taken that the quotations for any month be obtained from the
same sources and on articles of the same description as the month
before. These composite prices are believed to furnish a more
accurate barometer of price changes than would prices based on a
single source of information. For example, monthly prices of building
bricks are obtained from 82 manufacturers in different parts of the
i Includes certain com m odities classified also in an o th er group.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1232]
NEW INDEX OF WHOLESALE FEIGES
country. These 82 prices are averaged to obtain the composite
price. No attempt is made to weight the different elements entering
into any composite price, since in most cases it would be a physical
impossibility to arrive at the quantity of the article sold at the
reported price. In a few instances, where the reported prices were
regarded as truly representative, the composite price has been made
from only three quotations, but in no case from less than three. In
all cases the prices, whether individual or composite, have been
weighted by the quantities of the article marketed in the three years
1923, 1924, and 1925, or in the case of manufactured products, by
the average for 1923 and 1925.
In addition to the simple composite price we have, as in the case
of automobiles and several other commodities, what might be con
sidered a weighted composite price. We carry six automobiles—
Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Buick, Cadillac, and Packard. We get
the price of each type of Ford passenger car sold in a month, for
example. From this we make an unweighted average price, since
it has been found impossible in practice to ascertain the volume of
sales for each type of car. We do this for each of the six makes.
Then, to get the composite price used in the weighted index, we
proceed as follows: The total production of all makes of passenger
cars in the base weighting period 1923-1925 is divided into six parts
according to the relative volume of sales in 1926 of the six makes as
compared with each other. In other words, the six makes are taken
as representing all makes of cars. Then we weight the average
price of each of the six makes by its proper figure and add the results.
The weighted composite prices or aggregates are then resolved into
index numbers in the usual manner. There are other instances
in which this weighted composite occurs, but they need not be dis
cussed here. I t must be understood that in the case of automobiles
we have the advantage of knowing with practical accuracy the
number of each make of car placed on the market each year.
In Bulletin No. 453, already issued, we have published the list
of 550 articles classified by their various groups. We have also
published the weights used for each.
Aside from the general and clear-cut presentation of the index
numbers by groups and by all commodities there will be other
presentations. For instance, we will show an index of farm products
as against nonagricultural products. However, our farm-products
group will be farm products just as they come from the farm, and
will not include any manufactures. For instance, fluid milk is sold
by the farmer and as such is a farm product. However, we have
taken the position that if the farmer changes his milk into cheese
he is to that extent a cheese manufacturer, and cheese will be listed
as a manufactured product.
There will be another index divided into three groups—raw mate
rials, semimanufactured articles, and finished products. Here
again there is an entire reclassification of raw materials, and the group
will contain raw materials as we understand the term; that is, raw ma
terial as it is produced in its natural state. For instance, it will
contain iron ore but it will not contain pig iron. When it comes to
what to include in the semimanufactured group the classification will
have to be more or less arbitrary. To a lesser degree this applies
to the finished products also.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1233]
50
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
In the nature of things the sampling method must still control.
Even though we were able to increase by fivefold the number of
articles which we include, it would still be a sampling method.
However, to give you an idea of the size of the sample, the total
value of the bureau’s 550 selected articles for 1925 was $45,309,236,000
whereas the total of all goods entering into the market for 1925 was
approximately $84,000,000,000. In other words, the bureau’s sample
is over 50 per cent of the total value of all commodities of whatsoever
nature entering into the markets of the United States. Of course
w e do not include as commodities either real estate, buildings, stocks
and bonds, or a number of other things which will readily suggest
themselves to your minds.
If we take the groups, however, our sample is relatively very much
larger. The bureau’s farm-products group, on 1925 prices, has a
value of $10,339,794,000. This is larger than the value shown by
the Department of Agriculture for crops. The reason for this is that
the Agricultural Department’s figures are for crops only and exclude
livestock sold for food, while the bureau’s farm-products group
includes such livestock. Our foods group exceeds the census figure
for the chief food industries by some $700,000,000; however, this is
accounted for largely by the fact that our prices are sale prices while
the census figures are production values—practically, cost of produc
tion. Our fuel and lighting exceeds the figure given by the Bureau
of Mines and the census, but here again the Bureau of Mines
quotes f. o. b. mine values of coal, while the Bureau of Labor Statis
tics figure is the sale value in the primary markets. Resales are
eliminated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as far as possible.
For the 550 articles which we carry, the term “sampling method”
hardly applies, because our weights are assumed to be those of the
total amounts marketed; and how nearly this proves to be true is
shown by the fact that our total for 1925 is $45,309,236,000, whereas
the census and other sources of information from which we get our
weights showr a corresponding total of approximately $46,500,000,000.
So you see that so far as the 550 articles we carry are concerned, the
sample is almost 100 per cent.
One other point of interest is the percentage that each group bears
to the wdiole. In this connection let me say that the relative impor
tance of commodity groups as measured by wholesale values in
exchange for the price-base year 1926 is as follows:
TJ
Farm products________________
2 1 . .11
F oo ds - __--------------- -------------- ------------------------------------ 1____ I I . I I U I . I 22.’ 38
(This does not include articles classed as farm products.)
Hides and leather products________________________________________ 3 . 63
Textile products_________________________________________________
g. 56
Fuel and lighting_________________________________________________ jg 07
Metals and metal products________________________________________ 1 3 . 08
Building materials_______________________________________~_______
5 ] 15
(This does not include such articles as are included in metals and
metal products—structural steel, for instance.)
Chemicals and drugs______________________________________________ 1 . 75
(Here again this does not include such articles as are classed as foods.)
House-furnishing goods______________ _____________________________ 1.92
(Here again this does not include articles classed as textile or metal
products.)
Miscellaneous____________________
6 . 35
(The rather high percentage of the total of this group is caused partly
by the introduction of automobile tires.)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1234]
51
NEW INDEX OF WHOLESALE PRICES
To those who desire this percentage distribution in more detail
there is attached a table showing such distribution not only by
groups but by subdivisions forming the groups.
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT Y G R O U P S AS M E A S U R E D B Y W H O L E S A L E
V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926
E stim ated
value in
exchange
G roup
1. Farm products........................... .
a. Grains............... ...................
b. Livestock and poultry____
c. Other farm products.......... .
2. Foods............ ..................... .........
a. Butter, cheese, and milk__
b. M eats............................... .
c. Other foods_____________
3. Hides and leather products___
a. n id esan d skins.....................
b. Leather_________________
c. Boots and shoes__________
d. Other leather products__ _
4. Textile products..................... .
a. Cotton goods____________
b. Silk and rayon___________
c. Woolen and worsted goods..
d. Other textile products........
5. Fuel and lighting____________
a. Anthracite coal_____ ____
b. Bituminous coal_________
c. Coke___________________
d. Manufactured gas................
e. Petroleum products_______
6. Metals and metal products____
a. Iron and steel____________
b. Nonferrous metals________
c. Agricultural implements__
d. Automobiles_____________
e. Other metal products_____
7. Building materials.............. ........
a. Lumber_________________
b. Brick___________________
c. Cement, P o rtlan d ............
d. Steel, structural__________
e. Paint materials________ _
f. Other building materials___
8. Chemicals and drugs..... ...........
a. Chemicals_______________
b. Drugs and pharmaceuticals.
c. Fertilizer materials....... ........
d. Fertilizers, mixed________
9. nouse-furnishing goods.............
a. Furniture_______________
b. Furnishings_____________
10. Miscellaneous______________
a. Cattle feed___ __________
b. Paper and pulp_____ _____
c. Rubber, crude______ _____
d. Automobile tires____ _____
e. Other miscellaneous.............
$9,413,212,000
1,603,106,000
3,199, 079,000
4,611,027,000
12,627,157,000
2,389,150,000
4,149,125,000
6,088,882,000
1,617, 944,000
343,845,000
369,739,000
785,328,000
119,032,000
3,817,298,000
1, 523,849,000
684,210,000
1,105,911,000'
503, 328,000
7,163,607,000
888,141,000
2,157, 740, 000
407, 722,000
368,717,000
3,341,287,000
5,832,921,000
2,128,331,000
935,332,000
93,652,000
2,388,248,000
287,358,000
2,836,860, 000
1,156,615,000
235,154,000
260,803,000
148,868,000
289,864,000
745,556,000
862,613,000
476,782,000
117,068,000
145,045,000
123,718,000
1,446,819,000
533, 202,000
913,617,000
2,829,551,000
189, 980,000
759,383,000
356,630,000
764,955,000
758,603,000
All commodities-...................
44,582,074,000
Value expressed as per
centage of aggregate
value of—
Com m odi
ties in
group
100. 00
17.04
33.98
48.98
100. 00
18. 92
32. 86
48. 22
100. 00
21.25
22. 85
48.54
7. 36
100. 00
39. 92
17. 92
28. 97
13.19
100. 00
12.40
30.12
5. 69
5.15
46.64
100. 00
36.49
16.03
1.61
40.94
4.93
100.00
40. 77
8.29
9.19
5. 25
10. 22
26.28
100. 00
55.28
13. 57
16.81
14.34
100. 00
36. 85
63.15
100. 00
6. 71
26.84
12. 61
27. 03
26. 81
All com
modities
21.11
3.60
7.17
10.34
1 22. 38
12. 51
9.31
1 10. 56
3.63
.77
.83
1.76
.27
8.56
3.42
3.53
2.48
1.13
16.07
1.99
4.84
.92
.83
7.49
13.03
4.77
2.10
..21
5. 36
.64
2 5.15
2. 59
.53
.59
(*)
.65
2.79
i 1.75
4.89
.28
.32
.28
* 1.92
1.20
*.72
6.35
.43
1.70
.80
1.72
1.70
100. 00
1 N o t including articles classed as farm products.
2 N ot including articles classed as m etal products.
8 Included in m etals a n d m etal products.
4 N o t including articles classed as foods.
6 N o t including articles classed as textile products or m etal products.
It should be noted that the present plan is not only to add to the
index new commodities as they appear ■but to reweight with each
succeeding census; that is to say, the fixed weighting period has been
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1235]
52
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
entirely abandoned, both in theory and in practice, and the weights
will be revised with each census period; the price-base line, however,
will be continued until, like 1913, it has outlived its usefulness. It
should be further noted that in carrying this index back to 1913 vari
able weighting factors will be used, to tally as nearly as possible with
the quantity entering into the markets of the country in each particu
lar year. For instance, we are not going to carry the automobile
weights of 1926 back to 1913, but those weights will be graduated
downward to conform to the number of passenger cars actually pro
duced in each census period. This method will be applied to all
items as far as possible.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1236]
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND LABOR
CONDITIONS
Sixteenth Annual Safety Congress, Chicago, September
26-30, 1927
F
OR the first time in many jmars since the safety movement has
achieved national importance through the activities oi the
National Safety Council, which was organized in 1912, the
sessions of its annual congress were held under one roof when the
sixteenth congress assembled at the Hotel Stevens, Chicago, during
the week of September 26-30, 1927.
While at this writing a final report of registration of delegates is
not available, the council estimates that fully 6,000 representatives
of all branches of industry, of National, State, and municipal gov
ernments, of educational and health interests, and of insurance
companies and engineering societies, attended the 104 general and
sectional meetings, luncheons, banquets, and breakfast gatherings,
where more than 300 speakers discussed safety and accident pre
vention in all its phases.
Resolutions on Public Safety
attention was given to safety on the streets and
PARTICULAR
in the homes, and at one of the general meetings the congress
adopted a series of resolutions indicating its attitude on the subject
of safety on the streets, highways, and other public places and in
residences. These resolutions are as follows:
Whereas in the United States last year some 90,000 persons were killed and an
inestimable number were injured by accident on the streets, highways, and other
public places, at home, and in the industries, causing pain, sorrow, deprivation,
and an economic loss of billions of dollars; and
Whereas a majority of these accidents could have been prevented, as was
demonstrated by the thousands which have been prevented through united
effort of those intent upon accident prevention; and
Whereas public officials and leaders of public opinion have become increasingly
alarmed over the traffic accident problem in particular and have very properly
determined that this wastage of life must stop: Therefore be it
R e s o lv e d , That the members of the national council and others greatly interested
assembled in Chicago at the Sixteenth Annual Safety Congress, pledge them
selves to continue diligent and ever increasing efforts to prevent accidents and
to further and make effective these efforts, recommend to the States and cities,
the schools, civic organizations, and all citizens the following:
1.
Adoption of the standard accident reporting system in every State and
city so that effective preventive measures may be based on accurate information.
2.
A scientific, nonpartisan study of the traffic situation in each city; the
improvement of streets, revision of ordinances and regulations, and adoption
of "traffic-control measures as shown necessary by such surveys.
3 Universal acceptance of the principle of uniformity in State and city traffic
laws and regulations and in the design and use of signs, signals, and pavement
markings, for both safety and convenience, and the generous cooperation of ail
interested officials and organizations to that end.
[1237]
53
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
54
M O N T H L Y LABOE R E V IE W
4. The licensing of all drivers, under State law, in such manner as will eliminate
as far as possible the unfit and the irresponsible.
5. The unstinted recognition by all users of the highways, both motorists
and pedestrians, of the rights, the safety, and the comfort of all other users.
6 . The safety instruction and training of all school children, and, to that end,
the furnishing of necessary safety information and materials to all teachers.
7. The continued cooperation of newspapers and periodicals, as well as of
all civic organizations, in giving the widest publicity to the consequences of
accidents, to the specific means of avoiding accidents, and to the vital need
for personal caution and law observance.
8 . The impartial and certain enforcement of reasonable laws on that small
minority of the population who can not otherwise be brought to realize the rights
of others.
9. The promotion and the coordination of all these measures through the
formation in each community of a community safety council or committee,
nonpartisan, noncommercial, representing all groups and interests, mobilizing
the forces of public opinion and supporting the public officials in the loyal and
efficient performance of their duties.
Resolutions on Industrial Safety
'""THE same session also adopted the following resolutions pertaining
1 to industrial safety:
Whereas some 24,000 workers were killed and hundreds of thousands were
injured in industry during 1926, causing pain, sorrow, destitution, interruption
of orderly processes, slowing up of production, and the economic loss of billions
of dollars imposed upon employers and employees; and
Whereas more than 4,300 employers, members of the National Safety Council,
have demonstrated that most accidents can be prevented through organized
prevention work; and
Whereas it has been demonstrated by members of the National Safety Council
that this achievement is possible in all fields of industrial endeavor if all em
ployers and employees will realize that accident prevention is a responsibility
which should be shouldered by everyone: Therefore be it
R e s o lv e d , That the members of the National Safety Council and others deeply
concerned, assembled in Chicago, 111., at the Sixteenth Annual Safety Congress,
urgently recommend the following:
1. That all employers make a survey of their respective establishments, both
large and small, to ascertain the why, where, and how of accidents and accident
prevention.
2. That employers keep and analyze their accident records for the purpose of
devising ways and means of preventing the recurrence of accidents.
3. That employers safeguard, in so far as possible, all mechanical equipment
and revise manufacturing processes so as to eliminate these hazards.
4. That the personnel of all establishments be impressed with their individual
need of safety and with the necessity of properly instructing their fellow-workers
in safe practices.
5. That employers support efforts being made by community safety councils,
the National Safety Council, Federal, State, and municipal officials and others,
by conducting necessary organized accident prevention campaigns.
6 . That employers encourage the inclusion of safety education in the courses
of public, private, and parochial schools and colleges.
7 . That more colleges and universities incorporate safety engineering in exist
ing engineering courses.
Report on Hazards of Spray Coating
A FEATURE of some importance was the submission of a report
by the special committee appointed by the council to make a
study of the hazards incident to the spray method of applying paints
and lacquers on inside work. Considerable discussion followed the
reading of the majority report by Dr. C.-E. A. Winslow, of Yale
University, at the final session of the chemical section, and with but
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1238]
MIGRATION TO AND FROM FARMS
55
a few dissenting votes it was adopted. The committee found the
process quite hazardous, chiefly from the use of lead, benzol, and
silicon, and recommended certain measures covering the wearing of
masks, the installation of efficient exhaust systems, and methods of
preventing fires in the case of benzol. I t appears, however, that a
substitute for benzol—a nonpoisonous toluol—has removed much of
the dangers to workers arising from the use of benzol. A minority
report, to be included with the majority report—both of which will
be* published later and can not therefore be reviewed in detail at
this time—claims that the committee has unduly exaggerated the
hazards of the spray process.
Election of Officers
[TIE following are the officers of the National Safety Council for
' the ensuing year:
President.— Homer E. Niesz.
Vice 'president for industrial safety .— E. W. Beck.
Vice president for local councils.— C. E. Hill.
Vice president for public relations.— C. J. Moore.
Vice president for public safety .— Miller McClintock.
Vice president for finance.— C. E. Pettibone.
Vice president for membership.— Henry A. Reninger.
Vice president for engineering.— G. E. Sanford.
Vice president for education.— A. W. Whitney.
Vice president for health.— Dr. C.-E. A. Winslow.
Treasurer.— G. T. Hellmuth.
Managing director.— W . H . Cameron.
The 1928 Congress
T T IE congress considered a resolution to the effect that the next
* session and all subsequent sessions should be held in Chicago,
but no definite action was taken, the matter being in the hands of
the executive committee.
Migration of Population to and from Farms
HE Bureau of Agricultural Economics of the United States
Department of Agriculture has just issued, in mimeographed
form, an “ Analysis of migration of population to and from
farms. ” The study was conducted in the summers of 1926 and 1927
by means of circular letters and covered 2,745 farm operators who
migrated from farms to city, town, or village and 1,167 persons who
left city, town, or village for the farm.
T
Migration from Farms
f"pi4E 2,745 former farm operators were scattered through every
State in the Union, and included 2,307 farm owners and 438
tenants, hired men being excluded. It is not claimed that this par
ticular sample of farmers is typical of all those who have given up
farming, but “ there seems no reason to disregard or even to mini
mize the facts revealed in this investigation as types of causes and
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1239]
56
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
conditions playing a part in the general recent movement of farmers
off the land. ”
Of the reasons given for leaving the farm, 37.8 per cent were of
an economic character, as, for example, high prices, high taxes, and
not being able to make ends meet. The next most prevalent set of
reasons (25.2 per cent) included physical disability, old age, and
inability to obtain enough help to carry on the farm and household
work; 12 per cent of the owners’ reasons and 5.6 per cent of the
tenants’ reasons were the lack of opportunity for schooling their
children; 1.8 per cent left the farm to allow a son or son-in-law to
occupy it; 2.5 per cent (76 owners and 3 tenants) had obtained a
competency which permitted them to “ lead an easier life” and to
obtain those things which “ the family has long .craved, but has not
had opportunity to obtain.”
The present occupations of these former farmers cover a wide
range: 25.3 per cent are working at day labor or at trades, etc.;
others are salesmen (6.9 per cent), public servants (6 per cent),
merchants or grocers (4.9 per cent), employees of garages or service
stations^ (2.6 per cent), teachers, preachers, etc. (2.2 per cent),
dealers in feed, coal, etc. (2.1 per cent), and real estate agents (1.1
per cent), other occupations accounting for 25.6 per cent, while 23.3
per cent reported no present occupation.
Not all of those leaving their farms disposed of them, and 22 per
cent reported that 70 per cent or more of their present income was
derived from farms they still owned, 9.3 per cent were receiving from
50 to 59 per cent of their income from their farms, and 7.8 per cent
were receiving from 20 to 29 per cent.
Migration to Farms
CIRCULAR letters were sent to 10,000 persons who had recently
_moved from cities, towns, or villages to farms but only 1,167
replies were received. Every State, with the exception of Arizona,
Delaware, and New Mexico, was represented in the replies.
^ The purpose of the inquiry was to throw some light upon the
character of the constant stream of migration from urban areas to
farming communities. The outstanding reasons given by migrants
who became farm owners and tenants were “ health,” “ better living
conditions, ” “ better place to bring up children, ” and “ love of nature
and country life.” ^ The reasons given by those who became hired
men included the high cost of living in cities and better opportunity
for making money on farms, although some of them were influenced
by the same motives that actuated those who became farm owners
and tenants. Many of the migrants had tired of city life and others
(6.6 per cent) wanted to live more independently.
The total number of those included in this part of the study who
became owners of farms was 776; whereas 344 became tenants, and 47,
hired men. Out of 1,166 persons who answered the question as to
their previous experience on farms, only 155 had never worked on
farms. More than one-third of those reporting previous farm
experience had owned farms and one-third had been tenants.
The majority of the migrants said that they liked farming better
than city work and considered it a good occupation; 54.3 per cent of a
total of 1,098 reported that they made a better living on the farm
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[12401
COOPERATION OP EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
57
than they had in the city. Of the farm owners, 47.4 per cent re
ported a better living on the farm; of the tenants, 66.9 per cent;
and of the hired men, 73.3 per cent. The incomes of 6.3 per cent
were about the same as in the city, 4.3 per cent had not been on the
farm long enough to answer this question, and 2.1 per cent reported
that the farms were not yet on a good paying basis but they expected
to make them pay. About 3 per cent were not dependent upon the
farms for a living.
Cooperation of Employers and Workers in England
HILE in general the events of the last two years in English
industrial history have tended to increase antagonism
between employer and employed, there have been indica
tions of late of the development of a different spirit. Organized
labor, as a whole, has made a distinct gesture of peace, and individual
attempts at cooperative effort made by employers have been
cordially received. The overture of organized labor was probably
the most far-reaching in its possible consequences, but, unfortunately,
it has apparently not met with a response from organized industry.
Of the employers’ efforts two—the plan of the Chemical Combine
and the conference scheme of the London, Midlands & Scottish
Railway—are attracting considerable attention.
W
Overture of Organized Labor 1
first step toward general cooperation in industry was taken at
ihe trade-union congress held at Edinburgh in the beginning of
September of this year, in a report by the general council, which
concluded:
The extent to which the confederation of employers’ organizations controls
questions of general policy * * * points to the necessity for centralized
negotiations to deal with general questions for the whole movement. The
general council therefore recommends that this necessary coordination should
be in the hands of the trade-union congress through the medium of the general
council.
.....
The president in his opening address spoke more plainly of what
the general council had in mind. Discussing the constructive period
of trade-unionism, he went on to say:
Much fuller use can be made * * * of the machinery for joint consulta
tion and negotiation between employers and employed. * * * Practically
nothing has yet been done to establish effective machinery of joint conference
between the representative organizations entitled to speak for industry as a
whole. There are many problems upon which joint discussion would prove of
value at the present time.
Such a direct exchange of practical views between the representatives of the
great organized bodies who have responsibility for the conduct of industry and
know its problems at first hand would be of far greater significance than the
suggestion which has been made in certain quarters for a spectacular national
conference, under Government or other auspices, to discuss a vague aspiration
toward “ industrial peace.” Discussion on these lines would bring both sides
face to face with the hard realities of the present economic situation, and might
yield useful results in showing how far and upon what terms cooperation is
possible in a common endeavor to raise the workers’ standard of life.
1
D ata from the Manchester Guardian, Oct. 21, 1927, p. 11, and Labor Magazine, October, 1927, pp.
246, 247.
72923°—27-----5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1241]
58
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The policy thus suggested received further discussion during the
meeting, and while one element opposed it as a surrender to the
employing side, the prevailing sentiment favored it. One tradeunion leader thus sums up the attitude of the congress:
The trade-unions felt themselves able to render a positive contribution to the
solution of the problem of industrial relations, and were ready to enter into dis
cussions with any representative body which could speak for the employers
as a whole on the possibility of evolving more efficient methods of conducting
industry and improving the standards of employment. * * * [They
indorse] a policy which aims at using the organized power of the workers to
promote effective cooperation in developing more efficient, less wasteful methods
of production, eliminating unnecessary friction and avoidable conflict, in order
to increase wealth production and provide a steadily rising standard of social
life and continuously improving conditions of employment for the workers.
I t was rather generally considered that this policy marked an
important development, but while the unions’ attitude was com
mended, the employers as a body took no notice of the proposal.
More than a month after the adjournment of the congress its secre
tary publicly called attention to the lack of a reply from the em
ployers, and asked whether there were no body competent to deal
with such a proposition without the risk of being accused of exceeding
its powers. Late in October the National Confederation of Em
ployers’ Associations passed a resolution dealing with the proposal.
This body is the central organ on the labor relations side of the
employers’ federations of the country, and. represents federations in
industries employing 7,000,000 workpeople. The resolution wel
comed and indorsed the sentiments and principles expressed at the
Edinburgh meeting but failed to give any approval to the kind of
cooperation which the unions had suggested.
It is in the individual works that that spirit of mutual understanding must
find its ultimate expression in practical results. The methods for attaining these
results must vary from industry to industry according to the problems which
the particular industry has to face, and the confederation would therefore wish
to record its view that it is in the individual industries—in their organizations
and in the day-to-day contact in the works—that the most ready and effective
means present themselves for developing and applying the spirit of industrial
good will which is so vital to the future welfare of this country and which the
confederation will at all times be anxious to further and support.
This response is generally taken as meaning that the confederation
is unwilling to enter into the organized cooperation suggested by the
unions, and disappointment is expressed over what is regarded as a
rebuff to a gesture of hopeful significance. It is pointed out that the
unions’ idea was to deal with questions too far-reaching to be solved
within any single industry, and with broad principles of general
application. Such questions as unemployment, for instance, the
relation of the sheltered 2 and unsheltered trades, the international
convention for an 8-hour da}7, and the like, can not be handled
effectively within a single industry, much less within the single
establishment. At the same time, the resolution of the confederation
does not formally declare against organized cooperation, and further
developments are possible.
2 Sheltered trades are those not subject to foreign competition.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 4 2 1
COOPERATION OP EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS
59
Cooperation in the Chemical Combine
A PLAN designed to promote a better spirit of cooperation between
employer and employed has recently been announced by Sir
Alfred Mond, head of the merger of chemical industries, employing
approximately 40,000 workers. The London Economist, in its issue
for October 15, 1927, contains a discussion of this plan, from which
the following description is summarized. Its most important features
are thus given:
There are four features to the plan as outlined upon which emphasis may be
laid. These are: (1) The establishment of a central labor department; (2 ) the
creation of a system of interlocking works councils; (3) the institution of a “ staff
grade” among the employees of the concern; (4) the initiation of an employees’
share purchasing scheme.
The central labor department, in charge of one of the executive
officers, with a staff of experts and an advisory committee chosen
from those whose business it is to administer the labor policy in the
various works, is to deal exclusively with questions affecting the
relations between the company and its workers. Its general purpose
is to afford a substitute for the personal touch which is disappearing
with the small-scale business.
The system of works councils is to begin with a local council for
each of the separate works, meeting monthly. The group of works
belonging to each constituent company of the merger is to have its
own group council, and a central council, representative of the
management and the workers, is to meet from time to time in London
under the chairmanship of Sir Alfred Mond. These councils afford
the opportunity for bringing up any matter for discussion, and the
meetings will permit the management “ to inform the workers on
such questions as the output and program of the worker and general
matters affecting the industry.” No details are at hand as to how
the workers’ representatives in these councils are to be chosen, nor
as to whether they will have any voice in deciding the questions
brought up for discussion at the meetings.
The third feature has elements of novelty. After a service of five
years, workers may be promoted to a staff grade, giving them a
status approximating that of salaried employees.
It is suggested that up to 50 per cent of those eligible by length of service may
be promoted to this grade. Their privileges are to include the payment of a
weekly wage (instead of an hourly rate), a month’s notice of termination of
employment, and the payment of full wages (less national health insurance
benefit) for all certified sick absence up to six months in a year.
The workers’ share-holding scheme involves a permanent offer of
common stock in the Imperial Chemicals to the workers at 2s. 6d.
below the mean market price. Further shares in proportion to the
number purchased will be given free to the worker-purchaser, the
number of free shares depending upon the wage or salary drawn.
Shares may be paid for by installments spread over two years, and,
should a worker die before completing his payments, the company
will take over his obligations and hand over the shares, fully paid for,
to his next of kin. The number of shares which may be purchased is
limited, and precautions are taken to prevent speculation.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1243]
60
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Railway Cooperation
all the features of the above scheme are intended to develop
wiuial relations between employer and employed, the extent
bear upon the problems of the industry will probably depend very
largely upon how the works councils are handled. One of the promi
nent railways of the country is developing a plan which, by way of
contrast, is primarily based upon the idea of enlisting the worker’s
intelligence directly in the campaign for improving the service and
reducing expenses. Another contrast is found in the fact that it does
not involve setting up any new machinery, but only an extension of
the field to which an existing system may be applied.
In May of this year Sir Josiah Stamp, head of the London, Midland
& Scottish Railway, issued an appeal to the road’s employees for
help in improving conditions, asking especially for suggestions as to
definite matters which might be altered for the better. In August
he followed this up with a circular proposing more definite and formal
cooperation through the local and district councils already established
for the discussion of questions of wages and conditions of employ
ment. In this circular Sir Josiah speaks very plainly of the road’s
losses through the general business depression, the competition of
motor vehicles, etc., and urges that the employees join with the man
agement in trying to improve the situation for their common benefit.3
I am sure we can make greater and more profitable use of our established con
ciliation machinery for the purpose not only of defending our legitimate railway
business but of materially adding to it. * * *
For the purpose of furthering the ideas I have been expressing, instructions are
being given for meetings with your representatives to be arranged as early as
convenient. The company’s officers will enter on the agenda of subjects for
consideration at those meetings a number of matters such as those I have referred
to in this letter, including, for example, the various aspects of road motor com
petition; the cost of operating-—in running, handling, cartage, etc.; shunting
operations as they affect speedy transit, damage to rolling stock, etc.; accidents
to staff, and methods of prevention. Facts and figures relating to these subjects
will be given. I hope the staff representatives will cooperate by adding to that
list such questions of common interest as they think can helpfully be talked about,
and that the discussions will aid in establishing that cooperative effort by which
progress can surely be won.
The railway men responded cordially to this appeal, and in the
preliminary conferences which have so far been held a number of
resolutions have been passed indorsing the plan and calling on all
railway men to give full support. J. H. Thomas, head of the National
Union of Railwaymen, issued a public statement on the m atter:4
I advise all those concerned to show a keen interest in this matter and to
offer every possible help and assistance to the officers of the companies in endeav
oring to establish a prosperous and efficient railway service. Such cooperation
is common sense, because railway men depend upon the railway industry for
their livelihood, and it is not inconsistent with sound trade-union principles.
As yet only preliminary meetings have been held, so that it is too soon
to say anything about the success of this plan. It is evident, how
ever, that it is a deliberate attempt to enlist the intelligence of the
workers, to make them feel themselves a responsible part of the
management of the industry, and that as such it has roused among
them a cordial response.
3 Railway Review,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Aug. 26, 1927, p. 1.
[1244]
* Idem,
p. 8.
61
COAL MINING INDUSTRY IN ENGLAND
Increased Labor Productivity in Large Steel Plant Between
1902 and 1926
D
ETAILED figures showing the great increase in the productivity
of labor in the iron and steel industry in recent years were
cited by Mr. Theodore W. Robinson, of the Illinois Steel Co.,
in an address before the Iron and Steel Institute of London, England,
in September, 1927. Mr. Robinson presented data giving the out
put in tons per man-hour in certain large departments of the Illinois
Steel Co. for the years 1902 and 1926. The figures are as follows:
TONS PR O D U C ED P E R MAN-HOUR IN S P E C IF IE D D E P A R T M E N T S OF A LARGE
ST E E L M IL L, 1902 AND 1906, AND P E R C E N T OF IN C R E A SE
D ep artm en t
1902
Ore un loading..................................................................... ...............................
B last furnaces........... ................._......................................._................................
Bessemer ingots_____ _________ ___________________ _________
All open-hearth ingots................................................. ......................................
R ail mill:
South W orks, 1902..........................................................................................
G ary W orks, 1926.......... ......................... .......................................... ................
2.087
. 185
.421
.252
.189
1926
Per cent
of in
crease,
1926 over
1902
16. 835
.698
.841
.418
.416 }
706.7
277.3
99.8
66.0
120.1
Commenting on these figures, Mr. Robinson said:
This tabid shows that the average man in a modern iron and steel plant is
producing from one and a half to eight times as much as he did 25 years ago.
If translated into yearly volume, these figures indicate that at South Chicago
the average workman has increased his ore-handling capacity since 1902 from
6,000 to 48,000 tons, his pig-iron output from 675 to 2,405 tons, his Bessemer
ingot production from 1,761 to 3,730 tons, his open-hearth ingot production from
1,049 to 1,842 tons, and his rolling capacity from 603 to 1,240 tons of rails.
Output, Costs, and Proceeds of the Coal-Mining Industry in
England
HE mines department has recently issued a summary statement
of the output, costs of production, proceeds, and profits of the
coal-mining industry for the three months ending March 31,
1927, which has received considerable notice in the English press.
The Ministry of Labor Gazette, in its issue for October, 1927, quotes
from it figures showing that at mines which produce about 96 per
cent of the total output, 58,222,345 tons of commercially disposable
coal were raised during the quarter.
T
The net costs, after deducting the proceeds of miners’ coal, amounted to
£47,042,504,! equivalent to 16s. 1.92d. per ton. The proceeds of commercial
disposals amounted to £50,539,967, equivalent to 17s. 4.33d. a ton. There was
thus a credit balance of £3,497,463, or Is. 2.41d. per ton. An analysis by dis
tricts shows that the credit balance ranged from 2.58d. in Scotland to 5s. 1.48d.
in South Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Cannock Chase, and Warwickshire. In
South Wales and Monmouthshire, for which districts the details relate to Feb
ruary, March, and April, there was a debit balance of 4.88d. per ton.
1A t par, pound=$4.8665; shilling=24.33 cents; penny=2.03 cents. Exchange rate about par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1245]
62
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
The following table gives some of the more important facts for
the first quarter of four consecutive years:
O U TPU T,
C O STS,
A N D P R O C E E D S O F T H E C O A L -M IN IN G
Q U A R T E R O F 1924, 1925, 1926, A N D 1927
IN D U S T R Y , F IR S T
[A t p ar sbilling=24.33 cents; penny=2.03 cents. Exchange rate about par]
Period
F irst
F irst
F irst
F irst
quarter,
quarter,
quarter,
quarter,
1924,.....................................
1925_______________ . . .
1926____ _____ __________
1927___ ____ ___________
Per
cent of
indus
trycovered
A m ount
C redit (+ ) N um ber O utput Earnings
per
of salable or debit ( —) of w ork
m an
people
m a n pershift
coal
balance
em
shift
raised
per ton
w
orked
ployed w orked
Tons
94
94
99
96
67, 047, 657
62,458, 898
66, 071,166
63, 329, 641
s.
+2
+0
+ 1
+1
d.
9.63 1, 111, 280
6.13 1, 074, 079
4.99 1, 074, 395
2.41
969, 943
Cwt.
17. 79
17.98
18. 46
20. 66
s.
d.
10
10
10
10
2.82
7.58
4.79
7.12
It will be noticed that since 1924 the number of workers employed
has decreased materially, the output per man-shift worked has
increased, and the earnings per man-shift worked have varied by
only a few pence. These average earnings for 1927, it is explained,
range from 8s. 8.41d. in Northumberland to 13s. 2.06d. in North
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. “ These earnings do not include
the value of allowances in kind.”
In commenting upon this report, the London Economist (October
22, 1927, p. 689) gives a gloomy summing up of the general situation.
The credit balance of Is. 2d. per ton for the first quarter of this
year, it points out, covers wide variations, not only as between
different mines but as between whole districts.
Whereas South Derbyshire and its linked areas record a profit of 5s. 1.5d.,
North Derby and Notts 2s. 4.5d., and Yorkshire 2s. per ton, the areas relying
mainly on exports fared very differently, Northumberland showing a profit of
under 10d., Durham a profit of less than 4d., and South Wales a loss of nearly
5d. per ton. Moreover, in the case of Durham, whereas proceeds per ton in
the March quarter averaged 15s. 1.5d. per ton, against net costs of 14s. 10d.,
the joint ascertainment for the month of August is reported to have disclosed
a figure of approximately 12s. as average proceeds per ton sold. Throughout
1927 the prices realized for exported coal have steadily fallen—from an average
of 21s. in January to 16s. lid . in September.
To show that this policy of cutting prices on export coal has not
been successful in regaining the foreign markets, the Economist
gives figures showing that from January to September, inclusive, of
1925, the average monthly exports were 4,163,000 tons, at an average
value f. o. b. per ton of 20s. 5d., while for the same period of the
present year the average monthly exports have been 4,333,000 tons,
at an average value f. o. b. of 18s. 3d. For September, 1927, the
average value f. o. b. was 16s. lid .
It will be seen that, comparing this year with the depression in 1925, exports
to Scandinavia, Belgium, and France have actually fallen, despite drastic price
reductions; quantities shipped to Italy and Egypt show little change; substantial
improvement is recorded only in the case of Holland, Spain, and South America;
and, it may be pointed out, the Spanish market is now in a state of acute glut,
while British exporters have enjoyed a temporary advantage in Brazil and the
Argentine on account of the miners’ strike in the United States. In sum, the
foregoing figures should serve to dispel any illusions still lingering that longer
hours in the mining industry are proving in themselves a panacea for the ex
porting districts’ troubles.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1246]
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
63
Wage Earners’ Vacations 1
N editorial in The Iron Age, October 27, 1927 (pp. 1174, 1175),
calls attention to the growth of the vacation idea among em
ployers. The case is cited of an engineering company employ
ing about 800 men in its machine shops which has found that many
of the employees working on an hourly wage basis are glad of the
opportunity to take a week or two even at their own expense. In
the past the men hesitated to ask for leave as they feared it might
jeopardize their chances for advancement or even make their jobs
less secure. One of the officials of the company felt that this might
be the case, and accordingly notified the men that they might feel
free to apply for leave of absence. As a result a very considerable
number of the men took advantage of the offer during the past
summer. It has been the practice of this company to give vacations
with pay to those employees who have had 10 years’ service with
the company, and in case of sickness such employees are allowed to
charge this time against their vacation allowance. The company is
also considering increasing the length of the vacation for men who
have been in the employ of the company for 20 years or more.
The editorial concludes:
Vacations with pay to workers by the hour or piece are comparatively new,
though isolated instances have existed for years. Evidently the practice is
spreading. It is usually confined to employees who have earned special con
sideration by long and faithful service. In spite of the large outlay, employers
who have tried the plan seem to believe that it pays though the return may not
be calculable. The practice should tend to keep intact the organization and
reduce labor turnover. Perhaps, too, men do enough better work after such a
leave to help make up the cost.
1 For other articles on th is subject see th e L abor Review for M ay, 1926, pp. 1-7; July, 1926, pp. 35,36;
M ay, 1927, p. 36.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1247J
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
Reduction of Costs of Production Through Reduction or Elimi
nation of Accidents
HE American Engineering Council has been carrying on for
some time a comprehensive study of the relationship between
accidents and production. A summary of some of the prin
cipal findings of the study was presented by Mr. W. W. Nichols, vice
president of D. P. Brown & Co., at the executives’ conference of the
American Management Association held at Detroit in April, 1927.1
This summary follows:
T
Early in 1926 arrangements were made whereby the National Bureau of
Casualty and Surety Underwriters would place at the disposal of American
Engineering Council a sufficient sum of money to defray the expense of the
study. According to council’s policy, a special committee was then appointed
to direct the investigation and prepare a report. The complete report is now in
the process of final editing by this committee.
The purpose of the investigation is to give a constructive impetus to the
notable effort being made to reduce human and economic losses incident to
industrial accidents by making an engineering and statistical investigation of
the comparative relationship between rates of production and industrial acci
dents in American industry. • A large body of information was obtained to enable
the formulation of convincing answers to such questions as:
1. Does there exist in practice a relationship between accidents and production?
2. Is an increase in the production rate accompanied by a decrease in the acci
dent rate?
3.
Is a decrease in the production rate attended by an increase in the accident
rates?
4. Does a factory with a high accident rate have a low production rate?
5. Does a factory with a high production rate have a low accident rate?
The study is nation-wide in scope and comprehensive in range of products in
asmuch as it deals with 20 basic industries and 120 kinds of product. The extent
of the data obtained and analyzed represents the experience of about 14,000
companies aggregating some 122,000 company years, employing 2,500,000
workers, with a total exposure of over 18,000,000 man-years, or approximately
55,000,000,000 man-hours.
Rates of production, accident frequency, and accident severity were calculated
for individual companies, product groups, and industries as a whole. These
rates are comparable inasmuch as they were determined by using the common
denominator “ man-hours.” Since the rates of change occur simultaneously, it is
possible to observe general production and accident trends. Trend curves show
whether the rates are high or low for any particular year, and also the change
from year to year for each combination studied.
This investigation of the relationship of accidents to production has disclosed
most significant and fundamental facts, which may be considered applicable to
industry generally because of the comprehensiveness of the study.
A brief summary of a few preliminary findings of the committee follows:
1.
There is throughout American industry a positive indirect relationship
between accidents and production. It is conclusively shown by unquestionable
evidence that a steadily increasing productivity over a period of years is accom
panied by simultaneous reduction in the frequency and severity of accidents.
2.
The rate of production per unit of time worked has increased steadily and
markedly during recent years.
1 Published b y American M anagem ent Association as production executives’ series No. 52: R eduction
of costs of production th ro u gh reduction or elim ination of accidents usually classed as unavoidable. New
Y ork, 20 Vesey Street, 1927.
64
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1248]
PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO ACCIDENTS
65
3. In those parts of industry where organized safety campaigns are conducted,
remarkable reductions have been made in both frequency and severity of accidents
to workers.
4. There is considerable indication that maximum productivity is dependent
upon the reduction of accidents to an irreducible number.
5. Relatively a small percentage of industrial plants throughout the United
States are equipped to carry on well-organized safety work.
6. Increases in productivity are more manifest and uniform throughout various
industries than are decreases in accidents.
7. Certain companies with excellent accident and production performance
demonstrate the possibility of tremendous improvements in both for industry
generally.
8. A marked improvement in accidents and production can be accomplished
by the expenditure of a little effort on the part of management in industry.
9. An appalling loss of productive time and resulting loss of production value
in American industry may be directly attributed to industrial accidents.
10. Lost productive time and lost production value are not the result of serious
accidents alone. So-called “ minor” accidents have a decided effect upon the
production program.
11. There has been rapid growth in organized safety work throughout American
industry in recent years, as indicated by the fact that organized safety work was
established from 1920 to 1924 by 53 per cent of the companies surveyed.
12. A comparison of the rates of 1922 and 1925 for a large representative portion
of American industry shows:
12.7 per cent increase in the rate of production.
18.5 per cent decrease in the rate of accident frequency.
10.6 per cent increase in the rate of accident severity.
13. The possible improvement in the accident and production activities, as
demonstrated by the experience of certain companies, is a challenge to the manage
ment of American industry as a whole.
14. The experience of companies in one-fourth of the industries studied shows
outstandingly favorable accident and production performance. Marked increases
in the rates of production have been accompanied by equally marked decreases
in both accident frequency and accident severity rates in the following 15
industries and product groups: Acids and heavy chemicals; agricultural imple
ments; by-product coke; castings; cement; corrugated cartons; explosives; iron
and steel; iron mining; lumber; paper boxes; paper and pulp; sheet-metal products;
steam railways—freight service; telephone and telegraph.
15. Less favorable upward trends in productivity accompanied by downward
trends in frequency and severity of accidents were the experience of companies
surveyed in the following four industries and product groups: Cotton and
woolen fabrics; electric light and power; electric railways; steam railways—
passenger service.
16. Unfavorable accident and production performance was the uniform experi
ence of companies in certain other industries. Positive decreases in the rates of
production were accompanied by marked increases in either the accident fre
quency or accident severity rates and in some instances in both. The industries
are: Box board; knit goods; limestone quarrying; sandstone and bluestone
quarrying; textiles.
17. Certain industries show marked increases in accident rates as, for instance:
Automobiles; beehive coke; bituminous coal mining; brass, bronze and copper
products; fine specialty machines; forgings; gold, silver, and miscellaneous mineral
mining; special machinery; valves and fittings; writing paper; woodworking
products; yarn and thread.
18. Marked reductions in accident frequency and accident severity rates have
been made in a few industries simultaneously with slight decreases in production
rates. These are: Anthracite coal mining; boilers; boots and shoes; gas; iron
and steel Bessemers; iron and steel open hearth; paints and varnish; plywood.
19. Increase in production rate accompanied by decreases in either accident
frequency or accident severity rates were the experience of companies in the
following industries: Carpets; rugs; cement-rock quarrying; copper mining;
furniture; granite quarrying; hardware; hoisting and conveying machinery; lead
and zinc mines; machine building and metal working; machine tools; marble
quarrying; men’s clothing; newsprint; nonmetallic mining; slate quarrying; trap
rock quarrying; wire and wire products.
20. Boots and shoes: The combined experience of three companies manu
facturing boots and shoes, from 1921 to 1925, shows a slight downward tendency
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1249]
66
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
of 32 per cent in the rate of production accompanied by a steady reduction of 23
per cent in the accident frequency rate, and a marked reduction of 75 per cent
in the accident severity rate.
21. Building construction: Records of production and accidents are not
generally kept by companies in the building industry.
22. Cement: The combined experience of 120 cement companies, manu
facturing 90 per cent of the output of the United States, shows a steady and
consistent increase of 32 per cent in the rate of production from 1920 to 1925,
accompanied by an equally steady reduction in accident frequency and accident
severity rates of 29 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively.
23. Chemical: There was a marked increase in the rate of production through
out the chemical industry during the five-year period, from 1921 to 1925. This
accomplishment was attended by a reduction in accident frequency and accident
severity rates.
24. Coal mining: The production rate for the anthracite coal-mining industry
declined 4.6 per cent from 1916 to 1925, during which period the rate for the
bituminous-coal mining industry increased 29.2 per cent. Anthracite coal mines
appreciably decreased their accident fatality rate 14 per cent, although the rate
for bituminous coal mines increased 38 per cent.
25. Coke: The accident and production performance of from 75 to 80 per cent
of the total tonnage of the coke industry, manufactured by the by-product
process has shown a continuous improvement during the nine-year period, from
1916 to 1924. A marked increase of 107 per cent in the rate of production has
been accompanied by an equally marked reduction of 75 per cent in the fre
quency rate of accidents and of 37 per cent in the severity rate. While the bee
hive branch of the coke industry increased 44 per cent in the rate of production
during the same period, it also showed a slight increase of 9 per cent in the fre
quency rate of accidents, and a considerable increase of 27 per cent in the severity
rate.
26. Electric light and power: That part of the electric light and power industry
studied in general is making slight increase in the rate of production expressed
in kilowatt hours generated per man-hour worked. The combined rate of 25
companies increased only 2 per cent from 1921 to 1925. Although certain com
panies show a marked improvement in the reduction of accidents, the tendency
for the industry as a whole is not so favorable. A slight reduction of 3 per cent
in accident frequency is however accompanied by a considerable reduction of 22
per cent in accident severity.
27. Electric railways: Apparently little change is taking place in the produc
tion rate of the electric-railway industry. When expressed in car-miles operated
per 1,000,000 miles of track the production rate for 175 companies increased 10
per cent from 1920 to 1925. When expressed in passengers carried per car-mile,
it declined 19 per cent. The actual measure of service rendered probably lies
somewhere between these two performances. During this same period there has
been a very uniform improvement in the rate of accident frequency to employees,
the over-all reduction being 39 per cent.
28. Gas: The general tendency for the gas industry is a slight reduction in the
rate of production expressed in cubic feet per man-hour, accompanied by a marked
reduction in both accident frequency and accident severity. Combined expe
rience of seven companies for five years, from 1921 to 1925, shows a decrease of
8 per cent in production, a decrease of 24 per cent in accident frequency, and a
decrease of 61 per cent in accident severity rates.
29. Ice: The combined experience of five ice companies demonstrates a
possible achievement for that industry. From 1924 to 1925 these companies
enjoyed an increase of 8 per cent in the rate of production and a decrease of
9 per cent in the frequency rate of accidents.
30. Iron and steel: Satisfactory conclusions for the iron and steel industry
can not be drawn owing to the fact that inclusive data could not be obtained.
However, the experience of those companies studied shows that an increase in the
rate of production has been accompanied by a remarkable reduction in accident
frequency and severity rates.
31. Lumber and logging: During the three-year period from 1923 to 1925,
13 lumber companies experienced a 10 per cent increase in the rate of production
concurrently with substantial decreases in frequency and severity rates of acci
dents of 13 and 8 per cent, respectively.
32. Machine building and metal working: The accident production perform
ances of the plants studied in the machine-building and metal-working industry
are not at all uniform. In most divisions of the industry there occurred a con
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1250]
PRODUCTION IN RELATION TO ACCIDENTS
67
siderable improvement in productivity. In some divisions this was accompanied
by decreases in frequency and severity of accidents, notably in those of agri
cultural implements, castings, and sheet-metal products. In other divisions
increases in accident rates have occurred, notably in automobiles, brass, bronze,
and copper products, fine specialty machines, forgings, special machinery,
valves, and valve fittings. Reduction in accident severity rates have occurred
more uniformly throughout the industry than reductions in frequency rates.
During the period from 1923 to 1925 the machine-building and metal-working
industry had an increase of 30 per cent in productivity as represented by the
combined experience of 43 companies. This was accompanied by an increase of
16 per cent in accident frequency and a decrease of 22 per cent in severity.
33. Men’s clothing: An increase in the production rate of a small sample
of men’s clothing industry was accompanied by an increase in accident frequency
and a decrease in accident severity.
34. Mineral mining: In the entire mineral-mining industry an increase of 50
per cent in the rate of production was accomplished over the nine years’ period
from 1916 to 1924. This was accompanied by an increase of 14 per cent in the
frequency rate of accidents and a decrease of 17 per cent in the severity rate.
The performances of the copper mining, lead, and zinc mining, and nonmetallic
mining groups are similar to that of the entire industry. The gold and silver
mining group showed increases in all three rates. The iron-mining group showed
an increase in the production rate accompanied by decreases in both accident rates.
35. Motor transportation: The experience of a large taxicab company for two
years, from 1924 to 1925, inclusive, demonstrates that such companies can in
crease productivity and simultaneously reduce accidents. The production rate,
expressed in car-miles per man-hour increased 7 per cent, whiie the accident
frequency rate decreased 34 per cent.
36. Paper, pulp, and paper products: The analysis of the data received from
plants in the paper and pulp industry shows as favorable and as uniform a per
formance in accidents and production as’ any industry studied. The rate of
production has been steadily increased, approximately 20 per cent during the
past five years, while simultaneously the accident frequency and severity rates
have each been reduced approximately 30 per cent. This accomplishment is
uniform throughout various product groups of the industry with the exception
of the group of three companies manufacturing fine writing paper. These show
an increase of 16 per cent in the rate of production from 1921 to 1925, accom
panied by increases of 41 per cent and 96 per cent in the accident frequency
and accident severity rates, respectively. Data were received from a number
of small mills which demonstrated that the production rate can be materially
increased while at the same time accident rates decreased.
37. Printing and publishing: The individual experience of printing and pub
lishing companies shows consistently a marked improvement in the rate of
production. The accident performance is not at all uniform. Some companies show
marked reductions in the accident rates, while others show equally marked increases.
38. Quarrying: The quarry industry from 1916 to 1924 made but slight im
provement in its accident and production performance. There w’as an over-all
increase of 12 per cent in production for 660 quarries, accompanied by a slight
increase of 3 per cent in the accident frequency rate and a slight decrease of 13
per cent in the severity rate. The fatality rate of the industry and most of its
subdivisions definitely declined during the period. The number of less serious
accidents increased. Most of the subdivisions show such wide fluctuations in
production and accident rates that no definite tendencies are apparent.
39. Steam railways: Upward trends in the rates of production and downward
trends in both accident frequency and fatality rates have been the story of
American railways during the past 10 years. For the freight service of 176
Class I roads the rate of production expressed in 10 miles per man-hour increased
34 per cent from 1916 to 1925, accompanied by a pronounced decrease of 32
per cent in the accident frequency rate and an even greater decrease of 63 per
cent in the accident fatality rate. The favorable performance of the passenger
service is indicated by a slight increase in the rate of production expressed in
passengers carried per car-mile, accompanied by a slight reduction of 8 per cent in
accident frequency and a marked reduction of 23 per cent in accident fatality.
40. Telephone and telegraph: A marked reduction of 62 per cent in the acci
dent frequency rate of mile plant forces for the telephone and telegraph industry
has been accompanied by a marked increase of 26 per cent in the rate of pro
duction. This simultaneous improvement in both these rates has been made
%uniformly and consistently throughout the four-year period from 1922 to 1925.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 5 1 ]
68
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
41. Textiles: That portion of the textile industry surveyed shows almost inva
riably an unfavorable accident and production performance. Decreases in the
rate of production are generally accompanied by increases in both accident fre
quency and accident severity rates, the increase in the severity rates being very
marked. Numerous mills visited were unable to supply data because of the lack
of records, which is presumably an indication of no organized safety activities.
42. Woodworking: The experience of plants in the woodworking industry is
generally favorable in productivity but unfavorable in accidents. During the
past few years substantial increases have been made in the rate of production
by most groups and individual companies studied. This performance has been
accompanied by a marked increase in either the accident frequency or accident
severity rate. As an example, the combined experience of 12 furniture plants
for 10 years from 1916 to 1925 shows an increase of 141 per cent in the rate of
production, accompanied by an increase of 35 per cent in accident frequency
and a decrease of 56 per cent in accident severity.
Accidents in United States Metal Mines in 1925
ITH more men employed and a greater number of man-hours
worked in metal mines in the United States in 1925 than
during any year since 1920, the fatality rate per 1,000 300day workers, 2.99, was less in that year than in any of the 15 years
for which nation-wide statistics are available. However, the nonfatal accident rate, which was 283.53, was slightly higher than in
1924, when it was 278.04, and higher than in any of the 15 years
noted. Recomputed on an hours-of-exposure basis, making the fig
ures comparable to similar rates published by this bureau, we obtain
fatality frequency rates of 1 for 1925, 1.17 for 1924, and 1 for 1923,
and nonfatality frequency rates of 94.51, 92.68, and 91.8, respectively.
Severity rates are not given in the report, but may be computed as
explained hereafter. Thus, for fatal accidents the severity rates
(per 1,000 hours’ exposure) are 5.99 for 1925, 7.02 for 1924, and 6.02
for 1923, and the nonfatal accident severity rate is 2.87 for 1925,
the data being insufficient to compute such rates for the other two
years. For 1925 the total accident severity rate is 8.86 and the
frequency rate is 95.51. The average working time for each man was
293 days, being exceeded only in 1918, 1920, and 1923. These facts
and other data to be noted, with extensive tabular matter, are
included in Bulletin 282, recently issued by the United States Bureau
of Mines on “ Metal-mine accidents in the United States in 1925.”
The metal mines in the United States in 1925 employed 126,713
men, or an equivalent of 123,908 300-day workers, representing
37,172,359 man-days. There were 371 fatal accidents and 35,132
nonfatal lost-time injuries during the year. Of these latter, 21
resulted in permanent total disability, 653 caused permanent partial
disability, 8,163 were temporary injuries lasting more than 14 days,
and 26,295 were injuries lasting from 1 to 14 days, and do not include
those permitting the employee to return to work on the day following
the accident. No exact figures are given as to days lost, but an
estimate is arrived at by assigning 6,000 days to each death and
permanent total disability, 800 days to each permanent partial
disability, 32 days to each temporary disability lasting more than 14
days, and 6 days to each of the remainder.1 Thus, the 35,503 acci-
W
1 Based on a tim e allowance schedule com puted b y th e In d u strial A ccident Commission of California,
as th e result of reports sub m itted to it, and published in its report for 1921 (p. 67).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 5 2 ]
69
ACCIDENTS IN METAL MINES IN 1925
dents caused an approximate time loss of 3,293,386 days, or an aver
age of 92.8 days each, the total being 8.9 per cent of the total man-days
worked in these metal mines. Accident severity rates have been
computed on this basis in the following table, while the frequency
rates have been converted to a man-hour-exposure basis by dividing
by three the rates given in the report, which are on a 300-day-worker
basis.
N U M B E R O F A C C ID E N T S IN M E T A L M IN E S A N D A C C ID E N T F R E Q U E N C Y A N D
S E V E R IT Y R A T E S , B Y C H A R A C T E R O F D IS A B IL IT Y A N D R IN D O F M IN E
Number of accidents
Nature of disability and kind of mine
Frequency
rates
(p e r 1,0 0 0 ,0 0 0
hours’ exposure J)
S e v e r ity ra te s
(per 1,00C hours’
exposure)
1923
1924
1925
1923
1924
1925
1924
1925
Fatal:
Copper___ _____________________
Gold and miscellaneous m etal_____
Iron............................... .......................
Lead and zinc______________ _____
Nonmetallic m ineral..........................
107
114
89
27
30
121
145
97
34
21
102
128
80
40
21
1.04
1.31
.79
.91
.89
1.18
1.66
.98
.92
.65
0. 98 6.23 7.10
1.28 7. 86 9. 99
.85 4. 76 5. 91
1.11 5.47 5.52
.57 5. 34 3.88
5.87
7.66
5.09
6.64
3.43
Total..................................................
367
418
371
1.00
1.17
1.00
6.02
7.02
5. 99
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
.05
.09
.01
.14
.03
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
.29
.54
.06
.83
.16
.05
.03
.06
G)
G)
.34
G)
G)
G)
G)
Permanent total:
Copper____________ ____________
Gold and miscellaneous metal______
Iron______ _______ _
Lead and zinc.....................
Nonmetallic mineral............... ........
T otal........................... .............. ......
Permanent partial:
Copper....... ................................. .....
Gold and miscellaneous metal ____
Iron_______________________ _
Lead and zinc______ ______
Nonmetallic mineral..............
Total..... ................................._........
Temporary (over 14 days):
Copper_________ ______ _______
Gold and miscellaneous m e ta l..........
Iron....... ..................... .......................
Lead and zinc..........................
Nonmetallic mineral....... ....................
(2)
(2)
G)
(2)
(2)
20
10
5
9
1
5
1
21
G)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
175
123
103
199
53
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
1.68
1.23
1.09
5.51
1.44
G)
G)
G)
G)
1.34
.98
.87
4.41
1.15
414
402
653
1.13
1.12
1.76
G)
G)
1.41
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
3,162
2,154
1,723
753
371
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
30. 34
21.48
18. 27
20.84
10. 09
G)
G)
G)
G)
.97
.69
.58
.67
.32
8,398
8,163
23.33
23. 50
21.96
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
8,837
7,990
3,186
4,679
1,603
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
84.80
79. 68
33. 78
129. 53
43. 58
Total_________________________ 8,531
Temporary (1 to 14 days):
Copper________ ______ _______ _
Gold and miscellaneous m etal_____
Iron................... ....................................
Lead and zinc.....................................
Nonmetallic mineral..... ............. ........
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
Total.................................................. 24,598 24,308 26,295
Total nonfatal:
Copper_____ ___________________
Gold and miscellaneous m etal_____
Iron............................................... ......
Lead and z in c ...................................
Nonmetallic mineral..... ........... .........
1923
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
(*)
(2)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
G)
67. 28 68.02
70. 74
116. 87
102. 47
53.14
156. 02
55.13
G)
G)
G)
G>
.70
.51
.48
.20
.78
.26
.42
11,993 11,858 12,179
8,672 8, 649 10, 276
5,616 4,959 5,013
4,894 5, 718 5, 636
2,388 1,934 2,028
116. 36
99. 62
50. 08
165. 22
70.82
115.94
99. 27
50. 34
154. 72
59. 58
T otal................................................. 33,563 33,118 35,132
91.80
92. 68
94.51
G)
G)
2.87
Grand total....................................... 33, 930 33, 536 35, 503
92. 81
93. 85
95.51
G)
G)
8.86
G)
(2)
G)
G)
3.11
2.69
1.72
6.68
1.90
1 D eterm ined b y m ultiplying n um ber of 300-day w orkers given in the report b y 3,000 hours.
2 R ate can n o t be com puted because of insufficient d ata for 1923 and 1924.
Accident statistics in this report are presented by States, by kind
of mine, by cause, by nature of injury, and by mining method. A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 5 3 ]
70
MONTHLY LABOE EE VIEW
table is also given showing a 15-year summary of accident data by
kind of mine and by cause, and a 5-year summary of accidents by
character of disability.
The greatest number of fatalities in 1925, 128, or 34.5 per cent,
occurred in gold and miscellaneous metal mines, while copper mines
reported the largest number of nonfatal injuries, 12,179, or 34.7 per
cent. This relative condition also existed in 1924, the percentage,
however, being 34.7 and 35.8, respectively. The fatality rate of
1.28 per million hours’ exposure (3.83 per 1,000 300-day workers)
in 1925 was highest in the gold and miscellaneous metal mines
group, and the nonfatal injury rate of 156.02 (468.07 per 1,000 300day workers) occurred in lead and zinc mines. Here again the
situation was the same in 1924 when the rates were, respectively,
1.66 (4.99 per 1,000 300-day workers) and 154.72 (464.16 per 1,000
300-day workers). The greatest number of accidents were caused
by falls of rock or ore from roof or wall, 108, or 0.3 per cent, meeting
death, and 5,336, or 15 per cent, being injured in this manner.
Accident rates based on length of workday, covering the years
1923, 1924, and 1925, appear to have steadily decreased in mines
working 9 and 10 hours, while in those working 8 hours the rates
have remained practically unchanged.
The report includes a table showing the relative hazard in large
and small mines, based on the number of employees, covering the
years 1924 and 1925. This showing seems to put the small mines,
employing from 1 to 24 men, in a considerably more favorable posi
tion as revealed by the nonfatal accident rates in both 1924 and 1925,
while the fatality rates indicate very little difference in the hazards
of these two groups of mines.
Accidents in the Mineral Industries
A CCIDENTS in the various branches of the mineral industries in
1925 and 1924, not including the steel industry and omitting
nonfatal injuries in coal mines, reports for which are not received
by the Bureau of Mines, are summarized in a table showing the
average days active, the actual number of employees, and the number
of equivalent 300-day workers, and the number of killed and injured
with accompanying rates per 1,000 300-day workers. These fre
quency rates have been recomputed on an exposure basis in the
following table, but the severity rates can not be given since the time
loss is not available. The table is presented here in an abridged
form.
N U M B E R O F W O R K E R S , N U M B E R O F A C C ID E N T S , A N D A C C ID E N T R A T E S IN T H E
M IN E R A L IN D U S T R IE S IN 1925
N um ber
of
N u m ber
300-day
killed
workers
B ranch of in d u stry
M etallurgical p la n ts______________ ____ ____ ______
Coke o v e n s...* ................................................... ................ .
T otal, 1925____________________ ______ _____
T o tal, 1924................................. .................................
F a ta l
N onfatal
480, 227
123, 908
83,487
66; 220
24,054
2,234
371
149
44
28
(')
35,132
14,165
7, 711
1, 696
1. 55
1. 00
. 59
.22
.39
«
94. 51
56. 56
38 82
23.50
777, 896
787, 065
2, 826
3,031
58, 704
57, 766
1. 21
1.28
65. 74
67.05
* D a ta no t available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Accident rates
N um ber
injured
[1 2 5 4 ]
ORGANIZATION'S FOR SAFETY IN COAL M INES
71
A table giving a record of 15 years shows that during this period
most of the fatal accidents at coal mines were from falls of roof or
side, use of haulage equipment, gas and coal-dust explosions, and
explosives; that at metal mines the main causes of fatalities were
falls of rock or ore, falls of persons, haulage equipment, and the
use of explosives, and that fatal accidents at quarries were mainly
due to falls or slides of rock or overburden, haulage equipment,
explosives, and machinery.
Organizations for Safety in Coal Mines
HAT safety organization in one of America’s most hazardous
industries, that of coal mining, is entirely practicable and
productive of excellent results in preventing accidents appears
to be demonstrated from the successful operation of a number of
plans, the essential features of which are described in an article in
Modern Mining (Pittsburgh) for October, 1927 (pp. 257-259).
Notwithstanding the present high accident frequency and severity
rates in this industry, it is believed that mining can be made quite
safe “ if managing officials and employees unite in a sincere and
effectively organized effort to prevent accidents.”
What is termed a “ more or less standard form” of safety organi
zation has been evolved from the various plans which have been put
into _operation in a number of mining centers. This organization
consists of a chairman, who should be the manager, superintendent,
or other ranking official of the company; a secretary, who should
preferably hold the office of safety engineer or director; and members
who should include all other supervisory officials of the company,
and representati ves of every type of workman employed. Experience
seems to indicate, where such an organization has been formed and
properly supported, results are so successful as to bring about its
acceptance as a “ permanent and important part of the business
policy of the mine or industrial concern.”
T
Membership
|T IS suggested that for coal mining the membership should be
divided into three groups: 1. All supervisory officials, such as the
superintendent and his assistants, the mine foreman and his assist
ants, the mine examiners and fire bosses, the driver boss, the tipple
foreman, the labor foreman, and similar employees, and their mem
bership should be permanent; 2. Three to ten miners and loaders
selected from different sections of the mine, a motorman and helper,
a track layer and helper, one or two shot firers, a wireman, a brick
layer, a timberman and helper, an electrician and helper, a machinst
and helper, and one or two men working on the surface; a threemonth term is assigned to the members from this group; 3. The office
clerk, supply clerk, timekeeper, shipping clerk, mining engineer,
company physician, and similar employee. The State mining in
spector, or his representative, should be a member of this group,
if possible.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1255]
72
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Meetings and Order of Business
jyjEETIN G S at least once a month are suggested, to be held at the
1VA mine office after regular working hours. Safety and nothing else
should be the theme of these meetings. The minutes should be care
fully kept and open to examination by company officials, employees,
and State mining inspectors. Each shift, if more than one is oper
ated, should have a separate safety organization, but joint meetings
should be held occasionally. Joint meetings of all safety organizations
in the various mines of a single company are recommended, to be held
once very three months. Meetings to be attended by employees
and their families may be held once a month.
The following is suggested as a suitable order of business:
1. Roll call and reading of minutes of the previous meeting.
2. Report by the secretary on the status of recommendations made at any
previous meetings.
3. Report by the safety engineer of accidents which may have occurred since
the preceding meeting, stating how they occurred and what action has been
taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. Discussion.
4. Report by the safety engineer on mine hazards, with recommendations for
remedying them.
5. Report of inspection made by the superintendent, mine foreman, safety
engineer, or State mine inspector, since the last meeting.
6. Discussion of new bulletins, posters, or other safety information published
by the United States Bureau of Mines, a State department of mines, mining
journals, or newspapers.
7. Report by the safety engineer on the cooperation of employees, the number
who have qualified in first-aid and mine-rescue training, or who have done
some noteworthy safe or unsafe deed, etc.
8. Report of the safety engineer on safety progress made at the mine; com
parison of accident records and other important statistics. Discussion.
9. Prepared address on safety, the subject and speaker to be selected by the
chairman.
Duties of Officers and Activities of the Organization
HTHE article outlines in some detail the duties of the various officials
and members of the mine safety organization, emphasizing the
fact that its success depends largely upon the mine manager. He
should make known the safety policy of the mine and insist that no
worker be hired who is unwilling to support that policy. The mine
superintendent should, of course, be in hearty accord with this
policy.
The safety engineer, who is regarded as necessary if accident
prevention is to be effective, although some mine owners are difficult
to convince of this fact, should supervise first-aid and mine-rescue
work, investigate and keep a record of all accidents, and arrange for
the care of the injured, provide safeguards and remedy all unhealthful
and unsanitary conditions, prepare the program for all safety meet
ings, and attend safety conferences as the accredited representative
of his company.
The foreman and his assistants are ultimately responsible for the
success of any safety program, and it is their job, partly, to see that
the men cooperate to the fullest extent. They must demonstrate
that executive ability and tact which are important in a supervising
official. They are in immediate contact with the worker and upon
them results depend more than upon any other group.
Since the miners, skilled workers, and laborers are to profit most
by any plans for accident prevention that may be initiated, their
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1256]
EXPLOSIVES CAUSE OF M IN E FATALITIES
73
interest in the efforts of the management should be assumed. How
ever, education is often necessary in order to point out how certain
practices will safeguard their lives and thus create in them a real
vital interest that will bring voluntary cooperation.
The clerks, engineers, physicians, and inspectors may be depended
upon for information, statistical and otherwise, which the organiza
tion may use in promoting safety.
Activities that are suggested in the interest of greater safety in
mines, to be carried out by the safety organization here outlined,
include periodical safety campaigns; safety contests among different
divisions of workers and different mines of the same company, with
suitable rewards; and first-aid and mine-rescue contests. Safety
instruction courses may be given. To assist in maintaining interestin safety work generally, the organization of a local chapter of the
Holmes Safety Association 1 is suggested as very effective, since it
brings the advantage of exchange of views, mutual aid in solving
problems, and the maintenance of closer relations between em
ployees and officials because of its affiliation with other chapters
and the central association.
Explosives as a Cause of Mine and Quarry Fatalities
N A pamphlet on production of explosives in the United States
during the calendar year 1926 (Technical paper 426) recently
issued by the United States Bureau of Mines, three pages are
devoted to data on mine and quarry accidents due to explosives.
It appears that but a small percentage of workers w~ere killed by this
means in bituminous coal mines, ranging from 5.11 in 1921 to 2.41
in 1924 and 2.23 (estimated) in 1926. A somewhat larger per
centage is given for anthracite and bituminous mines together,
ranging from 8.86 in 1919 to 4.17 in 1924 and 3.82 (estimated) in
1926; and a still larger per cent appears in metal mines, ranging
from 14.22 in 1912 to 8.72 in 1922. The largest per cent of all is in
quarries, where it was 27.27 in 1922 and 8.39 in 1923. Nonfatal
injury percentages are not given for coal mines, but for metal mines
they ranged from 2.00 in 1911 to 0.99 in 1925, and in quarries the
range was from 6.33 in 1911 to 1.73 in 1918.
Rates per 1,000 men employed are also given. In bituminous
mines this rate for fatal accidents was lowest in 1917 (0.112) and
highest in 1921 (0.224), with 1925 showing 0.12. In anthracite and
bituminous mines together the rate was highest in 1919 (0.38) and
lowest in 1917 (0.173), with 1925 at 0.212. The fatality rate in metal
mines ranged from 0.581 in 1912 to 0.309 in both 1921 and 1922 and
0.42 in 1925. The nonfatality rate in this group ranged from 4.52
in 1916 to 2.73 in 1915, with a rate of 2.81 in 1925. Quarries showed
a fatality rate of 0.592 in 1911 and of 0.141 in 1923, rising to 0.24
in 1925, while the nonfatal injury rate was 4.42 in 1916 and 1.62 in
1925.
A table showing coal-mine fatalities underground due to explosives
gives a total of 96 in 1926, which is the lowest since 1917, except
in 1922 when there were 93 deaths from this cause.
I
^Holmes Safety Association, 4800 Forbes Street, Pittsburgh, Pa.
72923°—27— —6
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1257]
74
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Industrial Accidents in Iowa, 1925-26
RECORD of industrial accidents in Iowa, not including mine
and railroad train service, is presented in the report of the
bureau of labor of that State for the biennial period ending
June 30, 1926. While not giving comparative figures extending over
several years nor including data from which frequency and severity
rates may be computed, it is stated that the number and severity of
industrial accidents in Iowa were reduced during the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1926.
For this year 8,910 accidents, 40 of which resulted in death, are
tabulated by cause and nature. Only those involving a time loss of
more than two days are reportable in Iowa. About one-half (52.4
per cent) produced bruises, contusions, abrasions, cuts, punctures, or
lacerations, while 7.7 per cent resulted in infection and 4.9 per cent
involved the eyes. Falls and falling objects were the causes of the
greatest number, the former producing 15.6 per cent and the latter
13 per cent of all accidents.
i t is noted that since 1923 Iowa has stood practically stationary
in total number of industrial employees.
A
Industrial Accidents in Kansas in 1926
HE annual report of the Public Service Commission of Kansas
for the year ending December 31, 1926, devotes six pages to a
record of industrial accidents occurring during that year.
There were 10,417 such accidents, 81 of which were fatal, 126 caused
permanent total or partial disabilities, and 10,210 were temporary.
About one-third (3,665) of the total number of accidents were dis
posed of from the compensation standpoint, the total amount paid
being $867,550, or an average of $236.71 per case. The time loss
occasioned by these settled cases amounted to 309,475 days, which
indicates an average of 84 days lost by each case. As compared with
1924 and 1925, the number of each type of accident was lower, but
in no case was the percentage of decrease greater than 6.9, except in
permanent disabilities, where the number in 1926 was 34.4 per cent
less than in 1924 and 13.1 per cent less than in 1925. However, dur
ing the two preceding years all accident reports were included,
regardless of whether or not there was any time loss.
Forty-eight of the fatal accidents occurred in coal mines (16),
steam railroads (11), public utilities (11), and construction work (10);
while steam railroads (30) and oil and natural gas (23) were respon
sible for 42 per cent of the permanent disabilities. The largest
number of temporary disabilities (15.3 per cent) occurred in the oil
and natural-gas industry.
As a cause, handling objects was responsible for the largest number
of accidents, 2,285, or 21.9 per cent, including one fatal case, with
falling objects (not handled by the injured) second, injuring 1,343,
or 12.9 per cent, 17 of these being fatal cases and 11 permanent
injuries.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1258]
ACCIDENTS IN M EX ICAN M IN ES IN 1926
75
Railway Accidents in G reat Britain in 1926
HE English Ministry of Transport has recently issued a report
(Cmd. 2941) dealing with accidents which occurred on the rail
ways of Great Britain during 1926, classing them as train
accidents, due to such causes as collisions, derailments, and the like;
movement accidents, in which individuals are injured by the move
ment of railway vehicles, exclusive of train accidents; and nonmove
ment accidents, including all others. During 1926 the total number
killed was 374, a decrease of 91 from the preceding year, and the
injured were 23,433, or fewer by 2,960 than in 1925. The fatalities
were considerably below the average annual number (566) for the
period 1915-1924, but the nonfatal accidents were slightly above the
average (23,044) for the same period.
Of the deaths, 32 were due to train accidents, 284 to movement
accidents, and 58 to nonmovement accidents. Of those killed, 198
were employees, 93 were passengers, and 83 were classed as “ others.”
These were, it is explained, mainly persons who had business at sta
tions or on the platforms or were crossing over the tracks at grade
crossings. Of the injured, 4,267 were passengers, 18,473 were em
ployees, and 693 were others. The disproportion in the number of
employees is even more significant in view of the fact that accidents
affecting them are not reported unless they involve an absence of
at least one whole day from work, while all accidents involving pas
sengers and other persons must be reported, no matter how slight
the injuries received. Employees formed 53 per cent of the killed
and 79 per cent of the injured.
T
Accidents in Mexican Mines in 1926 1
CCORDING to the Department of Mines of the Mexican
Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, there were
27,574 accidents in the mines of Mexico during 1926, of
which 2,321 were classified as serious, resulting in 269 deaths. In
1925 there were 27,163 accidents, of which 4,195 were serious and
378 fatal.
The Department of Mines states that the decline in serious and
fatal accidents in 1926 as compared with 1925 is due to the increased
vigilance of its inspectors over mining operations.
The following statement shows the cause of the accident in 27,557
cases and in the 269 fatal accidents:
A
1 From report of Am erican consul, Charles W . Lewis, jr., a t Mexico C ity, dated Sept. 29, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1259]
76
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
N U M B E R O F F A T A L A C C ID E N T S A N D O F A L L A C C ID E N T S IN M E X IC A N M IN E S , 1926,
B Y C A U SE
F a ta l accidents
All accidents
Cause
N u m b er
M achin ery -......................................
T ransp o rtatio n . .. _____ _____
Explosives a n d fires___________
Toxic substances, corrosives, etc.
E lectricity ____________________
Falls (of lab o rers)_____________
Collisions_____________________
Falling of dSbris_______ _______
N onm echanical eq u ip m e n t.........
H an d tools___________________
A nim als____ _________________
O ther causes.....................................
269
[1260]
N um ber
P er cent
23.79
7.43
11. 63
2. 23
2, 652
3,799
218
45
.37
.37
15. 25
103
48
9,219
4, 336
13
381
6,737
.37
. 17
33.45
15.73
.05
1. 38
24.45
100.00
27, 557
100.00
32.71
6.32
T o ta l_______________ ___
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Per cent
6
9.62
13.79
.79
.16
.02
INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE
Anthrax Hazard in Pennsylvania 1
TUDIES of the occurrence of anthrax in the horsehair-dressing
industry and the tanning industry were made by the Penn
sylvania Department of Labor and Industry in 1920 and 1921,
and although these studies showed that anthrax was not extraor
dinarily prevalent at that time it was shown that there was a definite
anthrax hazard, especially in the tanning industry. In view of this
fact it was decided to secure as complete information as possible on
cases of anthrax occurring in the State, and arrangements were
accordingly made with the State department of health and the
health departments of the different cities to report such cases, while
physicians and hospitals treating anthrax cases, employers in whose
plants cases have occurred, and persons contracting the disease have
also cooperated in furnishing information.
The present study includes all cases, both industrial and nonin
dustrial, reported to the department over the five-year period 19221926. During this time there were reported 7 fatal and 75 nonfatal
cases of an industrial and 9 of a nonindustrial origin. By far the
largest number of cases have occurred in the tanning industry. In the
latest study half of the 80 cases were in this industry, 20 in the woolen
and worsted industry, 12 in the hair industry, 6 in the transportation
industry, and 2 cases which were not strictly industrial were classified
as miscellaneous. One of these occurred in a veterinary surgeon
and the other in a medical student handling anthrax cultures in a
laboratory. Of the nonindustrial cases, three were the result of
shaving-brush infection, and in the other cases the source of infection
could not be definitely fixed. The majority of the industrial cases
occurred in the age group between 20 and 39 years—the years of the
most active industrial employment.
General statistics show that the anthrax lesions occur most fre
quently on the exposed portions of the body and the present study
confirms this observation. There are several factors which account
for this fact. The face, neck, and forearm are often the sites of
pimples or other small breaks in the skin, and the neck and shoulders
are often scratched by the sharp edges of materials carried on the
shoulder. Such breaks may be infected either by coming in contact
with the infected material or through the medium of the hands. It
would appear that the hands would be the most frequent site of
infection, since they most frequently come in contact with the
infected material, but as a matter of fact the lesions seldom appear
on the hands, only two of the cases reported having occurred in this
location. The reason for this failure to develop the infection in the
S
i Pennsylvania. D ep artm en t of L abor and In d u stry . L abor and In d u stry , H arrisburg, June, 1927,
pp. 6-16: “ Pennsylvania’s five-year experience w ith a n th rax ,” b y E lizabeth B. Bricker, M . D .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[12611
77
78
M O NTH LY LABOE BEVIEW
hands is considered to lie in the fact that they are washed more fre
quently and more thoroughly than other parts of the body, and the
organism has less opportunity, therefore, to gain a foothold.
The data show that early treatment of the disease is of great
importance, and the report states that there is no reason why a case
of anthrax, if it is promptly recognized and properly treated, should
not make a speedy and uneventful recovery. The study also brings
out the fact that cases occurring in an industry in which the hazard
is recognized have a better chance for recovery than cases of a
nonindustrial origin, since in the latter case the condition is frequently
undiagnosed until the chance for recovery is past.
Analysis of the data relating to the length of disability shows that
the average disability is shorter in those cases receiving the earliest
treatment. In the tanning industry the average number of days lost
per nonfatal case was 47.7; in the woolen and worsted industry
57.4 days; in the hair industry, 59.1 days; and in the transportation
58.5 days.
In the control of a disease of this kind it is important to know
the countries from which the infected materials come. It is ex
tremely difficult, however, to trace the source of infection since ma
terials from several countries are usually handled at the same time.
At the present time, although the United States Department of Ag
riculture through the Bureau of Animal Industry has certain reg
ulations in effect designed to control and prevent the spread of
anthrax among livestock in this country, these regulations do not
sufficiently protect the workers in industries handling foreign hides
and wool. Under the present system part of the material is not dis
infected until it reaches its destination, giving opportunities for the
infection of persons handling the material at various points along
the way. It is suggested in the report that the situation might be
dealt with either by establishing disinfecting stations at shipping
points in foreign countries or by the establishment of disinfecting
stations by the Federal Government at the several ports in the United
States where such material is received.
In the absence of such regulations, however, it is advocated, in
order to minimize the danger in manufacturing plants, that adequate
washing facilities should be provided and their use required; dust
removal systems should be installed in dusty processes, and vacuum
cleaning or thorough wetting of floors before sweeping should be
substituted for dry sweeping; there should be proper medical care
of employees, including prompt dressing of all breaks in the skin
and subsequent daily inspection of such injuries until they are healed;
and all workers should be instructed as to the danger of infection
and the necessity for immediate medical attention for all affections
of the skin. The value of colored posters which show the different
stages of the cutaneous form of anthrax has been demonstrated in
a number of instances, both in this country and Great Britain. In
two of the cases reported in this study, where the patients were famil
iar with such posters, the diagnosis was suggested to the attending
physician by the patient himself.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1262 ]
MONTHLY LABOB REVIEW
79
Eye Conservation Through the Compulsory Use of Goggles in
Workshops
HE compulsory use of goggles in every workshop was advocated
by Harry Guilbert, director of safety of the Pullman Co., in
an address at a conference on the prevention of blindness, held
in Chicago in October by the National Safety Council and the
National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness, according to a
press release issued by the latter organization under date of October
T
14 .
Such a mandatory rule was said by the speaker to be enforced in
all the repair shops and yards of the Pullman Co., and as a result it
is estimated that the eyes of approximately a thousand of their men
have been saved from serious injury or destruction during the past
five years, only one eye having been lost among these workers during
that time. In the opinion of Mr. Guilbert, nothing short of compel
ling the men to wear the goggles will serve, as every effort was made
to get them to wear them prior to issuing the order, through spec
tacular bulletins, horrible examples, pleading and threatening, all
with very little success, and he believes that the elimination of eye
accidents will never be attained until every industrial employee is
required to wear goggles at work on penalty of dismissal. This rule
is rigidly enforced in every repair shop of the Pullman Co. and applies
not only to the employees, but to officials of the company and to
visitors.
‘
As reasons for such drastic measures to prevent industrial eye
accidents the experience of Pennsylvania and New York in recent
years is cited. In Pennsylvania the sight of 6,842 eyes has been
completely destroyed in industrial accidents since 1916, while_ from
January 1, 1927, to date, 383 eyes have been made sightless in in
dustries of that State, the industries in which these accidents oc
curred ranging from coal mines to restaurants. In one year more
than $800,000 was paid in compensation, representing an estimated
total economic loss of $5,000,000. In New York the loss was even
greater, as the compensation for eye accidents amounted to $1,700,000
last year. According to the National Safety Council’s estimate that
the total cost of industrial accidents is five times the amount of the
compensation payments, this class of accidents cost the workers, the
employers, and the public more than $8,000,000 in the single year.
All safety engineers recognize the difficulty of getting the work
men to protect their most valuable asset—their sight—and it is said
that the Pullman shops are the only shops where goggles are worn
universally from president down to office boys or visitors who may
come into the plant for only a few minutes. It is useless to expect
workmen to use goggles and other protective devices if managers,
foremen, and safety engineers do not set a good example by protect
ing their own eyes.
An examination of the eyes of 4,000 men in the Pullman shops
showed that only 1,139, or 28 per cent, had normal vision without
glasses; 1,539, or 38 per cent, had normal vision in both eyes when
they wore glasses, while the remaining 1,322, or 34 per cent, had
defective vision. Seventeen per cent of the total number examined
had only 5 per cent of normal vision, in many cases as the result of
early eye injuries.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 6 3 ]
80
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Occupational Diseases of Agricultural Laborers 1
STUDY of occupational diseases among agricultural workers
forms the subject of a brochure issued by the International
Labor Office as part of the Encyclopedia of Hygiene, Pathol
ogy, and Social Welfare.
The report points out that conditions among agricultural workers
vary greatly not only between different countries but also between
different districts in the same country, and that as a result of these
differences in living conditions, education, etc., as well as the existence
of overpopulation or underpopulation, there is great variation in
the hygiene and pathology of these workers. It is generally consid
ered that agriculture has no specific occupational diseases, but that
long hours and fatigue due to carrying heavy loads are the principal
causes of those diseases due to the occupation. It is true that agri
culture presents certain advantages over industrial employment, such
as work in the open air and in the sunlight, but on the other hand
there is a variety of hazards, including exposure to rapid changes of
weather and temperature, to diseases connected with the work in
various crops and those contracted as the result of tending stock, and
to accidents from farm machinery, in woodcutting, etc.°
Among the operations which are particularly fatiguing are mowing,
harvesting, digging, and threshing. The occupations frequently cause
acute morbid symptoms, the result of fatigue, such as fever, headache,
pains in the joints, intense thirst, and drowsiness. Such attacks are
of short duration, lasting usually for one or two days. Acute inflam
mation of the tendon sheaths of the flexor muscles of the hand is
frequently found among young workers. This condition is caused
by fatigue and is quickly cured by rest. An inflammatory condition
of the muscles of the back resembling sciatica is often the result of
work which puts an undue amount of strain on the muscles in the
lumbar region.
Agricultural workers who tend stock are subject to the risk of
accidents, and to infectious diseases: Anthrax, tetanus, glanders,
foot and mouth disease, actinomycosis, the bacillus of abortion, etc.
\ arious mites and animal parasites are transmissible to workers
and cause different forms of dermatitis. There is a variety of condi
tions which cause irritation and disease of the eyes. These include
conjunctivitis due to dust raised during threshing operations; hay
fever caused by the pollen of flowers and by the extremely fine hairs
found on the surface of leaves and fruits, while the dust of certain
bulbs such as hyacinths and crocuses, also sets up conjunctival
inflammation. Severe retinitis results from exposure, without
protection^ to the sun’s rays in summer. A specific disease, vibriogangrene, is found among workers who carry and spread manure.
I his disease is a serious one in which there is the formation of ulcers
on the eyelids which rapidly pass into a moist gangrene and which is
accompanied with swelling of the face, chest, and neck and a high
fever. This disease always results in serious deformity of the eyelids.
One authority considers this disease characteristic of southern
countries while another thinks it can also occur in colder climates.
A
'In te rn a tio n a l L abor Office O ccupation and health Brochure N o. 73: Occupational diseases of agri
cultural laborers. Geneva, 1927. 7 p p.
5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 6 4 ]
H EA L TH HAZARDS IN AUSTRALIAN WOODWORKING
'
81
Ocular accidents, the result of injury or of foreign bodies penetrating
the conjunctival mucous membrane are frequent. Workers about
stables are often the victims of typhoid fever, of intestinal affections
due to the bacillus coli, and of vaccines. Diseases of the circulatory
organs, including heart disease, arteriosclerosis, etc. ; of the digestive
system; and of the peripheral nervous system (neuritis, especially
of muscles fatigued from work such as potato digging, milking, etc.)
are common, while deformities of the spine and of the leg are fre
quently seen.
In general much needs to be done in a legislative way to correct the
unfavorable conditions among agricultural workers in nearly all
countries. Measures advocated by the International Labor Con
ference for ratification by the different countries include measures
for the prevention of unemployment, protection of women before
and after childbirth; prohibition of the work of children under 14
years of age; regulation of the night work of women; vocational
training for children; improvement in technical education in agri
culture; improved housing; recognition of the rights of association
and combination; compensation for accidents; and social insurance.
Investigation of Health Hazards in Australian Woodworking
Industries 1
T THE request of the Australian Timber Workers’ Union an
investigation of the health hazard from sawdust in the
various woodworking industries using both Australian and
imported timbers was made in 1926 by the division of industrial
hygiene of the Commonwealth department of health.
A preliminary investigation included inquiry from the secretaries
of the State branches of the different unions as to ill effects reported
among their members from exposure to wood dusts and the sending
of questionnaires to ear, nose, and throat specialists and to derma
tologists throughout Australia for the purpose of discovering, if pos
sible, the degree of prevalence of nasal, asthmatic, and skin trouble
among woodworkers.
The replies from the union secretaries gave very little definite in
formation, only four specific cases being reported by them, while of
the 24 specialists in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat who replied
to the inquiry 14 stated that no cases of nasal trouble caused by wood
dust had come to their attention; 7 said that they had seen such cases
but they were not common; 1 reported that such cases were very
frequent; and 1 reported that 10 per cent of the workers in jarrah
mills suffered from chronic nasal catarrh. Thirteen of the derma
tologists answered the questionnaire, three of whom stated that they
had had no cases, while the others reported that they had observed
such cases but they were very rare.
The investigation proper included the examination of 208 men
employed in joinery and furniture factories in Melbourne for evidence
of nasal irritation, asthma, and dermatitis, and of 10 other woodwork-
A
1 A ustralia. D ep artm en t of H ealth. Service publication (D ivision of In dustrial H ygiene) No. 4: An
investigation of certain health aspects in persons engaged in th e w oodworking industries, b y D . G. R obert
son, M . D . M elbourne, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 6 5 ]
82
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
ing employees with special reference to skin irritation from the wood
dusts.
It was found that 78 employees, or 37 per cent, of those examined
had some affection of the nose or throat. In a number of cases the
abnormal condition preceded employment in the woodworking in
dustry but in general it was considered that the percentage of workers
found to be affected was considerably greater than would be found
among the population at large. Wood machinists showed a larger
percentage affected than the other occupational groups. Among
persons working on machines fitted with efficient exhaust there was
less nasal trouble although this difference was not so marked as might
have been expected. Two cases of the five giving a history of asth
matic attacks were considered to be probably caused by the timber
dust, and there were 10 cases of dermatitis and one case of urticaria
(hives). Hardwood appeared to be the most irritating, most of the
nasal cases being caused by the dust from such wood, while blackwood caused nine cases of dermatitis, mountain ash and pear trees
one case, and the case of urticaria was due to working with jarrah,
red pine, and white pine.
As a result of the investigation it was recommended that efficient
exhaust systems should be installed wherever woodworkers are sub
jected to the inhalation of wood dust, but in the case of dermatitis it
was shown_ that comparatively few persons have skins which are
hypersensitive to the dusts and in such cases a cure can hardly be
expected without removal from exposure.
Telegraphers’ Cramp in Great Britain
ELEGRAPHERS’ cramp has been the subject of considerable
study in Great Britain. The departmental committee on
compensation for industrial diseases took up the matter at
some length in 1908 1 to determine whether the disease should be
added to the list of compensable diseases, with the result that by order
of the Secretary of State, dated December 2, 1908, the provisions of
the workmen’s compensation act were extended to cover it. A
committee was next appointed to inquire into the prevalence and
causes of the disease and to report what means might be adopted for
its prevention. A detailed report of its findings was published in
1911.2
According to this report, the ailment had been variously regarded
by the authorities as a muscular disorder, as a disease of the periph
eral nervous system, and as a disease of the central nervous sys
tem. After careful consideration of these antagonistic theories, the
committee accepted the view that telegraphers’ cramp “ is a disease
of the central nervous system, and is the result of a weakening or
breakdown of the cerebral controlling mechanism in consequence of
strain upon a given set of muscles.” The statement was also made
that although telegraphers’ cramp in Great Britain had been asso
ciated mainly with the use of the Morse instrument, “ any instrument
T
’ Great; B ritain . [Home D ep artm en t.] C om m ittee on C om pensation for Industrial Diseases. Second
report. London, 1908. C d. 4387.
2 G reat B ritain. [PostOffice.] C om m ittee on Telegraphists’ C ram p. R eport. London, 1911. C d. 5968.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1266 ]
TELEGRAPHERS’ CRAMP IN GREAT BRITAIN
which calls for repeated fine muscular movements of the same kind
may involve a relative ‘occupation spasm’ or ‘craft neurosis.’ Thus,
while we have associated the term ‘telegraphists’ cramp’ with the
disease which brings about a difficulty in making the specific coordi
nated movements needed for a proper manipulation of the particular
instrument known as the Morse key, the manipulation of the Baudot
or Hughes keyboards may similarly bring about a relative form of
cramp (analogous to pianists’ cramp); and all these forms of cramp
are on parallel lines with writers’ cramp.”
Recently, the Industrial Fatigue Research Board has published
the results of a study 3 made at the suggestion of the Union of Post
Office Clerks. This investigation did not deal with the medical
aspects of the ailment which had already been considered by the
departmental committee in 1911, but with the question, arising
from the work of that committee, as to the specific susceptibility
to the disease among persons engaged or about to engage in
telegraphy. Attention was devoted to a group of operators certi
fied as suffering from cramp and to another group apparently free
from it. These groups were intensively studied, in order to find
whether those suffering from cramp possessed in common any other
characteristic not possessed in the same degree by those who had
been exposed to an equal risk but had not contracted the disability.
Selected psychological tests involving speed and accuracy of move
ment were applied individually, and a medical study of each subject
was made, with special reference to the presence or absence of psycho
neurotic symptoms. The results of this part of the investigation
showed that the cramp subjects possessed greater susceptibility to
muscular fatigue (as measured by the ergograph), less ability to
perform quick and accurate movements (as measured by the dotting
machine), less complete control over the muscles when sending a
message, and a greater prevalence of psychoneurotic symptoms than
the normal subjects. However, the two groups were not completely
differentiated by any of these tests, so there was no assurance that
liability to cramp could be detected with certainty in individual
cases. Reference is made to the fact that previous research had
shown that there was no one condition of the work and no specific
organic state that could be regarded as the invariable antecedent
of cramp.
Various objective factors, such as types of keys, length of service, hours of
work, bad style, were reviewed and found not to be a necessary antecedent.
Even the physiological signs of cramp were shown to be indeterminate, as there
might, or might not, be a visible spasm, and the disability in its objective mani
festations could be specific to one letter, or be selective for certain muscular
activities, or be associated with general muscular weakness. Details of six
cases specially examined from the medical point of view were appended. In
each case the organic condition was reported to be normal.
The type of disability varies with the individual. The following
were some of the types met with in the study of the Industrial
Fatigue Research Board:
(1)
There are those suffering from a general disability to use the arm after
many years of sending; not only is the use of the telegraphic key or a pencil
interfered with, but also most other actions which demand the use of the arm.
8 G reat B ritain.
London, 1927.
In d u strial Fatigue Research Board.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 6 7 ]
R eport N o. 43: A stu d y of telegraphists’ cram p.
84
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The holding of a cup, or of a needle for sewing or knitting, is difficult or impossible;
a glass if taken up may be dropped; even the handle of a spade can not be grasped.
This disability may or may not be accompanied by pain, which may be localized
in the wyrist or may be general.
(2) There are those who can neither send nor write, but who can use the arm
for other occupations, e. g., they can play the piano, use a spade, and are quite
efficient if the larger muscles are brought into action. This group comprises
very many individual variants from ability to use the arm for anything except
telegraphic work, through various grades of inability, to total disability as
described in the previous section.
(3) Others again are all right, having no pain, and no muscular disability
except for the sending of a particular letter or group of letters. Particular com
binations of dots and dashes prove stumbling blocks. Some have difficulty in
letters involving a sequence of dots, particularly at the end of a word; others
find that having got the key down they can not get it up again quickly enough
for the formation of dots; in other words, the key seems “sticky.”
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1268 ]
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION AND
SOCIAL INSURANCE
Farmers Covered by California Workmen’s Compensation Law
NDER the provisions of the California workmen’s compensation
insurance act of 1917 it was necessary for employees engaged
in farm, dairy, agricultural, viticultural, or horticultural labor,
or in stock or poultry raising, and their employer, jointly to elect
to come under the compensation provisions of the act. (Stats. 1917,
ch. 586, secs. 8, 70.) By an amendment effective September 1,
1927, any employer and his employee engaged in the above employ
ments and not subject to the act by election were, from September
1, 1927, conclusively presumed to have accepted the compensation
provisions of the above act unless either such employer or employee,
prior to the occurrence of any injury, gave notice of rejection of the
provisions of the act in accordance with the terms of the act. (Stats.
1927, ch. 834.) .
The Division of Industrial Accidents and Safety of the Depart
ment of Industrial Relations of California has issued a circular
calling special attention to two facts due to the change made by
this statute: 1. If the farmer elects not to come under the provisions
of the act, he falls within section 1, chapter 399, of the Statutes of
1911, and if sued for damages because of the injury or death of an
employee, he is deprived of the defenses of assumption of risk and
the fellow-servant doctrine and finds that the doctrine of relative
negligence has modified the old rule of contributory negligence
(citing a farmer’s case, Robinet v. Hawk, 252 Pac. 1045). 2. If
the farmer does not affirmatively give notice of rejection of the
provisions of the act in the manner provided, he must secure the
payment of compensation by insuring his risk as provided by section
29, chapter 586, of the Statutes of 1917, or he is guilty of a mis
demeanor and subject to a fine of $500 or six months in jail or both.
(Stats. 1925, ch. 300, sec. 1, amending Stats. 1917, ch. 586, sec. 29.)
The circular contains the following provisions, which are interesting
and valuable as precedents in coverage of farm employees:
U
The premium rate for insurance under workmen’s compensation is identical
with the rate under a limited employer’s liability policy. A farmer would be
foolish, indeed, to take out an employer’s liability policy carrying a limit of
$10,000 where he may be sued and judgment recovered up to as much as $100,000,
when he can have complete coverage and complete protection for the same total
cost. _ The premium rate per $100 pay roll for ordinary farm labor done on the
premises is $2.13. The rate is $4.89 per $100 for work involving the handling of
machinery away_ from the premises of the employer. Where an employer main
tains a fruit picking crew and his pay roll is in excess of $2,500 per annum, he may
receive a rate of $1 per $100. The State compensation insurance fund will write
a policy of insurance for a farmer at a minimum charge of $15, which covers a
pay roll up to and including $704 per year.
The usual policy excludes a husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, or
parent residing within the employer’s household. If insurance coverage is de
sired for any of the above, this may be secured, and the premium is based on an
annual wage of $2,700.
[1 2 6 9 ]
85
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
86
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Compensation for Eye Injuries in New York State, 1926-27
YE injuries continue to constitute one of the most serious and
costly phases of industrial accidents in New York State,
according to a recent statistical review of such cases disposed
of during the year ended June 30, 1927, published in the Industrial
Bulletin for September (page 339) issued by the industrial com
missioner of that State. Only a few other injuries, it is stated, such
as the maiming of a hand, an arm, or a leg, cost more in money than
eye injuries. During the year there were 2,948 compensated injuries
involving the eyes, of which 2 resulted in death, 10 were totally
blinded, 786 (26.7 per cent) resulted in permanent partial disability,
and 2,150 (72.9 per cent) were temporary, lasting for more than a
week each and ultimately recovering. The total compensation paid
in these cases, based on 84,893 weeks of disability, was $1,703,235,
exclusive of medical and hospital care and representing two-thirds
only of the estimated wage loss. The average cost per case was
$577.76/ which is more than twice as much as the $284.75 representing
the average award in all types of injuries during the year. The two
deaths and one of the cases of permanent blindness cost the employers
or insurance carriers $25,000 in compensation payments alone, to say
nothing of the medical bills, administrative cost, and other expenses.
Considering the time loss, the report notes that in temporary
injuries (those followed by complete recovery) the compensated time
loss for all accidents averaged 5.3 weeks, whereas for eye injuries the
temporary awards averaged only for 3.5 weeks; for permanent in
juries of all kinds the average time loss was 42.9 weeks, while in
permanent eye cases it was 98.3 weeks.
Attention is directed to the hazard caused by flying particles,
especially flying chips or other articles set in motion by hand tools.
Of 786 permanent eye injuries, 410 were caused in this way, 266
being due to hand tools alone, and in 105 of these latter cases the
award covered an average period of 122 weeks each. In addition
to these cases there were 495 accidents directly due to hand tools
and 597 caused by flying particles that left no permanent injury
but caused a time loss for which the wage compensation alone
amounted to $58,905.
Most of the 786 permanent injuries occurred in the manufacturing
industry (43 per cent), wdth construction a close second, credited
with 226 or 28.8 per cent. These two groups were responsible for
564 (71.7 per cent) of the temporary eye disabilities. The compen
sation awarded in the manufacturing industry for all eye injuries was
$685,360, and in construction, $523,527.
E
Double Compensation Awards to Minors in New York State,
1926-27
HE Industrial Bulletin for September, 1927, issued by the
Industrial Commission of New York State, contains an article
giving interesting data on double compensation awards to
minors under 18 years of age who were injured at their work. During
T
1 A p p aren tly this includes m edical an d h ospital care, since th e average is not derived from th e n u m
ber of cases a n d th e to ta l com pensation paid as given above.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
11270]
L U M P-SU M SETTLEMENTS IN NEW JERSEY
87
the year ended June 30, 1927, 27 boys and girls under the age named,
who were illegally employed, were awarded compensation in double
the amount usually allowed for similar injuries where the employ
ment is legal. Nineteen of these children were injured while operating
very dangerous power-driven machines, which boys and girls under
16 years of age under the labor law were specifically prohibited from
doing. Four of them were working without a certificate; two were
under 14 years of age; one was working between the hours of 12 and
6 in the morning; and one, under 18 years of age, was cleaning ma
chinery which was in motion. All of these conditions were illegal.
Twenty of these boys and girls received some form of permanent
disability, one of which was the loss of an entire arm, another the
loss of a hand, and a third the loss of 95 per cent of the use of a
hand.
The machines which are named in the labor law as being too
dangerous for children to operate were the ones responsible for the
injuries. Power presses caused seven of the permanent injuries and
three-were caused by power cutting machines.
The law of New York provides that the employer alone shall be liable
for the increased compensation awarded on account of injuries sus
tained by minors while illegally employed, and the cases herein
referred to cost the employers $22,808; this with a like sum paid by
the insurance carriers made the total cost in the 27 cases $45,616.
Lump-Sum Settlements in New Jersey, 1926-27
HE Industrial Bulletin of the Department of Labor of New
Jersey, October, 1927, contains an article showing the experi
ence of the State of New Jersey for the year ending June 30,
1927, under the commutation or lump-sum settlement clause of the
workmen’s compensation act.
The New Jersey_compensation act, as amended by chapter 93,
acts of 1919, provides that compensation under the act may be
commuted by the workmen’s compensation bureau at its present
value, when discounted at 5 per cent simple interest, upon applica
tion of either party with due notice to the other, if it appears that
such commutation will be for the best interest of the employee or the
dependents of the deceased employee; or that it will avoid undue ex
pense or undue hardship to either party; or that such employee or
dependent has removed or is about to remove from the United States;
or that the employer has sold or otherwise disposed of the greater
part of his business or assets. The act further provides that in the
interpretation of the above it is the intention of the act that com
pensation payments are in lieu of wages and are to be received by the
injured employee or his dependents in the same manner in which
wages are ordinarily paid, and that as commutation is a departure
from the normal method of payment it is to be allowed only when
it clearly appears that some unusual circumstances warrant such
departure. The act specifically states that commutation shall not
be allowed for the purpose of enabling the injured employee or the
dependents of a deceased employee to satisfy a debt or to make pay
ment to physicians, lawyers, or any other persons.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 7 1 ]
M ONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
From July 1, 1926, to June 30, 1927, 305 petitions for full or partial
commutation of compensation were acted on, of which 162, involving
$165,271, were approved and 143, involving $182,643, were disap
proved. The 305 petitions related to 37 fatal and permanent total
disability cases and 268 permanent partial disability cases. Of the
former, 21 cases, amounting to $31,865, were approved and 16 cases,
amounting to $68,544, were disapproved. Of the latter, 141 cases,
amounting to $133,406, were approved and 127 cases, amounting to
$114,099, were disapproved. Of the 21 fatal cases approved, 5 cases,
totaling $11,082, were approved for the full amount and in 16 cases,
totaling $20,783, only partial commutation was allowed. Of the 141
permanent partial disability cases approved, 79, totaling $101,328,
were approved for the full amount and in 62 cases, totaling $32,078,
only partial commutation was allowed.
The article includes a table showing the purposes for which com
mutations were allowed. Of the total of $165,271 allowed, $47,905
was to be used for the purpose of starting in business, $43,547 for the
payment of mortgages, $34,063 for leaving the country, $14,001 for
buying property, $12,673 for living expenses, $6,012 for health,
$1,700 for education, and $5,370 for other purposes.
Electrical Workers’ Old-Age Pension Plan 1
NY member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers who has reached the age of 65 years and has been in
continuous good standing with that organization for 20 years
prior to making application for an old-age pension is eligible to a
monthly benefit of $40; an additional $2 is to be appropriated from
the fund to cover the pensioners’ regular union dues. This pension
plan was adopted at the nineteenth biennial convention of the
brotherhood, which was held in Detroit in August, 1927.
Pensioners will not be allowed to do any electrical work of any kind
for anyone either for compensation or gratis.
A
Old-Age Pensions in British Columbia
CCORDING to the Canadian Congress Journal, in its issue for
October, 1927, the Province of British Columbia has adopted
the old-age pension plan authorized by the Canadian Parliament
in March last. (See Labor Review, May, 1927, p. 106.) That legis
lation provided that if any Province elected to establish an old-age
pension scheme conforming to the requirements laid down in the
act, the Dominion Government would assume a definite proportion
of the cost of the pensions provided. British Columbia has taken
the necessary steps and, according to its agreement with the general
government, is to pay a maximum pension to such of its residents
as have attained the age of 70 and meet the other requirements of
the act. On its part the Dominion Government is to pay to British
Columbia quarterly one-half of the amount paid by the Province
A
1 T h e Journal of E lectrical W orkers and Operators, W ashington, O ctober, 1927, p. 514.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 7 2 ]
E N G LISH UNEM PLOY M ENT IN SURA NCE B IL L
89
in pensions during the preceding three months. The Journal, sum
marizes briefly the terms of the pension act, as follows:
The maximum amount paid to any recipient of old-age pensions is $240 per
year. Applications for pension may be made by a British subject, or a widow
who is not now a British subject, but was before her marriage, upon attaining
the age of 70 years. Each applicant must have resided in Canada for 20 years
immediately preceding the date of the application, and lived in the Province
for five years. No subject who is an Indian within the meaning of the Indian
act is eligible. If a pensioner has a yearly income over $125, the maximum
amount of $240 payable annually is reduced in his case by the sum received by
him by way of income in excess of $125.
British Columbia is the first of the Provinces to adopt the plan,
but Yukon has authorized its commissioner to sign the agreement
with the general government when he arrives in Canada, and Mani
toba and Saskatchewan are inquiring as to the steps to be taken in
order to come into the scheme.
-----------------—
----- —--------
New English U nem ploym ent insurance Bill
NE of the important matters brought before Parliament when
it reassembled on November 8, 1927, was a bill recasting the
legislation dealing with unemployment insurance. The Min
istry of Labor Gazette (London), in its issue for October, 1927, gives
a summary of the provisions of this bill. Since the principal bill of
1920 was passed there have been 14 amending acts, so that at present
the situation is far from satisfactory. Last spring a committee
appointed to consider how it could be bettered brought in a report,
generally referred to as the Blanesburgh report, recommending a
number of changes. (See Labor Review, April, 1927, pp. 47-51.)
The present bill, introduced by the Government, is, in part, based
upon that report.
The bill retains the present rates of contribution, under which for
each insured man the employer contributes weekly 8d., the employee,
7d., and the Government, 6d., departing in this respect from the
Blanesburgh report, which had recommended that the contributions
from all three should be the same. The weekly rate of benefit for
men with no adult dependents is reduced from 18s. to 17s., the rate
in respect of adult dependents is raised from 5s. to 7s., and the rate
for dependent children remains, as at present, at 2s. Young people
between the ages of 18 and 21, who at present pay the same contri
butions and receive the same benefits as adults, will have both con
tributions and benefits lowered, and boys and girls between 16 and
18 will receive 6s. and 5s., respectively, instead of 7s. 6d. and 6s.,
respectively, as at present.
À number of minor changes are made concerning dependents in
respect of whom benefit may be claimed, and matters of administra
tion, but in addition there are two important alterations, likely to
have, if adopted, far-reaching effects. The first deals with the
so-called “ extended” benefit. Under the present law there are two
kinds of benefit—“ standard,” to which the worker is entitled for a
definite period by virtue of having paid a certain number of contri
butions into the fund, and “ extended” benefit, which is paid under
certain conditions when a worker has exhausted his standard benefit
O
72923°—27-----7
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1273]
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
99
and still can not secure employment. Under the new bill it is pro
vided that a claimant is not entitled to benefit unless he has paid
into the fund at least 30 contributions (or, in the case of disabled
ex-service men, 15 contributions), within two years preceding the
date of his claim. If he meets this requirement, he is entitled to
benefit for as long as he is honestly unemployed, though his case
must be reviewed quarterly.
The second important change respects the kind of employment
the claimant may be required to accept. Under the present law he
is not entitled to benefit if he refuses “ suitable” employment, and in
practice this has generally been defined as work at his own trade or
occupation. The new bill provides that after a lapse of a reasonable
interval, employment of a kind other than the claimant’s usual
employment may be regarded as suitable, subject to certain safe
guards.
This second change will certainly be highly distasteful to the
unions, who will see in it a breaking down of their trade lines. The
other has already been the object of severe criticism from economists,
who inquire what is to be done with the man who is wholly unable to
qualify under this proviso. The only apparent alternative is for
him to apply for poor relief, funds for which are raised by local taxa
tion. This means that in areas where the depression has been most
severe and long continued the burden of unemployment, translated
into terms of taxation, will be heaviest, and industry will be most
seriously handicapped.
Pensions and Pension Expenditures in New Zealand
HE pensions department of New Zealand has recently issued its
twenty-ninth annual report, covering the year ending March
31, 1927, from which the following data are taken relative to
the situation at the close of the fiscal years 1925-26 and 1926-27.
T
N U M B E R O F P E N S IO N S IN F O R C E M A R C H 31, 1926, A N D 1927, A N D T O T A L P E N S IO N
P A Y M E N T S , 1925-26, A N D 1926-27
[Pound sterling at p a r=$4.8665; exchange rate about par]
Number
Number
Total
Total
in force payments,
in force payments,
March
March
1925-26
1926-27
31,1626
31,1927
Class of pension
War ......... ............... ...........................
Old-age____ _____ ________________ ____________
Widows’.- __________ _____ _____ ________ _________
Maori W ar____________ . _________ . . . .
Miners’_______ ________ _______________ ________
Epidemic________ ________________________
Blind ..................... ............. .................. .................................
Boer War . . . _________ _____________ _________ _
Spe ci ai annuities. . . ................ ..........................
Civil service act_____________________________ _____„
T otal. ___________________ _______________
20, 716 £1,185,161
22, 905
903, 577
3,833
286,450
444
23,067
640
40, 239
313
14, 522
196
8,053
60
2, 902
102
8, 752
55
16, 855
20, 625
23, 751
3, 970
374
668
259
232
64
113
50
£1,128, 988
982, 356
301, 861
19, 458
41,940
10, 951
10,338
2, 624
10,054
14, 659
49, 264
50,106
2, 523, 229
2, 489, 578
It will be noticed that war pensions are responsible for a larger
part of the annual outlay than any other group, the pensions for the
Maori, the Boer, and the World Wars accounting for 48.6 per cent of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1274]
91
PENSION'S IN NEW ZEALAND
the total expenditure in 1925-26, and for 45.6 per cent in 1926-27.
These pensions, however, are decreasing both in number and cost,
while what might be called the social pensions are increasing steadily.
The total cost per head of the European population of the combined
pension systems was the same in both years, £1 16s. 9dd
Some interesting data are furnished concerning various pension
systems. Pensions for the aged were established in 1898, for those
who met certain qualifications as to age, character, residence, and
income. The age fixed was 65 for men and 60 for women, with lower
ages for those having two or more dependent children under 15.
The amount of the pension has been changed several times; in 1927
the maximum general rate was =£45 10s. per annum. The number of
pensions granted each year, and the number in force at the end of
each year since the act became operative are shown in the following
table:
O LD -A G E P E N S IO N S G R A N T E D A N D IN F O R C E A T E N D O F E A C H Y E A R , 1899 TO 1927
Year
1899.
1900.
1901.
1902.
1903.
1904.
1905.
1900.
1907.
1908.
1909.
1910.
1911.
1912.
1913.
N um ber N um ber
of
in force
pensions at end of
granted
year
7,487
4, 699
2, 227
1,694
1,391
1,063
1, 210
2,075
2,031
1,740
2,113
2,304
2,399
2,318
2,072
7,443
11, 285
12,406
12,776
12,481
11,926
11, 770
12, 582
13,257
13, 569
14,396
15, 320
16, 020
16, 649
16, 509
Year
1914______________ _____ ____
1915________________________
1916________________________
1917________________________
1918________________________
1919________________________
1920________________________
1921_____________________ —
1922________________________
1923________________________
1924________________________
1925.................................................
1926________________________
1927_________ ____ __________
N um ber N um ber
of
in force
pensions at end of
granted
year
3,320
3,158
2, 268
1,823
2,146
2,235
2,289
2,152
2,553
2,781
2,549
2, 654
3,100
3, 302
18, 050
19,352
19,804
19, 697
19, 960
19, 872
19,993
19,837
20,491
21,181
21,468
22, 062
22,905
23, 751
This shows a total of 73,153 pensions granted during the period.
Something over one-half, 39,692 or 54.3 per cent, of the pensioners
had died, and in the case of 9,707 the pension had been canceled for
one reason or another, leaving on the roll at the end of 29 years of
operation a total of 23,751 pensioners, or approximately one-third
(32.5 per cent) of those to whom pensions had been awarded.
The act establishing pensions for miners was passed in 1915.
Under its terms pensions are payable to miners meeting certain
requirements as to residence, character, and occupation, who have
become totally incapacitated for work owing to miners’ phthisis
(pneumoconiosis) contracted while working as a miner in New
Zealand. The number of pensions granted each year and the number
in force at the close of the year are shown in the table following.
i A t par, p ound sterling=$4.8665, shilling=24.3 cents, and penny=2.03 cents; exchange rate approxi
m ately par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[12751
92
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
M IN E R S ’ P E N S IO N S G R A N T E D A N D IN F O R C E A T E N D O F E A C H Y E A R , 1916 TO 1927
Y ear
1916____ ___ ______ _________
1917...................... .........................
1918______________ _________
1919________________________
1920________________________
1921
1922________________________
N um ber
of
pensions
granted
N um ber
in force
a t end
of year
120
153
91
82
237
107
78
120
238
270
240
415
474
506
Y ear
1923 _____
1924 ...............
1925 ____
1926______
1927...........
N um ber
of
pensions
granted
96
88
111
96
84
N um ber
in force
a t end
of year
r,44
640
668
1,343
Of those to whom pensions had been granted during this period of
12 years, practically^ one-half (49.7 per cent) were still on the rolls at
the close of the period. Of those who had been removed, 485 had
died, and 190 had improved in health, moved away, or for some other
reason had been dropped. If the number of pensions granted may
be taken as indicative of the prevalence of miners’ phthisis, evidently
the efforts of the health authorities to stamp it out are having some
effect; during the first six years covered, 790 pensions were granted,
as against a total of 553 for the remaining six years.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 7 6 ]
CHILD ENDOWMENT
Australian Commission on Child Endowment
HE Australian Worker, in its issue for September 14, 1927,
announces the appointment of a royal commission to consider
the subject of child endowment. At a recent conference
between representatives of the Federal and the State Governments,
it was pointed out that the action of New South Whales in introducing
a system of child endowment had brought about an anomalous
situation, since a man working under a Federal award in New South
Wales might fare quite differently from one working under the same
award in another State, and that there should be some effort to
reach uniformity. The appointment of a commission to consider
the matter from the point of view of the Commonwealth as a whole
was agreed upon as a desirable step. The commission consists of
five members, one of whom is a woman. It is instructed to consider
the following m atters:
T
The general question of the institution of a system of child endowment or
family allowance in Australia, with particular reference to its social and economic
effects, and if the institution of such a system is recommended.
The methods by which such a system could be established.
The relation of such a system to wage fixation, having regard to the interests
of the wage earner, of industry generally, and of the community.
The application of a system of child endowment or family allowances to persons
whose wages are not regulated by law or who are not engaged in industry as
wage earners.
The limit of income, if any, subject to which payments by way of child endow
ment or family allowances should be made.
The methods of financing and giving effect to a system of child endowment
or family allowances with particular reference to the practicability and desira
bility of providing the necessary funds from public revenues, from industry, or
from both sources, and in what proportions and upon what principle.
The methods of administering such a system.
The cost of such a system, including administrative expenses and reserves if
thought necessary.
The legal method of giving effect to any system recommended, with particular
reference to the distribution of the Commonwealth and State powers.
Any matters of public interest which may arise as the result of the institution
of a system of child endowment or family allowances.
Basic Wage and Proposed Child Endowment in Western
Australia 1
N JUNE 7, 1927, the court of arbitration at Perth set the basic
wage for the year 1927-28 at £4 5s.2per week for adult males,
and £2 5s. lid . for adult females, with proportionate pay
ments for periods of employment lasting less than one week. These
figures are the same as were set for the preceding year, the rate for
males being calculated on the following allowances for the main
items in the cost of living:
O
'A u s tra lia (W estern A ustralia). [C ourt of A rbitration.] Basic wage declaration for th e year 1927-28
[under in d u strial arb itratio n act, 1912-1925] a n d reasons of th e court. P erth, 1927.
2 A t p ar, pound sterling=$4.8665, shilling=24.3 cents, and penny=2.03 cents; exchange ra te approxi
m ately par.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 7 7 ]
93
94
MONTHLY LABOS REVIEW
£
Food_____ _
Rent_______
Clothing.:___
Miscellaneous.
s.
1 16
1 0
4
13
15
5
d.
0
0
6
6
0
The representatives of the workers had pressed for a higher basic
wage, claiming that the family for whose needs it was calculated
ought to be considered as consisting of five members, rather than of
four. In announcing the decision, Justice Dwyer reviewed briefly the
reasons which had led last year to fixing the number of four (see
Labor Review, October, 1926, pp. 208, 209), and declared that no
evidence had been brought forward tending to show that those reasons
were invalid. He admitted that there were a number of families,
roughly estimated as amounting to 10,390, in which there were three
or more children under 14, but suggested that the proper way of
providing for these was not through a basic wage, applicable to
every worker, but through a plan of child endowment, by which
provision for the children in excess of two would go directly to
the families in which they were found. The Government actuary
had been asked to draw up a memorandum on this point, and the
justice’s remarks were based on this.
The memorandum is given in full in the pamphlet containing the
court’s decision. On the basis of the 1921 census the actuary calcu
lates the number of children under 14 in the State who are found in
families having more than two such members. This number is modi
fied to allow for population growth, and for the deduction of those
whose parents do not belong to the wage-earning class, or who, for other
reasons, would not be eligible for the proposed allowances. It is finally
estimated that provision would probably have to be made for 57,442
children. Taking the New South Wales act as a model, it is sug
gested that the allowance be 5s. a week, or £13 a year, for each child.
In addition to the cost of the actual endowment, provision has to be made for
the cost of administration and reserves to cover differences in the actual number
of children. In New South Wales administration costs were estimated at 3 per
cent, and reserves at 7 per cent of the endowment, and if similar provision is
made in Western Australia the total cost will be:
Endowment of £13 per annum per child______________£746, 746
Cost of administration_____________________________
22 , 402
Reserves_________________________________________
52 ’ 272
821, 420
This amount, it is suggested, might be raised by a rearrangement of
the wage and salary bill of the State, by a levy on employers, or by a
combination of these means. The proposition is made that employers
might be required to contribute toward an endowment fund 2)/^ per
cent of their total pay roll, while employees should be called upon for
a contribution of 2s. 3d. per week per adult male employee. This,
estimating the total wage and salary bill at £16,401,840, 'would give
£410,046 per annum from employers, while the adult male employees,
numbering 72,025, would contribute £421,346, making a total of
£831,392, or somewhat more than the amount required. Of the
amount to be paid by the employers, the sum of £321,671 would be
a charge on private employers, leaving the balance of £88,375 to be
paid by the central and local governments in their capacity of em
ployers of labor.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1278]
TRAINING AND PLACEMENT OF THE
HANDICAPPED
Fourth National Conference on Vocational Civilian Rehabilita
tion, 1927
ALUABLE information concerning the restoration of the handi
capped to industry is contained in the Report of the Proceed
ings of the Fourth Conference on Vocational Rehabilitation of
the Disabled Civilians, which was held at Memphis, Tenn., March
28-31, 1927.
Percy Angove, State supervisor of vocational rehabilitation of
Michigan, declared that the success or failure of rehabilitation services
hinges upon the administrative procedure employed and emphasized
the need for basing rehabilitation upon social economy. An essen
tial part of the work is the making of studies and surveys by the
State.
The necessity for scientific vocational counsel in rehabilitation
work was pointed out by John Aubel Kratz, chief of the vocational
rehabilitation service of the Federal Board for Vocational Education.
According to D. M. Blankenship, supervisor of vocational rehabili
tation of Virginia, ‘‘The greatest curse of rehabilitation work so far
has been this thing of trying to keep down the per capita cost of
training. * * * These $1.45 cases don’t amount to 25 cents’
worth.”
In a discussion on State plans for rehabilitation work the question
was brought up as to whether or not it was advisable to publish
State plans. Some of the drawbacks in devising too definite or too
restrictive State schemes were also suggested.
Rehabilitation service should reach to every part of the State
regardless of remoteness, in the opinion of Ira W. Kirby, State super
visor of vocational rehabilitation of California. He also believed
that “ States should cooperate with one another for the supervision
and training of trainees from another State when the former State
has not the proper training facilities.” He thought it justifiable for
States to adopt a residential requirement for rehabilitation service,
each State to determine its own requirement.
The great need for follow-up work of vocationally reestablished
cases of arrested tuberculosis was stressed by Dr. H. E. Kleinschmidt, medical secretary of the National Tuberculosis Association.
In discussing the selection, training, and direction of rehabilitation
workers, Dr. R. M. Little, chief of the bureau of rehabilitation of
New York stated:
V
Above all other qualifications that are needed in this work of technique and
skill and experience is that of an abiding spirit within the heart which causes
us not only to have human sympathy but human sympathy that can be skill
fully applied, that will sustain us in skillful and sincere action, and for a period
of years, and a sincere motive power within that wants to help our fellow men
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 7 9 ]
95
96
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
and restore them to gainful occupations, and open before them the doors of
hope and of cheer in life. That is what is needed more than all things, and
some way or other that is something we can only in a slight degree communi
cate to others.
Some preliminary findings of an investigation into the occupational
opportunities for the handicapped in certain Wisconsin industries
were presented by W. F. Faulkes, supervisor of vocational rehabili
tation in that State.
Among other subjects taken up at the same session were the
advisability of including, in a survey of job opportunities, unskilled
work for which no formal or extended training is possible; State
surveys of rehabilitation facilities; an analysis of the methods of
welfare agencies in a State and their limitations in cooperating with
the rehabilitation service; methods of analyzing the medical and sur
gical facilities iin a State and method of cooperative relationships
with them.
The extent of the adoption throughout the country of the aims
of vocational guidance was declared to be “ astonishing” by Dr.
Harry I). Kitson, professor of education, teachers’ college, Columbia
University. In his judgment, one of the most encouraging lines of
research for the solution of the problems of vocational guidance is in
the field of follow-up.
Dr. Don D. Lescohier, professor of economics, University of Wis
consin, suggested “ the adjusting of jobs to people less than perfect
may be as important to success in this [rehabilitation] work as the
adjusting of people to jobs.”
Speaking to a body of engineers in Milwaukee last winter, I maintained that
our industries must utilize the services of men of all types and qualities, not
simply of thy best. They must use, as best they may be used, the services of
men lacking in strength, of men lacking in good judgment, of men lacking in
initiative, special knowledge, and sense of responsibility. They must use men
whose activity has begun to decline, but who have years of useful service in
them. They must use cripples. They must use many who are mentally defec
tive. I pointed out that the general tendency of the scientific-management
school in all its branches had been to create tasks, working conditions, and wage
incentive that were adjusted to excellent labor material rather than the old,
the slow, the defective, or the subnormal, and that modern employment manage
ment has had the same effect. The labor managers have been thinking in terms
of selecting the best and discarding the rest of the labor force as far as their
own plants are concerned.
The engineers and the employment managers can do more than any other
executives in our industries to widen the employment possibilities of the less
promising workers, and these two groups are composed, for the most part, of
high-minded men, people with ideals who will respond to this challenge once it is
pressed home into their consciousness.
In summarizing the trends in vocational rehabilitation II. B. Cum
mings, agent of the vocational rehabilitation service of the Federal
Board of Vocational Education considered the following as notable:
1. The trend toward quality production rather than quantity pro
duction; 2. The trend toward specialization of function as against
diversification of function; 3. The trend toward general cooperation
rather than special cooperation; 4. The trend toward physical restora
tion; 5. The increasing trend toward training.
A paper by Dr. W. D. Partlow on “ Mental pathology in vocational
rehabilitation” included the following note of warning:
The same stress and strain of modern life which allows no time for mental repose
and solitary reflection and far too little time for sleep, all so necessary, not only
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1280 ]
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION IN NEW JERSEY
97
is constantly establishing instability and predisposition, but at the same time the
same facts and conditions are contributing to the immediate and exciting causes
of mental disease and maladjustment.
Ethelbert Stewart, United States Commissioner of Labor Statistics
diagnosed the lump-sum settlement as the “ germ of death of the
workmen’s compensation laws in the United States,” and. unless it is
eliminated, “ it is going to do its deadly work.” He pleaded with the
delegates to be very cautious in their efforts to secure workmen’s
compensation funds for rehabilitation and retraining purposes and to
be even more and more vigorous “ in [their] efforts to secure an entirely
distinct and independent machinery and funds for rehabilitation and
retraining purposes.”
In all workmen’s compensation and rehabilitation problems, “ the
motivating force must be the restoration of the disabled employee to
remunerative occupation,” is the conclusion of Voyta Wrabetz, com
missioner of the Wisconsin Industrial Commission. “ The man must
be given that which industry has taken from him, his earning capacity
and his chances for improvement and promotion, not as an act of
charity but as his right.”
Vocational R ehabilitation in New Jersey
HE September, 1927, issue of the Industrial Bulletin of the New
Jersey Department of Labor contains a report of the vocational
division of the rehabilitation commission of the State of New
Jersey for the year ending June 30, 1927, that is of more than passing
interest.
This report shows that during the fiscal year the vocation exam
iners registered and surveyed 1,346 physically handicapped, and that
711 of these were vocationally rehabilitated during the year. Of this
number 662 were males and 49 were females. Of the number reha
bilitated, 474, or 6 6 ^ per cent, were credited to the classification of
industrial or employment accidents, and i 9 to public accidents^ while
131 were attributable to disease, and 27 were noted as congenital.
Three methods were used for assuring to the physically handicapped
employment of a remunerative character, and data compiled for this
purpose show that rehabilitation was accomplished in 20 cases through
school training, in 121 cases through employment training, and in
570 cases through job restoration. The age groups show that 103 of
those rehabilitated were under 21,181 between 21 and 30,186 between
31 and 40, 122 between 40 and 50, and 119 were 51 years of age
T
Leg, arm, and hand injuries were responsible for considerably
more than half of the disabilities recorded.
It is noted that of the 711 cases rehabilitated 281 had received no
schooling beyond the sixth grade, 87 were reported as having acquired
no education, and 35 reported schooling other than the grades.
Of the 1,346 registered cases, 635 were in abeyance at the close of
the fiscal year for investigation, and 24 of this number were in school
training.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1281 ]
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
Industrial Aid for th e Blind in A rgentina
"HE October, 1927, issue of the Pan American Union Bulletin
contains a description of the educational work for the blind car
ried on in Argentina.
The Argentine Institute for the Blind is now under the direction
of the well-known educator Air. J. Ulises Codino, who was sent by
the Argentine Government to Europe to study the most advanced
methods of teaching the blind. The institute has a class similar to
a kindergarten, elementary grades, a music school which compares
favorably with the best academies of music, and a craft school which
equips these unfortunate students with a trade or the knowledge of
some practical art, thereby fitting them for useful work. Besides
the classrooms and workshops the institute includes several museums,
a gymnasium, a music hall, and gardens.
The students of printing set up the textbooks of the institute,
whose printing shop, equipped with all the necessary machines, turns
out each year over 1,000 pamphlets and textbooks, besides other
printed matter.
The report states that the occupation of piano tuner and repairer
has been found to be one of the most profitable for the blind. This
trade is taught in the institute by a blind teacher, who takes his
pupils in turn with him to assist in the work he does outside the school,
since it is not possible to have pianos of all makes in the institute.
In one workshop men are taught to make wicker articles, brooms,
brushes, and dusters, and to cane chairs. A new course in massag
ing has been added recently to the institute’s curriculum. In Japan
and all European countries the profession of masseur or masseuse is
reserved for the blind, who are, generally speaking, well paid and
very much in demand.
Until the middle of the last century the blind poor of Argentina
had to beg on the streets for their living, since they received no
education of any nature. According to the last census in Argcn tin a
the blind numbered 5,351 nationals and 1,505 foreigners. It is
hoped that in. time this institution will be in a position to care for
all the blind in the country.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1282 ]
COOPERATION
Twelfth International Cooperative Congress 1
HE twelfth congress of the International Cooperative Alliance
was held in Stockholm, August 15-18, 1927. There were in
attendance 424 delegates representing 28 countries, besides 11
representatives of European governments and 3 fraternal delegates
from various international organizations.
Opening remarks were made by Albin Johansson of the Swedish
Cooperative Union, the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the
two vice presidents of the alliance, E. Poisson and A. Whitehead.
A message from the chief of the economic and financial section of the
League of Nations commended the work done by the alliance and
expressed the hope that it would join with “ other great international
organizations in helping to inform and interest and secure the effective
influence of the great public who look to it for guidance.”
Sir George Paish, representing the International Committee for the
Promotion of Universal Free Trade, pointed out that “ we are face
to face with a situation in which the sale of products has become a
matter of great difficulty and in which the creation of fresh credit
is approaching its limits—a situation which, if left unrectified, must
in the not distant future entail an almost complete breakdown of
trade and of credit. If nations can not sell their goods and can not
buy on credit the produce they need for their sustenance, unemploy
ment and starvation on a stupendous scale must inevitably result.”
An attempt by the Russian delegation to add Russian to the official
languages of the alliance was defeated as was also the proposal to
adopt Esperanto as the only language of the congress.
T
Representation on Central Committee
HTTIE maximum number of representatives of any country on the
central executive committee has previously been seven. Because
of the protest of Russia that it is not one country but a union of
countries, it had for a short time been allowed 14 representatives.
Such special treatment was, however, not regarded with favor by
the congress, which accepted a motion of the Czechoslovak delegation
raising the maximum representation for all countries to 14, but pro
viding that when, because of such considerations as expense, etc.,
any country was unable to send its full quota of representatives, its
full voting power could be exercised by a smaller number of delegates.
Hereafter, each national cooperative organization will be allowed
one representative by virtue of its membership in the alliance and
an additional representative for each £100 of subscription to the
alliance, up to the maximum of 14.
1 D ata are from In tern atio n al Cooperative B ulletin (London), Septem ber, 1927; consular report of
Aug. 26, 1927; and Cooperation (N ew Y ork), October, 1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 8 3 ]
99
100
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Problems of Cooperative Organization and Policy
'T'HE urgent necessity, if cooperation is to exercise its potential
strength, of the accumulation of resources within the movement,
to the end of making it independent of private capital was emphasized
in a resolution reading as follows :
This congress draws the attention of the consumers’ cooperative organizations
of the International Cooperative Alliance to the importance of adhering to the
Rochdale principle of cash payments, not only in regard to the sales of the socie
ties, but also in the purchase of goods by the society. Experience has shown that
the cooperative organizations which have developed their activities with coopera
tive capital, and have avoided dependence on banks and other financial institu
tions, have been able to_ overcome even those crises which, have had such a para
lyzing effect on enterprises dependent on credit. The great development of the
British cooperative movement shows, amongst other things, how slender resources
grow irresistibly when used in this manner and result in great benefit.
the congress is further of opinion that division hinders the effectiveness of the
cooperative movement, and it, therefore, urges the cooperative movement of
every country to aim at unity, with one consumers’ society in each locality and
the centralization of these societies into organizations which are common to all
the societies of the country.
Each local society must feel that it is part of the whole movement and sub
ordinate itself to the interests of the whole. The congress is of opinion that the
cooperative movement of a country will be of the greatest benefit to the consumers
if ail societies collaborate and endeavor, as far as possible, to solve simultaneously
the same question, and if their activities are concentrated on questions which
are of common interest to all consumers.
As these are questions of special importance to the future development of the
cooperative movement, congress urges the national organizations and local
societies in membership with the International Cooperative Alliance to discuss
them carefully and communicate the result to the general secretary of the Inter
national Cooperative Alliance.
, In cases where a departure from these methods is based on the conviction that
they are unsuitable, a, careful explanation of the attitude adopted is desired, and
where_ the economic independence and united action of the cooperative move
ment is considered desirable, it should be stated whether these wishes have been
realized; if not, the nature of the measures to be adopted to bring about their
realization should be explained.
The congress charges the general secretary of the International Cooperative
Alliance to submit a report to the next international congress on the information
which may be sent to him.
The importance of close relations between consumers’ and agri
cultural cooperation was emphasized. A resolution adopted by the
congress urged (1) the development of exchange and trading rela
tions between the two branches of the movement, both of which are
to make the greatest possible reduction in handling costs, thus
enabling the consumers’ cooperatives to compete with private enter
prises and to pay fair prices for agricultural products; (2) the ap
pointment p f joint committees for the handling of special problems,
for educational purposes, etc.; (3) the development of cooperative
savings and the eventual establishment of cooperative banks; and
(4) such ^action by the executive committee of the International
Cooperative Alliance as may seem advisable for the furthering of
these objects.
Other Action
CATIIER resolutions declared for free trade unhampered by customs
barriers; provided that no country or union of countries should
exercise more than one-fifth of the total voting power of any coopera
tive congress, the object being to safeguard the rights of small
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1284]
MAKING COOPERATION MOKE INTERESTING
101
countries and prevent undue influence by any large country; pro
vided for the appointment of a committee to consider and prepare
a program of future work of the International Cooperative Alliance;
and expressed the “ unflinching hostility” of the cooperative move
ment to “ all policies, economic or militarist, which may provoke war
or raise barriers to the realization of the cooperative program.”
A resolution instructing the International Cooperative Alliance to
enter into relations with the International Federation of TradeUnions at Amsterdam and the Profintern of Moscow for the purpose
of dealing with questions affecting both trade-unions and cooperative
movements was overwhelmingly voted down.
Central Committee and Next Meeting
A CENTRAL committee of 57 members representing 23 countries
was elected for the ensuing three-year term. Dr. James P.
Warbasse, president of the Cooperative League, was again selected
as the representative from the United States.
The next congress will be held in Vienna in 1930.
Making Cooperation More interesting
N AN article in the 1927 Yearbook of the Northern States’ Coop
erative League, Albert Sonnichsen makes a critical examination
of the cooperative movement from the perspective furnished by
the year that has passed since his retirement from 20 years’ connection
with the movement.
As he looks back upon the movement his general impression is
that of drabness and bleakness. “ Not a patch of color to brighten
the landscape. I look back the 20 years without recalling one actual
thrill. A long succession of meetings, one as dull as the other.
Coffee, flour, beans, carloads of canned salmon. Figures, dollars
and cents, buzzing. I pick up a cooperative journal, and it puts me
to sleep. A low mumble of many voices, but not one human shout
of triumph.”
Although this is a superficial impression it is the author’s opinion
that it is just the sort of impression made by the movement upon
every casual observer whether member or nonmember, and this he
considers “ the outstanding weakness of cooperation, a weakness that
may eventually prove fatal, should it continue.”
Cooperators may complain that cooperation lacks publicity because
it opposes advertisers, but this is only part of the truth. Newspapers
and journals of popular appeal ignore cooperation because it lacks
“ human interest.” It lacks the dramatic, the vivid, the picturesque
elements. “ You could as easily dramatize Webster’s dictionary as
write a novel about cooperation.”
I
Yet this is what people want, simple workers as well as intellectuals. It is
this element in the fraternal orders that has made them such a popular institu
tion in this country. If I suggest that all cooperative society members should
be made to attend meetings in white nightgowns and red turbans, I may seem
absurd—but the meetings would never lack a quorum. And the man who
likes to bedeck himself in the regalia of a Bedouin chief and be dressed as Your
Most Exalted and Exceedingly Eminent Highness Sir Jimmie Smith isn’t
necessarily a degenerate. We all have the play-acting instinct more or less.
Jimmie has imagination, and he seeks to have it stirred up.
[1285]
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
102
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
That is just what cooperation does not do to Jimmie’s imagination. And
Jimmie is even more important to cooperation than the brilliant intellectuals
who don’t come to us; he drinks thousands of cups of coffee to their one and
eats 10,000 cans of baked beans and salmon to their one. How are you going to
get hold of Jimmie; not merely to buy a can of beans now and then, but to rally
round the banner of the movement, shouting himself hoarse with enthusiasm?
If_you succeed in capturing Jimmie’s imagination, all the rest will follow;
publicity in the magazines and newspapers, brilliant leaders and ultimate success!
What holds Jimmie’s interest will interest the newspapers, regardless of the
advertisers. For if a newspaper has no readers, it will surely get no advertisers.
He points out the human appeal of the Belgian cooperative move
ment with its beautiful “ people’s houses,” its provision of nurses for
m a t e r n it y cases, wedding cakes for members entering upon matri
mony, pensions-for the aged, etc.
There is a very constructive suggestion in the Belgian system. It has the
human pull. It does even more than awaken the imagination; it twangs the
heartstrings. * * *
&
British and American cooperation is as appealing to the imagination as a
hardware store. For all its great social ideals, it is as hard as a marble. Jimmie
Smith buys at the co-op, and as long as he has money, he is served. The moment
he loses his job, he gets the glassy stare. Even the capitalist grocer around the
corner is more human. Fie does give credit.
The writer points out that cooperation can be humanized, ¿<but
imagination is needed, not only on the part of the people, which is
there, but on the part of the leaders. The jobless member need not
be turned out of the store. He may be taken care of on as sound a
basis as that on which the big insurance companies are operated.”
'He concludes:
Economic determinism is undoubtedly a compelling factor in human destiny;
bat it pushes, it does not pull. ^ Jimmie Smith will not be interested in changing
the social structure until he is desperately hungry, and then he will turn to
bloody revolution, not cooperation. But while he has enough to fill his stomach,
tobacco for his pipe, and the price of admission to a picture show he isn’t going
to tear down any fences. Cheaper prices in beans and underwear will not take
him a block out of his way. If you want to attract him, appeal to his heart his
imagination Also, amuse him; make him laugh. Give him a thrill occasionally.
IJo this, and he is all yours; Do it long enough and thoroughly, and he will bleed
for you at the barricades, if that becomes necessary.
Vkhat Cooperative Societies Áre Doing to Humanize Cooperation
r| HAT some societies are making a beginning in humanizing the
movement is indicated by other articles in the same yearbook.
Thus, the Franklin Cooperative Creamery Association, Minneapolis,
has been, conducting a nutritional clinic for children of its employees
and members. Its chorus, composed of 32 of its male employees,
is in demand for entertainments at lodges, churches, etc. I t gives an
annual^ concert^ usually in one of the Minneapolis theaters. The
Franklin band, in existence for the past five years, has a membership
of 30, representing all the instruments required for a military band.
It- is stated that the band, as well as the chorus, is considered <(a
great asset to the institution, for wherever it appears it makes friends
N*r Ike Franklin and spreads the gospel of cooperation to all people.”
T ne baseball team, also composed of Franklin employees, won the
1926 amateur baseball championship of the city.
in New York City, the Consumers’ Cooperative Services has
started a cooperative theater, and has inaugurated the plan of
establishing lending libraries for its members and patrons.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[ 1286 ]
COOPERATIVE OIL ASSOCIATIONS IN MINNESOTA
103
Employees of the Cooperative Central Exchange, Superior, Wis.,
men and women alike, have formed a “ gala day” troupe which has
traveled about presenting a musical comedy with scenes laid in a
cooperative store and dealing with cooperation in songs, jokes, and
action.
The play is kept from becoming dry through the medium of bringing in pointed
jokes, puns, individual song numbers, quartets, etc. There is clog dancing,
magic tricks, in fact every conceivable type of vaudeville number, and the chorus
girls dance in every now and then, always with a song dealing with cooperative
questions, always snappy, yet always with a deep thought embodied in their
song. Now they dance in with costumes on which the emblem of the league, the
two pine trees on a yellow field, are prominently brought out—then again with
a costume made up from the Cooperators’ Best flour sacks—always smiling—and
executing their little steps with a unity that bespeaks of many tiresome rehearsals.
The cooperative movement, its theory, principles—consumers’ cooperatives,
the credit question, the importance of loyalty, the value of standardization and
centralized effort—all are discussed and commented on in the course of the play.
And the audience likes it—they laugh throughout the show and applause is never
wanting. In the finale the entire troupe is present on the stage and the curtain
drops on their song.
The play has been shown in 16 different cities and towns, playing to
audiences ranging in size from 200 to 2,000.
The writer states that it has been valuable to the movement.
“ For whereas people are not sufficiently interested in our movement
to come and listen to speakers they enjoy a show. They are not
adverse to hearing cooperative propaganda when it is served them in
small doses in the form of songs and repartee.”
Cooperative Oil Associations in M innesota1
N INTERESTING development in the cooperative movement
that has taken place in the past few years is the invasion of
the gasoline and oil business by cooperative organizations,
There are now some 52 such organizations in operation in Minnesota
alone, all established during the past six years.
These associations operate on a strictly Rochdale basis. Shares
are small, usually $25 each, and an attempt is made to distribute
ownership generally among the consumers in the locality to be
served by the association. A limited rate of interest is paid on this
stock, and after expenses of operation are paid and provisions made
for a reserve fund, the remaining profits are distributed among the
members in proportion to their patronage. Last year the association
at Gwatonna paid a patronage dividend of 14 per cent, amounting
to $33,051. “ When a cooperative company can turn back to the
farmers of a community this amount of cash, there is no question
as to the service it has rendered.”
The oil business lends itself readily to the cooperative plan. Only
a few lines are handled, and the cost of sales is small in comparison
with the value of business. I t is stated by the deputy commissioner
of agriculture of Minnesota, on the basis of financial reports required
by law to be made by the associations, that these companies are
“ uniformly successful.”
A
1Northern States’ Cooperative League. Third Yearbook, 1927. Minneapolis, 1927, pp. 183-189.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1287]
104
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The associations have a central association in Minneapolis, organ
ized on a nonstock, nonprofit basis. It is a service organization,
which assists the local societies in their bookkeeping and business
methods, and acts as their purchasing agent.
The manager of this company says that “ the wasteful duplication
of service stations and oil trucks has been greatly reduced in com
munities where cooperative oil companies have been in operation.”
The deputy commissioner of agriculture states:
The future of this consumers’ movement lies absolutely in the hands of the
consumers themselves. They have ample legislation on the Minnesota statute
books for their purposes; have the active, even aggressive, cooperation of State
officials administering the cooperative laws of this State; have a large clientele
thoroughly schooled in cooperative theory and practice and have a large and
fertile field for exploitation in consumers’ behalf. It is believed that a sound
business policy will govern the actions of the officers of all the associations in the
future as it has during the period of their operations to date. This will assure
a steady and safe growth to the movement and protect society against possible
unjust combinations of competitors who may seek to establish unfair prices.
Cooperation in the North Central States
HE 1927 Yearbook of the Northern States’ Cooperative League
contains much valuable statistical and other information
regarding^ the cooperative movement in the North Central
States, from which the following is taken.
T
Northern States’ Cooperative League
T HE Northern States’ Cooperative League, one of the four district
educational leagues affiliated with the National Cooperative
League, on June 30, 1927, had in membership 27 cooperative societies,
11 fraternal societies and 327 individual members, a gain of 8 societies,
from the previous year. The combined membership of the affiliated
cooperative societies is 52,828, a gain of 3,652 over 1926; their sales
in 1926 amounted to $9,821,878.
The commercial department of the league, established in the hope
that it might eventually develop into a cooperative wholesale for the
whole district, had during the three months of 1927 during which
it was in operation, sales of $7,247. The 1927 convention of the
league, held July 17 and 18, voted, however, that hereafter the league
shall act only as a medium by which its producers’ societies can find
a market for their goods, by establishing connections with reputable
produce houses.
In its endeavor to serve the constituent stores as an employment
agency, the league has collected data as to the managers of 140
cooperative stores. Its data reveal that these men have had an
average business experience of just under 17 years, of which 634* years
have been spent in cooperative stores. Their average salary is
$160.30 for those who are on a straight salary basis. Fifteen per cent,
however, receive other compensation, such as free living quarters,
heat, light, water etc. Two or three share in the profits and two
receive a commission on sales, in addition to the salary.
The failure of several societies comparatively new in membership
with the league has convinced the latter that it should be more strict
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1288 ]
COOPERATION IN T H E NORTH CENTRAL STATES
105
in admitting societies to membership, perhaps requiring as a pre
requisite that the candidate submit its books and affairs for inspec
tion by the league. “ This would offer us certain_security against
admitting members who fail soon after their admittance and thus
cast an undesirable reflection upon our league.”
Cooperative Central Exchange
T H E Cooperative Central Exchange, of Superior, Wis., is a whole* sale society serving a group of some 76 local societies. In exis
tence since 1917, the exchange, with share capital of only $37,249, in
1926 passed the million mark in sales ($1,017,544), and has accumu
lated a surplus-reserve of $8,501. Besides its wholesale and jobbing
activities, the exchange owns and operates a bakery whose sales in
1926 were $70,071.
The association has been active in educational work, having a
special educational department which provides lectures, speakers,
leaflets, etc., and has held seven courses for the purpose of training
students to be managers of cooperative stores.
An auditing department is also maintained..
Affiliated Societies
T H E report contains much excellent statistical data regarding both
A the Cooperative Central Exchange and its affiliated societies.
Due to the centralized system of auditing the accounts of the
member societies, a uniformity has been obtained in methods of
accounting which makes for greater comparability of data, as well
as disclosing clearly the financial status of each society.
The 55 local societies covered by the tables had at the end of 1926
14,710 members, total resources of $1,987,373, and share capital of
$612,624. Their sales for the year aggregated $3,564,643, and their
net trading gain $136,143. Sales increased from 1925 to 1926, oil
the average, 8.75 per cent. The expenses of these societies averaged
11.96 per cent of net sales.
The majority of the societies affiliated with the exchange are rural
organizations and 33 of 56 have a membership composed entirely of
££irxxi©rs•
Fourteen of the 56 stores are practically on a cash basis, 4 have
accounts payable amounting to less than two weeks’ average sales,
and 18 amounting to less than a month’s average sales. As one of the
outstanding causes of failure among cooperative stores is the unwise
extension of credit, thus reducing the funds available for business, the
experience of some of these societies with regard to the credit policy
is interesting.
.
.
The Orr Farmers’ Cooperative Trading Co. in July, 1926, decided,
“ by a great majority, to go on a cash basis, without any further educa
tion or anything of that sort.” It was expected that sales would fall
off at least temporarily as a result of this policy. Contrary to expec
tations, however, new business more than offset the losses, the
accounts receivable have been reduced from $3,000 to $1,000, and^the
society has flourished to such an extent that it has been enabled to
erect a new store building and is also constructing a branch store.
7 2 9 2 3 ° — 2 7 ------- 8
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 8 9 ]
106
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
The society at Hancock, Mich., learned through experience that
“ credit trade is one of the greatest obstacles in the way of the progress
of the cooperative societies,” and by a unanimous decision of a mem
bership meeting decided to place the store on a strictly cash basis,
regardless of consequences. Trade decreased the first month after
this action was taken, but increased decidedly thereafter.
Another store, at Superior, Wis., reports that “ on March 1 our
store was put on a strict cash basis. * * * Ever since this change
our sales have been on the increase. This is a good lesson to those
who defend the credit business for cooperative stores.”
An interesting example of the “ never say die” spirit, as well as of
the value of having a central organization equipped with expert
knowledge, is revealed in the account given below of the cooperative
society at Mass, Mich.
Our society came into existence in 1913 as one of the consequences of the hardfought and bitter struggle of the big Michigan copper strike.
In spite of the many difficulties encountered and a continuous lack of working
capital, a fairly rapid progress was made in the beginning. But, partly on account
of the inexperience of those immediately connected with the management, and
partly due to the abnormal conditions following the World War, our society,
whose finances had never had any opportunity to stabilize, soon met with serious
reverses.
Like so many other similar organizations during the trying years of 1920-1923,
our society suffered from almost all the evils known to retailers. We had accu
mulated a large stock of slow-selling merchandise; we had no money to use in
the business, the capital having been tied up in the stock of merchandise and the
accounts receivable; we could get no more credit from the wholesale houses, and,
worst of all, we lost practically all of the confidence of the consumers.
A branch store had been organized at Ontonagon which was operated on a
profitable basis but did not bring enough money to cover all the losses of the main
store in Mass. The reverses continued until a crisis was reached in the summer
of 1923. We had lost almost three-fourths of the $9,000 paid-in capital; we owed
wholesalers over $14,000; we had no money, and the auditors told us of another
$2,000 loss by the Mass store.
But through all these reverses this society survived only because it had a group
of faithful supporters. Small indeed was this group, but they were people who
were willing to do everything, who suffered and sacrificed year after year that
this organization might live. And with the aid of the Cooperative Central
Exchange this society came out of the crisis of 1923 a winner. Its reverses began
to turn into successes. From that time on a rapid progress has been made.
It is almost unbelievable that this organization, which only three and a half
years ago was in the throes of a death struggle, has been able to almost double its
sales, reaching nearly $150,000 last year; that it has paid all its accounts to
wholesalers; ridden itself of the old obsolete stock; bought a new stock of up-todate merchandise, paying for it almost as fast as it comes in, and saving practically
all discounts; that it is now paying proper interest on all paid-in capital and
rebates on purchases by consumers; that during these three and a half years it
has saved to its customers over $30,000.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1290]
LABOR LAWS AND COURT DECISIONS
The Sherman Antitrust Act and Labor: The Coronado Case
ITIGATION which started in 1914, when labor troubles developed following the attempt of the manager of the Coronado
Coal Co. to change several of his mines from a union to a non
union basis, and which was twice before the United States Supreme
Court, was finally settled out of court on October 17, 1927.
In 1914 the Coronado Coal Co. and seven other mining corpora
tions controlled by the Bache-Denman Coal Co. were operated as a
unit in Sebastian County, Ark. Mr. Bache, as manager, had oper
ated the mines for a number of years with union labor and in the
spring of 1914 was operating under a District No. 21 contract and
scale of wages which did not expire until July 1, 1914. In March
of that year he determined to run the mines on a nonunion or openshop basis and notified the president of the District Union No. 21
that he intended to do so. To avoid the charge of a breach of the
union scale a contract was made with a corporation having $100
capital and controlled by Bache, by which it agreed to run two of
the mines.
Two of the mines were shut down and Bache prepared to open
them on an open-shop basis on April 6, 1914. Anticipating trouble,
he employed guards, purchased rifles and ammunition, gathered non
union men, and notified employees occupying company houses that
they must vacate unless they remained in his employ. A protest
meeting was held by the union miners at which a committee was
appointed to visit the superintendent and insist that the mine
remain union. The committee was attended by a large body of
union miners who assaulted the mine guards, took their guns away,
and injured a number of them. The employees deserted the mine,
which filled with water upon the stopping of the pumps.
An injunction was obtained in the Federal district court against
the union miners and others. Preparations were begun to resume
mining with nonunion miners under the protection of the United
States deputy marshals. After some weeks the United States
marshals were withdrawn, leaving only private guards to protect
the property. The water had been pumped out and the mining and
shipping of coal were about to begin when, before daybreak on
July 17, a large force of union miners and their sympathizers, armed
with rifles paid for by the District No. 21 organization, began an
attack upon the men brought together to work the mine. Two of
the employees of the mine were killed and all of the property on the
premises was destroyed.
Immediately after the destruction of the property the district
court appointed a receiver for the mines. The receiver of the
Coronado Coal Co. and other companies in the mining group brought
an action at law for damages against the United Mine Workers of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1291]
107
108
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
America and its officers, District No. 21 and its officers, 27 local
unions in District No. 21 and their officers, and 65 individual defend
ants for conspiracy to restrain and prevent plaintiffs’ interstate
trade in coal in violation of the first and second sections of the
Sherman Antitrust Act. The complaint was filed on September 1,
1914, in the District Court of the United States for the Western
District of Arkansas. The United Mine Workers countered with
the claim that, even assuming the truth of the facts set out in the
complaint, the facts shown were not sufficient in law to sustain the
action. The district court ruled in favor of the unions, but in the
United States Circuit Court of Appeals the judgment of the district
court was reversed and the case remanded. (Dowd v. United Mine
Workers of America, 235 Fed. 1, decided July 21, 1916.)
The case then went to trial in the district court and resulted in a
verdict of $200,000, which amount was trebled by the court in
addition to allowing a counsel fee of $25,000 and interest on the
award to the date of the judgment. The United States Circuit
Court of Appeals reversed the judgment as to interest, but in other
respects affirmed it. (United Mine Workers of America et al. v.
Coronado Coal Co. et ah, 258 Fed. 829, decided April 28, 1919.)
The case then went to the Supreme Court of the United States,
five principal questions being presented:
1. Was there an improper joining of parties bringing the action?
The plaintiffs included a group of mine companies, consisting of five
operating companies and four nonoperating companies interested in
the operating companies either by lease, contract, or by ownership
of all or a majority of their stock. The court held that there was
no misjoinder.
2. As the United Mine Workers of America, District No. 21, and
the local unions were unincorporated associations, were they subject
to suit? The court answered this question in the affirmative, stating
that though an unincorporated association of persons at common
law could sue or be sued only in the names of its members, “ equitable
procedure adapting itself to modern needs has grown to recognize
the need of representation by one person of many too numerous to
sue or to be sued, and this has had its influence upon the law side
of litigation, so that, out of the very necessities of the existing con
ditions and the utter impossibility of doing justice otherwise, the
suable character of such an organization as this has come to be
recognized in some jurisdictions.” The court added that its con
clusion as to the suability of the defendants was confirmed in the
case at bar by the wording of sections 7 and 8 of the antitrust law.
3. Was there any substantial evidence to show that the inter
national union initiated, participated in, or ratified the interference
with the business of the companies from April 6, 1914, to July 17,
1914? The court answered this question in the negative, saying that
there was “ nothing to show that the international board ever author
ized it, took any part in preparation for it or its maintenance. Nor
did they or their organization ratify it by paying any of the expenses.
*
* The district made the preparations and paid the bills.”
4. Was there any evidence to show that the conspiracy alleged was
a conspiracy to restrain or monopolize interstate commerce? The
court answered this question by stating (a ) “ the authority is put by
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1292]
T H E COBONADO CASE
109
all the members of the District No. 21 in their officers to order a
strike, and if in the conduct of that strike unlawful injuries are
inflicted, the district organization is responsible and the fund ac
cumulated for strike purposes may be subjected to the payment of
any judgment which is recovered,” but (b) “ coal mining is not inter
state commerce and the power of Congress does not extend to its
regulation as such” and there was no evidence submitted to the jury
upon which they could find that the acts of District No. 21 and its
companions were committed by them in a conspiracy to restrain or
monopolize interstate commerce.
5.
Did the lower court err in its supplemental charge to the jury?
The court said that the conclusions as to questions 1-4 made it
unnecessary to examine this question.
The judgment for daniages was reversed and the case sent back
to the district court for further proceedings in conformity to the
above opinion. (United Mine Workers of America et al. v. Cor
onado Coal Co. et al., 259 U. S. 344, decided June 5, 1922.)
A new trial was had in October, 1923, which resulted in a judgment
favorable to the unions and which was affirmed by the circuit court
of appeals. (Findley v. United Mine Workers of America, 300 Fed.
972, decided July 12, 1924.)
The case then went to the Supreme Court of the United States
again. The companies contended that they had supplied at the
second trial the necessary links lacking at the first trial, namely,
evidence showing participation by the international union in the
conspiracy and wrongs done and sufficient evidence to show an inten
tional restraint of interstate trade and a violation of the antitrust act.
The court, however, again speaking through Mr. Chief Justice
Taft, held to its former opinion as to the international union in spite
of the new evidence and decided that none of the evidence tended to
establish the participation of the international in the strike and dis
turbances. Because of the new evidence as to the attitude and pur
pose of the leaders and members of District No. 21 between April 6
and July 17, 1914, shown at the second trial, the court held that “ the
purpose of the destruction of the mines was to stop the production of
nonunion coal and prevent its shipment to markets of other States
than Arkansas, where it would by competition tend to reduce the
price of the commodity and affect injuriously the maintenance of
wages for union labor in competing mines.” The court stated the
law to be that “ mere reduction in the supply of an article to be shipped
in interstate commerce by the illegal or tortious prevention of its
manufacture or production is ordinarily an indirect and remote
obstruction to that commerce. But when the intent of those unlaw
fully preventing the manufacture or production is shown to be to
restrain or control the supply entering and moving in interstate com
merce or the price of it in interstate market, their action is a direct
violation of the antitrust act.”
The judgment in favor of the international union was affirmed but
reversed as to District No. 21 and other local unions and the individ
ual defendants, and the case was sent back as to them for a new trial.
(Coronado Coal Co. et al. v. United Mine Workers of America et al.,
268 U. S. 295, decided May 25, 1925.)
On October 17, 1927, the case was dismissed by order of court after
an adjustment had been made between the parties.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1293]
no
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Enforcement of Labor Laws in Argentina
COMMUNICATION from the American ambassador, Robert
Woods Bliss, at Buenos Aires, dated September 21, 1927, dis
closed the fact that on September 14 the Argentine Chamber of
Deputies questioned the Minister of the Interior as to the alleged nonenforcement of the law (No. 11388) prohibiting night work in bakeries.
The minister stated that, in spite of the number of violations, his
department had exerted every effort to enforce the law since last
March when it became effective. He stated further that the courts
moved very slowly and his department had no authority to close the
bakeries of offenders, but could only denounce them to the courts.
It was stated in the debate which followed that the lax enforce
ment of the laws protecting labor was due to a lack of popular dis
cipline or social consciousness. Recommendations were made that
the laws should be strengthened and the authority and personnel of
the labor department increased.
A
Protective Legislation for Commercial Employees in Salvador 1
HE Legislative Assembly of Salvador recently passed a law,
which became effective on June 17, 1927, for the protection of
persons working in commercial undertakings, repealing the act
promulgated on May 29, 1926. The new law fixes the maximum
daily hours of work at 8 for men and 7 for women and minors. Over
time may be worked in pharmacies, transportation, and other services
of public necessity but must be compensated. I t provides for a
weekly rest day and an annual vacation of at least 15 days with pay.
Unjustifiable absence from work entails a corresponding deduction
from wages, but in cases of duly certified illness an employee has a
right to 30 days’ sick leave with full pay, 30 days’ leave with half
pay, and another 30 days’ without pay before the employer can fill
his place. If the employee’s illness was contracted in the discharge
of duty he shall be duly compensated.
After one year’s service employees who are expectant mothers are
entitled to three months’ leave with half pay, two months before and
one month after childbirth. They are to be allowed daily rest
periods during working hours to nurse their children.
The law further provides that every individual or corporation
engaged in a commercial enterprise shall employ at least 80 per cent
national labor and that the employer shall pay the employee a
month’s salary in case of unjustifiable discharge. The provision in
the old law establishing the workers’ compulsory savings fund has
been omitted. A report from American consul W. J. McCafferty,
at San Salvador, dated June 27, 1927, stated that it was extremely
difficult to carry out this provision of the former law, and even the em
ployees for whom it was designed were opposed to the savings fund.
The rights conferred on commercial employees by this law can not be
renounced, consequently any contract to the contrary is null and void.
Employers violating the provisions of this law are liable to a fine
of from 25 to 500 colons 2 according to the nature of the offense.
T
1 Diario Oficial, San Salvador, June 17, 1927, pp. 1041, 1042.
8 Colon at p ar=50 cents; exchange rate varies.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 9 4 ]
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
Trend of W omen’s Wages in Ohio
NDER this title a private organization, the Information Bureau
on Women’s Work, of Toledo, has recently published a study
based on statistics collected but not published by the State.
Teachers, professional women, and women owning their own busi
nesses are not included, the study dealing with a total of 281,112
employed women, of whom 176,600 were classed as wage earners,
32,553 as saleswomen (not traveling), and 71,959 as engaged in
clerical occupations. A comparison of the wage rates of men and
women in the same occupational class shows the familiar difference
in distribution, the great majority of the men being in the higher
and of the women in the lower earnings groups. Thus, the group
earning $25 and over a week contained 70 per cent of the male wage
earners, 73.6 per cent of the salesmen, and 80.4 per cent of the men
in clerical occupations; but only 10 per cent of the female wage
earners, 9.1 per cent of the saleswomen, and 33.6 per cent of the
women in clerical work.
Income depends not only on wage rates but also on steadiness of
employment, and in this respect the women fared worse than the
men. A comparison of relative irregularity of employment was made
by taking for both women and men the maximum and the minimum
number employed during the year, and calculating the percentage
of deviation. This gives the following results:
U
C O M P A R IS O N O F P E R C E N T O F D E V IA T IO N F R O M T H E M A X IM U M O F E M P L O Y
M E N T FO R M A LE AND FE M A L E W O RK ERS
Wage earners
Clerical employees
Salespeople
Year
Men
1923__________________
1924____ _________________ ____
1925___________________ ____________
Women
12.9
7. 7
11.8
9.0
7.2
10.1
Men
6.4
1.1
3.9
Women
6.3
1. 9
5.1
Men
12.1
9.4
10.2
W omen
31 .8
29.2
31.2
It will be seen that among the wage earners the women had some
what the better of the men in each year covered, the greatest differ
ence being found in 1923, that among the clerical employees there is
not much difference though the women have a little the worse show
ing, but that among the salespeople the difference is marked, the
disparity being greatest in 1925.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1295]
111
112
MONTHLY LAB Oli REVIEW
Trend of Rates for Women Aged 18 and Over
IGNORING occupational classification, the following table gives
the distribution by wage rates of the total number of woman
workers for the period 1923-1925:
D IS T R IB U T IO N O F W O M A N W O R K E R S , A G E D 18 A N D O V E R , B Y W A G E G R O U PS
N u m b er of women reported
P er cent of total
W eekly wage rate
U nder $5_._..........
$5 a nd u n d e r $10..
$10 a nd u n d e r $12.
$12 a nd u n d e r $15.
$15 a nd u n d e r $20.
$20 and u n d er $25.
$25 a nd over_____
T o ta l_____
1923
1924
1925
1923
1924
1,986
14,174
25, 007
56, 701
76, 751
40, 882
35, 359
2,142
13, 562
23,843
56, 693
80, 155
44, 456
40, 258
2,304
15, 405
26, 606
59, 347
85, 229
47, 428
44, 795
0.8
5.7
9.9
22. 6
30. 6
16.3
14. 1
0.8
5.2
9. 1
21.7
30.7
17.0
15.4
0.8
5.5
9.5
21.1
30.3
16.9
15.9
250, 860
261,109
281,112
100.0
100.0
100.0
1925
It will be noticed that in both 1924 and 1925 there was an increase
in the proportion of women in the wage group $25 and over, which
rose from 14.1 per cent in 1923 to 15.9 per cent in 1925. Much the
greater part of this increase took place in 1924. The proportion
receiving $20 and under $25 rose from 16.3 per cent in 1923 to 16.9
per cent in 1925, but all of this increase was made in 1924, a slight
falling off from its figures being shown in 1925. The proportion
receiving $5 or less a week remained constant, and the other groups
showed slight changes.
Quoting the yearbook of the Department of Commerce to the
effect that ‘The industry and commerce of the United States during
1925 reached the highest levels ever attained in our history,” the
report calls attention to the fact that even at this peak of prosperity
over one-third (36.9 per cent) were employed at rates of less than
$15 a week, “ although studies of the cost of living have shown
amounts ranging from $17 a week in the smaller towns, to $21 a
week for the larger centers, as necessary for a ‘health and decency’
standard.”
A study of the women by occupational grouping shows some dif
ferences in the changes in distribution by wage rates. Among the
woman wage earners, the largest numerical increase from 1923 to
1925 was among those earning $15 and under $20 a week; these in
creased from 49,056 to 55,118, while the proportion they formed of
the total rose from 30.9 per cent to 31.2 per cent. Next in order
of numerical increase was the group earning $20 and under $25,
followed by those earning $25 and over, and those earning $12 and
under $15. During the period the proportion earning $12 and over
rose from 79.5 per cent to 81 per cent.
Turning to the saleswomen, it appears that in 1925 almost onehalf of them, 49.4 per cent, were paid rates less than $15 a week.
This is an increase over 1923, when the proportion was 48.2 per cent,
and a marked increase over 1924 when it was 46.4 per cent. Com
paring 1925 with 1923, the largest numerical increase in a single
group is found among those receiving $15 and under $20 a week.,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 9 6 ]
EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN IN CHILE
113
where the numbers rose by 1,423. During this period, however,
while the groups_ earning $15 and over showed a total increase of
2,150, those earning under $15 a week increased by 2,701.
For woman clerical workers, the trend seemed more favorable.
The report thus sums up the situation:
For women clerical workers, the greatest gain was among those receiving rates
of $25 or more, a gain of 2,302, or 10.6 per cent. In the two-year period
1923-1925, the increase was 5,222, or 27.6 per cent, more than one-fourth. In
1925, 24,176 women in clerical work were reported as receiving a rate of $25
or more, as against 17,653 wage earners, and 2,966 saleswomen. This group
also had the smallest percentage receiving less than $15, 13.1 per cent, as against
44.3 per cent for the wage earners, and 49.4 per cent for the saleswomen. More
over, the clerical workers had by far the most regular work, a deviation of 5.1
per cent, as against 10.1 per cent for the wage earners, and 31.2 per cent for the
saleswomen. _ Obviously, special training for clerical work pays, at least so long
as the growing demand of large-scale business and modern bookkeeping does
not lag behind the increase in supply.
Decree Relating to Employment of Women in Chile 1
N compliance with a decree of the Chilean Minister of the Interior,
women are to be employed in preference to men in any positions
in the postal and telegraph services of Chile which they are able
to fill. The minister gives the following reasons for such preference:
Women in general are more conscientious, painstaking, and accurate,
and more amenable to discipline in their work; they have fewer ma
terial needs; women should be encouraged to secure economic inde
pendence; their admittance to further careers will be an encourage
ment to cultural development; and the employment of women in
positions requiring little physical effort releases men for more virile
labor.
I
1 P a n A m erican U nion B u lletin , W ashington, O ctober, 1927, p. 1048.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1297]
CHILD LABOR
Employment of Children in Oregon
HE board of inspectors of child labor in the State of Oregon pub
lishes its statistical report in the seventh biennial report of the
industrial welfare commission of that State for the years 1925
and 1926 as follows:
T
1925
Number of employers of children under 18_________________ ______
i
Age and schooling certificates 16 to 18 years of age____ *______
Age and schooling certificates 14 to 16 years of age__________
Indorsements (change of job)_________________________
Special permits (vacation and after school)_________________
Part-time permits issued to children between 16 and 18 who had
not completed the grammar grades______________________
Indorsements (change of job)_________________________
Miscellaneous__________________________________________
Refusals under age and school grade_______________________
1926
577
1,
350
410
3,
221
1 , 539
’ 377
866
2 , 440
460
138
560
628
541
128
1 247
’ 638
Total applications_________________________________
7 ; 74 0
7t 7 7 6
Children injured under 18 vears of age_____________________
248
432
973
Accidents to Working Children of Ohio
HE Consumers’ League of Ohio has recently issued a study of
accidents to employed minors under 18 occurring in that State
in the first nine months of 1926. During that time 2,763 such
accidents were reported, of which 1,031 were sufficiently serious to
involve the loss of some time from work. Of these 5 3 3 caused dis
ability lasting over 7 days, 27 caused permanent disability, and 3
were fatal. The number of days lost through these accidents was
0 6 ,942, the average being 13.4 days per accident. Manufacturing
industries account for much tlie largest group of injuries, 1,889, and
for the greatest loss of time, 27,415 days.
The lack of data as to the occupational distribution of employed
minors makes it difficult to calculate the relative hazard of different
industries, but taking the figures of the 1920 census as to where minors
are employed, their accident rate per 1 , 0 0 0 employed was, in agricul
ture,^1 .2 ; in manufacturing and mechanical industries, 4 9 .5 ; in ex
traction of minerals, 15.1; in trade, 40.3; and in professional and
clerical service, 1 .6 .
Machinery and handling objects seemed equally responsible for
injuries, the first accounting for 618 and the second for 632 cases.
Metal-working machinery made the worst showing, accounting for
366, or 59.2 per cent, of the machine accidents. Textile machines
came next with 72, and paper and printing machinery followed with
T
114
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1298]
ACCIDENTS TO WORKING CHILDREN OF OHIO
115
60 accidents. No other kind of machinery was responsible for as
many as 40 accidents. The average number of days lost through
machine accidents was 23)db but there was much variation in this
respect.
Although the metal-working machines show the largest group of machine
accidents, the average number of days lost from accidents on machines of the
metal industry is 6 p2 days less than the average for all machines (although this
includes 10 permanent disabilities—52.6 per cent of the total). Paper and wood
working machines, on the other hand, although the number of accidents is com
paratively few, rank at the top with almost three times the average for number
of days lost. Leather, clay, glass, and stone, and even food manufacturing
machines, fall well above the average.
The league made a special investigation of compensable injuries to
minors. Of 378 cases for which it was possible to gain information
about the work certificate required for minors under 18, in 171 (45.2
per cent) no certificate was on file, and in 37 (9.8 per cent) the certifi
cate on file authorized the minor’s employment at a different job from
that in which he was injured. Other illegalities were found.
Even more serious, of course, than the lack of a certificate is the employment of
children at prohibited occupations. Of the 496 cases of injuries lasting over 7
days on which we had data, 37, or 7.4 per cent, were found to have occurred in
occupations definitely prohibited by the child labor law.
In 14 of these cases of injury in prohibited occupations, the sufferers
were operating emory or polishing or buffing wheels, in 6 cases they
were running elevators, in 5 they were operating lifts or hoisting
machinery, in 3 they were working during prohibited hours, in 2 they
were engaged in track repairing, and the others were scattered through
different occupations expressly forbidden as too hazardous for workers
under 18.
An effort was made to find out how far the accident had affected the
child’s industrial life. Of 293 who had been injured, only 80, or 27.3
per cent, were working on the job they held at the time of the acci
dent. Of the 97 who were on different jobs, 41 said they had changed
because they wanted different work, 20 had been laid off from their
former work, 26 had been incapacitated for it, and for 10 no reason
was obtained.
A study of the amounts received under the workmen’s compensa
tion law leads to the conclusion that compensation for injuries to
minors is inadequate. The law calls for a payment of two-thirds of
the wage received at the time of the accident, but owing to the so-called
“ waiting period,” the compensation actually received does not come
up to this amount. For 414 cases in which full wage data could be
obtained, it was found that the median wage at the time of the acci
dent was $16 a week.
Let us look closely at what happens to the child receiving the median wage of
$16 who suffers an industrial injury. Suppose he is disabled for three weeks; he
receives nothing for the first week; for each of the other two weeks, his compensa
tion is two-thirds of $16, or $10.66. The total compensation for the three weeks’
disablement is thus $21.32, or $7.11 for each week of actual time lost.
A study of the actual compensation per week received by 410
children suffering from temporary disablement, all of whom had been
in full-time employment, showed that the median compensation per
week was $6.64. “ This is only 41 per cent of the median wage of $16
instead of Q6% per cent. The difference is of course due to the seven
days’ waiting period before compensation begins.”
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 2 9 9 ]
116
MONTHLY LABOE ftEVIEW
Two recommendations are made as to desirable changes in the law
regarding compensation for children injured in industrial accidents.
The minimum compensation for such children might well be raised.
The figures on compensation actually received by child workers would indicate
that a real hardship falls upon the child and his family bv reason of the small
amount of compensation. This could be remedied in large measure by an in
creased minimum compensation.
. The second recommendation is that when a child is injured while
illegally employed, he should be entitled to double or triple compensa
tion. _ Several States already have such a provision, which is especially
effective in discouraging the employment of children in prohibited
occupations or under illegal conditions.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1300]
INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES
Strikes and Lockouts in th e U nited States in October, 1927
D
ATA regarding industrial disputes in the United States for Octo
ber, 1927, with comparable data for preceding months, are
presented below. These reports are made possible through the
cooperation of the Conciliation Service of the Department of Labor
and other agencies.
Under the present method of presentation detailed figures are given
not only regarding the number of disputes beginning each month, but
also regarding the number in effect at the end of the month and the
number of workdays lost by reason of disputes during each month.
Disputes involving fewer than six workers and those lasting less
than one day have been omitted. Data for September and October
are subject to revision because of the fact that reports for these
months are more or less incomplete.
Table 1 is a summary table showing for each of the months—June,
July, August, September, and October—the number of disputes
which began in these months, the number in effect at the end of each
month, and the number of workers involved. It also shows, in the
last column, the economic loss (in man-days) involved. The number
of workdays lost is computed by multiplying the number of workers
affected in each dispute by the length of the dispute measured in
working-days as normally worked by the industry or trade in question.
It is to be noted that the figures given include only those disputes
which have been verified by the bureau.
T
able
1
. — IN D U S T R IA L
D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN A N D IN E F F E C T A T E N D O F E A C H
M O N T H , J U N E T O O C T O B E R , 1927
N um ber of workers
N u m b er of disputes involved
in disputes N um ber
of m andays lost
Begin In effect
Begin In effect during
ning in
ning in
a t end
a t end
m onth
m onth of m onth m onth of m onth
M o n th and year
J u ly ,'1927________________________________ ____ . . .
Septem ber, 19271________________________________
October, 1927 1 __________________________________
75
62
53
46
39
82
62
50
46
57
18, 585
33| 763
8, 066
12, 544
11, 223
196, 047
199,087
198, 367
197,268
83,387
4, 859,468
5, 307,089
4, 998, 596
4, 958,300
2, 760,095
1 P relim inary figures subject to revision.
Occurrence of Industrial Disputes, by Industries
"T5ABLE 2 gives by industry the number of strikes beginning in
A August, September, and October, and the number of workers
directly involved.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1301]
117
118
T
able
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
3 .—IN D U S T R IA L
D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN A U G U ST ,
O C T O B E R , B Y IN D U S T R IE S
N u m b er of disputes begin
ning in—
SEPTEM BER,
AND
N u m b e r of workers involved
in disputes beginning in —
In d u stry
A ugust
A utom obiles............................................
B arbers___________ ____ ______
B rew ery an d soft-drink w orkers..........
B uilding trad es................................
Chauffeurs a n d team sters____
Clerks a n d salesm en__________
C lothing_____ ____________
Coopers___ __________ .
F a rm lab o r______________
Food w orkers___________
F u rn itu re ...... ....................
Glass......... ............ .............
L eather w orkers____________
L um b er a n d tim b er w orkers_____ _____
M etal trades_______________________
M inin g ____________________
M otion-picture an d theatrical w orkers___
Oil a n d chemical w orkers_______________
P o tte ry ____________ ____________
R u b b er_________________
Slaughtering a n d m eat packing__________
Stationary engineers a n d firem en________
Steam boat m en _____
Stone_____ ____ _
Street-railw ay employees
Textile............................
M iscellaneous_____________ _________
T o ta l.............. ......................................
Septem O ctober1 A ugust
b er i
1
1
1
11
2
7
3
11
1
1
6
1
3
2
1
3
3
I
4
1
1
1
5
2
1
1
3
2
2
3
1
1
12
1
6
1
1
1
1
1
9
1
3
2
53
46
1
1
1
1
6
Septem
ber
October
104
12
30
135
987
22
638
8,037
2,569
20
50
557
n
90
366
420
190
169
30
319
117
345
312
1,100
881
48
6, 747
27
9
21
25
1, 265
608
7
80
30
140
24
175
60
2
2,029
50
167
210
50
523
115
39
8, 066
12, 544
11, 223
1 Figures given are prelim inary figures.
Size and Duration of Industrial Disputes, by Industries
T A B L E 3 gives the number of industrial disputes beginning in
1 October, classified by number of workers and by industries:
T
able
3 —N U M B E R O F IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S B E G IN N IN G IN O C T O B E R , 1927, C LA SSI
F IE D B Y N U M B E R O F W O R K E R S A N D B Y IN D U S T R IE S
N u m b er of disputes beginning in October,
involving—
In d u stry
6 and
under
20
w orkers
20 and
under
100
w orkers
1
2
1
1
A utom obile, carriage, an d w agon w orkers.....................
B rew ery an d soft-drink w orkers.......................................
B uilding trad es____ ___________________
Chauffeurs a n d team sters_____ __________
C lerks a nd salesmen.................................. .
C lothing........... ......................................
Food w orkers________________________
F u rn itu re __________________
Glass...... ................ .............
L eather....................
M ining_________
M otion-picture a n d th eatrical w orkers_____________
Oil a nd chemical w orkers_______ ________ _________
Stationery engineers an d firem en........................... .........
S team boat m en................. ...............
Stone________ _____
Street-railw ay em ployees..............
T extile___________________ _________
_____
M iscellaneous___ __________________________ ____ _
1
T o tal_______________ _____ _______ __________
7
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1302]
100 and
under
500
w orkers
500 and 1,000 and
under
under
1,000
5,000
w orkers workers
1
1
2
i
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
5
14
1
1
1
1
14
1
3
119
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
In Table 4 are shown the number of industrial disputes ending in
October, by industries and classified duration:
T
able
4 —N U M B E R O F IN D U S T R IA L D IS P U T E S E N D IN G IN O C T O B E R , 1927, B Y IN D U S
T R IE S A N D C L A S S IF IE D D U R A T IO N
Classified d uration of strikes ending in October, 1927
In d u stry
A utomobile, carriage, and w agon w orkers______
C lo th in g ......... ................ .................... .......................
Coopers_____________ ____________ ____ ___
F u rn itu re ___________________________________
Glass ____________________________ _ ______
Onehalf
m onth
or less
1
1
1
1
Over 1 m onth
one-half a n d less
and less th a n 2
th a n 1
m onth m onths
3 m onths
a nd less
th a n 4
m o n th s
4 m onths
a nd less
th a n 5
m onths
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
2 m onths
a nd less
th a n 3
m onths
1
1
4
1
1
3
1
1
14
3
6
3
1
1
Principal Strikes and Lockouts Beginning in October, 1927
f~^LASS workers.—A strike or suspension of cutters and flatteners
employed in window-glass factories in various States through
out the country began October 1, following the termination on Sepbember 30 of the wage agreement in effect until that date. Nonunion
plants and those using what is known as the Fourcault system were
not affected. Three union organizations were involved—the Cutters’
League of America in plants using the sheet-drawing system of pro
duction, except the Fourcault system.; the Window Glass Cutters
and Flatteners’ Association of America (Inc.) in the independent
cylinder-machine plants; and the Window Glass Cutters and Flatten
ers’ Protective Association of America in the factories of the American
Window Glass Co.
The strike or strikes involved three employing groups, namely:
The American Window Glass Co., employing members of the Window
Glass Cutters and Flatteners’ Protective Association of America; the
Libbey-Owens Sheet Glass Co., employing members of the Window
Glass Cutters’ League of America; and the independent cylindermachine manufacturers, employing members of the Window Glass
Cutters and Flatteners’ Association of America (Inc.).
Unsuccessful conferences between the manufacturers and repre
sentatives of the workers preceded the suspension. At a conference
held in St. Louis between manufacturers operating cylinder machines
and the Window Glass Cutters and Flatteners’ Association of America
(Inc.), the workers asked for a 15 per cent increase in wages. The
manufacturers countered with a proposal for a 40 per cent reduction.
The Libbey-Owens Sheet Glass Co. conferred with a wage com
mittee of the Window Glass Cutters’ League of America at Toledo.
The first proposition advanced by the men was for an advance to
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 3 1
120
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
48 cents a box for cutting single-strength glass and 52 cents a box
for cutting double-strength glass, the rates in effect being 42 cents for
single and 47 cents for double. The company wanted the men to
take a 25 per cent reduction. The men then offered to accept 44
cents for cutting single and 49 cents for cutting double-strength glass.
After further consideration the company, it is said, submitted its
final proposition, which was that the workers accept a reduction of
12 3^ per cent, the company guaranteeing to give them a raise of 5
per cent in case the selling price of glass was advanced 10 per cent.
This proposition, was taken under consideration by the workers’ scale
committee and conferences were resumed at Toledo on October 4.
On October 8 it was reported that the workers employed in the com
pany’s plants in Charleston, W. Va., Shreveport, La., and Lancaster,
Ohio, had returned to work on that date following the adjustment of
their differences with the company on the night of October 7. Settle
ment was made on the basis of the “ same rate as last year with
provision for reduction in case of reduction in sales prices.” The
agreement, it is said, provides for an increase or decrease in wages in
accordance with the rise or fall in the selling price of glass, but the
downward slide is not to go below 38 cents for single and 42 cents
for double-strength glass, while the upward slide is not limited. The
number of glass cutters directly involved in the strike against this
company in the plants referred to was 377.
Late in September a wage conference was held in Pittsburgh be
tween officials of the American Window Glass Co. and the wage com
mittee of the Window Glass Cutters and Flatteners’ Protective Asso
ciation of America, and an adjournment taken until a later date.
Negotiations were reopened on October 5 and terminated success
fully on the afternoon of October 6.
The agreement which was finally reached between this company
and the union provides for the renewal of the scale which expired
September 30, but eliminates for the coming year the 60-day can
cellation clause. Under this provision, it is said, either party to the
agreement could serve notice of its intention to terminate the then
existing scale and call for another conference to consider the question
of wages and working conditions at the end of that period. This
modification is construed as guaranteeing performance under the con
tract for one year. At any time after that, according to the agree
ment, the 60-day clause can be invoked by either party when changed
conditions appear to warrant such action. Under this stipulation
annual wage conferences will not be necessary hereafter, as the agree
ment remains in force until the 60-day clause is invoked. The agree
ment provides for a minimum daily wage of $5 for cutters and $6 for
flatteners. It also stipulates that for every two points the selling
price is raised above that in effect prior to August 28, 1927, the work
ers are to get one point advance in wages.
When negotiations were resumed on October 5 the company pro
posed the renewal of the contract including the 60-day clause, but this
proposal is reported to have been rejected by 85 per cent of the
workers. Then the organization’s wage committee proposed the
changes accepted by the company. Cutters at the company’s plants
now receive 37.8 cents for a box of single and 41.3 cents for double
strength glass and the flatteners’ rate is in proportion. The number
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 4 ]
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
121
of glass cutters and flatteners directly involved in this strike against
the company in its plants at Jeannette, Pa., and Hartford City, Ind.,
was about 450.
The strike of 600 cutters and flatteners, members of the Window
Glass Cutters and Flatteners’ Association of America (Inc.), against
“ independent manufacturers throughout the country,” for a wage
increase and better working conditions, ended, it is reported, on Octo
ber 9, when the men resumed work, or were authorized to do so,
“ pending further negotiation.” The plants against which this strike
was directed were located in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsyl
vania, and West Virginia. A settlement was reached on October 14,
following the reopening of negotiations at a conference in St. Louis.
The agreement runs for one year from October 1 last and. provides
for a renewal of the old wage scale, which is 37.8 cents a box for
single-strength glass and 41.3 cents for double-strength glass, the
same as that paid by the American Window Glass Co.
Coal miners, Colorado.—In response to the call of the Industrial
Workers of the World (I. W. W.) about 4,000 miners in Colorado
struck on October 18 for a “ flat scale of $8.50 a day for all classes
of mine workers, a six-hour day and a five-day week.” These de
mands, according to press reports, were posted in the southern
territory but no demands were made by the miners in the northern
fields. Subsequently, however (October 30) at a “ convention” of
the I. W. W. at Lafayette, 22 demands on coal operators of the State
were drawn up and adopted. Incidentally, provision was made for
a so-called State executive board. These demands were as follows:
1. We demand restoration of the Jacksonville wage scale. This scale is de
manded for all coal miners of Colorado whether affected by this strike or not.
2. All disputes arising in any one mine to be settled by the mine committee.
3. We demand recognition of mine committees at all coal mines in the State of
Colorado and recognition of the State executive board elected by the coal miners
of the State and representing all the coal miners of the State.
4. We demand recognition of the checkweighman at all tipples in all the coal
mines of Colorado, such checkweighmen to be elected by miners working at the
respective mines; checkweighmen to be paid by the miners.
5. We demand strict enforcement of all State mining laws on the part of
both employers and employees.
6. We demand strict enforcement of the 8-hour day.
7. We demand that there shall be no discrimination against any employee
when he demands enforcement of the State mining laws or complains to the
management about working conditions.
8. We demand that no miner be discharged until his case is referred to the
mine committee.
9. We demand that there shall be no discrimination on account of age when
men are employed.
10. We demand that mine foremen shall not place an inexperienced man with
an experienced miner unless with the consent of the latter.
11. All dead work shall be paid for in accordance with the Jacksonville scale.
12. We demand that in all narrow work yardage shall be paid in accordance
with the Jacksonville scale.
13. We demand that all material (such as rails, ties, props, spikes, etc., and all
material necessary for work and safety) shall be delivered and unloaded by com
pany employees at the face.
14. All shots must be fired by shot firers in accordance with the State mining
laws.
15. We demand that all powder must be delivered at the place by the companies
in insulated cars, instead of a coal-miner packing.
7 2 9 2 3 ° — 2 7 ------- 9
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 5 ]
122
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
16. In order to insure the production of clean and marketable coal, it is hereby
provided that it is the duty of miners to load the coal as nearly as possible free
from all impurities.
17. All wage adjustments, suspensions, or strikes must be settled by the rank
and file of Colorado miners through the medium of the State executive board to
be elected at the State miners’ convention next year.
The State executive board consists of seven men—six members and a chairman.
The State executive board has the right to call conventions and conferences of
the coal miners of the State of Colorado and participate in all disputes and settle
ments between miners and operators when they shall occur. All settlements or
agreements made by the State executive board must be submitted to referendum
of Colorado coal miners either by district or as a whole before ratification. Mem
bers of the State executive board can be recalled at any time by a special conven
tion called by the local branches throughout the State. Members of the State
executive board must be actual workers employed in the coal mines of the State
of Colorado when elected. The State executive board at the present consists of
the following: Karl Clemens, chairman; Larkin Sisnrov, William B. Spatlin,
K. S. Wartin, Tom Harris, Vinko Mihajlich, Alfred Aparicio.
18. We demand that all contract work outside the Jacksonville agreement be
abolished.
19. In work in loading and mining coal there must be not more than two men
in two places and always two places for two men.
20. There shall be no discrimination against any employee in the coal mines of
the State of Colorado on account of participation in the present strike.
21. We demand that all coal-mining camps in Colorado shall be open for labor
organizers to come and go without interference.
22. We demand that the coal-mine operators withdraw all charges they may
have made against miners arrested for picketing and that they use their best
influence with the county authorities to set them free immediately. If not, we
can not return to work until the said prisoners are set free and the charges
withdrawn.
K . C lem m en s,
Chairman of Committee.
The strike leaders claimed that in the northern coal fields of the
State the strike was 100 per cent effective. The fields in the southern
part of the State were not so seriously affected.
On October 26 the governor issued a statement saying:
An unfortunate condition exists in the coal fields of the State by reason of the
I. W. W., an un-American organization, having attempted to bring about a strike,
and in this attempt has openly and publicly advocated and practiced defiance and
violation of the law.
Picketing and intimidation are unlawful. Every man has a right to quit
work if so inclined. Every man has an equal right to work and is entitled to
protection in that right.
Our State statutes provide that the local peace officers of counties shall enforce
the law, keep and preserve peace. If at any time it shall develop that they are
unable to do so, the State stands ready and will give them any and all assistance
necessary, and use every instrument within the power of the governor to both
enforce the law and protect life and property.
On October 27 the Governor of New Mexico, acting on reports that
the strike leaders planned to extend their activities to the adjoining
State, dispatched a number of National Guardsmen to Colfax County.
He sent a telegram to the sheriff of that county, which declared:
We want no interference from the I. W. W. with New Mexico industries.
Am sending National Guard officers immediately, instructing them to investigate
and make necessary plans to prevent trouble and for the protection of the miners.
District Attorney Monson has announced that legal action would be
taken against miners who went on strike at some of the mines because
of their failure to comply with a provision of the industrial law of
Colorado which requires a 30-day notice of intention to strike.
On October 29 it was announced that the governor had dispatched
three airplanes of the National Guard to the strike zone in the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1306]
STEIKES AND LOCKOUTS
123
southern part of the State. These were for observation purposes. A
number of arrests were made for picketing. On October 31 it was
reported that 24 such arrests had been made in the southern zone.
The governor had previously warned the strike leaders that picketing
must stop, as it was unlawful.
I t was reported from Denver on November 2 that quiet reigned in
the strike-affected coal fields of Colorado, as the miners complied with
demands of the State that picketing be stopped. Picketing by the
strikers was resumed, however, and on November 4 Governor Adams
established a State law enforcement department, provision for which
had been on the statute but unused for several years. It was hoped
that this department would be able to cope with the strike situation
and make it unnecessary to mobilize the National Guard. The new
organization was headed by Louis N. Scherf, a former Regular Army
captain. Captain Scherf recruited 15 ex-service men forthwith and
started for Walsenburg in Huerfano County. The State officers will
“ cooperate with peace officers, enforce the law, maintain order,
and exercise our best judgment,” said Captain Scherf. This small
force was inadequate to handle the situation, and on November 6 the
governor sent 20 additional members of the law-enforcement depart
ment to augment it.
Extensive arrests of I. W. W. leaders in the southern coal fields,
where 25 were jailed at Walsenburg on November 7, following the
arrest of a group of 9 on November 6, left the strikers in that zone
without leadership, and picketing ceased, at least for the time
being, but in the meantime picketing became more active in the
nortnern part of the State. It is stated that all the northern mines
but one, the Columbine in Weld County, have been idle since the
strike began, and a large strikers’ mass meeting was held near the
Columbine mine on November 12. The governor has been asked to
send additional State officers to the northern strike zone. The
cessation of picketing in the south enabled many mines to resume on a
basis approaching normal, and on November 12 press reports were to
the effect that mines there were operating with working forces
between 50 and 75 per cent of normal.
Principal Strikes and Lockouts Continuing into October, 1927
r'O AL miners.—The strike of April 1 remains about as it was at
_the time of our last report, as settlements for Ohio and Pennsyl
vania have not yet been accomplished. Additional companies have
secured court protection for the operation of their mines on a non
union basis.
At a meeting in Chicago of the joint wage commission of Illinois
operators^ and miners on October 26, Harry Fishwick, president of
the Illinois Miners’ Union, was chosen chairman, and Ilerman Perry,
vice president of the Coal Operators’ Association of Illinois, was
selected secretary of the commission.
Ap appeal was sent out on October 12 by the officers of District 6
(Ohio), United Mine Workers of America, to the officials and mem
bers of the Ohio Coal Operators’ Association (Inc.) for a conference
to discuss the reopening of the mines of Ohio on practically the same
basis as was concluded last week between Illinois operators and
miners. The proposal was not accepted.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 7 ]
124
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
A preliminary injunction restraining the United Mine Workers
from attempting to retain striking miners in houses owned by the
Pittsburgh Terminal Coal Corporation was granted in an opinion
filed in the Federal Court at Pittsburgh on September 30 by Judge
F. P. Schoonmaker. The court held that the defendants were
guilty of a conspiracy to interfere with the interstate marketing of
coal produced in nonunion mines. The corporation had sought a
sweeping injunction against the union, praying that it be restrained
from interfering in any way with the operation of the company’s
nonunion mines and asking for $1,500,000 damages, basing its suit on
provisions of the Sherman and Clayton Acts. The preliminary
injunction, however, covered only the eviction phase of the suit,
restraining the union from any further attempts to halt evictions of
striking miners and their families from company-owned houses, and
in addition restrained the National Surety Co. from posting any
further bonds in such cases.
The court’s second and more comprehensive preliminary injunction
of October 11, said to be one of the most sweeping Federal court
injunctions in the history of labor disputes, against the United Mine
Workers of America, its officials and its members, sustained the
Pittsburgh Terminal Coal Corporation in practically all of its con
tentions, except that nothing was said therein concerning the corpora
tion’s prayer for damages of $1,500,000.
The joint commission established under the agreement of October
1, 1927, between District No. 12, United Mine Workers of America,
and the Coal Operators’ Association of Illinois, arrived at a temporary
agreement October 27, respecting wage rates to loading machine
crews in Illinois, which reads as follows, as reported in the Coal
Age News:
We, the undersigned commission, appointed by an agreement entered into
on October 1, 1927, between District No. 12, United Mine Workers of America,
and the Coal Operators’ Association of Illinois, have entered into the following
agreement as authorized by section 5 of said agreement as a temporary basis for
the operation of machinery and devices for loading coal, to be in effect November
1, 1927, to March 31, 1928.
It is understood that this agreement is temporary and is in no way to affect
the final agreement to be worked out for the operation of such machinery.
Old local agreements recognized
(1) It is understood that all local agreements that have been recognized gov
erning loading machines and loading devices shall remain in full force and effect
until April 1, 1928, and the following provisions are to govern the installation
and operation of loading machines and devices at any and all other mines where
same are desired where no such local agreements have been adopted.
(2) It is understood that the operators shall have full right to select the men
who in their judgment are best qualified to do such work, such selection to be
made from men employed in the mine, said men being competent to perform
such work.
(3) The rate of pay for men operating loading machines and devices that
mechanically handle the coal will be $10.07 per day, these men to be under
direct instructions of the management and to work the full eight hours at what
ever work they are instructed to perform, and where a loading machine is broken
down the men operating that machine will be given either hand loading or other
work for the remainder of the day, providing the mine is in operation.
(4) The rate of pay for shoveling coal onto conveyors shall be $8.04 per
day, it being understood the shovelers shall move and operate their own conveyors
when called upon.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 8 ]
STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
125
(5) The rate of pay for snubbing, drilling, tamping, and shooting the coal
either by hand or mechanically and for all other men who work at the face pre
paring coal for loading, except the undercutting-machine men, shall be $8.04
per day.
Tonnage rate to undercutters
(6) Men operating undercutting machines when used In connection with
the loading devices shall be paid the tonnage rate now in effect at the mine,
except where the operator through the operation of his loading machine or
device does not furnish sufficient undercutting to keep the mining machine in
operation steadily. In such case the men operating the undercutting machine
shall be paid at the rate of $10.07 per day, it being understood that these men
are to do any other work in and around the loading machine and its territory
that the operator may elect at the same rate of wages, viz, $10.07 per day.
(7) The operator shall have the right to operate the undercutting machine
or have any other work performed in connection with preparing the coal for
loading on the night shift so as to enable him to operate his loading machine
in as few places as possible, but he shall not have the right to operate the load
ing machine loading coal except when the mine is in operation, except for some
extraordinary purpose such as development work and so on and with an agreement
with the miners granting same.
(8) It is understood that the operator shall have the right to the capacity of
the loading machines and that there will be no restrictions as to the amount or
number of cars loaded by these machines.
(9) If it should appear that the hand loaders at any mine are being unduly
discriminated against in the application of this section it is understood that
same may be taken up for adjustment under section 13 and section 28 of the
State agreement.
(10) Either operators or miners party to this agreement may at any time
ask a readjustment of the tonnage rate being paid to undercutting-machine
runners in line with the provisions of section 21 of the State agreement.
Conciliation Work of the Department of Labor in October, 1927
By
H ugh
L.
K e r w in , D ir e c t o r
op
C o n c il ia t io n
HE Secretary of Labor, through the Conciliation Service, exer
cised his good offices in connection with 41 labor disputes
during October, 1927. These disputes affected a known
total of 35,156 employees. The table following shows the name and
location of the establishment or industry in which the dispute oc
curred, the nature of the dispute (whether strike or lockout or con
troversy not having reached the strike or lockout stage), the craft or
trade concerned, the cause of the dispute, its present status, the terms
of settlement, the date of beginning and ending, and the number of
workers directly and indirectly involved.
On November 1, 1927, there were 46 strikes before the department
for settlement, and, in addition, 8 controversies which had not
reached the strike stage. The total number of cases pending was 54.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 0 9 ]
LABOR D ISPU TES HA N D LED BY T H E U N IT E D STATES D E P A R T M E N T OF LABOR TH RO U G H ITS CONCILIATION SER V IC E, OCTO BER, 1927
W orkers in
volved
D uration
C om pany or in d u stry and location
N atu re of
controversy
C raft concerned
Cause of dispute
Present status and term s of settlem ent
Hosiery k n itte rs __
G arm ent m a k e rs... Asked increase and im proved
conditions.
L eather w orkers___ Asked 15 per cent increase,
etc.
Glassworkers; cut- Asked 11 per cent increase__
ters; flatteners.
........ do .......................... .............
filled b y others.
U nable to adjust. E m ployer refused
conference.
U nable to adjust. Rejected offer of $2
increase per week.
A djusted. R eturned; agreem ent for
one year a t same scale.
____do_ _.................................................... .
[1 3 1 0 ]
T raction employees.
Shenandoah, A shland, Frackville, and M ahanoy C ity, Pa.
Building trades, Indianapolis, In d _ . T h reaten ed
strike.
Cork Insulating Co., C edar Rapids Controversy
Iowa.
Federal M atch Co., Bellefonte, P a „ Strike____-
Iro n w orkers, e tc ... N onunion iron w orkers em- A djusted. Refrained from strike
ployed.
pending conferences.
Jurisdiction over cork in- A djusted. Settled b y N ational Board
C arpenters a n d
sulation.
bricklayers.
for Jurisdictional Awards.
M atch m akers____ W age rates; bonus sy ste m .. . Unclassified. Accepted new bonus
system ; no decrease in wages.
Objection to 9-hour d a y ........
current jobs.
Strutw ell K n ittin g Co., M inne- L ockout----- K n itte rs . ................. Alleged discrim ination for U nable to adjust. N o term s o ffe re d ...
union affiliation.
apolis, M inn.
A sked th a t 7 men be em- P e n d in g .............. ..................................
Doyle T heater, C olum bus, Ohio___
ployed instead of 5.
L eather glaziers___
strike.
Strike____- M iners...... ................ W orking conditions affect- A djusted. R eturned; district board
ing hours.
to fix term s.
Pa.
W age increase; conditions...
adelphia, Pa.
Brooks Parlor F u rn itu re Co., M in- ____do_____ U pholsterers _____ A sked union recognition___ U nable to adjust. W ill reemploy
men as individuals.
neapolis, M in n .
A djusted.
R eturned;
company
agreed to restore wages w hen busisetters.
Philadelphia, Pa.
ness improves.
C lothing w o rk e rs ..
N . J.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
E nding
1927
M ay 30
1927
Oct. 15
50
Ju ly 28
Sept. 29
15
1
Sept. 10
Oct. 14
33
8
Oct.
1
Oct.
9i
330
2,100
___do___
Oct.
6
450
2,550
8
1
Oct.
8
725
40
3,800
10
Sept. 27
Oct.
1
40
300
Oct.
Oct.
6
12
32
Sept. 28
Sept. 30
160
40
Sept. 27
Sept. 27
9
M ay 15
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
3
3
50
325
June
1
5
10
Oct.
7
15
200
1,495
5
Oct.
6
Oct.
8
Oct.
8
150
Aug. 24
Oct. 11
131
Oct.
Oct. 13
7
5
Sept. 23
94
144
10
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
ton, M ass.
H erbert M anufacturing Co., St. ____do _____
Paul, M inn.
Federal L eather Goods Co., U nion ........do _____
C ity, N . J.
Independent cylinder manufac- ____do _____
turers, P ittsb u rg h , Pa.
____do _____
Pittsburgh, P a.
D irect In d i
rectly
ly
Begin
ning
Boeing Airplane Plant, Seattle,
“Wash.
1/
w ithout overtim e rate of
wages.
M ount Carmel Church, White _-___do_____ B uilding m echan Organization of building ____d o _________ _____ ______
Plains, Westchester County,
ics and laborers.
trades.
N. Y.
Standard Clothing Co., Passaic, ........do_____ Clothing m a k e rs.. . Asked 44-hour week and A djusted. Allowed 44-hour week and
N. J.
recognition.
recognition.
M yrtle Clothing Co., Passaic, N. J_.
_ d o ___
___d o _______ . . . ------do. _________
Lockout___
Taxicab drivers___ Alleged violation of wage
agreement by cab owners.
B u ild in g c ra fts ; N onunion iron workers emiron workers and
ployed.
carpenters.
D o.
Iro n w orkers and ____do_ ___________
bricklayers.
Fountain Square Theater, Indian ____do_......... H od carriers ____ Jurisdiction of wheeling
apolis, Ind.
brick.
Fischler Baking Co. (Inc.), New Strike_____ B akery drivers____ Asked recognition and signed
York City.
agreement.
____do_____ W indow w ashers. . A sked increase of $3 per
week; present rate $43 per
week.
Susquehanna Coal Co., Glen Lyon, ____d o ____ M iners_________
D ispute over union charters.
Leslie Colvin Co., Indianapolis,
Ind.
l—i
Controversy
Pa.
Coalminers, State-wide, Colorado..
_do___
¡ - j. Macaroni workers,
Brooklyn, _ ___do_____
¿ j Queensboro, and Westchester,
N. Y.
Freystat Co., New York City____ ____do_ ___
Klipstein Shop,New York C ity___
Lipshansky Bros. Shop, New York
City.
Zaidenberg Cloak Shop, New York
City.
Nanticoke Silk Throwing Co.,
Nanticoke, Pa.
------ do _____ _____ _______
Sept. 27
Oct.
Sept. 19
7
Oct. 11
A djusted. Agreed to proceed on this
job w ithout change.
Oct.
7
A djusted. H od carriers given this
w ork.
Unclassified. Agreed to accept same
wages before commissioner’s a rriv a l.
P ending..... ........... .......
Oct.
6
50
12,000
104
5
350
Oct. 10
18
__ do ____
A djusted. R eturned w ithout settling
charter dispute.
Coal miners
~Wage dispute________ ____ Pending ________
M acaroni w orkers.. Asked 48-hour w eek_______ ____do_ ..................
Cloak makers .
ment.
returned to m anufacturer.
____do _____ ____do ____ _____ Asked closed shop_________
____do _____ ........do_____ ______ Wage cut and p ay for L abor Unclassified. R eturned. P ay for LaD ay.
bor D ay n o t allowed.
____do_......... ------ do____________ Asked closed shop_____ . . . Unclassified. Going out of business
____do_......... Textile w orkers___ Asked wage increase_______ A djusted. Allowed 50 cents increase
per week now; 50 cents m ore to be allowed later.
North Shore Power Co., Waukegan, Controversy Building trad es___ N onunion labor employed . . . P ending ____________
111.
Theaters, New Bedford, Mass___ Strike_____ M usicians________ Asked union wages and conditions.
wage scale fixed, etc.
Wakefield Textile Co., Wakefield, . ___ do_____ Textile w orkers___ Discharge of 1 weaver a nd Unclassified. Agreed on fines; weavR. I.
alleged excessive fines.
er not reinstated for cause.
Royal Upholstered Furniture Co., Controversy U pholsterers______ Asked union re c o g n itio n __ Pending ______________ _
Philadelphia, Pa.
Aug. 27
N ov.
Oct
Ont,
18
17
Oct.
7
20
5
20
Sept. 3
6
10
600
1,200
1,340
10
(2)
Oct. 11
300
Oct. 14
200
500
N ov. 2
50
Oct 14
Sept. 12
Sept. 26
50
30
Oct. 19
Oct. 25
110
26
20
200
21
Oct. 22
Oct. 12
Oct. 22
28
Oct.
Oct. 17
35
7
(2)
100
(2)
Total.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1 Men authorized to resume work, pending negotiations; final settlement reached Oct. 14.
2 N ot reported.
to
-T
128
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
Strikes in New York State, 1925-26 and 1926-27
RECORD of 99 industrial disputes, involving 117,135 persons
and an estimated time loss of 7,529,989 working-days, is dis
closed in the annual report of the industrial commissioner of
New York State for the year ending June 30, 1927. This is 6 fewer
disputes than during the preceding year, but the number of employees
directly involved and the working-days lost were, respectively, 43,399
(58.9 per cent increase) and 5,358,108 (246.7 per cent increase) more
than in 1925-26. Of the 99 disputes, 38 are recorded as having
succeeded and 30 as having been lost. Thirty-three of the strikes
were settled by direct negotiations between the parties. The eco
nomic loss indicated by the figures given was caused chiefly by the
six months’ strike in the cloak and suit industry, which involved
36,142 persons and caused a time loss of 5,613,430 days, or 74.5
per cent of the total time loss. The group to which this industry
belongs (clothing and millinery, etc.) had 31 strikes, with a time
loss of 87.3 per cent of the total. The report states that the build
ing industry was second as to number of strikes and time loss, with
18 strikes and 489,419 days lost (6.5 per cent of total time lost).
As to the cause of these differences between employers and work
ers, it appears that 44 per cent was due to refusal to recognize the
union or to confer with their official representatives. Every one of
the 13 groups of industries in which strikes occurred had one or
more conflicts due to this cause. Strikes for increases of wages num
bered 22 and occurred in 8 groups, as against 48 strikes in the pre
vious year. The following table classifies the strikes by cause.
A
CA U SE A N D R E S U L T O F S T R IE E S IN N E W Y O R K S T A T E IN 1926 A N D 1527
N um
ber of
dis
putes
R esult of disputes
Em ployees
involved
W orking-days lost
Cause
1926 1927 1926
W age increase_____ 48
W'age red u ctio n____ 5
1
U nion recognition __ 28
P articu lar persons___ 6
W orking arrangem e n t s __________ 16
S y m p ath etic............ . 1
T o ta l................ 105
1927
1926
1927
on Com
W on W on Com
pro
pro W on Wby
b y mised b y
by
'em em mised
em em
or
or
ploy- ploy pend ploy ploy pend
ers
ees
ees
ers
ing
ing
16
2
2
4
1
1
2
3
1
26
30
35
30
34
8
2
9
2
10
4
281, 532 6,001, 261
96, 526
4,400
10
1
99 73, 736 119, 758 2,171, 881 7, 529, 989
49
7 16, 970
400
5
56, 868
5, 273
10
1
6
10
2
8
3
2
18
2
25
2
245, 036
15, 328
22,259
7, 464
6, 466 1,272, 000
27, 552 ' 340; 548
6,106
807
4
3
15
1
1
9
408, 065
85, 666
119, 461
808,282
10, 728
22 22, 506
7 1,078
8 12 000
44 20,129
653
6
1927
1926
Queensland Railway Strike
URING the latter part of August, 1927, a dispute developed on
the Queensland railways which for a little time threatened to
cause serious and widespread trouble. _Few reports of the
matter reached this country, and the following account is sum
marized from the news contained in the Australian Worker, a weekly
paper, in its issues for August 31, September 7, and September 14.
D
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1312]
QUEENSLAND RAILWAY STRIKE
129
The difficulty began with a strike in a sugar mill at South John
stone which the employers tried to break by putting in nonunion
labor. The strikers called upon the railwaymen of the local roads
to refuse to transport the sugar thus produced, which the railwaymen agreed to do. The railways in Queensland are State owned and
administered by a board of railway commissioners, who interpreted
their regulations as forbidding such a discrimination on the part
of the men against a particular form of traffic. They accordingly
served notice that all refusing to handle the Johnstone sugar would
be suspended. By August 27 as many as 80 men had been laid off
under this order, and as other railwaymen refused to take the places
made vacant, there was practically a strike in force. The railway
commissioner announced that the suspended men would be dismissed,
and the railway employees extended their boycott to cover all traffic
to and from the Johnstone mill. On August 29, the Premier issued
an ultimatum to the railway employees, giving them until Saturday,
September 3, to make up their minds to obey the orders of the com
missioners, with the alternative of a wholesale dismissal of all who
refused to do so. The men maintained their attitude, and on the
3d approximately 18,000 men were laid off, causing a complete tie-up
of the Queensland railways.
All work on the railways ceased promptly at noon on Saturday. There was
no disorder of any kind. The cessation of work was brought about quietly
and without any display of hostility on either side. In the Brisbane metropolitan
area, the work of taking the people out of the city after the trains had ceased
running was carried out by motor vehicles of all kinds. For a time there was
some confusion, but by Saturday night the motor-transport services appeared to
be working smoothly. In some of the northern centers there were expressions of
protest at the Government’s high-handed action, but no hostile scenes occurred.
The railwaymen were particularly law-abiding and orderly.
The stoppage throughout the State was inconvenient enough, but
the real danger was of a spread of the trouble through the action of
affiliated unions. The Queensland railway unions were affiliated
with the railway unions throughout the Commonwealth, and it was
a question whether or not these would come to the support of the
strikers by refusing to handle traffic to and from Queensland. If
any such action occurred, other unions would inevitably be drawn in,
and something very like a universal strike would develop, with
consequences no one could foresee. Fortunately, the workers had
no more desire than the Government for such an outcome, and
despite the action of a few hotheads on both sides the trouble did not
spread as feared. As expressed in their meetings and resolutions,
the prevailing sentiment of the unions appears to haVe been dis
approval of the Premier’s action in dismissing the whole railway
force over a dispute involving at the most a few hundred workers—
a few dozen, some of the more eager declared—coupled with a
determination not to let the labor movement as a whole be dragged
into the difficulty.
For a week the railroads were tied up, and then a settlement,
variously characterized as a compromise and as a victory for the
Government, was reached. The first step was an agreement on the
part of the unions to accept the board of trade’s offer for a com
pulsory settlement of the strike in the sugar mill over which the
whole trouble had arisen. Then the union leaders agreed that the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1313]
130
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
railwaymen should return to work, signing a guaranty of loyal service
to the railway department, while the Government on its side promised
that there should be no victimization and no loss of status or privileges
for those who had struck. On this understanding the dispute was
officially declared off as from midnight of Saturday, September 10,
and by Monday morning all railway services were resumed.
The terms of the settlement signed by both parties were as follows:
It is agreed tnat all employees shall be reinstated in their former positions in
the ser\ ice without loss of status. It is also agreed that there is to be no victim.
ization of any person by the commissioner for railways or any of the unions
concerned. Each employee before beginning work shall sign the following
undertaking: “ Conditional on my reappointment without loss of status in the
service of the railway department of the Government of Queensland, I bind mvself to observe and obey the rules and regulations as printed in the existing book
of rules and regulations, which regulations were in force during my previous term
of employment.”
An important result of the difficulty is that it has roused the unions
to a realization of the danger involved in allowing hasty and illconsidered discrimination against so-called “ black” goods/ Accord
ing to the Australian Worker, the leaders are taking action to prevent
trouble in the future from this cause.
Steps are now being taken by the various transport unions to prevent branches
or unions m isolated centers from involving other unions in industrial centers
m moustnal troubles by making “ black” declarations. The combined unions’
dispute committee held a meeting on Monday morning when it was decided to
form a provisional council of transport unions, which will meet as soon as the
unions concerned are able to appoint their representatives.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[13141
LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AND
CONGRESSES
A nnual C onvention of Am erican Federation of Labor, 1927 1
HE forty-seventh annual convention of the American Federation
of Labor met at Los Angeles October 3 to 14, 1927.
At the opening session President William Green referred
briefly to some of the important problems before the delegates and
called attention to the fact that notwithstanding the charge that the
federation is advocating “ economic absurdities” its wage policy
has been accepted by many representatives of industry who are
defending that policy on public platforms.
Janies J. Davis, United States Secretary of Labor, was among the
distinguished speakers. He covered a wide range of subjects, com
menting on the “ criminal waste of our natural resources” and esti
mating that there are 300,000 more miners than are needed in our
coal industry. He reported an estimated annual wage loss of over
$1,022,000,000 from industrial accidents, declared that jurisdictional
disputes do more than anything else to divide employers and employ
ees, and suggested the possibility of “ some sort of supplemental
organization in which craft autonomy would be merged into industrial
grouping, at the same time leaving craft unionism alone in the smaller
and older plants where it still fits more or less.” He held that the
almost universal use of automatic machinery is going to make it
possible for men of 70 to handle .these machines as well as workers
20 years of age; and that we should never rest until we have devised
the ways and means to eliminate the waste of man power resulting
from unemployment.
Arthur Pugh, fraternal delegate from the British Trades-Union
Congress, told the delegates that “ we should get more practical
- results if we developed our international organizations on industrial
lines, as this it seems * * * would more accord with the develop
ments of capitalist economy. Such forms of organization with a
coordinating secretariat engaged in practical cooperation with the
International Labor Office at Geneva, appear * * * to offer
the best means of effective international work.” Will Sherwood,
also a fraternal delegate from the same congress, stated that he
looked to “ sane internationalism * * * to make impossible
ever again to have war between the nations of the earth.” The
Canadian fraternal delegate spoke on the recent increase in tradeunionism in the Dominion and reviewed the progress of labor legisla
tion in his country.
John P. Frey, now secretary of the Metal Trades Department,
stressed the importance of home markets and insisted that “ wages
T
1 A m erican Federation of Labor. R eport of proceedings of forty-seventh annual convention (advance
copy).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1315]
131
132
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
must be sufficient to enable us to use and consume the products of
industry.’’
The final decisions reached by the delegates were closely in line
with the policies defined in the executive council’s report to the con
vention, an abstract of which was published in the Labor Review,
November, 1927 (pp. 116-120).
A resume of the adopted resolutions and recommendations on vari
ous subjects is given below.
The Government Service
T'TIE delegates indorsed the Welch bill for salary increases and
JL declared themselves in favor of eliminating speeding-up prac
tices; a differential for night work; the extension of the Saturday
half holiday; the “ establishing of a preferential status for American
citizens” ; a more liberal retirement law; the abolition of the Per
sonnel Classification Board; and the creation of a civil service court
of appeals.
Department of Labor
TPHE president of the Federation was requested by the convention
1 to endeavor to secure more adequate appropriations for the
bureaus of the United States Department of Labor, and the attention
of the delegates was drawn to the following figures:
A ppropriations
D epartm ent
1927
A m ount
1928
Per cent
A m ount
Per cent
A griculture......................... .................................
Com m erce____ _____ ___________________
L abor........................................................... .........
$139, 635,823
30, 632, 817
9,561, 305
77.6
17. 1
5.3
$144, 487,820
35, 240, 430
8, 558, 540
76.7
18.7
4.5
............... ....................................
179, 829, 975
100.0
188, 286, 790
100.0
T otal
It was recommended that the resolution reproduced in part below
be referred to the executive council:
That the forty-seventh annual convention of the American Federation of
Labor call upon the Congress of the United States of America to provide ways
and means and direct the Department of Labor to make full and satisfactory
investigation of the following questions:
1. Do abnormally high retail prices adversely affect the working people by
unnaturally reducing the demand for necessary products?
2. What effect has faulty distribution on opportunity for employment?
3. Would it be possible to so regulate production and consumption within
the United States that it would be unnecessary to export competitive products
in such quantity as to adversely affect wage levels in other countries?
4. In what way can displaced labor be quickly reabsorbed into industry where
the displacement results from use of machinery which increases the output of
the individual?
5. Would it be possible to reduce hours of labor, thereby balancing production
and consumption to such an extent that the supply would equal the demand
without creation of a surplus which eventually becomes detrimental to both
capital and labor?
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[18161
CONVENTION OF AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR
133
Seamen and the Merchant Marine
A N American merchant marine and an eight-hour day for sailors on
United States merchant vessels were favored, also the abolition
of the Sea Service Bureau and the Shipowners’ Association shipping
offices, and the employment of seamen through the United States
Shipping Commissioner; the enactment of S. 1087, for the super
vision of the employment of seamen to insure safety at sea; of S. 3574,
to prevent the smuggling of immigrants disguised as seamen; and of
H. R. 1383, for transferring the enforcement of the navigation laws
to the United States Department of Labor.
Union Organization and Discrimination Against Trade-Unions
TUHE convention indorsed the executive council’s suggestions for
maintaining the interest of union members;
Urged a study of mass-production industries with a view to the
organization of the workers therein;
Expressed appreciation of the International Ladies’ Garment
Workers’ Union for the assistance of certain international unions in
saving that organization “ from complete destruction by Communist
political adventurers” ;
Expressed appreciation of the services of the Federation’s repre
sentatives in aiding the fur workers;
Recommended that all national and international unions affiliated
with the Federation investigate the activities of their locals with a
view to eradicating any communistic developments.
Declared the “ yellow dog contract” a serious menace.
Instructed the executive council to make a thorough study of
company unions with a view to exposing their real character.
Referred to the executive council for consideration a resolution
indorsing S. 5829, for limiting the jurisdiction of courts of equity.
Denounced Federal court decisions which deprive workmen of the
right to work.
Favored starting an immediate campaign to prevent the further
expenditure of public moneys in industrial establishments which are
known to discriminate against American, trades-unionists and other
citizens and referred to the executive council for investigation the
following section of a resolution with a view to the advisability of the
action proposed thereby:
R e s o lv e d , That the American Federation of Labor declare its purpose to have
all contracts calling for the expenditure of public money, be it city, country,
State, or the Federal Government, contain a clause stipulating the employment
of American citizens to prevent the unjust exploitation and competition of lowpriced foreign labor.
Education
IT WAS recommended that the Federation’s permanent committee
A on education make a study of junior kindergarten or nursery
schools, that “ the work of the continuation schools be strengthened
wherever possible,” and that special emphasis be given to vocational
guidance, health education, and medical inspection.
The delegates favored a “ thoroughgoing reconstruction of our edu
cational aims, methods, and curricula so as to bring them in har
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1317]
134
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
mony with present-day life” in order that the school may “ function
more effectively in the preparation of boys and girls for social living.”
Indorsement was accorded the activities of the Workers’ Education
Bureau’s research department; the Passaic workers’ education
program; and the plan of the Workers’ Education Bureau to hold
week-end conferences in different parts of the country for the dis
cussion of industrial problems; and it was decided that all future
volumes to be published in the Workers’ Book Shelf shall receive care
ful editorial reading by competent representatives of the Federation.
Recommendation was made that the labor press of America be
urged to continue its support of the Federation and to call special
attention to the importance of extending workers’ education in every
community.
Colonial and Foreign Matters
CELF-GOV ERNMENT for Porto Rico and independence for the
Philippines were favored, also legislation prohibiting laborers
from the latter islands migrating to the United States either directly
or via the Hawaiian Islands. The attitude of previous conventions
for the rigid restriction of immigration was reaffirmed.
The executive council’s report on the Mexico-American Labor Im
migration Conference was adopted. As a result of that conference
an agreement was reached which not only contemplates the proper
enforcement of existing laws of the United States but the petitioning
of the Mexican Government by the Mexican Federation of Labor
“ to consider and to enact a restrictive immigration policy which, in
substance, shall conform to the immigration law requirements of the
United States.”
Reaffirming Opposition to Fascism in America
O R ESID EN T Green in discussing the resolution on Fascism said:
1
“ The American Federation of Labor is just as much opposed to
Fascism and all it represents as it is to communism.”
Antimilitary Measures
Q PPO SITIO N was reiterated to legislation for conscription, and
continued support was approved for proposed legislation against
military training in educational institutions other than naval or mili
tary schools.
Relations With Other Organizations
'TTIE executive council was urged to consider the farmers’ problems
with a view to cooperation with farmers’ organizations, and
further cooperation was approved between the special committee of
the Federation and a committee of the American Bar Association.
Miscellaneous
IT WAS recommended that the executive council continue its activ
ities to bring into the open the business methods of the bread
trust and keep a watchful eye on radio development, radio legisla
tion, and the Muscle Shoals situation in the next Congress. A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1318]
CONVENTION' OF AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR
135
proposal for a comprehensive study of old-age pensions was approved.
It was agreed that it was advisable to stop expansion in the labor
banking field until dependable policies are determined; that the work
of education should be continued until the shorter work week has
become universal, and that the Federation “ be empowered to enlist
the fullest moral and financial support of its members in their efforts
to rouse the conscience of America against the evil of child slavery.”
The delegates voted that organized labor bring pressure to bear to
secure the passage of convict labor legislation and a workmen’s com
pensation law for the District of Columbia, and for a modification
of the Volstead Act.
Cooperation of progressive people with the Federation’s nonpar
tisan political policy was also urged.
Election of Officers
O RESIDEN T William Green, Secretary Frank Morrison, and TreasA urer Daniel J. Tobin were unanimously reelected for another term
of office, and New Orleans was chosen for the 1928 convention city.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 1 9 1
WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR
International Comparison of Real Wages as of July 1, 1927
HE International Labor Office presents in the International
Labor Review for October, 1927 (pp. 555-560), a comparison
of real wages in various large cities of the world as of July 1,
1927, in continuation of similar figures compiled periodically by that
office.
The more significant points in this comparison are brought out
in the table below. The figures given are in the form of index
numbers, using London as the base, or 100. In considering the
figures presented it is very important to note that the wage data
relate only to a few classes of workers (building, engineering, furni
ture, and printing and publishing) and the price data are limited to
certain articles of food and to rent. Thus, the index numbers can
be taken only as a very rough indication of the relative levels of real
wages of adult male workers in certain occupations and cities.
In many instances, however, the figures shown indicate such wide
differences between cities that they may be accepted as reflecting
real differences in the level of well-being of the workers in different
countries.
According to the table, Philadelphia had the highest real wage
level of any of the 20 cities included, its index number, based on
food only, being 178, or 78 per cent higher than London. Ottawa,
Canada, had the next highest figure, with Copenhagen, the highest
of the European cities, coming next. At the other extreme, Rome,
Italy, had a wage level one-fourth that of Philadelphia, while Lisbon,
Portugal, had a level of less than one-fifth that of Philadelphia.
However, the International Labor Office points out that the low
levels of Rome and Lisbon may be accounted for in part by the
differences in the items of food consumption in the southern European
countries from those ordinarily consumed in most of the other
countries included in the table.
T
IN D E X N U M B E R S O F C O M P A R A T IV E R E A L W A G E S IN V A R IO U S C IT IE S , JU L Y 1, 1927
[London, Ju ly 1, 1927=100]
General average
index num bers
General average
index num bers
C ity
Philadelphia_______________
C openhagen..........................._..
Stockholm 1...............................
A m s te rd a m _______________
B erlin __
. ____________
M a d rid ,..
________ ______
C ity
Based
on food
only
W ith al
lowance
for ren t
Based
on food
only
W ith al
lowance
for rent
178
156
106
102
100
92
87
67
54
53
178
154
106
110
100
90
87
62
52
48
48
46
46
43
42
41
37
31
53
52
51
49
47
45
44
46
38
T allin n ____________________
R o m e________, .........................
W a rsa w 2-
...... ... ...................
'T h e figures are based on wages in th e building, furniture-m aking, and printing industries only.
other cities th e m etal in d u stry is also included.
2 Based on a w eighted average wage. For other cities an unw eighted average has been used.
136
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1320]
For
137
MONTHLY LABOE EEYIEW
Wages Paid in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1926
PUBLICATION1 of the Argentine Ministry of the Interior
contains a detailed account of the results of a comprehensive
wage survey which was made in the Federal capital in 1926.
The following compiled from this report shows for a selected list of
occupations the number of workers and their average daily and
monthly wages by industry and occupation for the year 1926. The
wage equivalents in United States currency have been computed at
the average exchange rates as shown in the reports of the Federal
Reserve Board.
A
NUM BER
OF
W O R K E R S A N D A V E R A G E D A IL Y A N D M O N T H L Y
S P E C IF IE D O C C U P A T IO N S IN B U E N O S A IR E S IN 1926
W A G E S IN
[Average exchange rate of paper peso in 1926=40.5 cents]
N um
ber of
work
ers
In d u s try an d occupation
Average daily
wages
Pesos
Bakeries:
M aster bakers...................................................................
K neaders_____ _______ ____________ ____ _______
B a k e r s _______________ ____ ______ _________
B akers, m achine___ ____
B akers’ helpers....................................................
D eliverym en._______ ____________ _
D elivery assistants, m inors.........................................
B uilding trades:
A sphalt w orkers________________ _________ _
Bricklayers, m aster____________ _________ .
B ricklayers, front w o rk _______ ________
B ricklayers______________ ___ __________
C arpenters, m a s te r ...................................
C arpenters_____________ ___________
D raughtsm en_____________
Electricians.............................. .................
F itte rs _______________ ___________
P ain ters___________________ _______
P la ste re rs._. .........................................
C lothing i n d u s try :
B oots a n d shoes—
C utters, leath er_______ _______
C utters, canvas______ ____________
C utters, canvas, sole...........................
C u tters, sole_____________ ______
C u tters, sole, assistan ts____ _____ _____ .
Shoem akers...... ...............................
Shoem akers’ apprentices.......... .............................
Slipper m ak ers..........................................
Slipper m akers, m in o r s ...____ _______ ______
T rim m ers________ _______ ___
G arm ent m aking—
C u tte rs ................................
P laiters___________________ .
Pressers___________________________
Tailors_________ ____ _________
Trouser m ak ers________________ ______ _
Vest m ak ers............... ............... .
F u rn itu re:
C abine t m akers_____ ______ ______ _____
U pholsterers_____________________
M etallurgical:
A d ju s te rs._______ _______________
A djusters’ assistants____ ___________________
A d ju sters’ apprentices...................................................
B lacksm iths, m aster..................................................
B lacksm iths. __________ __________
B lacksm iths’ helpers................................
1 A rgentina.
101-180.
u . s.
cur
rency
4
27
28
137
1
2
6. 52
9. 27
8. 32
7. 36
9. 00
8. 00
$2. 64
3. 75
3.37
2. 98
3.65
3. 24
1
3
28
3
8.00
7. 20
7. 24
7. 50
3. 24
2.92
2. 93
3. 04
9
6
1
5
5
54
16
6
8
1
6. 44
0. 00
6. 50
6. 10
2. 70
6. 25
1. 75
4. 20
2. 92
6. 00
2.61
2.43
2.63
2.47
1. 09
2. 53
.71
1. 70
1.18
2.43
5
3.38
1. 37
78
41
8.67
9.46
3. 51
3.83
27
3
1
6. 58
4.43
3.36
2. 66
1. 79
1.36
N um
ber of
w ork
ers
Average
m onthly
wages
Pesos
u . s,
cur
rency
47
30
9
31
30
256
368
216.59
215. 00
191.11
176.12
160. 00
176.13
30.00
$87. 72
87.08
77.40
71.33
64.80
71.33
12.15
14
339. 64
137.55
2
400. 00
162.00
13
162. 69
65.89
2
6
3
24
10
4
200. 00
73. 33
56. 67
131. 00
53. 50
57. 50
81.00
29. 70
22.95
53.06
21.67
23.29
2 295. 00
119.48
6.62
2. 68
61.46
12 151. 75
3. 89
1. 58
Crónica In form ativa del M inisterio del Interior. B uenos Aires. D ecem ber, 1926, pp.
72923 o—27---- 10
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1321]
169
21
138
NUM BER
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
O F W O R K E R S A N D A V E R A G E D A IL Y A N D M O N T H L Y W A G E S
S P E C IF I E D O C C U P A T IO N S IN B U E N O S A IR E S IN 1926—C ontinued
N um
ber of
w ork
ers
In d u s try a n d occupation
M etallurgical—C o n tin u e d .
B lack sm ith s’ apprentices_______________________
F il e r s ............................................. ..... .............................
Forgers___ _________ ____ ____ ________________
Forgers’ helpers___________ _____ _____ _________
Forgers’ apprentices_______ ____________________
Laborers, u n s k ille d ........................................................
I;a th e operators, m a ster_____________ _______ _
L a th e operators____ _____ ______________________
L ath e operators’ helpers................................................
L a th e operators’ ap p ren tices....... .................................
L ocksm iths__ __________________________ ______
M achinists, chief.............................................. ..............
M achinists, in sp ecto r............ ..................... ..................
M achinists, h e ad ...... ........................ .............................
M a c h in is ts ............ .................... .................................
M achinists’ helpers.................... ....................................
M achinists’ apprentices______________ __________
M elters, h e ad ......................... ............................. ...........
M elters..................................................................
M elters’ helpers................................ ...............................
M elters’ apprentices........................................................
M olders, m achine..................... .......................................
P lum bers................ ............................... ...........................
P lum bers’ helpers................................ ....... ...................
R iveters____________________________________ _
Solderers.......................................................... .................
T in sm ith s____________ ________ _______ _______
T in sm ith s’ apprentices............ .......................................
Textile in d u stry :
C arders__________ ______ _________ ____ ________
C utters, pu rse__________________ ______ ______
E xam iners-------------------------------------- ---------------S iz e rs ..____________________ _______________
Spinners .................................. ........................................
Stretchers..................... .....................................................
W arpers_______________________ _________ ____
W arpers’ apprentices______________________ ____
W eavers, m aster_____ ________ _________ ____ _
W eavers, m ale______ _______ ___ _____ ________
W eavers, fem ale......... ......................... ........ .............
W eavers, m inors________________ _____ ______
W eavers, purse, fe m a le .....................................
W eavers, purse, m inors................................. ..............
W inders..............................................................................
Average daily
wages
Pesos
U. S.
cur
rency
6
12
7
41
5
1
11
1
17
6
4
2
2. 80
7. 02
7. 17
6.92
4. 36
4. 00
2.29
8. 80
7. 07
5. 61
4. 06
6. 60
$1.13
2. 84
2. 90
2. 80
1.77
1. 62
.93
3. 56
2. 86
2. 27
1. 64
2. 67
1
372
72
16
1
58
9
10
2
15
1
1
28
36
7
9. 00
6.71
4. 32
2. 50
9. 00
6. 79
4. 28
2. 89
5. 00
6. 47
3.20
5. 40
7.38
6.13
4.11
3. 65
2. 72
1. 75
1. 01
3. 65
2. 75
1. 73
1. 17
2. 03
2. 62
1. 30
2.19
2. 99
2. 48
1. 66
4
25
3
2
16
2
3
2
5.00
2. 98
2. 47
5.00
3. 40
4, 00
6.17
2.50
2. 03
1. 21
1. 00
2. 03
1. 38
1. 62
2. 09
1. 01
5
48
27
9
9
5
6.40
4. 26
2. 61
3. 02
2. 79
2. 88
2. 59
1.73
1. 06
1.22
1.13
1.17
N um
ber of
w ork
ers
IN
Average
m o n th ly
wages
Pesos
u . s.
cur
rency
i
60.00
$24.30
3
220. 00
89.10
15
4
11
53
3
361. 33
450. 00
225. 00
212. 28
91.67
146. 34
182. 25
91 13
85 97
37. 13
2
3
296. 67
153.33
120 15
62.10
I
150. 00
60. 75
2
1
i
105 00
190. 00
100. 00
42. 53
76. 95
40.50
i
220. 00
89.10
6
2
100. 00
40.00
40.50
16. 20
Earning Possibilities of Unskilled Worker in Sao Paulo, Brazil
COMMUNICATION from the American consul, Robert R.
Bradford, at Rio de Janeiro, dated September 14, 1927, con
tains figures published by the State of Sao Paulo showing the
earning possibilities of an unskilled laborer working on a Brazilian
coffee plantation.
An adult agricultural worker can cultivate usually from 3,000 to
3,500 coffee trees a year and his wages would vary from 250 to 350
milreis 1 per 1,000 trees, according to locality . The report assumes
that the worker’s family is composed of four persons, three of whom
are gainfully employed. Their combined wages would therefore
amount to from 2,250 to 3,675 milreis.
A
1 T he average exchange of th e milreis for th e year 1926=14.44 cents.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1322]
EN G LISH WAGE LEVELS, 1914 AND 1927
139
Work other than coffee cultivation, such as cleaning pastures,
repairing roads, planting, or odd work during the harvest season, is
paid for at the rate of 4 to 5 milreis per day. A family having three
workers could count on from one to two months of such extra work
and receive from 120 to 300 milreis for it.
During the coffee harvest season, which lasts for three months, a
laborer is able to earn from 200 to 540 milreis, depending upon the
yield, or from 600 to 1,620 milreis for the three workers.
Coffee planters furnish their laborers with a dwelling place, a
pasture for animals, and also ground for the raising of vegetables.
It is estimated that from 540 to 1,522*4 milreis can be earned from
the sale of garden products by a family having three workers.
The following statement combines the various earning possibilities
of the average family for a year:
Milreis
Cultivation of coffee trees
Extra work____________
Coffee harvest__________
Sale of produce_________
2, 250-3,
120600-1,
540-1,
675
300
620
522. 5
United States currency
$324.
17.
86.
77.
Total----------------------- ------------3, 510-7, 117. 5
90- $530. 67
3343. 32
64- 233. 93
98- 219. 85
506. 85-1, 027. 77
Expenditures for food, clothing, and sundries, exclusive of medicines
and medical care, have been estimated at 3,360 milreis, or $485.18 per
year for a family of four persons.
English Wage Levels, 1914 and 1927
HE English Ministry of Labor has recently published figures
showing for certain industries the wage rates as of August,
1914, and September, 1927. (Ministry of Labor Gazette,
October, 1927, p. 368.) A warning is published with them as to the
extent to which they may safely be used.
T
The information available for the purposes of such a comparison is in nearly all
cases limited to (a) the standard or minimum rates of wages fixed by collective
agreements signed by the employers’ associations and trade unions concerned or
embodied in arbitration awards, statutory orders under the trade boards acts,
etc., or (b) in some industries in which no such agreements, awards, or orders
have been made, to the minimum rates recognized by the trade-unions concerned.
* * * The particulars given below, therefore, while based on a careful
examination of such material as is available to the department, should be con
sidered in the light of these qualifications and should not be regarded as furnishing
more than an approximate indication of the relative levels of wage rates at the
two dates; and caution should especially be observed in drawing from them
conclusions which depend upon small margins of difference between one figure
and another.
Wage Rates in the Building Trades
r"PHE building trades are strongly organized, and their wages are
largely governed by general agreements, so that the comparison
is perhaps more exact for them than for some others. The following
table shows the hourly and weekly wage rates for the two dates:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1323]
140
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
HOURLY AND W EEK LY RATES OP WAGES IN T H E BU ILD IN G TRADES, AUGUST 4,
1914, AND S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927, AND P E R C E N T OF INCREASE
[At par shilling=24.33 cents; penny = 2.03 cents. Exchange rate about par]
Average (unweighted) of recognized
rates of wages in large towns
Occupation
Aug. 4,1914
Hourly
rates
Weekly
rates
d.
Bricklayers........... ........................................
M asons--................-........ ........ ..........-........
Carpenters and joiners-___ ___________
Plum bers.................................... ..................
Plasterers...................................... ......... ......
Painters..___ _______________________
L ab o rers...___ ______ _______________
9.9
9.8
9.8
9.6
9.7
8.8
6.6
Sept. 30, 1927
s.
d.
40 7
39 7
39 11
39 8
40 0
36 3
27 0
Hourly
rates
d.
20.0
20.1
20.0
20.0
20.3
19. 9
15.1
Weekly
rates
s.
Average per cent of
increase over pre
war rates on Sept.
30, 1927
Hourly
rates
Weekly
rates
d.
74 1
74 2
73 11
74 0
75 1
73 4
55 11
102
105
105
108
109
126
130
82
87
85
87
88
102
107
Weighting these figures by the relative numbers of men employed
in the different occupations, the increase in hourly wages was about
119 per cent at the end of September, while the increase in full-time
weekly wages, allowing for the reduction in hours ’which has occurred
since 1914, was about 97 per cent. At the beginning of September,
1927, the cost-of-living index was higher by 65 per cent than in
July, 1914, so that the wage rates of the later period represent a
real advance in purchasing power for the worker.
Wage Rates in Coal Mining
DUILBING is one of the sheltered industries; coal mining emphatically is not, and the figures relating to it tell a different story.
The general method of fixing mining wages is by adding a percentage
to a basic wage, the percentage varying as wages are changed, but
the basic wage remaining unaltered. The percentage addition varies
in the different districts. In 1914 it ranged from 6% per cent in
South Wales and Monmouthshire to 57}^ per cent in Durham and
75 per cent in Scotland; in 1927 the percentages for these same dis
tricts were respectively 28, 89, and 110. These figures, however, it
is stated, do not provide a full measure of the difference in the two
periods, since there have been variations in the hours, the allowances
for low-paid men, and the like. “ The average percentage increase
in rates of wages resulting from the combined effect of all these
changes can not be reliably estimated.” The change in the average
earnings per shift worked affords a better indication of the real
situation, and this is shown in the following table:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1324]
141
E N G LISH WAGE LEVELS, 1914 AND 1927
AVERAGE EARNINGS P E R SH IFT OF COAL M IN ER S, JU N E , 1914, AND JULY, 1927, AND
P E R CE N T OF INCREASE
[At par, shilling=24.33 cents; penny=2.03 cents. Exchange rate about par]
Average earnings per
shift
District
June, 1914
s.
N orthumberland...................................... .
D urham ,.......... .................._.................... .
Yorkshire______________ ____________
Lancashire and Cheshire.........................
North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Cannock C hase.......................................
North Staffordshire...................................
W arwickshire........................................... .
South Wales and M onm outh..................
Scotland_________________ _____ ___
d.
6 ‘¿ H
6
6 10
6 OH
6 6H
6 1H
5 io H
6 2H
6 9
6 9
All districts......................................
6
5H
Per cent
of in
crease,
June,
1914,to
July, 1927 July,
1927
s.
8
9
10
9
11
9
9
11
9
9
A.
6H
m
on
5
u
m
0H
2*4
m
‘H
¿
9 10
38
48
54
55
82
51
54
81
45
37
52
It may be observed that in September, 1927, the percentage additions to basis
rates were the same as in July, and earnings per shift were, therefore probably
about the same as in July, except in North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire,
and in Warwickshire. It is estimated that in the former of these districts the
average in September was about 10s. 3d. and in the latter about 10s. 5d., while
for all districts the average was about 9s. 8d., an increase over June, 1914, of
about 49 per cent.
Measured by their purchasing power, it will be observed, the
earnings of the miners, when fully employed, are less than in pre-war
days. When the amount of unemployment in the coal fields is
taken into account, it is apparent that the miners’ position has
worsened considerably.
Wage Rates in Engineering and Shipbuilding
■"THESE trades have suffered heavily from unemployment, and the
increases in wage rates have been less than in some industries.
The following table shows the weekly time rates for the two dates
and the percentage of increase shown in 1927 as compared with 1914:
AVERAGE W E EK L Y WAGE RATES IN T H E E N G IN E E R IN G AND SH IPB U ILD IN G
IN D U STR Y , AUGUST 4,1914, AND S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927,AND P E R C E N T OF INCREASE
[At par, shilling=24.33 cents; penny=2.03 cents. Exchange rate about par]
Average (unweighted)
of recognized weekly
time rates in the
principal centers
Occupation
Engineering:
Fitters and turners
Iron m olders.........
Sept. 30,
1927
s.
s.
d.
38 11
41 8
42 1
Pattern makers. . .
Laborers.................
Shipbuilding:
Shipwrights...........
Ship joiners............
Laborers.................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Aug. 4,
1914
22
11325]
10
41
40
4
0
22
10
58
61
62
41
Average
per cent
of in
crease
over
pre-war
rates on
Sept. 30,
1927
d.
1
8
6
8
49
48
49
82
55 7
57 9
38 5
35
44
68
142
MONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
Assuming full employment at both periods, it is evident that in
September, 1927, shipbuilding laborers were slightly, and engineering
laborers noticeably, better off than in 1914, while the position of the
skilled workers had grown worse.
Changes in Miscellaneous industries
rT,HE average recognized weekly wages of wiremen employed by
*■ electrical contractors in 12 large towns showed an increase over
1914 of 91 per cent. In the heavy iron and steel trades the increase
vary widely, ranging from 20 to over 70 per cent over pre-war rates.
In the cotton industry, if allowance is made for a reduction in working
hours, “ weekly full-time wages would appear to be generally about 61
per cent above the pre-war level, the equivalent increase in hourly wages
being about 86 per cent.” The railway service showed real increases.
For the principal grades of adult workmen in the traffic sections of the railwayservice, the rates of wages in operation at the end of September, 1927, showed
increases ranging mostly from 26s. to 34s. a week above the pre-war averages
for the corresponding grades. Owing to the wide variation in the pre-war rates
of wages, the percentage increases varied considerably. For some of the porters
on pre-war rates of about 18s. a week the increase was as much as 145 per cent;
on the other hand, for certain classes of higher paid men it amounted to only
about 100 per cent.
In agriculture it is estimated that the increase in wages for ordinary
laborers was about 76 per cent; for hand compositors on book and
job work, 107 per cent; for bookbinders and machine rulers, 117 per
cent; for cabinet makers, 84 per cent; for upholsterers, 88 per cent;
for French polishers, 94 per cent; and for table hands in baking, 114
per cent.
The department sums up the situation in the following words:
Both the amounts and the corresponding percentages of increase over pre-war
rates show a wide diversity among different classes of workpeople. In some cases
the increases in full-time weekly rates at the end of September, 1927, were equiva
lent to only about 20 per cent on the pre-war rates. On the other hand, they
were equivalent in some cases to over 100 per cent on the pre-war rates. The
information at the disposal of the department is insufficient to enable the average
percentage increase for all industries and occupations to be calculated exactly,
but it is estimated that at the end of September, 1927, weekly full-time rates of
wages for those classes of adult workpeople for which information is available
averaged between 70 and 75 per cent above the level of August, 1914, as com
pared with 170 to 180 per cent at the end of December, 1920, when wages gen
erally were at their highest level. As considerable reductions in normal weekly
working hours were made in nearly all industries in 1919 and 1920, the percentage
increase in hourly rates of wages since 1914 is substantially greater; while it is
not practicable on the basis of available information to make any precise calcu
lation, it seems probable that at the end of September, 1927, the average level
of hourly rates was between 90 and 100 per cent above that of August, 1914.
* * *
It should be observed that the foregoing particulars relate to recognized mini
mum or standard rates of wages for full-time working, and not to actual earnings,
which in many industries are affected at present by unemployment and short-time
working.
Wages in New Zealand, 1926-27
N HIS annual report covering the year ending March 31, 1927,
the Secretary of Labor of New Zealand gives some details concern
ing the minimum rates of wages established by arbitration,
awards as compared with those paid to workers not covered by
awards which seem to show that the arbitration proceedings have
I
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[13261
143
WAGES IN RUSSIA, 1926 AND 1927
no tendency to advance wages beyond prevailing standards,
occupations and the rates shown are given as follows:
The
WAGE RATES AW ARDED, AND RATES G E N ER A LL Y PAID IN NEW ZEALAND, 1926-27,
BY IN D U STR Y
[At par shilling=24.33 cents; penny=2.03 cents; exchange rate about par]
Industry
Award
rates
per
hour
Rates gener
ally paid
per hour
s.
s . d.
('Z
Bricklayers........................... \2
J2
Carpenters and joiners....... . 12
Electrical workers________ J2
\2
Painters................................ 2
[2
Plasterers.............................. ■¡2
b
P lu m b e rs .._____________ J2
\2
(1
Stonemasons________ ____ 12
2
|2
d.
d/4 } 2
4
3 }2
334
2
3 }2
2
3
334 1
4 [ 2
434
2
3 }2
9 )
134
334 [ 2
4}4
s. d.
6 -3 0
4 -2 6
3 -2 6
3- 26
6 - 3 0
2 -2 6
Award Rates gener
rates
ally paid
per
per hour
hour
Industry
s.
d.
s.
d. s.
B a k e rs.._______________ 2 IX 2 iy2-2
Boiler makers, engineers,
motor engineers, molders,
sheet-metal workers, and
tinsm iths....... ................... 2 3
Bootmakers......... ................ 1 HM 1 1134-2
Cabinetmakers......... ........... 2 3 2 3 - 2
0X }2 134-2
Engine d riv e rs ...................
ix
Tailors_________________
m } l 1034-2
2
d.
4>4
2
6
6
6
2}4 2 4
Waterside workers....... ........
134-2 6
The rates quoted as generally paid are those prevailing in the four
chief industrial centers of New Zealand.
Wages in R ussia, 1926 and 1927 1
CCORDING to the May, 1927, issue of Statisticheskoe Obozrenie,
the organ of the central statistical department of the Union
of Soviet Socialist Republics, the average earnings of Russian
industrial workers in March, 1927, were as shown in Table 1:
A
T able 1.—AVERAGE IN D U STR IA L EARNINGS IN T H E UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST
R E PU BLIC S, M A RCH, 1927
[Exchange rate of chervonetz rouble, March, 1927=51. 5 cents]
Average daily earnings
In d u stry
Average m o nthly earn
ings
U. S. cur rency
Chervonetz
roubles
U. S . currency
Chervonetz
roubles
C oal m in in g.................... ......... ...............................................
Iron and steel___ _____________ ___________________
M etal and engineering.............................................. ..........
C otto n _____________________ ______________________
W ool........... ..............
.....
F la x ................................................................................! ...........
2. 45
2. 56
3. 13
2. 21
2. 22
1. 65
$1.26
1. 32
1.61
1.14
1.14
.85
60.88
65. 67
73. 39
53.05
53. 62
40.58
$31. 35
33.82
37.80
27. 32
27. 61
20.90
A v erag e............................................................................
2. 55
1.31
61. 77
31.81
M oscow (all in d u stries).........................................................
L eningrad (all in d u stries)....................... .............. ...........
U ral (all in d u stries)_________ ________ ________ ______
R ailw ay w orkers.................................................... .................
3. 37
3. 29
2. 05
3.00
1. 74
1.69
1. 06
1. 55
78. 84
78.74
49. 40
69. 30
40.60
40.55
25.44
35.69
The March, 1927, number of Statisticheskoe Obozrenie contains
an article on the wages of building workers. In Russia the season
i Reprinted from M inistry of Labor Gazette, London, October, 1927, p. 375.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1327]
144
M ONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
in this industry stretches over the period April to September, and
the maximum number of working-days is about 150. The average
daily earnings during the six months April-September, 1926, in some
of the principal occupations are given as follows:
T
able
2 .— AVERAGE
D A IL Y E A R N IN G S O P B U IL D IN G W O R K E R S , A P R IL T O S E P
T E M B E R , 1926
[Exchange rate of chervonetz rouble A pril-Septem ber, 1926=61.5 cents]
Average daily earnings
O ccupation
U ra l..................................................
On job or piece
work
On time-work
P er cent
of
On job or piece
total
w ork and tim e
an-days
w ork com bined mspent
on job
or piece
Chervo- U nited
work
netz
States
roubles currency
Chervonetz
roubles
U nited
States
currency
Chervonetz
roubles
U nited
States
currency
3. 44
3.26
3. 72
4.27
3. 65
3. 40
3. 08
2. 26
$1. 77
1. 68
1. 92
2. 20
1.88
1. 75
1. 59
1.16
2. 35
2. 17
1.99
2. 76
2.23
2.33
1. 97
1. 39
$1.21
1.12
1.02
1. 42
1.15
1. 20
1.01
.72
3. 36
3. 12
3.50
3.99
3. 58
3. 26
2. 96
1.80
3. 25
1. 67
1. 65
.85
3.53
3. 40
3.00
1.82
1. 75
1. 55
1. 97
1.82
1.43
1. 01
.94
.74
$1.73
1. 61
1. 80
2. 05
1.84
1. 68
1. 52
.93
93.1
91. 6
87.0
79.2
94. 9
91.2
88. 5
46.5
2. 89
1. 49
76.9
3. 31
3. 11
2. 61
1. 70
1. 60
1. 34
85.7
79. 5
75.5
t Including some classes no t separately show n in th is table.
These figures are based, as a general rule, on the wages paid in
building undertakings employing 50 or more workers.
Minimum Wage for Government Employees in Uruguay 1
LL salaried employees and workers over 18 years of age em
ployed. in the Government service of Uruguay are to receive
a minimum salary of 600 pesos2 a year, as the result of a bill
recently approved by the Senate and Chamber of Representatives.
Those paid by the day are to receive a minimum of 2x/i pesos.
Apprentices under 16 years of age may not work more than four
hours a day, for which they are to be paid 25 pesos a month or 1
pesos a day. Apprentices over 16 and under 18 years of age will be
paid 33Lj pesos a month or 1% pesos for a workday not to exceed
six hours.
Governmental enterprises may not engage apprentices under 15
years of age and not physically fit. The period of apprenticeship
may not exceed two years but may be renewed until the apprentice is
old enough to be considered a worker. No apprentices may be em
ployed between 8 p. m. and 7 a. m.
A
1 E l D ia, M ontevideo, Ju ly 17, 1927; and In tern atio n al L abor Office, In d u strial a nd L abor Inform ation,
Geneva, Oct. 17, 1927, p. 77.
a Average exchange ra te of peso in 1926=$1.0147.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1328]
TREND OF EMPLOYMENT
Em ploym ent In Selected Manufacturing Industries, in Octo
ber, 1927
E
MPLOYMENT in manufacturing industries decreased one-half
of 1 per cent in October, 1927, as compared with September,
but in the same time there was an increase of 1.2 per cent in
pay-roll totals notwithstanding the rather general observance of
. Columbus Day in a few States.
The level of employment in October, 1927, was 5.3 per cent below
i the level in October, 1926, and pay-roll totals were 7.5 per cent lower
in October, 1927, than in October, 1926.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ weighted index of emplo3mient for
October, 1927, is 87.6, as compared with 88 for September, 1927;
87.4 for August, 1927; and 92.5 for October, 1926. The weighted
index of pay-roll totals for October, 1927, is 91.2, as compared with
90.1 for September, 1927; 91 for August, 1927; and 98.6 for October,
1926.
The report for October, 1927, is based on returns from 10,862
establishments in 54 of the principal manufacturing industries of the
United States. These establishments in October had 3,002,549
employees whose combined earnings in one week were $79,761,503.
C o m p a r iso n o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y -r o ll T o ta ls in S e p te m b e r a n d O cto b er ,
1927
TW EN TY -FIV E of the 54 separate industries had more employees
in October than in September, and the same industries, with 1
exception (cigars), together with 9 additional industries, reported
increased pay-roll totals.
The outstanding increases in employment, all between 3.4 and 5
per cent, were in the women’s clothing, confectionery, agricultural
implement, chewing tobacco, and paper-box industries.
The outstanding increases in pay-roll totals, ranging from 3.4 to
9.8 per cent, were in the 5 industries mentioned and, in addition, in
the following 13 industries: Flour, shirts, hosiery, stoves, furniture,
chemicals, pottery, glass, stamped ware, automobiles (3.8 per cent),
electric apparatus, pianos, and shipbuilding. Both the cotton and
woolen goods industries made small gains in both items.
The’ most pronounced downward trends in employment and in
pay-roll totals in October appeared in the ice cream, millinery, castiron pipe, boot and shoe, fertilizer, petroleum refining, cement, brick,
and automobile-tire industries. The iron and steel, structural iron,
hardware, automobile, steam car, and shipbuilding industries all fell
off in employment but at the same time showed increased pay-roll
totals.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1329]
145
146
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
The food, textile, and paper groups of industries each gained less
than 1 per cent in employment in October and the tobacco group
gained 2.3 per cent, while there were losses in employment in the
remaining 8 groups, ranging from 0.7 per cent in the lumber group
to 2.1 per cent in the leather group.
Nine groups show increases in pay-roll totals in October, ranging
from 0.4 per cent in the food group to 3.2 per cent in the vehicle
group and 3.5 per cent in the group of miscellaneous industries.
The iron and steel and chemical groups show decreases in pay-roll
totals of less than one-half of 1 per cent, while the leather group,
owing to the dull season in the boot and shoe industry, shows a
decrease of 6.2 per cent.
The East South Central geographic division reported a small
gain in employment in October, but all other divisions show losses of
from 0.2 to 1.7 per cent each. Conditions as to pay-roll totals, how
ever, were reversed, the New England States reporting a loss of 1.9
per cent, and there were very slight decreases in the Mountain and
West South Central States, but rather large increases appear in all
other divisions except in the Middle Atlantic States, which advanced
only 0.2 per cent.
T
1.—C O M P A R IS O N O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN ID E N T IC A L
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S D U R IN G O N E W E E K E A C H IN S E P T E M B E R A N D O C T O B E R ,
1927
able
N u m b er on p ay roll
In d u stry
Establishm ents
A m ount of pay roll
Per
cent of
Septem October, change September, October,
1927
1927
1927
ber, 1927
Per
cent of
change
F o o d a n d k in d r e d p r o d u c t s . . .
1,712
230,078
231,040
(>)
$5,835,123
Slaughtering a n d m eat packin g ....................... ............... .
Confectionery............................
Ice cream ________ __________
F lou r______ ____ ___________
B aking____________________
Sugar refining, cane................
$5,842,456
198
305
214
329
653
15
84, 548
38,604
10, 640
16, 004
69,408
10,876
83,977
40,434
9, 637
16,062
69,956
10,974
-0 .7
+ 4 .7
- 9 .4
+ 0 .4
+ 0 .8
+ 0 .9
2,182,257
700, 670
352, 647
420, 738
1, 861, 668
317,143
2,157, 324
724,183
317, 820
444, 358
1, 874, 795
323, 976
-1 .1
+3.4
- 9 .9
+5.6
+0.7
+2.2
1,881
460
250
196
189
28
100
282
96
204
76
594,175
225,060
81, 366
55, 445
61, 913
23, 527
30,553
63, 912
19,701
21,015
11,683
597, 681
226, 211
82, 736
54,970
62, 575
23, 480
31,090
63, 335
20,226
21,882
11,176
«
+ 0 .5
+ 1 .7
- 0 .9
+ 1 .1
- 0 .2
+ 1 .8
- 0 .9
+2. 7
+ 4 .1
- 4 .3
11,907,581
3, 652, 787
1, 529, 608
1,171, 232
1,409,872
626, 343
760, 794
1, 588, 270
322,110
567, 264
279, 301
12,112,483
3, 705, 356
1, 653, 066
1,180,199
1,440, 345
624, 457
782, 658
1, 525,118
343,370
586,458
271,456
i1)
+1.4
+8.1
+ 0.8
+2.2
- 0 .3
+2.9
- 4 .0
+ 6.6
+3.4
- 2 .8
1,784
206
28
160
63§, 146
259, 934
12, 284
25, 028
629,434
256, 791
11,913
24,263
0)
-1 . 2
-3 .0
- 3 .1
18,225,855
7, 515,339
295,129
713, 211
18,168,010
7, 534,122
278, 416
720,463
(')
+ 0.2
- 5 .7
+1.0
966
71
150
225,411
32, 541
28,300
220, 992
32, 265
28,244
-2 .0
-0 .8
-0 . 2
6,457,073
791,174
862, 433
6, 379,169
801, 753
860, 584
- 1 .2
+1.3
- 0 .2
113
90
39, 827
15, 821
38, 844
16,122
-2 .5
+ 1 .9
1,151, 824
439, 672
1,136, 564
456,939
- 1 .3
+3.9
L u m b e r a n d it s p r o d u c t s _____
1,165
221,755
220,734
5,909,997
479
263
423
126,157
31,600
63, 998
123,986
31,038
65, 710
0)
-1 . 7
-1 .8
+ 2 .7
4,940,150
L um ber, saw m ills__________
Lum ber, m ill w ork__________
F u rn itu re .....................................
2, 592,137
770, 390
1, 577, 623
2, 583, 300
769,179
1, 657,428
0)
- 0 .3
- 0 .2
+5.1
T e x tile s a n d t h e ir p r o d u c t s ___
C otton g o o d s ....... ................
H osiery and k n it goods...........
Silk goods__________________
W oofen and worsted goods___
C arpets and rugs___________
D yeing and finishing tex tiles..
Clothing, m e n ’s ........................
Shirts and collars___________
Clothing, w om en’s _________
M illinery a n d lace goods____
I r o n a n d s te e l a n d t h e ir p r o d u c t s _____ _______ ____ _______
Iron and steel........... ..................
Cast-iron p ip e ............................
S tructu ral iro n w o rk _________
F o u n d ry and machine-shop
products...................... .. ......
H ard w are...................................
M achine tools______________
Steam fittings and steam and
hot-w ater heating apparatu s .............. ...............................
S to v e s..........................................
See footnote a t end of table.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1330]
0)
147
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
T able 1 — C O M P A R IS O N O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN ID E N T IC A L
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S D U R IN G O N E W E E K E A C H IN S E P T E M B E R A N D O C T O B E R
1927—C o n tin u ed
’
N um ber on p ay roll
Establishm ents
In d u stry
L e a t h e r a n d it s p r o d u c t s _____
L eath er________________
Boots and shoes.................... .
P a p e r a n d p r in t in g ___________
P aper and p u lp _____________
P aper boxes............ ....................
Printin g , book and jo b .............
Printin g , new spapers_______
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llied p r o d u c t s .
Chem icals__________________
Fertilizers................................
Petroleum refining........... .........
S t o n e , d a y , a n d g la s s p r o d u c ts .
C em en t_____ ____ ____
Brick, tile, and terra co tta___
P o tt e r y _______ _____ ____
Glass..............................................
M eta l p ro d u cts, o th er th a n
ir o n a n d s t e e l______ ____
Stam ped and enam eled w are.
Brass, bronze, and copper
products______ _________
T o b a c c o p r o d u c t s . ..
_____
Chewing and smoking tobacco and s n u ff...................
Cigars and cigarettes
V e h ic le s fo r l a n d tr a n s p o r t a t i o n ____________
Automobiles . . _____
Carriages and w agons_______
C ar building and repairing,
electric-railroad_______
C ar building and repairing,
steam -railroad...... ..................
M is c e lla n e o u s in d u s t r ie s
...
A gricultural im p lem en ts.........
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, and supplies___ ____
Pianos and organs__________
R ubb er boots and s h o e s ____
A utom obile tires__________
Shipbuilding, steel.................
A ll in d u s t r ie s ......................
A m ount of pay roll
Per
cent of
Septem October, change September, October,
ber, 1927
1927
1927
1927
Per
cent of
change
359
124
235
129,713
27,120
102, 593
126,927
26,973
99,954
(')
-0 .5
-2 .6
$3,082,443
668,836
2, 413,607
$2,873,134
670, 360
2,202,774
0)
+ 0 .2
- 8 .7
918
216
181
307
208
177,456
58, 268
20, 342
50, 729
48,117
178,661
58, 283
21, 044
50, 203
49,131
0)
+ ( 2)
+ 3 .4
-1 .0
+ 2 .1
5,726,229
1, 500,883
457,318
1, 787, 728
1,980,300
5,825,686
1,545,105
485,129
1,778,195
2,017, 257
(i)
+ 2 .9
+ 6.1
-0 .5
+ 1 .9
357
123
175
59
90,179
31,815
11,262
47,102
88,477
32,163
10,862
45,452
0)
+ 1 .1
-3 .6
-3 .5
2,600,400
857, 628
226,858
1,515,914
2,578,753
892,445
203,139
1,483; 169
(')
+ 4 .1
—10.5
-2 .2
672
99
398
60
115
113,384
26, 796
34, 019
12,827
39, 722
111,565
26, 090
32, 298
13,089
40,088
«
-2 .6
- 5 .1
+ 2 .0
+ 0 .9
2,944,251
785, 743
857, 904
328, 528
972,076
2,969,491
773, 689
821,065
349, 703
1,025,034
(0
—1.5
- 4 .3
+ 6 .4
+ 5 .4
230
73
51,449
19, 837
51,039
19,985
0)
+ 0 .7
1,331,939
479,420
1,351,889
503, 250
0)
+ 5 .0
- 0 .5
147
31,612
31,054
-1 .8
852, 519
848, 639
180
46,578
47,632
C1)
820,999
831,301
O
27
153
7,630
38, 946
7,996
39,636
+ 4 .8
+ 1 .8
116,172
704,827
127, 511
703, 790
+ 9 .8
- 0 .1
1,213
203
60
472,215
304, 781
1,564
467,792
301, 798
1,536
C1)
-1 .0
-1 .8
14,390,333
9, 532, 961
33, 752
14,864,025
9,898, 528
33i 871
(!)
+ 3 .8
+ 0 .4
394
26,956
26, 714
- 0 .9
815,951
813, 547
-0 .3
556
138,914
137, 744
-0 .8
4,007, 669
4,118, 079
+ 2 .8
407
91
251,020
23, 528
251,567
24, 549
C1)
+ 4 .3
7,085,008
639, 325
7,334,368
' 693; 972
0)
+ 8 .5
176
39
10
52
39
122, 316
7,650
18,166
52, 902
26,458
123,804
7,849
18, 714
50, 618
26, 033
+ 1 .2
+ 2 .6
+ 3 .0
-4 .3
-1 .6
3,390, 705
237,275
458, 862
1, 620, 076
' 738,765
3, 607, 772
246, 910
471, 611
1, 540; 857
' 773; 246
+ 6 .4
+ 4 .1
+ 2 .8
—4. 9
+ 4 .7
0)
78,890,311
79.761,503
0)
$9,980, 512
23, 633, 758
27,909, 984
4, 013, 762
5,221,170
2,135, 759
1, 863,068
743,904
3,388, 394
$9, 791,222
23, 669, 342
28,706,944
4, 064, 258
5, 282, 560
2,172, 808
1,861, 443
742, 868
3, 470, 058
-1 .9
+ 0 .2
+ 2 .9
+ 1.3
+ 1 .2
+ 1 .7
- 0 .1
- 0 .1
+ 2 .4
78,890,311
79, 761,503
0)
10, 862 3,017,126 i, 002, 549
Recapitulation by Geographic Divisions
GEOGRAPHIC DIVISION
N ew E n g la n d .........................
M iddle A tla n tic ...................
E ast N o rth C entral_______
W est N o rth C en tral........ ..
South A tlan tic____________
E ast South C entral_______
W est South C en tral_______
M o u n tain .................................
Pacific......................................
A ll d iv is io n s ........... ..
1,387
2,545
2, 899
1,043
1,145
514
460
183
686
404, 290
843, 425
974,168
161, 664
282,172
112,673
88, 295
27,473
122, 966
402, 849
841, 739
966, 324
160, 532
281,447
113, 395
86, 801
27, 032
122, 430
10,862 3,017,126 3, 002,549
-0 .4
-0 .2
-0 .8
-0 . 7
- 0 .3
+ 0 .6
-1 .7
-1 .6
- 0 .4
«
1 T he per cent of change has not been com puted for th e reason th a t the figures in the preceding columns
are unw eighted and refer only to th e establishm ents reporting; for the w eighted per cent of change, w herein
proper allowance is m ade for th e relative im portance of th e several industries, so th a t the figures m ay
represent all establishm ents of th e c o u n try in th e industries here represented, see Table 2.
2 Less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1331]
148
MONTHLY LABOE EEYIEW
T able 2 —P E R C E N T S O F C H A N G E , S E P T E M B E R T O O C T O B E R , 1927—12 G R O U P S OF
IN D U S T R IE S A N D T O T A L O F A L L IN D U S T R IE S
[C om puted from th e index num bers of each group, w hich are obtained b y w eighting th e index num bers
of th e several industries of th e group, by th e n um ber of employees or wages paid, in the industries]
Per cent of change,
Septem ber, 1927,
to October, 1927
Per cent of change,
Septem ber, 1927,
to October, 1927
G roup
Food and kindred products__
Textiles a n d th eir p ro d u c ts ...
Iron and steel and th eir prod
u c ts __ . . . ________ _____
L um ber and its p ro d u cts____
Leather and its pro d u cts____
Paper and p rin tin g _________
Chemicals and allied products
Stone, clay, and glass prod
u c ts ............................................
G roup
N um ber
on pay
roll
A m ount
of pay
roll
+ 0 .5
+ 0 .8
+ 0 .4
+ 1 .8
-1 .7
-0 .7
- 2 .1
+ 0 .8
-1 .3
- 0 .4
+ 0 .9
- 6 .2
+ 1 .8
- 0 .2
-1 .7
+ 1 .2
N um ber
on pay
roll
M etal products, other th a n
iron and stee l.____________
Tobacco p ro d u cts___________
Vehicles for land tran sp o rta
tio n ______________________
M iscellaneous in d u strie s.........
A ll in d u s t r ie s .
...............
A m ount
of pay
roll
-1 .1
+ 2 .3
+ 0 .8
+ 1 .0
-1 .0
-0 .7
+ 3 .2
+ 3 .5
-0 .5
+ 1 .2
C o m p a r is o n o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d P a y -r o ll T o t a ls in O c to b e r , 1927, and
O c to b e r , 1926
EM PLOYM ENT in manufacturing industries in October, 1927,
was 5.3 per cent less than in October, 1926, and pay-roll
totals were 7.5 per cent lower in October, 1927, than in October,
1926.
Two of the 12 groups of industries—textiles and tobacco—show
increased employment at the end of this 12-month period, but the
textile group alone shows an increased pay-roll total. The textile
group increases were 1.4 and 2.4 per cent, respectively, in the two
items, and the tobacco group increase in employment was 2.9 per
cent.
The decreases in 7 of the remaining 10 groups were all of con
siderable size in both items. The iron and steel group had fallen
off 10.4 per cent in employment and 15.1 per cent in pay-roll totals;
the vehicle group, 9.1 and 10.6 per cent; the stone, clay, and glass
group, 8.8 and 9.5 per cent; the lumber group, 7.7 and 7.4 per cent;
the chemical group, 7.6 and 6 per cent; the metal, other than iron
and steel, group, 8.4 and 11.5 per cent; and the group of miscel
laneous industries, 6.9 per cent in employment and 8.4 per cent in
pay-roll total. The decreases in the food and paper groups were
moderate in both items, while those in the leather group were 4.4
per cent in employment and 8.8 in pay-roll total.
The pronounced increases in separate industries over this 12month period were in cotton goods, women’s clothing, rubber boots
and shoes, and sugar refining, while the most noticeable decreases
were those in each of the 8 industries comprising the iron and steel
group; in sawmills and mill work; in petroleum refining and ferti
lizers; in brick, pottery, and glass; in stamped ware; in automo
biles, carriages, and steam cars; and in pianos and automobile tires.
The South Atlantic geographic division shows no change in em
ployment between October, 1927, and October, 1926, but 7 of the
remaining 8 divisions show decreased employment ranging from 4.1
to 7.2 per cent. The Pacific division decrease was 1.7 per cent only.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1332]
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
149
Each division shows decided decreases in paj^-roll totals at the end
of this 12-month period, the range being from 1.6 per cent in the
South Atlantic division to 9.7 per cent in the Middle Atlantic
division.
T
able
3 .—C O M P A R IS O N O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D PA Y -R O L L T O T A L S , O C T O B E R , 1927,
W IT H O C T O B E R , 1926
[The per cents of change for each of th e 12 groups of industries a n d for the total of all industries are weighted
in th e same m anner as are th e per cents of change in Table 2]
Per cent of
change, October,
1926, to October,
1927
Per cent of
change, October,
1926, to October,
1927
Industry-
In d u stry
N um ber A m ount
on pay
of pay
roll
roll
F ood a n d k in d red p ro d u c ts.
Slaughtering and meat
packing___ ___________
Confectionery___________
Ice cream____ ___________
F lo u r................. .................
Baking...................................
Sugar refining, cane..........
Textiles a n d th e ir p ro d u c ts
Cotton goods....................
Hosiery and knit goods___
Silk goods..................... ......
Woolen and worsted goods..
Carpets and rugs_________
Dyeing and finishing tex
tiles __________________
Clothing, men’s __________
Shirts and collars.................
Clothing, women’s . ........... .
Millinery and lace goods__
Iro n a n d steel a n d th e ir
p ro d u c ts _________________
Iron and steel____________
Cast-iron pipe...................
Structural ironwork______
Foundry and machine-shop
products____ __________
Hardware...................... ......
Machine tools...................
Steam fittings and steam
and hot-water heating
apparatus..........................
Stoves__________________
L u m b e r a n d its p r o d u e t s ___
-
1.8
1.6
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llie d p r o d
u c t s ........ .........................................
- 3 .5
- 6 .9
- 8 .9
- 0 .7
+ 1 .9
+ 3 .8
C hem icals...............................
Fertilizers________________
Petroleum refining................
-
-3 .6
- 5 .3
-7 .2
- 1 .9
+ 1 .3
+ 8.6
+2.4
+L4
+ 9 .2
+ 2 .9
- 5 .0
- 7 .8
+ 5 .4
+ 0.1
- 3 .1
- 5 .7
-0 .4
-
+ 6.6
+ 0.6
+ 7 .8
+ 5 .5
- 1 0 .4
- 1 5 .1
-1 0 .7
-1 6 . 8
- 9 .7
-1 7 .2
-1 8 .8
-9 .5
-1 0 .4
-7 . 5
-1 1 .4
-1 4 .3
-1 1 .7
-1 3 .2
-5 .3
10.6
-7 .5
-1 4 .8
-7 .7
-7 .4
-
2.0
+ 1.8
- 8 .5
- 8 .4
- 11. 2
- 7 .3
E ast South C en tral............... .......
-1 0 .5
-
11.8
+ 1.1
+ 0.6
-9 .1
-10.6
-0 .9
+ 3 .1
- 8 .4
-1 9 .0
+ 2.0
+ 2 .6
-10.1
-1 0 .5
M is c e lla n e o u s in d u s t r ie s ____
-
11.6
-1 3 .0
6.8
-0 .4
A ll in d u s t r ie s ......................
-5.3
-7 .5
-3 .5
8.8
-4 .8
-0 .5
- 0 .3
+ 2 .9
- 6 .3
-9 . 7
-8 . 8
-5 .9
—1. 6
-5 .7
1 N o change.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
-1 1 .5
-0.6
-
GEO GRA PHIC D IV ISIO N — C O n td .
-4 .4
8 .6
A utom obiles_________ ____
Carriages a n d w agons......... .
C ar building a nd repairing,
electric-railroad..................
C ar building and repairing,
steam -railroad....................
11.8
-
GEO GRA PHIC DIVISION
W est N o rth C en tral.....................
-
+ 2 .9
Recapitulation by Geographic Divisions
- 5 .4
- 7 .1
—6.3
- 4 .1
0
6.6
12.1
- 8 .9
-7 .3
-9 .4
-3 .6
2.6
V e h ic le s fo r la n d t r a n s p o r
t a t i o n ........................................... .
-
- 7 .3
-1 3 .6
+13.9
-1 0 .7
- 9 .3
L eather__________________
Boots a n d shoes......................
-
Chewing and smoking to
bacco an d s n u ff............... .
Cigars and cigarettes......... ..
-9 .5
-
- 7 .4
-9 . 6
+ 9 .3
- 9 .4
-
P ap er a n d p u lp ______
P ap er b o x e s........... .......
Prin tin g , book and job
Prin tin g , n ew spapers..
T o b a c c o p r o d u c t s ___________
10. 0
- 8.2
- 8 .4
-4 .8
-4 .4
1.1
-3 .0
w are.................... .................
Brass, bronze, and copper
p roducts.............................. .
8.8
- 5 .6
-
-
6.0
-6 .9
-6 . 9
-1 1 .3
-4 .4
-
M e ta ! p r o d u c t s , o t h e r t h a n
ir o n a n d s t e e i ______________
S ta m p e d a n d en a m ele d
-7 .7
8.1
-4 .7
C em en t_____ _______ _____
Brick, tile, a nd terra c o tta ..
P o tte r y ....................................
Glass..........................................
-
+ 0 .9
- 9 .6
-1 3 .1
A gricultural im plem ents___
Electrical m achinery, ap
paratu s, a nd supplies____
Pianos a n d organs________
R u b b er boots and shoes___
A utom obile tires__________
Shipbuilding, steel.................
L e a t h e r a n d it s p r o d u c t s ___
-
-7 .6
- 0.6
-1 2 . 5
-1 4 .4
S t o n e , c la y , a n d g la s s p r o d
u c t s ..................................................
+ 0.8
- 1 .9
Lum ber, saw m ills________
Lum ber, m illw ork________
F u rn itu re ____ ______ _____
P a p e r a n d p r in t in g ..........
2.2
+ 3 .4
- 2.0
+ 2.6
- 1.2
N um ber A m ount
on pay of pay
roll
roll
[1333]
-7 .2
-6 .0
-1 . 7
A ll d iv is io n s .........................
-5 .3
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
150
P er C a p ita E a r n in g s
X3ER CAPITA earnings in October, 1927, for the 54 industries
*
combined were 1.7 per cent greater than in September, 1927,
and 2.3 per cent lower than in October, 1926.
Per capita earnings in October, 1927, showed a gain over Septem
ber, 1927, in 39 industries and no change in 1 other industry. The
increases were greatest in shipbuilding (6.4 per cent), hosiery, flour,
electric apparatus, and automobiles (4.9 per cent). The outstand
ing decreases were in fertilizers (7.2 per cent), boots and shoes, and
men’s clothing (3.1 per cent).
T
able
4 —C O M P A R IS O N O F F E R C A P IT A E A R N IN G S O C T O B E R , 1927, W IT H S E P T E M
B E R , 1927, A N D O C T O B E R , 1926
Per cent of
change October,
1927, compared
w ith—
Per cent of
change October,
1927, com pared
w ith —
In d u stry
In d u s try
September,
1927
Shipbuilding, steel______________
H osiery a n d k n it goods...............
F lo u r_________ ________ ________
E lectrical m achinery, ap p aratu s,
and supplies__________________
A utom obiles___________________
Chew ing and smoking tobacco
a n d snuff_____________________
G lass.................................. ................ P o tte ry .,.......... ...................................
Stam ped an d enam eled w are____
S tructural ironw ork..................... .
A gricultural im p lem en ts._______
Shirts an d collars_______________
C ar building a n d repairing, steamra ilro ad ..................... .....................
C hem icals______________________
P aper an d p u lp ________________
Paper boxes____________________
F u rn itu re ______________________
Carriages a n d wagons___________
H ardw are______________________
Stoves___________ ________ j ____
Silk goods_____ . _______________
L um ber, m illw ork—.......... .............
M illinery a n d lace goods________
Iron and steel__________________
L um ber, saw m ills______________
Petroleum refining________ ____ _
Pianos a n d organs______________
Brass, bronze, a n d copper prod
uets_________________________
+6.4
+ 6 .3
+ 5 .2
+ 5 .1
+ 4 .9
+ 4 .7
+ 4 .5
+ 4 .3
+ 4 .2
+ 4 .2
+ 4 .0
+ 3 .9
+ 3 .6
+ 2 .9
+ 2 .9
+ 2 .5
+ 2 .3
+ 2.2
+ 2.2
+ 2.0
+ 1 .7
+
+
Octem ber, tober,
1927
1926
October,
1926
- 2 .8
+ 2.8
+ 1 .4
0)
- 3 .8
- 0 .7
-0 .3
-0 .7
+ 0.6
+ 0.4
+ 0.8
+ 2 .9
- 0 .5
+ 1 .5
—1.9
+2.1
-1.0
+7.2
- 4 .4
-4 .8
-
2.0
1.6
1.6
- 0 .5
+ 4 .6
+ 1 .5
+ 1 .4
+ 1 .4
+ 1 .4
+ 0 .3
+ 1 .3
- 4 .3
+ 1 .3
- 5 .4
-7 .1
Steam fittings and steam and hotwater heating apparatus______
Sugar refining, cane.... .................
Cement____________________
Dyeing and finishing textiles____
Woolen and worsted goods_____
Cotton goods............. ...................
Brick, tile, and terra cotta............
Foundry and machine-shop prod
ucts....... ......... ...........................
Leather__ ______ ____________
Car building and repairing, elec
tric-railroad______ _________
Printing, book and job________
Machine tools_______________
Baking....... ................... ...............
Carpets and rugs....... .................
Printing, newspapers_____ ____
Rubber boots and shoes________
Ice cream. _________________
Slaughtering and meat packing...
Automobile tires_____ ____ ___
Clothing, women’s........................
C onfectionery______ _________
Cigars and cigarettes__________
Cast-iron pipe__ ___ ________
Clothing, men’s______ ____ ___
Boots and shoes.... ................... .
Fertilizers:......... ............................
+ 1.2
- 2 .4
- 4 .3
+
+ 1.1
+ 1.1
- 1.1
+ 0.6
- 2.1
+ 0 .9
+ 3 .7
+ 1.2
1.1
+ 0.8
-
+ 0.8
+ 0.8
- 4 .4
- 4 .0
+ 0. 6
+ 0 .5
C1)
-0.1
- 0. 1
-0.2
-0.2
-0 . 5
-0 .5
-
0.6
-0 . 7
- 1 .3
-1 . 9
-2 .7
- 3 .1
- 6 .3
- 7 .2
2.2
+ 0.6
+ 1. 8
-
2.0
+ 0 .7
1.6
+ 1.0
-
+ 4 .2
- 1 .9
+ 0.1
- 1 .4
+ 0 .9
-1 .7
-3 .7
-
2.2
0.6
- 5 .0
+ 3 .3
1No change.
Wage Changes
'T H IR T Y -O N E establishments in 18 industries reported increases
A in wage rates during the month ended October 15, 1927. These
increases averaged 6.2 per cent and affected 1,014 employees, or 27
per cent of the total employees in the establishments concerned.
Five establishments in five different industries reported wage-rate
decreases during the same period. The decreases averaged 10.1
per cent and affected 7,565 employees, or 95 per cent of all employees
in the establishments concerned. One of these five decreases is not
noted in the table below as it was the only one reported in one of
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 3 4 ]
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
151
the smaller industries and it might have identified the reporting
establishment.
T able 5.—W A G E A D JU S T M E N T S O C C U R R IN G B E T W E E N
Establishm ents
In d u stry
N um ber
Total reporting
num ber increase
or
report
decrease
ing
in wage
rates
Per cent of increase
or decrease in
wage rates
Range
S E P T E M B E R 15 A N D OC.
Em ployees affected
P er cent of employees
T otal
num ber
Average
In estab
lishm ents
In all
reporting
increase or establish
m
ents
decrease
reporting
in wage
rates
Increases
Slaughtering and m eat packing.
C onfectionery.........................
F lour_____ _____ ______ ______
C otton goods_________________
S tructural ironw ork__________
F o u n d ry and m achine-shop
products_________ __________
Steam fittings and steam and
hot-w ater heating a p p aratu s.
S to v e s.._____________________
Lum ber, saw m ills............ ............
F u rn itu re _______ ____ ________
L eath er_________ ____ _______ "
Paper and p u lp _______________
Printing, book and jo b ________
Printing, new spapers_________
Chem icals__________ ___ _____
Brick, tile, and terra c o tta _____
Glass...... ...........................................
A utom obiles_________________
Electrical m achinery, ap p ara
tus, and s u p p lie s ..................
Autom obile tires...................
196
305
329
460
160
1
2
1
1
1
10.0
4. 6-10. 0
4.0-11.0
13.6
5.0
10.0
7.2
4.6
13.6
5.0
34
21
283
27
20
100
7
71
6
27
(i)
(i)
(l)
0)
966
2
6. 3-10. 0
7.6
44
64
0
113
90
479
423
124
216
307
208
123
398
115
203
1
1
1
2
1
1
3
3
2
1
1
3
10.0
5.7
9.5
5.0-11. 0
6.5
7.0
1. 0-20. 0
1. 0- 7. 0
5.0-10. 0
10.0
1.0
5. 0-10. 0
10.0
5.7
9.5
9.7
6.5
7.0
5.0
3.6
8.6
10.0
1.0
8.1
5
9
21
18
83
47
32
48
122
10
80
80
15
14
10
7
29
100
10
12
6
12
33
7
0)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
0)
(1)
(I)
(!)
0)
(1)
0
176
52
2
1
5. 0- 9. 0
5.0
5.7
5.0
18
12
5
5
(1)
0
2
Decreases
C onfectionery________________
F oundry and machine-shop
products___________________
F u r n itu r e ....................... ..............
Glass___________________
305
1
11.0
11.0
25
27
0
966
423
115
1
1
1
5.0
15.0
7.5
5.0
15.0
7.5
10
155
75
63
88
38
0
0
0
1 Less th a n one-half of 1 per cent.
indexes of E m p lo ym en t and P ay-roll T otals in M a n u factu rin g Industries
JNDEX numbers for October, 1927, and for August and September,
1927, and October, 1926, showing relatively the variation in
number of persons employed and in pay-roll totals in each of the 54
industries surveyed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, together with
general indexes for the combined 12 groups of industries, appear in
i able 6.
The general index of employment for October, 1927, is 87.6, this
number being 0.5 per cent lower than the index for September, 1927,
0.2 per cent higher than the index for August, 1927, and 5.3 per cent
lower than the index for October, 1926. The general index of pay
roll totals for October, 1927, is 91.2, this number being 1.2 per cent
higher than the index for September, 1927, 0.2 per cent higher than
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1335]
152
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
the index for August, 1927, and 7.5 per cent lower than the index
for October, 1926.
T
6 .—IN D E X E S O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U F A C T U R IN G
IN D U S T R IE S —O C T O B E R , 1926, A N D A U G U ST , S E P T E M B E R , A N D O C T O B E R , 1927
able
[M onthly average, 1923=100]
E m ploym ent
1926
1927
1926
In d u stry
Pay-roll totals
Octo A ugust Sep
tem ber
ber
Octo
ber
1927
Octo A ugust Sep
tem ber
ber
Octo
ber
92.5
87.4
88.0
87.6
98.0
91.0
90. 1
91.2
94. 3
82.6
103.0
93.4
93.0
104.2
88.3
89. 1
80.2
77.9
104. 2
88. 6
102.1
98.7
92. 1
80. 1
93. 1
95. 7
90.9
104.7
95.1
92. 6
79. 6
97. 5
86. 7
91.2
105.6
95.9
97.9
85.9
112. 2
103.2
98.4
108.7
93.7
93. 7
83.7
85.6
111.9
90. 5
107.4
100.2
95. 9
83.8
101.1
104.4
92. 5
110.1
95.2
96.3
82.9
104.5
94.0
97.7
110.8
97.3
86.4
83.4
98.0
100. 3
84. 6
94.4
97. 6
84. 1
82.8
78.9
66.6
85.3
86.6
92.6
97.7
78.1
94.3
96. 5
84.8
76. 5
76.8
66.8
86.9
87. 5
96. 5
98. 1
78.9
94. 2
98.3
83.9
79.0
80.8
70.0
87.6
87.9
98. 1
97.2
79.8
94.0
100.1
83.1
81.2
84.1
67.0
88.1
81.8
113.7
110.8
87.2
92. 5
102. 8
76.9
85. 1
83.8
69.3
86.5
86.8
104.7
104.7
77.6
93.2
98.6
81.0
78.9
79.3
69.8
88.6
88.1
108.3
104.5
78.6
90.8
103.3
78.6
80.4
87.3
75.2
90.2
89.3
117.0
105.3
80.4
90.5
106.3
75.4
85.8
90.3
73.1
92.2
98.1
106. 7
103.1
84.4
89.3
95. 6
97.1
84. 0
88.7
91. 5
96.0
82.6
87.6
88.8
93. 1
99.4
106. 6
107.4
112.4
87.1
90. 5
97.4
108.0
84.7
88. 2
92. 5
100.7
84.4
88.3
87.2
101.7
86.4
86.2
103.7
80.8
76.8
82. 6
79.0
80.3
92.1
77.4
79.7
91.9
90. 5
98.2
116.3
82.2
83.1
91.2
78.5
85. 5
101.3
77.6
86.7
101.0
95.8
91.8
91.5
76.9
93.0
80.6
90.7
82. 1
103.1
98.7
97.6
78.5
96.7
CO. 9
95.4
84.1
91.5
86.8
97.1
104.3
84.5
80.9
89.4
94.1
85. Í
81.2
87.7
97.1
84.5
79.8
86. 1
99. 7
102.0
97.5
105. 5
115.1
92.5
88.7
97.8
102.3
93.7
90.3
93.3
105.7
94.5
90.0
93.1
111.1
L e a th e r a n d it s p r o d u c t s ________
93.5
92.1
94.0
91.0
88.6
91.8
91.3
89. 2
92.0
89.4
88.8
89.6
93. 0
96.0
92.6
93.3
90.4
94.4
91.0
88.8
91.9
85.4
89.0
83.9
P a p e r a n d p r i n t i n g ......... ...................
185.4
96.2
105. 6
105.0
114.3
102.4
93.2
96.3
102.9
113.5
103.4
93.3
99. 6
104.0
114.0
104.2
93. 3
302. 9
102. 9
116.4
114.2
104. 5
118. 2
114. 7
121.8
110.6
98.0
107. 2
113.9
120.2
111.7
96.7
110.8
114.9
122.9
113.7
99.5
117.6
114.3
125.3
109.2
96. 9
104.9
102.7
90.0
93.3
71.7
93.5
93.8
95.3
95.2
91.1
92.6
90.3
91. 8
87.9
104.0
107. 9
109.5
99.7
96.4
104. 2
83. 8
91. 5
98.5
104.6
110.7
88.5
98.3
108.9
99.0
86.6
102.4
95.3
103.1
107.4
102.0
94.8
93.2
100.9
94.8
89.4
95.0
92.4
97.8
96.7
92.5
93.4
90.0
92.8
98.6
93.3
111.2
102. 9
109. 5
121.9
112.2
100.7
99. 1
105. 6
103.2
96.2
99.4
97. 5
100.6
104.4
97.3
100.6
96.1
96.3
111.1
102.5
96.0
93.9
90.0
88.9
82.9
87.9
83.4
98.0
92.4
88.3
82.1
86.0
82.5
78.8
86.7
82.7
97.0
93.4
91.6
89.9
100.0
90. 6
88.7
88.2
G e n e r a l in d e x
..........................
F o o d a n d k in d r e d p r o d u c t s ______
Slaughtering and m eat packing. __
Confectionery....................................
Ice cream _____________________
F lo u r____ _____ _______________
B aking________________________
Sugar refining, can e........ ...............
T e x tile s a n d t h e ir p r o d u c t s _______
C otton goods__________________
H osiery a n d k n it goods_________
Silk g oods.....................................
W oolen a n d w orsted g o ods...........
C arnets a n d rugs_______ _______
D yeing a n d finishing textiles____
Clothing, m en’s________________
Shirts a n d collars_______________
C lothing, w om en’s . ____________
M illinery a n d lace goods................
ir o n a n d s te e l a n d t h e ir p r o d u c t s .
Iron and steel............................ .......
Cast-iron pipe.......................... .........
S tru ctu ral ironw ork...... ..................
F o u n d ry a n d m achine-shop prod
u cts............................ ................. .
H ardw are_____________________
M achine tools__________________
Steam fittings an d steam and
hot-w ater heating ap p aratu s___
Stoves ...............................
L u m b e r a n d it s p r o d u c t s ................
Lum ber, saw m ills............. ..............
Lum ber, m illw ork_____________
F u rn itu re .......................................
L eath er___ ______ _____________
Boots a n d shoes..............................
PaDer a n d p u lp _______________
Paper boxes__________ _________
Printing, book a n d jo b _________
Prin tin g , new spapers......................
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llie d p r o d u c t s ___
Chem icals__________ ____ ______
Fertilizers_____________________
Petroleum refining........................
S t o n e , c la y , a n d sriass p r o d u c t s . . .
C em en t_______________________
Brick, tile, a n d terra c o tta ...........
P o tte ry . _. ..................... ..................
G lass.................. ................................
M e t a l p r o d u c t s , o th e r t h a n Iron
a n d s te e l . . __________ ________
Stam ped a n d enam eled w are____
Brass, bronze, an d copper prod
u cts_________________________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1336]
153
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
T able 6 .—IN D E X E S O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U F A C T U R
IN G IN D U S T R IE S —O C T O B E R , 1926, A N D A U G U ST , S E P T E M B E R , A N D O C T O B E R ,
1927—C o n tin u ed
E m ploym ent
1927
1926
In d u stry
Octo A ugust Sep
tem ber
ber
T o b a c c o p r o d u c t s ...................................
Chew ing and smoking tobacco
and sn u ff.........................................
Cigars a n d cig arettes......................
V e h ic le s fo r S an d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n ..
A utom obiles___________ _____ _
Carriages a n d wagons _________
C ar building and repairing, elec
tric-railroad _________ _______
C ar building a n d repairing,
steam -railroad______ ____ ____
M is c e lla n e o u s in d u s t r i e s ...................
A gricultural im p lem en ts________
Electrical m achinery, apparatus,
and su p p lies...................... .............
Pianos and organs............................
R u b b er boots and shoes________
A utom obile tires ______________
Shipbuilding, steel_______ _____
Pay-roll totals
1926
Octo
ber
1927
Octo A ugust Sep
tem ber
ber
Octo
ber
87.3
78.5
87.8
89.8
82.9
80.8
91.4
92.3
94.7
86.3
91.1
76.9
91.3
87.4
95.7
89.0
101.6
91.9
95.3
79.1
93.1
91.2
102.2
91.1
89.0
103.9
92.3
83.0
99.1
72. 5
81.7
96.2
76.2
80.9
95.2
74.8
94.2
111.0
93.7
85.8
100.1
78.8
81.6
94. 5
81.2
84.2
98.1
81.5
88.2
90.8
90.8
90.0
88.9
92.3
91.5
91.2
79.4
72.6
72.0
71.4
83.7
76.5
72.8
74.9
97.5
93.1
92.6
86.6
91.4
84.0
90.8
87.6
105. 3
103.4
96.6
99.0
93.2
90.7
96.5
98.4
102.7
97.1
84.2
112. 7
91. 1
92.4
83.8
80.7
110. 4
89.3
93.9
95. 1
87.8
92.0
102. 1
84.9
108.3
115. 7
92.3
116.8
101.0
97.7
89.2
91.3
114.0
91.4
94.3
96.0
102.3
109.7
87.5
100.4
100.0
105.1
104.3
91.6
85.5
89.4
106. 7
86.3
Table 7 shows the general index of employment in manufacturing
industries and the general index of pay-roll totals from January,
1923, to October, 1927.
Following Table 7 is a graph made from index numbers, showing
clearly the course of employment for each month of 1926 and for
each completed month of 1927. This chart makes possible a com
parison between corresponding months of the two years, and repre
sents the 54 separate industries combined, showing the course of
pay-roll totals as well as the course of employment.
T able 7
—
G E N E R A L IN D E X E S O F E M P L O Y M E N T A N D P A Y -R O L L T O T A L S IN M A N U
F A C T U R IN G IN D U S T R IE S JA N U A R Y , 1923, TO O C T O B E R , 1927
[M onthly average, 1923=100]
Pay-roll totals
E m ploym ent
M o n th
1923
J a n u a ry .....................
F e b ru a ry __________
M arch ____________
A pril____ _________
M a y _______ _____ _
J u l y .. .. .......................
A ugust........................
Septem ber________
O ctober___________
D ecem ber............... .
A v erag e_____
1924
1925
1926
1927
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
98.0
99.6
101.8
101.8
101.8
101. 9
100.4
99. 7
99.8
99.3
98. 7
96.9
95.4
96.6
96.4
94.5
90.8
87.9
84.8
85.0
86. 7
87.9
87. 8
89.4
90.0
91.6
92.3
92.1
90.9
90. 1
89. 3
89.9
90.9
92. 3
92. 5
92. 6
92.3
03.3
93. 7
92.8
91.7
91. 3
89.8
90. 7
92.2
92. 5
91. 4
90.9
89.4
91.0
91.4
90. 6
89.7
89.1
87.3
87.4
88.0
87.6
91.8
95.2
100.3
101.3
104.8
104. 7
99.9
99.3
100.0
102. 3
101. 0
98.9
94. 5
99.4
99.0
96.9
92. 4
87.0
80.8
83.5
86.0
88. 5
87. 6
91. 7
90.0
95. 1
96.6
94.2
94.4
91. 7
89.6
91.4
90.4
96. 2
96. 2
97.3
93.9
97.9
99.1
97.2
95.6
95.5
91.2
94. 6
95. 1
98. 6
95. 4
95.6
90.9
96.4
97.7
96.6
95.6
93.3
89.1
91.0
90.1
91.2
1C0.0
90.3
91.2
91.9
i 89.2
100.0
90.6
93.6
95,8
1 93.2
1 Average for 10 m onths.
72923°—2711
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1337]
154
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
MANUFACTURING
INDUSTRIES.
MONTHLY INDEXES MONTHLY AVERAGE.
1926& 1927.
192.9 = 1 0 0 .
EMPLOYMENT
100
95
90
05
PA Y-R O LL
*
192 s r
/s
TOTALS.
A
\
v \
1/
' i
V
/\$ v \
100
----v
.
\
\N
\/
V
v>
\
/
J
/
/
v. - ---- y~ 95
\
\
90
ft
J A N . FEB . MAR. APR. MAY J U N . ÜUL.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1338]
AUG. SEP.
OCT.
NOV.
DEC.
85
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
155
P r o p o r tio n o f T im e W o rk ed a n d F o rc e E m p lo y e d in M a n u fa c tu r in g
I n d u s tr ie s in O c to b e r , 1927
O EPO R T S from 9,092 establishments in October, 1927, show that
A^ less than one-half of 1 per cent of these establishments were idle, 81
per cent were operating on a full-time schedule, and 19 per cent on
a part-time schedule; 40 per cent had a full normal force of employees,
and 60 per cent were operating with reduced forces.
The establishments in operation were employing an average of 88
per cent of a normal full force of employees and were operating an
average of 97 per cent of full time. These percentages indicate a
drop of 1 per cent in average force employed, with no change in aver
age operating time.
T
able
8 .—E S T A B L IS H M E N T S W O R K IN G F U L L A N D P A R T T IM E A N D E M P L O Y IN G
F U L L A N D P A R T W O R K IN G F O R C E IN O C T O B E R , 1927
E stablish
m ents re
porting—
In d u stry
T otal Per
n u m cent
ber
idle
F o o d a n d k in d r e d p r o d u c t s __________
1,433
156
232
Ice cream ___________ ______ _______
170
F l o u r _____ ______________________
284
B aking........................ ............................
586
11
Sugar refining, cane_______________
Slaughtering a n d m eat p a ck in g ..........
T e x tile s a n d tli e ir p r o d u c t s _____ ____ _ 1,444
C otton goods______________________
H osiery a n d k n it goods_____________
Silk g o o d s .___________ _____ _____
Wooíen and w orsted goods_________
C arpets and rugs. ________________
D yeing and finishing textiles_______
Clothing, m en’s........ ............................ .
Shirts a n d collars ...................................
C lothing, w om en’s ...... ................ ..........
M illinery and lace goods........ ..............
421
180
158
168
20
85
167
59
142
44
13
11
10
4
20
11
27
98
99
99
99
94
98
91
51
47
32
6
60
70
27
48
53
68
94
39
30
72;
84
91
81
77
84
80
76
85
90
80
84
15
8
17
23
15
20
24
14
10
20
16
98
100
97
97
98
95
98
97
98
97
97
47
67
56
44
38
40
41
48
47
28
34
53
43
42
56
61
60
59
51
53
72
66
88
84
91
92
93
84
80
64
67
45
84
61
40
69
36
28
52
16
39
60
31
94
94
85
98
93
91
95
22
18
21
36
16
11
18
77
77
76
64
84
89
82
83
79
84
84
81
83
81
67
67
33
33
94
94
42
58
58
42
91
95
85
88
80
83
15
11
20
17
98
97
98
98
35
33
23
45
64
66
77
55
87
85
79
93
81
18
88
78
12
22
97
98
96
43
29
50
57
71
49
92
87
95
(!)
2
91
86
88
91
100
8
12
12
9
99
97
99
99
100
61
51
53
58
85
39
48
47
42
15
96
95
96
96
100
1
83
95
71
98
17
5
28
2
98
99
98
100
27
45
14
40
72
55
85
60
74
91
61
83
1
(ri
(>)
(>)
2
1
1
1
5
3
1, 545
156
33
136
F ou n d ry and m achine-shop products.
849
57
M achine tools___. . . ______________
133
Steam fittings a n d steam and hotw ater heating ap p aratu s . ______
98
83
Iron a n d steel_____________ ________
Cast-iron pipe_____________________
Lum ber, saw m ills.______ __________
L e a th e r a n d i t s p r o d u c t s ___________
Boots and shoes__________ _________
P a p e r a n d p r i n t i n g __________ _____ _
Paper and p u lp ____________________
Printing, book and jo b ................. .........
C h e m ic a ls a n d a llie d p r o d u c t s _______
Fertilizers________________________
Petroleum re fin in g ...................... .........
972
408
207
357
0)
308
0)
111
197
755
172
158
271
154
315
103
170
42
1
1
1
1 Less th an one-tenth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Average
per cent
of norm al
full force
employed
b y estab
lishm ents
operating
88
89
90
95
80
89
73
«
I r o n a n d ste e ! a n d t h e ir p r o d u c t s ___
L u m b e r a n d it s p r o d u e t s _____________
Per cent of
Per cent of
establish Average
establish
m ents oper per cent m ents operat
of full
ating—
ing w ith—
tim e
operated
b y estab F u ll
P a rt
Full P a rt lishm ents
tim e tim e operating normal normal
force force
[1339]
92
92
69
96
98
92
93
156
MONTHLY LABOR KEVIEW
T able 8 .—E S T A B L IS H M E N T S W O R K IN G P U L L A N D P A R T T IM E A N D E M P L O Y IN G
F U L L A N D P A R T W O R K IN G F O R C E IN O C T O B E R , 1927—C ontinued
E stab lish
m ents re
porting—
In d u stry
T otal Per
n u m cent
ber
idle
S to n e , clay , a n d g lass p r o d u c ts ______
Brick, tile, a n d terra co tta..................
M e ta ! p r o d u c ts , o th e r t h a n Iro n a n d
steel
____ _ _
Stam ped and enam eled ware
_____
Brass, bronze, an d copper p ro d u cts. .
T o b a c c o p r o d u c ts _________ _________
Chew ing and smoking tobacco and
snuff____________________________
563
2
77
338
55
93
3
Per cent of
Per cent of
establish Average
establish
m ents oper per cent m ents operat
of full
ating—
ing w ith—
tim e
operated
b y estab
P a rt
Full P a rt lishm ents Full
normal
tim e tim e operating norma!
force force
81
97
76
64
95
1s t
73
60
131
83
66
3
21
36
5
99
96
94
99
30
30
27
38
35
28
17
34
95
98
94
35
21
65
79
17
97
25
68
70
70
62
65
75
Average
per cent
of normal
full force
employed
b y estab
lishm ents
operating
85
90
82
89
89
84
87
83
123
79
21
97
52
48
95
24
99
75
80
25
20
96
97
46
54
54
46
94
95
85
60
81
15
39
19
98
95
98
41
32
23
59
67
77
89
80
79
V ehicles fo r l a n d t r a n s p o r t a t i o n ____ 1,090
A utom obiles................................ ............
149
Carriages and w agons______________
67
C ar building and”repairing, electricrailro ad . ______________________
358
C ar building and repairing, steamrailro ad ...................................... .............
526
(>)
89
11
99
61
39
96
(>)
89
u
99
32
68
88
M isc e lla n e o u s I n d u s tr ie s ____________
A gricultural im p lem en ts___________
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, and
(>)
71
70
29
28
96
97
32
23
68
75
83
77
68
77
70
64
91
32
23
30
36
9
95
98
96
94
99
35
42
80
26
23
81
19
97
40
Shipbuilding, steel_____ ____ _______
347
81
1
1
143
31
10
47
35
AO I n d u s t r i e s .. . ................................ 9,092
«
65
88
87
58
20
104
74
77
78
72
60
83
1Less than one-half of 1 per cent.
Employment and Total Earnings of Railroad Employees, Sep
tember, 1926, and August and September, 1927
HE number of employees on the 15th of September, 1927, and
the total earnings of employees in the entire month of Sep
tember, 1927, on Class I Railroads of the United States, are
shown in the table following, together with similar information for
August, 1927, and September, 1926. The data are presented for all
occupations combined, excluding executives and officials, and also
for the 6 general groups of occupations; under each group data are
shown separately for a few of the more important occupations.
Class I Railroads are roads having operating revenues of $1,000,000
a year and over.
T
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1340]
157
UNEMPLOYMENT IN CUBAN TOWNS
E M P L O Y M E N T A N D T O T A L M O N T H L Y E A R N IN G S O F R A IL R O A D E M P L O Y E E S S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D A U G U S T A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
[From m o n th ly reports of In terstate Commerce Commission. As d ata for only the more im portant
occupations are shown separately, the group totals are not th e sum of th e item s under the respective
groups]
N um ber of employees at
m iddle of m onth
1926
Occupation
T otal earnings
1927
1926
1927
Septem
ber
A ugust
287, 373
168,840
25,587
280,926
162,806
25,248
279, 745 $39, 323,387 840, 487,030
162, 016 21, 859, 841 22, 335, 860
3, 243, 792
3,135,996
25, 083
$39,585,009
21, 714, 252
3,170,307
458, 067
470,563
454,129
42, 222, 412
45, 287, 945
41, 487, 986
79,908
89,033
80, 626
6, 376, 616
7,444, 254
6, 260, 893
233,986
240,289
233, 990
17, 212, 062
18, 652, 275
16,859, 456
517, 578
113,893
60,332
113,916
482, 397
103, 762
57,490
106,338
480, 999
103, 790
57, 836
105, 944
66, 904, 496
16, 568, 659
9,434,917
12,441, 902
65, 683, 390
16,159, 743
9, 340, 734
12, 270, 224
62, 816, 643
15, 358, 527
9, 006, 795
11, 684, 688
42,451
40,464
40, 369
3,964,312
3,936,442
3,799, 321
60,401
55, 258
54,472
4, 831,185
4, 679, 392
4, 360, 541
2Î3, 434
30, 683
205,428
30,413
207, 191
30, 327
26, 007, 290
4, 748, 683
26,191, 8S0
4, 895, 650
25, 703, 568
4, 757, 548
P r o fe s s io n a l, c lerica l, a n d g e n e r a l.
C le rk s.. _________ __________
Stenographers and ty p ists.............
M a in t e n a n c e o f w a y a n d s t r u c t o r e s _____________________________
Laborers, extra gang a n d work
tra in ________________________
Laborers, track a n d roadw ay
section................................. ...........
M a in t e n a n c e o f e q u i p m e n t a n d
s to r e s ___ ________________________
C arm en.
___________________
M achinists_______________ ____ _
Skilled trades helpers_ ...............
Laborers (shops, engine houses,
power plants, a n d stores)_____
C om m on laborers (shops, engine
houses, power plants, and
stores) __________ ______ ___
T r a n s p o r t a tio n , o th e r t h a n tr a in ,
e n g in e , a n d y a r d ______________
Station agents_________________
Telegraphers, te le p h o n es, and
tow erm en____________________
Truckers (stations, warehouses,
a n d platforms) ______________
Crossing and bridge flagmen and
gatem en...........................................
Septem
ber
Septem
ber
Septem
ber
August
25, 649
24,407
24, 464
3, 806,981
3, 814, 018
3,712, 754
40, 216
35,680
37, 821
3, 727,479
3, 549, 740
3, 635, 708
22,419
22,006
21, 921
1, 688, 994
1,703,711
1, 689,082
24, 204
337, 648
38, 430
77, 568
55, 537
45, 808
47, 031
23, 086
316, 710
36,401
72,090
51, 739
43, 323
44,217
23,146
325. 550
37, 080
74,141
53, 545
44, 402
45, 386
4, 498, 230
67, 776, 932
9,162, 016
13, 707, 381
9, 530, 748
12, 362, 969
9,188,065
4, 580, 906
87, 201, 663
9,130, 376
13, 394, 436
9, 675, 523
12, 075, 398
9, 074, 009
4, 451, 053
67, 050,110
9, 076, 401
13, 436, 554
9, 668, 729
12,062,898
9, 048, 616
Ail o c c u p a t io n s _____________ Í, 838, 304 1, 779,140 1, 770, 760 246, 732, 747 249, 435, 324
241,094,349
T r a n s p o r t a tio n
(y a r d m a s te r s ,
s w it c h te n d e r s , a n d h o s t le r s ) ..
T r a n s p o r t a tio n , tr a in a n d e n g in e .
R oad conductors_________ ____ _
R oad brakem en a n d flagmen____
Y ard brakem en and yard helpers.
R oad engineers a n d m otorm en__
R oad firem en and helpers_______
Unemployment in Cuban Towns
HE following statement of the number of unemployed persons
in various Cuban towns was included in a report from American
vice consul, William B. Murray, at Habana, dated September
17, 1927, and is said to be a conservative estimate obtained from
persons with a knowledge of existing conditions :
T
N U M B E R O F U N E M P L O Y E D IN S P E C IF IE D C U B A N T O W N S
Tow n
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Popula
tion
U nem
ployed
13, 679
2,608
2,194
2,019
2, 911
6,545
400
150
100
100
100
140
Tow n
San A ntonio__________ _____
C andelaria....................................
[1341]
Popula
tion
10, 645
1,830
6,147
4, 875
4,472
3,092
U nem
ployed
300
30
250
100
200
100
158
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
While the number of unemployed in the Provinces of Havana and
Pinar del Rio is much larger this year, in the rural districts there are
fewer unemployed since the farm work occupies a greater part of the
people. Daily wages vary from 70 cents to $1.50 for skilled work.
S tate Reports on E m ploym ent
California
HE following data, taken from the October, 1927, issue of the
Labor Market Bulletin, issued by the State department of
industrial relations, show changes in number of employees
and in amount of weekly pay roll of 792 industrial establishments
in California from September, 1926, to September, 1927:
T
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OF
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 792 C A L IF O R N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S B E T W E E N S E P T E M
B E R , 1926, A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
Em ployees
N um ber
Per cent
Per cent
of estab
of change
of change
lish m en ts N u m ber as com A m ount as com
in Sep
in Sep
re p o rtin g tem
pared
pared
ber, w ith
ber,
Sep tem
w ith Sep
1927
1927
tem ber,
tem ber,
1926
1926
In d u stry
Stone, clay, and glass products:
M iscellaneous stone and m ineral p ro d u c ts ...
Lim e, cem ent, plaster ________
Brick, tile, p o tte ry . _______
Glass________ ______ _ .
T o tal_____________________
M etals, m achinery, and conveyances:
A gricultural im p lem en ts___ _________
Automobiles, including bodies and p arts
Brass, bronze, and copper pro d u cts________
Engines, pum ps, boilers, and tan k s .................
Iron and steel forging, bolts, n u ts, etc__
S tru ctu ral and ornam ental steel. .
Ship and boat building and naval repairs
_________
T in c a n s ...
O ther iron foundry a n d m achine-shop p ro d u c ts..
O ther sheet-m etal p ro d u cts____
Cars, locomotives, and railw ay repair shops
T o tal________________ _____
12
7
23
9
1,612
1,720
3,152
871
+14.0
-1 3 .4
+15.8
+ 8 .2
51
7,355
+ 6 .2
6
15
10
10
7
21
6
7
71
21
18
1,467
1,981
1,439
1,031
2,199
4,455
5,264
2,011
6, 813
1,463
7, 590
+31.7
13,399
10, 444
4,925
+ 5 .8
0
+ 9 .8
401,756
311, 582
+ 2.6
5
7
923
465
2,442
-1 0 . 2
-1 7 .8
10, 550
-1 3 .5
20
3,830
-1 1 .0
-1 3 .6
- 5 .9
- 1 .3
-3 3 .1
-1 4 .2
- 2 .7
$53, 223
+15.9
+214
+8.1
+ 7.7
42, 481
63,117
41, 774
31, 814
69, 633
142, 277
189,310
58, 557
205, 037
43, 065
235, 732
+40.0
-3 ! 4
- 7 .1
-1 1 .2
+ 1.2
+16.1
- 9 .1
-1 1 .4
+5.1
192
W ood m anufactures:
Sawmills and logging..
Planing mills, sash and door factories, etc
O ther wood m anufactures____ _
24
59
43
T o tal...........................................
126
L eather and ru b b e r goods:
T an n in g __________
Finished leather products _.
R u b b er p ro d u cts.............................
T o tal................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
W eekly p ay roll
[1342]
STATE REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT— CALIFOENIA
159
P E R C E N T O P C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O P E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OF
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 792 C A L IF O R N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S B E T W E E N S E P T E M
B E R , 1926, A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927—C ontinued
Em ployees
W eekly p ay roll
N um ber
P er cent
Per cent
of estab
ber of change A m ount of change
lishm ents Ninum
as
com
as com
in Sep
re p o rtin g temSep
pared
pared
ber, w ith
tem ber, w ith
Sep
Sep
1927
1927
tem ber,
tem ber,
1926
1926
In d u stry
Chemicals, oils, paints, e tc .:
Explosives . . . ........ ....................
M ineral oil refining. __________ _
P aints, dyes, and c o lo rs ________
M iscellaneous chemical products ..........
4
7
8
14
503
10, 246
687
1,915
-1 .9
-2 0 .8
-. 1
-1 6 .3
$15, 252
408,173
16, 529
49, 263
-0 .5
-12.1
-5 . 2
-15. 5
33
13,351
-1 8 .7
489, 217
-1 1 .9
14
61
17
10
2, 204
2, 386
3,862
1,190
+ 4 .2
- 3 .1
- .4
- 1 .7
58, 489
84, 593
147,319
29, 802
+14.7
—5. 2
+ 1.7
+ 6.8
102
9,642
-.2
320, 203
+2.3
12
6
1,074
1,616
- 2 .0
- 2 .2
24, 358
36, 015
+6. 8
+ 3.6
T o tal_______ ____ ___ _________
18
2,690
- 2 .1
60, 373
+ 4.8
C lothing, m illinery, and laundering:
M en ’s clothing___
W om en’s clothing________
M illinery . .
Laundering, cleaning, and dyeing______
26
10
19
2,899
1,030
792
3,226
-3 .9
+14.4
+10. 5
+ 5 .4
59, 900
2L 210
14, 448
72, 268
—7 9
+14.1
+ 1 .0
+ 4.7
62
7,947
+ 3 .2
167, 826
+ .5
35
6
27
5
19
5
15
5
2
11
13
14
13
27, 242
1,316
2,124
576
3,408
3,548
2,715
988
153
2,731
1,109
1,153
1,242
+10.6
+36.8
+■ 8
+ 3 .2
- 1 .5
- 4 .3
+ 2 .8
-2 .0
-1 8 .2
+ .6
-1 3 .6
-3 . 2
- 8 .9
626,165
21,837
58, 490
15, 546
92,310
99, 844
80, 971
16,853
5,934
86,131
30,493
38, 841
24,576
+12.9
+ 9 .6
+15. 5
+25. 2
170
48, 305
5
13
7,667
2,111
792
167,379
T o tal____________ _________
P rin tin g and paper goods:
P ap er boxes, bags, cartons, etc ..........
P r in tin g ______ ______
Publishing ___ ______
O ther paper p ro d u c ts.......................................
T o tal____________
Textiles:
K n it goods............ ...................
O ther textile p ro d u cts............
7
T o ta l....................................
Foods, beverages, and tobacco:
Canning, preserving of fruits and vegetables____
C anning, packing of fish _ _______
Confectionery and ice cream ______
Groceries, no t elsewhere specified..
B read and b akery products_________
Sugar________ _____
Slaughtering and m eat p r o d u c t s .. ___
Cigars and other tobacco pro d u cts____
Beverages__ _________
D airy p ro d u cts_____________
F lour and grist m ills__________
Ice m a n u f a c tu r e s ..____
O ther food p ro d u cts______
T o tal_________________
W ater, light, and p o w e r.. _
M iscellaneous__________ _
G rand total, all in d u stries__
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1343]
+ 5 .4 1,197,991
—14.0
- 6 .1
' -.7
+ 3 .7
+ 4 .7
—2.1
—22. 9
+1. 4
—12. 7
—1. 1
-1 1 .7
+ 7.4
231,101
59,312
—12 0
+ 6.8
- 2 .9 4, 841, 535
+ .2
160
MONTHLY LABOK REVIEW
Illinois
■"THE September, 1927, issue of the Labor Bulletin, published by
1 the Illinois Department of Labor, contains the following sta
tistics showing the changes in employment and earnings in Illinois
factories in August, 1927, as compared with July, 1927:
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S IN IL L IN O IS F A C T O R IE S F R O M JU L Y
TO A U G U S T , 1927
P er cent of change from Ju ly to A ugust, 1927
In d u s try
E m ploym ent
M ales
Stone, clay, and glass products:
M iscellaneous stone and m ineral pro d u cts..
Lim e, cem ent, and p laster______
B rick, tile, a n d p o ttery ___
Glass........................................................
T o tal.................... ........................................
M etals, m achinery, conveyances:
Iron and steel_____________ ______________
Sheet-m etal w ork an d h a r d w a r e ............
Tools and c u tle ry ................................ .........
Cooking, heating, v en tilatin g a p p aratu s..
Brass, copper, zinc, b a b b itt m etal............
C ars and locom otives________ ..
A utom obiles and accessories.................
M achinery______________
E lectrical a p p a ra tu s ...........
A gricultural im plem ents.......... ................................... .
Instru m en ts and appliances________
_____ . . .
W atches, w atch cases, clocks, and jew elry.................
T otal
earnings
Fem ales
T otal em
ployees
-4 .0
.0
+ 5 .9
-1 3 .8
+ 5.1
+ .6
-0 .3
-1 .9
+ 2 .6
-4 .6
-1 0 .7
-0 .4
-1 .8
+2. 7
-5 .8
-.6
- 9 .6
- 1 .4
+ 2 .9
+ 1 .2
+ 2 .8
-5 .2
+ 3 .0
- .1
-1 .8
+ .7
-1 .0
+ 8 .6
-.2
- 2 .0
+50.9
+ 6.1
-1 .6
-3 1 .0
-3 .8
+ 9.1
-5 .5
+ 2 .3
-1 .6
+21. 7
+ 4 .2
+12.8
+64.3
+ 1.3
+ 3 .1
-7 .2
+ 2 .8
.0
-1 .9
+ .9
-.5
+ 4 .8
-.2
+• 8
+56.5
+ 5.1
+ 1 .9
+ 2 .0
+ 6 .6
-.3
+ 9 .1
+12.0
+. 8
+17.8
+ 1 .4
+ 5 .9
+ 7 .8
..........
+ 2 .3
+19.6
+ 3 .6
+ 5 .5
Wood products:
Sawmill and planing-m ill p ro d u c ts.............................
F u rn itu re and cabinet w ork_____________________
Pianos, organs, and other m usical in stru m e n ts____
M iscellaneous wood p ro d u cts___ _
H ousehold furnishings..................................................
-2 .3
+ 2 .3
+ 2 .1
-2 .3
+ .8
-1 0 .3
+ 2 .6
+ 3 .2
-1 8 . 9
+ .7
- 2 .4
+ 2 .2
+ 3.1
-3 .8
+ .8
+ 1 .0
+14.6
+25.4
- 2 .4
-2 .2
T o ta l..................................................................................
+ .6
- 2 .1
+ .5
+ 9 .6
F urs and leath er goods:
L eath er...... ...............................
F u rs and fur goods...... ................................. ............... .
Boots and shoes.. ._ _
M iscellaneous leath er goods............................................
+ 3 .1
+ 3 .2
+ 2 .6
+ 2 .5
+ 3 .0
+12.5
+ 5 .6
+ 3 .0
+ 3 .1
+ 7 .3
+ 4 .5
+ 2 .8
-1 .4
+ 7 .2
+12.8
+15.4
+2. 7
+ 4 .9
+ 4 .2
+10.4
+ .3
+ .5
-1 .9
+ 1 .9
+51.6
+ 4 .5
+ 1 .8
+ .4
+18.6
-2 .7
-1 .6
+ 1 .7
+17.6
- 5 .1
- 4 .1
+ 3.1
+ .2
+21.8
+ 2 .4
+ .9
+ 5 .2
-.2
-3 .3
-3 .9
+40.7
+ 3 .5
+ 3 .4
-.5
.0
+86.0
+ 4 .7
+ 1 .3
-2 .7
-4 .6
+53.7
+ 4 .2
+ 1 .5
- 8 .4
-.9
+34.6
+ 1 .9
+10.8
+ 3 .3
- 1 .0
. T o tal________ ____ ________
..
T o ta l....................................................................
Chemicals, oils, paints, etc.:
D rugs and chem icals......... .............................................
P ain ts, dyes, and c o lo rs.._______________________
M ineral and vegetable oil_________________ ______
M iscellaneous chem ical products..................................
T o ta l........... .................................... .
. . . ._
____
P rin tin g and paper goods:
P aper boxes, bags, and tu b es...... ............................... .
M iscellaneous paper goods_____ ______ _____ _____
Job p rin tin g____________
N ew spapers and periodicals____________________ _
E ditio n bookbinding.........................................................
T o ta l............................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1344]
161
STATE REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT----ILLINOIS
C H A N G E S IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D E A R N IN G S IN IL L IN O IS F A C T O R IE S F R O M JU L Y
TO A U G U S T , 1927—C ontinued
Per cent of change from Ju ly to A ugust, 1927
E m ploym ent
In d u stry
Textiles:
C otton and woolen goods__________ ________ _____
K n it goods, cotton and woolen h o sie ry ......................
T hread and tw in e ............................................................
C lothing, m illinery, laundering:
M en ’s shirts and fu rn ish in g s............................... .........
Overalls and work c lo th in g ..---------------- ------------M en ’s h a ts and caps_________________________ _
W om en’s c lo th in g ........................................................
W om en’s u n d erw ear-------------- --------- ------------Laundering, cleaning, and d yeing.............................. .
Food, beverages, and tobacco:
F lour, feed, and other cereal p ro d u c ts ................ .......
F ru it and vegetable canning and preserving---------M iscellaneous groceries...... ........................... ....... .........
Slaughtering a n d m eat packing__ ______ _________
B read an d other bakery p ro d u cts.
____________
Cigars a n d other tobacco products______ ______ _
T otal
earnings
Fem ales
T otal em
ployees
-2 .9
+10.1
+10.0
-7 .8
+15.1
-3 .0
- 5 .0
-2 2 .4
+ .8
+ 3.1
-2 3 .9
-.5
+2. 9
+ .1
-1 6 .3
-1 4 .7
- 2 .4
+ 5 .9
+ 1 .8
+2. 5
+ 5 .7
+ 3 .5
+ 4 .7
-1 .7
+ 1 .6
-1 6 .9
-.8
+ 4 .0
+ 3 .7
+10.5
+29.8
-4 .2
+ .4
+ 2 .5
-. 7
+ 3.1
+ 4 .2
+ 4 .3
+ 22.9
- 3 .3
-.2
—.3
+12.2
-5 .5
-3 .5
-7 .4
+47.8
-5 .6
- 1 .6
+ 1 .5
+ .9
-.5
+ 6 .6
-5 1 . 6
+ 3 .6
-2 .5
+ .5
+ 1 .1
-.3
-1 5 .6
+ 2 .2
-1 .8
-6 .2
+47. 4
-4 6 .2
+ .3
+ 1 .0
-.9
—.2
-6 .0
.0
.0
+10.3
-5 0 .9
-2 .3
-2 .1
+ .5
+• 7
-3 . 9
—22.0
+ .9
-1 .8
-6 .7
+12.9
—74.4
+18.2
—4.6
+ .2
+ 1 .5
—5.1
—10.4
+11. 5
—o. 4
- 9 .3
M ales
-1 2 .0
- 4 .0
-1 .9
- 4 .3
- 5 .3
T otal, all m anufacturing in d u strie s........................
+ .7
+ 7 .5
+ 1 .4
+ 2 .4
T rade—W holesale and retail:
D ep artm en t sto re s.________ ____________________
W holesale d ry goods................................. .....................
W holesale groceries____ _____ ___________________
M ail-order houses..................................................... .........
-2 .9
+. 4
+ 3 .9
+ 1 .7
+ 3 .8
+ 2 .6
- 7 .1
-1 .4
+ .7
+ 1 .4
.0
-.6
+ 1 .6
+ 1 .4
—.2
-2 .6
+ .8
-.3
-.3
-1 .7
+ 1 .8
-.2
-.2
+ .3
-1 .9
-.5
+23.5
- 3 .1
+ 1 .1
- .4
-.3
+ .2
+ .7
+■ 2
+ 2 .6
+26.3
+ .1
-.5
Public utilities:
W ater, lig h t, and pow er............... .................. ................
R ailw ay car repair shops................................................
B uilding and contracting:
+ .0
+ 4.1
+10.0
+10.0
+14.4
+10.0
+ 17.9
-1 0 .8
+10.0
+17.9
-1 0 .8
+13.4
+19.5
+ 5 .5
+ 7 .6
+12.6
+ 1 .2
+3M
T o t a l . . ..................... ...................................... ................
+ 7 .6
G rand to tal, all in d u stries...........................................
+ .9
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1345]
+ 3 .9
162
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Iowa
HTHE October, 1927, issue of the Iowa Employment Survey, pub1 lished by the bureau of labor of that State, shows the following
changes in volume of employment from September to October, 1927:
C H A N G E S IN V O L U M E O F E M P L O Y M E N T IN IO W A , S E P T E M B E R TO O C T O B E R , 1927
Em ployees on pay
roll, October, 1927
In d u stry
Food and k in d red prod
ucts:
M eat p a c k in g ............
Cereals.____________
F lo u r______________
B akery p ro d u cts........
C o n fe ctio n ery ._____
P o u ltry ,
produce,
b u tter, e tc ________
Sugar, starch, sirup,
glucose, etc_______
O ther food products,
coffee, e t c ..............
T o ta l.........................
Textiles:
Clothing, m en’s_____
M illin ery ____ ______
Clothing, w om en’s,
and woolen goods..
Hosiery,
awnings,
e t c . . . ................... .
B uttons, p e arl______
T o ta l..........................
Iron and steel works:
F o u n d ry and m a
chine sh o p s_______
Brass, bronze prod
ucts, plum bers’ sup
plies _____________
A uto’s, tractors, and
engines______ ____
Furnaces___________
P u m p s ____________
A gricultural im ple
m en ts____________
W ashing m a c h in e s ...
T o ta l.............. ...........
L um ber products:
M illw ork, interiors,
e tc ________ ____ _
F u rn itu re, desks, etc.
R efrigerators_______
Coffins, u n d ertak ers’
supplies.....................
Carriages, wagons,
tru ck bodies.............
T o ta l..........................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Em ployees on pay
roll, October, 1927
ber of
P er cent
firms
of change
re
p o rt N u m as com
pared
ing
ber
w ith Sep
tem ber,
1927
8
2
3
8
4
6,453
1, 094
118
970
125
- 1 .5
- 3 .5
- 1 .7
- .4
- 4 .6
4
379
+18.1
4
2,221
+25.5
7
357
-3 1 .4
40
11, 717
+ 1 .7
In d u stry
N um
ber of
Per cent
firms
of change
re
p ort N u m as com
pared
ing
ber
w ith Sep
tem ber,
1927
L eather products:
Shoes........ ....................
Saddiery and harness.
F u r goods and ta n
ning—
Gloves and m itte n s ..
3
6
448
209
+ 5.7
+ 9.4
3
2
52
228
+10.6
.0
937
+ 5.3
+ 3.2
T o ta l..........................
14
Paper products, printing
and publishing:
Paper products_____
Prin tin g a nd p u b
lishing.......... ............
5
353
13
2,187
- 2 .7
T o ta l..........................
18
2, 540
- 1 .9
9
2
964
127
+ 7.1
- 11.8
P a te n t medicines, chemi
cals and com pounds___
8
372
-.8
3
621
+ 6 .9
5
7
794
629
+1.1
+14.2
8
15
1,752
1,177
- 5 .3
- 2 .8
26
3,135
+ 5 .9
Stone and clay products:
Cem ent, plaster, gyp
su m _________ ____
Brick and tile _______
M arble and granite,
crushed rock, and
stone_____ ____ _
3
88
+ 6.0
T o ta l..........................
26
3,017
- 4 .0
Tobacco and cigars_____
Railw ay car sh o p s...........
3
3
245
7, 679
+ .4
+ 1.2
Various industries:
A uto tires and tu b e s ..
Brooms an d b rushes..
Laundries ...................
M ercantile_________
Public serv ice ............
Seeds_____________
W holesale houses
Commission hou ses..
Other industries.........
2
5
4
8
3
2
27
10
7
164
152
161
2, 918
3, 721
316
1, 340
330
1,226
+ 3.1
+ 9.4
- 1 .2
- 2 .0
.0
+26.9
.0
+ 7.8
+1. 6
68
10, 328
+ .7
307
53, 695
+ .7
25
2,477
+ 1.1
5
553
.0
6
5
5
2,052
389
367
-.9
+ 5 .1
- 2 .1
11
8
1,149
2,414
- 3 .8
+ 5 .0
65
9, 401
+ 1 .0
16
7
3
3,079
891
97
- 1 .3
- 3 .8
- 6 .7
5
154
.0
5
103
- 8 .9
36
4, 324
- 2 .1
[1346]
T o ta l....................
G rand t o t a l . . ........ .
163
STATE KEPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT— MASSACHUSETTS
M a r y la n d
rTTfE following report on volume of employment in Maryland from
Septefhber to October, 1927, was furnished by the Commissioner
of Labor and Statistics of Maryland:
C H A N G E S IN E M P L 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
S E P T E M B E R TO O C T O B E R , 1927
E m ploym ent
E stab
lish
m ents
report
ing for
both
m onths
In d u stry
Beverages and soft d rin k s..............................................
Boots an d shoes_________ ____ _________________
Boxes, pap er a n d fancy.......... ..................- ....................
Boxes, w ooden......................................... ........................
Brass and bronze_________ _____ ______ _________
Brick, tile, etc____________ _______ _____________
B rushes_____________ ____________ _____ _______
C ar building a n d rep airin g.......................... ...............
Chem icals_____________ _______ _______________
Clothing, m en ’s outer g a rm e n ts ............................ .
C lothing, w om en’s ou ter garm ents .........................
Confectionery_________________ ____ ______ _____
C otton goods. .................................................................
F e rtiliz e r.-_______________________________ ____
Food p re p a ra tio n _____________________________
F o u n d ry ______________________________________
Furnishin g goods, m e n ’s______ _____ _______ ____
F u rn itu re ___ _________ _ ____________________
Glass m anufacture ____________________________
Ice c re a m ________ _____ __________________ ____
L eather goods____________ ______ ______________
L ith o g ra p h in g ________________________________
L um ber and p lan in g ___________________________
M attresses a n d spring bed s_____________________
Pianos ___ ____________ _________ _______ _____
Plum bers’ supplies_____ _____ __________________
Printing __________ ______________ ___________
R ubber tires, m anufacturing . ........................... .
Shipbuilding__________________________________
Silk goods________________ ____ ____ ______ ____ _
S h irts.......................................... ................. .....................
Stam ping an d enam eling w a r e ...................................
T in w a r e ......................... ............................. ......................
T o b a c c o _______ ____ __________________ ____ _
M iscellaneous.............. - _________________________
4
7
6
4
3
5
4
4
5
3
5
6
4
3
3
9
5
10
3
3
■< 4
3
8
4
3
4
7
1
3
3
4
4
4
6
19
Per cent
N um ber of change
as com
of em
ployees,
pared
October,
w ith
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
169
1, 327
392
171
2,111
671
564
361
1,225
1,490
812
1,040
1,420
590
91
1,094
1,045
951
862
165
575
518
599
165
997
1,130
847
2, 593
661
409
598
1, 063
2,830
588
5, 217
- 7 .7
-1 .2
-.3
-1 .8
- 2 .1
+ 1 .8
-.2
+ 1 .4
- 7 .2
-1 9 .7
+ 9.1
+ 1 .5
- 1 .5
-1 3 .4
+10.9
- .4
+ 7 .6
+15.4
+27.8
- 5 .2
-3 .7
- .2
-2 .0
-6 .8
+14.5
+4. 5
+ 3 .9
- 5 .0
-1 9 .1
- 2 .2
+ 3.1
- 3 .5
-1 3 .1
- 2 .9
+ 3 .8
M ARYLAND,
P a y roll
A m ount,
October,
1927
$4, 978
21,915
5,355
2,632
52, 842
15, 976
10, 338
12,004
34, 420
25, 986
9,156
14, 911
20, 225
11, 222
2,343
28,127
13, 662
25,191
15, 805
5, 376
10,446
15, 609
15,490
4, 701
27, 042
29, 801
28, 550
144,474
18,165
6,062
8, 559
21,442
60, 888
8,615
113, 258
Per cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith
Septem
ber, 1927
-7 .9
-1 3 .3
+ 4 .3
+ .4
—3.6
-1 2 .9
-.3
+ 1 .2
—1.3
-3 4 .5
—6.3
+14.9
+ 1 .3
-2 6 .7
+ 8 .6
+ 2 .5
-1 .9
+13.1
+ 5 .7
—5.6
-1 8 .4
+ 1 .6
-3 .6
-6 .2
+14.4
+13.7
+ 6 .1
-1 3 .9
-1 1 .9
-4 .6
+ 6 .1
-3 .9
-1 9 .9
+ 2 .9
+ .9
M a s s a c h u s e tts
A PRESS release from the Department of Labor and Industries of
Massachusetts shows the following changes in volume of em
ployment in various industries in that State from August, 1927, to
September, 1927:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1347]
164
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S IN 1,010 M A N U F A C T U R IN O E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN M ASSA
C H U S E T T S , W E E K IN C L U D IN G OR E N D IN G N E A R E S T TO A U G U S T 15 A N D S E P
T E M B E R 15, 1927
N u m b e r of wage earners em ployed
N u m b er
of estab
lish
m ents
In d u stry
Bookbinding_____ ___ _________ ____ ______
Boot and shoe cut stock and findings..................
Boots and shoes_____________ ___ ______ ~
Boxes, paper.... ........... __......... ...........
Boxes, wooden packing______ ___________
Bread and other bakery products_________
Carpets and rugs.___ ______ ________
Cars and general shop construction and repairs^ steam
railroads____ ____ ________ ____________
Clothing, men’s____ ___ _______AIA AII.IIIIA!
Clothing, women’s . . ____ ____________
Confectionery ................... ......... I.IIM IIII” ” ” "
Copper, tin, sheet iron, e tc ..................
Cotton goods________ _____ _______ ____
Cutlery and tools________ ________ _____
Dyeing and finishing textiles___________________
Electrical machinery, apparatus, and supplies___
Foundry products................................................. ._
Furniture..........................
^
Gas and by-products_________
[
Hosiery and knit goods___ ___________________
Jewelry...........................
"
Leather, tanned, curried, and finished______
Machine-shop products_______ _______
Machine and other tools____________________ A.
Motor vehicles, bodies and parts.... ..........................
Musical instruments.... ................................... ...........
Paper and wood pulp________________________ I
Printing and publishing, book and job......................
Printing and publishing, newspaper_______ _____
Rubber footwear......... ....................................... .........
Rubber goods_____________ ______ _____ _____
Silk goods.......... ..........................................................
Slaughtering and meat packing..................................
Stationery goods........................ ...... .............. ...........
Steam fittings and steam and hot-water heating appa
ratus.... ........... .......................................................
Stoves and stove linings_____ ___ _____ _______
Textile machinery and parts..... ..................................
Tobacco................................................................... .
Woolen and worsted goods____ ___ _____ ____ ~J~_
All other industries................ ....................... ...........~
Total, all industries______ ______ ________
Septem ber, 1927
A ugust,
1927
Full
tim e
P a rt
tim e
T otal
15
40
80
27
12
48
5
916
2,202
24, 754
2,089
926
4,403
3,422
4
28
32
17
15
51
20
9
15
26
36
13
12
32
32
44
25
16
13
26
50
17
3
7
10
5
11
2,814
4,045
1,412
3,881
477
39,298
2,075
6, 587
8, 953
2,694
3,569
1,211
4,419
2,192
6,338
5,212
2,629
2,614
1,003
6, 271
3,887
2,038
8,860
2, 633
4,057
1,535
1,761
3,686
1,243
4,046
488
35, 586
1,499
6,612
8, 913
1,778
3,317
1,126
4,467
1,623
6,365
4,700
2,114
1,131
679
5,085
3,619
2,081
7,705
2,616
1,627
294
1, 771
1,327
95
2,423
1,258
59
2,841
4,248
1,477
4,140
523
40,056
2,093
6,612
9,477
2,670
3, 715
1,216
4,551
2,344
6,513
5,177
2,687
2,660
952
- 6,256
3, 770
2,081
9,032
2, 711
4,050
1,552
1,830
9
5
12
5
55
128
1,709
1,523
4,025
647
17,938
30, 571
1,184
501
555
429
13,657
25,447
532
1,023
3,511
209
4,525
5,532
1,716
1,524
4,066
638
18,182
30, 979
1,010
227,590
189, 787
41,072
230,859
815
2,275
21, 782
2,117
833
4,308
1, 713
110
17
2,705
37
74
1,734
2,841
562
234
94
35
4,470
594
564
892
398
90
84
721
148
477
573
1,529
273
1,171
151
925
2,292
24,487
2,154
907
4,308
3,447
N e w J e r se y
'T H E New Jersey Department of Labor has furnished the following
data showing the changes in volume of employment and pay
roll from August to September, 1927, in 847 establishments in that
State:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1348]
STATE REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT----NEW JEBSEY
165
P E R C E N T OP C H A N G E IN N U M B E R OF E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OP
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 847 N E W J E R S E Y E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , S E P T E M B E R , 1927,
C O M P A R E D W IT H A U G U S T , 1927
Em ployees
W eekly pay roll
P er cent
P er cent
N um ber
of plants N um ber ofaschange
A m ount ofaschange
com
com
report
in Sep
in Sep
pared
pared
ing
tem ber,
tem ber,
w
ith
w
ith
1927
1927
A ugust,
A ugust,
1927
1927
In d u stry
Food and kindred products:
16
8
7
3
12
1,401
5,673
375
1,347
2,809
+ 1 .7
+46.6
+ 8 .4
+ 1 .1
-7 .0
$45, 700
145,838
8, 991
41,042
84, 569
+ 0.1
+76.5
+ 2 .6
+ 6 .8
- 3 .3
46
11,605
+16.7
326,140
+24.0
3
29
15
38
6
17
9
9
57
18
10
1,197
4, 077
7, 246
12,164
1,095
3,819
835
2,050
8,466
10,314
1,837
+ 1 .2
+ .1
+1. 3
+ 8 .2
—3. 0
+ 1 .5
—3.1
+ 1 .7
—. 5
+ 1 .9
-. 1
33, 595
81,366
139, Oil
302,015
35 107
103,950
15,304
38,885
204, 586
273, 281
42, 767
- 1 .6
+ 1 .0
+ 3 .9
+ 3 .8
-4 .0
—1.1
+ 6 .6
+ 4 .1
+ .1
-5 .8
+ 1 .8
211
53,100
+ 2 .3 1,269,867
6
28
79
7
8
21
3,414
19,598
17, 523
881
864
3,372
—. 3
-.3
—4 0
—. 9
+ 3 .1
+ 1 .1
98,181
517,099
520,311
25, 434
28,648
92, 019
-5 .9
+• 1
—2.1
+. 3
+16.1
-1 .5
13
10
3,959
1,609
+ 3 .8
+ 4 .0
121,501
45, 075
+ 7.1
+ 4 .5
172
51, 220
- 1 . 0 1,448,268
—3
5
13
1,230
681
-. 6
-1 .9
35, 642
19,880
—5
- .9
18
1,911
-1 .0
55, 522
7
6
21
4
1,040
3,270
513
—12. 2
+ 1 .8
+ .2
26,084
96, 942
11, 932
-1 5 .3
—1.1
+ 6 .0
31
4,823
- 1 .8
134, 958
- 3 .6
12
3,807
+ 8 .9
70, 590
+11.5
22
18
12
10
4,055
1,503
2,097
1,998
+ 6 .7
+2. 6
-6 . 2
- 2 .0
113,139
31,075
64,130
84,330
+ 9 .2
+ 1 .3
9 fi
+ 3 .5
62
9,713
+ 1 .2
292, 674
+ 2.1
P ain ts a n d v arn ish _________ ____ ____________
Petroleum refining_____________ ______ ______ _
42
6
9
13
8
8,924
2,433
1,508
1,731
14,342
+ 1 .5
+ 3 .0
+ 5 .7
+ .2
- 1 .9
252,105
68, 651
41,086
51, 747
490,228
+. 3
- 3 .3
-3 .0
- 4 .1
+ .6
T o ta l....................................................... ................. .
Stone, clay, and glass products:
Brick, tile, a n d terra c o tta _______ ____________
Glass___'_________________________ _________
P o tte ry . _ . .
_____________________ .
O ther p ro d u cts. „ ______ ___________________
78
28,938
0.0
903, 817
26
7
20
2
4,182
2,969
4,076
984
- 2 .4
—. 4
+ 1 .0
- 1 .0
123, 701
61, 747
130,189
37,081
—6 9
- 5 .0
+ .3
+ 2.3
55
12,211
-. 7
352,718
- 3 .1
T o tal................. ...........................................................
Textiles a n d th eir products:
H ats an d c a p s . ...... ..................... ....................- - - - M illinery a n d lace........................................................
Shirts a n d collars-___________ ________________
Silk goods........ ..........................................................
Woolen a n d w orsted goods____________________
M iscellaneous textile p ro d u cts__________ ____ —
T o tal______________________________________
Iron and steel a nd th eir products:
Electrical m achinery, apparatus, a nd supplies__
H ard w are______________ 2.1__________________
M achine tools__ .2..2______ ________ __________
Steam fittings an d steam an d hot-w ater heating
Structural-iron w ork..................................................
T o t a l.......................... ....................■...........................
L um ber and its products:
F u rn itu re -. _ ____________ ___________ ____
L um ber and m ill w ork___ ____ ________________
T o t a l ____________________ ______________
L eather and its products:
Leather _______ _____ _______ ____
Leather p ro d u cts...........................................................
T o tal....................................................
Tobacco p ro d u c ts ....................... ......................................
P aper a n d printing:
P aper boxes_____________ ________ ____________
Prin tin g , book and jo b ___________________
T o ta l...................................... .................................
Chemicals a n d allied products:
C hem icals--____ ____________________ ____ _
Explosives-- ______ ______ ______________
T o tal______ __________________ ____________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1349]
+ .1
166
MONTHLY LABOE EEVLEW
P E R C E N T O P C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O P E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T OF
W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 847 N E W J E R S E Y E S T A B L IS H M E N T S , S E P T E M B E R , 1927,
C O M P A R E D W IT H A U G U S T , 1927—Continued
Em ployees
N um ber
of plants
report
ing
Industry
M etal products, other th a n iron and steel:
Brass, bronze, an d copper p roducts_______ ____
Sheet-m etal an d enam el w are____________ _____
Sm elting a n d refining.............................. ...................
W ire a n d wire goods..................................................
W eekly pay roll
Per cent
N um ber of change A m ount
as com
in Sep
in Sep
pared
tem ber,
tem ber,
w ith
1927
1927
A ugust,
1927
P er cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith
A ugust,
1927
10
21
9
14
593
4,452
3, 779
7,324
- 0 .7
+ 3 .4
+ 1 .3
- .7
18, 797
121, 753
119,981
185,393
-5 . 6
+ 2.4
- 1 .1
-1 0 .3
T o tal...... ...................................................................
Vehicles for land transportation:
A utom obiles and p a rts _____________ ________ _
C ar building and repairing, steam railroad.........
54
16,148
+ .9
445,924
- 4 .5
13
9
5,909
4,905
-4 .7
+2. 5
187, 449
146,275
- 5 .0
+ .8
T o t a l _______________________
M iscellaneous industries:
Cork a n d cork specialties___ ______ ___________
Jewelry a nd novelties.......................... . ...............
L aundries_________ ______ _________
M usical in stru m e n ts.....................................
R u b b er tires and goods___________
Shipbuilding_____ ________________
M iscellaneous_________________
T otal . _ _____________
22
10,814
- 1 .6
333, 724
- 2 .5
5
28
8
4
28
6
7
86
1,545
3,757
965
8,283
9,109
6,205
3,119
32, 983
+ 3 .8
+ .6
-.4
+ 9.1
- 1 .1
-.8
+ 8 .8
+2. 7
39,156
108,122
19,329
241,933
255,046
195, 236
91,393
950, 215
- 1 .3
-. 1
- 3 .8
+11.7
-.9
- 1 .3
+ 3.0
+ 2.3
847
237,273 J
G ran d total, all in d u stries________
+ 1 .5 6,584,417
+ .7
N e w Y ork
T H E following statistics of changes in number of employees and in
amount of weekly pay rolls were furnished by the New York
State Department of Labor. The figures are based on reports from
a fixed list of about 1,600 factories, having in September 484,115
employees, the total of the weekly pay rolls for the middle week of
September being $14,317,345.
P E R C E N T O P C H A N G E IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D IN PA Y R O L L S IN N E W Y O R K
S T A T E F A C T G R IE S IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D
A U G U ST, 1927
Per cent of change
A ugust, 1927, to
Septem ber, 1927
In d u stry
Em
ployees
Stone, clay, and glass___ _________ ___________
M iscellaneous stone and m inerals.......... .........
Lim e, cem ent, a n d plaster____ ______ _____
C em en t______ _____ _________________
Brick, tile, and p o tte ry ............. ............... .........
B rick.............................................. ..................
P o tte r y ............................................................
Glass____________________ ___ ____ _______
M etals and m achinery___________ __________ _
Silver and jew elry________________________
Brass, copper, and alu m in u m ...........................
Iro n and steel_______ _____ ______________
Structural and architectural iro n __________
Sheet m etal and hardw are________________
H ardw are____________________________
Stam ped and enameled" w are__________
Firearm s, tools, and cu tlery ___________ . . . .
C utlery an d tools_____________________
Cooking, heating, an d v entilating apparatus.
Steam a n d hot-w ater heating_________ _
Stoves........................... ........................... .
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- 0 .6
- 2 .2
- 2 .6
- 4 .6
- 3 .6
-1 1 .0
+6. 1
+10. 1
+• 3
+2. 7
+ 2 .4
-2 . 7
-.6
-2 .2
-4 .6
-2 .6
-3 .6
- 2 .8
+ 3 .4
+ 3 .3
+2. 9
[1350]
Pay
rolls
+ 0 .9
+ 2 .3
- 3 .4
- 4 .6
-.2
-6 .0
+ 8 .6
+ 8 .3
+. 8
+ 5 .3
+ 7 .2
- 1 .4
+ 1 .2
-2 . 2
-4 .3
-3 .6
-2 .5
- 2 .7
+ 5 .5
+ 4 .6
+10.4
September, 1926, to
Septem ber, 1927
Em
ployees
- 9 .3
- 9 .4
- 9 .7
- 9 .4
-1 0 . 6
-2 2 .6
+ 8 .1
- 6 .5
-7 .2
-1 1 .1
- 2 .9
-1 1 .0
+16. 6
-6 . 4
+8. 2
- 3 .8
-1 4 . 1
-1 1 .6
- 5 .2
- 5 .9
+23.7
P ay
rolls
-9 .
-6 .
-1 1 .
-10.
-1 1 .
-2 5 .
+12.
-7 .
-7 .
-1 2 .
-3 .
-1 4 .
+17.
-6 .
+6.
4
1
8
2
4
7
7
4
2
1
0
9
6
6
2
1.
1
-1 1 .
-6 .
-5 .
-6 .
+29.
2
-
1
1
4
0
167
STATE REPORTS ON EMPLOYMENT— NEW YORK
P E R C E N T O P C H A N G E IN E M P L O Y M E N T A N D IN PA Y R O L L S IN N E W Y O R K
S T A T E F A C T O R IE S IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H S E P T E M B E R , 1926, A N D
A U G U S T , 1927—C ontinued
P er cent of change
A ugust, 1927, to
Septem ber, 1927
In d u stry
Em
ployees
M etals a n d m achinery—C ontinued.
M achinery, including electrical a p p a r a tu s ..._____________
A gricultural im plem ents.......... .............. ..........................
Electrical m achinery an d ap p aratu s...................................
Foundries an d m achine shops___________________
Automobiles, carriages, a n d a irp la n e s ..______________
Autom obiles a n d parts-......... .................. ................
Railroad equipm ent and repair________ __________
Locomotives an d eq u ip m en t___________ ______
R ailw ay repair shops________________ ______ ____
B oat a n d ship building___________ ____ ____
Instru m en ts a n d appliances__________________
W ood m anufactures_______ _____________ _
Saw and planing mills____________________
M illw ork_______________ ________
Sawmills_____________________
F u rn itu re an d cabinet w ork____________________________
F u rn itu re ____________
Pianos and other m usical in stru m en ts___________________
M iscellaneous wood, etc
F urs, leather, a n d ru b b e r g o o d s ..____ ________
Leather . . . .
Furs and fur goods____________
S hoes.. .
___ _
O ther leather and canvas g o o d s ......................... .......................
R ubb er and g u tta percha
_____________
Pearl, horn, bone, e tc .. . . . .
Chemicals, oils, paints, etc . .
D rugs an d chem icals.____ ___________ _________
P ain ts and colors
Oil p ro d u cts_____________
Petroleum refining_______________________________
M iscellaneous chemicals____ ___ ______ _________________
P aper_______ ____
Printing and paper goods______ ______ ______________
P aper boxes and tu b e s__ _______________ _
M iscellaneous paper goods_____________________________
P rintin g a n d bookm aking_____________________________
Printing, new spaper___________
_______ __________
Printing, book and jo b .. . ______________
_____
Textiles____
Silk and silk goods________________________
W ool m anufactures__ ____________ _____
C arpets a n d rugs _________________________________
Woolens and w o rs te d s _________ _____
________
C otton goods______
K n it goods (except silk)________________________________
O ther textiles
D yeing and finishing__________ ___________________
Clothing and m illinery_____________
M en ’s clothing___________________
M e n ’s fu rn ish in g s.......... ... ..............
Shirts an d collars____________
. . . _ ________
W om en’s clothing_________________________________
W om en’s u n d e rw e a r... . . . __________________
W om en’s headwear
M iscellaneous sewing . .
L aundering and cleaning. ____________ . . _
_ _____
Food and tobacco_________________________ ______________
Flour, feed, and cereals_______ .
_ ________ ________
F lo u r________
Canning and preserving________________ _______________
O ther groceries . ________ ____ _ ___________________
Sugar refining_____ .
_ _____________________
M eat and dairy p roducts______ ________ . . . _________
M eat packing______________________________________
B akery p ro d u cts_______________________________________
C an d y __________ _________
Beverages________ ____________________________________
Tobacco_________________ . . . ___ _______ _
W ater, light, and pow er____________________ ___ _
______
T o ta l______________ ____________________ _
1 Change of less th a n one-tenth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1351]
+ 2 .0
- 2 .8
+ 6.1
- 1 .9
+ 5 .3
+ 5 .4
- 2 .5
- 5 .6
-.6
- 7 .5
-1 .6
+ 2 .6
-1 .6
- 3 .7
+ 1 .9
+ 3 .9
+ 3 .9
+ 6 .9
- .3
+ 1 .4
-2 . 1
+ 1 .1
+. 7
+ 2 .9
+ 5 .4
+ 5 .5
-1 . 2
- 2 .8
(O
-.4
+ .9
- 1 .3
+• 7
+ 5 .2
+ 5 .8
+ 3 .4
+ 5 .4
Pay
rolls
Septem ber, 1926, to
Septem ber, 1927
Em
ployees
P ay
rolls
+ 3 .2
+ 1 .1
- .9
+ 5 .1
- .8
+ 4 .6
+ 3 .9
+11.5
+ 6 .9
+30. 1
+ 3 .5
+3. 1
+ 5 .3
+ 5 .3
+ 8 .7
+44.2
+ 3 .0
-1 .8
+ 1 .4
+ 2 .4
+ 3 .8
+ 6 .4
+• 4
+ 1 .6
+ .7
+ 1.3
- 8 .6
+ 3.1
-. 1
+ 9 .7
+10.4
- 4 .6
- 8 .4
- 2 .3
-1 .8
-1 .9
+ 5 .8
+ .9
- 1 .9
+ 6 .8
+ 6 .0
+ 6 .3
+13.9
+ .6
+ 1.7
- 6 .0
+ 2 .0
—. 6
+ 8 .7
+10.1
+ 9 .3
(>)
- 6 .6
+ 1 .2
+ 1.9
+2. 1
+ 2 .3
+. 4
+ 5 .9
+ 6 .8
+ 3 .0
+ 6 .3
+2. 7
+ 8 .3
+ 3 .1
+ 9 .6
+ 1.6
-1 . 2
+16.4
+ 3 .0
+ .4
+5. 1
+ 1. 1
+ 8.1
+ 1 .8
+ 3 .4
+ 2 .3
+17.4
+ 5 .2
+29.0
+ 6 .8
+ 6 .3
+ 6 .3
-1 . 1
+ 11.0
+50.3
+ 5 .0
+ 1 .0
+. 9
+ 1 .6
+ 6 .4
+10.6
- 2 .3
+ 5 .7
+ 1 .4
- 8 .6
- 4 .1
- 5 .0
-1 5 .1
-1 1 .3
-1 1 .6
- 6 .6
- 9 .6
-4 .9
-1 9 .0
+. 1
-7 .0
-8 .2
-7 .6
- 4 .3
-2 .2
-. 1
-1 0 .2
- 9 .9
+ .3
- 7 .0
- 5 .7
+ 2 .4
+ 1 .0
-.6
-1 0 .4
+ 4 .4
+ 5 .7
(2)
+ 1.7
+ 2 .4
+ 8 .0
-1 0 .1
-.3
-4 .0
+ 1 .8
-.2
+ 3 .4
-1 .6
+ .9
- 3 .6
+ .4
+ 3 .6
-1 1 .6
+ 4 .6
+ 3 .3
-.3
+ .4
- .6
-.3
- 6 .9
- 8 .0
+ 7 .4
-1 4 .2
4" 12.1
—6. 0
+ 5 .0
—. 5
-3 .0
-4 . 7
- 6 .4
+8. 8
+20.9
-.8
+ 2 .7
-1 0 .2
-4 . 7
- 2 .2
+ .7
- 2 .6
-5 .2
-8 .2
+ 4 .7
+11.1
-4 .7
-3 . 1
+ 3 .5
-4 .8
+ .8
- .6
+ 1 .7
+ 2 .0
+ 3 .0
-3 . 2
-2 .4
+ 7 .8
+ 2 .4
+ 7 .0
+ 1 .8
-.6
+16.4
2No change.
- 6 .5
0)
- 2 .1
-13. 7
-1 2 .6
-1 3 .2
—7.6
—15.1
—2.8
-1 5 .4
—.3
-6 .6
-4 .8
- 5 .8
+ 1 .7
-3 .5
-1 .7
—10.8
-8 . 1
+ 1 .9
-1 4 . 5
- 5 .3
+ 3 .6
+ 8 .6
-.2
-5 .2
+7. 1
+ 7 .9
+ .6
+ 6 .7
+ 3 .4
+ 8 .7
-1 2 .2
+ 1.4
- 4 .3
+ 6 .4
+ 1.2
+ 8 .4
- 1 .8
+ 1.5
+ 1 .8
+ 2 .3
+ 5 .6
- 9 .6
-3 .0
+ 2 .6
+ 1.0
-1 .0
+ 4 .8
+ 1.2
+ .4
+ 2 .2
+17.6
-1 0 .4
+ 7 .7
- 6 .3
+ 7 .9
168
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
P e n n s y lv a n ia
'"THE bureau of statistics of the Department of Labor and Industry
A of Pennsylvania furnished the following report on changes in
employment, in weekly man-hours and in pay-roll totals in Pennsyl
vania from September to October, 1927:
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S , IN T O T A L W E E K L Y M A N
H O U R S , A N D IN W E E K L Y PA Y R O L L IN 480 P E N N S Y L V A N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S
B E T W E E N S E P T E M B E R A N D O C T O B E R , 1927
N u m b er of wage
earners
In d u stry
N um
Per cent
ber of
change
plants
W eek of
as com
rep o rt ending
ing
pared
Oct. 15,
w ith
1927
Septem
ber, 1927
T o tal w eekly m an
hours
W eek
ending
Oct. 15,
1927
T otal
weekly
p a y roll:
P er cent P er cent
of change of change
as com Septem
pared
ber to
w ith
October,
Septem
1927
ber, 1927
*
M etal m anufactures:
A utom obiles, bodies, a n d p a rts______
C ar construction a n d rep air__________
Electrical m achinery an d ap p aratu s___
Engines, machines, and m achine tools-Foundries an d m achine shops------------H eating appliances a n d a p p aratu s.........
Iro n and steel blast furnaces.....................
Iro n and steel forgings.......................... .
Steel works and rolling m ills .......... .......
S tru ctu ral-iro n w o rk s__________
...
M iscellaneous iron a n d steel p ro d u c ts ..
H a rd w a re ... ________________ _______
Nonferrous m etals......... ...................... .......
15
13
12
28
43
7
9
5
20
10
17
6
7
9,093
7, 935
4, 953
7, 750
7,370
1,795
7, 463
1, 068
26,161
1,486
10, 254
1,118
808
- 4 .5
-2 . 1
+ 2 .7
+2. 6
- .6
- 6 .2
- 1 .4
-1 4 .8
-1 .9
- 4 .1
- 2 .2
- .5
+ 2 .9
390, 241
351,445
242, 982
370, 830
324, 856
81, 052
341, 498
34, 370
1, 085, 851
70, 359
466, 613
49,125
39,162
-9 .7
- 1 .4
+ 7 .2
+ 8 .0
+ 4 .0
-1 4 .0
- 2 .4
-15. 3
-3 .8
+ 4 .4
+ .8
+ 5 .6
+ 4 .8
-1 .3
- 8 .6
- 1 .2
~|~8.1
+10.7
+ 2 .3
-1 1 .7
+. 8
-2 0 .8
- 4 .0
+ 6 .8
+ 1 .5
+ 5 .6
+5.1
T o tal.................. .........................................
192
87, 254
- 1 .7
3, 848, 384
Textile products:
C arpets and rugs..........................................
C lo th in g .. ................... ..............................
C otton goods________________________
Silk goods___________________________
W oolens a n d w orsteds_______________
K n it goods and hosiery______________
D yeing and finishing textiles_________
5
11
13
23
8
10
5
1,832
1,058
1,972
9, 738
2,504
2,436
707
+16.5
+ 1 .2
“K 1
- 1 .8
- 1 .1
+ 4 .0
+ 2 .9
90, 948
46,252
96, 927
428, 825
128, 434
115, 298
34, 037
+18.7
+ 1 .5
+10.8
+1. 6
+ 8.3
+5. 9
+14.1
+23.8
- 4 .1
+ 8 .2
+ 3 .4
+• 9
+13.0
+13.2
-.8
Total ___ __ .._ . . _____________
75
20, 247
+ .9
940, 721
+ 5 .8
+ 6 .8
Foods and tobacco:
Bakeries . . ...............................................
Confectionery an d ice cream __________
Slaughtering and m eat packing_______
Cigars a n d tobacco______________ ____
17
12
9
5
1,485
2,722
1,189
252
+ 1. 1
- 1 .8
- .3
-.4
76, 590
145, 359
60, 832
9, 425
+ 1 .9
- 3 .6
-.8
-3 . 5
+ 2 .0
- 2 .7
- 1 .5
- 4 .4
T o tal................................................. .........
43
5, 648
-. 7
292, 206
-1 .6
- 1 .3
Building m aterials:
B rick, tile, a n d terra-cotta p ro d u cts___
C e m e n t___________________________
Glass.............................................................
13
8
13
2, 384
3, 901
4, 639
- 3 .4
- 5 .4
+ 3 .0
107, 936
234, 501
214,116
- 7 .5
- 2 .2
+ 3 .9
- 8 .8
-4 .2
+ 3.5
T o tal_________________ ______ _____
34
10, 924
-1 . 5
556, 553
-1 .0
- 2 .0
C onstruction and contracting:
B uildings_____ _ _________ ____ ____
Street a n d highw ay__________________
G eneral............................................. .............
15
4
9
1,381
2, 475
2, 252
- 4 .0
+ 1 .6
-.1
55, 826
128,265
114, 695
- 3 .6
- 5 .5
+ 1 .2
- 6 .9
-5 .2
+ 3 .6
T o tal...........................................................
28
6,108
-.4
298, 786
-2 .6
- 2 .8
Chemicals and allied products:
Chemicals a n d drugs.......... .............. .........
P ain ts a n d varnishes................................
10
6
736
976
-1 .9
+ .1
43, 207
48, 821
-.9
+15.9
-.8
+15.1
T o tal.......................................................... .
16
1,712
-.8
92, 028
+ 7 .4
+ 7 .4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1852]
169
STATE EEPOETS ON EMPLOYMENT— W ISCONSIN
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S , IN T O T A L W E E K L Y M A N H O U R S , A N D IN W E E K L Y P A Y R O L L IN 480 P E N N S Y L V A N IA E S T A B L IS H M E N T S
B E T W E E N S E P T E M B E R A N D O C T O B E R , 1927—C ontinued
N u m b er of wage
earners
N um
b er of
Per cent
p la n ts
Week of change
re p o rt ending as com
ing
Oct. 15,
pared
1927
w ith
Septem
ber, 1927
In d u stry
M iscellaneous industries:
L um ber an d planing-m ill p r o d u c ts ___
F u rn itu re ..................... ................
L eather ta n n in g _____________
L eather pro d u cts______ _____ _______
Boots an d shoes..................................
P aper a n d p u lp p roducts...................... .
P rintin g an d p u b lish in g ............................
R ubber tires an d goods.........................
T o tal____________________ _____
G ran d to tal, all in d u stries___ ____
18
15
9
S
10
9
23
3
1,196
1,558
2,265
139
1,886
2,625
1,405
813
+. 6
- 3 .2
+1. 6
+ 8 .6
+ 1 .9
- 1 .5
+ .9
-.7
T otal w eekly m an
hours
W eek
ending
Oct. 15,
1927
Per cent
of change
as com
pared
w ith
Septem
ber, 1927
Total
weekly
p ay roll:
P er cent
of change
Septem
ber to
October,
1927
55, 254
76, 516
114, 480
6, 275
89, 253
141, 517
65, 710
41, 212
+ 3 .8
- 3 .1
+ 3 .9
+ .6
+ 4 .5
-.9
+ 3 .5
+ 1 .5
+ 6 .2
-2 .5
+ 3 .2
-1 .6
+ 6 .5
- 1 .1
+ 4.1
+ 3 .4
92
11, 887
+ .1
590, 217
+ 1 .6
+ 2.1
480
143, 780
- 1 .1
6, 618, 895
-.0
+ .1
W isc o n sin
T H E September, 1927, issue of the Wisconsin Labor Market, issued
by the State industrial commission, contains the following data
on volume of employment in Wisconsin industries in August, 1927:
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T O F
P A Y E ° L L IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN W IS C O N S IN F R O M A U G U ST , 1926,
A N D JU L Y , 1927, TO A U G U S T , 1927
Per cent of change
In d u stry
July, 1927, to A u
gust, 1927
August, 1926, to
A ugust, 1927
E m ploy P a y roll
m ent
E m ploy
P ay roll
m ent
M anu al
A griculture............................................................................
Logging_______________ ________ ___________
M i n i n g _____ _________ ____ _____
Lead an d zinc_________ ______ __________
Iron . ___ . . .
...
_ ____________
Stone crushing a n d q u a r r y in g ..._____________
M an u fac tu rin g ..______ ________ ____ __________
Stone a n d allied in d u stries......................... .......
Brick, tile, a n d cem ent blocks.____ ________
Stone finishing___________ __________________ .
M etal _______ _____ ____ _________________________
Pig iron an d rolling-mill products___________________
Structural-iron vrork_________ _____ _________________
Foundries a n d m achine shops_______________________
R ailroad repair shops___________________ __________
Stoves____ _______________ _____ _____________ ____
A lum inum an d enam el w are_____________ __________
M achinery_________________________________________
A utom obiles________________ _________ _____________
O ther m etal pro d u cts______ _______ _________________
W ood............................................... ..................................... .............
Sawmills a n d planing m ills................................. ............... .
Box factories.................... ...........................................................
Panel a n d veneer m ills.__________ __________________
F u rn itu re _______________________________ __________
Sash, door, a n d interior finish____________ _________
O ther wood products______ ________ ________________
7 2 9 2 3 ° — 2 7 ------- 12
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1353]
- 2 .4
-1 1 .0
—1 2
+5.1
-15. 0
+ 6.9
+1. 7
+4.1
- 1 .0
+ 7.6
+3. 0
+ 5.8
-1 3 .7
-.6
-.5
+ 4 .9
+2. 6
+2. 7
+16. 5
+ .2
+1.1
- .4
+18.9
- 1 .8
+ 1 .2
+ 1.4
- 7 .5
-1 9 . 7
+ 1 .8
+ 1.8
+ 1.9
+14.3
+ 9 .0
- 1 .7
+ 7.2
-5 . 5
+15.6
+10. 3
-22. 2
+ 8.3
+ 1.5
+25.4
+33. 5
+16.3
+66. 7
- 2 .2
+6. 7
-. 1
+27.7
+13. 2
+14. 7
+ 4.9
+ 7.1
+ 8 .0
-1 .0
+6.1
+14. 3
-11.1
+13. 5
-3 . 5
+15. 4
+3. 5
+24.2
- 8 .4
- 7 .7
-1 5 .1
- 5 .9
+ .9
- 8 .6
+ 3 .0
-16. 6
-13. 8
- 5 .2
—3. 3
- 9 .6
+12.3
- 5 .3
- 1 .3
+ 1.8
-6 .2
-2 2 .6
-6 .9
+ 4.1
+ 6.0
+■ 4
+10.0
—.9
+13.3
+17.8
+11.2
—3.2
-2 2 .9
—16.0
—1.5
+ 4 .7
—12.3
+ 7 .2
-5 .3
+ 7.1
—14.5
—1.6
-1 0 .7
+10.0
+ 5.1
+ .1
+ 3 .5
- 1 .8
170
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
P E R C E N T O F C H A N G E IN N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D IN T O T A L A M O U N T O F
P A Y R O L L IN ID E N T IC A L E S T A B L IS H M E N T S IN W IS C O N S IN F R O M A U G U ST , 1926,
A N D JU L Y , 1927, TO A U G U S T , 1927—C ontinued
Per cent of change
In d u stry
July, 1927, to A u
gust, 1927
August, 1926, to
A ugust, 1927
E m ploy P a y roll
m ent
E m ploy
P a y roll
m ent
M an u al —C ontinued
M anu factu rin g —C ontinued.
R u b b er............................................................................................
L eath er.......... ............... . ..................... .......................................
T a n n in g .................. .................... ..............................................
Boots a n d shoes_______ ____ _______________________
O ther leath er p ro d u cts_________________________ ____
.Paper___________ _____________________________________
’ Paper a n d p u lp m ills_______________________________
Paper boxes__________ _______ ______________________
O ther paper p ro d u c ts ................................... ........................
T e x tile s __________ ____ ________________ ______ _ . _.
Hosiery an d other k n it goods_______ ______________
C lothing___________ ______ ____ _______ ___ ______
Other textile products__________ ____________ . . . . . .
Foods___________ ____ ____ ____________________________
M eat p a c k in g ________________________ ______ ______
Baking and confectionery___________________________
M ilk p roducts________ ________ ____________________
Canning a n d preserving................... .......................................
F lo u r m ills ... . . . _ .......................
Tobacco m an ufacturing_____________________________
O ther food p roducts____ ____ _________ _______ ___
Light and pow er_______________________ ____
Prin tin g and publishing___________ ______ ______________
L aundering, cleaning, a n d d yeing_______________________
Chemical (including soap, glue, and explosives). ________
C onstruction:
B uilding______________________ _______________________
H ighw ay_________________________ ________ ____________
R ailro ad ______ __________________ ____________________
M arine, dredging, sewer-digging___ ____________________
Com m unication:
Steam ra ilw a y s ________ __________ ___________________
Electric ra ilw a y s ___________ ____________ _____________
Express, telephone, a n d te le g ra p h .______________________
Wholesale tra d e ................... ...............................................................
H otels and restau ran ts___________________________ ______ ___
+ 6 .8
+ 2.4
+ .4
+ 1.4
+5. 6
+ 1 .9
+ 1 .6
+ 3 .2
+ 2.4
+ 5 .6
+ 4.9
+ 8.3
+ 2 .0
-6 . 2
+ 1 .5
+ 9 .9
-8 .0
-2 2 .5
+ 1.8
- 3 .4
+ 1 .5
+ 3.4
+ 1.7
- .2
—1.3
+22.7
+8. 3
+8. 3
+ 6.8
+10.7
+6. 0
+ 6.2
+ 7.4
+ 3 .6
+7. 4
+20.0
- 6 .1
+ 1.9
—5. 4
+ 2 .3
+ 2.9
-2 4 .0
+ 7.7
-3 1 .9
+2. 0
+ 4 .0
+ 1 .2
-2 .8
- 2 .9
+18.3
-1 7 .9
-3 9 .3
-1 6 .2
+13.5
+ .3
- .3
+• 3
+ 3.3
+10.9
+10.2
+13. 9
+ 6 .5
- 6 .9
-1 6 .5
+ 4 .0
+ 3.4
-1 5 .5
+ 4.4
- 2 .3
- 6 .8
+11.5
+8. 5
+ 4 .3
- 5 .5
-5 .2
+16. 1
+. 1
+ 5.1
- 2 .8
+16.9
+. 2
+15.3
-3 .2
+ 7 .5
—11. 6
+58.8
- 4 .8
- 4 .6
+ 3.6
+3. 5
-. 3
+ 5 .2
+ 3.8
- 2 .8
+ 7 .4
+ 7 .2
- 4 .4
—1. 7
+5. 1
+ 6.6
+ 6 .6
- 6 .6
+ 1 .5
-9 .0
+ 1 .4
+ 3.1
- 6 .2
+ 1 .4
+3. 1
+ 3.4
—1. 5
- 3 .4
+13. 7
+12.6
+ 3 .7
+ 6 .8
+10.9
+1 4
+ 5.1
+34.7
+14.6
+19.6
-1 8 .3
-3 9 .0
-1 5 .1
+19.1
+ 5.1
+ 4 .2
+10.0
+ 5 .3
+11.2
- 2 .6
+ 5 .6
—5. 7
-1 5 .7
- 3 .4
+24.0
-1 8 .1
-2 .2
- 3 .9
- 2 .2
+14. 1
+10.0
- 5 .6
+ 8.9
- 5 .8
+124. 2
N onm anu al
Manufacturing, mines, and quarries________ ________________
C o n stru ctio n ..___________________________________
C om m u n icatio n .............................
W holesale tra d e ____________________ _____
R etail trade, sales force o n l y ________________ . . .
M iscellaneous professional services________________________
H otels and re stau ran ts__________________________________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1354]
- 2 .0
+. 3
- .4
-4 .4
+ 1 .6
+ 7.2
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PRICES
Retail Prices of Food in the United States
HE following tables are compiled from monthly reports of
actual selling prices 1 received by the Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics from retail dealers.
Table 1 shows for the United States retail prices of food on October
15, 1926, and September 15 and October 15, 1927, as well as the
percentage changes in the year and in the month. For example, the
retail price per pound of canned red salmon was 35.6 cents in October,
1926; 33.9 cents in September, 1927; and 34.4 cents in October,
1927. These figures show a decrease of 3 per cent in the year and
an increase of 1 per cent in the month.
The cost of the various articles of food combined shows a decrease
of 2.4 per cent on October 15, 1927, as compared with October 15,
1926, and an increase of 1.4 per cent on October 15, 1927, as compared
with September 15, 1927.
T
T
r h U U L I U tP T . 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 O C T O B E R 15, 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H S E P
T E M B E R 15, 1927, A N D O C T O B E R 15, 1926
{Percentage changes of five-tenths of 1 per cent and over are given in whole numbers]
Average retail price on—
A rticle
Sirloin steak.
R ound steak.
R ib roast___
C huck roastP la te beef___
Pork chops.
Bacon
H am ..
L am b, leg of
H ens
Salmon, canned, r e d . . .........................
M ilk, fresh.............................. .............
M ilk, e vap o rated ..................................
B u tte r..................................................
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r substi
tutes).
Cheese...... ............................. ..................
L a rd _______________________ _____
Vegetable lard su b stitu te....................
Eggs, strictly fr e s h .......... ...................
Eggs, s to ra g e ............................ ............
U nit
Pound
----- do_
___ do___ do___ do.
Oct. 15,
1926
Sept. 15,
1927
Oct. 15,
1927
Cents
Cents
Cents
41. 5
36.0
30.6
22.8
. 14.6
43.8
38. 1
31.8
24.0
15.5
Per cent of increase
{+) or decrease
( - ) Oct. 15, 1927,
com pared w ith —
Oct. 15,
1926
Sept. 15,
1927
43.7
37.9
31.9
24.3
15.8
+5
+5
+ 7
+8
-0 .2
—1
+ 0 .3
+1
+2
+2
+ 0 .2
-0 .4
-1
+1
.do_______
.do_______
.do_______
do_______
.do_______
42.6
51.7
59.8
38.3
37.6
40.7
46.5
53.8
38.5
35.4
41.5
46.6
53.6
38.2
35.7
-3
-1 0
-1 0
-0 .3
-5
------ do_______
Q u a rt_______
15-16 ounce can
P o u n d _______
------ do_______
35.6
14.0
11.4
54.3
30.3
33.9
14.1
11.6
53.4
27.8
34.4
14.2
11.5
55.7
27.9
-3
+ 1
------ do_______
------ do_______
------ do_______
Dozen_______
------ do...............
36.7
21.9
25.7
58.2
45.9
37.7
19. 2
25. 1
48.7
+3
-8
+ 1
-1
+4
+ 0 .4
38.3
+4
+2
19.6
-1 1
+ 2
25. 1
-2
0
56. 6
-3
+ 16
42.1
-8
0
1
In addition to retail prices of food a n d coal, th e bureau publishes the prices of gas and electricity from
each of 51 cities for th e dates for w hich these d ata are secured.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1355]
171
172
M O NTH LY LABOE BEVIEW
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 I E D F O 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 O R D E C R E A S E O C T O B E R 15, 1927, C O M P A R E D W IT H S E P
T E M B E R 15, 1927, A N D O C T O B E R 15, 1926—C ontinued
Average retail price on—
Article
U n it
Oct. 15,
1926
Sept. 15,
1927
Oct. 15,
1927
Cents
Cents
Cents
9.4
5.7
5.1
9.1
10.9
9.3
5. 5
5.3
9.0
9.7
9.3
5. 5
5. 2
9. 0
9. 7
25.4
20. 1
11. 6
9.1
3.8
25. 5
20. 1
10. 6
9.6
3.2
____ do______
5.0
4.0
11.7
16. 3
17.4
___ d o ______
P o u n d ______
____ do_______
_ _ _do_____ _
___d o ____
Corn flakes..............................................
8-ounce pkg__
W heat cereal ___________ . -------
28-ounce pkg__
____ do_______
P e r cent of increase
(+ ) or decrease
( - ) Oct. 15, 1927,
compared w ith —
Oct. 15,
1926
Sept. 15,
1927
-1
-4
+2
-1
-1 1
0
0
-2
0
0
25.5
20.1
10. 5
9.6
3.0
+ 0 .4
0
-9
+ 5
-2 1
0
0
-1
0
-6
5.5
4. 1
11.4
15. 6
16.7
5.0
3. 9
11.5
15.7
16. 7
0
-3
-2
-4
-4
-9
-5
+ 1
+ 1
0
12.1
7.1
77.3
50.9
11.9
7.2
77.2
47.3
11.9
7. 2
77.5
47.4
-2
+ 1
16.9
14.8
34.9
56. 0
15.2
14.3
33. 5
55. 3
14.6
14.2
33.9
57.8
-1 4
-4
-3
+ 3
-7
- 2 .4
0
0
+ 0 .4
+ 0 .2
-4
-1
+ 1
+5
+ 1.4
Table 2 shows for the United. States average retail prices of specified
food articles on October 15, 1913, and on October 15 of each year from
1921 to 1927, together with percentage changes in October of each of
these specified years, compared with October, 1913. For example,
the retail price per pound of com meal was 3.1 cents in October, 1913;
4.3 cents in October, 1921; 3.9 cents in October, 1922; 4.3 cents in
October, 1923; 5.0 cents in October, 1924; 5.3 cents in October, 1925;
5.1 cents in October, 1926; and 5.2 cents in October, 1927.
As compared with October, 1913, these figures show increases of
39 per cent in October, 1921; 26 per cent in October, 1922; 39 per
cent in October, 1923; 61 per cent in October, 1924; 71 per cent in
October, 1925; 65 per cent in October, 1926; and 68 per cent in
October, 1927.
The cost of the various articles of food combined showed an increase
of 50.3 per cent in October, 1927, as compared with October, 1913.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1356]
173
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
T able 3.—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O P 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 O C T O B E R 15 O F C E R T A IN S P E C IF I E D Y E A R S C O M
P A R E D W IT H O C T O B E R 15, 1913
[Percentage changes of five-tenths of 1 per cent and over are given in whole num bers]
Average retail price on Oct. 15—
Article
U nit
P er cent of increase Oct. 15
of each specified year com
pared w ith Oct. 15,1913
1913 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927
Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
25.7 37.4 38.3 40.1 39.6 41. 2 41. 5 43.7
23.1 32.9 33. 1 34.4 33.7 35.4 36.0 37.9
20. C27. 6 28. C28. £ 28. 6 30. 0 30. 6 31. 9
16.4 19.9 19.9 20.8 20.7 22.0 22.8 24.3
12.3 13.2 12.8 13.1 13.1 14.1 14. 6 15. 8
46
42
38
21
7
4£
43
40
21
4
56
49
45
27
7
54
46
43
26
7
P ork chops_______________ -- -d o ___ 22.6 36.0 36.6 34.2 37.5 39.1 42.6 41.5
27.8 41. 2 40. 8 39. 3 40 1 49. 6 51. 7 46 6
H am ____________________ . . . d o . . . 27.6 48.3 47.6 46.4 47.1 54.3 59.8 53.6
L am b, leg of____________
18. 4 30. 0 35. £ 36. 5 35. £ 38. 4 38. 3 38.2
21. 2 37. 2 34. 8 34. 8 35.1 36. 5 37. 6 35. 7
59
48
75
63
75
62
47
72
95
64
51
41
68
98
64
66 7 3 88 84
44 78 86 68
71 9 7 117 9 4
95 109 108 108
66 72 7 7 68
Sirloin steak ........................... P o u n d ..
R ound s t e a k . .. ................... ___do___
R ib ro ast_____ _____ _____
C huck roast______________
Salmon, canned, re d ______
M ilk, f r e s h _____________
M ilk, evaporated__ ______
B u tte r___________________
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r
substitutes).
-__do___
34.9 31. 6 31.4 31. 5 35. 5 35. 6 34.4
Q u a rt... 9.0 14.2 13.3 14.1 13. 9; 14.3 14. 0 14.2
(i)____
13.4 11.2 12. 2 11.0 11. 5 11.4 11. 5
P o u n d .. 38.2 53.2 50. 8'56.2 47.9 59.4 54.3 55. 7
29.2 27. 4 28. 7 30. 0 30.9 30.3 27.9
22. 4 32. 9 34.138. 5 34 8 37.2
16.0 17. 2 17. 5 18. 6 21. 4 24.1
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te ... -__do___
21.5 23. 2'23. 5 25. 5 25.9
Eggs, strictly fresh................ D o zen ... 41.6 58.9 54.3 54.6 59.7 60.3
60
53
50
61
56
53
34
39
15
19
70
64
60
48
28
58
48
57
54
59
56
58
39
33
47
25
55
42
46
64
37
71
23
36. 7 38. 3
21. 9 19. 6
25. 7 25.1
58.2 56.6
47
8
52
9
72
16
5/l 66
34 51
42
§i
31
44
45
Eggs, storage_____________ - .d o ___
44.1 39.1 41. 7 44.1 46. 0 45.9 42.1
B read. __________________ P o u n d .. 5.6 9.5 8. 7 8. 7 8. 8 9. 4 9. 4 9.3
F lo u r........................................
3. 3 5. 4 4. 8 4. 6 5. 3 5. 9 5. 7 5. 5
3.1 4. 3 3. 9 4. 3 5. 0 5. 3 5.1 5. 2
70
64
39
45
26
55
55
39
39
57
61
61
68
79
71
68
73
65
66
67
68
7
10
10
20
30
33
21
94
22
61
33 106 111
67
25
27
44
25
93
28
60
32
24
39
29
42
31
42
20
22
27
55
72
71
60
46.9
3 7 .2
44.2
Rolled oats.............................. -__do___
(2) _____
W heat cereal ...................... . (3)_____
M acaroni............ ...................
9.8 8. 7 8. 8 8. 9 9. 2 9.1 9 . 0
12.0 9. 7 9. 7 10. 5 11.0 10. 9 9 . 7
29. 7 25. 6 24.4 24.4 25.1 25.4 25. 5
20. 5 19.9 19. 7 19.5 20. 5 20.1 20.1
8. 7 9. 3 9. 6 9.6 10.4 11. 3 11. 6 10. 5
8. 2 10.1 10. 6 10.1 10. 0 9.1 9. 6
Potatoes............................. . _--d o___ 1.8 3.5 2.2 2.9 2.4 3.7 3.8 3.0
6. 5 4. 4 6. 3 5. 2 5. 8 5. 0 5. 0
4. 8 3. 5 4. 2 3. 9 4. 2 4. 0 3.9
Beans, baked __________ o ) ...........
14.0 13. 2 12. 9 12.6 12.3 11.7 11.5
c l .........
16.1 15.3 15. 5 16.3 17.4 16.3 15.7
(<)..........
17.9 17.4 17.6 18. 2 18. 2 17.4 16. 7
. .
12. 9 12. 7 12.9 13. 5 13.1 12.1 11. 9
P o u n d .. 5.5 6.9 7.9 10.6 8.8 6.8 7. 1 7.2
54. 5 69.1 68.2 70. 0 71.8 75.8 77.3 77. 5
112
36
{*) .
Sugar, gran u lated.............
R aisins......... ............................
29. 7 35. 6 36.3 37.8 46.1 51.1 50.9 47.4
19.1 20. 6 18.3 17.3 17. 2 16.9 14. 6
27.3 20. 7 16.8 15.0 14.3 14.8 14.2
38. 5 35. 6 38.3 36.1 35.1 34.9 33.9
. . . d o ___
56. 6 61.1 51.1 50. 6 64. 6 56.0 57.8
W eighted food index 8_____
4 3 .2 5 5 .5
54.1 50.3
1 15-16 ounce can.
28-ounce package.
328-ounce package.
4 N o. 2 can.
8 Beginning w ith Jan u ary , 1921, index n um bers showing th e tren d in the retail cost of food have been
composed of th e articles shown in Tables 1 a n d 2, w eighted according to th e consum ption of th e average
family. From Jan u ary , 1913, to December, 1920, th e index num bers included th e following articles: Sirloin
steak, ro u n d steak, rib roast, chuck roast, p late beef, pork chops, bacon, ham , lard, hens, flour, com meal,
eggs, b u tte r, m ilk , bread, potatoes, sugar, cheese, rice, coffee, and tea.
Table 3 shows the changes in the retail prices of each of 22 articles
of food for which prices have been secured since 1913, as well as the
changes in the amounts of these articles that could be purchased for
$1 in specified years, 1913 to 1926, and in September and October,
1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1357]
174
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 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 I N E A C H Y E A R , 1913 TO 1926, A N D IN S E P T E M B E R A N D
O C T O B E R , 1927
Sirloin steak
Y ear
R ound steak
Lbs.
Cents
per lb.
Lbs.
25.4
3.9
22.3
1913__________
2.3
39. 5
43.7
1920
_
34.4
1921
___ 38.8
1922
...... 37.4
2.7
32.3
.6
33.5
1923
___ 39.1
2.5
33.8
1924
___ 39. 6
2.5
34.7
1925
___ 40.6
2.4
35.6
1926
______________________
41.3
1927:
38.1
Septem ber. 43.8
2.3
2.3
37.9
O ctober___ 43.7
4.5
2.5
2.9
3.1
3.0
3.0
2.9
2.6
2
Bacon
Cents
per lb.
1922
Lbs.
27.0
52.3
42.7
39.8
39.1
37.7
46.7
50.3
3.7
1.9
2.3
2.5
2.6
2.1
2.0
2.2
2.1
2.7
46.5
46.6
Cents
per lb.
L bs.
3.7
1.8
2.0
2.0
2.2
2.2
48.7
56.6
3.2
3.0
31.3
33.3
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
4.2
4.1
Cents
per lb.
2.9
1.5
68
2.0
2.3
2.2
2.1
1.9
2.1
2.1
1.8
Sugar
Cents
per lb.
5. 5
Lbs.
9.2
7.2
6.9
18.2
5. 2
12. 5
13. 7
9.9
10.9
13.9
14.5
7.2
7.2
13.9
13.9
19.4
8.0
7.3
10.1
Cents
per lb.
Lbs.
4.7
2.2
2.5
2.8
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2. 8
2.8
Plate beef
17.9
8.7
10.1
11.5
11. 5
11.4
.6
8.8
10
10.6
10.8
10.8
9. 4
9.4
9.3
9.3
Tea
Cents
per lb.
Cents
ver at.
8.9
16.7
14. 6
13.1
13.8
13. 8
14.0
14.0
Pork chops
18.3
14. 3
.8
12. 9
13.2
13. 8
14.6
12
15.5
15.8
Cents
per lb.
7. 6
7.2
7.2
7.1
7.1
38.3
70. 1
51.7
47.9
55.4
51.7
54. 8
53.1
7. 1
7.0
53.4
55.7
6.8
42. 3
34.9
33.0
30.4
30.8
36.6
39.5
4.8
2.4
2.9
3.0
3.3
3.2
2.7
2.5
6.5
6.3
40.7
41.5
2.5
2.4
Cheese
Lbs.
2.1
1.8
1.9
1.8
41. 6
34.0
32.9
36.9
35.3
36. 7
36.6
1.9
37.7
38.3
1.4
1.9
1.9
1.8
Cents
per lb.
Lbs.
6.1
6.0
5.5
5.5
18.2
18.2
5.3
5.2
18.9
19.2
69.5
71.5
75.5
76.7
29. 8
47.0
36.3
36.1
37.7
43.3
51.5
51. 0
77.2
77.5
1.3
1.3
47.3
47.4
Cents
per lb.
2. 6 22. 1
Corn meal
Lbs.
Lbs.
3.4
.1
2
2.8
2.8
2.7
2.3
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.1
Lbs.
21.0
33.3
15. 4
.2
25. 6
24. 4
21.3
18. 5
19. 6
8
Cents
per lb.
8.3
5. 5
7.0
7.8
7.8
7.6
7. 2
3.0
6.5
4.5
3.9
4. 1
4.7
5.4
5.1
1.4
1.4
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.3
1.3
[1358]
L bs.
30.3
12.3
17.2
19. 6
21. 3
20.4
16.4
16.7
Cents
per lb.
68.1
11. 2
6.0
6.8
Coflee
1.8
12.1
3.3
.1
5.8
5. 1
4.7
4.9
Lbs.
54.4
73.3
69.7
Qts.
14.1
14.2
Cents
per lb.
Cents
per lb.
B u tte r
Flour
Lbs.
5. 6
11.5
9.9
8.7
8.7
Lbs.
16.0
26. 2
M ilk
Bread
Cents
per do z. D ozs.
5.2
5.1
2.9
2.7
3.6
4.9
24.0
24.3
35.4
35.7
19.2
19.6
2.8
3.2
3.1
1.9
1.9
34.5
.1
50.9
44.4
46.5
47.8
52.1
48.5
58.8
15. 9
32.3
35.7
34.5
37.0
27.8
20.4
22.5
31.8
31.9
53.8
53.6
6.3
3.4
5.6
5.9
5.6
5.3
4.3
4.6
Lbs.
21.2
19.7
20.2
20.8
21. 6
6.3
3. 8
4.7
5.1
5.0
4. 8
4. 6
4.4
1.9
1.7
Lbs.
1.7
6.3
3. 1
5.1
3.0
3.4
3.6
3.5
3.5
3.4
3.3
21.3
44.7
39.7
36.0
35.0
35.3
36. 6
38.8
15.8
29.5
18.0
17.0
17.7
19.0
23.3
21.9
Cents
per lb.
Lbs.
19.8
33. 2
29. 1
27.6
28.4
28. 8
29. 6
30.3
26.9
55.5
48.8
48.8
45. 5
45.3
52.6
57.4
Cents
per lb.
Cents
per lb.
Cents
per lb.
Hens
Eggs
Potatoes
1913..................
1920__________
1921— ...............
1922__________
1923__________
1924........ ............
1925-........ .........
1926.....................
1927:
Septem ber.
O ctober___
2.8
2. 6
2. 6
H am
L ard
1913....................
1920__________
1921__________
1922__________
1923...... ............
1924__________
1925........ .............
1926________ _
1927:
S eptem ber.
O ctober___
C huck roast
A ver
A ver
Aver
Aver
A ver
A ver
A m t.
A m t.
age
A m t.
age
A m t.
age
A m t,
age
A m t.
age
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
Cents
per lb.
1913__________
1920....................
1921__________
__________
1923__________
1924__________
1925__________
1926__________
1927:
Septem ber.
October___
R ib roast
22
Lbs.
4.5
2.4
2.9
3.0
2.7
2.8
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.6
Rice
Cents
per lb.
8
.7
17.4
9.5
9. 5
9. 5
10.1
11.1
11.6
10.6
10.5
Lbs.
11.5
5.7
10.5
10.5
10.5
9.9
9.0
8.6
9.4
9.5
EETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
175
Index N um bers of R etail Prices of Foods in th e U nited States
IN TABLE 4 index numbers are given which show the changes in
1 the retail prices of specified food articles, by years, from 1913 to
1926,2 and by months for 1926, and for January through October,
1927. These index numbers, or relative prices, are based on the year
1913 as 100 and are computed by dividing the average price of each
commodity for each month and each year by the average price of that
commodity for 1913. 'JJfiese figures must be used with caution. For
example, the relative price of sirloin steak for the year 1926 was
162.6, which means that the average money price for the year 1926
was 62.6 per cent higher than the average money price for the year
1913. As compared with the relative price, 159.8 in 1925, the figures
for 192fo show an increase of nearly 3 points, but an increase of 1.75
per cent in the year.
In the last column of Table 4 are given index numbers showing
changes in the retail cost of all articles of food combined. Since
January, 1921, these index numbers have been computed from the
average prices of the articles of food shown in Tables 1 and 2, weighted
according to the average family consumption in 1918. (See March,
1921, issue, p. 25.) Although previous to January, 1921, the number
of food articles ha,s varied, these index numbers have been so com
puted as to be strictly comparable for the entire period. The index
numbers based on the average for the year 1913 as 100.0 are 154.0
for September and 156.1 for October, 1927.
The curve shown in the chart on page 177 pictures more readily
to the eye the changes in the cost of the food budget than do the
index numbers given in the table.
2 F o r index num bers of each m onth, Jan u ary , 1913, to D ecember, 1925, see B ulletin No. 396, pp. 44 to
61, and B ulletin No. 418, p p . 38 to 51.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1359]
176
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
T able 4 .—I N D E X N U M B E R S O F R E T A IL P R IC E S O F P R IN C IP A L A R T IC L E S O F FO O D
B Y Y E A R S, 1913 A N D 1920 TO 1926, A N D BY M O N T H S F O R 1926, A N D JA N U A R Y T H R O U G H
O C T O B E R , 1927
[Average for year 1913=100.0]
Y ear and m o n th
Sirloin Round R ib Chuck Plate Pork Ba
steak steak roast roast beef chops con
H am Hens M ilk B u t Cheese
ter
1 9 1 3 ....------ --------------1920_________________
1921_______ ______ ___
1922_________________
1923_________ ________
1924__________________
1925__________________
1926.................................
100. C
172.1
152.8
147.2
153.9
155. 9
159.8
162. 6
100.0
177.1
154.3
144.8
150. 2
151.6
155. 6
159.6
100.0
167.7
147.0
139.4
143.4
145. 5
149. 5
153.0
100.0
163.8
132. 5
123.1
126.3
130.0
135. 0
140. 6
100.0
151.2
118. 2
105.8
106. 6
109.1
114.1
120.7
201. 4
166. 2
157.1
144. 8
146.7
174.3
188.1
100.0
193. 7
2
147.4
144.8
139. 6
173.0
186. 3
100.0
206. 3
181.4
181.4
169.1
168.4
195. 5
213.4
100.0
209.9
186.4
169.0
164.3
165. 7
171. 8
182. 2
100.0
187.6
164.0
147.2
155. 1
155. 1
157. 3
157.3
100.0
183.0
135. 0
125.1
144. 7
135. 0
143.1
138.6
100.0
188.2
153.9
148.9
167.0
159.7
166.1
165.6
1926: J a n u a ry ------------F e b ru a ry _______
M arch----- --------A pril----------------M ay _________
J u n e .. ----------Ju ly ____________
A ugust_________
S eptem ber______
O ctober_________
157.0
156. 1
156.5
157.8
160. 5
162. 3
162.8
162.3
163.2
161.4
159. 2
158.3
351.5
148.0
151.0
152. 5
153.5
154. 5
155.1
153. 5
154. 5
154. 5
152. 5
152.5
138.1
138.1
138.1
139.4
140.6
141.9
141.9
140.6
141.9
142. 5
141.9
141.9
119.8
120.7
120. 7
121. 5
120. 7
120. 7
119.8
118.2
119.8
120.7
121. 5
123.1
173.8
172.9
177. 1
182.4
191. 9
200.0
19S. 6
192.9
202. 4
202. 9
187. 1
177.1
178.5
181. 1
179.3
179.6
182. 6
190.7
193.7
192.6
192.2
191.5
188.9
183.7
198.1
199.3
200. 7
2C2. 6
207.8
221.9
226. 4
225. 7
224. 5
222.3
217.1
212.3
181.2
182.6
185. 0
190. 1
192.5
188.7
184. 0
177. 9
177. 5
176. 5
174. 2
174.6
159.6
159. 6
157. 3
156. 2
156. 2
155.1
155. 1
156.2
157.3
157.3
158. 4
159.6
1 4 4 .6
142.3
139.9
132. 9
130. 5
131.3
130.8
132.1
137.1
141.8
145 4
154.8
170.1
169. 7
168.3
165. 2
162.9
161.5
161.1
161.5
163.3
166.1
D e c e m b e r....___
160.6
159. 8
160. 2
161. 8
163.4
165. 4
165.4
164. 6
165.0
163. 4
161. 0
160.2
1927: Ja n u a ry _____. . .
Feb ru ary _______
M arch .
___
A pril______ ____
M ay __________
J u n e .. ________
Ju ly ____________
A ugust-------------S eptem ber______
O ctober............ .
160.6
161.0
161. 8
164. 6
166. 5
166.9
171.7
172.0
172.4
172.0
158.3
158.7
159.6
163. 2
165. 5
165.9
170.0
170.9
170. 9
170.0
153.0
153.5
153. 5
156.1
157. 6
157.1
160.1
160.1
160.6
161.1
141.9
141.9
142.5
145.6
146.9
146.9
149.4
149.4
150.0
151.9
124.0
123.1
123.1
125.6
125.6
125. 6
126. 4
126.4
128.1
130.6
174.3
171.0
174.3
175. 7
173.3
165.2
166.2
179. 5
193. 8
197.6
181.1
179.6
179.3
178.2
176.3
174.4
172. 6
172. 2
172. 2
172.6
211.2
210.8
210. 0
210.8
209.3
206. 3
203.0
201.9
200.0
199.3
180.8
180.8
181.7
182. 6
180.3
170.4
167.1
166.2
166. 2
167.6
158. 4
158. 4
158. 4
157.3
156. 2
156. 2
157.3
158.4
158.4
159. 6
152.5
153. 5
154.6
152.5
139.4
135.2
134.2
134.2
139.4
145.4
Bread Flour
Corn
meal
Y ear and m onth
L ard
Eggs
100. 0
1158.
Rice
Pota Sugar
toes
Tea
Coffee
169.2
170.1
170.1
168.8
167.9
167.4
167.4
167.0
167.4
170.6
173.3
All
arti
cles1
1913_________________
1920_________________
1921_________________
1922_________________
1923_________________
1924 ................... .............
1925_________________
1 9 2 6 .- _______ ______
100.0
186.7
113.9
107.6
112.0
120.3
147. 5
138.6
100.0
197.4
147. 5
128.7
134.8
138. 6
151.0
140.6
100.0
205.4
176.8
155.4
155.4
157.1
167. 9
167.9
100.0
245. 5
175.8
154.5
142.4
148.5
184.8
181.8
100.0
216.7
150.0
130.0
136.7
156.7
180.0
170.0
100.0
200.0
109.2
109.2
109.2
116.1
127.6
133.3
100.0
370.6
182.4
164.7
170.6
158.8
211.8
288.2
100.0
352. 7
145.5
132.7
183.6
167.3
130.9
125.5
100.0
134.7
128.1
125.2
127.8
131. 4
138.8
141.0
100.0
157.7
121.8
121.1
126.5
145.3
172.8
171.1
100.0
203.4
153.3
141.6
146.2
145. 9
157.4
160.6
1926: J a n u a ry . ______
F e b ru a ry _______
M a r c h _______
A pril___________
M ay___________
J u n e . .. ..................
J u ly ___________
A ugust ________
Septem ber______
October _______
N o v e m b e r .____
D ecem ber______
141.1
140.5
138.6
136. 1
136.1
143. 0
144.9
143.7
141.1
138. 6
133. 5
129.1
156.2
127.0
111.6
111.9
112.8
118. 0
122.0
130.1
149.3
168.7
191.3
189.0
167.9
167.9
167. 9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167. 9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
167.9
187.9
190.9
187. 9
184.8
184.8
184.8
181.8
181.8
175. 8
172. 7
172.7
169.7
173.3
173.3
173.3
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
133.3
133.3
134.5
134. 5
134. 5
134. 5
134.5
133. 3
134. 5
133. 3
129.9
128.7
341.2
335.3
329.4
394.1
352.9
294.1
241.2
211.8
229.4
223. 5
235.3
235.3
121.8
121.8
121.8
120.0
121.8
125.5
125.5
127.3
127.3
129.1
129. 1
132.7
139. 9
139.9
139.9
140.3
140.4
141.4
141.5
141.7
141. 5
142.1
141.7
141.4
172.1
172.1
172.1
171.5
171.1
171.1
171. 5
171.1
171.1
170.8
170.5
170.1
164.3
161.5
159.9
162.4
161.1
159.7
157.0
155.7
158.5
160.0
161.6
161.8
1927: J a n u a ry . ______
F e b ru a ry _______
M a rc h ........... .......
A pril. ________
M ay ____ ______
Ju n e ___________
J u ly ---------------- A ugust _______
Septem ber______
O ctober.............
126.6
124.1
122.8
120.9
120.3
119.0
119.0
119.6
121.5
124.1
162.0
128.1
102.6
98.3
97.4
97.1
107.0
121. 7
141. 2
164.1
167.9
167.9
167. 9
167.9
167.9
166.1
166.1
166.1
166.1
166.1
169.7
169.7
166.7
166.7
166.7
166.7
166.7
169. 7
166.7
166.7
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
170.0
173.3
173.3
173.3
176.7
173.3
126.4
124. 1
124. 1
123.0
121.8
123. 0
123.0
123.0
121.8
120. 7
235.3
223. 5
217.6
217. 6
264.7
352.9
247.1
200.0
188. 2
176.5
136.4
136.4
134. 5
132. 7
132.7
132.7
134.5
132.7
130.9
130.9
142.5
142.3
142.6
142.6
142.3
142.1
142.5
142.6
141.9
142.5
168.5
167. 4
165.4
163.8
161.7
160.7
159.7
159.1
158. 7
159.1
159.3
156.0
153.8
153.6
155.4
158.5
153.4
152.4
1,54.0
156.1
122 articles in 1913-1920; 43 articles in 1921-1927.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1360]
177
RETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
T R E N D OF R E T A IL PR ICES OF FOOD.
iso
ITO
I 60
150
140
130
IZO
HO
100
JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUN. JUL. AU6. 5EP. OCT.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1361]
NOV. DEC..
178
MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW
R etail Prices of Food in 51
AVERAGE retail food prices are shown in Table 5 for 40 cities
^
1927. For 11 other cities prices are shown for the same dates
by the bureau until after 1913.
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S OF T H E P R IN C IP A L
[Exact comparisons of prices in different cities can not be m ade for some arti
A tlan ta, Ga.
B altim ore, M d.
B irm ingham , Ala.
Article
U n it
Cts.
Sirloin steak . . . .............
R ound ste a k ____________
R ib r o a s t . . _____________
C huck roast........................ .
P o u n d ___
. . . d o _____
. . . d o _____
. . . d o _____
Cts.
Cts.
Cts
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
43. i
40. 1
32.8
25.2
Cts.
44.6
40. £
33. £
25.2
23.5
22. C
17.3
15.3
38.8
36. 1
29.9
22.0
Cts.
Cts.
41.5
37.6
33. a
25.2
Cts.
Cts.
24.2
21. £
19.7
15.4
41.4
38.1
31.2
23.1
41.3
37.6
31.5
23.4
28.5
23.0
20.5
16.5
40.7
35.8
27.8
23.3
42.1
36.6
29.8
24.0
42.5
37.0
30.2
23.3
P late beef_______________
P ork chops_______ ______
Bacon, sliced____________
H am , sliced........ ................ .
. . . d o _____
. . . d o _____
-__do_____
. . . d o _____
9.6
25.0
32.2
30.8
13.3
39.2
50.1
60.8
15.2
37.9
44.1
55. 7
15.7
38.9
45.4
55. 7
12.6
19.6
22.5
28.5
15.2
39.9
46. i
60.9
15.6
39.4
42.1
56.5
16.3
40.7
41.7
57.1
10.4
24.6
35.0
32.0
14.8
40.3
50.4
59.3
14.2
36.9
47.0
55.3
15.3
38.2
46.4
55.3
L am b, leg o f . ................... .
H ens______ _____ _______
Salmon, canned, red . . . .
M ilk, fre sh .;.........................
- .- d o _____ 20.2 38.6 40.2
--_do_____ 20.8 38.5 34.5
_-do-_ --_
33. 6 34. 2
Q u a rt........ 10.6 19.0 18.0
38.2 21.9 37.9 41.6
37.6 20.0 37.6 31.6
32 1
36. 4 34. 2
14.0 10.0 18.0 16.7
42.6
34.2
34 7
16.7
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Sept Oct.
Sept Oct.
Sept. Oct.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1927
1927
1927
1927
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927
40.8 18.0 38.4 37.8
36.5 20. 8 38.3 37.2
34. 2 3L 4
34 1
18.0 8.7 14.0 14.0
M ilk, evaporated ______ 15-16 oz.
13.4 13.5 13.6
11.2 11.3 11.4
12.6 12.8 12.6
can.
B u tte r_________ ________ P o u n d ___ 39.0 56.5 53.6 55.9 38.8 57.9 57.3 60.3 40.0 57.0 56.2 58.0
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r --_do-------- —
32.6 26.2 27.1 ........ 30.1 27.1 27.4
36.3 32.5 32.6
C heese............. .....................
L a rd _______________ ____
Vegetable la rd s u b s titu te ..
Eggs, stric tly fresh_______
---d o _____ 25.0
- - .d o _____ 15.1
---d o _____
D ozen----- 34.1
35.5
21.7
24.3
51.5
36.8
19.7
22.3
47.4
37.1 23.3 34.6 36.4 36.8 23.0 37.1
20. 5 14.8 20.3 17.9 18.6 15.2 22. 5
22.5
24.2 22.7 23.1
21.7
54.3 36.3 54.8 43.3 53.3 35.0 51.8
Eggs, storage___________
Bread _________________ P o u n d ___
F lo u r.......... ................ .......... . . . d o -------C orn m e a l .. ................... . ---d o _____
45.0
5.9 10. 7 10.8 10.8
3.5 6. 6 6.5 6.5
2. 7 4.3 4.1 4.1
Rolled oats........................
__do. ___
Corn flakes_____________ 8-oz. p k g .
W heat cereal_____ _____ _ 28-oz.pkg.
M acaro n i............................... P o u n d ___
9. 7 9. 4 9 4
11. 5 9.8 9. 8
25.6 26.4 26.6
21. 7 21. 7 21.7
R ice____________________ ---d o _____
Beans, n a v y ....... .................. ---d o _____
P otato es________________
O n io n s.............................
...d o .- . . .
Cabbage ______________
Beans, baked ............ ......... No. 2 c an ..
Corn, can n ed ____________ -_-do_____
Peas, can n ed ____________ -_-do_ ___
8.6 11.9 9.8 10.0
10. 2 10. 7 10. 5
4. 9 4, 2 4 1
8.0 7.8 7. 3
2. 3
4.8 4. 9 5. 0
11. 7 11.3 11.4
17. 8 18. 2 18. 2
20. 2 20.1 19. 7
5.5
3.2
2.6
43. 3
9.8
5.3
3.9
36.7
18.9
21.8
42.9
39.2
19.8
22.2
48.1
5.3
4.2
45 0
40 0
5.4 10.3 10.3 1 0 . 3
3.6 6.8 6.7 6 . 7
2.4 4.2 4.2 4 . 2
8 3 8 9. 8 3
10 1 9 1 q 1
24.3 24.2 24.5
18. 6 18 9 IQ 4
10 1 10 1
10 5
26.9 27. 7 27.7
18 8 18 8 18 8
9.0 10.7
7.9
1.8
4. 8
9.9
5.2
4.2
9.6
8. 5
3 1
5 0
39. 7
a 9
9.5
8.7
4 2
4 0 3 5 3 8
10. 4 10.4 10. 8
15 0 14 4 14 7
15 4 14 8
8.2 11.5 10.3
10.5 10.2
2.2
7* 7 7 5
10 .7
10 .4
6 7
5 4 5 4 5 3
12. 0 11. 3 1L 8
Tom atoes, c a n n e d _____ __-do10. 9 11. 5 11. 1
10 7 10 3
Sugar, g ra n u la te d _______ P o u n d ___ 5.8 7.4 7.7 7.7 4.9 6. 5 6.4 6.4 5.7 7.5 7.8 7 . 7
T e a .. ____ ______________
60.0 104 3 102 0 103 3 56 0
Coffee...... .............................. . . . d o _____ 32.0 51.8 48.5 48.2 24.4 47.6 42.7 43.0 28.8 '54.3 51.4 51.2
P ru n es______
Raisins __________. . . .
B an a n a s_________
Oranges...... ..........
. .
__ do _____
17.9
18. 3
28. 2
53. 8
16.4
16. 3
29. 0
53.1
14.9
15. 9
29. 0
53 2
14. 2 13 0 12 4
13 5
26 3 23 6
57.8 56. 1 57.7
IQ 3 18 5 17 8
52.3 53! 4
53
!2
. 1 T h e steak for w hich prices are here q u oted is called “ sirlo in ” in th is city, b u t in m ost of the other cities
included in th is report it w ould be k n o w n as “ porterhouse ” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 6 2 ]
179
RETAIL PRICES OP POOD
C ities o n Specified D a te s
for October 15, 1913 and 1926, and for September 15 and October 15,
with the exception of October, 1913, as these cities were not scheduled
A RTICLES OF FOOD IN 51 CITIES ON S P E C IF IE D DATES
eles, particularly meats and vegetables, owing to differences in trade practices]
Bridgeport,
Conn.
Boston, Mass.
Buffalo, N. Y.
Butte, Mont.
Oct. 15—
1913
C ts .
1 35. C
35. C
25.6
18.0
24. 4
25.4
31.3
20.5
25.6
8.9
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct.
Sept. Oct. Oct. Sept.
15,
15,
15, 15, 15,
15,
15, 15,
15,
1927
1927
1927
1926
1927
1926
1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
1 65.3 171.6 1 71.7 48.9 54. 1
51.7 56.5 55.9 42.4 47.0
38.9 40.9 40.6 36.7 40.2
28.2 30.5 30.4 27.2 30.9
Oct.
15,
1927
Charleston, S. C.
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct.
15,
15,
1913 1926 1927 1927
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts .
54.0
47. 5
41.0
31.3
22.3
19.3
16. 5
15.0
40.9
34.6
30.6
23.7
44.0
37.4
31.9
25.2
43.6
37.2
32.3
25.4
30.8
27.4
26.7
19.2
32.8
29.1
28.7
20.2
33.2
28.0
28.2
20.3
21.8
20. 4
20.0
15.0
33.3
30.0
25.7
19.1
33.3
31.0
26.7
20.8
C ts.
32.3
30.0
26.7
20.8
11.5
21.0
22.3
26.7
14.4
45.2
47.0
59.3
12.1
26.0
26.6
28.8
14.0
38.8
45.4
56.8
14.9
34.7
40.4
49.7
14.5
34.0
40.2
48.4
18.4
46.7
48.6
65.6
20.5
44.8
45.5
58.8
20.6
47. 3
45.8
59.1
11.7
46.3
55.3
65.4
12.5
43.6
50.3
57.7
12.9
44.8
50.7
57.7
15.0
45.9
42.0
52.4
15.0
46.1
42.7
50.5
12.1
42.2
59.3
61.3
13.4
38.0
54.6
58.8
13.2
37.5
52. 5
57.5
39.5
41.5
34. S
14.9
39.8
39.0
33.2
15.5
38.7
39.9
33.6
15.5
38.5
40.6
34. 1
16.0
39.6
39.8
31.9
16.0
38.9 15.3 34.0 33.9
40.2 21.0 38.3 36.1
32. 8
34.5 31. 8
16.0 8.0 13.0 13.0
33.2
37. 1
32. 6
13.0
37.7
34.5
32. 5
14.3
37.0
33.2
31.4
14.0
37. 1 22.5 41.9 39.8 39.4
32.9 21.9 39.4 35.7 35.5
31. 2
30. 4 31.8 32.6
14.0 12.0 18.0 19.0 19.0
11.2 11.3 11.3
12.0
12.1
12.1 11.6 11.6 11.6
10.9
11.1
38.0
53.7
29.9
54.3
28.1
56.4 54.2 54.3 56.1 37.1 54.9 54.1 56.5 50.7
27.3 30. 1 27.8 27.8 —
29.3 27.8 27.2 .........
52.0
23. 1
15.7
53.3
37.6
21.3
24.7
76.7
38.9
19.5
25.4
68.4
39.2
19.9
25. 3
79.8
36.1
23.4
30.4
50.6
6.0
3.6
3.5
52.4
9.1
6.2
6.2
8.5
6.1
6.7
9.3
10.7
24.5
22.3
9.1
9.9
25.2
22.4
8.9 8.4 8. 4 8. 4
10.0 10.4 9. 7 9.6
25. 1 24. 9 24. 8 24.7
22.4 22.7 22.7 22.7 —
12.2
9.6
3.5
5:1
39. 5
21.0
25.7
78.9
40.9
18.9
25. 3
66.6
50.3 50.1
8.5 8.8
6.0 5.9
6.7 8.0
8.8
5.7
7.8
.............
40.9 21.5 37.2 38.7 38.9 35.7
19. 1 14.4 20.9 18.3 19. 1 25.3
25.4
26.4 25.8 25.9 29. 3
77.9 36.6 60.5 51.1 58.8 61.1
44. 8
8.8
5.7
7.8
.............
11.9 11.8 11.8
36.5 21.0 33.9 34.4
23.6 15.3 22. 1 20.6
23. 8 21. 6
30. 5
54.8 35.0 56.7 48.2
35.6
19.7
21. 7
56.7
42. 9
8.7
4.8
4.7
45.0
9.8
5.7
5.9
9.8
5.4
6.0
8.7 8.7 8.7
10.2 9.0 9.5
24.7 24. 5 24.8
21.4 21.2 21.4
7.3
12.2
28.4
19.1
7. 5
1.07
28. 5
19.5
9. 5 9. 5 9. 5
7. 5
10.5
11.8 10.3 9.9
26. 2 25.8 25. 7
28.5
19.5 ....... 18.5 18.7 18.7
12.0
10.3
3.2
5.2
12.2 11.4 11.4 11.4 9.3 11.5 10.1 10.3
10.4 9.6 9.6 9.5
8.8 9.0 9.4
3.0 3.5 3.0 2.8 Ï. 7 3.5 2.6 2.7
4.5 5.1 5.6 5.1 ....... 5.9 6.0 5.8
12.3
10.4
3.0
3.8
11.0
10.1
2. 1
4.8
11.0 5.6
9.8
1.5 2.2
4.1 .......
.........
5.2
13.2
18. 5
19.9
5.1
13.1
17.7
19.9
3.2 3.6 3.3
4.8 4.5 4.8 4.5
13.3 11.4 11.7 11.7
9.8 9.9 10.1
17.9 19. 6 18.1 18. 5
16.6 15.0 15.5
20.0 21.0 20.7 20.7 ....... 16.5 15.6 16.0
3.8
14.3
16.0
14.0
3.9
13.3
14. 6
13.8
3.3
4.3 4.4 4.2
13.3
10.0 10.0 10.0
14. 4
14. 9 14.8 14.7
13.8 ....... 16.7 16.5 16.7
5.4
58.6
33.0
12.3
7.0
74.7
55.3
11.0
7.2
72.9
51.1
13.4 13. 0 13. 2
11. 3 13.8 13.1 13.7
7.2 6.8 7.1 7.1 5.4 6.9 6.9 6.9
72.9 59.9 60.9 60.9 45.0 70. 1 67. 1 67.9
51.7 48.6 45.9 46.0 29.3 49.1 45.6 45.4
13.7
8.4
83.3
57.0
12.8
8.6
82.8
54.0
12.8
10.0 9.9 9.9
8.6 5.0 6.8 6.8 6.7
83. 1 50.0 74.9 82.4 82.4
54.0 26.8 47.3 43.1 42.8
16.1
13. 9
44.4
62.1
15.4
13. 2
42. 9
64.4
14.7
13. 0
45.0
70.1
9.4
1.7
—
16.1
14. 8
35.0
66.7
15.8
14. 3
35.0
64.4
5.6
3.0
2.5
15.6
14.2
36. 5
69.3 .......
43.8
8.9
5.1
5.2
11.1
51.9 38.2 52.3 49.5 50.8
......... ....... 31.2 29.2 29.2
16.5
14.3
42.4
56.6
8.7
5.0
5.2
14.4
13.7
41.2
60.6
5Per pound.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1363]
39. 4
9.8
5.4
6.1
43.9
39.4
5.9 10.2 10.9 10.9
3.8 7.0 6.8 6.7
2.6 3.9 4.0 3.9
13.6 19.0 15.0 14.9
13.7 15.2 15. 1 14.8
41.9 2 14. 5 2 11.7 2 12.7
65.7 48.3 53.5 56.2 .....
9.0
9.9
4. 1
5.5
15.3
14.8
37.8
44.5
7.2 7.1
9.8 10.1
3.6 3.4
6.5 5.7
13.5
14.4
25. 6
46.9
12.4
14.0
27.0
35.0
180
MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R IC E S O F T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
Chicago, 111.
A rticle
U nit
C incinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct.
Sept. Oct.
Sept. Oct.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1927 1927
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Sirloin stea k ......................... P o u n d ___
R ound steak ____________ ........ do____
R ib ro a s t.-........................... ____do____
C huck roast..................... ____do____
Cts
Cts.
Cts.
45.6
37.6
36.6
26.0
47.2
38.3
35.8
26. 6
Cts.
24.8
21.6
20.1
15.8
48. (
38. 7
36.5
27.8
23.3
21. 0
19.2
16.1
37.7
34.1
30.8
22.1
40.2
36.1
31.1
22. 8
39.5
35.8
31.6
23.1
25.4
22.9
18.7
16.9
39.4
33.4
27.2
22. 2
42.4
36.3
30.3
24.9
41.8
35.7
29.7
25.0
P late beef..............................
Pork ch o p s.--................... .
Bacon, sliced...... ..............
H am , sliced........ .................
____do........
____do____
____do____
........ do........
12.0
21. 0
32.7
32.0
15. 0
43. C
56. 3
60.1
15.4
42.6
50.9
54.5
16.0
42.5
51.2
54.6
12.2
23. 7
26.0
30.0
15.4
42.1
46.7
60.0
15.8
40.3
40.6
52.2
16.3
41.2
40.5
52.0
12.2
23. C
28.1
35.7
13.6
43.7
51. 7
61.6
14.4
43.5
45.1
53.3
15.2
43.6
44.7
53.3
L am b, leg o f............. ...........
H ens.......................................
Salmon, canned, re d _____
M ilk, fresh______________
____do____ 19.8 39.7 38.5 38.0 17.8 37.5 35.4
____do____ 18.4 37.5 36.1 36.8 22. 7 37.2 33.5
____do____
38.6 35.9 35.4
31.3 33. C
Q u a rt____ 8.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 8.0 14.0 13.3
35.5 18.7 37.2 37.4
34.3 20. i 37. 8 35.1
34.9
34. 5 34.3
13.3 8.0 14.3 14.0
36.4
35.7
34.6
14.0
11.3 11. 2
15-16 oz.
can.
B u tte r, _____________ . P o u n d ___ 35.4 53.7 52. 7
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r ____do____
27.5 27.1
'
su b stitu tes).
Cheese___________ - .........- ____do____ 25. 7 42.4 42. C
15. 0 22. 2 19. 4
Vegetable lard su b stitu te —
26. 7 26. 5
33. 3 57.0 46. 0
42.5 21.0 36.4 37.4
19. 8 14 2 20. 0 18.1
26. 3
25. 9 26.1
53. 7 32. 6 52.1 45. 9
39.1 24. C 36.9
18. 4 16. 4 23 2
26.2
27. 4
56. 2 42. 7 64. 9
Eggs, storage—__________
B read__________________
F lo u r___________________
Corn m eal.........................
____do____
P o u n d ___
____do____
____do........
43.2
9.9
5.1
6.6
39. 9
8.7
5.8
4.5
W heat cereal------------------
28-oz.~pkg-
P o ta to e s .._____ _________ ____do____
O nions...................................
Cabbage
______________
Corn, canned___________
Peas, canned__________ .
6. Ì
2. 9
2.8
47. 0
9.8
5.4
6.5
9.9
5.1
6.4
11.3
10. 9 11.3 11.3
11 3 11.4 11.4
54. 3 37.8 53.0 51.1 54.1 39.2 58.0 57.1 58.8
27.4
30.2 28.0 28.6
33.0 29.3 28.8
8.6 8. 6 8. 5
10 1 9 5 9. 5
25.2 25.2 25. 2
19. 7 19.1 18. 9
9 0 12.1 10. 8 10 7
9.5 9. 6 9. 6
1.7 3.7 3.2 2.9
5.3 5. 5 4.9
4.5 4. 0 4.3
12. 8 12 8 12. 5
17.1 15. 7 16. 0
17. 5 16. 6 16.1
4. 8
3.3
2.8
39.3
9.2
6.0
3.9
8.9
5.8
4.5
8 7 8 8 8 9
10 4 9 4 9 4
24.4 25.1 25.1
18. 5 18 3 18. 5
5.6
3.1
3.0
45. 8
7.9
5.8
5.2
38.4
20. 6
26 8
52. 8
39.4
20 9
26 9
60 6
7.7
5.6
5.6
42 3
7.7
5.6
5.5
9 5 9 4 9 5
11 2 9 8 9 ' 8
25.3 25.7 2 5 ! 3
22 0 21 5 21 5
9 7 10 2
8. 7 8. 8
3.3 3.2
4. 7 4 7
9.0 12 0 10 9 11 0
7 8 8 8 8 8
1.9 4.1 3.4 3 ! 2
4 9 5 0 4 6
4 1 4 1 3 7
11. 0 10 6 10 5
15. 2 15 2 15.1
17.5 16. 6 17.1
4 5 4 6 4 1
12 0 13 1
16 9 16 6 16 9
17. 5 18 2 17 9
8.8 11 4
7 8
1.8 4.2
4. 6
Tom atoes, canned______
13. 9 13. 9 14.1
13 8 14 1 14 9
11 8 11 7 11 7
Sugar, gran u lated ______
P o u n d ___ 5.2 6.9 7.1 7.0 5,4 7.2 7.5 7.5 5.5 7.3 7! 4 7 . 6
T ea. ____________ ____ _
55. 0 74.5 72. 0 71. 3 60 0 78 1 75 5 78. 4 50 0 78 6 81 8 80 0
C offee__________ ______ _
30. 7 50. 8 47.1 46. 3 25.6 46 1 42 5 43 0 26! 5 55 0 49 9 50 8
P ru n e s............................... ____do____
R aisins................ .................
B a n a n a s ..____ __________
O ranges.____ ___________
18. 8
15. 4
40. 5
61.3,
17.3
15. 0
39. 8
63. 0
16. 9
14. 8
38. 3
65. 6
17 2
15 3
36. 7
56. 4
15 2
14 6
36 1
52. 2
13 7
14 3
38. 3
57. 5
16. 7 15 3 14 7
14 8 14 8
210 4 2 1 0 3 GO 3
63.6 5 9 . 8 60.8
1 T he steak for w hich prices are here quoted is called “ ru m p ” in this city, b u t in m ost of the other cities
included in th is report it w ould be know n as “ porterhouse” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1364]
181
BETAIL PRICES OP POOD
C L E S O P P O O D IN 51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S —C ontinued
D allas, Tex.
C olum bus, Ohio
D en v er, Colo.
D etroit , M ich.
F all R iver, M ass.
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Oct 15—
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct.
Sept. O c t.
Sept. Oct.
Oct. Sept. Oct.
Sept. Oct.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15, 15,
15,
15,
1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
40.6
35.9
30. 9
24. 8
41.9
37.6
32.3
26.5
41.6
37.5
32.3
26.4
23.3
21.3
20.1
16. 9
36.2
32.9
27.8
23.1
36.9
34.2
27. 9
23.9
37.9
35. 6
27.9
23.5
23. 9
21.4
17.8
15.8
33.6
30. 2
24.0
19.5
35.5
32.0
25. 3
20. 7
34.9
30.6
24.8
20.3
25.4
20.8
20.0
15.4
42.0
34.5
30. 1
22.9
44. 8
37.6
32.8
25.1
44.4 135. 3 160.7
37. 3 28.0 46. 5
32.8 23.3 31.2
25.4 18.0 22.5
15.4
39. 7
53.3
58.8
16. 8
37. 7
48.2
51.8
16.8
40. 3
48.8
52.5
13.6
22.5
38.3
32.5
17.8
38.3
46.1
62.8
18.5
37.4
47.0
56.2
18.5
39.1
47.9
54.8
10.0
20.8
28.0
31. 7
11.1
40. 6
53.3
60.8
12.2
37.4
47.3
51.6
12.4
38. 2
46.3
51.5
11.0
21. 6
23.5
27.0
14,3
45.7
54. 7
64.6
15.3
44.8
48.5
55.8
41.7
37. 7
36.8
12.0
44.2
35:4
35. 9
12.0
42.5 23.3 43.6
36.1 19.3 32. 3
36.6
39.0
12.0 11.6 12.0
43.4
30.7
37.2
13.0
11.4 11.6 11.6
Cts. Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
65.3
49.4
33.6
25.3
166.3
49.1
34.0
25.4
15.2
13.7
44. 5 23.2 43.9
47.9 25. 7 46.5
56.0 31.2 58.4
15.0
39.5
43.1
52.9
14.7
41.9
43.8
52.9
44.1 14.6 35.8 36.8 36.2 16.4 39.9 38.9 39.1 18.3 42.3
31.7 19.4 29.8 29.6 28.1 19.8 39.2 36.7 36.5 24.6 43.0
37.9
35.7 35.0 35.5
34.5 34.5 35.8
37.3
13.0 8.4 12.0 12.0 12.0 9.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 9.0 14.3
41.5
43.7
34.8
15.0
40.9
43.6
34.5
15.0
13.0 13.1 13.2
10.7 10.7 10.6
.....
11.2 11.4 11.3
.....
1
12.8
12.8 12.8
53.6 53.4 55.1 42.5 53.0 52.1 55.4 39.0 49.0 48.3 50.9 37.0 54.9 55.3 56.8 35.9 52.1
29.9 28.0 28.1 ..... 33.9 30.6 30.3 ..... 29.0 24.6 24.0 ..... 28.9 26.8 27.8 —
30.4
52.6 54.4
30.8 29.7
35.9
19.6
26. 2
49.2
36.9
16.7
26.2
40.4
40.3
8. 1
5. 5
3.6
7. 7
5.3
4.1
.............
.............
37.3 20.0 36.1 38.9 38.3 26.1 37.4 37.9
17.3 16.8 25.6 23.3 23.9 16.1 22.6 19.1
26.2
24.0 23.4 23.5
24.3 22. 4
45.7
48.0 43.0 46.2 37.1 55.6 40. 7
39.0 21.7 38.1 39.4
19.8 16.5 22.1 19.4
22.2
27.1 26. 8
54.6 35.6 56.9 47.8
42.0
7.7
5.1
4.1
40.5
8.0
4.3
4.4
5.3
3. 2
3.3
9.5
5. 7
4.4
9.5
5.5
4.5
35.0
9.5
5. 5
4.6
9.3 9.2 9. 1
10.8 9.8 9.5
24. 5 26.1 26.0
20.1 21.0 21.0 .....
10.2
11. 1
27.6
21.6
10.3
10. 6
27.2
21.5
10.5
10.6
27.6
21.7
13.8 12.1 12.0 9.3 12.5 11.7 12.3
10.1 11.2 10.9
7. 7 8.8 8.8
3. 9 3.3 3.0 2.5 5.3 5.0 4.8
4.9
4.8 6.1
........ 6.5 7.4 6.9
4.5 4.2 4.5
12.1 12.6 12.6
14.4 13.9 13.9
15.1 14.8 14.8
40.3 23.6 38.4
19. 5 15.3 21.3
26. 8
26. 7
54.3 52.7 73.9
40.4
18.8
26. 7
68.5
40.7
18.9
26. 7
76.4
6.2
3.3
3.7
49. 2
9.2
6.0
6. 7
9.1
5.6
6.8
46.9
9.0
5.6
6.6
.....
9.4
11.3
25.3
24.5
9.4 9.4
10.0 10.2
25.0 25.0
24.2 24.2
8.6 10.6 9.8 9.7 8.4 13.4 11.8 11.4 10.0 11.6
9.6 10.7 10.0
8.6 9.1 8.9
9.8
1. 4 3.3 2.5 2.0 1.6 3.2 2.9 2.6 1.8 3.5
3.7 4.8 4.3 ........ 4.6 4.7 4.4 ..... 4.9
—
11.1 10,8
10.8 10.8
2.9 3.1
5.5 5.1
5.5
2. 6
2.6
.....
43.9
8.3
4.5
4.0
8.0
4.3
4.4
8.3 7.6 7.7
11.1 9.8 9.7
24.9 24.8 24.6
19.7 19. 7 19.4
5.6
3.1
2.8
.....
43.4
8.2
5. 6
5.9
8.5
5.4
6.0
41. 5
8.3
5.3
6.1
9.3 9.5 9.6
10.6 9. 8 9.8
25.8 25.7 25.9
22.4 22.1 22.3
5.4 6.1 5.8
2.4 2.4 2.6
3.9 3.5 3.4
11.4 10.9 10.6
13.3 13.0 13.2
11.6 11.3 11.3
17.8 18.4 18.4
14.8 13.9 14.0
16.6 16.4 16. 5
21.9 21.4 21.5 ........ 15.8 15,2 15.2 ........ 17.2 17.2 17.0 —
3.9
12.4
16.6
18.5
4.5 4.9
11.5 11.9
16.3 17.0
18.1 18.5
12.5 12.6 12.5
12.1 11.9 12.2
12.4 12.7 12.7
12.5 13.3 12.8
12.0
7.2 7.8 7.7 5.8 7.7 8.0 8.0 5.4 7.6 7.8 7.8 5.4 7.3 7.5 7.5 5.3 7.0
89.3 88.0 89.3 66.7 104.7 107.1 107.5 52.8 69.3 68.0 70.3 43.3 75.3 74.5 74.5 44.2 60.7
51.6 47.9 47.3 36.7 60.3 57.1 57.1 29.4 51.0 48.9 47.9 29.3 52.0 47.8 47.6 33.0 52.5
13.2 13.1
7.2 7.3
63.8 63.8
48.8 48.5
18. 5
15.0
38.9
54.8
16.6
14.5
38.6
54.0
16.0
14.8
38.6
62.9
.....
21.5
16.7
36.3
57.5
21.1
16.3
35.0
54.7
18.6
15.7
35.0
54.0
18.3
14.5
211.5
50.0
14.8 14.9
14.0 14.1
210.3 211.4
48.5 46.8
2 P er pound.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1365]
19.2
15.4
34.8
58.0
16.7
14.8
35.0
60.1
16.4
14.3
34.8
68.7
15.7 14.5
14.0 13.9
2 9. 6 2 9. 6
56.4 54.6
14.8
14.2
2 9.8
62.9
182
MONTHLY 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 I
H ouston, Tex.
Article
Sirloin steak..
R ound steak .
R ib ro a st___
C huck roast..
P late beef----Pork c h o p s...
■Bacon, sliced.
H am , slic ed ..
U nit
Pound.
___ do..
___ do..
----- do..
.d o ____
.d o .........
.d o ____
.d o .........
Indianapolis, In d .
Jacksonville, Fla.
Oct. Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct.
15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1926 1927 1927 1913
1927 1927 1913
1926
1926 1927 1927
Cts.
Cts.
33.8
32.7
26.8
20.5
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
34.6
33.5
27.3
21.3
26.0
24.7
17.8
16.3
39. i
38.2
29.4
24.7
41.3
38.6
30.8
25.3
Cts.
35.0
33.6
27. a
22.3
41.5
38.8
29.9
25.7
25.5
21.0
21.3
14.6
17.3
39.3
52. 1
57.1
18.0
35.5
46.6
50.8
18.3
36.8
45.1
50.0
12.9
22.2
29.7
31.2
15.3
42.9
49.0
61.4
16.1
40.8
42.3
52. 7
15.8
41.5
43.7
53.5
11.6
24.0
31.0
30.2
35.0
39.9
34.1
15.6
34.2
34.6
32.6
15.6
32.0 20.7 41.7 39.0 37.8 21.6 39.5 38.0 38.8
30.6 21.0 38.7 36.6 36.4 23.8 41.0 34.0 34.2
33.8
35.8 34.0 34.2
38.0 33.9 34.6
15.6 8.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.3 22.3 20.3 20.3
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
37. 5
32.3
28.6
20.6
35.4
31.3
27.1
20.1
35.8
31.2
27.3
20.4
12.5
39. 5
50.0
59.5
12.8
33.3
42.1
49.5
13.0
34.1
42.2
49.6
L am b, leg of________________
H e n s .......................................
Salmon, canned, red ______
M ilk, fresh______________
___ do______
___ do___
___ do___
Q u a rt___
M ilk, evaporated__________
B u tte r................................... .
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r
su b stitu tes).
Cheese______ ____ _________
L a rd -......................................... .
Vegetable lard s u b stitu te ____
Eggs, stric tly fresh...............
16-16 oz. can. 11.5 11.6 11.6
10.8 10.8 10.8
12.1 11.9 11.7
54.4 49.2 53.9 36.8 54.1 52.2 54.6 39.3 55.0 53.3 55.0
P o u n d __
___ do............ 29.9 27.6 27.3
30.4 29.2 29.3
32. 4 30. 3 30.4
___ do____
___ do____
___ do____
D ozen.......
33.2
22.3
19.0
47.4
34.4
21.3
17.8
41.5
Eggs, storage.
B re ad ...........
F lo u r..............
C orn m eal___
..d o ___
Pound..
___ d o ...
___ d o ...
40.7
8.8
5.7
4.1
8.5
5.1
4.5
R olled o a ts____
Corn flakes____
W heat cereal _ ..
M acaroni_____
___ do___
8.9 8.9 8.9
8-oz. p k g ___ 11.8 9.2 9.3
28-oz. p k g ... 25.6 25.0 25.0
P o u n d ...
18.4 18.6 18.3
R ice..............
Beans, n a v y .
Potatoes____
O nions...........
.d o .
-do.
.d o .
.d o .
35.3 21.3 35.9 37.7 39.0 22.5 35.2 35.7
20.6 15.0 19.8 17.4 17.9 15.8 22.9 21.3
18. 2
26. 8 27.4 27.4
24. 4 22. 9
43.1 32.2 48.1 37.3 50.6 40.0 71.0 53.1
36.0
8.5
5.1
4.3
9.8 8.9 8.5
9.2 10. 2 10.1
4.9 4.7 4.4
5.4 5.9 5.2
C abbage____
Beans, baked.
Corn, canned.
Peas, can n ed .
___ do_____
4.8 5.5 5.3
No. 2 can___ 11.1 11.0 10.8
___ do______ 14.9 14.1 13.5
___ d o ........... 14.0 13.3 13.4
Tom atoes, canned.
Sugar, granulated..
T ea........... ................
Coffee___________
___ do..
Pound.
___ do..
___ do..
P runes.........................................
do.
R aisins.......... .............................
do.
B ananas______________
D ozen.
Oranges...........................................
do.
5.1
3.2
2.5
40.0
8.1
5.6
4.2
36.6
21.8
22.0
56.7
45.0
8.1
5.5
4.3
49. 3
40. 7
6.2 11.0 10.9 10.9
3.7 6.9 6.6 6.5
2.9 4.2 4.3 4.4
8.1 8.3 8.5
10.1 9. 3 9.4
25.3 25.6 25.9
19.2 19. 6 19.2
9. 6 9. 6 9.3
11. 2 9 9 9. 9
24.9 24.4 24.6
20. 2 19. 4 19. 2
8.1
5.5
4.2
9.2 12.1 10.6 10.8
8.1 8.7 9.1
3.8 3.0 2.8
5.1 6.3 5.8
1.7
4. 0 4. 5 4.3
10.4 10. 3 10. 3
14.4 13.8 14.0
14.6 13.6 13.8
6.6 10.8
9.9
4.9
7.3
2.5
9.4
9.3
4.4
7.2
9.4
9.2
3.9
6.0
5. 5 4. 6 4. 2
.6
11. 4 10 8
20. 0 17. 8 17. 5
19. 8 18.1 17.6
10
11.7 12.6 12.9
11.0 10.5 9.8
11. 2 9 8 9 8
7.0 6.9 6.9 5.7 7.4 7.6 7.5 5.9 7.4 7.5 7.5
82.8 84.8 84.2 60.0 87.8 85.3 85.3 60.0 100.9 97.7 98.7
45.1 40.5 40.3 30.0 51.1 47.5 47.5 34.5 50.3 47.3 46.4
16.8
14.4
29.2
46.0
14.5
13.9
26.2
39.1
13.4
13.4
26.3
39.4
19.3
15.9
31.4
52.7
17.9
15.2
31.6
51.3
17.3
15. 5
31. 0
55.0
18.7
16.1
32. 0
43.8
16. 4
15.3
28. 3
60.0
15. 9
14. 8
30. 8
56.3
. 1 T he steak for w hich prices are here quoted is called “ sirloin” in th is city, b u t in m ost of the other cities
included in th is report it w ould be know n as “ porterhouse” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1366]
183
BETAIL PEICES OF FOOD
C L E S O F FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued
K ansas C ity, M o.
L ittle Rock, A rk.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Louisville, K y.
M anchester, N . H .
Oct. 15— Sept
Oct Oct. 15— Sept Oct Oct. 15— Sept Oct Oct. 15— Sept Oct Oct. 15— Sept Oct.
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
15, 15,
1927
1927
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts
Cts.
Cts.
Cts. Cts
39.2
34.1
27.2
20.0
Cts.
24.9
22.3
18.0
15.6
40.0 25.0
34. 9 20. 0
28.1 20. 0
21.317.5
Cts.
Cts. Cts
39.0
34.2
27.4
20.5
34.2
31.6
27.1
22.5
Cts.
38.2
35.4
30.7
23.4
Cts.
Cts. Cts
Cts.
37. i
35. <
30.0
22.8
24.0
21.0
19.4
15.8
36.1
29.7
29.6
20.2
39.0
31.6
31.2
20.7
39.1
31.3
30.5
21.3
■¿2.4 34.6 34.1 29. 5 45.3 46. 9 46.8
12.2
23.1
31.3
29.4
13.0
42.6
52.7
61.2
14. 5
40. 5
45.1
51.7
15. 6(12. 5
42. 5 21. 3
46. 8i36. 7
51. 5|30.0
15.9
37.7
53.0
58.5
17.8
35. S
47.7
49.6
18.3
37.8
46.8
52.7
13.3
25.4
33.1
35.0
14.0
46.7
60.7
71.4
14.0
47.6
54.4
68.1
14.7 13.1
46. e 21.9
55. C29.5
68.5 29.0
15.8
39. 1
52.2
55.7
17.3
37.1
47.7
50.0
16.7
16.0 17. 5
38.2 22.8 43.3 40. 8
47.5 23.5 43.0 38.7
50.4 29.0 49.5 45.1
18.3
16.1
—
9.3
34.8
33.6
37.5
13.0
35.3
29.8
35.8
13.0
35.9 18.8
30. 7:19. 0
35.6 ___
13.0 10.0
40.1
30.7
35.6
15.0
41.4
28.4
32.8
15.0
38.6 18.6
30.8 26.2
33.4
15.0 Io. Ö
36.2
44.3
33.7
15.0
37.4
40.7
32.3
15.0
37.3 18.2
41.4 21.8
33. 5
15.0 8.8
39.3
36.9
35.3
12.0
41.3
32.9
32.4
12.0
41.7 20.0 38.3 38.3 36.6
35.6 24.5 43.8 41. 9 41.3
32.6
36.1 34.1 34.8
13.0 8.0 14.0 14.8 15.0
11.8 11.8
3&8 52.3 51.4
27.6
25.5
—
21.8 35.9 37.1
16.4 22.3 19.7
27. 8 27.6
—
35.0 47.3 40.1
6.Ó
3. 0
2.8
_
—
—
42.0
9.8
5.4
4.8
9.6
5.1
4.9
....
—
—
38.3
19.9
26.6
49.4
23.3
16.5
___
35.0
36.3
23.8
24.0
45.7
37.2
21.5
20.5
42.5
40.5
40.0
9.7 6.0 9.5
4.9 3.6 6.3
5.2 2.8 4.1
9.2
6.0
4.0
10.6
11.9
25. 7
20.3
10.2
10.2
26.4
20.2
9.6 8.3
9.7 ___
2.5 2.4
5.3 — ;
3.9
12.2 ___
14.5 ___
15.3 -----;
9.8
9.7
4.6
5.9
8.9
9.3
3.9
6.3
3.7 A3
12.7 12.4
15.0 14.3
15.7 14.9
__
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
36.3 37.2 37. 5
137
Cts.
Cts.
.O >56.7 160. 0 160.0
26.6 27.1 27.1 20.5 28.1 29.9 29.9
19.8 21.3 21.7 17.0 23.3 24.6 24.1
16.8
42.3
38.9
44.1
11.8 . . . . 11.9 12.0 12.2
10.2 10.2 10.2
11.7 12.0 11.9
12.8 12.9 12.8
53.1 45. Ò 53.3 50.9 53.8 39.5 54.6 54.9 57.1 39.2 55.9 52.4 55.8 42.0 54.1 54. 2 56.4
25.5 . . . . 30.1 28.2 27.8 — - 31.5 26.2 26.3 — - 31.3 27.4 27.1
26.3 25.8 24.8
9.4 9.1 9.1
11.2 10.0 10.0 _
26.7 26.9 27.3 ___
20.2 19.9 20.0 —
—
8.7 10.9 10.1
—
9.2 9.6
1.9 3.7 2.2
5.3 6.0
—
23. (
20. (
18.2
15.9
38.5 19. 5
22. 9 17.9
20.7
46.8 52.5
39.3
23.9
25.6
62.8
38.3
19.7
24.8
47.1
40.0
49.4
9.2 6.0 8.6
6.1 3.4 5.4
4.1 3.4 5.5
8.5
5.2
5.6
10.3
10.3
26. 5 _
20.8 —
8.4 7.7
9.3 .
3.6 1. 7
6.0 -----.;
38.4 22.5 37.1 37.5 38.6 22.0 36.3 36.9 37.2
20.3 16.1 21.0 18.6 19.2 16.3 20.7 18. 5 18.8
24.2
30.8 28.6 28. 5
25.6 26.0 25.9
53.9 30.0 49.4 42.1 48.8 47.3 71.6 63.2 68.3
44.0
41.0
8.5 5.7 9.3
5.1 3. 5 6.0
5.6 2.4 3.8
4fi 4
49 0
9.2
6.0
4.2
9.2
5.9
4.2
5.9
3.4
3.5
8 .7
5 .9
5.3
8.7
5.8
5.4
8 .7
5 .6
5.4
10.2 10.0 10.0
8. 5 8.5 8.5
9 .0
9. 2 9 . 1
10.1 9.4 9.4
10.8 9.6 9.7
1 1 .]
9. 6 9 . 6
25.1 24.9 24.9
26.1 25. 1 24.8
25.4 25. 9 25.9
18.1 18.5 18.5 — - 18.6 18.9 18.9 ........ 24.0 23.8 23.6
11.0 10.0 10.0 8.7 11.5 11.6 11.4
9.0 9.9 9.6
7.4 8.9 8.4
3.8 3.4 3.0 2.2 3.9 2.9 3.0
4.7 5.2 4.7 —
5.8 6.1 5.5
4. 5 4.3 4.8
3.9 4.5 4.2
11.0 10.2 10.5
11.4 10.8 10.8
16.5 16.0 16.3
16. 5 15.7 15.6
18.7 17.6 17.1 — - 17.6 16.4 16.4 —
4.5 5.1 5.0
10.2 10.2 10.2
15.6 15.4 15.1
16.3 14.8 14.8
8.8 10.8 10.0
8.9 9.2
1.6 3.3 3.0
4.6 4.9
.....
9.9
9.2
2.6
4.5
4.1 3.3 3.1
14.0 13.2 13.3
17.4 15.7 16.1
19.5 18.0 17.7
12.3 11.4 11.4
10.8 10.1 10.2
215.0 215.0 214.7
10.7 11.1 10.8
12.1 12.5 12.3
5.7 7.3 7.5 7.5 5. 5 7. 9 7.7 7.7 5. 5 6.8 7.0 7.0 5.4 7.4 7.5 7. 5 5.3 7.4 7. 5 7.5
54.0 86.7 90.2 92.0 50.0 106.3 104. 5 104.5 54. 5 75. 5 74.1 74. 4 65.0 86.9 90.6 90.0 47. 5 62.7 64. 2 64.2
27.8 53.8 48.5 48.9 30.8 53.6 50.8 52.3 36.3 53.7 51.2 51.2 27.5 51.3 47.2 46.5 32.0 52.4 47.9 47.8
18.2 15.5
___ 15.1 14.8
___ 310. 9 310. 0
—
54.1 49.6
14.8
18.7 15.1
14.8 ___ • 15.6 15.3
310.6
39.8 3 8. 3
55.0 —
60.7 50.9
15.5
15.0
38.5
54.3
—
16.5
13.1
»10.1
45.4
13.5
12.7
3 9.6
51.1
2 No. 2H can.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
16.7 18.9
12.6
12.4
15.7 14.9
3 9.9
310.3 8 9.9
59. 5 . . . . 51.0 47.3
3 Per pound.
[1367]
15.7
14.5
310.2
48.6 —
15.9
14.4
3 9.5
60.9
13.7
13.8
3 9.3
56.5
14.0
13.6
3 9.3
56.1
184
MONTHLY LABOE REV IEW
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 I
M em phis, Tenn.
A rticle
Unit
M ilw aukee, Wis.
M inneapolis, M inn.
Oct. 15— Sept. Oct. Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct.
15, 15,
15, 15,
1927 1927 1913
1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
15, 15,
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Sirloin steak-.
R ound steak .
R ib roast___
C huck ro a st..
P o u n d ...
...d o .........
...d o ____
...d o ____
24.0 36. 3
20.0 32.
21.0 27.3
15.4 20 . 2
39.3 39. 8 23.6 39.3 41.1
36.4
21.6 34.9 36.7
28. 4
18.8 28.1 29. 1
2 2 .0
16. 4 24.7 25.8
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
41. 6
36.3
29.4
26.2
23.0
21. £
20. C
17.0
30.7
29. C
25. 6
20.8
Cts
36.1
31.8
28.6
23.2
35.8
31.7
27.3
23.7
P late beef___
Pork ch o p s...
Bacon, sliced.
H am , sliced..
...d o ____
. . . do.........
...d o ____
...d o .........
20 .
11.9 16.3
38.2
31.0 44.
29.0 57.
17.6
34.
41.2
52.8
15.8
41.0
46.8
47.4
10. 1
20.8
27.7
32.7
12.4
39.4
52. 5
57.5
13.6
37.2
46.5
51.2
14.0
39.4
47.2
50.8
Lam b, leg of___________
H ens______________ ____
Salmon, canned, re d ____
M ilk, fre s h .........................
. . . d o ...
.—do__
...d o ...
Q u art.
37.7 14.8 35.2
30. 1 17.2 31. 1
33.8
39.7
11.0 8.0 11.0
34.3
30.3
36.6
11.0
34.1
30.8
36.6
12.0
12. 1
21.2
28. 6
29.0
20.0 40.7 38.0
11.2 11.3 11.3
11.5 11.7 11.8
35. Ò 52.8 52. 5 53.8 35.5 52.4 50.4 52.8
27.5 26.4 27.1
28.1 25.4 25.7
21
— do___
Pound.
— do___
—do___
R olled o a ts...
Corn flakes
W heat cereal.
M acaroni___
...d o _____
8-oz. pkg_.
28-oz. pkg.
P o u n d ___
R ice...................................... .
Beans, n a v y . . .....................
Potatoes............................... .
Onions....................................
-do.
-do.
-do.
-do.
C abbage____
Beans, b a k ed .
Corn, can n ed .
Peas, canned..
— d o ...........
N o. 2 can ..
— d o ...........
— do...........
Tom atoes, canned.
Sugar, granulated..
T e a ............................
Coffee........................
— do__
Pound.
— do__
—do—
P ru n e s ...
R aisins_
B ananas.
Oranges..
—do— .
—do— .
D ozen,
—d o ....
6.0
3.5
2.5
9.6
6.2
3.9
9.5
6. 1
4. 1
4.8
8.9
9.3
3.8
5.1
3.8
8.7
9.3
3.3
4.
3.7 4.1 3.7
11.9 11.0 11.0
15.6 14.7 14.6
17.1 15.8 15.
35.9
19.3
26. 6
43.1
41.6
9.0
5.3
5.5
9. 1
5.0
5.6
5.7
3.0
3.7
37.2 20.8 35.1 36.3
19.7 15.7 20. 5 18.3
26. 7
27. 2 27 0
51.4 34.0 47.1 37.9
37.0
9.1
4.9
5.6
5.6
2.8
2.5
41.0
8.1
5.5
5.3
36.7
18.3
27 0
44.8
35.0
8.9 8.9
5. 1 5.2
5.4 5.4
8.5 8.4 8.4
10.3 9.2 9.2
24.5 24.7 24.7
18.0 17.4 17.5
8.4 7.9 8.1
10.7 10.0 9.8
25. 6 25. 7 25.6
18.9 19.1 18.8
9.0 11.8 10.6 10.4
8.3 8.6 8.7
1.6 3.4 2.8 2. 6
4.6 5.2 4.5
8.6 11.7 10.5 10.5
9.0 9.8 9.8
1.3 3.2 1.8 1.9
4.6 5.4 4.7
__
3.1 3.4 3.0
11.0 10.8 10.9
15. 6 15. 5 15.6
16.3 15.2 15.5
_
3.2 3.2 2.9
12.3 12.0 12.4
14. 6 13. 5 14 1
14.8 14.2 14.5
10.4 9.9
13.4 13.3 13.3
13.5 13.3 13.2
5.6 7.0 7.1 6.9 5. 5 6.9 6.9 6.9 5.6 7.2 7.3 7.3
63.8 99.0 98.4 98.4 50.0 70.8 71.3 70.0 45.0 60.6 60.8 00.6
27.5 50.2 47.3 47.3 27.5 46.9 41.9 42. 7 30.8 53.9 50.2 50.1
17.3
15.4
2 9. 6
51.6
14.6
14.7
2 8. 4
47.6
i Whole.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
6.1
22.0 35. 1
15.8 22.0
26. 8
35.0 53.2
9.1 9.0 9.0
10.9 9.8 9.8
25. 25. 25.8
19.2 19.4 19.4
8.1 10.3
9.3
2.1 4.5
15.3
41.3
45.9
47.5
19.5 38.5 38.2
18.8 33.5 31. C
33.8 33.2
7.0 11.0 11.0
19.5 31
30.0
34.0 33.8
10.0 15.0 15.0
M ilk, evaporated _ ............. 15—16 oz.can
11.4 11.6
B u tte r_________________ P o u n d ___
52. 1 52.4 54.:
25.4 25.6
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r —do___
s u b stitu tes).
Cheese.................................... —d o ........... 20.8 33. 36.
L a rd ___________________ — do___
16.3 18.8 16.
22.2 21 .
Vegetable lard su b stitu te.. —do_____
Eggs, strictly fresh............. D ozen___ 29.6 46.8 39.2 43. 7
Eggs, storage— ..................
B read......................................
F lo u r___________ _____ _
Corn m eal....... ......................
14.6
41.3
52.4
54.7
Cts.
[1368]
14.0
14.7
2 8. 6
45.4
16.9
14.7
2 9. 8
54.2
14.6
14.4
2 9. 3
52.0
14.3
14.5
2 9. 5
53. 7
17.0
14.9
211.3
56.2
14.9
14.3
210.7
60.3
15.0
14.4
211.3
58.4
KETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
185
C L E S O F FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued
M obile, Ala.
N ew ark, N . J.
New H aven, Conn.
Oct. Sept Oct. Oct. 15— Sept Oct
N ew Orleans, La.
N ew Y ork, N Y.
Oct 15— Sept Oct.
Oct. 15— Sept Oct Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct.
15, 15,
1926 1927 1927 1913
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1927
1926
1913 1926
1913 1926
1913 1926 1927 1927
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
34.1
33.6
28.6
22.5
C ts.
35.9
35.0
29.1
23.6
36.4
35.5
30.5
24.1
C ts.
C ts.
27. 7
27. 7
21.0
18.6
46.2
43.3
35.6
24. 5
C ts.
48.3
46. 2
37.5
26.9
C ts.
C ts.
48. 8
46. 2
38. 7
27.5
31.8
29.6
24.2
20.0
C ts.
54.2
43.7
35.8
26.9
58.3
47.5
38.3
29.2
C ts .
58. 7
47.3
38.4
29.0
21. 5
19.0
18.4
15.5
35.8
31. 5
30. 1
20. 7
37.5
33.3
31. 2
21.3
37.2
32.8
31.4
22.1
26.1
25.5
21.6
16.0
45.8
44. 1
39.2
25. 1
49. 7
47.0
41.0
27.0
49.9
46.8
41.9
28.1
17.1
41.4
51.9
56.5
17.8
38.2
46.2
51.8
18.2
40.0
45.8
52. 1
12.0
24.0
25. 8
120.8
13.1
42. 2
48. 9
56.9
13.7
41.7
46.0
53.8
15.0
15.8
42. 1 23. 6 46. 8
45.8 29. 7 51. 7
54.3 32.8 63.8
15.9
42.1
44.7
57.3
15.9
44.2
45. 7
57.8
11.2
25.0
30.4
26.0
17.5
39.9
51.4
54.0
17. 7
40.4
46.4
50.1
18.2
40. 4
45.9
50.9
14. 8
22.9
25. 7
29.5
20.0
45.7
51.5
64.6
21.4
44.5
48.5
59.4
22.0
45.2
48.9
58.4
41. 7
37. 7
39.3
17.8
41.4
33.6
31.3
17.8
41.4 19.0 38. 7 38.9
35.0 23.0 38. 1 37.3
34.5
34. 7 31.4
17.8 9.0 15.0 16.0
38.3 18.3 39.9 40.0
37. 5 23. 5 42.3 40.2
32. 3
33. 7 33. 9
16.0 9.0 16.0 16.0
39.2 21.0 39.1 38.8
40.5 21.0 37. 1 37.1
33. 6
38. 7 37. 4
16.0 9.5 14.0 14.0
C ts.
C ts .
38. 5 15.2 36.6
36.5 21.8 40.4
34 2
37. 9
14.0 9.0 15.0
38.3 37.5
38.7 38.7
33 n
16! 0 16.0
11.7 11.5 11. 7
11.2 11.3 11.1
12.0 12.1 12.1
11 1
11. 0 11. 2 11 1
56.3 52.4 54.9 39.2 56.2 55. 5 59.6 36.8 53.9 52.4 54.9 37.5 53. 6 53.5 55.6 37.5 55.8
30.8 29.3 29.1 —
30.3 29.8 30.6 —
31.8 29.5 29.1 —
30. 7 28.7 29.5 —
30.7
11 1 11 1
55. 7 5s! 4
27.7 27.6
36.9
21.3
21.2
60.0
38.1 19.8 38.0
19.6 16.3 21.7
19.4
26.6
45.1 47.9 72.4
39.8
20.5
25.9
60.6
39.8
20.5
25.9
74.1
36 0
8.7
6. 6
4.2
47 7
9.6
5.6
6.2
9. 7
5.5
6.4
43 Q
o! 7
5.5
6.6
8.5
10.0
23.9
20.9
8.6 8.7
8. 6 8.8
23.9 23.9
21.1 21.1
37.3
19.2
21.2
45.6
38'0 24.8 39.5 44.1 40.4 23.5 38.4 39.4
19.8 16.3 22.1 19.4 19.8 15.7 21. 7 18.5
21.0 __ 25. 7 25.6 25.5 _ 25. 5 25. 5
47.6 52.7 70.8 59.4 69.2 52.9 77.2 64.4
49.3
41.3
9.6 10. Ï 10.1
6.4 6.1 6. 1
3.9 4.1 4.1
8.7 8.5 8.5
11.1 9.5 9.5
25.0 24.3 24.9
20.6 20. 7 20.7
11.3 10.0
9. 0 8. 6
4.9 4.4
5.0 5.4
5.6
3. 6
3.6
__
______
______
—
9. 6
8.8
3.7
4.9
4.6 4.8 4.7
10. 9 10.3 10.3
17. 3 15.5 15.8
16.2 15.4 15.4
47.3
9.3
5.8
6. 6
9.5
5.5
6.5
43.3
9. 5
5.3
6.8
8.4 8.5 8.3
10.0 8. 6 8.6
24.3 24. 1 24.2
21.0 21.4 21.4
6.0
3.2
3.2
51. 0
9.2
5.7
6.7
9.2
5. 5
6.8
39. 6 21. 4
18.8 14.9
25.6
73.2 34.3
36.0
21.4
20.8
50.2
37.9
19.2
19.0
42.6
49. 6
9.2
5. 5
6.9
41. 2
8.9
7.0
3.9
8.8
6.7
4.4
5.0
3.8
2.9
9.3 9. 1 9.4
10.7 10.0 10.1
24. 6 24. 9 .24. 9
22.0 22.2 22.3 —
—
9.0 11.1 10.7 10.4
9.6 9.8 9. 8
2.5 4.2 3.3 3.3
4.9
4.9
9.3 11.9 10.3 10.5
9. 6 9. 3 9 5
1. 7 3. 5 3.1 3.2
5.4 5. 9 5. 5
4.4 4.5 4.5
10.7 10.6 10.7
16.6 15.7 15.3
17.3 16.8 17.8
4.0 4. 5 4.5
11.0 11.5 11.6
19.0 18.4 18.3
20.1 18.4 18.4
6.0
3.2
3.5
8.9 8.9 8.9
10.3 9. 7 9.7
24.4 24. 6 24.6
10.0 10.7 10.6
7.5
2.1
9.8
8. 3
4.5
4.1
9.7
8 6
4.2
4. 6
9.5
8 8
4.0
4 5
3.9 4.6 4.4
11.0 10.8 10.9
15.2 14. 7 14.4
17.6 17.0, 17.9
8.0 10.6
9.7 10.1
2.4
3.3
4. 1
4 8
3.’6
3.9
10.8
14.8
15.3
3.7 3.6
10. 9 11.2
14.3 14.3
14.4 14.6
10.8 10.5 10.3
11.3 10.9 10.6
12.7 13.8 13.5
11.1 10.6 10.7
10.9
7. 2 7.2 7.1 5.2 6. 7 6.8 6. 7 5.5 7.0 7.2 7.1 5. 1 0.6 6.8' 6.7 4.9 6.4
79. 8 80.0 80.3 53.8 63. 5 61.0 61.8 55.0 60. 4 58.9 60.3 62.1 83.3 78. 8 79.3 43.3 64.9
50.1 47.3 47.7 29.3 49.8 46.3 46.8 33.8 52. 9 48.9 48.8 25.0 36.2 35.6 35. 7 27.2 47.6
11.3 11.2
6.4 6.4
66.5 67.1
45.2 45.4
18.2
15.1
21. 7
48.4
13.4 13.0
13.9 13.9
3fi 4
65.8 74.3
15.6
13.8
21.9
47. 5
______
______
—
15.7
14.1 __
24. 4
47.5 —
15.2
14.9
38. 1
63.5
14.5
14.2
38.3
59.0
—
14.2
14.3
37. 5
65.8 . . . . .
16.4
14.0
34. 2
61.8
14.6
13.8
33. 2
59.6
2 P e r pound.
72923°—27-----13
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1369]
14.5
13.7
33. 4
67.3
—
18.3
14. 5
18. 6
57.0
16.6
13.7
17 5
45.6
—
15.9
13.6
16 7
51.9 —
15.1
14.9
38 7
69. 7
186
MONTHLY 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 I
Norfolk, Va.
Article
U n it
O m aha, N ebr.
Oct. Sept. Oct. Oct. 15—
15, 15, 15,
1926 1927 1927
1913 1926
Peoria, 111.
Sept. Oct.
15,
15,
1927 1927
Oct. Sept.
15,
15,
1926 1927
Oct.
15,
1927
Sirloin stea k . ............
R ound stea k _______
R ib ro ast..... ...............
C huck ro a s t.............
Cts.
Pound.
____d o ..
____d o . .
........d o ..
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
41. 5
35.4
32.0
22.9
Cts.
Cts.
42.1
36.3
32.7
23.6
42.5
37.0
32.0
23.3
38.4
35.8
26.7
22.1
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
25.6
22.8
19.4
16.1
39. £
38.1
27.8
23.1
39.8
37.4
27.4
23.5
35.4
33.8
25.0
21.3
35.7
34.6
25.5
22.5
35.7
34.4
25.4
22.5
P late beef_________
Pork ch o p s..______
Bacon, sliced______
H am , sliced ...............
____d o ..
____d o ..
____d o . .
____d o ..
15.6
39.6
50.5
52.0
16.3
38.2
43. 1
46.7
15.9
38.6
45. 1
48.3
11.8
21.9
28.6
30.0
12.4
42. 0
54.8
62.4
13.2
38.6
48.2
51.2
13.0
41. 1
49. 1
50.3
14.4
38.5
52.0
57.5
14.8
35.8
48.8
55.0
15.7
37.1
48.8
54.2
L am b, leg of_______
H ens______________
Salmon, canned, red".
M ilk, fre sh .................
___ do.
___ do.
___ do.
Q u a rt..
38.3
38.5
36.9
17.5
41.3
35.1
35.1
17.5
42.2
35.7
36.5
18.0
16.3
16.3
36.6
31.7
37.4
11.3
37.5
30. £
35.1
11.3
38.1
29.9
34.9
11.3
38.7
33.7
36.7
12.0
40.0
32.4
34.8
13.0
39.4
32.5
34.0
13.0
M ilk, ev ap o rated _________
B u tte r___ _____ __________
Oleomargarine (all b u tter
su b stitu tes).
C heese......... ................... .......
L a rd ____________________
Vegetable la rd su b stitu te ___
Eggs, strictly fresh..................
15-16 oz. can. 11.5 11.8 11.8
P o u n d ____ 56.7 55.3 57.8 37. Ö
___ d o _____ 28.0 26.3 26.4 ..........
___ do ____
33.6 35.8 35.8 23.3
___ do ____
20.6 19.2 19. 1 17.6
___ do ____
23.5 22.9 22.5
D ozen____
56.8 51.9 60.0 30. Ö
11.6
50.5
29.9
11.8
48.3
26.1
11.7
51.0
26.0
11.5
49.9
29.6
11.2
49.8
27.7
11.3
51.8
28.2
35.5
24. 1
27.8
45.6
38.0
19.7
25.9
35.8
37.7
20.3
26.0
42.1
35.1
22.6
27.0
46.8
36.6
18.8
27.8
39.4
37.4
18.8
27.4
44.1
Eggs, storage.
B read _______
F lo u r_______
C orn m e a l__
___ do.
Pound.
___ do.
___ do.
48.0
9.9
5.9
4.6
41. 5
10.3
5.0
4.9
9.7
4.6
4.7
37.8
9.7
4.6
4.9
42. 0
10.1
5.6
4.9
10.0
5.3
4.9
38. 4
io.o
5.3
4.8
R olled o a ts...
C orn flakes.__
W heat cereal.
M acaroni___
___ d o ___
8-oz. pkg_.
28-oz. pkg.
P o u n d ___
8.8 8.6 8.6
10.3 9.7 9.7
24.2 25.2 25.0
19.0 19.1 19.1
10.3
12. 5
28.3
21.1
10.1
10.2
27.9
21.3
10.1
10.1
27.8
21.3
9.1
11.8
25.6
19.9
9.2 ' 9.3
10.2 10.2
26.3 26.3
18.6 18.6
R i c e . . ...........
Beans, n a v y .
P otatoes____
O n io n s..........
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
12.1 11.5 11.7
8.2 8.2 8.8
4.4 3.9 3.8
5.2 5.6 5.4
11.5
9.5
3.7
5.2
11.1
10.3
2.6
5.4
11.0
10. 1
2.4
5.1
11.7
8.6
3.8
5.8
11.4
8.9
2.7
6.9
11.3
9.0
2.4
5.9
C abbage__ ...
Beans, b a k ed .
Corn, canned .
Peas, canned..
___ d o ___
No. 2 c an .
___ do ___
___ do ___
4.6 4.5 4.5
10.0 9.9 9.8
15.8 14.7 15.4
20.6 18.7 18.5
3.6
14.0
15.9
15.8
3.6
13.0
16.2
15.3
3.2
12.9
16.4
15.3
3.3
12.2
15.8
18.3
3.8
11.1
14.6
17.1
3.2
11.2
14.8
17.2
Tom atoes, c a n n e d .................
Sugar, g ran u lated ..................
T e a ......... ...................................
C o ffee............. ......................
___ do.
Pound.
___ do.
___ d o.
10.1 9.9 9.9
6.7 6.9 6.9
93.2 96.4 96.4
50.1 46.9 47.2
13.7
7.3
78.8
57.5
12.8
7.6
77.8
53.4
13.1
7.5
78.4
53.6
13.6
7.6
68.6
52.1
12.5
8.4
70.9
46.9
12.5
8.4
70.9
46.8
P ru n es...... ............................... .
R aisins_________________ _
B ananas________ ______ ___
Oranges__________ _____ 1.1
___do.
___do.
D ozen.
___do.
15.8
14. 6
33.9
58.1
9.9
5.7
4.7
15.7
14. 5
34.5
50.6
42.8
9.9
5.6
4.7
14.9
14.2
33.5
60.7
8.2
5.2
2.7
2.5
8.5
1.8
5.8
56.0
30.0
17.0 16.4 14.8 19.5
15.4 15.2 15.0 15.0
4 11. 5 4 11.0 4 11. 1 4 10.2
50.9 46.5 44.8 49.2
17.0 17.4
14.5 14.5
4 9. 6 4 10. 0
51.0 47.0
• ‘ T h e steak for w hich prices are here quoted is called “ sirloin” in this city, b u t in m ost of the other cities
included m this report it w ould be know n as “ porterhouse” steak.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1370]
187
RETAIL PRICES OP POOD
C L E S O F FOOD IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued
P ittsb u rg h , Pa.
Philadelphia, Pa.
P o rtland, M e.
P o rtlan d , Oreg.
Providence,, R . I.
Oct. 15— Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct. Oct. 15— Sept. Oct.
15,
15, 15,
15, 15, 15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
1927 1926 1927 1927 1913
1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927
1926
C ts.
C ts.
>31.2
26.4
22.1
18.2
156.1
42.0
36.6
26.1
11.5
23.3
27.5
31.9
12.7
46. 8
49.2
61.9
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
27. 7
23.7
21. 7
17.8
47. 7
40. 1
34. 2
25.5
49.8
41.9
35. 5
27.7
50.2
41.9
36.0
28.3
162.6
47.3
29.9
21.6
64. 7
48. 5
32.2
22.3
163.9
47. 8
32.2
22.6
23.5
21.0
19.6
16. 9
29.6
26. 9
24. 9
18.3
31. 7
29.0
25.8
19. 7
31.1
28.9
25.8
19.4
HO. 2
31.6
24. 2
18.8
14.0
45.3
45.6
55.7
12.8
23. 2
30.6
29. 9
13.5
45.2
56.5
65.7
14.1
45.4
51.4
59.3
14.2
46.6
51.4
59.0
16.4
44. 5
47.1
61.6
18.3
42. 7
42.9
55.7
18.7
44.4
43.1
56.5
13.8
23.4
31. 5
30.8
13.2
41. 1
58.1
60.3
14.3
39. 6
53.3
55.8
14.4
17.9
38.8 22.0 47.8
53.6 22. 2 46.6
56.0 33.3 64.3
18.0
46.7
42.4
53.8
18.4
48.7
42.1
52.7
40.3 20.0 40.5 41.0 41.4
39.9 25. 5 41.4 42.1 42.6
34.1
34.5 31.8 32. 6
13.0 8.8 14.0 14.0 15.0
36.7
42. 0
37.8
13.8
39.1
40.8
33.4
13.8
37.9 16.9 35.5 35.8 35. 6 18.7 40. 9
40.8 21.3 33.8 31. 6 29. 7 24. 8 42.4
36. 7
35.0
36.2 33.7 35.0
13.8 9.7 12.0 12.0 12.0 9.0 14.8
40.1
39.2
33.1
15. 5
39.8
40.8
33.0
15.7
C ts.
C ts.
14.0
45.6
45. 7
56.4
19.1 40.0 40.8
23.1 41.1 39.0
33. 5 32.2
8.Ö 12.5 13.0
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
169. 8 Pô. 3
49.4 52.1
38. 1 40.1
28.3 30.4
11. 5 11. 7 11. 8
12.1
11 5 11.1 11.1 12. 5 12. 7 12. 5
10. 7 10. 7 10. 7
43.1 58. 1 57.5 61.0 39.5 57. 1 56. 5 58.7 54.9 55.0 57.2 42.0 53.4 54.4 54.8 38.6 53.6
29.5
30. 8 28. 5 28. 6
31.1 30. 7 30. 8 28.3 27. 5 26.4
30. 3 26. 8 26.4
25.0 39. 6
15. 6 21. 7
25.3
42.5 62. 6
4.8
3.2
2.8
47.4
9.5
5.5
4.8
40. Ó
18.0
25.4
52.1
40.4 24.5 38.6 40.1 40.6
18.6 15.7 22.2 18.6 19.5
25.4
27. 6 27.3 27.3
62.5 38. Ö 58.3 49. 7 58.4
47.0
9.4
5.2
4.8
9.4
5.2
4.8
5.5
3.2
3.0
44.8
9.3
5.5
6.3
9.0
5.3
5.9
38.1
20.6
25.4
68.8
37.9
18.2
26. 9
63.1
38.6 20.8 38.2 38.5 38.3 22.0 36. 5
18.9 18.3 24.3 20.3 21.0 15. 7 21.3
26.8
26.4
28.9 28.3 28.9
68.5 49. Ö 53.3 43.5 52.6 53. Ö 76.9
40.7 48. 2
44.0
9.0 10.1 10.3 10.3
5.2 5.7 5. 5 5.4
5.7 5.1 5.0 5.0
5.6
2.9
3.4
45.0
9.5
5.2
5.0
9.3
5.1
5.5
43.0
9.3
5.0
5.5
5.9
3.5
3.1
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
159.8 >5. 91
45.9 45. 4
38. 3 38.2
27.8 27.8
48.0
9.2
6.1
5.1
05.4
51.4
40. 4
31.6
12.1 12.1
52.0 53.9
28.1 27.5
37.2
18. 6
26. 2
68.0
37.8
18.6
26.5
75.0
9.1
5. 8
5. 2
48.1
9.1
5.7
5.2
9.2
10.8
25. 5
23.3
9.1 9.1
9.5 9.5
24. 9 25.2
23.2 23.2
9.8 12.3 11.3 11.3 9.2 13.0 11.4 11.4 13.1 12.3 12.2 8.6 10.9 10.5 10.2 9.3 11.9
9.6
9.9 11.2 10.4
8.2 8.9 9.1 9.5 10. 4 10.3
9.0 9.0 9.3
2.3 4.4 3.5 3.6 1. 9 3.7 3.2 3.0 3.2 2.6 2.8 I. 3 2.4 2. 7 2.6 i. 7 3.4
4.5
—
5.0 4.9 4.2 ....... 5.5 5.3 5.2 4.7 4.9 4.6 ........ 3.6 3. 7 3.6 —
10.8 10.9
10.1 10.0
3.1 3.0
4.7 4.6
—
8.7 8. 6 8.6
9.3 9.1 9.1 8.0 8.0 7.9
10. 4 10.0 9.8 11.6 9.6 9.6
10.1 9. 5 9.4
24.6 24.6 24.6
25.1 25.1 24. 9 25.9 25.6 25.5
21.0 20.7 20.7 ........ 23.3 23.3 23.4 24.6 24.0 24.1 —
10.4 10.2 10.1
11.4 9.6 9.6
26.8 26.6 27.0
.18.0 18.2 18.3 —
3.6
11. 2
17.7
19.5
4.3 3.9
11. 2 11.1
17.2 16.9
18. 9 18.6
316.4 316.6 316.5
12,4 11.9 11.6 220.6 13.1 12. 7
13.6
11.6 11.7 11.7
5.0 6. 7 6.7 6. 7 5. 7 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.0 7.3 7.3 6.2 7.2 7.2 7.1 5. Ï 6.9
54.0 72.1 67.8 67.3 58.0 85.8 83.0 83.0 61.9 62. 2 62. 2 55.0 76.9 78.0 76.4 48.3 61.1
24.5 45.6 39.2 39.2 30.0 51.3 46.0 46.2 53.8 49.5 49.3 35.0 52.6 51.3 50.7 30.0 53.6
13.1 13.4
7.0 6.9
60. 8 60.6
48.8 48.9
4. 3 3.8 3. 7
10. 5 10. 9 10. 9
14. 6 14. 5 14. 0
15. 5 15.0 14. 9
—
14. 7
14.2
30.1
60.8
13.3
13.4
29.6
56.9
13.3
13.6
30.7
61.2 —
4. 7 4.4 4.3 3.7 2. 7 2.7
12. 7 12. 8 12. 9 14. 8 14.1 13. 8
16. 6 16. 0 16.1 16.1 14. 4 14. 2
17.2 16. 9 16. 9 19.0 17.5 17.3
18. 5
14.8
39.2
59.0
2 N o. 3 can.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
16. 3
14.3
38.2
60.0
15. 8 15.1 13. 8 13.8
14.4 13. 7 13.1 13.0
39.1 DO. 8 411. 0 O l . l
59.2 64.1 66.4 71.1 ........
3 No. 23^ can.
[1371]
3.5 3.8 3.2
13. 3 12.0 11.8
18. 8 18. 3 18.1
18. 6 18.1 17.5
10. 5 11.4 10. 3
13.9 13.5 13.5
0 2 .9 0 2 . 8 0 2 .8
51.0 52.5 60.6 —
i P er pound.
16.5
14.3
33.8
66.3
13.6
14. 0
33.3
69.5
13.5
14.1
31.7
73.3
188
M O N T H L Y LABOR RE V IE W
T able 5 —A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S OE T H E P R IN C IP A L A R T I
R ichm ond, Va.
Article
U nit
R ochester,N .Y .
St. Louis, Mo.
Oct. 15—
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct.
Sept. Oct.
15, 15, 15, 15, 15,
15, 15,
1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Sirloin steak________ .
P o u n d .......... 22.2 39.8 41.8 40.8
R ound steak....... .................. . ____ d o _____ 20.0 35.4 37.6 36.0
R ib ro ast___________
18 9 32 2 33.3 32.8
C huck ro a s t............................ . ____d o _____ 15.9 23.2 23.6 23.8
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
41.8
35.2
30.6
25.0
44.2
36.8
32.3
26.1
43. 7
36.9
32.4
27.1
26.0
24.3
19.5
15.6
37.6
36.2
30. 6
21.6
39.0
38.3
30.8
22.5
40.7
39.4
32.7
23.9
P late beef................ .................. .
Pork c h o p s...................... ...........
Bacon, sliced______ _____ ___
H am , slic e d .............................. .
16.8
42.4
44.4
44.6
14.3
45.9
46.5
58.7
14.4
44.4
41.6
54.1
15.0
44.6
41.4
53.9
11.9
19.8
26.9
27.3
15.1
38.7
48.9
58.8
15.2
37.4
43.0
51.0
16.3
38.7
43.5
52.1
L am b, leg of................. .............. ____d o _____
H ens ______. . .
Salmon, canned, red ______
M ilk, fresh_____ ____
19.3 45.3 43.6 42.9
20.4 37.0 32.9 33.5
36 2 34.0 35.3
10.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
37.5
41. 5
34.2
12. 5
38.7
38.9
34.2
13.5
38.7 18.3 38.1
39.4 16.8 33. 7
35.
36.5
13.5
13.0
37.4
31.7
34.0
13.0
37.3
31.6
36.0
13.0
M ilk, evaporated____
B u tte r______
Oleomargarine (all b u tte r sub- ........ d o _____
12.6 12.4 12.4 11.6 11.3 11.4
10.3 10.9 10.9
40.2 58.5 56.1 57.6 53.5 52.4 55.1 37.9 56.2 55.3 57.6
32.0 31.4 31.3 30.6 29.8 29.6
27.7 26.7 26.6
Cheese ________
Lard ________
Vegetable lard s u b s tit u te ___
Eggs, strictly fresh________
____do_____
____d o _____
____do _____
____do ____ ^
5.4
3 2
2.3
Tom atoes, canned
Sugar, g ran u lated .
T e a _______ ____
Coffee_____
No. 2 can __
_____
P ru n e s .. _______
R aisins_________
B ananas__________
Oranges. ______
1 No. 2
__ __do__
43.0
9.5
5.9
4.6
9.4
5.6
4.9
36.8
19.2
25.9
52.6
36.0
20.5
24. 1
63.9
40.7 50.0
9.4 9.0
5.6 5.7
4.9 5.6
38.6
18.4 18. 6
1r* 9
24. 7 24.7
25. 9 25.5 25.5
48.0 64.0 31.0 48.0 40.7 46.1
9.0
5.4
6.2
45.7
9.0
5.3
6.1
43.1
5.6
2.9
2.5
5.3
4.3
9.9
5.3
4.7
37.6
9.9
5.2
4.5
8.7 8. 5 8.4
10.2 8.9 9.0
24.2 24.7 24.7
21.0 20.1 20.1
10.0 13.3 11.9 11.6 10.9 10.0 10.4
9.1 9.1 9.8
9.4
2.1 4.9 3.4 3.4 2.8 2.5 2.5
7.1 7.1 6.1 4.7 4.9
8.2 11.0 10.2 10.3
7.9 8.7 8.7
1.9 4.3 3.4 3.1
5.0 5.9 5.5
4.6 4.0 3.8 4.0 2.5 2.2
10.1 10.1 10.1 10.4 10.2
15.6 15.1 15.1 16.1 16.6 16.6
20.1 18.8 18.6 18.4 18.0 17.7
—
3.3 4.0 3.8
10.6 10.3 10.5
16.4 15.2 15.6
16.3 15.3 15.5
10.5 10.5 10.5 13.4 13.4 13.4
11.3 11.3 11.2
5.4 7.1 7.1 7.1 6. 7 6.6 6.7 5.3 7.2 7.2 7.1
56.0 90.5 91.5 91.4 68.7 69.7 69.7 55.0 74.8 76.5 75.9
27.4 49.4 46.2 46.0 47.9 44.3 44.8 24.4 48.6 45.1 45.4
17.2 15.5 15.1 16.7 15.2 15.3
14.8 14.1 13.9 14.3 14.6 14.6
37 3 36.5 38.5 36.3 36.4 36.4
56. 2 55.8 54.2 52.3 56.2 58.2
can.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
17.3
41.5
42.8
46.4
9.0 8.6 8.3 9.2 9.4
11.3 9.7 9.7 10.1 9.4 9.6
25.8 25.9 25.9 25.4 25.0 25.0
20.2 20.9 20.9 21.0 20.3 20.3
28-oz. p k g ... —
Rice_______________________ ------ d o _____
Beans, n a v y . .
Potatoes___________________ ------ d o _____
O nions............
C abbage..
_____
Beans, baked .
C om , c a n n e d .___ _
Peas, canned. ___
16.1
43.3
48.6
48.5
22.3 35.9 36.8
15.4 21.0 18.8
25 5 25.9
D o zen .......... 34.5 51.5 43.2
Eggs, storage _________
B read. _________
F lou r_____
C orn m eal. ___
Rolled oats______
C orn flakes
W heat cereal_______________
M a c a ro n i...........
12.6
22.0
27.2
25.0
[1372]
—
18.4
15.0
32.7
54.5
17.7
14.4
32.5
54.1
15.2
14.0
30.8
55.2
189
BETAIL PRICES OF FOOD
C L E S o r FO O D IN 51 C IT IE S ON S P E C IF IE D D A T E S —C ontinued
Oct. 15—
Sept. Oct.
Oct. 15—
Savannah,
Ga.
San Francisco,
Calif.
Salt Lake C ity,
U tah
St. Paul M inn.
Sept. Oct.
Oct. 15—
Scranton, Pa.
Sept. Oct. Oct. Sept. Oct.
Oct. 15—
Sept.
Oct.
1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926 1927 1927
1913 1926 1927 1927 1913 1926
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
Cts.
26.4
23.0
20.4
16.8
36.6
31.9
29.3
23.3
39.9
34.1
32. 1
24.6
38.6
33.9
31.1
25.1
22.6
20.0
19.4
15.0
30.8
27.4
23.5
17.8
33.1
30. 6
25.1
19.6
33.1
30.5
25.7
20. 2
21.4
19.7
21.3
15.2
31.4
28.6
29.4
18.9
33.2
30.4
30.6
19.7
33.8
31.0
31.2
20.3
34.2
27.9
27.5
18.8
35.8
29.6
27. 9
18.8
35.0
28.8
27.5
18.0
26.0
22.0
23.0
17.6
51.6
43.0
37.8
28.2
53.7
44.5
38.5
28.8
53.3
44.5
38.9
29.5
10.8
20.4
27.0
28.8
13.2
38.7
49.8
55.3
14.5
37.6
45. 2
48.2
15.1
38.4
45.9
47.1
12.5
24.3
30.0
30.0
13.1
41.1
53.0
60.3
14.2
39.4
46.9
57.5
14.5
39.9
46.9
57.1
14.2
24. 2
34.4
34.0
14.2
47.0
64.3
67.9
15.5
43.3
56.7
63.8
15.9
44.3
57.1
63.8
14.0
37.1
46.8
50.0
15.8
32.5
41.9
45.0
15.8
33.5
41.6
45.0
11.9
22.8
27.5
30.0
12.4
47.4
53.9
62.7
13.7
44.0
47.9
56. 5
13.7
45.4
48.9
56.5
32.7 16.9 33.6 35.1 35.3 16.7 37.6 38.8 38.7
28.8 23.3 33.0 29.8 30.4 24.5 44.7 41.8 43.3
32.4 32.0 33.0
37. 6
37.0 35.3 35.7
12.0 8.7 11.3 11.0 11.0 10.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
39.0
35.8
38.1
17.0
40.0
32.6
34.3
17.0
39.0 17.3 44.7
33.0 21.8 44.9
36.4
33.6
12.0
17.0
46.1
42.5
35.4
12.0
45.3
43.3
35.6
12.0
Cts.
16.1 33.9 32.8
18.0 30.2 28.8
38.4 37. 5
7.8 11.0 11.0
Cts.
Cts.
00'
OO
Cts.
11.7
10.2 10.4 10.4 11.1 11.6 11.5
10.5 10.7 10.6
11.7 12.2 12.0
36.5 50.6 48.6 50.9 39.0 48.9 51.2 52.1 40. Ò 55.2 56.0 58.0 56.1 53.1 55.4 36.6 53.2
30.3
31.4 26.0 25.9 35.0 31.1 31.3
29. 7 27.2 27.0
27. 9 23. 2 25. 4
21.0 34.6 36.1
15. 3 21.0 18.7
27. 3 28.5
32.3 46.6 38.8
6.0
2.9
2.5
36.5 24.2 29.9 30.9
19.0 20.0 24.9 21.0
30.0 29. 0
28. 7
44.4 42.0 51.5 38.7
30.7 21.0 38.7 39.2 39.1
21.6 18.0 25.0 22.8 23.0
29. 0
28.0 28.1 28.2
46.8 56.4 61.0 47.2 55.7
40. 0
9.7
4. 1
5.6
41 3
9.9
5.7
5.3
9.3
5.3
5.7
39. fi
9.5
5.1
5.2
9.9
1.9
27.0
18. 5
10. 3
10. 2
26.7
18.8
10. 2
10. 2
26. 5
18. 6
9.9
4.3
5.5
5.9
2.4
3.4
8.9 8. 8 8.8
12. 5 10. 0 10. 1
25. 5 25.7 25.7
20. 2 20.1 19.5
10.0 12.6 10.4 10. 5 8.2 11.2
9.3
9.2 9.6 9.8
1.3 3.0 1.7 1.8 1.4 2.7
2.5
4.8 5.4 4.5 —
—
9.7
4.1
5. 6
9.2
9.3
2.0
3.1
5.9
3.4
3. 5
50. 2
9.8
5.7
6.3
9.5
5.6
6.4
9.7 10. 1
10.5 9.9
25.3 25.3
16.0 16.1
35.2
21. 1
19. 1
57.6
36.1
18.9
17.5
49.5
36.9 18.3 35.8
19.3 16.0 22.2
26.2
18. C
56.7 45.8 58.6
41.0
45.9
43.0 46.7
9.5 10.5 10. 7 10.7 5.6 10.4
6.6
6.5
3.6
6.3
6.7
5.6
7.9
6.3 3.6 3.8 3.7 —
10.1
10.1
25.2
16. C
8.7 8.6 8.9
10.2 9. 7 9.6
24.4 24.3 24.3
18.3 18.2 18.2
9.1 8.5 11.8 11.3 11.1 10.5
9.5 10.3 10.1 10.4
9. 1
l . t 1.8 3.7 3.3 3.2 4.5
3.6 4.1 4.3 6.2
2.6 —
9.6
9.8
4.1
6.7
11.9 11.9
53.0 55.8
28.2 28.4
35.9
19.8
25.1
50.9
36.3
19.7
26.0
60.3
46.2
10.7 10.6
5.9 5.8
7.8 7.8
10.0
10.1
25.6
23.6
9.8 9.9
10. 1 10.1
25. 1 25.3
22.1 22.8
9.6 8.5 11.6
9.5 _____ 10.8
3.7 1.9 3.6
5.9 ........ 4.9
11.2 11.3
.10.8 10.5
3.0 3.1
5.6 5.1
4.9 4.8 4.4
13.3 12.8 13.0 12.5 12.2 12.1
18.2 17.1 17.9 15.2 15.2 14.7
18.5 17.6 17.9 16.6 16.8 17.0
__
3.3
11.1
17.4
17.8
3.2 3.5
11.2 11.4
16.6 16.9
16.9 17.1
12.3
U5.3 115.1 >15.1 10.2 9.9 9.9
14.5 13.6 14.2
14.3 14.1 14. 1
5.6 7.5 7.4 7.3 5.8 7.9 8. 1 8. ] 5.4 6.8 7. C 7.1 6.1 7.0 7.0 5.5 7.1
45.0 68.1 65.7 65.7 65.7 88.3 86.5 86.5 50.0 71.0 72.8 72.8 81.2 82.2 82. C 52.5 67.6
30.0 52.8 52.4 52.2 35.8 56.4 54.4 54.0 32.0 53.7 51.7 52.0 48.1 45.1 45.1 31.3 52.4
12.2 12.2
7. 1 7.1
71.3 71.2
49.4 49.4
24 2 0 20
13.9 13.9 13.6
15.0 14.4 14.4
15.6 15.5 15.4
16. 4 15. 8 15. 2
15. 7 15. 6 15. 2
211. 4 210. 5 *11.1
53. 2 55.7 60.0
—
2. 7 3. 0 2. 6
14.2 13.0 12.9
15.2 14.4 14.7
16.1 15.7 15.7 —
14.9 14.3 14.0
14. 2 13.3 13.4
214. 0 212. 1 212.7
47.9 50.5 54.7
14.8
13.1
28.5
48.6
2 P er pound.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1373]
12.0
12.8
30.0
51.3
12. 1
12.9
30.6
50.5
15.6
15.0
32.3
43.8
14.2
14.2
29.6
46.5
13.5
14. 5
30.0
46.4
__
__
—
.....
18.4
14.8
32.5
01. 2
15.6
14. 6
32.1
60. 5
14.4
14.5
33.3
62.3
190
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
T able 5 .—A V E R A G E R E T A I L 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 F O O D IN
51 C IT IE S O N S P E C IF I E D D A T E S -C o n tin u e d
Seattle, W ash.
Article
U n it
Oct. 15-
Springfield, 111.
Sept.
15,
1913 1926 1927
Oct.
15,
1927
cts.
C ts.
C ts
C ts.
W ashington, D . C.
Oct. Sept.
15,
15,
1926 1927
Oct. Oct. 15— Sept Oct.
15,
15, 15,
1927 1913
1926 1927 1927
C ts.
C ts .
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
C ts.
37.1
36. 5
24.4
22. 5
C ts .
36.4
36.0
24. 1
21.3
36. 7
36.1
24.6
22.9
27. ‘
23. 5
20. 7
17.3
47.2
40.3
34. 7
25.2
49.3
42.8
34.9
25.9
48.7
42.7
34.4
25.6
15.4
40.5
57.3
59.5
14.0
40.5
49.8
58.8
14. 5
35.0
45.8
49.6
15.2
37. ]
45.8
49.6
12.7
23.5
27. ]
30.0
13.8
45. 7
51.6
61.6
14.2
44. 2
43.8
57.2
14.0
43.8
44.6
57.1
36.5
33.8
36.6
10.3
35.8
31. 1
35.8
39.0
34.9
39.0
12.5
38.8
33.0
36.2
14.4
40.6 19.1 40.1 38. 5 39.0
32. 5 22.5 40.4 38.3 39.0
36.6
35.6 33.3 34.0
14.4 9.0 15.0 15.0 15.0
10.6
40.0
10.7
53.2
31.0
11.7
53.3
30.7
11.6
51.8
28.1
11.7
12.0 12.0 11.9
54.1 40. 3 57.8 57.2 58.6
28.7 —
31.5 27.9 27.8
22.7
17.1
34.9
24.0
28.2
35.2
36.3
21.9
28.0
36.2
18.6
27.5
38.1 23. 5 38.8 39.9 41.5
18.8 15.1 21.2 18.6 18.8
27.5 —
25.8 24. 7 24.2
50.0
59.1
46.4
47.5
5.2
46.7
9.8
5.0
4.
9.7
4.8
5.7
Rolled o a ts .................... ----- d o ___
Corn flakes____ _____ _ 8-oz. p k g ..
W heat cereal__________ 28-oz. p k g .
M acaroni_____________ P o u n d ___
9.0
11.5
27.
18.2
27.5
18.1
R ice__________________
Beans, N a v y __________
P otatoes____ ____ _____
O nions........ .............. .........
.d o .
_do_
.d o .
.d o .
12.5
C abbage____ ____ _____
Beans, b a k ed __________
Corn, c a n n e d .......... .......
Peas, c an n e d ....................
___ do____
No. 2 cans.
___do ____
___ do ____
3.8
12.5
18.6
20.3
Sirloin ste a k _________ _
R ound stea k _________
R ib ro a st_______ _____
C huck ro ast_____ ____
P o u n d ____
___ d o ____
___ d o ____
___ d o ____
24.3
20. 7
19.3
16. 0
33.2
29.1
26.6
19. 5
34.8
30. 7
28.2
20.4
P late beef____________
Pork chops___________
Bacon, sliced__________
H am , sliced___________
_do_
.d o .
.d o .
.d o .
13.0
24.3
32. 5
30.0
15.0
42. 6
61.7
64.7
Lam b, leg of__________ ___ do_.
17.7
H ens_________________ ___ do_.
24.3
Salmon, canned, re d ___ ----- d o ..
M ilk, fresh___________
Q u a rt______ 9. 7
M ilk, evaporated______ 15-16 oz. can.
B u tte r________________ P o u n d ___
Oleomargarine (all b u t ___ do ___
te r su b stitu tes).
Cheese_________ ____
.d o .
L a rd _________________
.d o .
Vegetable lard substi
.d o .
tute.
Eggs, strictly fresh_____ D ozen.
3
12.0
53.5
26.
20.8
27.4
39.8
47.7 36.9 62.8 56.4 63.1
45.8
10.1
5.9
4.9
10.3
5. 5
4.9
38. 8
10.3
5.5
4.9
10.3
11.5
26.7
19.3
10.1
10.3
27.5
19.3
10.3
10.2
27.5
19.0
11.2
8.8
3.9
4.5
10.9
9.5
3.0
5.8
11.1
9. 6
2.8
4.8
11.8
17.4
18.5
3.7
10.6
15.2
16.9
3.9
10.4
14. 5
16. 1
3.8
10.4
14.6
15.9
Tom atoes, canned_____
Sugar, gran u lated______
T e a ___________________
Coffee..................................
___do _____
1 17.6 1 16.4 116.7
P o u h d _____ 6.4
7.1
7.2
7. 2
___ do _____ 50.0 81.0 75.7 76.0
. . . . d o _____ 28.0 52.8 49.2 49.2
13.8
7.8
82. 5
53.4
13.6
8.0
84. 6
49.7
13.6
11.3 9.8 10.3
7.8 5. i 6.8 6.9 6.9
84.6 57.5 88. 7 91.2 92.0
49.9 28.8 49.2 41.0 42.5
P r u n e s ..................... .........
R aisin s................... ...........
B an an as.............................
Oranges_______________
___ d o.
___ do.
Dozen.
___ do.
Eggs, storage__________
B read________________
F lo u r_____ ____ _____
C orn m eal__...................
___ do.
Pound.
___ do.
___ do.
2.
3.3
10.0
2.6
3.6
54.7
8.5
10.2
12.4
11.5
2.4
4.0
4.4
11.6
17.3
18.4
2.0
3.5
3.6
15.0 13.2 12.7 17.0 16.0 15.0
14.9 13.9 13.6 15.9 15.4 15.0
2 13.5 2 12.4 2 12.9 2 19. 5 2 9. 3 2 10.4
51.3 52. 6 52.4 57.2 52.3 62.0
1 No. 2x/2 can.
5.7
3.8
2.7
48. 5
8.8
6.4
5.1
9. 1
5.9
5.2
46.3
9.1
5.8
5.1
9.2 9.3 9.4
10.8 9.5 9.5
24. 8 24.3 24.5
23.8 22. 5 22.9
9.4 12.8 11.6 11.4
8.3 8.8 9.0
4. 2 3.6 3.5
5.8 5.8 4.7
2.0
4.6 4.1 4.2
10.3 10.2 10.2
15. 5 14.3 14.7
16.5 15.0 15.6
18.1
15.0
35.3
63.9
16.3
14.4
32.7
63.2
15.7
14. 2
33.6
63.3
2 Per pound.
C h a n g e s in R e ta il F o o d C o s ts in 51 C itie s
'T'ABLE 6 shows for 39 cities the percentage of increase or decrease
in the retail cost of food3 in October, 1927, compared with the
average cost in the year 1913, in October, 1926, and in September,
1927. For 12 other cities comparisons are given for the one-year
and the one-month periods. These cities have been scheduled by
the bureau at different dates since 1913. These percentage changes are
8 F o r list of articles see note 5, p. 173.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 7 4 ]
191
RETAIL PRICES OP FOOD
based on actual retail prices secured each month from retail dealers
and on the average family consumption of these articles in each
city.4
T able 6 —P E R C E N T A G E C H A N G E IN T H E R E T A IL C O ST O P F O O D IN O C T O B E R ,
1927 C O M P A R E D W IT H T H E CO ST IN S E P T E M B E R , 1927, O C T O B E R , 1926, A N D W IT H
T H E A V E R A G E C O ST IN T H E Y E A R 1913, B Y C IT IE S
C ity
Percent
age in
crease,
October,
1927,
com
pared
w ith
Sep
tem ber,
1927
61. 8
63 5
61. 4
60. 3
2.4
2. 3
3.3
0.3
0.8
1.7
2.7
1.3
1.8
1.9
M inneapolis- ____
51. 5
N ew ark__________
New H av en ____-N ew Orleans_____
53. 8
58. 6
54.0
60. 2
2.6
4. 5
3.8
3. 2
3. 5
1.9
i 0.7
0. 1
0. 8
1.9
N ew Y ork- ____ _
Norfolk__________
O m aha..................
Peoria- ________
Philadelphia______
65.4
4.3
3. 5
0.6
3. 8
2.3
0.8
0.5
1.1
1.9
0.2
P ittsb u rg h _______
Portland, M e _____
Portland, Oreg____
Providence____ _
Richmond.. ---------
60.0
2. 0
0.1
2. 0
10. 1
3.0
R ochester________
St. Louis___ _____
59.1
Salt Lake C ity ____
San Francisco_____
34.0
53.5
2. 2
0. 9
2.1
0. 3
0. 5
1.0
S e a t t l e .- . _______
62.0
44. 1
W ashington, D , C_.
65.5
B ridgeport-----------
C harleston, S. C__-
55.9
66. 1
58. 0
55. 5
D a lla s.- ________
Percent
age in
Percent Percent
age de
crease,
age in
crease,
crease, O ctober, October,
1927,
October,
1927,
com
1927,
com
pared
com
pared
w ith
pared
w ith
Sep
w ith
O ctober, tem
ber,
1913
1926
1927
P ercent Percent
age de
age in
crease,
crease, October,
October,
1927,
1927,
com
com
pared
pared
w ith
w ith
October,
1913
1926
55.2
38.8
63. 4
Jacksonville.........
K ansas C ity , M o ...
hi 9
49.5
50.9
2 0. 6
5. 0
2. 7
8.4
3.9
M em phis..................
M ilw aukee-----------
48 6
44 2
62. 9
64 6
46.9
58.0
2. 2
2. 8
2.4
1. 6
2.7
3.2
57.7
C ity
1 Decrease.
48.3
61.5
41.1
59. 8
63.0
2.8
4.3
0.2
1.5
2.0
2.9
0.4
2.3
2.2
0.3
2 0.8
1.3
6.1
3.8
1.8
3.3
2.3
0.9
0. 2
2.4
'
1.3
0.9
0.3
1.1
4.3
2.6
1.6
1.2
1. 5
1.2
0.1
2.8
3.5
2.4
1.3
3.3
1.0
2.3
1.7
2.2
3.5
0.8
1.3
2.0
3.3
0.7
2. 1
0.0
1.4
1.0
2 Increase.
Effort has been made by the bureau each month to have all sched
ules for each city included in the average prices. For the month of
October 99 per cent of all the firms supplying retail prices in the 51
cities sent in a report promptly. The following-named 35 cities had
a perfect record; that is, every merchant who is cooperating with
the bureau sent in his report in time for his prices to be included in
the city averages: Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Bridgeport, Buffalo,
Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Fall River, Houston,
Indianapolis, Kansas City, Mo., Los Angeles, Louisville, Manchester,
Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Mobile, New Haven, New York,
Omaha, Peoria, Pittsburgh, Portland, Me., Portland, Oreg., Rich
mond, Rochester, St. Louis, St. Paul, Savannah, Scranton, Seattle,
and Springfield, 111.
4T h e consum ption figures used from January, 1913, to Decem ber, 1920, for each article in eacn city were
given in th e N ovem ber, 1918, issue, p p. 94 and 95. T h e consum ption figures which have been used for each
m onth beginning w ith Jan u ary , 1921, were given in th e M arch, 1921, issue, p. 26.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1375]
192
M ONTHLY LABOE EEVIEW
The following summary shows the promptness with which the
merchants responded in October, 1927:
R E T A IL P R IC E R E PO R T S R E C E IV E D FOR OCTOBER, 1927
Geographic division
Item
Percentage of reports received.
Number of cities in each section from which
every report was received__ ____
United
States
North
Atlantic
South
Atlantic
North
Central
South
Central
99.1
97.0
99.4
98.0
99.0
5
4
99.0
11
35
12
3
Western
Retail Prices of Coal in the U nited S tates'2
HE following table shows the average retail prices of coal on
January 15 and July 15, 1913, October 15, 1926, and Sep
tember 15 and October 15, 1927, for the United States and
for each of the cities from which retail food prices have been obtained.
The prices quoted are for coal delivered to consumers, but do not
include charges for storing the coal in cellar or coal bin where an
extra handling is necessary.
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 bituminous coal are averages of prices of the
several kinds sold for household use.
T
T able 1.—AVERAGE R E T A IL PR IC E S OF COAL P E R TON OF 2,000 POUNDS, FOR HOUSE
HOLD USE, ON JANUARY 15 AND JU LY 15, 1913, OCTOBER 15, 1926, A ND S E P T E M B E R 15
AND OCTOBER 15, 1927
1913
1926
1927
C ity, and k in d of coal
J a n . 15
U n it e d S t a t e s ;
P e n n s y lv a n ia a n t h r a c it e —
S to v e —
A v e ra g e p r ic e .. ____
I n d e x (1913=100)_______
C h e stn u t—
A verage p r ic e .
___
I n d e x (1913=100)___ _____
B itu m in o u s —
A v era g e p r ic e . _ _
I n d e x (1913=100)______________
A tlanta, Ga.:
B itu m in o u s__________________ .
B altim ore, M d .:
Pennsylvania an thracite—
Stove______ ____ __________
C h estn u t________ ________
B itu m in o u s. ____________ _
B irm ingham , A la .:
B itum inous- ________________ ____
Boston, M ass.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove......................................
C h e s tn u t.............................. .............
Ju ly 15
Oct. 15
Sept. 15
Oct. 15
87. 99
103.4
$7.46
96.6
$15. 56
201.4
$15. 38
199.1
$15.42
199.6
88.15
103.0
$7. 68
97.0
$15. 31
193.5
$15. 03
189.9
$15.97
190.4
85.48
100.8
$5. 39
99.2
$9. 59
176.5
$9.20
169.3
$9.33
171.7
$5.88
$4.83
$8.15
$8.35
$8. 37
1 7. 70
1 7.93
1 7. 24
1 7. 49
1 16. 08
1 15. 58
7.63
1 16. 00
115. 25
8.18
1 16. 00
115. 25
8.11
4.22
4.01
7.63
7.49
7.76
8. 25
8. 25
7.50
7. 75
16. 40
16.15
16.00
15. 75
16.25
16.00
1 Per ton of 2,240 pounds.
° Prices of coal were formerly secured semiannually and published in the March and September issues.
Since July, 1920, these prices have been secured and published monthly.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1.376]
RETAIL PRICES OF COAL
193
1.—AVERAGE R E T A IL PR IC E S OF COAL P E R TON OF 2,000 POUNDS, FOR HOUSE
HOLD USE, ON JANUARY 15 AND JU LY 15, 1913, OCTOBER 15, 1926, AND S E P T E M B E R 15
A ND OCTOBER 15, 1927—Continued
ta b le
1913
1926
1927
City, and kind of coal
July 15
J a n .15
Bridgeport, Conn.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Buffalo, N. Y.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Chicago, 111.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Cincinnati, Ohio:
Cleveland, Ohio:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Fall River, Mass.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Houston, Tex.:
Indianapolis, Ind.:
Jacksonville, Fla.:
Los Angeles, Calif.:
Louisville, Ky.:
Manchester, N. H.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Memphis, T enn.:
Milwaukee, Wis.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Bituminous______________
_____
i Per ton of 2,240 pounds.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
$14. 50
14. 50
$15.00
15.00
13.99
13.59
13.99
13. 59
11.03
10. 95
10.96
1 6.75
16. 75
11.00
11.00
11. 00
7.80
8.00
8. 25
4. 97
8. 05
4. 65
16. 91
16. 72
9. 06
16.95
16. 45
9.32
16. 94
16. 45
9. 30
3. 50
3. 38
8.50
7.08
7.10
7. 50
7. 75
4.14
7. 25
7. 50
4.14
15. 45
15. 05
9.99
15.10
14. 70
8. 94
15.17
14. 80
9.02
7.82
7.21
7. 22
8.25
7.21
15. 67
13.33
15.17
12.71
15. 33
12. 71
8.88
9.00
8.50
4.88
16.00
16.50
10.79
16.10
16.10
10.25
16.10
16.10
10.42
8.00
8. 25
5. 20
7. 45
7. 65
5. 20
16.00
15. 50
10.39
16.00
15. 50
9. 38
16. 00
15. 50
9. 38
8.25
8.25
7. 43
7. 61
16.75
16. 25
16. 75
16.25
16.75
16. 25
11. 50
11.80
12.10
3.81
3. 70
7.65
7.26
7. 45
7. 50
7.00
14.00
13.00
14.00
4. 39
3.94
14.50
15. 67
7.82
14.00
15.17
7.83
14.00
15. 33
7.75
6. 00
5.33
14. 00
10.46
13. 50
10.15
13. 50
11.80
13. 52
12.50
15. 69
16. 25
16.50
4.20
4. 00
7. 33
7. 01
7.30
10.00
10. 00
24. 34
8.50'
8.50
17.50
17.50
17.50
17. 25
17.50
17.25
24. 22
7.26
8. 30
8.28
16. 65
16. 80
16.20
16. 65
9. 29
10.36
5. 71
2 Per 10-barrel lot (1,800 pounds).
16. 65
16.20
9.47
8.50
5. 25
Kansas City, Mo.:
Arkansas anthracite—
Little Rock, Ark.:
Arkansas anthracite—
$15.00
15.00
13. 75
13. 39
Columbus, Ohio:
Detroit, Mich.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Oct. 15
$6.54
6.80
Dallas, Tex.:
Arkansas anthracite—
Denver, Colo.:
Colorado anthracite—
Sept. 15
$6. 75
6.99
Butte, Mont.:
Charleston, S. C.:
Oct. 15
8.00
8.25
6.25
[1 3 7 7 ]
7. 85
8.10
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
194
T able 1 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C O AL 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 , O N JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, O C T O B E R 15, 1926, A N D S E P T E M B E R 15
A N D O C T O B E R 15, 1927—C ontinued
1926
1913
1927
City, and kind of coal
Jan. 15
Minneapolis, Minn.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Mobile, Ala.:
Newark, N. J.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
New Haven, Conn.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
New Orleans, La.:
New York, N. Y.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Norfolk, Va.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Omaha, Nebr.:
BituminousPeoria, 111.:
.............. .........................
Philadelphia, Pa.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove__ _ __________ __________
Chestnut....... ......................... .........
Pittsburgh, Pa.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Chestnut......... ........ .........................
Bituminous_____________________
Portland, Me.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove _________ __
Portland, Oreg.:
Bituminous______________________
Providence, R. I . :
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove___ _____________________
Chestnut............................ ..............
Richmond, Va.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove.- _________ ____ ____ ___
Chestnut_________ ___________
Bitum inous_____ ______
Rochester, N. Y.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Stove..... .................... ......................
Chestnut................... .......................
St. Louis, Mo.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
S to v e .____ __________________
Chestnut _ __ _______________
Bituminous..............................................
St. Paul, Minn.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Chestnut......................................
Salt Lake City, Utah:
Colorado anthracite—
Furnace, 1 and 2 mixed—..............
Stove, 3 and 5 mixed ..... ........ .
Bitum inous............. ....................... ........
$9.25
9. 50
5. 89
July 15
$9. 05
9.30
5.79
Oct. 15
Oct. 15
$18.10
17. 95
11. 34
$18.15
17. 70
11.66
$18.15
17. 70
11.69
9. 69
9.08
9.29
6. 50
6. 75
6. 25
6.50
14. 00
13.50
14. 00
13. 50
14.00
13.50
7.50
7.50
6. 25
6.25
15.35
15.35
14.90
14. 90
15. 05
15.05
26.06
26.06
10. 29
9.32
10. 29
7.07
7.14
6. 66
6. 80
14. 75
14. 50
14. 33
14. 04
14.38
14. 08
16. 00
16. 00
9. 66
15. 00
15.00
8.80
15.00
15. 00
9.07
10.02
6.94
10.02
6.94
10.52
6. 63
6.13
7.13
1 7.16
i 7.38
i 6.89
1 7.14
1 15. 54
‘ 15. 79
1 15. 04
1 14. 54
1 15.04
i 8.00
3 3.16
1 7.44
33.18
15.13
5. 74
15.00
5.76
14.88
5.76
16.80
16. 80
16.74
16.74
16.80
16.80
1 14. 54
9.79
9. 66
13. 52
13. 64
13.33
«8.25
4 8.25
4 7. 50
4 7. 75
4 16.25
4 16. 00
416. 25
416. 00
416. 25
416.00
8. 00
8. 00
7. 25
7. 25
4. 94
16.17
16.17
10.96
15. 67
15.67
9. 77
15. 50
15.50
9.68
14. 60
14.15
14.60
14.15
14.60
14.15
5. 50
8. 44
8. 68
3. 36
7. 74
7. 99
3.04
16. 95
16. 70
6. 42
16. 75
16. 30
7. 57
16.90
16.50
7.41
9.20
9.45
6.07
9.05
9. 30
6.04
18.10
17. 95
11. 63
18.15
17. 70
11.96
18.15
17.70
11.96
11.00
11.00
11. 50
11. 50
5. 46
18.00
18.00
8. 47
18.00
18.00
8.34
18.00
18.00
8.34
5. 64
1 Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
2 Per 10-barrel lot (1,800 pounds).
3 Per 25-bushel lo t (1,900 pounds).
4 T he average price of coal delivered in bin is 50 cents higher th a n here shown.
delivered in bin.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Sept. 15
[1378]
Practically all coal is
IN D E X N U M B E R S O F W H O L ESA L E PB IC E S
195
T able 1 .—A V E R A G E R E T A IL P R IC E S O F C O A L 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 SE , O N JA N U A R Y 15 A N D JU L Y 15, 1913, O C T O B E R 15, 1926, A N D S E P T E M B E R 15
A N D O C T O B E R 15, 1927—Continued
1913
1926
1927
C ity, and kind of coal
J a n . 15
San Francisco, Calif.:
New Mexico anthracite—
Cerillos e g g ____________________
Colorado anthracite—
B itum in o u s_____________ ___
Savannah, Ga.:
B itum in o u s________________________
Scranton, P a.:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
Seattle, W ash.:
Springfield, 111.:
B itum in o u s__________ ____________
W ashington, D . C .:
Pennsylvania anthracite—
C h e s tn u t______ __ ___________
B itu m in o u s Prepared sizes, low v o la tile ._____
Prepared sizesj high volatile ______
R u n of mine, mixed __ __________
Ju ly 15
Oct. 15
$17.00
$17.00
$25.50
17. 00
12.00
17 00
12.00
25 00
16. 61
Sept. 15
$25. 50
25.00 „
16. 63
Oct. 15
$25. 50
25.00
16. 63
» 12.00
6 11. 75
« 11.13
10. 75
10.50
10. 75
10.50
4. 25
4. 50
4. 31
4. 56
11. 00
10. 67
7. 63
7.70
10.35
9.76
10.02
4.38
4.44
4. 44
1 15 88
1 15.53
1 15 51
1 14. 99
1 15. 51
1 14.99
l 11.92
1 8. 75
1 8.00
1 11. 00
1 9. 00
1 7.88
1 11 08
1 9. 00
1 7.88
1 7. 50
1 7.65
1 7. 38
1 7. 53
1 Per to n of 2,240 pounds.
6 All coal sold in Savannah is weighed b y th e city. A charge of 10 cents per to n or half to n is made.
T his additional charge has been included in th e above price.
Index Numbers of Wholesale Prices in October, 1927 (Revised
Series)
SLIGHT continued upward movement of wholesale prices is
shown for October by information collected in representative
markets by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States
Department of Labor. The bureau’s revised index number, com
puted on prices in the year 1926 as the base and including 550 com
modities or price series, stands at 97 for October compared with 96.5
for the month before, a rise of one-half of 1 per cent. Compared
with October, 1926, however, with an index number of 99.4, a de
crease of nearly 2 l/% per cent is shown.
Farm products declined somewhat from the September price level,
due mainly to decreases in com and cotton. Cattle, eggs, hay, and
wool on the other hand averaged higher than in the preceding month.
Foodstuffs rose sharply in price, with increases reported for butter,
cheese, fresh and cured meats, coffee, and rye flour. Small increases
took place in the groups of hides and. leather products and chemicals
and drugs.
Practically no change in the price level is shown for textile prod
ucts and house-furnishing goods, while slight decreases are shown for
fuel and lighting, metals and metal products, building materials, and
miscellaneous commodities.
Of the 550 commodities or price series for which comparable infor
mation for September and October was collected, increases were
shown in 165 instances and decreases in 139 instances. In 246 in
stances no change in price was reported.
A
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1379]
196
M O N T H L Y LABOR RE V IE W
Comparing prices in October with those of a year ago, as meas
ured by changes in the index numbers, it is seen that farm prod
ucts and hides and leather products were considerably higher, while
textile products were slightly higher. Decreases are shown for all
other groups of commodities, ranging from less than 1 per cent in
the case of foods and housefurnishing goods, to 8 per cent in the case
of building materials, and 17 per cent in the case of fuel and lighting.
T R E N D OF W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S .
I 20
HO
IOO
90
80
JAN.
IN D E X
FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUN. JUL.
NUM BERS
OF
AU6. 5ER
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S B Y
C O M M O D IT IE S
OCT.
GROUPS A N D
NOV. DEC.
SU BG RO U PS
OF
[1926=100]
1927
October,
1926
G roup and subgroup
Farm products______________________ ______________________
G rains_____________ _______________________
Livestock and p o u ltry _______________________ ____ _____
Other farm p ro d u c ts ,......................... ....... .................. ................ .
Foods_________
______________ _________ . . . _
B utter, cheese, and m ilk ________ _____ ________ _
M e a ts ..._________________________ _______
Other foods.....................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1380]
97. 9
97.4
102. 2
95.1
100. 8
102. 9
101. 3
99. 7
Septem
ber
October
105. 9
102. 9
104. 9
107. 6
96. 5
105. 6
92. 2
95.8
105. 0
99. 2
105. 5
106. 7
100 0
107. 2
100. 0
97.2
Purchas
ing
power of
the 1926
dollar in
October
Cents
95.2
100.8
94.8
93.7
100 0
93.3
100 0
102.9
WHOLESALE PRICES----U . S. AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
IN D E X
NUM BERS
O F W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S B Y G R O U P S A N D
,
C O M M O D IT IE S —C ontinued
197
SUBGROUPS
OF
1927
October,
1926
G roup and subgroup
Hides and leather products__________ . . .
H ides and skins______________________ . . . .
L eath er___________________________
Boots a n d shoes. . . ________________
O th e rle a th er p ro d u cts____ ____ _______
Textile p ro d u c ts------------ -------------------- ----------C otton g o o d s ........................................
Silk a n d ra y o n _______ _____________
Woolen a n d w orsted goods____________________ .
O ther textile products__________________
Fuel and lig h tin g _______________________
A nthracite coal__ ______ ____________ . _. ___________
B itum inous coal__________________ . .
Coke_______ _______ _____ _____________________________
M anufactured gas___________________ _________________
Petroleum products . __________
_. _____________ .
M etals an d m etal products _____________ ___________
Iron a n d steel."._______________________________
Nonferrous m e ta ls ___________________________ _______
A gricultural im p le m e n ts______________________________
A utom obiles__ " ... ________ _________________________
Brick
___ __________________________________________
S tructu ral steel________________________________________
Chemicals a n d drugs__________________ _ _______ ____ ______
Fertilizers______ ____ ________ ___
All commodities_____________
___________________
_ _
__
_________
P urchas
ing
pow er of
th e 1926
dollar in
October
Septem
ber
October
101.0
106. 2
99. 2
99 8
100.0
97. 7
97. 3
97. 6
98. 3
99. 2
101. 3
98. 4
104. 3
96. 3
99. 0
100. 9
101. 0
99. 9
100. 5
100. 0
102. 3
99. 4
99. 5
98. 2
97. 7
99. 4
102.1
101.1
100. 8
99.1
99. 3
101.1
95. 8
100. 0
99. 4
99. 5
99. 3
93. 4
93. 5
92. 1
87. 7
91. 4
99.8
112. 5
128. 4
115.4
105. 6
104.9
98 5
106. 1
86. 6
97. 3
95 9
84. 2
96. 5
102.4
94. 0
98. 2
66. 4
97. 6
94. 7
90. 7
99. 3
102. 2
100. 7
92. 1
91. 0
93. 2
96. 5
93. 2
90. 0
92. 3
96. 4
101. 4
86. 7
92.1
91. 7
98. 6
97. 6
99. 3
89. 2
117. 7
92. 4
69. 2
77.4
100.2
113.0
128.0
116. 5
105.6
108. 9
98.4
106.0
85.4
98.0
95. 7
83.8
96.0
99.6
93 9
«
67.5
97 1
94.0
89. 9
98 9
102. 2
100. 7
91 6
91. 2
93. 3
96 5
91. 9
87 0
91. 7
97.1
101. 8
86. 2
94. 1
92. 5
98. 5
97. 0
99. 4
88. 3
116. 7
91. 6
70. 5
74.9
99.9
148.1
103.0
106.4
111 2
101.1
97.8
99.3
109.2
109.6
107. 2
103.6
108.8
114. 9
109.1
103. 0
98.2
116. 0
106. 3
108.1
101. 5
103.1
100. 6
113.3
85.7
109. 2
141.8
133.5
100.1
99.4
96.5
97.0
103.1
Cen^s
88 5
78 1
85.8
94.7
91.8
101.6
94.3
117.1
102.0
104. 5
119.3
104.2
100.4
106.5
1 D ata not yet available.
W holesale Prices in th e U nited S tates and in Foreign C ountries,
1923 to Septem ber, 1927
N THE following table the more important index numbers of whole
sale prices in foreign countries and those of the United States
Bureau of Labor Statistics have been brought together in order
that the trend of prices in the several countries may be compared.
The base periods here shown are those appearing in the sources from
which the information has been drawn, in most cases being the year
1913. Only general comparisons can be made from these figures,
since, in addition to differences in the base periods, there are impor
tant differences in the composition of the index numbers themselves.
I
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1381]
198
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
I N D E X N U M B E R S OF
C o u n try ___
U nited
States
W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN T H E U N IT E D
C E R T A IN F O R E IG N C O U N T R IE S ,
C anada Belgium Bulgaria Czecho D en
slovakia m ark
Bureau
C om puting of Labor
tatis
agency----- S tics
(revised)
D om in M inis
ion B u try of D irector
reau of In d u s General
Statis try and of Sta
tistics
tics
Labor
Base period.
1926
1913
C o m m o d it i e s ___
550
i 238
A pr.,
1914
1913
C entral
Bureau S tatis
of Sta
tical
tistics D ep art
(revised m en t
index)
July,
1914
128
38
69
977
997
1008
955
1913
118
F inland
STA TES A N D
France
Ger
m any
C entral General Federal
Bureau Statisti- Statistiof Sta cal Bu- cal Butistics
reau
reau
1913
1913
135
45
142
419
488
550
703
IN
Ita ly
RicBachi
vised)
1913
1913
400
100
Year and
month
1923_______
1924_______
1925_______
1926_______
100.6
98.1
103.5
100.0
153.0
155. 2
160. 3
156. 2
497
573
558
744
2525
2823
1923
Jan u a ry ____
A pril______
J u ly ----------O ctober.
102.2
104. 0
98.6
99.6
151.4
156.9
153.5
153.1
434
480
504
515
2657
2757
2408
2263
991
1012
949
960
387
415
407
421
516.1
525.7
503.9
499.6
1924
J a n u a ry ... .
A p r i l _____
J u ly _______
O ctober.. . .
99.8
97.6
95. 9
98.6
156.9
151. 1
153. 9
157.0
580
555
566
555
2711
2798
2737
2988
974
1008
953
999
494
450
481
497
504.4
510.3
497.4
522.0
1925
J a n u a ry ____
F e b ru a ry __
M arch ____
A pril______
M a y .. . . .
June .
Ju ly _______
A ugust__ .
S ep tem b er-.
October____ .
N o v e m b e r..
D ecem ber...
103.5
104. 5
104.8
102.4
102. 1
103.4
104.6
104.2
103.7
103.6
104. 5
103.4
165.5
164. 7
161. 6
156. 5
158.8
158.6
158.1
158.9
156. 2
156.0
161. 2
163.5
559
551
546
538
537
552
559
567
577
575
569
565
3275
3309
3272
3244
3177
3225
3041
2870
2834
2823
2822
2913
1045
1048
1034
1020
1006
998
1009
993
996
989
977
977
243
240
514
515
514
513
520
543
557
557
556
572
605
633
568.2
571. 1
571.2
570.1
571.2
590.9
612.0
630.6
621.5
617.1
612.3
613. 8
1926
Jan u a ry ........
F e b ru a ry __
M arch _____
A pril______
M a y ........
J u n e _______
J u l y .. .. ........
A ugust____
S eptem b er-.
October. . . .
N o v e m b e r..
D ecem b er...
103.6
102.1
100.4
.1
100. 5
100.5
99.5
99.0
99. 7
99.4
98.4
97.9
163.8
162.0
160.0
160. 2
156.8
155. 6
155. 9
154.0
152.5
151.3
151.4
150.5
560
556
583
621
692
761
876
836
859
856
865
860
2901
2899
2844
2774
2938
2842
2838
2759
2723
2716
2739
2718
966
950
938
923
928
926
948
963
973
972
978
978
172
165
158
157
158
157
158
162
162
178
170
158
143
142
141
141
140
141
141
143
143
143
143
144
634
636
632
650
688
738
836
769
787
751
684
627
135.8
134.3
133.1
132.7
132.3
131.9
133.1
134.0
134.9
136. 2
137.1
137.1
608.0
603.5
592.3
590.0
595.8
604.9
618.2
632.5
622.0
596.7
594.2
573.6
1927
Jan u a ry ____
F e b ru a ry __
M arch ____
A p ril...........
M a y . . . ........
J u n e ..............
J u l y .. .. ........
A ugust. . . .
S e p te m b e r..
96.6
95. 9
94.5
93. 7
93. 7
93.8
94.1
95. 2
96.5
150.6
150.1
148. 7
148.5
151. 9
153. 5
152.0
152.3
151.0
856
854
858
846
848
851
845
850
837
2706
2688
2649
2592
2751
2823
2775
2745
979
975
976
979
988
990
992
983
975
157
156
153
152
152
152
152
153
153
144
144
143
143
142
144
144
147
148
622
632
641
636
628
622
620
618
135. 9
135.6
135.0
134.8
137. 1
137. 9
138.0
137.9
139. 7
558.2
555.8
544.7
521.3
496.2
473.4
466. 7
100
236 commodities since April, 1924.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
163
197
186
179
176
176
! July.
137.3
141.8
134.4
2 503. 9
2 497.4
2 612.0
2 618. 2
W HOLESALE PRICES— U . S. AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
IN D E X
NUM BERS
C o u n try ___
N e th
er
lands
O F W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S IN T H E U N IT E D S T A T E S
C E R T A IN F O R E IG N C O U N T R IE S —C ontinued
N or
w ay
Spain
Swe
den
Sw it U nited
zer
K ing
lan d
dom
C en Cen In sti
tu te
tra l
tral
of C ham
B u
B u Geog
D r. J.
C om puting
reau ra p h y ber of Lo
a g e n c y ... reau
Com renz
of
of
and
merce
S ta
S ta
Sta
tistics tistics tistics
199
A N D IN
Aus
tralia
N ew
Zea
lan d
South
Africa
B oard
of
T rad e
B ureau
of
C en
sus
and
S ta
tistics
C en
sus
and
S ta
tistics
Office
(re
vised)
B u
reau of
M ar
Office
of
kets,
C en B ank
Treas
of
sus
Japan, u ry
and
Tokyo D e
p a rt
S ta
tistics
m ent,
Shang
hai
L abor
Office,
B om
bay
Japan
C hina India
Base period..
1913
1913
1913
1913
July,
1914
1913
Ju ly ,
1914
1913
1913
1913
«
1913
July,
1914
Commodities____
348
174
74
160
71
150
92
180
187
56
4 117
42
127
129
128
123
199
206
202
179
156. 4
153. 9
159.4
164. 1
181
182
163
149
Year and
month
1923_______
1924_______
1925_______
1926_______
1923
Ja n u a ry .. . . .
A pril___ .
Ju ly _______
October____
1924
Jan u ary ____
A pril______
J u l y .. .. ........
O ctober____
1925
Jan u ary ____
F ebruary__
M a r c h ____
April . . . . .
M a y ______
J u n e ...
Ju ly _______
A ugust___
S eptem ber..
October____
N ovem ber. _
D ecem ber...
1926 ’
January____
F e b ru a ry .. .
M arch _____
A p r i l . . ........
M a y .. ____
June . ___
Ju ly _____
A ugust . .
S eptem ber..
October. _
N o v e m b er..
D ecem ber...
1927
Jan u a ry ___
F eb ru ary __
M arch _____
A pril______
M a y ______
J u n e _______
J u ly ----------A ugust ___
Septem ber _.
151
156
155
145
232
267
253
198
172
183
188
181
163
162
161
149
179.9
175. 7
162.9
148.2
158.9
166.2
159.1
148.1
170
165
162
161
157
156
145
148
223
229
231
235
170
174
170
171
163
168
162
161
174.7
185 9
179 8
181.1
157.0
162 0
166 6
158.1
163
167
ISO
171
131
184
152.7
181
125
212
156.1
181
156
154
151
161
251
263
265
273
178
184
182
186
161
161
157
167
183.2
181.4
173. 3
169.0
165.4
164. 7
162 6
170.0
174
166
163
163
131
126
211
207
155. 8
153.7
188
184
133
213
152. 8
181
160
158
155
151
151
153
155
155
155
154
154
155
279
281
279
273
262
260
254
249
237
223
220
220
191
192
193
190
191
187
188
184
185
187
186
187
169
169
168
163
162
161
161
159
157
154
155
156
170.8
170. 8
169. 9
165.9
163.0
161. 9
160. 6
159. 6
159.4
159.2
157.0
156.7
171.1
168.9
166. 3
161. 9
158. 6
157 2
156.9
156. 2
155.1
153.9
152.7
152.1
163
162
160
158
159
162
162
162
162
163
165
160
166
162
162
162
162
162
161
161
160
162
161
160
130
214
210
204
202
199
200
198
200
201
200
198
194
159. 9
159. 2
159. 3
157.8
173
173
171
1-65
164
1621 8
160 3
160. 2
159.0
158.4
158.1
158
160
157
158
160
154
153
149
145
143
143
144
141
139
140
143
147
147
214
211
205
199
197
194
192
193
193
198
199
184
186
186
183
179
179
177
178
180
178
179
185
186
153
152
149
150
151
150
148
147
146
148
148
150
155.5
154.5
150. 8
148.4
146. 6
145.1
145.0
145. 5
146. 0
145.3
146.9
148.3
151.3
148.8
144. 4
143. 6
144. 9
146. 4
14S. 7
149.1
150.9
152.1
152.4
146.1
161
160
163
168
167
163
162
162
158
154
155
155
159
159
157
156
156
155
156
154
153
153
151
153
192
188
184
181
177
177
179
177
176
174
171
170
164. 0
163. 0
164 4
162. 8
150 7
155 8
156. 9
160 5
1641 2
171.1
174. 4
172. 0
154
151
150
151
151
150
149
148
149
147
146
146
145
146
144
143
145
149
151
149
150
174
172
167
164
162
166
165
167
167
184
180
179
177
172
171
168
168
146
146
145
143
145
146
146
146
148
146.5
145. 4
146. 7
146.5
147.1
147.2
147.0
147.2
147.8
143.6
142.6
140. 6
139.8
141.1
141.8
141.1
140. 9
142.1
154
153
150
151
152
155
161
165
170
151
147
147
147
145
146
146
146
170
171
171
170
171
172
170
167
169
172. 8
172. 0
174 7
173.1
171 3
169.3
171.0
170.8
146
148
146
145
146
147
147
148
158
165
161
155
130
127
124
124
120
122
127
128
126
120
8 52 com m odities in 1920; 53 com m odities from A ugust, 1920, to D ecem ber, 1921.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1383]
4 147 item s.
200
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
Relative Importance of Commodities Included in the Revised
Index Numbers of Wholesale Prices
In each issue of the annual bulletin on wholesale prices published
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics there has appeared a statement
(Appendix B) giving for the last completed year the estimated values
of the various commodities included in the weighted index numbers,
together with the ratio of such values to their respective groups and
to all commodities combined. In the following table there is pre
sented information for the 550 commodities included in the revised
index numbers for the year 1926. It should be understood that
these values and ratios will vary somewhat from year to year,
depending on price changes and possible changes in the weighting
factors used.
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926
[Revised series]
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup a n d com m odity
Ail c o m m o d itie s _________ ___________________________ _______
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
S44, 582, 074
100. 00
100. OO
G R O U P I.—F A R M P R O D U C T S __________ _____
9, 413,212
100. 00
21.11
(a) G ra in s _________ ______ _____ ___________________________________
1, 603,106
48, 931
17.04
.52
3.60
. 11
161,629
235, 031
161,519
37, 366
1.72
2.50
1. 72
.40
.36
.53
.36
.08
186, 859
246,013
73, 387
221,127
90, 258
140,986
1.98
2.61
.78
2. 35
.96
1.50
.42
.55
.17
.50
.20
.32
3,199, 079
33. 98
7.17
188, 220
2.00
.42
128, 915
290, 261
1.37
3.08
.29
.65
195,982
426,242
2. 08
4. 53
.44
.96
380, 578
1, 212, 512
4. 04
12. 88
.85
2.72
16, 791
122,162
10,423
.18
1.30
.11
.04
.27
.02
103, 930
123,063
1.10
1.31
.23
.28
4, 611, 027
45,118
48. 98
.48
10. 34
. 10
790, 275
223,141
116, 211
8.40
2.37
1.23
1.77
.30
.26
Barley, feeding, per bushel, Chicago- ................. . .................................
Corn, per bushel, Chicago—•
C ontract, grades. __ ____________________ __________________ _
No. 3, m ixed_________________ ____ ________________________
Oats, No. 2, w hite, per bushel, Chicago__________________________
R ye, N o. 2, per bushel, C hicago.............................................................
W heat, per bushel—
No. 2, red w inter, C h ic a g o __________________________ _______
No. 2, hard, K ansas C ity ........................................................................
No. 1, northern spring, M inneapolis________________ _________
No. 2, dark n o rthern spring, M inneapolis.......................... ..............
No. 1, h a rd w hite, P ortland, Oreg................ ........................ ..............
No. 2, red w inter, St. Louis..................................... .........................
(&) L iv esto ck and p o u ltr y . _____________________________ _______
C attle, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
Calves, good to choice, v e alers........................ .....................................
Cows—
F air to good. ____________________ ____ ________________
Good to choice______ _________ _____________ _____ ______
Steers—
F air to good___ ________________________________________
Good to c h o ic e ...... ..................................................................... .
Hogs, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
F air to choice, heavy bu tch ers_________ ________ ____________
F air to choice, light b u tch ers____________ _________ __________
Sheep, per 100 pounds, Chicago—
Ewes, native, all grades, fair to b est__________ _______________
Lam bs, w estern, fair to good_______________________ _________
W ethers, fed, poor to b e s t.____ ________ _____________________
P o u ltry , live fowls, tier po u n d —
Chicago ______________ _______ ____________ ________ ______
New Y ork............................................ ................................................. . .
(c) O th e r f a r m products_____ _
____ _ . ____________
Beans, m edium , per 100 pounds, N ew Y ork___________________ . .
C otton, m iddling, per pound—
N ew O rleans____________ ________ _________________________
N ew Y ork................... ........................................................ ......................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[13841
EELATIVE VALUE OF COMMODITIES----WHOLESALE PKICES
201
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1 9 2 6 -C ontinued
Estim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
G R O U P I.—F A R M P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(c) O th e r f a r m p r o d u c ts —C ontinued.
Eggs, fresh, per dozen—
W estern, B o sto n .................................... ................................
Firsts, C h ic a g o ..................................... ............................. .
E x tra firsts, C in cin n ati.....................................................
C andled, N ew Orleans...................... ...................................
Firsts, N ew Y ork.....................................................................
E x tra firsts, P h ilad e lp h ia ......................................................
No. 1, extras, San F ran c isco ................................................
F ru itApples, fresh—
Baldwins, per barrel—
Chicago................ ............................... ......................
N ew Y ork......................................................... ........
W inesaps, m edium grade, per box, Portland, Oreg.
Lemons, choice or fancy, California, per box, Chicago..
Oranges, choice, California, per box, C h icag o ................
H ay, per to n —
Alfalfa, K ansas C ity ...... ........................................................
Clover, m ixed, N o.T , C in cin n ati_______ _______ _____
T im o th y , N o. 1, C h ic a g o ....................................................
H ops, prim e to choice, Pacific, per pound, Portland, Oreg.
M ilk, fluid, per 100 pounds—
Chicago......................................................................................
N ew Y o rk ............................. ..................................................
San Francisco_________ _____ _______ _______________
Peanuts, per pound, N o rfo lk ....______ _________________
Seeds—
Alfalfa, per 100 pounds, K ansas C i t y . . . . . ..................... ....................
Clover, per 100 pounds, Chicago__________ _______ ___________
Flaxseed, per bushel, M inneapolis________ _______ ___________
Tim othy, per 100 pounds, Chicago_____________ ____ _____ ___
Tobacco, leaf, average warehouse sales, per 100 pounds, K e n tu c k y ..
Vegetables, fresh—
Onions, per 100 pounds, C hicago......................................................
Potatoes, w hite, per 100 pounds—
B o s to n .......... ................... .................. .............. .................. .............
Chicago......................... ................... .................................................
N ew Y o rk ................................... ....... ................................... .........
Portland, O re g ...................... .................. ...................................
Potatoes, sweet, per % bushel, P hiladelphia................ ....................
Wool, per pound, Boston—
Ohio, grease basis—
Fine clothing_______________ _____ ________ _____________
Fine delaine___________________________________________
H alf b lo o d _________ _____________ ____ _______ _________
M edium grades................................................................................
Territory, scoured—
Staple, fine and fine m e d iu m _________________ ____ ______
H alf b lo o d ................................ ............... ..................... ..................
F o re ig n A rgentine crossbreds, q u arter blood, grease b asis............ .......
A ustralian, Geelong 56’s, scoured basis_____ ____ _____ ___
M ontevideo, one-fourth blood, 50’s, grease basis___________
G R O U P I I —F O O D S
(a) B u tte r , c h eese, a n d m ilk _____
B utter, cream ery, per pound—
Boston—
E x tra......................
F irs ts ............... .
Seconds..................
C h ic ag o E x tra ......................
E x tra firsts______
F irsts___________
Cincinnati, as to score
72923°—27-
-14
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
(13851
$48, 514
115, 591
14, 529
13,416
177, 728
46,949
16,946
0. 52
1.23
.15
.14
1.89
.50
.18
0.11
29, 544
45, 544
143,488
40,616
205,047
.31
.48
1.52
.43
2.18
.07
168, 333
77,141
85,094
6,240
1.79
.82
.90
.07
.38
.17
.19
333,930
815, 560
118, 804
25,495
3.55
.75
1.83
.27
.06
8 , 221
8 . 66
1.26
.27
.26
.03
.03
.40
.11
.04
.10
.32
.09
.46
.01
.09
. 17
.02
1.02
.21
.01
16,354
95, 712
3,991
121,353
.04
1. 29
14,834
.16
.03
95,790
142,235
82, 720
59,904
43, 670
1.02
.21
17, 468
7,610
10,039
12,412
.19
.08
.11
.02
.02
41, 546
37,769
. 44
.40
.09
.08
35,987
35, 604
24, 554
.38
.38
.26
.08
.08
.06
12,627,157
100.00
22.38
2,389,150
18. 92
2.51
19,395
65,161
8,642
.15
.52
.07
.04
. 15
51,726
174, 920
23, 523
23, 503
.41
1.38
.19
.19
.39
.05
.05
1. 51
.88
. 64
.46
.13
.04
.27
.32
.19
.13
.10
.04
.03
.02
.12
202
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
Valueexpressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
Com
modi
ties in
group
G roup and com m odity
All
com
modi
ties
G R O U P I I .- F O O D S —C ontinued
(a) B u tte r , c h ee se, a n d m ilk —C ontinued.
N ew Orleans—
F a n c y ........ ....................................
Choice_________ _______ _____
N ew Y ork—
E x tra ............... .................. ............
F irsts___________ ____ _______
Seconds______________ ______
P hiladelphia—
E x tra _______________________
E x tra firsts__________________
F irsts_______________________
St. Louis, ex tra-..................................
San Francisco—
E x tra ____________ ______
F irsts___________________ _
Cheese, whole m ilk, per pound—
C hicago_________________________
N ew Y o rk ............................................
San Francisco___________________
M ilk, condensed, per case, N ew Y o rk ..
M ilk, evaporated, per case, N ew Y ork.
M ilk, flu id ...................................................
(6) M e a ts .................................................................... ..............
Beef, fresh carcass, steers, per pound—
Chicago......................... ......................................
New Y ork________ _______________________
Beef, cured, fam ily, per barrel (200 pounds)—
N ew Y o rk ..____ _______ ____ _______ _______
Lam b, fresh, per pound, C hicago.............................
M u tto n , fresh, dressed, per pound, N ew Y ork___
Pork, cured—
. Bacon, per pound, Chicago____________ ____
H am s, per pound, Chicago_________________
Mess, per barrel (200 pounds), N ew Y ork___
Sides, clear, per pound, C hicago___________ _
Sides, rough, per pound, Chicago.......... ............
Pork, fresh, dressed hogs, per pound, Chicago___
Poultry, per pound, dressed—
Chicago__ ____ ____ _________ _____________
New Y ork________________________________
Veal, fresh, good, per pound, Chicago....................
(c) O th e r fo o d s .......................................................................
B eans_______________________________ I I IIII III !
Bread, loaf (per pound before baking)—
Chicago__ .................... ..........................................
C in c in n ati..____________ __________________
N ew O rle a n s._____ _______________________
N ew Y ork________________________________
San Francisco_____________________________
Cocoa beans, A rriba, per pound, N ew Y o rk _____
Coffee, Brazilian grades, per pound, N ew Y ork—
Rio, No. 7________________________________
Santos, No. 4_____________________________
Copra, South Sea, per pound, N ew Y o rk _______
Crackers, soda, per pound, N ew Y o rk __________
Cod, pickled, cured, per 100 pounds, Gloucester, Mass.
H erring, pickled, per pound, N ew Y o rk _____________
M ackerel, salt, per pound, N ew Y o rk _______________
Salmon, canned, A laska, red, per dozen cans, fa c to ry ..
Salmon, sm oked, A laska, per pound, N ew Y o rk_____
Flour, rye, w hite, per barrel, M inneapolis_______________
1 Included in F a rm products.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
\
$8,226
18,487
0.07
.15
54,838
181,627
23,986
.43
1.44
.19
16,242
55,396
7, 264
50, 733
.13
.44
.06
.40
8, 790
19,671
. 07
.15
.04
.12
.41
.05
.04
.12
.02
.12
.02
.04
.68
86, 258
32,493
8,316
57, 641
124,018
1, 268, 294
.26
.06
.46
.98
10.04
4,149,135
33. 86
9.31
380,068
790,226
3.01
6.26
.85
1.77
9, 537
102,912
28,324
.08
.82
.22
.23
.07
189, 649
191,958
220,114
117, 916
116, 623
1, 598, 733
1.50
1. 52
1.74
.94
.92
12. 66
.43
.43
.49
.27
.26
3. 59
68, 560
159,069
175,436
.54
1.26
1.39
.15
.36
.39
6,088,883
45,118
48.32
.36
222,083
31, 590
30, 383
433, 675
43,349
70, 588
1. 76
. 25
.24
3. 43
.34
.56
62, 405
229, 390
19,104
161, 900
433, 673
.49
1.82
.15
1. 28
3.44
4,166
.03
6, 802
.05
1, 509
82, 805
2, 568
8,949
.07
2 Less th a n one one-hundredth of 1 per cent.
[13861
0.02
.01
.66
.02
.19
.07
.02
.13
.28
(0
.02
10.56
(')
.50
.07
.07
.97
.10
.16
«
.14
.51
.04
.36
.01
.01
0).19
.01
.02
RELATIVE VALUE OF COMMODITIES----WHOLESALE PRICES
203
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O P C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
Valueexpressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
C om
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
G R O U P I I .—FO O D S —Continued
(c) O th e r fo o d s —C ontinued.
Flour, w heat, per barrel—
Stan d ard patents, hard w inter, Buffalo..........................
F irst clears, h ard w inter, B uffalo.________________
Short p aten ts, w inter, K ansas C ity ._______________
Straights, w inter, K ansas C ity ____ ____ ___________
S tandard patents, M inneapolis................................ .......
Second patents, M inneapolis_____________________
P aten ts, P o rtlan d , Oreg_______________________ _
Short p aten ts, soft w inter, St. L o u is_______________
Straights, soft w inter, St. Louis____________ _______
Stan d ard p aten ts, soft w inter, Toledo............................
F ru it, canned, per case, N ew Y ork—
Peaches, 2} 4’s ___________________________ ________
Pineapples, 2J^’s _______________ ________ _________
F ru it, dried, per pound, N ew Y ork—
Apples, e v ap o rated................... .......................................
C urrants, cleaned___________________ ____ _____ _
Prunes, California, 60-70’s ___________________
Raisins, coast, seeded..................................................] . . .
F ru it, fresh—
A pples............................................. .............; ____________
B ananas, Jam aicas, per bunch, New Y o rk .________
L em ons____________________________________
O ran g es.________________________________
Glucose, 42° m ixing, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk . '
H om in y grits, w hite, per 100 pounds, mill _________
L ard, prim e, co n tract, p er pound, New Y o rk __________
M eal, corn, p er 100 pounds—
W hite, m i l l . .. ___________________________________
Yellow, fancy, P h ilad elp h ia_________________ ” ” ”
Molasses, N ew Orleans, fancy, per gallon, N ew Y o rk___
Oatmeal, in 90-pound sacks, p er 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk .
Oleomargarine, stan d a rd , uncolored, per p ound, Chicago
Oleo oil, extra, per p ound, C hicago____________________
Pepper, black, per p ound, N ew Y ork_________ ____
Rice, head, clean, per pound, N ew O rle a n s Blue Rose, m edium to g o o d ............................................
H onduras, m edium to c h o ic e._____________________
Salt, Chicago—•
American, m edium , per barrel (280 p o u n d s)________
G ranulated, p er to n ____ ______ ______________
Sugar, per po u n d , N ew Y o r k G ra n u la te d .________ _______________
R aw 96°.______ _____________________________
Tallow , edible, per p ound, Chicago_______ ________
Tea, Form osa, fine, per pound, N ew Y ork_____________
Vegetables, canned, per dozen—
String beans, N ew Y o rk ................ ................... ..............
Corn, factory...... .................................................................
Peas, N ew Y ork............................ ......................................
Tom atoes, N ew Y o r k ._________________
Vegetables, fresh—
O nions_____________ _______ _____________________
P o tato es............ ..... .............................. ................ ..............
Vegetable oils—
Coconut, crude, per pound, N ew Y o rk _____________
Corn, crude, per pound, N ew Y o rk ...............................
Cottonseed, refined, per pound, N ew Y ork...................
Olive, per gallon, N ew Y ork___ ______ ____________
P ean u t, crude, per pound, m ill____________________
Soya bean, crude, per pound, N ew Y o rk ___________
Vinegar, cider, per gallon, N ew Y o rk ....................................
1 Included in F a rm products.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
$74, 581
23, 957
204,132
61, 409
305,181
98, 372
64, 869
41, 672
12, 609
42, 759
0. 59
. 19
1.62
.49
2. 42
.78
.51
.33
. 10
.34
0.17
.05
.46
. 14
34, 254
31, 442
.27
.25
.08
.07
2,401
1, 470
25, 321
42, 528
.02
.34
218, 576
119, 974
40, 616
205, 047
39, 708
4, 616
269,128
1.73
.95
.32
1.62
.31
.04
2.13
0).27
16, 078
27, 484
22, 203
28, 075
52, 209
18, 314
7, 778
.13
.41
.15
.06
.03
.06
.05
.06
52, 721
15, 684
.42
.12
56, 420
27, 026
. 45
.21
.13
.06
630, 514
449, 653
4, 923
35, 320
4. 99
3. 56
.04
.28
1.41
1.01
12, 301
30, 351
44, 923
48, 056
.10
.24
.36
.38
14, 834
424,319
.12
3. 36
.01
.20
.22
. 18
.22
45, 075
36
13, 347
11
117, 799
93
20,176
16
1,490
01
2,739
02
14, 391
11
2 Less th a n one one-h u n dredth of 1 per cent.
[13871
.68
.22
.15
.09
.03
. 10
.01
0).06
. 10
.09
.01
.60
.12
.04
.02
.12
.03
.01
.08
.03
.07
. 10
.11
.10
.03
.26
.05
(2)
.01
.03
204
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E I R E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G ro u p a n d com m odity
Valueexpressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
modi
ties
$1,617,944
100. 00
343,845
21.25
.77
42,789
2.64
.10
62, 210
59,195
3.84
3. 66
.14
.13
24,028
61, 270
10,753
83,600
1.49
3.79
.66
5.17
.05
.14
.02
.19
(6) L e a t h e r . . ____________ _ _______________
Chrome calf, B grade, per square foot, B oston________ . _ _____
Glazed kid, to p grade, p er square foot, B oston_________ . . . . . .
H arness, California oak, p er pound, general m ark et______ _______
Side, black, chrome, tan n ed , B grade, per square foot, Boston ___
Sole, oak, per pound, Boston—
In sides _________ . . ________ _______
Scoured b ack s____________________________ ______
Sole, unio n backs, steers, per p ound, N ew Y o rk . _____
369, 739
77,369
124, 571
10,057
53,979
22.85
4. 78
7. 70
.62
3.34
.83
.18
.28
.02
.12
25, 558
31,707
46,498
1.58
1.96
2.87
.06
.07
.10
(c) B o o ts a n d s h o e s , f a c to r y _____
_______
C hildren’s, p er pair—
C h ild ’s, g u n m e ta l___________ _________ _
L ittle b o y ’s, ta n , calf, blucher _ .
. . . . . . . . . . . . _ ___
M isses’, gun m etal . ____ ____
Y o u th s’, ta n calf, blu ch er_________ _________
M en ’s, per pair—•
Black, calf, b a l. ________ _
. . . _ _ _____
Black, calf, blucher. ________________
Black, dress, w elt, side leath er_________________ . . .
Black, v ic ik id ._ _________________
_ . .
Chocolate, elk, b lu c h e r_______ ____ _
___ . . .
Dress, m ed iu m grade___________ _____ . . . . .
G u n m etal, b lu ch er.. __________ _____ _____ . . . . .
M ahogany, chrome, b a l . . . ________
. . _________________
T an , dress, w elt, calf_______
_
.......
T an , dress, w elt, side le a th er____________ . . ________
W ork, m edium g rad e_______ _______ _________ _____ _
W om en’s, per pair—
Black, kid, dress______________________________________
Black, k id , M cK ay sewed ____________ .
... ..
M edium g r a d e _________________________ _______ _______
B etter grade____________ ____________ . . . . ______ _____
Colored c a l f __ _______________ . . .
................
........
P a te n t leather p u m p ....................... . . . . . _______ _ _________
785,328
48.54
1.76
8,465
23,420
24,931
35,208
.52
1.45
1.54
2.18
.02
.05
.06
.08
31,826
72,397
20,678
67,872
19,492
21,654
29,734
23,270
31,826
21,813
23,190
1.97
4.47
1.28
4.19
1.20
1.34
1.84
1.44
1.97
1. 35
1.43
.07
.16
.05
.15
.04
.05
.07
.05
.07
.05
.05
57, 682
50, 976
70,798
40,356
58,764
50,976
3. 57
3.15
4. 38
2. 49
3. 63
3.15
.13
.12
.16
.09
.13
.11
G R O U P I I I —H ID E S A N D L E A T H E R P R O D U C T S ______
(a) H id es a n d s k i n s ____________ ___
____ _ _____________________
Hides, per pound, Chicago—
C o u n try cows___ ____ _____________ ____________________. . . .
Packers’—
H eavy, n a tiv e steers ________ _________________________
H eavy, Texas steers______________________ _ __________
Skins, per po u n d —
Calf, No. 1, co untry, C hicago_______________ . . .
________
Goat, Brazil, first selection, N ew York . __
. . . _____
_____ _
K ip, No. 1, co u n try , Chicago_____________ . . . . . .
Sheep, packer’s, p er pelt, Chicago. . __________ _______ ______
(d )
O th e r le a th e r p r o d u c t s . . . _______
3.63
__ __
._ _______ ____
Gloves, per dozen pairs, factory—
M en ’s . _______________________________ ________ _
W om en’s _. ____________ _______________ ____ __________
H arness (composite price), per s e t__________ _____ __ . . . _____
Suitcases (composite price), each ___
. _ . . . ___
______
Traveling bags (composite price), each___________________________
119,033
7.36
.27
29,407
9,179
35,755
24, 500
20,191
1.82
.57
2. 21
1.51
1.25
.07
.02
.08
.05
.05
G R O U P IV .— T E X T I L E P R O D U C T S ______________
3,817,298
100.08
8.56
______________________ __ . . . ___________ .
B lankets, colored, per pair, Boston _______________ __________
D enim s, M ass., 28-inch, per yard, m i l l _______
______________
Drillings, brow n, per yard, mill—
M assachusetts, 30-inch.. ____________ . _____________ . . . .
Pepperell, 29-inch._________________________ . . . . . . ___
D uck, per y ard, m ill—
8-ounce, A rm y .............................. ................ . .
_ . . _______
W ide, 3 6 -in ch______________________ ____
_ _ _ ______
F lannel, per yard, m ill—
Colored, 27-inch. _ ______________ . . .
._ -----------. _.
U nbleached, 33-inch______________ . . . . . . . . . .......... ..............
1,523,849
24,889
45,785
39.92
.65
1.20
3.42
.06
.10
23,310
22,497
.61
.59
.05
.05
29,674
12,393
.78
.32
.07
.03
22,719
31, 742
.60
.83
.05
.07
(a) C o t t o n g o o d s
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1388]
RELATIVE VALUE OP COMMODITIES----WHOLESALE PRICES
205
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A LU ES IN E X C H A N G E , 1926-C ontinued
G roup and com m odity
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
G R O U P IV .—T E X T IL E P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(а) C o tto n g o o d s—C ontinued.
Gingham , p er y ard, mill—
Amoskeag, 27-inch........................................................................
Security, 32-inch.................................................................... .
Hosiery, per dozen pairs, m ill—
M en ’s, com bed y a rn ...................................................................
W om en’s, silk m ercerized..___________________________
M uslin, bleached, per yard, mill—
F ru it of th e Loom ..................... ........................................... .
Lonsdale___________ ______ _________________ ________
R ough R id e r.......... ........................................................ ............
N ainsook, W am su tta .................................................... .............
Percale, Scouts, 38p2-inch, p er yard , m ill......... ............................
P rin t cloth, per yard, m ill—
27-inch______________ _______ _____ __________________
38J^-inch___________;_______ _____ _______ ____________
Sheeting, bleached, per y ard , m ill—
10/4, Pepperell........................... ...................................................
10/4, W am su tta .................................................................... .......
Sheeting, brow n, per yard , m ill—
In d ia n H ead, 36-inch..................................................... .............
4/4, P ep p erell...............................................................................
4/4, T rio n ___ ______ __________ _______________ _______
T hread, 6-cord, 100 yards, per spool, mill______ _____
Ticking, Amoskeag, 32-inch, per yard, m ill.................................
U nderw ear, mill—
M en ’s shirts and drawers, per dozen g a rm e n ts ..................
W om en’s union suits, per d o z e n ........... ............... ..............
Y arn, per pound, m ill—
C arded, w hite, northern, 10/1 cones........................................
Carded, w hite, northern, 22/1 cones....................................
C arded, single w arp, 40/1’s, southern spinning.................
Tw isted, 20/2’s, carded, w eav in g ......... ................. ...............
T w isted, 40/2’s, carded, w e a v in g ........................ .................
$25,060
34,109
0. 66
.89
0.06
.08
36,299
73, 731
.95
1.93
.08
.16
14,481
13,069
12,384
19, 742
45,608
.38
.34
.32
.52
1.19
.03
.03
.03
.04
.10
17,908
77,911
.47
2.04
.04
.17
69, 391
190, 021
1.82
4.98
.16
.43
34, 031
34, 059
25, 808
211,975
10,420
.89
.89
.68
5. 55
.27
.08
.08
.06
.47
.02
35, 770
72,808
.94
1.91
.08
.16
34, 288
37, 928
71, 736
45,689
66, 614
.90
.99
1.88
1. 20
1.75
.08
.09
.16
.10
.15
684,210
17.92
1, 53
21, 871
20,453
19, 373
18, 223
.57
.54
.51
.48
.05
.05
.04
.04
51, 586
12, 610
196, 466
67,123
1. 35
.33
5.15
1.76
.12
.03
.44
.15
(б) S ilk a n d r a y o n _____________________ ____________ ________
R ayon, per pound, N ew Y o r k 150 A d e n ie r..................................................................................
150 B d e n ie r..____ _____ _____ _______________ ________
300 A d e n ie r....................... ....... .................................
300 B d e n ie r.__________________ ____ ________________
Silk, raw , per pound, N ew Y ork—
C hina, steam filature, th ird category........... ..................... .
C hina, double extra, A crack_______ _______ ___________
Japan, double extra, c ra c k s.__________________________
Jap a n 13-15........................... ............................. ............................
Silk, spun, per pound, N ew Y ork—
Domestic, 60/1____________ ____________ _____ ___ ____
Domestic, 60/2____________ _________________ _________
Im ported, 200/2, first q u ality .....................................................
Hosiery, per dozen, pairs, m ill—
W om en’s pure silk____________ _____________ ."_____ . . .
W om en’s artificial silk...... ...................... ...................................
M en ’s, silk, mercerized top, heel, and toe.............................
8,184
10,404
7, 751
.21
.27
.20
.02
.02
.02
185,214
20, 283
44, 669
4.85
.53
1.17
.41
.04
.10
(c) W oolen a n d w o rs te d g o o d s ................ ............................ ...............
1,105,911
2, 866
28.97
.26
.08
2. 48
.02
.01
98,925
147,710
2. 59
3. 87
.22
.33
82,771
47, 002
59, 667
43, 305
43,462
39,324
2.17
1.23
1. 56
1.13
1.14
1.03
. 19
. 10
. 13
. 10
. 10
.09
21, 300
29, 529
.56
.77
.05
.07
B lankets, all wool, 4 to 5 pounds, per pound, m ill............... ......
Flannel, No. 6400, 54-inch, per yard, m ill.______ ___________
Overcoating, per yard, m ill—
H eavy________________ ____________
L ig h t................... ........................................................ ..................
Suiting, per yard, m ill—
Serge, 116 M . B ............................................................................
Serge, 11-ounce, 56-58-inch..__________________________
Uniform serge, fine grade, 12-ounce.........................................
Uniform serge, m edium grade, 12-ounce.................................
U nfinished w orsted, 13-ounce........... ........................... ............
Trousering, 2,900 range, cotton w arp, 11-ounce, per yard, mill.
U nderw ear, m en’s, m ill—
Shirts and drawers, per dozen garm ents................................ .
U nion suits, per dozen................................................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1389]
9,989
206
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O P C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
modi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
G R O U P IV .—T E X T IL E P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(c) W ooJen a n d w o rs te d g o o d s—C ontinued.
W om en’s dress goods, per yard, mill—
B roadcloth, 9H-ounce__________ - - - ------- --------------- - --- - -----— - -- ----------Flannel, 12-ounce-------------------- ------Flannel, W . F . D ., 54-inch____
------------French serge, 39-inch_______ - - - - - - - _ -------- -----Serge, 36-inch. _____
------- -- - - - - - - - ---Sicilian cloth, 54-inch
.- ---- -- --------- - - - - ------Y arns, Der pound, m ill—
2/32’s, Crossbred stock, w h ite--------- - — ------ — ---------------2/40’s, half-blood, w eaving________ _____ _ - --------------------2/50’s, fine, w eaving________________ ___________ .------------ --
$51,167
63, 218
31,463
33, 639
19,673
22,671
1.34
1.66
.83
.88
.52
.59
0.11
. 14
.07
.08
.04
.05
68,701
88, 717
100, 812
1.80
2.32
2.64
.15
.20
.23
(d) O th e r te x tile p r o d u c ts _____ ___ _____________________________ --B inder tw ine, stan d ard , per bale (50 lbs.) m ill------ ------- -- --B urlap, 10J^-ounce, 40 inches, per yard, mill _
_ .
------------H em p, m anila, per pound, N ew Y o rk ------- --------- ----------------Ju te, raw , m edium grades, per pound, New Y ork------------------Linen shoe th read , 10’s, B arbour, per pound, N ew Y ork---------------Rope, pure M anila, ¡Hs-inch an d larger, per pound, N ew Y ork-------Sisal, M exican, per pound, N ew Y o r k ------ ------------------------------
503,338
326, 421
80,625
28, 566
13, 031
6,694
24, 285
23,706
13.19
8. 55
2.11
.75
.34
.18
.64
.62
1.13
.73
.18
.06
.03
.02
.06
.05
G R O U P V.—F U E L A N D L I G H T IN G ______________
7,163,607
100. 00
16.07
(o) A n th r a c ite co al, p e r g ro ss t o n (composite price) -----------------------C hestnut, f. o. b. c ity _____________ _______ ____ ______________
Egg, f. o. b. c ity -----------------------------------------——--------------------- Pea„ f. o. b. c ity .- . ______________________
- ---------------------
888,141
439, 611
174, 591
273, 939
12. 40
6.14
2. 44
3. 82
1.99
.99
.39
.61
(6) B itu m in o u s c o al, p e r n e t t o n (composite p rice)-------------------------M ine ru n , f. o. b. c ity ----------------- - ------------- ------------- ------Prepared sizes, f. o. b. c ity ----------- . . . ------ -- - - ---------------Screenings, f. o. b. c ity -------------------------------- ------ ----------------------
2,157,740
1, 070,398
832, 611
254, 731
30.12
14.94
11. 62
3. 56
4. 84
2. 40
1.87
.57
(c) C oke, p e r n e t t o n _
___- _______
- - - -------------Beehive—
Alabam a, foundry, o v e n .- . ______ - - ---- - - ---------------Connellsville, furnace, oven --------- ------- -- . . . — --------B y-product—
_______
_______ _______
A labam a, B irm ingham . .
N ew Jersey, N e w a rk _____ . . ---------------------------------------------
407,723
5. 69
.92
11,216
46,980
.16
.66
.03
. 10
53, 263
296, 263
.74
4.13
. 12
.67
(d) M a n u f a c tu r e d g a s, p e r 1,000 e u b ic fe e t (composite p ric e )_______
368,717
5.15
.83
(e) P e tr o le u m p r o d u c ts _____________________ . ___ _ _______ ____
3,341,287
46. 64
7. 49
327, 633
886, 345
142, Oil
4. 57
12. 37
1.98
. 73
1. 99
.32
272,211
339, 622
3. 80
4.74
.61
.76
229, 487
178, 060
396, 636
250, 689
85, 079
3. 20
2. 49
5.54
3. 50
1.19
. 51
.40
.89
.56
.19
105, 561
127,953
1.47
1. 79
.24
.29
5,832,921
100.00
13. 08
2,128,331
36.49
4.77
112, 644
181,335
1. 93
3.11
.25
.41
Petroleum , crude, per barrel, wells—
K ansas-O klahom a__________________________________________
Pennsylvania. ___________________ _____________________
Fuel oil, refinery—
Oklahoma, r»er barrel. ________ ________ -- ------------. Pennsylvania, per gallon------------- ------------ --------------------------Gasoline, per gallon, refinery—
Pennsylvania____________________________________ _____ ____
N o rth Texas _ _________- ------------- ------------------------ ----------N atural, O k la h o m a ._________ ____ _____________ ___ _______
Kerosene, refined, per gallon—
Standard, N ew Y o rk------------ --------------------------------------------W ater w hite, re fin e ry --------------- ----------------------------------------G R O U P VI.—M E T A L S AN D M E T A L P R O D U C T S ............
Iron ore, M esabi, per gross ton, lower lake ports—
Non-Bessem er_____________
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
.- -
- ---------- -------------
[1390]
RELA TIV E VALUE OF C O M M O D ITIE S---- W H O L ESA L E PR IC E S
207
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000 Com
om itted)
m odi
ties in
group
G roup and com m odity
G R O U P V I —M E T A L A N D M E T A L P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(а) I r o n a n d s te e l—C ontinued.
Pig iron, per gross to n —
Basic, furnace_______________ ______ ____ ___________________
Bessemer, P ittsb u rg h ............... ............................................................
F o u n d ry N o . 2, northern, P ittsb u rg h _____.............................. .
F o u n d ry No. 2, southern, B irm in g h a m ._____________________
Ferromanganese, furnace..................................................... .................
Spiegeleisen, furnace______________ _________ _______________ _
B ar iron, per pound—
B est refined, P hiladelphia_________________ ______________ _
Common, refined, P ittsb u rg h __________________ ____ ________
Bars, concrete reinforcing, %-inch and larger, per 100 pounds, m ill..
N ails, wire, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h _____ ____ _______________
Pipe, cast-iron, 6-inch, per n et ton, N ew Y o rk ____________________
Pipe, black steel, per 100 feet, P ittsb u rg h ------------------------------------Skelp, grooved, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h ______________________
Steel billets, open-hearth, per gross ton, P ittsb u rg h _______________
Steel m erchant bars, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h ...... .............................
Steel plates, ta n k , per pound, P ittsb u rg h ________________________
Steel rails, open-hearth, per gross to n , m ill__________ ___________
Steel scrap, per gross ton, Chicago______________ _____ _____ _____
Steel sheets, No. 27, box annealed, per pound, m ill________________
Steel, stru ctu ral, per 100 pounds, m ill_______ ____________________
Terne plate, No. 8 , 1. C., package, per 200 pounds, m ill____________
T inplate, domestic, stan d ard , coke, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h . . . . .
W ire, fence—
B arbed, galvanized, per 100 pounds, m ill____ _____ ___________
Galvanized, No. 9, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h ...............................
Plain, annealed, per 100 pounds, P ittsb u rg h ............ ........................
W oven, per 100 rods, P ittsb u rg h ____________ ________________
(б) N o n fe rro u s m e t a l s ____________________ ___________________ _____
A lum inum , per pound, N ew Y ork........... ................. ..............................
A ntim ony, per pound, N ew Y o rk _____________________ _________
Brass sheets, per pound, m i l l . . ________ _______________ ______ _
Copper, ingot, electrolytic, per pound, refinery____ _____ ____ ____
Copper, sheet, ho t rolled, per pound, N ew Y ork__________________
C opper wire, bare, per pound, m ill.............. .................... .............. ...........
Lead, pig, desilverized, per pound, N ew Y o rk ____________________
Lead pipe, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk ___________________________
N ickel, ingot, per pound, N ew Y ork______ _____ ________________
Quicksilver, per pound, N ew Y o rk _______________ _____ _________
Silver, bar, fine, per ounce, N ew Y ork__________ ______ _____ ____
T in, pig, straits, per pound, N ew Y o rk ........ ............................................
Zinc, sheet, per 100 pounds, L a Salle, 111...............................................
Zinc, pig, slab, per pound, N ew Y ork___________________________
(c) A g ric u ltu r a l im p le m e n ts , f a c to r y ...................................... ......................
B inder, grain, e a c h .________ ________ _______ ___________________
C ultivator, each_________ ___________ ____________ ______ ______
D rill, grain, each.............. ...................... .........................................................
Engine, 3-horsepower, e a c h . _____________________________
Harrow, each—
Spike, peg-tooth_________ ____ ____________ ________________
S pring-tooth........................................................................................ .
Loader, h ay, each_____________________________ ____ ___________
M ower, h ay, e a c h ._________ ____ ______________________________
Picker, corn, e a c h ._____ _____ ______ _____ ______________________
P lanter, corn, each_____________________________ _____ __________
Plow, tractor, each_________________ ___________________________
Plow, w alking—
1- horse (composite price), each.................................. ......................
2- horse (composite price), each........................................................
Rake, each—
Self-dum p.......... ................... ............................................................... .
S id e-d eliv ery ..------ ------------------------------ -----------------------------Separator, cream, each................................................... ............... ...............
Sheller, corn, each.......... ..... ....................................... ....................... ...........
Spreader, m anure, each...................................................................................
T ractor, each.....................................................................................................
W agon, 2-horse, each.......... .......................................................................... .
2 Less th a n one one-hundreth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1391]
All
com
m odi
ties
$41,826
12, 684
54, 776
56, 206
29, 586
3,985
0. 72
.22
.94
.96
.51
.07
0.09
.03
.12
. 13
.07
.01
10, 298
10, 508
28, 220
45, 551
99, 908
76,980
22, 697
171, 465
214,957
167, 611
120, 486
21, 219
185, 592
148, 868
12, 285
182, 589
.18
.18
.48
.78
1. 71
1. 32
.39
2. 94
3. 69
2.87
2. 07
.36
3.18
2.55
.21
3.13
.02
.02
.06
. 10
.22
.17
.05
.39
.48
.38
.27
.05
.42
.33
.03
.41
17, 265
14, 514
43, 235
41, 041
.30
.25
.74
.70
.04
.03
.10
.09
935,333
16. 03
3.10
1.08
.06
1.12
5.22
.55
1.29
2.04
.18
.19
.04
.75
1.91
.23
1.37
.14
.01
.15
.68
.07
.17
.27
.02
.02
.01
.10
.25
.03
.18
1.61
.31
.09
.10
.04
.16
.01
.01
.01
.02
3,260
2,336
1,620
5, 559
1,625
2,251
5,643
.06
.04
.03
.10
.03
.04
. 10
.01
.01
(2)
.01
(2)
.01
.01
1,224
2, 978
.02
.05
(2)
.01
1,347
1,254
9,321
80
5, 244
15, 640
11,235
.02
.02
.16
(2)
.09
.27
.19
62, 956
3, 397
65,147
304, 473
32, 213
75, 390
119,199
10, 234
11, 218
2,564
43, 542
111, 491
13, 449
80, 059
93,652
5,486
5,786
2, 567
9,196
(2)
(2)
.02
(2)
.01
.04
.03
208
M O N T H L Y LABOE BE V ÏE W
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E IR E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
G R O U P V I —M E T A L S A N D M E T A L P R O D U C T S —C ontinued
(<T) A u to m o b ile s , e a c h , f a c to ry (composite price)___________________
B u ick ________________________________________ ______ _____ ___
C adillac__________________<___________________________________
C hevrolet____________________ ________________________________
Dodge_______________________________________________________
Ford ______________________________________________________
P ack ard...... .................. .................................................................... ..............
$2,388,248
548, 993
93, 269
493,985
323, 710
823, 907
104,384
40. 94
9.41
1.60
8. 47
5. 55
14.12
1. 79
5. 36
1.23
.21
1.11
.73
1.85
.23
(e) O th e r m e ta l p r o d u c ts ________ _____ _________________ _________
287,358
4. 93
.64
38, 077
25,322
.65
.44
.08
.06
64,252
87, 905
71, 802
1.10
1.51
1.23
. 14
.20
.16
2,836,860
1,156,615
41, 974
100.00
40. 77
1.48
5.15
2. 59
.09
101, 071
68, 510
58, 556
68, 435
49,104
137,188
77,410
221,486
227, 746
20,167
24, 926
3.56
2. 42
2. 06
2.41
1.73
4. 84
2. 73
7. 81
8. 03
.71
.88
.23
.15
.13
.15
.11
.31
. 17
.50
.51
.05
.06
15,169
14,873
.53
.52
.03
.03
5, 382
24,618
. 19
.87
.01
.06
Common, building, p la n t (composite p ric e ) ....__________________
B rick, front, N ew Y ork____________________________ ____ ______
Brick, sand, lim e, p la n t________________________________________
Paving blocks, 3J^-inch, St. L ouis______________________________
235,151
103, 286
107, 735
3,138
20,995
8. 29
3. 64
3. 80
. 11
.74
.53
.23
.24
.01
.05
Sewing machines (composite price), each—
E lectric____________. . . . . . ___ _____________ ____ __________
Treadle_____ ______ ____________ _____ ___________ ____ ___
Stoves, cooking (composite price), each—
Coal_____________________________________________________
Gas___________________________________ __________
O il_______________________________________________________
G R O U P V II. B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S ______ ____
(a) L u m b e r ____________________________ ____ ______________________
Cypress, shop, per 1,000 feet, St. Louis__________________________
Douglas fir, per 1,000 feet, m ill—
N o. 1, com m on sh e a th in g ______________ _____ _____________
No. 2 a n d b e tte r, d ro p sid in g__________ _______ ___________
G um, plain, sap, per 1,000 feet, St. Louis________________________
Hemlock, northern, No. 1, per 1,000 feet, C h ic a g o ..._____________
M aple, hard, No. 1, per 1,000 feet, Chicago_______________ ______
Oak, plain, w hite, N o. 1, per 1,000 feet, C incinnati_______________
Pine, w hite, No. 2, per 1,000 feet, B uffalo_______________________
Pine, yellow, flooring, per 1,000 feet, m ill________________________
Pine, yellow, tim bers, per 1,000 feet, m ill________________________
Poplar, N o. 1, per 1,000 feet, C incinnati_________________________
Spruce, eastern, per 1,000 feet, B oston____ _____ ________________
L ath , per 1,000—
D ouglas fir, N o. 1, C h ic ag o ..___________________ ____ _____ _
Pine, yellow, N o. 1, m ill__________ ________________________
Shingles, per 1,000, m ill—
C y p r e s s ...____ ________ _____ ____________________ _____ ___
Cedar, re d ______________ _______________ _____ ________ ____
(b) B rick , p e r 1,000____________ _______ ____________________________
(c) C e m e n t, P o r tla n d , p e r b a rre l, p l a n t (composite price)— ........ ......
260,803
9.19
(d) S t r u c t u r a l s t e e l . .. ............................................................................. ;_____
148,868
5.25
(e) P a i n t m a te r ia ls ___ _______ ____________________________________
B arytes, w estern, per ton, N ew Y ork___________________________
Bone black, pow dered, per pound, N ew Y o rk ___________ ________
Copal gum , m anila, per pound, m ill________ _______ ____________
L am p black, velvet, per pound, N ew Y ork______________________
Linseed oil, raw , per pound, N ew Y ork____ ____ ________________
Litharge, commercial, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk ________________
Lithopone, domestic, per pound, New Y o rk ________________ _____
P u tty , commercial, per pound, New Y ork_______________________
R ed lead, dry, per 100 pounds, New Y o rk .._____________________
Rosin, B grade, per barrel, N ew Y o r k .._______________________ _
Shellac, T . N ., per pound, New Y ork_________________________
T u rp en tin e, southern, per gallon, N ew Y ork___ ______ __________
W hite lead, in oil, per pound, N ew Y o rk ______________________ _
Zinc oxide, leaded grades, per pound, N ew Y ork........................ ..........
289,864
8,024
3,167
3,024
1,517
78,394
17,313
13,439
3,845
8, 979
42, 787
14, 582
26, 643
44,302
23,848
10.22
.28
.11
. 11
.05
2. 76
.61
.47
.14
.32
1.51
.52
.94
1. 56
.84
(f) O th e r b u ild in g m a te r ia ls ............................................. .............................
745,556
26.28
1.44
40,860
80, 736
2.85
3 Included w ith M etals and m etal products.
A sphalt, b u lk , per to n , refinery._______ _________________ _____ _
C rushed stone, lj^-inch, per cubic yard, N ew Y ork______________
Less th a n one one-hundredth of 1 per cent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1392]
.59
(3)
.65
.02
.01
.01
(2)
.17
.04
.03
.01
.02
.10
.03
.06
. 10
.05
.79
.09
.18
RELATIVE VALUE OF COMMODITIES----WHOLESALE PRICES
209
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E I R E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926--C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
G R O U P V I I —B U IL D IN G M A T E R IA L S —C ontinued
(/) O th e r b u ild in g m a te r ia ls —C ontinued.
Glass, plate, p er square foot, N ew York—
3 to 6 square feet__________________ _________ _______ ________
5 to 10 square fe e t... . . . . . .............. .............................................
Glass, w indow , per 60 square feet, works—
____ __________ _______
Single B . ___ __ .
Gravel, building, per ton, p la n t (composite price)________ ________
Hollow tile, building, per block, C hicago.. " .......... ..............................
Lim e, building, per ton, p lan t (composite price) _______ ______ ____
Lim e, hydrated,"per ton, p lan t (com positeprice)__________ _____
Sand] building, per ton, p la n t (composite price). _______ _____ _
Slate, roofing, sea green, per 100 square feet, q u a rry _______________
Copper, sheet_________ _________________ ______ ____________
Copper, w ire_____ ______ ____ ____ _____________________
Nail’s, w ire_____________________________ _
Pipe’, l e a d . . ______•.__________________ ______ .
Pipe, black s t e e l ________ . ____________ _ ________ ______ . . .
Reinforcing b a r s _________ _____________ ________ _
T ern ep late_____________________________________ ________ ____
Zinc, s h e e t........................................ ................ ..........................................
G R O U P V in .—C H E M IC A L S A N D D R U G S __________
(o) C h e m ic a ls ___________________________ _______ ________
Acid, N ew Y o r k Acetic, 28 per cent, per 100 po u n d s_________________ . . . .
Boric, per "pound.
______*_______________________ . . . .
Carbonic, p er p o u n d .. _. _________________________ .
M uriatic, 20°, works, p e r 100 p o u n d s_______ ______ ______
N itric, 42°, p er 100 p ounds
______________________________
Salicylic, U . S. P ., N ew Y ork, p er p o u n d __________ _________
Stearic, triple-pressed, p er p o u n d ..."________________ _______
Sulphuric,"66°," p e r to n ...
___________________________
Alcohol", per gallon, "New Y ork—
_______________________ . ______ ________
D enatured
W ood, refined___________ __________________ . . . _________
A lum inum sulphate, commercial, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk ______
A m m onia, anhydrous, per pound,"New Y ork .............................. .........
A nilin oil, per pound, N e w 'Y o rk .______________________________
Arsenic, white," powdered, per pound, N ew Y o rk ________ ________
Bleaching powder, per 100 pounds, works ______________________
Borax, crystals, per pound,"N ew Y ork ___ ______________________
C alcium arsenate, per pound, N ew Y o rk . _ _____________________
C alcium chloride] 73-76 per cent, per ton, N ew Y o rk_____________
Caustic potash, 88-92 per cent, per pound, N ew Y o rk .____________
Coal-tar colors, per p ound, N ew Y ork—
Black, direct
___________ ______ _
___________ ________
V alueexpressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
$21,096
25, 333
0. 74
.89
0. 05
. 06
21,009
16, 754
54,386
35, 763
10, 870
10, 673
26, 832
7, 014
32, 213
75,390
45, 551
99, 908
10, 234
76, 980
28, 220
12,285
13,449
. 74
. 59
1. 92
1. 26
.38
. 38
.95
. 25
1.14
2. 66
1. 61
3. 52
. 36
2. 71
. 99
. 43
.47
.05
.04
. 12
. 08
.02
.02
.06
.02
862,613
476,782
100. 00
55. 28
1,978
1,483
3. 9,95
2,860
3,116
5, 275
1, 586
3,436
66,224
. 23
. 17
. 38
. 33
. 36
. 61
. 18
. 40
7. 68
25, 582
3,623
7,841
3,633
2,285
1, 596
4,873
5,084
5,009
1,040
2, 982
824
2. 97
. 42
. 91
. 42
. 26
. 19
. 56
. 59
.58
. 12
.35
. 10
.74
6,385
4,844
. 56
4,609
.53
.68
5,835
Copper, suiphate, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk ...... ......................... . . .
1,784
.21
Copperas, per ton, w o rk s."_____1______________ ________________
.09
770
C opra________________ __________ ___________________________
2. 21
19,104
Creosote oil, grade 1, per gallon, w o rk s.________ _________________
1.89
16] 289
.24
Form aldehyde, per pound, N ew Y o rk______ ____ _______________
2,038
Lime, acetate, p er 100 pounds, N ew Y ork__
_____
_____ .
4,830
.56
N aphthalene flake, per pound, N ew Y o rk . __________________ . . .
3,351
.39
Sal soda, per 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk ________________________
1,376
. 16
Salt cake,"ground", per to n , w orks___________________________ . _
.33
2,880
60,195
6. 98
Soda, bicarbonate,"per 100 pounds, w o rk s .._______ _
5] 108
. 59
Soda] caustic, per 100 pounds, N ew York _____________________
4. 26
36, 762
Sodium silicate, 40°, per 100 pounds, w orks______________________
5,663
.66
Sulphur, crude] per ton, mines___ ] . . . ________________________
31, 670
3.67
33, 717
3.91
.16
1,362
Toluene, pure, per gallon, w orks_______________ _____________ _
1 Included w ith Poods.
2 Less th a n one one-hundredth of 1 per cent.
8 Included w ith M etals a n d m etal products.
In d ig o ,'p aste__
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
. . . _________ . . . .
All
com
m odi
ties
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1. 75
.89
0
0
0
.01
. 15
.06
.01
.02
.01
.01
0
0
.01
.01
.01
.01
0
.01
.01
.01
.01
___ _________________
[1393]
.01
. 01
.01
.01
0
0
0
0
0
.04
.01
.01
.01
.01
.14
.01
.08
.01
.07
.08
210
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E OF C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E I R E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
Valueexpressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000 Com
om itted)
m odi
ties in
group
G roup and com m odity
G R O U P V I I I — C H E M IC A L S A N D D R U G S —C ontinued
(a) C hem icals—C ontinued
Vegetable oils, per pound—
C oconut____________ _________
All
com
m odi
ties
$45, 075
13, 347
10, 720
2, 704
2,739
5.23
1. 55
1.24
.31
.32
.01
0)
117,068
13.57
.26
3,205
2,533
54,114
4, 850
5,291
1,561
1,371
23, 543
1,245
1,284
7, 079
1,315
1,745
3,870
4,062
.37
.30
6.27
.56
.61
.18
. 16
2. 73
. 15
.15
.82
. 15
.20
.45
.47
.01
.01
. 12
.01
.01
(2)
(2)
.05
(2)
(2)
.02
(2)
.01
.01
.01
(c) F e r tiliz e r m a t e r ia ls ______ _______________________ ______
145,045
16.81
Acid phosphate, per ton, B altim ore_________________
Bones, ground, per to n , Chicago____________________
K ainit, 12.4 per cent, per ton, N ew Y o rk _____________
M an u re salts, 20 per cent, per ton, N ew Y ork________
M u riate of potash, 80-85 per cent, per to n , N ew Y ork ..
N itra te of soda, 95 per cent, per 100 pounds, N ew York
P hosphate rock, Florida lan d pebble, per to n , m in e s...
Sulphate of am m onia, per 100 pounds, N ew Y ork_____
Sulphate of potash, 90-95 per cent, per to n , N ew Y ork..
T ankage, per ton, Chicago____ ____ _________________
F e r tiliz e r , m ix e d , p e r t o n (composite price)
New E n g lan d ____________ _________
M iddle W est___________________________
South C entral an d S o u th w est____________
M iddle A tlan tic_________________________
S outh A tlantic, 8-3-3..................... ................. .
South A tlantic, other....................... ..................
2.92
.50
.19
.50
.85
6. 63
1.32
2.99
.40
.51
.32
25,189
4,323
1,625
4,312
7,375
57, 223
11,428
25, 767
3, 408
4,395
123,718
14.34
5,971
10, 737
16, 418
30,125
32, 526
27, 941
.69
1.25
1.90
3. 49
3. 77
3. 24
1,446,819
100.00
1.92
533,202
36.85
1.20
33. 242
7,382
96, 931
7,357
2. 30
.51
6.70
.51
.07
28,865
48,172
25,856
1.99
3. 33
1.79
.06
19, 556
4, 967
57, 664
4, 817
1. 35
.34
3.99
.33
.04
86, 546
42,459
69, 388
5.98
2.93
4. 80
.10
913,617
63.15
.72
C o rn __________________________
Palm , niger, N ew Y ork_______
Palm , kernel, crude, N ew York.
Soya b e an ____________ _______
(Ö) D ru g s a n d p h a r m a c e u tic a ls .................. ........._.........................................
Acid, N ew Y ork—Citric, domestic, per pound, crystals...................................................
T artaric, per pound, cry stals.................................................................
Alcohol, grain, per gallon, N ew Y o rk ____________________________
C am phor, Japanese, refined, slabs, per pound, N ew Y ork..................
C astor oil, medicinal, per pound, N ew Y ork_______________ ______
C ream of ta rta r, pow dered, per pound, N ew Y o rk ________________
Epsom salts, U .S .P ., 100 pounds, N ew Y o rk_____________________
Glycerine, chem ically pure, per pound, N ew Y ork............... ............. .
M enthol, im ported, per pound, N ew Y o rk ............................. ...............
O pium , Ü .S .P ., per pound, N ew Y ork___ _____ _________________
Peroxide of hydrogen, U .S .P ., per gross, 4-ounce bottles, N ew Y o rk ..
Phenol, U .S .P ., per pound, N ew Y ork_________________ ______ _
Quinine, sulphate, domestic, per ounce, N ew Y o rk _______________
Soda phosphate, commercial, per pound, N ew Y o rk ._____________
Zinc chloride, granular, per pound, N ew Y ork.......................................
(d )
G R O U P IX -H O U S E -F U R N IS H IN G G O O DS.
(o) F u r n i t u r e , f a c to ry (composite p ric e )..........
Bedroom, each—
Beds................................................. ................
C hairs....................................... ........................
D ressers a n d v an ities________ _________
R ockers............ ................................. ..............
D ining room—
Buffets, china cabinets, and servers, each.
Chairs, set of six...... ........................................
Tables, each..................................................... .
K itchen—
Cabinets, each____________ _____ ______ _
Chairs, per dozen__________ ____ ______
Refrigerators, each..........................................
Tables, each.......................... ..........................
Living room, each—
C hairs______ _____ ________ ___________
D avenports...................................................... .
T a b le s ........................ .....................................
(6) F u r n i s h i n g s . . ............................................................
B lankets—
C o tto n __ ____ ____________ _.
W o o l............................................................. .
2 Less th a n one one-hundredth of 1 per cent.
4 Included w ith Foods.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1394]
24,889
1.72
9,989
. 69
In clu d ed w ith T extile products.
0.02
.05
.01
. ox
.02
.13
.02
.06
.01
.01
.28
.01
.03
.04
.07
.07
.06
.02
.22
.02
. 11
.06
.01
. 13
.01
.19
. 16
(5)
(5)
EELATIVE VALUE OF COMMODITIES— WHOLESALE PEICES
211
R E L A T IV E IM P O R T A N C E O F C O M M O D IT IE S AS M E A S U R E D B Y T H E I R E S T IM A T E D
W H O L E S A L E V A L U E S IN E X C H A N G E , 1926—C ontinued
E stim ated
value in
exchange (000
om itted)
G roup and com m odity
G R O U P I X .-H O U S E - F U R N I S H IN G G O O D S—C ontinued
(6) F u r n is h in g s —C ontinued.
Carpets, p er y a rd , factory—
W ilton
________ 1 .______________________________________
C utlery, factory—
C arvers, per p a ir_________________ . . . ------------------------------K nives and forks, per gross_________________________________
Pails, galvanized iron, per gross, factory_________________________
Sheeting, 10/4—
Tablew are, factory—
D inner sets, 100-piece, semivitreous, per set_______________ . . .
D in n er sets, 104-piece, vitreous, per s e t______________________
N appies, glass, 4-inch, common, per dozen____ _____ .... ____
Pitchers, glass, Y, gallon, common, per dozen________ _______
Tum blers, Ys p in t, per dozen______________________ __ _____
Plates, w h ite granite, p er dozen_______________ __ _______
T ea cups an d saucers, w hite granite, per dozen _____________
Ticking, A inoskeag____________________________________________
T u b s, galvanized iron, per dozen, factory--------------------- ------------Sewing m achines________ _____ ______________ __________ _______
Stoves, cooking—
Coal
Oil
G R O U P X .—M IS C E L L A N E O U S ________________
(a) C a ttle f e e d _____________________ _'T T V _____
B ran, per ton, M inneapolis_______
_______ _______ _ _________
C ottonseed m eal, prim e, per ton, M em phis_______ _____________
Linseed meal, p er ton, N ew Y ork______________ . . . ___________
M iddlings, stan d a rd , per ton, M inneapolis______________________
(6) P a p e r a n d p u l p _________ ____ _________________________________
Boxboard, per to n , m ill—
___
M anila lined c h ip ......................... ....... ............__________
_ ----- ------85-pound te st liner_______________ _ _ _
Paper—■
N ew sprint, rolls, contract, per 100 pounds, m ills______________
W rapping, m anila, No. 1, jute, per 100 pounds, N ew Y ork_____
Wood p u lp —
M echanical, No. 1, domestic, per ton, milL__________________
S ulphite, domestic, unbleached, news grade, per 100 pounds,
N ew Y ork______ ____ _____ ____________________ ________ _
(e) R u b b e r , c r u d e , p er p o u n d , N e w Y ork_ ___________ _ _ __ ___ _
Para, island, fine________________ ________________ _____________
P lan tatio n , rib b ed , sm oked sh e e ts.............................................................
(d) A u t o m o b ile t ir e s , f a c t o r y (composite price), each________________
(e) O th e r m is c e l la n e o u s _____________________ . .
___________________
C ylinder oil, per gallon, refinery—
P en n sy lv an ia._______________ __________ __________________
N eu tral oil, per gallon, refinery—
P e n n s y lv a n ia ----------------- --------------------------------------------------Soap, la undry, per 100 cakes—
P hiladelphia---------------------- ------------- ---------------------------------Starch, la u n d ry , per pound, N ew Y ork_______________ _________
Tobacco, N ew Y ork—
Plug, p er p o u n d ___________
___________ . . -------------------Smoking, 1-ounce bags, per gross----- ------ -- ------------------------ ;
2 Less th a n one one-hundredth of 1 per cent.
3 Included w ith M etals and m etal products.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1395]
Value expressed
as percentage
of aggregate
value of—
Com
m odi
ties in
group
All
com
m odi
ties
$106, 829
34,225
72,428
7. 38
2. 36
5.01
0.22
.08
.16
1,287
3,600
2,409
.09
.25
.17
69, 391
190,021
4. 80
13.13
10,486
24,130
3, 723
39, 870
8, 391
4,312
5, 523
10,420
4,336
63, 399
.72
1. 67
.26
2. 76
.58
.30
.38
.72
.30
4. 38
64, 252
87,905
71,802
4. 44
6. 08
4.96
2,829,551
189,980
52, 424
51, 603
32, 743
53,210
759,383
100. 00
6.71
1. 85
1.82
1.16
1.88
26. 84
6.35
.43
.12
.12
.07
.12
1. 70
40,139
50, 334
63,075
1.42
1. 78
2.23
.09
.11
.14
198, 087
279,574
7. 00
9.88
.44
.63
0
.01
.01
(5)
0
.02
.05
.01
.09
.02
.01
.01
0
.01
(3)
0
0
0
18, 552
.66
.04
109, 622
3. 87
356,630
12.61
.25
.8 0
14,074
342, 556
.50
12.11
.03
.77
764,955
27. 03
1. 72
381,177
292, 111
91, 667
13.47
10. 32
3.24
' .86
.65
758,603
26.81
.21
1.70
56,422
82,814
1.99
2.93
.13
.19
40, 310
87, 704
1.42
3.10
.09
.20
65,306
70,893
51, 220
2.31
2. 51
1.81
.14
.16
. 11
80,825
223,109
2. 86
7. 88
.18
.50
s Included w ith Textile products.
COST OF LIVING
Family Budget of a Skilled Worker in M oscow, R ussia 1
D
URING the first quarter of 1927 the Moscow office of labor sta
tistics carried out an inquiry into the family budgets of skilled
workers in Moscow.2 The inquiry covered 98 working-class
families, including 455 persons, each family'having on an average 4.5
members, 8 being adult members. The following table shows the main
items of monthly income and expenditure in chervonetz roubles:
A V E R A G E M O N T H L Y IN C O M E A N D E X P E N D IT U R E O F A S K IL L E D
F A M IL Y IN M O SC O W , F IR S T Q U A R T E R O F 1927
W O R K E R ’S
[Exchange rate of chervonetz rouble, first q u arter 1927 = 51.5 cents]
Income and expenditure
Per family
P er a d u lt m em ber
of family
U n ite d
In co m e
C h e r v o n e tz
o u b le s
H ead of family:
W age_________ ______
O ther incom e_________
O ther m em bers of family:
W age________________
O ther incom e_________
C redit, loans, sale of articles
M iscellaneous,....................... .
Total.
S ta te s
currency
C h e r v o n e tz
r o u b le s
U n ite d
S ta te s
cu rren cy
91.17
3. 53
$46. 95
1. 82
30.41
1.18
$15. 66
.61
24. 92
3.31
13.23
6. 86
12.83
1.70
6. 81
3. 53
8.31
1.11
4.41
2. 29
4.28
.57
2. 27
1.18
143. 02
- 73.66
47. 71
24. 57
12, 50
59. 10
6. 01
29.37
1.41
3. 50
3.16
6. 44
30. 43
3.09
15. 12
.72
1.80
1.63
4.17
19. 72
2.01
9.80
.47
1.17
1.04
2.15
10.16
1.03
5.05
.24
.60
.54
8.83
19.14
4. 55
9.86
2.94
6. 39
1. 51
3.29
143.02
73.66
47. 71
24. 57
E x p e n d itu r e
Housing, heating, and lig h tin g ____________ ____ ____________
Food_____________________________________________________
D rin k an d tobacco.___________________ _____ ____ _______
C lothing_____ _____ _______________ ______ _____ ___________
T oilet articles__________________ ___ _________ ______________
Books, theaters, concerts, an d cinem as_____________ .________
Expenses for trade-union a n d th e C om m unist P a rty _________
R epaym ent of loans a n d advances, redem ption of paw ned
articles, etc_________________________________ ;__________ _
Purchases and various expenditures........ ...............................
T o ta l___________ ______ ___________________
An analysis of the above figures shows that the earnings of the
head of the family constitute about 64 per cent, and those of the
members of the family 16 per cent of the total income of a skilled
worker’s family. Credit and loans plus the proceeds of pawning or
selling articles represent from 9 to 10 per cent of the total income.
hood is the largest item of expenditure, accounting for 44.7 per
cent; to this must be added the cost of spirits and tobacco, which
represents 4.5 per cent, making in ail about half the total expenditure.
Clothing calls for 22.2 per cent and housing, including heating and
lighting, 9.5 per cent of the expenditure of a working-class family.
The cost of education, including cinemas and theaters, represents
about 2.7 percent, and toilet accessories 1.1 per cent of the total budget.
Finally, 6 per cent of the expenditure consists of the repayment of
loans and credits granted by private individuals and distributive
cooperative societies.
1 R eprinted from In tern atio n al Labor Office, In d u strial and L abor Inform ation, G eneva, Oct. 24, 1927,
p. 110.
2 Moscow Labor Statistics, M ay, 1927.
212
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 3 9 6 ]
LABOR AWARDS AND DECISIONS
Award of the Railroad Train Service Board of Adjustment for
the Eastern Region
CASE of time lost by reason of the cancellation of assignment
came before the train service board of adjustment for the
eastern region and was decided October 19, 1927, in Docket
No. 381. An interdivision freight train on the Boston & Maine
Railroad, running between East Deerfield and Salem, Mass., was
canceled for four days because no tonnage was available. The
west-bound tonnage was moved at the eastern end from Salem to
Ayer by a spare crew. The regular crew claimed payment for
time lost by reason of the cancellation of this assignment.
Rule 44 of the trainmen’s agreement reads in part as follows:
A
* * * or a regular run is canceled for more than 2 days in any 21 -day
period (exclusive of holidays), the men so affected will have first right to it, or
may within 10 days claim run held by their junior in rank.
The committee representing the men contended “ that instead
of canceling the regular crew of this train for the round trip that
they should have been deadheaded from East Deerfield to Salem
to protect the return trip of their regular run, but as this was not
done and a spare crew was run out of Salem approximately on the
time of QE-3, handling QE-3 train, that * * * crew should
be paid for time as claimed by them .”
The position of the management was as follows:
It is not the invariable practice to deadhead a train or engine crew to the
away-from-home terminal to cover the return trip of a one-way run when the
trip out of the home terminal is canceled, although it has been done occasionally.
In this case * * * there was no extra crew called to handle westbound cars
from Salem *to East Deerfield, but an extra crew was called Salem to Ayer,
which returned light from Ayer in each case. * * * To agree with contention
of committee would prevent the management from taking full advantage of a
temporary falling off in traffic to conduct the business economically and would
result in paying men for service not performed.
The board, however, sustained the claim.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1397]
213
IMMIGRATION AND EMIGRATION
Statistics of Immigration for September, 1927
By J. J.
K u n n a , C h i e f S t a t is t ic ia n U n i t e d S t a t e s B u r e a u o f I m m ig r a t io n
RECORD number of Americans returned from abroad during
September, 1927, _ and the women outnumbered the men
among these tourists. At New York, the principal port of
landing for arrivals from Europe, 62,640 United States citizens
arrived this month, 34,210 being females and 28,430 males. Women
also were in the majority among the alien residents of the United
States reentering the country after a temporary sojourn abroad.
During September, 19,534 nonimmigrant aliens were admitted at
New York, of whom 10,203 were females; nearly four-fifths of these
females were returning to their homes in this country after a visit to
their native land.
^The principal ports of embarkation of the passengers landing at
New York in September, 1927, were Cherbourg, Southampton,
Havre, Bremen, Liverpool, Hamburg, Gothenburg, Queenstown,
Glasgow, and Naples. Less than one-half of the 34,256 aliens were
cabin passengers, 6,450, or 18.8 per cent of the total, coming firstcabin, and 8,736, or 25.5 per cent, second-cabin, while 19,070, or
55.7 per cent, came overseas as third-class or steerage passengers.
Of the 62,640 citizens arriving, 25,117, or 40.1 per cent, came as
first-class passengers, 16,543, or 26.4 per cent, second-cabin, and
20,980, or 33.5 per cent, third-class or steerage. Children under 16
years of age among the aliens numbered 3,134, and among the
citizens, 7,805.
At this season of the year aliens of the nonimmigrant class arriving
by water far outnumbered the immigrant. In September, 1927, at
the seaports of entry 24,797 aliens were admitted either after a short
stay abroad or for a visit in the United States, as against 16,635
immigrants or newcomers for an indefinite period of residence of
more than a year in this country.
During September, 1927, a total of 31,000 immigrant aliens were
admitted at all ports, 14,122 coming from Europe, principally Ger
many and the Irish Free State; 16,185 from the Americas, mainly
Canada and Mexico; 527 from Asia, and 166 from Africa, Australia,
and the Pacific islands. The principal races among these immi
grants were: Mexican (4,797), English (4,414), Irish (4,318), Ger
man (4,082), Scotch (2,709), French (2,475), Scandinavian (1,869),
Italian (1,531), and Hebrew (1,136). Of the total immigrants ad
mitted this month, 16,116 are males and 14,884 females; 5,047 are
under 16 years of age, 23,232 range in age from 16 to 44 years, and
2,721 are 45 years of age and over.
in the same month 7,625 emigrant aliens left the country to make
their homes abroad again, the largest single group (2,217) going to
A
214
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1398]
215
ST A T IST IC S OF IM M IG R A T IO N
Italy. The bulk of these departures are male wage-earners in the
prime of life, 5,486 of the total being recorded as males and 5,249 as
from 16 to 44 years of age.
T able 1.—IN W A R D A N D O U T W A R D P A S S E N G E R M O V E M E N T D U R IN G JU L Y , A U G U ST
A N D S E P T E M B E R , 1927
Inw ard
Aliens adm itted
O utw ard
U nited
States
citi
N on
zens
Im m i im
m
i
ar
Total
grant grant
rived
Period
1927
J u ly ------------- 23, 420 15, 973 39, 393
A ugust, . __ 28, 418 19,011 47, 429
Septem ber___ 31, 000 25, 619 56, 619
Aliens
Aliens
de
de
Aliens departed
U nited
barred
ported
States
from
after
citi T otal land
Total enter
zens
ing 1 E m i Noning 2
em
i
de
T
o
ta
l2
g ran t2 grant 2
parted
29,935 69, 328
57,701 105,130
75, 557 132,176
T o ta l__ 82,838 60, 603 143, 441 163,193 306, 634
2,002 9, 230 18, 509 27, 739
1,574 6, 322 17,014 23,336
1, 600 7, 625 16,885 24, 510
65, 686 93,425
43, 039 66,375
39, 748 64,258
700
1,346
901
5,176 23,177 52, 408 75, 585 148,473 224, 058
2,947
1 N ot included among inw ard num bers, as th ey were not p erm itted to enter the U nited States.
2 D eported aliens are included among th e em igrant or th e nonem igrant aliens.
T
2 . — L A S T P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E OF IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D A N D
IN T E N D E D F U T U R E P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E OF E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D ,
D U R IN G S E P T E M B E R , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927, B Y C O U N
T R IE S
[Residence for a year or more is regarded as perm anent residence]
able
Im m igrant
i
C ountries
Septem
ber, 1927
A u stria__ ______ _____ ____________________ . . . ____
F in la n d - ...____________
______________________
__________ .
______
. ______
____
Portugal, including Azores, C ape V erde, a n d M adeira
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1399]
Ju ly to
Septem
ber, 1927
29
104
94
23
272
31
250
17
54
408
3,321
98
271
191
64
878
94
543
82
135
1,057
8,202
780
23
1,067
196
240
79
2, 742
1,450
18
36
1
123
691
666
1,997
52
2,242
443
661
247
4,902
4, 462
57
138
15
354
1,355
2,394
22
132
127
35
703
183
37
135
33
14,122
G reat B ritain a n d N orth ern Ireland:
N etherlands
Em igrant
Septem
ber, 1927
Ju ly to
Septem
ber, 1927
13
34
58
12
196
30
176
183
40
625
56
2
32
135
334
178
3
197
802
1,781
591
28
1
24
153
311
2,156
1
574
10
768
242
465
4,906
11
150
5
137
331
1,369
144
337
372
123
1,675
456
100
327
79
163
104
33
240
62
63
2
233
1
417
291
113
669
318
242
7
618
17
34, 547
5, 729
17,832
182
2
264
81
102
2,217
216
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW
T able 2 .—LA ST P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E O F IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D A N D
I N T E N D E D F U T U R E P E R M A N E N T R E S ID E N C E OF E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D
D U R IN G S E P T E M B E R , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927, B Y C O U N
T R IE S —C ontinued
[Residence for a year or more is regarded as perm anent residence]
Im m igrant
C ountries
Septem
ber, 1927
A rm enia___________________________________________
C hina _____________________ _ __
In d ia ____________________ _ .
Japan .
____ _________ ___ .
P a le s tin e _________ ____ _
Persia______ _____ _______ _____
S y r ia ____ . ___________ . . .
T u rk ey in A sia. _______
O ther A sia. _____________ ___________ .
T otal, Asia ___________________ ______________
E m igrant
Ju ly to
Septem
ber, 1927
1
21
68
61
12
54
11
6
268
515
39
182
140
18
140
22
31
527
85
1,147
5
1,245
42
286
28
3
5
70
31
19
8
628
1,734
321
83
385
719
269
939
46
852
185
925
466
361
5
224
145
427
16,185
46, 775
1,200
3,457
31
41
63
25
71
90
135
58
15
166
369
31, 000
82,838
T otal, A m erica___ _
6
21
2
G rand total, all countries___
2
21
111
10
22
454
366
51
325
160
105
9,542
328
4,918
483
117
Total, others________ . . .
Ju ly to
Septem
ber, 1927
24,853 “
637
17, 757
1,230
348
C anada ___________ __________
N ew foundland______________
M exico___ _________ .
C u b a .. _____________
O ther W est In d ie s _________
B ritish H o n d u ra s ............
O ther C en tral A m erica___ _____
B razil.. . . . .
O ther South A m erica. ...............
O ther A m e ric a ...................
E g y p t ............................ .........................................................
O ther A frica. _________
A ustralia____ ______
N ew Z ealand. . . _____
O ther Pacific Islands...................
Septem
ber, 1927
2
6
2
25
32
44
80
29
10
1
68
7,625
1
154
23,177
T able 3 .—IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D A N D E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D
D U R IN G S E P T E M B E R , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927, B Y R A C E OR
P E O P L E , S E X , A N D A G E P E R IO D S
Im m igrant
Race or people
Ju ly to
July to
Septem ber,
September, September,
September,
1927
1927
1927
1927
African (black) . . . _ _________ :________
A rm enian
_______________
B ohem ian an d M oravian (Czech). _____ ____ .
B ulgarian, Serbian, a n d M o n ten eg rin _____ . . . . . . _
Chinese................. ..........................................
C roatian and S lo v e n ia n ..__________
C u b an .. ___________ _
D alm atian, B osnian, and H e rz e g o v in ia n .._______ . .
D utch and F lem ish . . . . ____________ .
E ast I n d i a n _____ __________ ________ .
E n g lis h ... _ . . . ______ _____________ _______
F in n ish . ___________ _______________ _________
French . . _______ ______ ______________
G erm an____ ________________________
Greek _______________________________ _____
H ebrew ____ ____________ ___________________
I r is h .. ________________________ __________
Italian (n o rth )_____________________ _____
Italian (so u th )____________ _______ _________ .
Japanese...................................................................... ..............
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Em igrant
[14001
125
83
137
85
212
75
360
18
266
12
4,414
67
2,475
4,082
299
1,136
4,318
220
1,311
73
277
302
363
167
380
205
903
29
733
19
11, 230
204
, 216
10, 263
819
3,456
9, 051
663
4,044
177
6
43
4
80
153
451
80
86
14
95
9
880
39
128
471
269
49
145
290
1, 934
107
169
14
355
447
, 228
194
323
45
333
18
2,944
219
726
2,268
793
87
578
689
4,234
265
1
217
ST A T IST IC S OF IM M IG R A T IO N
T able 3 .—IM M IG R A N T A L IE N S A D M IT T E D A N D E M IG R A N T A L IE N S D E P A R T E D
1927, A N D P R O M JU L Y 1 TO S E P T E M B E R 30, 1927, B Y R A C E
OR P E O P L E , S E X , A N D A G E P E R IO D S —C ontinued
Im m igrant
Race or people
E m igrant
Ju ly to
Ju ly to
September, Septem
ber, Septem ber, Septem ber,
1927
1927
1927
1927
2
Korean____ . _________ _________________
Lithuanian....... ............................................”
Magyar..................................... ..............................
Mexican,________________________ _________
Pacific Islander______________
Polish____________________________ _____
Portuguese....... ................. IIIIIIIIIIIII” ” ” ......
Rum anian.... ........................................ *”
Russian__________________ IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'
Ruthenian (Russniak)_____________________
Scandinavian (Norwegians, Danes, and Swedes)
Scotch........................................................
Slovak_____ ____________
Spanish__________________ IIIIIIIIIIIIIII” ” "
Spanish American_______________
____
S y ria n ,._____ ______________
Turkish.........
W elsh.............
West Indian (except Cuban)_________
Other peoples___ _________________
T o tal.
37
94
4, 797
260
24
32
118
20
1,869
2,709
254
158
432
77
50
197
48
54
9
84
296
17,419
939
199
97
341
83
4,239
, 373
561
426
1,190
199
71
483
164
164
6
3
32
100
311
288
168
79
53
10
292
304
108
335
122
29
9
8
28
19
14
166
278
879
1,359
433
248
190
30
888
839
251
852
521
82
49
30
88
50
31,000
82, 838
7,625
23,177
M ale__
Fem ale.
16,116
14, 884
44, 388
38,450
5,486
2,139
15,451
7, 726
U nder 16 years__
16 to 44 years____
45 years and over.
5,047
23,232
2, 721
14,152
60,986
7,700
398
5,249
1,978
1,123
16, 209
5,845
T TBFMRTAR on
w
S E P T E M B E R , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 TO SE POTW
MEb
c E SK OF1™
mCHLA
SSES
DIE
E RD T H E IM M IG R A T IO N A C T
Oh 1924,
ByY®P R IN C IP A L P L A C
B™
IR T
, AS
S P EUCNIF
Aliens adm itted
Place of birth
Quota im m igrant
N onim m igrant
and nonquota
im m igrant
Septem Ju ly to Septem Ju ly to
Septem ber, 1927 Septem
ber, 1927 ber,
1927
m
ber, 1927
Total
during
Septem
ber, 1927
G rand
total,
Ju ly 1
to Sep
tem ber,
30, 1927
Europe _________
Asia _________
Africa_______
A ustralia a n d Pacific Islands
C anada, Mexico, and other America
13, 333
185
44
41
61
31,409
440
127
107
169
22, 070
2,181
113
500
18, 091
50, 614
5, 567
266
1, 720
53, 022
35,403
2,366
157
541
18,152
82,023
6,007
393
1,827
53,191
T o ta l.................................
13,664
32, 252
42, 955
111, 189
56,619
143,441
7 2 9 2 3 ° — 2 7 -------1 5
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 4 0 1 ]
218
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W
T able 5 .—A L IE N S A D M IT T E D D U R IN G S E P T E M B E R , 1927, A N D F R O M JU L Y 1 T O S E P
T E M B E R 30, 1927, B Y C L A SSES U N D E R T H E IM M IG R A T IO N A C T O F 1924
[The n um ber of im m igrants appearing in th is table and in T able 4 is not com parable w ith th e num ber of
statistical im m igrant aliens shown in th e other tables, b y po rts of en try , race or people, etc.]
Ju ly to
Septem Septem
ber, 1927 ber,
1927
Class
N onim m igrants
769
5,956
2,281
142
1,952
18,892
7,414
369
9,148
28,627
1 2,149
16,458
2 14, 234
184
153
6,781
32,045
41,825
278
434
84
645
116
972
104
7
33,807
82, 562
Nonquota im m igrants
Professors of colleges, academies, seminaries, or universities, a n d th eir wives and
.1 f
13, 664
32,252
56, 619
143,441
1W ives, a n d unm arried children u n d e r 18 years of age, born in quota countries.
2Does n o t include aliens born in nonquota countries w ho were a dm itted under th e a ct as
officials, visitors, retu rn in g residents, etc.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1
•i
[1 4 0 2 ]
G overnm ent
ACTIVITIES OF STATE LABOR BUREAUS
A M O N G the labor activities of State bureaus the following, reported either directly by the bureaus themselves or through the
medium of their printed reports, are noted in the present issue of the
Labor Review:
California.—Report on changes in number of employees and
amount of weekly pay roll in 792 industrial establishments, p. 158.
. Illinois. —Report on changes in employment and earnings in facto
ries in the State, p. 160.
Iowa.—Record of industrial accidents in 1925-26, p. 74; changes
in volume of employment, p. 162.
Kansas.—Record of industrial accidents in 1926, p. 74.
Maryland.— Report on volume of employment, p. 163.
Massachusetts— Changes in volume of employment in various
industries, p. 163.
New Jersey— Report on vocational rehabilitation work, 1925-26,
p. 97 ; changes in volume of employment and pay roll in 847 estab
lishments, p. 164.
New York.—Record of strikes, 1925-26 and 1926-27, p. 128; com
pensation for eye injuries, 1926-27, p. 86; double compensation
awards to minors, 1926-27, p. 86; changes in number of employees
and weekly pay rolls in about 1,600 factories, p. 166.
Oregon— Statistics on child labor, 1925 and 1926, p. 114.
Pennsylvania.—Study of anthrax hazard, 1922-1926, p. 77; changes
in employment and pay-roll totals, p. 168.
Wisconsin.—Volume of employment inWisconsin industries, p. 169.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[14031
219
PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR
Official—U nited S tates
California.—Industrial Welfare Commission.
'protect the women workers.
Sacramento, 1927.
What California has done to
27 pp.; charts.
Gives a résumé of the history of the industrial welfare commission, and of the
situation in California as respects the minimum wage, with a summary of the
wage rates now being enforced. A section relating to the collection of unpaid
minimum wages for women and minors shows that in the two years ending
June 30, 1924, the commission collected $20,657, and in the next biennium
$15,809 on this account.
I owa.—Bureau of Labor. Report for the biennial period ending June SO, 1926.
Des Moines, 1927.
21 pp.
The report contains information on factory, elevator, and boiler inspection,
child labor, employment, and industrial accidents. Data on the industrial
accidents which occurred in Iowa from July 1, 1925, to June 30, 1926, are given
on page 74 of this issue.
K ansas.—Public Service Commission. Labor Department. Annual report for
the year ending December 31, 1926.
Topeka, 1927.
82 pp.
Data on industrial accidents, taken from this report, are given on page 74 of
this issue.
Maryland.—Bureau of Mines. Fourth annual report, calendar year 1926.
Baltimore [1927].
103 pp.; maps.
New York.—Department of Labor. Annual report of the Industrial Commis
sioner for the 12 months ended June SO, 1927.
Albany, 1927.
xv, 4^4 pages.
Presents detailed reports of the various divisions and bureaus of the department
of labor, concluding with opinions of the attorney general construing provisions
of the labor laws. The portions of the volume which deal with workmen’s com
pensation, the State insurance fund, and the division of self-insurance are noted
on page 86 of this issue. A brief summary of the section on strikes occurring
in 1926-27 may be found on page 128.
Oregon.—Industrial Welfare Commission. Seventh biennial report, from Jan
uary 1, 1925, to December 31, 1926.
Salem, 1927.
18 pp.
Statistics on child labor, taken from this report, appear on page 114 of this
issue.
United States.—department of Commerce. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic
Commerce. Statistical abstract of the United States, 1926. Washington,
1927.
xvi, 831 pp.
Includes data on immigration and emigration, prices and cost of living, wages,
building permits, coal strikes, number of civil service employees, and civil service
retirement.
-------------Bureau of Mines. Bulletin 197: Sampling and examination of mine
gases and natural gas.
tions.
Washington, 1926.
vii, 108 pp.; diagrams, illustra
A revision of Bulletin 42, describing the methods and illustrating the equip
ment used in the sampling and examination of mine gases and natural gas at the
gas laboratory of the Pittsburgh station of the United States Bureau of Mines.
220
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1404]
221
PU B L IC A T IO N S R E LA TIN G TO LABOR
Much of the material contained in the former bulletin has been reprinted, but
laboratory methods have been brought up to date and descriptions are given of
new types of apparatus which have superseded some of the designs described in
Bulletin 42 that are now obsolete.
United States.—Department of Commerce. Bureau of Mines. Bulletin 282Metal-mine accidents m the United States during the calendar year 1925 by
William W. Adams. Washington, 1927. vi, 120 pp.
Reviewed on page
68
of this issue.
Technical paper 426: Production of explosives in the United States
during the calendar year 1926, with notes on mine accidents due to explosives, by
William W. Adams. Washington, 1927. 46 pp.; chart.
_
-
That portion of this report dealing with accidents due to explosives in coal
mines, metal mines, and quarries is noted on page 71 of this issue.
.
- Bureau of Standards. Handbook series, No. 10: Safety rules for the
installation and maintenance of electrical supply and communication lines,
comprising p a rt2 of the fourth edition, national electrical safety code. Washinaton, 1927. xxiii, 322 pp.; map, charts.
' Department of Labor.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Annual report of
the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, fiscal year ended June 30, 1927
Washington, 1927. 41 pp.
■Bulletin No. 441-' Productivity of labor in the glass industry.
Washington, 1927. iv, 204 PP-, illustrations.
'—
An advance summary of the most important data contained in this bulletin
was published in the Labor Review for April, 1927 (pp. 1—13).
------ ~ ~ Bulletin No- 445: Retail prices,
1927.
iv, 221 pp.; charts.
1890 to 1926.
Washington,
’
Contains the basic data on retail prices of food, coal, gas, and electricity in the
United States from. 1890 to the end of 1926, obtained in the latest investigation
of retail prices by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Current retail price figures
bringing up to date the most important information given in this bulletin are
published each month in the Labor Review.
'
------- Bulletin No. 450: Wages and hours of labor in the boot and shoe
industry: 1907 to 1926. Washington, 1927. Hi, 97 pp.
An advance summary of the most important data contained in this bulletin
was published in the Labor Review for March, 1927 (pp. 77-86).
Women’s Bureau. Bulletin No. 62: Women’s employment in vegetable
canneries in Delaware.
Washington, 1927.
v, 47 pp.
Based on an investigation made in the fall of 1924. Gives data as to hours,
wages, and working conditions in the canneries, and the age, nativity, conjugal
condition, etc., of the workers, with a discussion of the camps as to buildings,
sanitation, water supply, and the like.
Federal Board for Vocational Education. Bulletin No. 121, civilian vocational rehabilitation series No. 14' Proceedings of the Fourth National Con
ference on Vocational Rehabilitation of the Disabled Civilian, Memphis, Tenn.,
March 28—31, 1927. Washington, June, 1927. xiii, 144 PP-
Extracts from this report are published on page 95 of this issue.
Official— Foreign Countries
Australia.—Department of Health.
Division of Industrial Hygiene. Service
publication No. 4- An investigation of certain health aspects in persons en
gaged in the woodworking industries, by D. G. Robertson, M. D. Melbourne,
1927. 36 pp.
Reviewed on page 81 of this issue.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1405]
222
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W
Australia (New South Wales).—Bureau of Statistics. New South Wales
statistical register for 1924-25.
Sydney, 1926.
xiv, 791 pp.
The detailed statistical data for New South Wales presented in this volume.
include figures on employment, wages, and production in various industries,
wholesale and retail prices and rents in Sydney, building permits, industrial
arbitration, migration, naturalization, trade-unions, and friendly, cooperative,
and building societies. The publication brings together the 13 sectional parts
which had already been printed separately.
------ [Industrial Commission.] Determination of the standard of living and
declaration of the living wage for adult male employees, December 16, 1926.
Sydney, 1927. 29 pp.
Text of the declaration of the basic wage with which was coupled the plan for
child endowment proposed, and since adopted, in New South Wales. (See
Labor Review, April, 1927, p. 102; November, 1927, p. 114.) Contains a dis
cussion of what the standard of living, under Australian conditions, should imply,
of the cost involved, and of the relation between a basic wage and the number of
children in a family.
----- (South Australia).—[Statistical Office.] Statistical register, 1925-26.
Adelaide, 1927.
[Various paging.]
In addition to a mass of general statistical data for South Australia, the volume
includes figures on production, prices, wages in various industries, migration,
friendly societies, and accidents to passengers and employees on railways and
tramways, for 1925-26 and previous years.
----- (Victoria).— Department of Labor. Report of the chief inspector of factories
and shops for the year ended December 81, 1926.
Melbourne, 1927.
52 pp.
For the year, 10,624 factories, employing 135,510 workers, were registered, an
increase over the preceding year of 450 factories and 7,497 employees. Increased
interest in welfare work is reported, and, following the appointment of a woman
as female medical inspector, special attention has been given to conditions under
which women and children are working. The number of accidents reported,
including 15 fatalities, was 1,252, an increase of 256 over the preceding year.
The percentage of accidents to employees was 0.924, the highest rate recorded since
the reporting of all factory accidents was made compulsory in 1920.
------ Registrar of Friendly Societies. Report for the year 1926. Melbourne, 1927.
6 pp.
At the close of 1926 the total number of societies registered was 17, of which
14 were friendly societies and their branches and 3 were industrial and provident
societies.
——■(Western Australia).—[Court of Arbitration.] Basic wage declaration for
the year 1927-28 [under industrial arbitration act, 1912-1925] and reasons of the
court. Perth, 1927. 27 pp.
Summarized briefly on page 93 of this issue.
Belgium— Ministère de l’Intérieur et de l ’Hygiène.
général du 31 décembre, 1920.
1926. [Various paging.]
Population. Recensement
Tomes I, II, and III. Brussels, 1925 and
Volume I exp Ans the method used in making the census, gives the laws, de
crees, ministerial instructions, and various documents relating to the census, and
an analysis of its results. Volume II gives population according to permanent
residence, country of birth and nationality, language, civil status, education,
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 4 0 6 ]
223
PU B L IC A T IO N S R E LA TIN G TO LABOE
number of children, and duration of marriage. Volume III includes popu
lation statistics classified according to civil status and education, in relation to age.
In this volume occupational figures are presented by districts and Provinces and
for certain cities.
Canada (British Columbia).— Minister of Mines. Annual report for the year
ended December 31, 1926.
trations.
Victoria, 1927.
468 pp.; maps, diagrams, illus
According to this publication, production in the mineral industry in British
Columbia in 1926 outstripped all previous records, the production in metal mining
for that year being valued at $51,863,534, while the value of the coal output was
$11,650,180. Comparative data on per capita production in coal mines are given
for the years 1915 to 1926, the output per employee in 1926 being 437 tons. Fatal
accidents in and around coal mines numbered 10 in 1926 as against 6 in 1925.
Ceylon.—[Department of Statistics and Office Systems?] Handbook of com
mercial and general information for Ceylon, compiled by L. J . B. Turner,
director of statistics and office systems. Colombo, 1927. xii, 300 pp.; maps,
charts, illustrations.
A revision of the first handbook, published in 1922, bringing the data up to the
end of 1926. The short section on labor includes some data on legislation, wages
and hours, and immigration and emigration.
Federated Malay States.— Labor Department. Annual report, for the year
1926.
Kuala Lumpur, 1927.
51 pp.
In seven parts: I, Indian immigration; II, Welfare of laborers, including
number employed 1922 to 1926 and wages in four districts in 1925; III, Chinese
labor; IV, Netherlands Indian labor; V, Local Malay labor; VI, Legislation;
VII, Staff and administration. The attached appendixes include statistics on
arrivals and departures in 1926; number of laborers, by nationality, employed
on specified estates and in Government departments on January 1 and December
31, 1926; and fatal accidents to South Indians in 1926, by cause.
Germany.—[Reichswirtschaftsministerium.] Statistisches Reichsamt. Statistisches Jahrbuch für das Deutsche Reich, 1927.
paging .] Charts.
Berlin, 1927.
[Various
Annual statistical handbook for Germany, covering 1926 and previous years
with some data for 1927. It includes tables relating to prices, wages, employment,
strikes and lockouts, collective agreements, and social insurance.
Great Britain.—Industrial Fatigue Research Board. Report No. 43: A study
of 'telegraphists’ cramp, by May Smith and others.
diagrams.
London, 1927.
iv, 40 pp.;
Reviewed on page 82 of this issue.
------Mines Department. Safety in Mines Research Board.
Paper No. 36:
The ignition of gases by hot wires, by W. C. F. Shepherd and R. V . V/heeler.
London, 1927. 26 pp.; diagrams, illustrations.
This paper presents the results of a study undertaken to discover to what
extent the glowing filament of a 2 -volt miners’ electric lamp-bulb might constitute
a source of danger in a coal mine by reason of its possible ability to cause the igni
tion of mixtures of fire damp and air.
------Ministry of Transport. Report upon the accidents that occurred on the rail
ways of Great Britain during the year 1926.
2941.)
London, 1927.
22 pp.
( Cmd.
Data from this report appear on page 75 of this issue.
I nternational Labor Office.—Studies and reports, series F (industrial hygiene),
No. 11: White lead.
Geneva, 1927.
409, v pp.
This volume is a revision of an earlier report prepared by the International
Labor Office when the question of the prohibition of white lead in painting was
being considered by the 1921 session of the International Labor Conference. At
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1 4 0 7 ]
224
M O N T H L Y LABOR REV IEW
the beginning of 1927 the white lead convention had been ratified by 13 countries
and ratification had been authorized in 3 other countries and recommended in 5 .
This report, therefore, aims to present an impartial survey of the facts in regard
to the regulation of the use of white lead in the different countries. The report
covers the nature of the white-lead hazard, the technical aspect of the problem
with regard to satisfactory substitutes, the efficacy of restrictive regulations in
the painting trades, and legislative remedies.
Netherlands.—-Departement van Arbeid, Handel en Nijverheid. C e n tr a a l v e rs la g d e r a r b e i d s i n s p e c t ie i n h e t K o n i n k r i j k d e r N e d e r l a n d e n o ver 1 9 2 6 .
H ague, 1927.
[ V a r i o u s p a g in g .]
Illu s tr a tio n s , d ia g r a m s .
The
Official report of the activities of the Netherlands factory-inspection service
during the year 1926. It includes data on industrial accidents and accident
prevention, occupational diseases, decisions of the courts in labor matters, working
hours, education for woman factory workers, and labor conditions in the brick,
fishing, peat-digging, and oak-peeling industries.
New Zealand.— Department of Labor. R e p o r t [ fo r th e f i s c a l y e a r A p r i l 1 , 1 9 2 6 ,
to M a r c h 3 1 , 1 9 2 7 ] .
W e llin g to n , 1 9 2 7 .
32 pp.
Some figures from this report, concerning wages in New Zealand, are given on
page 142 of this issue.
----- Pensions Department. T w e n t y - n i n t h a n n u a l r e p o r t, f o r th e y e a r e n d e d
M a rch S I , 1927.
W e l l in g t o n , 1 9 2 7 .
7 pp.
Reviewed on page 90 of this issue.
Northern I reland.—Registrar of Friendly Societies.
R e p o r t f o r th e y e a r e n d e d
D ecem ber 31, 1 9 2 6 .
P a r t A : I n d u s t r i a l a n d p r o v id e n t s o c ie tie s ; P a r t B :
F r i e n d l y s o c ie tie s ; P a r t C : T r a d e - u n i o n s ; P a r t D : B u i l d i n g s o c ie tie s .
[ B e l
f a s t (?), 1 9 2 7 .
V a r i o u s p a g in g .]
M im e o g r a p h e d .
Union of South Africa.— Department of Mines and Industries.
A n n u a l r e p o r ts
o f th e S e c r e t a r y f o r M i n e s a n d I n d u s t r i e s a n d th e G o v e r n m e n t M i n i n g E n g in e e r
f o r th e c a le n d a r y e a r e n d e d D e c e m b e r 3 1 , 1 9 2 6 .
P r e to r ia , 1 9 2 7 .
[ V a r io u s
p a g in g .]
C h a r ts .
The volume includes sections relating to labor, wages, accidents, and output
in the various mines of the Union, with a chapter on miners’ phthisis.
Unofficial
American P rison Association.
b u r g h , P a . , O c to b e r 1 5 to 2 1 ,
[1 9 2 7 1 ],
370 pp.
P r o c e e d in g s o f th e 5 6 th a n n u a l c o n g r e s s , P i t t s
1926.
N e r o Y o r k , 1 3 5 E a s t F i f t e e n t h S tr e e t
Among the subjects taken up at this congress were prison industries, systems
of prison labor, and employment for county jail prisoners.
Atzler, E dgar, Editor. K ö r p e r u n d A r b e i t : H a n d b u c h d e r A r b e i t s p h y s i o l o g i e .
L e ip z ig , G eorg T h ie m e , 1 9 2 7 .
x i i , 7 7 0 p p .; d ia g r a m s , illu s tr a tio n s .
A comprehensive treatise on the physiology of labor in both its theoretical and
practical aspects.
Barker, J. E llis.
A m e r i c a ’s se c r e t— th e c a u s e s o f h e r e c o n o m ic s u c c e s s .
J o h n M u rra y, 1927.
v i i i , J+18 p p .
London,
This book, by an English student, analyzes the causes of the present wealth
and prosperity of the United States and concludes that “ unless England Amer
icanizes her methods, England and the British Empire will become an appendage
to the United States.”
Consumers’ League of Ohio.
3 0 8 E u c lid A v e n u e , 1 9 2 7 .
A c c i d e n t s to w o r k i n g c h i l d r e n o f O h io .
8 7 p p . ; c h a r ts , i l l u s t r a t i o n s .
Reviewed on page 114 of this issue.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1408]
C le v e la n d ,
PU B L IC A T IO N S R E LA TIN G TO LABOR
Dana, Richard T.
{ I n c .), 1 9 2 7 .
T h e h u m a n m a c h in e i n in d u s tr y .
x i v , 3 1 2 p p . ; c h a r ts .
225
N e w Y o r k , C odex B o o k C o.
This volume seeks to bring together in convenient form data regarding the
various factors affecting the health and efficiency of the industrial worker.
Dingley, S. T h e p e a s a n t ’s m o v e m e n t i n I n d o n e s i a . B e r l i n , R . L . P r a g e r [1 9 2 7 7 ] .
60 pp.
An account of conditions in Java, Sumatra, and the other islands making up
Indonesia, with a discussion of the unrest of the peasants, and of their efforts to
secure relief from what they consider exploitation and oppression.
Dunn, R obert W. C o m p a n y u n i o n s : E m p l o y e r s ’ “ i n d u s t r i a l d e m o c r a c y .”
N e w Y o rk , V a n g u a rd P ress, 1 9 2 7 .
x v i, 2 0 6 p p .
Written by an opponent of company unions. As described by the author,
“ the purpose of this book is to present the progressive trade-union slant on
company unions and to outline their significance, purpose, and practices, as well
as certain methods for meeting their advances. This is done chiefly by sketching
certain specific company unions now in operation and showing how the workers
fare under these plans.”
Henderson, Arthur.
T r a d e - u n io n la w .
O x fo r d , R u s k i n C o lle g e , 1 9 2 7 .
39 pp.
This pamphlet forms No. 2 of the Ruskin College study courses. It gives a
summary of the law relating to trade-unions as it was up to the year 1927, and
as it has been affected by the trade disputes and trade-unions bill.
H exter, Maurice Beck.
c y c le .
B o s to n ,
c h a r ts .
J u v e n i l e e m p l o y m e n t a n d la b o r m o b i l i t y i n th e b u s i n e s s
M a s s a c h u s e t t s C h i l d L a b o r C o m m itte e , 1 9 2 7 .
x ix , 111 p p .;
The Massachusetts law requires that certificates be issued to young workers
before they may enter employment, the requirements varying according to the
age of the applicant, his educational qualifications, and the kind of work he
seeks. When he leaves employment, the certificate must within two days be
filed with the authorities, and must be reissued before he may legally take another
job. There are thus official records of the child’s first employment and of his
subsequent changes. Taking these as a basis, the author constructs for Boston
an index of juvenile employment, and makes a suggestive study of the trend,
the seasonal fluctuations, and cyclical variations of the juvenile labor market.
H ulverson, George R. P e r s o n n e l . N e w Y o r k , R o n a l d P r e s s C o ., 1 9 2 7 . x i ,
400
p p . ; c h a r ts .
Presents principles and methods which apply broadly to the administration of
the personnel activities of a business. In addition to the successful selection of
employees, it is highly important, the author holds, that the personnel depart
ment should develop a higher degree of skill in workers, assure their placement
where they can give the best service, and provide incentives for them to do their
best and working conditions favorable to the greatest productivity.
I nformation Bureau on Women’s Work.
T o le d o , O h io , 3 0 5 C o m m e r c e G u a r d i a n
T r e n d o f w o m e n ’s w a g e s : O h io , 1 9 2 5 .
B u i l d i n g [1 9 2 7 7 ] . 2 6 p p . ; d i a g r a m s .
Reviewed on page 111 of this issue.
I ntercollegiate Debates.
b y E g b e rt R a y N ic h o ls .
A y e a r b o o k o f c o lle g e d e b a tin g .
V o l. V I I I . E d i t e d
N e w Y o r k , N o b l e & N o b le , 1 9 2 7 .
[ V a r i o u s p a g in g .]
Oxford University, the University of British Columbia, and various American
colleges are represented in this volume of debates.
I rish Labor P arty
and
T rade Union Congress.
e x e c u tiv e f o r t h e y e a r 1 9 2 6 - 2 7 .
R e p o r t o f th e n a t i o n a l
D u b l i n , P o w e ll P r e s s , 1 9 2 7 .
23 pp.
Some improvement in the industrial situation took place during the year,
according to the report, and progress was made in uniting the workers in Dublin.
The program of the Irish Labor Party is given, with a discussion of the attitude
taken concerning legislation before the Dail during the past session.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1409]
226
M O N T H L Y LABOR RE V IE W
Laski, H arold J.
C o m m u n is m .
L o n d o n , W i l l i a m s & N o r g a te { L t d . ) ,
{ H o m e u n i v e r s i t y l i b r a r y o f m o d e r n k n o w le d g e , v o l. 1 3 1 .)
256 pp.
1927.
An opponent of communism attempts to explain and analyze the major com
munist theses. The author concludes that “ the answer to the new faith is not
the persecution of those who worship in its sanctuary, but the proof that those
who do not share its convictions can scan an horizon not less splendid in the
prospect it envisions nor less compelling in the allegiance it invokes.”
League
for
I ndustrial Rights.
p r o d u c ts a re u n la w fu l.
B u i l d i n g tr a d e s s t r i k e s
N e w Y o rk , 165 B ro a d w a y, 1927.
Mays, Arthur B.
1927.
T h e p r o b le m o f i n d u s t r i a l e d u c a tio n .
x ii, 416 p p .
a g a in s t o p e n
31 p p .
sh o p
N e w Y o r k , C e n t u r y C o .,
A survey of the field of industrial education, which is designed to meet the
needs of students and educators in general. The volume is divided into four
parts in which are taken up the background of the problem, modern phases of
the problem, the training of female industrial workers, and administrative
policies, problems, and practices.
The author considers that an adequate program of industrial education must
be national in scope and developed through an intelligent and comprehensive
application of principles drawn from all the social sciences.
Metropolitan Life I nsurance Co. Policyholders’ Service Bureau. T r a i n i n g
k e y m e n in in d u s tr y .
N e w Y o r k [ 1 9 2 7 ? j. 1 9 p p .
A. discussion of the advantages, cost, methods of conducting, and requirements
of successful foreman-training courses, with brief accounts of what has been done
along this line by different companies.
Mine I nspectors’ I nstitute
of
America.
P r o c e e d in g s ,
C h a r le s to n ,
W.
V a .,
[P it t s b u r g h ?] 1 9 2 7 . 1 2 9 p p . , U lu s .
Contains the minutes of the eighteenth annual meeting of the institute, held
at Charleston, W. Va., May 3-5, 1927.
Moore, H arry H. A m e r i c a n m e d i c i n e a n d th e p e o p le ’s h e a lth . W i t h a n
M a y, 1927.
i n t r o d u c t i o n b y t h e c o m m i t t e e o f f i v e o f th e W a s h i n g t o n c o n fe r e n c e o n th e e co
n o m ic fa c to r s a ffe c tin g th e o r g a n iz a tio n o f m e d ic in e .
N e w Y o r k , D . A p p le to n
& C o ., 1 9 2 7 .
x x i i , 6 Jf7 p p . ; m a p , c h a r ts , i l l u s t r a t i o n s .
Economic and social changes and the increase in the general extent of scien
tific knowledge have brought about a change in the attitude of the public toward
the general field of medicine. There is a quite general feeling that the prevention
and cure of disease should be more effectively safeguarded than is the case at
the present time. The problem, as stated to the American Medical Association
at its annual meeting in 1924, is “ that involved in the delivery of adequate
scientific medical service to all the people, rich and poor, at a cost which can
be reasonably met by them in their respective stations.” The present volume
contains a large amount of data relative to the organization of medicine, the cost
of medical service, the lack of interest among private practitioners in preventive
medicine, and the inadequacy of the present organization to meet the situation.
The book is divided into four parts, dealing with the evolution of medicine;
manifestations of the maladjustment in medicine; recent attempts to remedy
the maladjustment, including medical service in industry, other organized
medical services, and health insurance; and the probable future of organized
medicine. There are numerous appendixes covering different phases of the
problem.
Muir, R amsay.
x,
14 1
A m e r i c a th e g o ld e n .
L o n d o n , W i l l i a m s & N o r g a te { L t d . ) , 1 9 2 7
pp.
The impressions of an English economist of industrial and labor conditions in
America, with comparisons of English conditions. The writer finds four things
to stand forth preeminently in the America of to-day:” (1) The systematic
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1410]
227
PU B L IC A T IO N S RE LA TIN G TO LABOR
endeavor to bring about a wider and more healthy distribution of ownership;
(2) the general disposition to use scientific methods, to spend freely upon research,
and to regard management as a highly exacting and responsible profession; (3)
the widespread readiness to try experiments in new forms of industrial organiza
tion; and (4) the development of a new policy of cooperation with the employer
in some of the more progressive trade-unions.
N ational Conference
of Labor Women. R e p o r t o f th e e ig h th c o n fe r e n c e h e ld
a t H u d d e r s f i e l d [ E n g la n d ] , M a y 11 a n d 1 2 , 1 9 2 7 .
L o n d o n , L a b o r P a rty , 1927.
83 pp.
A marked increase in membership was reported, the number of women’s sec
tions in April, 1927, being 1,728, with an estimated membership of nearly 300,000.
Resolutions were passed denouncing the trade disputes and trade-unions bill,
calling for the passage of the new factory legislation which has been promised,
for the admission of women to the franchise on the same terms as men, and
indorsing the main features of the Labor Party’s program.
National Conference
of Social Work. P r o c e e d in g s a t th e f i f t y - f o u r t h a n n u a l
s e s s io n , h e ld i n D e s M o i n e s , I o w a , M a y 1 1 - 1 8 , 1 9 2 7 .
C h ic a g o , U n i v e r s i t y o f
C h ic a g o P r e s s , 1 9 2 7 .
v i, 7 3 6 p p .
Under the head “ Industrial and economic problems,” the following papers
were presented at the conference: The church, public opinion, and industry;
Migratory children; The social result of legislation affecting woman workers;
The effect of labor laws on woman workers; and Relation of the curative work
shop to the rehabilitation of disabled persons. Other papers covered civilian
rehabilitation, social consequences of the immigration law, immigration and
the immigrant, and many other subjects of special interest in connection with
social work.
National I ndustrial Conference Board.
1 9 1 4 -1 9 2 6 .
W a g e s i n th e U n i t e d S t a t e s ,
N e w Y o r k , 2 4 7 P a r k A v e n u e , 1 9 2 7 . x i , 1 3 9 p p . ; c h a r ts .
This volume presents data regarding wages in manufacturing industries, public
utilities, building trades, agriculture, and on Class I railroads. The data on
manufacturing industries are based on original reports of the National Industrial
Conference Board from approximately 1,700 plants in 25 basic industries, em
ploying (in 1924) 743,227 workers.
National Metal T rades Association (Cincinnati Branch).
p l a n o f th e m e ta l tr a d e s i n d u s t r i e s .
C i n c i n n a t i , O h io , 1 9 2 6 .
A p p r e n tic e s h ip
16 p p .
An outline, based upon the association’s manual concerning apprenticeship in
the metal trades, designed to secure a uniform course of training which shall give
a minimum of specific requirements, while permitting sufficient flexibility to
meet the diversified needs of shops throughout the country.
National Safety Council.
1927.
A c c id e n t fa c ts , 1 9 2 7 .
C h ic a g o , 1 0 8 E . O h io S t . ,
v i, 4 0 p p . ; c h a r ts .
A compilation of accident statistics for 1926 in tabular and graphic form,
derived from such sources as State motor-vehicle bureaus, the United States
Bureau of the Census, the Interstate Commerce Commission, insurance com
panies, city and State health departments, and from reports sent directly to the
safety council. The major portion of the pamphlet is given over to public acci
dents caused mostly by motor vehicles. Two pages are devoted to accidents in
the home. The report was not designed to cover industrial accidents, although
there is a very brief discussion of the subject.
Northern States’ Cooperative League.
li s , 1 9 2 7 .
T h ir d y e a r book, 1 9 2 7 .
M in n e a p o
189 pp.
Contains much valuable information relative to the consumers’ cooperative
movement in the North Central States. Data from this report are given on
pages 101, 103, and 104.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1411]
228
M O N T H L Y LABOR R E V IE W
Peixotto, J essica B.
li v i n g .
G e ttin g a n d s p e n d i n g a t th e p r o f e s s i o n a l s t a n d a r d
N e w Y o r k , M a c m i l l a n C o ., 1 9 2 7 . x x i i , 3 0 7 p p .
of
This book presents the results of a study made in December, 1922, to deter
mine the cost of living an academic life. The incomes and expenditures of 96
married faculty members of the University of California were analyzed, the sub
jects of the study including professors (29 per cent), associate professors (27
per cent), assistant professors (23 per cent), instructors (12 per cent), and asso
ciates (8 per cent).
P ost, Louis F. T h e b a s ic f a c t s o j e c o n o m ic s : A c o m m o n - s e n s e p r i m e r f o r a d
v a n c e d s t u d e n ts .
W a s h in g to n , 2 5 1 3 T w e lfth S tr e e t N W . , 1 9 2 7 .
v ii, 1 0 0 p p .
P otwin, Marjorie A.
C o t t o n - m i l l p e o p le o f th e P i e d m o n t : A s t u d y i n s o c ia l
change.
N e w Y o r k , C o lu m b ia U n iv e r s ity P r e s s , 1 9 2 7 .
1 6 6 p p .; m a p .
(C o
l u m b i a U n i v e r s i t y s t u d i e s i n h i s t o r y , e c o n o m ic s , a n d p u b l i c la w , N o . 2 9 1 .)
A sociological study of a southern mill community. The author has been
community director of certain large cotton mills in the Piedmont section.
R oberti-Lagarde, H enriette.
é tu d e th é o r iq u e e t c r i ti q u e .
L a r é p a r a t i o n d e s m a l a d i e s p r o fe s s io n n e lle s ,
P a r is , L . C h a u n y et L . Q u in s a c , 1 9 2 7 .
332 pp.
A critical study of the French law of October 25, 1919, on occupational dis
eases, in the light of the six years’ experience since the law went into effect. The
law provides for compensation for lead and mercury poisoning only, and the
author discusses the l'st of diseases which she considers should be made com
pensable and the reasons why the law should be made sufficiently comprehensive
to include all diseases which are caused by the occupation.
Snowden, P hilip.
T h e w a y to i n d u s t r i a l p e a c e .
L o n d o n , T h e B r o th e r h o o d
M o vem en t ( In c .) , 1 9 2 7 .
J fi p p .
( T h e J o h n C l i f f o r d le c tu r e f o r 1 9 2 7 .)
A discussion centering around the thesis that the essence of the industrial
problem is to realize that business is a collective enterprise in which capital and
labor are essential factors, that there should be no division between them, and
that there should be equality of status, though not of function, among all neces
sarily engaged in the common enterprise of carrying on an industry. The old
mental attitudes of employers and workers are regarded as the chief obstacles
to securing industrial peace, and various steps toward establishing a better con
dition are discussed.
Steiner, J esse F.,
and Brown, R oy M. T h e N o r t h C a r o l i n a c h a i n g a n g : A
s t u d y o f c o u n t y c o n v ic t r o a d w o r k .
C h a p e l H i l l , U n i v e r s i t y o f N o r t h C a r o lin a
P r e s s , 1 9 2 7 . x , 1 9 4 PP-', m a p , i l l u s t r a t i o n s .
Workers’ Health Bureau
of America. F i r s t N a t i o n a l L a b o r H e a l t h
f e r e n c e , C le v e la n d , O h i o , J u n e 1 8 —1 9 , 1 9 2 7 . [ R e p o r t o f p r o c e e d in q s A
Y o rk, 799 B ro a d w a y, 1927.
152 pp.
ConN ew
An account of this conference was given in the September, 1927, issue of the
Labor Review (p. 61).
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
[1412]
@FedFRASER