Full text of Monthly Labor Review : July 1919, Volume IX, Number 1

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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
ROYAL MEEKER^ Commissioner

MONTHLY

LABOR REVIEW
VOLUME IX


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NUMBER 1

JULY, 1919

WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1919


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Contents.
Special articles:
Page.
What is the American standard of living? by Royal Meeker, United States
Commissioner of Labor Statistics................................................................. 1-13
Joint shipping industrial conference, by Benjamin M. Squires................... 14-23
National guilds movement in Great Britain, by G. D. II. Cole.................. 24-32
Prices and cost of living:
Retail prices of food in the United States...................................................... 33-51
Retail prices of dry goods in the United States.......................................... 52-56
Trend in retail prices of food in 39 cities, 1913 to May, 1919, by Elma B.
Can-.............................................................................................................. 57-60
Index numbers of wholesale prices in the United States, 1913 to May, 1919.. 61, 62
Comparison of retail price changes in the United States and foreign coun­
tries............................................................................................................... 63-65
Prices of meats and breadstuffs during the war and the readjustment
period............................................................................................................ 66-74
Cost of living in the United States............................................................... 75-114
Cost of living for a workingman’s family in Argentina.............................. 115,116
Rise in cost of living in New Zealand in 1918............................................ 116,117
Retail food prices in Christiania, Norway, in April, 1919.............................
118
Cooperation and employees’ representation:
Cooperation in three countries..................................................................... 119-123
Application of industrial council plan to administrative departments of
British Government.................................................................................. 123-126
Collective agreements in Sweden................................................................ 126,127
State-aided cooperative societies in South Africa.....................
128
Vocational education:
Enrollment in vocational courses under Federal Vocational Education
Act, 1917-18....... . ..................................................................................... 129,130
Plan of cooperation between Federal Board for Vocational Education and
navy yards................................................................................................. 130,131
Employment and unemployment:
Employment conditions in the United States, March 8 to June 21,1919. 132,133
Employment in selected industries in May, 1919...................................... 134-137
Report of employment exchanges in the United Kingdom, March 7 to
April 11, 1919............................................................................................ 138-140
Volume of employment in the United Kingdom in April, 1919........... 140,141
Demobilization and employment in France............................................... 142-145
Wages and hours of labor:
Industrial survey conducted by United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
146
Earnings in manufacturing industries in New York State in March, 1915
to 1919, inclusive...................................................................................... 147,148
Comparison of wage payment methods....................................................... 149-152
Wages and labor conditions in gold mining...................................................
152
Wages paid to certain classes of labor in British Columbia....................... 152,153
The rise in rates of wages in Great Britain during the war....................... 154-158
Wages of masters of vessels in Great Britain.............................................. 158,159
Six-hour day in soap-manufacturing industry in Great Britain................ 159-161
Wages and labor conditions in Argentina................................................... 161-164
Eight-hour day in metal and mining industries in France...........................
164
Minimum wage:
Minimum wage in the printing trades in the District of Columbia......... 165-167
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Women in industry:
Page,
Model contract of employment for domestic service in Berlin.................. 168,169
Industrial accidents and hygiene:
Occupational diseases in Pennsylvania, by Alice Hamilton, M. D ...__ 170-180
Government regulations to prevent danger of anthrax.............................. 180-184
Wisconsin industrial accident rates, 1915-1917, classified by industry. .. 184,195
Occupational diseases compensable in Connecticut and Wisconsin..........
186
Workmen’s compensation:
What the term “ medical service” in workmen’s compensation laws
includes, by Martin C. Frincke, jr.......................................................... 187-205
Provision for second injuries under workmen’s compensation laws, by Carl
Hookstadt...... ........................................................................................... 206-211
Reports of Workmen’s compensation commissions in United States and
Canada:
West Virginia......................................................................................... 211, 212
Nova Scotia............................................................................................
212
Ontario................................................................................................... 213, 214
Problem of the military cripple in France................................................. 214-219
Social insurance:
Report of Pennsylvania Health Insurance Commission............................ 220-226
Cost of health supervision in industrial establishments............................. 227, 228
Labor laws and regulations:
Labor legislation in Canada, 1919................................................................ 229, 230
Labor legislation in Porto Rico, 1917..........................................................
231
Accident compensation laws in Mexico...................................................... 231, 232
Laws for maintenance of industrial activity during demobilization in
F r a n c e . . . . . . . . . ........................................................................................ 232-234
Proposed codification of German labor laws...............................................
235
New regulation of agricultural labor in Germany...................................... 235-237
Housing:
Housing and community problems at National Conference of Social Work. 238-242
Bad housing and ill health, by Hr. James Ford, United States Housing
Corporation................................................................................................ 243-248
Housing development as a post-war problem in Canada, by Thomas
Adams, housing and town-planning adviser to Canadian Government.. 248-255
Pennsylvania Housing and Town Planning Association Conference........ 255-260
Housing conditions of workers in war industries in Cleveland, Ohio___ 260-262
Garden cities for the suburbs of Paris......................................................... 262 263
Housing conditions in the cities of Norway................................................ 263-266
Labor organizations:
Seventh biennial convention ox National Women’s Trade-Union League
of America................................................................................................. 267-272
Conciliation and arbitration:
Conciliation Work of the Department of Labor, May 16, 1919, to June 15,
1919............................................................................................................ 273-277
Compulsory arbitration in Norway..............................................................
277
Profit sharing:
New profit-sharing plan adopted by British shipbuilding firm.................
278
Immigration:
Immigration in April, 1919.......................................................................... 279 280
Book reviews........................................................................................................ 281-284
Publications relating to labor:
Official—United States................................................................................. 285-288
Official—foreign countries............................................................................ 289-293
Unofficial....................................................................................................... 293-302


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
vol . IX—no . 1

WASHINGTON

¿uly , 1919

What is the American Standard of Living?1
By R oyal M e e k e r , U n it e d S ta tes C om m issioner

of

L abor S ta tistic s .

R

EFERENCE is constantly made, in the press and in public
utterances, to the American standard of living, as though
it were a standard as definite and well known as the foot,
the pound, or the peck measure. The writers and speakers take
it for granted that everybody knows what the much-quoted American
standard of living is, although they do not specify what is included
in it, and when asked for particulars they become vague and ora­
torical. I t gets us no farther toward an answer to be told that the
American workingman is the best fed, best clothed, best housed, and
most contented workman in the world. We may accept without
argument the statement that, occupation for occupation, the Ameri­
can workman receives higher money compensation than do European
workers, and that his higher money wages actually enable him to
purchase more of the necessaries of life than are obtainable by the
European workers for their wages.
We must have more exact information in order to determine what
the American standard of living means. The investigations into
cost of living made prior to 1915 do not help us much. The classic
cost of living study made by the United States Bureau of Labor in
1901 and published in 1903 as the Eighteenth Annual Report of the
Commissioner of Labor, helps us but little toward the desired goal.
Except in the case of food, all that this study brings out is the cost of
living, not the standard of living. Even for food this 1901 study does
not give us exact enough information as to the quantities and kinds
of food to enable us to determine whether the families studied were
sufficiently nourished. The study made by Dr. Chapin is too limited
in scope to give us the American standard of living. I t is also ques­
tionable if the families studied were truly representative American
families.
The generalizations made in this paper are based on the results, so
far as they have been analyzed, of the country-wide cost of living
study which the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted during 1918
1 An address delivered June 7, 1919, before the Forty-sixth Annual National Conference of Social
Work, held at Atlantic City, N. J.


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and 1919. The figures given are merely first estimates and are sub­
ject to revision. The study was planned for the purposes (1) of
determining the quantities and cost of all important items of family
consumption in all the more important industrial centers in the
United States, (2) of applying the accepted dietary standards for
determining whether the families studied were obtaining a sufficient
number of calories and sufficient variety in their diets to maintain
their members in health, (3) of working out, if possible, standards—•
similar to the recognized dietary standards—for clothing, housing, fuel,
house furnishings, education, amusement, medical care, insurance
and perhaps some other items which have been heretofore blanketed
andlost under the term “ miscellaneous,” (4) of formulating eventually
tentative standard budgets to be used by wage adjustment boards in
determining minimum and fair wage awards, (5) of enabling the
Bureau of Labor Statistics to compute a cost of living index number
that will show variations in total family expenses in the same way as
the retail food price index shows variations in the cost of the family
food budget.
I t is evident at once that the study as outlined by me, with the
assistance of domestic science and cost of living experts, presents
enormous difficulties. One should not, however, refrain from at­
tempting an undertaking merely because it is difficult. Everything
that is worth doing is difficult. The first great task was to find out
what workingmen’s families buy, how much they expend, and how
much of each article bought they get for the money paid out. I t
is in many respects unfortunate that the study had to be made
during 1918-19 when prices were abnormal, resulting in abnormalities
in expenditure, and when such stress had to be laid upon the neces­
sity of investing in Liberty bonds. The distribution of expenditures
over the items of the family budget were greatly disturbed by the
rapid changes in prices and wages. The loan campaigns resulted
in inducing workmen to curtail expenses for clothing, house fur­
nishings, amusements, and perhaps even fuel, housing and food
itself, in order to invest in bonds. The result was unusuallylarge
savings reported and abnormally low expenditures for other items
where curtailment was possible. Many families not only economized
on clothes and house furnishings but actually skimped themselves
on food, both because of the high prices and because of the intense
Liberty loan drives.
More than 300 agents were employed by the Bureau of Labor
Statistics to secure from housewives statements of their expenditure
for an entire year. The information thus secured for the entire
year by personal interview was checked in many instances by daily
expense accounts, which many housewives were prevailed upon to
keep over a period of not less than five weeks. These daily expense
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accounts are especially useful in checking up expenditures for food
and other articles bought daily or weekly and easily forgotten.
Nearly 13,000 family schedules were obtained in 71 large cities
and 26 small cities and towns in the different geographical sections
of the country for incomes ranging from less than $900 to more than
$2,500 per family. These family schedules are now being tabulated.
I t can not be said yet whether or not all of the objects for which the
cost of living study was undertaken will be attained. The actual
expenses for the different items of consumption are now being tabu­
lated by income groups. Not only do we have the cost but we have
the quantity, in most instances, of all important items of the family
budget. The quantity bought is absolutely essential for working
out standard budgets. Expenditures stated merely in sums of
money are useless for the determination of the standard of living
or of the quantitative change in the cost of this standard of living.

Food.
Quantitative standards to measure the sufficiency of the family
food budget have been worked out tentatively in dietary studies.
We do not eat or wear or burn dollars and cents. If the price of
beef goes up we can eat less beef and more of some other proteinrich food, and perhaps keep our money expense for food constant,
but if the price of all food increases 100 per cent we can not cut down
our consumption of all food one-half so as to keep our food budget
expense unchanged. To speak with scientific accuracy man does
not live by loaves of bread, pounds of meat, pecks of potatoes, quarts
of milk, etc. He lives by the energy stored in food, which energy is
measured in heat units called calories. Even this does not tell the
whole story of food because it makes a difference from what source
we derive our calories. There must be a proper balance between
proteins, fats, starches, sugars, cellulose, fruit acids, and mineral
salts. The last three classes of foods furnish us no calories at all,
but they are just as essential to a healthful diet as are the fats,
sugars, and starches which furnish a large quantity of calories. By
far the best single measure of the sufficiency of a diet is, however,
the calorie. Unless the average active worker consumes and assimi­
lates from 3,000 to 3,500 calories per day he will inevitably either
lose weight or efficiency as a worker or both, and this regardless of
the number of dollars he spends for food, or even the number of
pounds of bread, beans, and beef he eats. Unfortunately bread,
beef, pork, and even eggs and potatoes, vary considerably in the
calorie content per pound. I t would be a great step forward if
while we are reforming weights and measures we should require by
law that the prices of all foodstuffs must be expressed in terms of

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calories, just as in Great Britain and to some extent in this country
coal is sold, not by the ton, but by the British thermal unit. If it
is possible to calculate the calorie content of the food for our furnaces
it is surely possible to do so for the food for our stomachs. I t is,
of course, highly desirable to eliminate from the diet of our steam
boilers and engines as much slate, ash, and bowlders as possible;
it would seem even more desirable to eliminate from the diet of human
beings the things that are sold as bread but are not bread, the bone
that is sold for beef, and the gristle that is called pork chops by the
butcher. There are no insuperable obstacles in the way of selling
bread, beef, pork, eggs, milk, cabbage, onions, corn, sugar, etc.,
by the 100 or 1,000 calories. I t should be done and it can be done.
By the time people become educated to the point where they
recognize that the important thing in regard to food is not its price
per pound or quart, that often the cheapest food per pound is the
most expensive per unit of nourishment, they will no doubt have
learned also that man can not live by bread alone or even by calories
alone. Fruits and vegetables must be used largely in a proper diet,
even though their calorie content is low. A proper balance between
proteins, fats, starches, sugars, cellulose tissue, minerals, and acids
is necessary for the maintenance of health.
Some considerable change in diet is shown since the 1901 study
was made. This, of course, was to be expected in view of the
greatly increased prices. The present study reveals, however, that
the American family does not suffer from overfeeding, as has been
so frequently alleged. On the contrary, in most of the communities
studied the food purchased represents less than 3,500 calories per
equivalent adult male. I t is necessary to buy about 3,500 calories
in order to secure 3,000 calories per adult male, which is considered
to be the amount required by moderately active workers.
Granted that to maintain the average adult worker in health and
efficiency it requires approximately 3,000 calories of food energy
consumed, which amount can be obtained from about 3,500 calories
of food energy purchased at the stores, how are we to use this knowl­
edge to determine the adequacy of the food budget of a family con­
sisting of husband, wife, and five children of 16, 13, 10, 5, and 2
years? In order to measure the food requirements of a family we
must have a consumption yardstick to measure the number of
calories needed by each member of the family. Experiments have
demonstrated that food consumption of adults varies approximately
with the weight of the consumer. Women, on the average, are
about 90 per cent as heavy as men, and therefore a woman is rated
in food consumption as equal to 90 per cent of a man. Children
of different ages are rated in food consumption as follows in terms
of an adult man:
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Per cent.

Ages above 14 years...........................................................................
11 to 14 years......................................................................................
7 to 10 years........................................................................................
4 to 6 years..........................................................................................
3 years and under..............................................................................

100
90
75
40
15

These equivalents are quite rough hut enable us to express the
food consumption of families of varying composition in terms of a
common unit of measure, namely, the equivalent adult man.
The food requirements of the family above mentioned would be,
according to this scale, equal to that of 5.1 adult men. Allowing
3,500 calories of food purchased per man, this family should use
food furnishing not less than 17,850 calories each day of the year.
These standards of measurement are but approximate, it is true,
and we are dealing with averages. There are very considerable
individual deviations from the average. The average man does not
exist, but the world is full of living, breathing men who look, act,
and eat so much like the hypothetical average man that it requires
an expert with microscope, measuring tape, and scales to tell the
difference.
The family food budgets are now being analyzed. We can say
with confidence that it requires to-day an expenditure of from 50
to 60 cents per man per day for food to secure a well-balanced diet
sufficient in the number of calories and in variety. This means
that American families consisting of husband, wife, and three chil­
dren below the age of 15 years, living in large and medium-sized
cities must spend about $610 per annum for food to keep themselves
properly nourished for health and efficiency. This expenditure for
food goes with incomes of from $1,800 to $1,850, so we may say
that American families on the average are not fully nourished until
their yearly income reaches $1,800. These figures do not indicate
that our people are to-day suffering from eating too much meat,
or even too much of other foods not so expensive. The average
income and the modal income both fall well below $1,600. The
mode is about $1,350 and the average not greatly higher. Conclu­
sions must not be too hastily drawn from these figures. They do
not mean that our working population is dying of slow starvation;
nothing of the sort. But they do indicate that the workers of
America are obliged to live on a diet too restricted and monotonous
for the maintenance of as high a degree of efficiency and health as
ought to be maintained as a reasonable minimum. I am of the
opinion that the most efficacious remedy is not higher wages, but
rather improved systems for distributing and marketing foodstuffs
and the education of housekeepers in the art of keeping house, with
emphasis on diets. Housekeeping is not exactly a lost art. I t is
one of the arts that has not yet been completely found.

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Clothing.
No standard has yet been devised for measuring the adequacy of
expenditure for articles other than food. The adequacy of clothing,
for instance, can not be measured in pounds, calories,or square yards.
I t is interesting to note that actual expenditure for clothing, in all
income groups combined, for wives and children of different ages con­
forms quite closely to the scale for food consumption. Unfortunately
we have no unit of measure with which to determine whether the
clothing bought is adequate or not. The charge so frequently made
that the American workingman is extravagant in expenditures for
clothing for himself and his family seems hardly borne out by the
tacts reported. Expenditures for clothing per adult male during the
high-price year 1918 ranged from a minimum of $30 in the lowest
income group to about $180 in the highest income group. The aver­
age clothing expenditure per adult male in the modal income group
of $1,350 is probably not more than $90. This does not seem to give
much room for extravagance in clothing at the existing prices. Prob­
ably this sum is sufficient to enable the prudent and economical house­
wife to keep her family clothed warmly enough, but it does not leave
much margin for style. Clothes were first invented, not for protec­
tion against heat, cold and wet, but for adornment, and it is for the
purpose of ornamentation largely that clothes are worn to-day. The
bizarre notions of beauty possessed by the designers of clothing are
incomprehensible to ordinary mortals, but as long as society accepts
these ridiculous and often health-impairing standards of dress, society
must stand ready to provide the worker with a wage sufficient to
enable him to conform to the accepted fashion. It is repugnant to
our sense of right that the working classes should dress in a way to
set them apart from the more well-to-do. Pew men and women
among the workers in this country are willing to appear in public
unless they can dress near enough to the mode or the standard of
fashion so as not to attract critical attention. I t is very clear then
that the clothing of the worker’s family should not consist merely of
material to protect them from the icy blasts of winter, the blazing
rays of the sun, and the dews and deluges of heaven, but should
possess something of that subtle something called “ style.” Style is
expensive. Also, there is no standard of style. There are not even
standards of dress fabrics. However, we do not need exact standards
to know that $90 per adult male per annum is not too much for
clothes in the varied climate of the United States.
I t is interesting to note that wives spend less for clothes than
husbands until we reach the higher incomes, about $1,800 per year.
It is also of interest that when economies are necessary they are made
largely at the expense of the wife’s wardrobe. The first baby makes
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a cut in the mother’s clothes money and every addition to the family
cuts deeper into this item. I t is scarcely fair to say that American
wives prefer clothes and upholstered parlor furniture to children. It
costs money, pain, and sacrifice to bear and rear children, however,
and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ study shows with startling vivid­
ness the extent to which the mother is obliged to sacrifice her house
and her personal adornment to her children.

Housing.
According to the British official census overcrowding begins when
there are two or more persons per room. Even if we accept a socially
higher standard of more than one person per room then there is little
overcrowding in American workingmen’s families. However, while the
average number of rooms per family are usually quite sufficient, the
average room is not so satisfactory. Unfortunately it was not feasible
to make an intensive study of the size and suitability of the rooms occu­
pied by the families studied. For the typical family of husband, wife
and three children under 15 years, there are in the cities for which tabu­
lations are completed, invariably more than one room per adult male.
The rooms per person decline as the size of the family increases.
Families having an income of $1,300 also have well over one room
per person. The number of rooms per person does not tell us whether
housing is satisfactory. For example, the rooms per person are higher
among colored families than among white families in Baltimore. No
one would maintain, however, that housing conditions are better
among the colored people than among the whites.
The amount spent for rent varied from $105 per annum for the
lowest income group in Fall River, Mass., to $355 per annum for the
highest income group in New York City. For the modal income,
$1,350, the average rent paid in large cities is probably not far from
$200 per annum for the typical family.
The study does not give a complete or typical picture of housing
conditions among workers’ families. In order to get comparable
figures of family income and family expenditures for food, clothing,
housing, and other items, no families were scheduled who kept board­
ers and no families with more than two lodgers were taken. These
rulings were absolutely necessary so as to confine the study to normal
natural families, but by so limiting the study no information was
obtained as to the extent to which families took boarders and
the amount of overcrowding resulting from the almost universal
practice of taking in lodgers during the housing shortage of the war
period. I t is a necessary function of the community to provide
suitable houses for the people at reasonable rents. As long as the
provision of houses is left to speculators and contractors the workers
can not be properly housed.
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Fuel and Light.
i t is possible to determine from the information on the schedules
whether the families studied used enough fuel to keep their houses
comfortable, but the information has not yet been tabulated. I t is
reasonably certain, however, that the American family does consume
abundant fuel so that the living room can be lived in during the winter.
Light is probably sufficient also.

House Furnishings.
As for house furnishings, all that the schedules give is the yearly ex­
penditure. We know nothing about the stock of household goods pos­
sessed by the average American working family. I t should not be an
impossible task for the domestic science experts to determine the
minimum requirements in the way of standard house furnishings for
the typical family. A special intensive study could then be made to
determine how near our American families come to the minima.

Care of Health.
Among the expenditures lumped as miscellaneous are some highly
important and significant items. Expenditures for sickness and death
are the most significant in this group. The amount and kind of medi­
cal, surgical, dental, and other kinds of treatment in sickness required
by the average American family can not be obtained from the family
schedules. The amount paid out by each family on account of sick­
ness is given on the schedules, and the average amounts can be com­
puted for different income groups and for all groups combined. The
average expenditures vary greatly from family to family and from
group to group. In Philadelphia those having incomes less than
S900 spent on the average during the year $24.15 for health care, while
those with incomes of $2,500 and more expended $126.12. In Boston
the expenditures for these two income groups were $23.18 and $67.42,
respectively. The average for all incomes in all cities would probably
be from $45 to $55.
Despite the great irregularities in the distribution of these expendi­
tures for sickness there is a remarkable increase with the increase in
amount of income. This indicates that those in the lower income
groups are not able to pay for adequate medical and hospital service,
for no one would contend that those in the higher income groups are
squandering money recklessly on physicians, surgeons, dentists, and
the like.
The value of these figures is greatly lessened by reason of the fact
that so much wholly unregulated, uncontrolled, haphazard, un­
planned, unintelligent, more or less voluntary, and wholly unrecog
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nized sickness subsidy prevails throughout the country. I mean
that the worker is not able to pay full price for the medical, surgical,
hospital, and dental services needed by himself and his family, so
the community or the subsidized hospital gives him these indis­
pensable services free or below cost. The result is indifferent medical
and hospital service at a cost impossible to estimate accurately
because there is no uniformity of practice and no adecpiate public
control. In Massachusetts it is estimated that the workmen’s
compensation cases sent to hospitals for treatment pay only about
50 per cent of the actual cost of the treatment. This is handing out
sickness subsidies to employers and insurance companies, not to
injured workmen. This is the worst form of protective subsidy to
industry. The workers who are driven by dire necessity to make use
of the free wards in hospitals either learn to hate and distrust all
hospitals and medical men because they are not given proper treat­
ment, or they become partially or wholly hospitalized because they
survive the treatment meted out to them and rapidly learn to like
the carbolated atmosphere of our hospital almshouses. This system­
less system of medical sick benefits, bestowed not as the just and
recognized due of the worker but as charity handed out by a benevoent community or by private philanthropists, constitutes the worst
possible form of sickness pensions that could possibly be devised.
Voluntary benevolent sickness subsidies and pensions achieve the
minimum of results at high cost. They reach but a minority of those
who need medical and hospital care. I do not point out the obvious
defects of the existing system of sickness subsidies in order to condemn
the system and recommend its abolishment. On the contrary these
subsidies are absolutely indispensable, and can not be abolished
without very serious consequences, unless something better is devised
to replace them. It is useless to talk of paying the workers a wage
sufficient to meet all needed sickness expenses. This would make the
misfortunes of the sick redound to the profit of the well. The
health of the workers never will be adequately cared for until a system
of universal sickness or health insurance is substituted for the present
system of sickness subsidies. No valid objection can be raised to
the public’s paying a part of the expenses of such a system, as the
public is responsible, in a large measure, for the unhealth which exists
to-day. But the worker should pay a share, for he is responsible in
some degree for sickness in his family. Above all he should feel,
when he receives medical, surgical, or hospital treatment, that he
is receiving services which belong to him of right and are not alms
from either the State or private persons.
The sickness and physical deficiencies revealed by the selective
draft has happily demolished forever the carefully fostered fallacy that

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the American workman is so well paid, so well nourished, housed
and clothed, and so intelligent that he needs nothing in addition to
the existing agencies to look after his exuberant good health. The
quantitative consumption of health-giving and health-maintaining
services in the average American family is certainly very much
below what is necessary to attain and maintain reasonably good
health. I t is very clear that the medical profession and the hospitals
must be more completely and effectively organized and directed forthe purpose of improving the health of the community. Until this
is done it is scarcely possible for the average American family to buy
the required amount of health service to keep health and efficiency
up to a reasonable standard.

Insurance.
Consideration of the adequacy of health expenses brings us directly
to the subject of insurance against the hazards of death, sickness,
accident, old age and invalidity, and unemployment. In modern
life provision against these hazards is just as necessary as medical
service, or, for that matter, food. The amounts spent by American
families for life insurance in 1918 ranged from about $10 in the lower
income groups to about $65 in the higher income groups. The aver­
age is probably not far from $40. This amount paid each year in
premiums for ordinary life and term life policies would give the aver­
age family sufficient protection against the hazard of death. Unfor­
tunately the agents in the field found it impossible to distinguish
between so-called “ industrial” insurance and bona fide life insurance.
It seems at first blush as if it should be easy to differentiate between
them on the basis of cost alone, but the amount of the policies was
frequently not obtainable from the housewife, so the cost per $100
could not be ascertained. Very often, it was discovered, payments
were accepted by the agents of the burial insurance companies semi­
annually or even annually, so it was not possible to make the distinc­
tion on the basis of the terms of payment of the premiums. About
all it is possible to deduce from the schedules as to life insurance is
that the workers pay enough on the average to secure sufficient pro­
tection against disastrous poverty resulting immediately from the
death of the principal breadwinner of the family. Whether they get
this sufficient protection is another matter. As explained above, it
was impossible to get the quantity of and kind of life insurance bought
at the prevailing market prices. Furthermore, only a part of the
workers are insured at all, and those who most need life insurance are
least able to buy it.
While payments for life and burial insurance by the average
American family are as large as can be afforded and should buy

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enough insurance to protect the family adequately, the case is en­
tirely different in case of casualty insurance and so-called “ health
insurance.” The average expenditures, in Philadelphia, for these
two kinds of insurance ranged from nothing in the income groups
below $900 to $5.44 in the income groups $1,800 to $2,100. The
amount of premiums paid by different families is very irregular. The
average amount paid by different income groups and even by all
income groups in different cities obeys no statistical law. The aver­
age for all families in Boston is 95 cents per annum, while for Phila­
delphia it is $2.74. I t is very evident that no appreciable insurance
protection against the hazards of accidental injury or sickness is
included in the budget of the American workingman’s family. Yet
these injuries occur many times more frequently than death, and
their hazards are just as readily calculable as is the hazard of death.
I t is not possible for the worker to buy adequate protection against
the hazards of injury from accident and sickness even at the exor­
bitant prices charged by the private companies, because the com­
panies do not sell the protection needed. The case is even worse
with old age, invalidity, and unemployment. Some trade-unions
and a few establishments pay small old-age and invalidity benefits.
Out-of-work benefits have been paid by a few trade-unions in times
of great stress. Unemployment is the one hazard that is purely in­
dustrial, and it causes more distress and social demoralization than
any other hazard affecting the life and health of the workers. Yet
nothing has been done about it by industry and next to nothing by
society. Except for the feeble, sporadic help given by a few tradeunions, the whole burden falls upon the individual worker. Industry
should be made to pay the costs of production. A part of the costs
of production under the present organization of industry is unem­
ployment tempered by underemployment and overemployment.
I t -would be a very simple matter to put the money costs of unem­
ployment upon each industry in which employment is regularly irreg­
ular. This should be done. As it is now, the worker does not and
can not include in his budget protection against unemployment and
the onset of old age and invalidity. Some unascertainable part of
his trade-union dues, if he pays any, goes for the purchase of an
indefinitely inadequate amount of protection against these ills.
The percentage spent for insurance in all forms is not large, but
its importance is much greater than this percentage indicates. Insur­
ance makes for stability of family life, by distributing throughout the
community shocks that would crush individuals and families. The
present cost of insurance is so high that the workers are debarred from
purchasing enough of it. The protection offered by private profitseeking insurance companies is not secure and many inevitable con
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tingencies are not included in their policies at all. Insurance is a
relatively simple matter. I t could be conducted as a community
enterprise reaching all the people at half the expense now involved.
The moral is obvious.

Amusements.
The matter of amusements is one of the most serious things in life.
Wholesome laughter is as necessary to health and efficiency as good
food and suitable raiment. Unlike the other wants considered,
amusement is subjective, not objective, and therefore no objective
unit of measure is conceivable. It is wholly impossible to guess how
much amusement is obtained from a 17-cent moving-picture show.
W7e know that large numbers of people must be amused by the movies,
else the picture houses would not be packed. We can not say, how­
ever, that the families which patronize the movies get any more fun
out of life than those which stay at home or go to the church festival.
You can’t keep people from being amused. They will get fun out of
the hardest conditions of life. Tom Sawyer, by using the most
approved methods of the trust promoter and the professional adver­
tiser, elevated fence whitewashing from the lowest form of menial
drudgery to the rank of the most popular outdoor sport in his home
town, so that for the time swimming and fishing were forgotten. The
variety and weirdness of the different forms of amusement are aston­
ishing. Some people derive much genuine enjoyment from funerals.
Others seem to get quite as much fun out of grand opera. I once
knew a physician of sound mind who got his recreation and amuse­
ment from directing a volunteer church choir. Truly, in the realm
of amusement “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” One
man will listen to a lecture on the Russian drama and will be upbuildcd and refreshed amazingly; his neighbor will be put to sleep,
and another man will be driven toward homicide, by the same lecture.
The number of movies, dances, concerts, and the like attended by a
worker and his family has no recognizable relation to the quantity
of amusement they have imbibed. While all admit that “ All work
and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” it may well be questioned whether
the play furnished by the movies will make Jack brighter or duller.
Expenditures for movies increase consistently with increasing
income. In Philadelphia only 38 cents per annum was spent for
movies by families having incomes under $900, while the families
having $2,500 or over spent $37.22. In Boston the range was from
87 cents to $34.39. The average, for all incomes, was $10.18 for
Philadelphia and $6.49 for Boston. Other cities show much the same
averages and range of expenditures. The total average expenditure
for all amusements amounted to $12.40 in Philadelphia and $9.23 in

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Boston. We do not know whether this means that Philadelphia
working people found existence more amusing than Boston workers, or
whether their lives being more sad they were driven to the movies
and the pool parlors for cheer. We may assume, I think, that the
sums spent for amusement in the income groups above $1,300 are
sufficient for recreational and health needs.

Conclusion.
From this very brief analysis of the data thus far worked up from
the cost of living schedules it is apparent that there is no such thing
as the American standard of living in the sense of a very superior
standard giving all the necessaries, many of the comforts, and a goodly
supply of the luxuries of life. On the contrary, we find that there
are as many different standards as there are different incomes and
families of different sizes. In the lower income groups the living
conditions are hard indeed. The incomes of the lower paid workers
must be increased and the cost of food, clothing, and housing must
be lowered to enable these families ta meet the higher costs of exist­
ence. Social legislation is needed to give them better and cheaper
food, clothing, houses, medical treatment, and insurance. Even
in the higher income groups conditions are not so easy as they are
frequently pictured to us. Let us not be fooled by the cry that the
American standard of living is the highest in the world. Let us
make tlie minimum living standard in America one that will sup­
port life in decency and health.

122778°—19
-2

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Joint Shipping Industrial Conference.
B y B e n ja m in M . S q u ir e s .

T the request of the United States Shipping Board a Joint
Shipping Industrial Conference was held in Washington,
June 4, 5, and 6, 1919. The conference was made up of
representatives of the Government and employer and employee
representatives of longshore, harbor, coastwise, and over seasshipping
interests.
The purpose of the conference is set forth in the following resolu­
tions adopted by the Shipping Board May 20, 1919:

A

Ocean Marine Conference.
W h e r e a s , Various agreements and arrangements made during war time between
ship owners and operators, the seamen^ and the Shipping Board have either expired
or are no longer adequate to meet peace conditions, and
W h e r e a s , The successful development of an American merchant marine is largely
dependent upon the full cooperation of the vessel owners, operators, and managers,
the seamen, and the Government, now, therefore,
B e i t resolved, That the Shipping Board call a conference at Washington, D. C., to
begin on or about June 4, 1919, between owners, operators, and managers of ocean­
going coastwise steamships in the United States, the various organizations of seamen
and licensed officers, and interested departments of the Shipping Board and other
Government departments and agencies, for the purpose of establishing by agreement
among the various interested parties suitable agencies for the consideration and
adjustment of labor issues and for the promotion of efficiency and industrial harmony
in the American merchant marine.

Docfo and Harbor Conference.
W h e r e a s , The agreement creating the National Adjustment Commission to Which
the Shipping Board was a party was effected while this country was at war, and was
generally regarded as a war-time agreement, and
W h e r e a s , The National Adjustment Commission agreement was limited in its
scope to the control of wages and W o rking conditions and was applicable only to mem­
bers of the International Longshoremen’s Association, and
W h e r e a s , I t is highly desirable that parties interested in the loading and unload­
ing of cargo enter into an agreement for the adjustment of labor issues and for the
promotion of the best interests of the industry, now, therefore,
B e i t resolved, That the Shipping Board call a conference at Washington, D. C.,
between owners, operators, and managers of steamships, master stevedores and con­
tractors for longshore labor, owners and operators of harbor equipment necessary in
the process of loading and unloading vessels and cargo, the various organizations of
labor involved, and interested departments of the Shipping Board and other Govern­
ment departments and agencies, for the purpose of establishing by agreement among
the various interested parties suitable agencies for the consideration and adjustment

14


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15

of labor issues and for the promotion of efficiency and industrial harmony in this
industry, and
B e i t fu r th e r resolved, That such conference be called at or about the same time as
the marine conference already authorized by the Board.

As indicated by the above resolutions, industrial relations during
the war had been governed by agreements. The Atlantic agreement
entered into in August, 1917, between the Shipping Board, the Inter­
national Seamen’s Union, and steamship lines, and approved by the
Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Labor, established wage
rates and working conditions for seamen.
In August, 1917, an agreement was entered into between the
United States Shipping Board, the Secretary of War, the Secretary
of Labor, the American Federation of Labor, the International Long­
shoremen’s Association, and the principal shipping operators on the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts, with subsequent ratification and adoption
in a modified form by operators on the Pacific coast and the Great
Lakes. The agreement provided for a National Adjustment Com­
mission and for local commissions for the adjustment and control of
wages, hours, and conditions of labor in the loading and unloading
of vessels. Although the jurisdiction of the commission was limited
to longshore labor, controversies affecting other classes of marine
labor were adjusted by the national commission or by local commis­
sions on the joint submission of employers and employees.
A National Marine Conference held in May, 1918, resulted in an
agreement whereby the Shipping Board should settle all marine labor
questions arising during the war on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
A war-time period of effectiveness was clearly implied in these
agreements, and the purpose of the Joint Shipping Industrial Confer­
ence was to establish permanent machinery for the adjustment of
industrial controversies.
The opening session of the conference was given over to general
statements of purpose and plan. Two resolutions were introduced,
one calling for the appointment of committees to prepare agreements
respectively for seamen and licensed officers, the agreements to pro­
vide for “ the establishment of suitable machinery for the joint con­
sideration of general labor policies to govern work, employment, and
the mutual relations of the interests above mentioned (employers,
employees, and the Government); for the arbitration of issues per­
taining to compensation and working rules; for the adjustment of
grievances ; and for the establishment and enforcement of such general
standards as will promote the health and efficiency of men employed
aboard the vessels of the American merchant marine.” The other
resolution, phrased somewhat similarly, called for committees to draft
agreements for dock and harbor labor respectively.

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In discussing the question of the adoption of the resolutions, repre­
sentatives of ocean marine labor requested that the conference go
on record in favor of according preferential treatment in recruiting
and employing labor to members of associations of labor. This was
an issue, however, that did not concern the longshore interests and it
was agreed that the conference should resolve itself into an ocean
marine section, a dock section, and a harbor section, further discussion
of the resolutions and of the question of union preference being
reserved for the sections.

Dock Section.
The question before the dock section was primarily whether the
existing adjustment machinery—the National Adjustment Commis­
sion and local commissions created under its jurisdiction—should be
reconstituted as a permanent agency. In this the dock section had a
decided advantage over either the harbor or ocean marine section
because the National Adjustment Commission was in the nature of a
successful experiment and neither employers nor employees were
willing to return to prewar methods of adjusting differences. It
appeared, however, that the conference was not fully representative
of employing interests in the longshore industry, in that representa­
tives of foreign lines were not present. Under these circumstances,
representatives of American lines felt it unwise to commit themselves
definitely to a plan of adjustment. An adjournment was taken until
the following day at which time the dock section indorsed the following
agreement subject to ratification by the various interests:

Tentative Draft of Agreement to Govern Industrial Rela­
tions in the Longshore Industry.
P ream ble.

In order that the spirit of mutual responsibility and helpfulness with which employ­
ers and employees engaged in the loading and unloading of vessels cooperated with the
Government in meeting the exigencies of a wartime situation may find permanent
expression in an arrangement whereby employers, employees, and the Government
may work together in the successful development of our maritime commerce, and
through joint participation in matters pertaining to industrial relations, assure that
the legitimate rights of all concerned in the industry shall be safeguarded, this agree­
ment is entered into th is ----- day of June, 1919, by the undersigned representa­
tives of dock and harbor labor, employers of such labor, and the United States Ship­
ping Board.
A r t ic l e I . — N a tio n a l D ock I n d u s tr ia l C o u n cil.

There shall be established by the parties to this agreement a National Dock Industrial
Council which shall be responsible for and have jurisdiction over industrial relations
so far as they affect loading and unloading operations done under the control or on
account of signatory parties or parties which may subsequently join in this agreement.

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A r t ic l e

I I .— M em bership— N a tio n a l

17

D ock I n d u s tr ia l C o u n cil.

Tiae National Dock Industrial Council shall he composed as follows: One member
chosen by the United States Shipping Board and two members chosen by employers
and employees, respectively, for each of the following interests:
1. Pacific coastwise.
6. South Atlantic deep-sea.
2. Pacific deep-sea.
.
7. Gulf coastwise.
3. North Atlantic coastwise.
8. Gulf deep-sea.
4. North Atlantic deep-sea.
9. Great Lakes.
5. South Atlantic coastwise.
Permanent advisory members may be chosen by the Navy Department, the Depart­
ment of Commerce, and the Department of Labor, and temporary advisory members as
occasion requires by the War Department and the United States Railroad Administra­
tion.
Members shall hold office for one year or until their successors arc appointed and shall
be allowed to name alternates when personal attendance is impossible or impracticable.
A r t ic l e

III.—F u n c tio n s — N a tio n a l

D ock I n d u s tr ia l C o u n cil.

The functions of the National Dock Industrial Council shall be to secure the largest
possible measure of joint action between employers, employees, and the Government
for the development of maritime commerce and for promoting the legitimate interests
of all engaged therein. This shall include the consideration of wages, hours and
working conditions in relation to the industry as a whole, the question of regularizing
employment, the collection of statistics and information on matters appertaining to
the industry, the establishment and enforcement of general standards to insure
health, safety and efficiency, the cooperation with councils in other industries in
matters of common interest and the representation to the Government of the needs of
the industry.
The National Dock Industrial Council shall have broad authority to establish
suitable rules of procedure and to interpret this agreement. It shall also have
authority to establish or approve rules of procedure for its authorized agencies and to
limit their jurisdiction.
A r t ic l e

IV.— M eetings— N a tio n a l

D ock In d u s tr ia l C o u n c il.

The National Dock Industrial Council shall meet at least twice a year at a time and
place to be designated by the council. Special meetings shall be called by the
chairman on the request of a majority of the council. The call for such meetings
shall be sent out at least two weeks before the date set for the special meeting and
shall contain a statement of the matters to be taken up at such meeting. The pro­
vision for two weeks’ notice, however, may be waived in cases of real emergency.
A r t ic l e

V .— N a tio n a l

D ock A d ju s tm e n t C o m m issio n .

A National Dock Adjustment Commission is hereby established, composed of five
active members selected from the National Dock Industrial Council as follows:
The representatives of the United States Shipping Board and two representatives of
employers and employees respectively serving alternately to represent the particular
interest affected. The advisory members on the council representing the War De­
partment, Navy Department, and the United States Railroad Administration, may sit
Avith the commission in an advisory capacity on all matters coming before it. It is
understood, however, that nothing in this agreement shall preArent the election of
identical representation on the commission by different group interests of employers
and employees.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
A r t ic l e

VI.—F u n c tio n s — N a tio n a l

D ock A d ju s tm e n t C o m m issio n .

The functions of the National Dock Adjustment Commission shall be as follows:
1. The adjustment of wages and working conditions of men engaged in the loading
and unloading of vessels, including the following cases:
(a) Where no local agency exists for such adjustment.
(b ) Where the local agency is unable to adjust.
(c) On appeal from the decision of the local agency.
(d) On the joint request of employers and employees.
(e) Where questions involved are of common interest to two or more ports.
It is understood, however, that where arrangements now exist or may subsequently
be made for the consideration of industrial controversies nothing in this agreement
shall operate to disturb such arrangements so long as they are mutually satisfactory
to employers and employees.
2. The current negotiation of agreements and their modification to avoid future
disputes.
3. Acting under the direction of the National Dock Industrial Council in the
exercise of the functions of the council.
A r t ic l e

VII.—L o c a l

dock a d ju s tm e n t c o m m issio n .

Wherever necessary or advisable the National Dock Adjustment Commission
shall establish local dock adjustment commissions which shall be responsible in the
first instance for the arbitration and adjustment of controversies arising in particular
ports. The composition of local adjustment commissions shall be similar to that of
the National Commission which shall have supervision over all local commissions.
A r t ic l e

V III.—S p e c ia l

com m ittees.

Special committees may be appointed by the National Dock Industrial Council
or by the National Dock Adjustment Commission for the purpose of investigating
and reporting on matters of general interest to the industry or of particular interest
to the council or to the commission.
A r t ic l e

IX .—P e r m a n e n t

executive secretary.

The National Dock Industrial Council shall select a permanent executive secretary
at a salary to be determined by the council, who shall serve also as the executive
secretary of the National Dock Adjustment Commission and who shall be charged
generally with the administrative functions of the council and the commission.
A r t ic l e

X.—E xp e n se s.

Members of the National Dock Industrial Council, the National Dock Adjustment
Commission or local dock adjustment commissions shall serve without salary, but
expenses incurred by the council, by the National Commission or local commissions
in the discharge of their functions shall be defrayed equally by employer and em­
ployee parties to this agreement and by the United States Shipping Board in such
manner and with such safeguards as the council may determine.
A r t ic l e

X I.—A m e n d m e n ts .

This agreement may be amended upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting
employer and employee members of the council.


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A r t ic l e

X II .— O b lig a tio n

19

o f parties.

No stoppage or lockout sliail take place until any differences or disputes between
the parties shall have been referred to and dealt with according to this agreement
or rules which may be established under it. The parties obligate themselves to give
effectiveness, so far as possible, to the recommendations of the National Dock Indus­
trial Council or its agencies, and to take such steps as may be necessary to assure the
carrying out of this agreement by individual members of the association signatory
thereto. No indemnity, strike pay, assistance or encouragement, directly or indi­
rectly, shall be afforded by any signatory organization or by any officer or individual
member thereof, to any person or persons failing to submit a difference or dispute
as provided by this agreement or rules established under it or to any person or persons
acting in breach of a decision of the National Dock Industrial Council or its authorized
agencies.
A r t ic l e X III .— D u r a tio n o f agreem ent a n d w ithdraivals.
Tliis agreement shall become effective on the «date first above written and shall
continue in effect for one year thereafter. After the expiration of one year, this
agreement shall continue except that any party thereto may withdraw 60 days
after written notice of such intention to withdraw has been filed with the secretary
of the National Dock Industrial Council, but such withdrawal shall not terminate
the agreement with respect to the remaining parties as long as such parties comprise
employer groups, employee groups, and the Government.

I t will be observed that the agreement provides for a National
Dock Industrial Council, the functions of which are chiefly legislative
and advisory; for a National Dock Adjustment Commission which
acts as an administrative agency of the council and as a judicial
body on appeal; and for local dock adjustment commissions with
original jurisdiction in matters pertaining to each port. Government
representation is accorded to the council and commissions and a part
of the expense is to be borne by the Government.

Harbor Section,
Evidences of a prearranged program on the question of preferential
treatment appeared in the discussions of the harbor section. Repre­
sentatives of employees were ready to proceed with the appointment
of a committee if employers would first state that union members
should have preference in employment. Employers were unwilling to
accede to this and objected, moreover, to any form of central authority
in the adjudication of local matters. A resolution was proposed by
employers recommending the establishment in each port of a local
board made up of equal numbers of employers and employees. Rep­
resentatives of employees asked that the board be made up of equal
numbers of representatives of employers and of associations of em­
ployees. A committee was appointed to draft and submit a resolution.
The committee reported the following resolution, which was accepted
by the conference:
R e s o l v e d That it is the sense of this conference that the adjustment of all matters
between employers and employees in the operation of marine harbor equipment is a


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matter of local concern affecting only the particular port involved and that the
adjustment of any differences should be by collective action of the parties in interest
and in order that this may be encouraged, be it further
R esolved, That this conference recommend that in each port where satisfactory
arrangements do not now exist a local board be created consisting of equal numbers
of representatives of employers and representatives of employees to settle and adjust
all matters in dispute between them and that in case of a deadlock, the local board
shall select an impartial umpire in such manner as it may determine.

The committee also discussed and recommended for submission to
the various harbor interests the following tentative agreement for a
National Harbor Industrial Council:

Tentative Draft of Agreement to Govern Industrial
Relations in the Harbor Marine Industry.
P rea m b le.

In order that employers and employees engaged in the operation of harbor craft and
other harbor marine equipment may cooperate more fully with the Government and
with other branches of the marine industry in the successful development of our mari­
time commerce, and through joint participation in matters pertaining to industrial
relations assure that the legitimate rights of all concerned in the industry shall be
safeguarded, this agreement is entered into this
day of June, 1919, by the under­
signed representatives of owners and operators of harbor craft and other harbor marine
equipment, employers thereof and the United States Shipping Board.
' A r t ic l e I . — N a tio n a l H a rb o r In d u s tr ia l C o u n cil.

There shall be established by the parties to this agreement a National Harbor Indus­
trial Council, which shall consist of equal numbers of employers and employees
selected by the signatory parties or parties which may subsequently join this agree­
ment and of representatives of the Government.
A r t ic l e

II.—N u m b e r

a n d a p p o r tio n m e n t o f m em bers.

For each class of harbor marine labor affected, employers and employees shall be
entitled to one representative for each of the following districts: North Atlantic,
South Atlantic and Gulf, Great Lakes, and Pacific. Advisory members to the council
are to be named by each of the following Government departments or agencies:
Shipping Board, War Department, Navy Department, Railroad Administration, De­
partment of Labor, and the Department of Commerce. Members shall hold office
for one year or until their successors are appointed, and may select alternates to sit
when personal attendance is impossible or impracticable.
A r t ic l e

III.—F u n c tio n s .

The functions of the National Harbor Industrial Council shall be in general to secure
the largest possible measure of joint action between employers and employees and the
Government for the development of maritime commerce and for promoting the legiti­
mate interests of all engaged therein. In the exercise of these functions the councils,
through special committees or otherwise, may consider and make recommendation,
concerning such questions as harbor development and the efficient operation of harbor
marine equipment; wages, hours, and working conditions in relation to the industry
as a whole; the establishment and enforcement of general standards to insure health,
safety, and efficiency; collect statistics and information pertaining to the industry;

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21

assist in the negotiation of local agreements and the establishment of local machinery
of adjustment; cooperate with councils in other industries in matters of common
interest and represent the needs of the industry to appropriate Government agencies.
The council shall act as an arbitration body in case of failure of local adjustment
agencies to effect a settlement of matters in dispute or where such agencies have not
been set up and an adjustment can not be reached between the parties or on joint
submission of the parties in dispute.
A r t ic l e

IY.— V o tin g .

In the consideration of matters affecting the industry as a whole, all active members
of the council shall be entitled to vote; in matters affecting a particular industry or
class of labor only representatives of that district or that class of labor, and an equal
number of employer representatives of that district, shall be entitled to vote, though
other members of the council may participate in the deliberations. Representatives
of the Government to the council shall not be entitled to vote except as hereinafter
provided.
A r t ic l e Y . — M eetings.
The National Harbor Industrial Council shall meet at least twice a year at a time
and place to be designated by the council. Special meetings of the council or of
sections thereof shall be called by the chairman on the request of a majority of the
council or of a section of the council whose particular interests represented by the
section require consideration. Except in the case of grave emergency the call for
such meetings shall be sent out at least two weeks before the date set for the meeting
and shall contain a statement of the matters to be taken up at the meeting.
A r t ic l e

YI.—L o ca l

harbor a d ju s tm e n t c o m m issio n .

The National Harbor Industrial f.Council shall encourage and assist in the setting
up in each important harbor of a harbor adjustment commission composed of an equal
number of representatives of owners and operators of harbor craft and other marine
equipment and employees thereof. The number of representatives on the local com­
mission will be determined by the needs of each harbor, and it shall be left to the
parties in interest to determine whether an impartial member shall be chosen to act
as chairman and give a casting vote. It is understood, however, that where arrange­
ments now exist for the consideration of industrial controversies nothing in this agree­
ment shall operate to disturb such arrangements so long as they are mutually satis­
factory to employers and employees.
The adjustment of matters pertaining to each particular harbor shall be adjusted
wherever possible by the local harbor adjustment commission. If the local commis­
sion is unable to bring about an adjustment of the matters in dispute or if a local
agency has not been set up and the parties in dispute are unable to agree on a settle­
ment, the National Harbor Industrial Council, sitting as a whole or a section thereof,
composed of representatives of the district or interests affected, shall hear and deter­
mine the case. If a majority of the active members of the council are unable to agree
on a settlement, the advisory Government representatives to the council shall cast
the determining vote, the decision in either case to be final and binding on all the
parties affected.
A r t ic l e

YII.—P e r m a n e n t

executive secretary.

The National Harbor Industrial Council shall select a permanent executive secre­
tary, at a salary to be determined by the council, who shall be charged generally
with the administrative work of the council.


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A r t ic l e

V III.—E x p e n se s.

Members of the National Harbor Industrial Council and of local harbor adjustment
commissions shall serve without salary, but expenses incurred by the council or by
the local commissions shall be defrayed equally by employer and employee parties
to this agreement in such manner and with such safeguards as the council may deter­
mine.
A r t ic l e IX .—A m e n d m e n ts .
This agreement may be amended upon the affirmative vote of the majority of the
voting employer and employee members of the council.
A r t ic l e

X .— O b lig a tio n

o f parties.

No stoppage or lockout shall take place until any differences or disputes between
the parties shall have been referred to and dealt with according to this agreement or
rules which may be established under it. The parties obligate themselves to give
effectiveness, so far as possible, to the recommendations of the National Harbor
Industrial Council or local harbor adjustment commission and to take such steps as may
be necessary to assure the carrying out of this agreement by individual members of
the associations signatory thereto. No indemnity, strike pay, assistance or encourage­
ment, directly or indirectly, shall be afforded by any signatory organization or by
any officer or individual member thereof to any person or persons failing to submit a
difference or dispute as provided by this agreement or rules established under it or
to any person or persons acting in breach of a decision of the National Harbor Indus­
trial Council or local harbor adjustment commissions.
A r t ic l e

X I .— D u r a tio n

o f agreem ent a n d w ithdraw als.

This agreement shall become effective on th # d a te first above written and shall
continue in effect for one year thereafter. After the expiration of one year, this
agreement shall continue except that any party thereto may withdraw 60 days
after written notice of such intention to withdraw has been filed with the secretary
of the National Harbor Industrial Council, but such withdrawal shall not terminate the
agreement with respect to the remaining parties as long as such parties comprise
employer and employee groups and the Government.

Ocean Marine Section.
The ocean marine section of the Shipping Conference deadlocked
from the first on the question of preference to union members.
Representatives of employees claimed that they understood the
main purpose of the conference to be the settlement of controversial
issues. A committee was appointed, and after two days’ discussion
the following resolution was reported back and adopted by the
conference:
W h e r e a s , Certain agreements fixing compensation and conditions of labor on the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts have expired, and certain demands have been made by organi­
zations affiliated with the International Seamen’s Union and licensed officers’ organi­
zations: Now, therefore be it
R esolved, That these demands received on or before June 7 be submitted to the
American Steamship Association and other shipowners in the Atlantic and Gulf
districts for their consideration; and be it further


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

23

R esolved, That the conference recommends that various shipowners should appoint
representatives to confer with representatives of the union and of the Shipping
Board, for the purpose of reaching an agreement, and that this committee shall meet
on June 23 at New York City, and be it further
R esolved, That the conference recommends that this committee should also con­
sider and make recommendations as to the establishment of local grievance commit­
tees at Atlantic and Gulf ports, and also the establishment of a central appeal board.


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National Guilds Movement in Great Britain.
By G. D. H.

C ole.

HE objects of the national guilds movement in Great Britain, as
defined in the constitution of the National Guilds League, are
“ the abolition of the wage system, and the establishment by the
workers of self-government in industry through a democratic system
of national guilds working in conjunction with a democratic State.”
The leading ideas of the movement are therefore those of democratic
organization and self-government in the industrial sphere. National
guildsmen look forward to the time when the various industries and
services will be administered each by its guild, or association or­
ganized for common service, and including the whole necessary per­
sonnel of the indusüy concerned.
This movement is only a few years old; but it has made considerable
headway among the manual workers, and to at least an equal
extent among many classes of professional and technical workers.
By Marxian Industrial Unionists and others of the extreme left
wing of labor, it is indeed sometimes denounced as a bourgeois
movement of counter-revolutionary tendency. This criticism comes
principally from those who refuse to recognize the importance of
technical and professional elements in the industrial system, or hold
that the existing technicians and professionals are “ adherents of
capitalism,” and that it is necessary to make a clean sweep of them
in preparation for a new order ushered in by a proletarian dictator­
ship.
National guildsmen differ widely in their outlook on the social and
economic question as a whole. Faith in national guilds as a form of
economic organization is compatible with “many degrees of reformist
or revolutionary opinion. There are all sorts among guildsmen,
from the extreme right, which looks to a gradual development of
guilds by the consent of the more progressive employers, to the
extreme left, which corresponds closely in method and outlook to the
Marxian Industrial Unionists. Neither of these attitudes, however,
represents the main, or even a considerable, body of guild opinion,
which must be sought in views falling between the two extremes.

T

Origin and Development of National Guilds Movement.
I t will be easier to explain the present orientation of the national
guilds movement if we begin with a short account of its origin and
development. It has only gradually attained to its present scope
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25

and character, and a number of different and even diverse influences
have contributed to its formation. Its earliest manifestation is
attributable to Mr. Arthur J. Penty, whose book on The Restoration
of the Guild System was published in England in 1906. About the
same time, Mr. A. R. Orage, then as now editor of the New Age,
contributed to the Fortnightly Review an article on the same subject.
Mr. Orage was, and has remained, in close touch with Mr. Penty; but
in his hands the guild doctrine soon began to follow a new line of
development. In 1908, Mr. S. G. Hobson, a former member of the
Fabian Society, who had left that body after an unsuccessful attempt
to launch a scheme for independent Socialist political representation,
became associated with Mr. Orage on the New Age. Shortly after
this, a series of articles written by Mr. Hobson with the collaboration
of Mr. Orage, most of which were subsequently reprinted in the book
National Guilds: an Enquiry into the Wage-System and the Way
Out, began to appear. This series of articles really gave the national
guilds movement its definite shape, and made it for the first time a
practical and constructive force.
The essential feature introduced by Messrs. Hobson and Orage—the
feature which gave the national guilds movement its characteristic
turn—was the definite association of the idea of industrial self-gov­
ernment with the existing structure of the British trade-union move­
ment, and the definite attempt to formulate a proposal for the con­
version of trade-unions into guilds, that is, of protective organiza­
tions of wage or salary earners into managing and controlling organi­
zations, including the whole necessary personnel of industry. This
does not mean that the full implications of this association of ideas
were at this stage completely thought out, or that the practical
steps necessary for the accomplishment of the change were clearly
proposed. It means only that the vital idea of national guilds ap­
peared for the first time, and that the way was thus made clear for
further developments.
Indeed, at this stage the appeal of the national guilds idea was
almost purely intellectual. No propaganda was proceeding outside
the columns of the New Age, and the circulation of that journal was
almost wholly confined to a section of the “ intelligentsia.” The
great bulk of the Socialist and trade-union movements remained
unaffected; only in the university Socialist societies and among mid­
dle-class Socialists and professionals did the idea make any progress.
It had its partisans among the younger members of the Fabian So­
ciety; but the great bulk of that society, and practically all the
official leaders of the labor and Socialist movement, were at this time
definitely hostile.

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In the industrial labor movement as a whole, this period was one
of great and growing unrest. From 1910 onward to the outbreak
of the war unrest grew steadily and many great strikes took place,
including the great railway and transport strike of 1911 and the
mining strike of 1912. This spirit of unrest led to a ferment of ideas
in the labor world. Before 1910 the Socialist Labor Party and the
Industrial Workers of Great Britain (offshoots of the American
S. L. P. and Do Leonite I. W. W.) had been active in Scotland and
some districts of the North of England; but the atmosphere was
unfavorable, and they made little progress. From 1911 onward
the conditions were far more favorable; but the leadership of the left
wing passed rather to movements under the influence of French
Syndicalist ideas. The Industrial Syndicalist Education League,
led by Mr. Tom Mann, had a considerable transient success, and
closely related to it were the various amalgamation committees and
other “ rebel” bodies which are the ancestors of the “ rank and file”
movements of to-day. In South Wales, the Marxians through the
Industrial Democracy League and the Miners’ Unofficial Deform
Committee gained ground considerably, while the foundation of the
Central Labor College and the Plebs League gave the Marxians a
means of propaganda on a national scale. Only at a later period,
from 1916 onward, did the big growth of the Marxian Socialist Labor
Party begin.
At the beginning of 1914 Mr. W. Mellor, since general secretary of
the National Guilds League, and the writer began to develop guild
ideas by regular articles in the Daily Herald, the object of these
articles being to popularize guild propaganda and to bring it into the
closest possible relation to the everyday work of the trade-union
movement. Toward the end of 1914, despite the outbreak of war,
it was felt that the time was ripe for a further development, and a
small private conference was held in December at Storrington in
Sussex, at which a long statement was drawn up formulating
unanimous conclusions on the theory of national guilds and the steps
necessary for their attainment. This conference was followed a
month or two later by a second conference at Oxford, where it was
definitely decided to proceed to the formation of a propagandist
organization for spreading the guild idea. A third and considerably
larger conference was held in London at Easter, 1915, and at this
conference the National Guilds League was definitely founded.

Work of the National Guilds League.
Since that time the spread of the guild idea has been rapid in the
trade-union world, among Socialists, and also among the professional
classes. The National Guilds League has directed its principal

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propaganda toward the trade-union world; but everywhere its groups
include not only trade-unionists but also professional men, teachers,
journalists, and even employers. It has never been, and has never
sought to be, a large organization. It has concentrated its propa­
ganda work entirely upon the question of industrial and professional
self-government, and its aim has been to enroll persons willing to work
for the guild idea with a full understanding of its principles. Its
influence has therefore been out of all proportion to its numerical
strength; the influence of the National Guilds League has spread far
and wide, while its actual membership still remains at a few hundreds.
It has the advantage of possessing among its members a considerable
proportion of fairly well-known writers, and in consequence it is
enabled to spread its influence over a wide field.
A few instances will serve to explain the extent and character of
this influence. The new secretary of the Miners’ Federation of Great
Britain, Mr. Frank II. Hodges, is a guildsman. Before attaining
to his present position he moved, at the 1918 miners’ conference, a
resolution calling for the redrafting of the mines nationalization bill
on guild lines. This was carried, and the miners proceeded to redraft
their bill accordingly. Early in 1919 they were called upon to lay
their proposals before the coal commission. Their principal witness
was Mr. W. Straker, another guildsman, secretary of the Northumber­
land Miners’ Association, who presented before the commission a
scheme for guild control. Mr. It. H. Tawney, another guildsman, is
a member of the coal commission, together with Mr. Flodges. Thus,
while there are comparatively few actual miner members of the Na­
tional Guilds League, the policy of the league has to a great extent
secured the support of the Miners’ Federation.
The case is the same with the railway men. The programs both of
the National Union of It ail way men and of the Railway Clerks’
Association are closely in conformity with the proposals of the
National Guilds League, both alike aiming at the immediate national
ownership of the industry and at the establishment of a system of
joint control by the trade-unions and the State. The programs of
the post office trade-unions are even more closely allied to national
guilds, and in this case also there is a close personal association be­
tween the two movements.
A somewhat different instance is that of the National Union of
Teachers, which has just carried a national guilds amendment,
moved by Mr. W. W. Hill, an active guildsman, by an overwhelming
majority. In yet another sphere, the annual conference of the
Independent Labor Party has just redefined its objects so as to bring
them into conformity with guild ideas.


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Of course, it must not be imagined that the majority of British
workers, manual or professional, are national guildsmen, or have
ever heard of national guilds. The success of guild propaganda
comes largely from the fact that it is working with the grain, and
that circumstances are forcing the industries of Great Britain in the
direction of guild organization. The conscious guildsman is still a
rarity; but, with or without guildsmen, the guild idea continues to
make headway in theory and practice alike.

Industrial Self-Government.
It is now time to say more about the content and meaning of this
idea of which we have so far been describing the external manifes­
tations. Its central doctrine, as we have seen, is that the various
industries and services ought to be democratically administered by
those who work in them. It is, in fact, an attempt to apply to the
industrial sphere the principles of democracy and self-government
which, in theory at least, are accepted as applying in the sphere of
political government.
Guildsmen begin with an analysis of the existing industrial system
from the standpoint of the wage worker. Their initial dogma is one
which Mr. Gompers and others have made familiar (though with a
different meaning) in the United States. It is that the labor of a
human being is not a commodity or article of commerce, and that
the present wage system, in treating labor as a commodity, is guilty
of a violation of human justice and of human needs. Guildsmen
point out (in common with Marx and many other writers) that the
theory of the wage system is that the worker sells his labor power in
return for a wage, and in so doing surrenders all claim not only to
the product of his labor, but also to the control of the manner in
which his labor is used. It is true that this theory is not fully
realized in fact, because the collective intervention of trade-unions
in industrial affairs does give the workers, in varying degrees, a con­
siderable control over the manner in which their labor is used. This
control, however, is purely negative; it amounts at most to a veto
upon the employers’ proposals for the use of labor, and not to any
positive control by the workers over the conditions of their industry.
I t therefore necessarily tends to be restrictive rather than directive
in its operation.
This system, and indeed the whole existing industrial order, rests
upon the willingness of the workers, or the compulsion upon the
workers, to go on working for a wage. As soon as the workers refuse
to work for wages, and are strong enough to implement their refusal,
the wage system necessarily collapses. The vulnerable point of the
capitalist system is therefore to be found in its dependence upon the

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acquiescence of labor. The “ way out” of the wage system, in the
view of the national guilds writers, lies, then, in a refusal by the
workers to work for wages. This implies a growth in power and con­
sciousness on the part of labor, and a transference of the “ control of
labor” from the employers to the trade-unions. Guildsmen there­
fore work for a monopoly of labor and the creation of a blacklegproof trade-union organization, both by a widening of trade-union
membership among the manual workers, and by a progressive inclu­
sion in the trade-unions of the workers concerned in management,
technicians, professionals and supervisors.
The problem, however, is not merely one of widening trade-union
membership. It also involves a reorganization of trade-union
structure and policy. Guildsmen desire that trade-unions should
direct their policy expressly to the securing of control over industry
through the control of labor. They envisage the strategy of tradeunionism as a constant encroachment upon the sphere of control at
present occupied by the employer or his representatives. Two
instances will serve to indicate the general lines of this policy. In
the first place, foremen and other supervisors are at present appointed
and paid by the employer, and are often compelled to resign tradeunion membership, or at least active membership, on their appoint­
ment. Guildsmen desire that foremen and other direct supervisors
of labor should be chosen (subject to qualifications for the post) by
the workers, and that they should be members of the trade-unions
including these workers. Moreover, guildsmen desire that such
supervisors should be paid by the union and not by the employer.
Indeed, they desire that all workers should be in this position, the
union making a collective contract with the employer for the whole
of the labor employed, and then paying the various individuals,
including the supervisors, out of the sum realized. This might
operate either under a time-work, or under a collective piecework,
system.
Secondly, guildsmen lay great stress upon the development of
workshop organization as an integral part of trade-union machinery.
They see in the shop steward and the trade-union works committee
the germ of an organization capable of assuming control of the pro­
ductive processes in the workshop. They have therefore devoted
considerable attention to the growth of this movement, and have
endeavored to bring out the importance of giving to it, as far as
possible, a constructive character. At the same time, they have
urged the importance of giving to workshop machinery a greater rec­
ognition and a more assured place in trade-union organization. In
particular, they have emphasized the need for using workshop ma12277S0— 193

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chinery as a means of fitting the trade-unions for assuming the
function of industrial management.
Of course, the greatest barrier to development in the lines sug­
gested above is recognized by guildsmen as lying in the present
chaotic and sectional organization of British trade-unionism. They
are therefore advocates of union by industry, and of the systematic
amalgamation of trade-unions on industrial lines. They recognize
that it is impossible for the workers to assume any considerable
measure of control while they are divided among a large number of
sectional, and often competing or overlapping, unions, so that in any
particular establishment the workers employed often belong to as
many as a dozen separate societies and sometimes to many more.
A real policy of control clearly implies the unification of forces, and
guildsmen have therefore been prominent in the movement for
amalgamation, and also for the organization of the salaried em­
ployees in trade-unions and, wherever possible, their fusion in one
society with the manual workers.

Nationalization of Industry.
Some of the measures suggested above are directed primarily to
the assumption of control in cases in which industries continue to
be privately owned. Guildsmen, however, are opposed to private
ownership of industry, and strongly in favor of public ownership.
Of course this does not mean that they desire to see industry bureau­
cratically administered by State departments. They aim at the
control of industry by national guilds including the whole personnel
of the industry. But they do not desire the ownership of any indus­
try by the workers employed in it. Their aim is to establish indus­
trial democracy by placing the administration in the hands of the
workers, but at the same time to eliminate profit by placing the own­
ership in the hands of the public. Thus the workers in a guild will
not be working for profit. The prices of their commodities and indi­
rectly at least the level of their remuneration will be subject to a
considerable measure of public control. The guild system is one of
industrial partnership between the workers and the public, and is
thereby sharply distinguished from the proposals known as “ Syn­
dicalist.”
Immediately, guildsmen press for the nationalization or munici­
palization of the ownership of every industry or service which can be
regarded as ripe for public ownership, and especially of such great
public service as mines, railways, and other transport, shipbuilding,
and electricity. At the same time, in connection with any such
measure of nationalization, they aim at the immediate establishment
of a system of joint control, in order that the workers may at once

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assume the fullest share in the administration that is immediately
practicable. For instance, in the case of the mines, guildsmen sug­
gest as an immediate measure administration by a mining council
half of which will represent the mining trade-unions, the other half
being appointed by the State from technical experts and, perhaps,
from persons chosen to represent consumers. This would not, of
course, mean the setting up of a mining guild; but it would, in the
opinion of guildsmen, be a long step toward the creation of such a
body.

Theoretical Aspects of National Guilds Movement.
Turning now to some of the more theoretical aspects of the na­
tional guilds system: As explained at the outset, the government
idea of national guilds is that of industrial self-government and
democracy. Guildsmen hold that democratic principles are fully as
applicable to industry as to politics. Indeed, they feel that political
institutions can never be really or fully democratic unless they are
combined with democratic institutions in the industrial sphere.
Their contention is that true democracy must really be functional
democracy, in the sense that a democratic commonwealth can only
be based on the democratic organization of all its parts. From the
standpoint of the individual citizen this means that he should be
self-governing in relation to the various functions which he per­
forms—self-governing in his economic life as a producer as well as
in his life as a member of the State or local authority.
The basic argument put forward by national guildsmen is a two­
fold argument. I t is at once human and economic. On the human
side, it urges that human freedom, in the sense of self-government,
is an ultimate good; and that any system that does not assure this
self-government has to incur the blame of inhumanity. The human
argument is that men ought to be self-governing, quite apart from
the economic consequences of self-government.
The economic argument is rather more complicated. It is that
the best way of getting industry efficiently organized is to rely on
the good will, and to enlist to the full the cooperation, of the persons
employed in it. This general argument, moreover, is strongly rein­
forced by a reference to the immediate economic situation. Guilds­
men point out that the control over labor hitherto exercised by the
capitalist under the existing system is breaking down; its operation
is already subject to considerable limitations, and its progressive
limitation is proceeding at an increasing rate. The continuance of
capitalist industry and of the wage system is thus becoming con­
stantly more precarious, more liable to interruptions by labor troubles,
and more seriously menaced with absolute stoppage. Guildsmen
contend that before the existing system completely breaks down, it

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is necessary to begin its replacement by a democratic system, and
that this replacement must begin at once if an intervening period of
anarchy, following upon a complete breakdown of the wage system,
is to be avoided. Above everything else, the guildsman contends
that the future of society can be assured only by the adoption of an
economic system based on trust of the individual worker and on the
enlistment of human cooperation in industry by the progressive
establishment of democratic forms and methods of administration.


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PRICES AND COST OF LIVING.
Retail Prices of Food in the United States.
HE retail price of 22 articles of food combined for which weights
were secured for the United States was 2 per cent higher on May
T
15, 1919, than on April 15, 1919. Of 41 articles for which prices
were secured for May 15, 1919, and April 15, 1919, making comparison
possible, 26 show an increase in price in May, 1919, as compared with
April. The greatest increase, 55 per cent, was in the price of onions.
This was due to the new onions haying just come on the market.
Eggs increased 8 per cent; lard, 10 per cent; potatoes and prunes, 6
per cent each; cabbage and coffee, 5 per cent each; pork chops and
flour, 4 per cent each; round steak, ham, oleomargarine, corn meal
and bananas, 3 per cent each; sirloin steak and rib roast, 2 per cent
each; chuck roast, hens, evaporated milk, cheese, Crisco, corn flakes,
and raisins, 1 per cent each. Nut margarine, Cream of Wheat, and
tea increased less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.
The following articles showed a decrease in price in May as com­
pared with April: Butter, 5 per cent; oranges, 3 per cent; bacon,
lamb, salmon, fresh milk, navy beans, baked beans, canned corn,
and canned tomatoes, 1 per cent each. Plate beef decreased less
than five-tenths of 1 per cent.
Bread, rice, canned peas, and sugar showed no change in price.
Prices are given this month for two articles not previously shown,
rolled oats and macaroni.
The increase in the cost of 22 food articles, for which weights were
secured, on May 15, 1919, as compared with May 15, 1918, was 17
per cent. In this period, onions increased 91 per cent; potatoes, 50
per cent; prunes, 41 per cent; coffee, 35 per cent; butter, 33 per cent;
cheese, 26 per cent; eggs, 25 percent; ham, 20 per cent; pork chops,
17 per cent; lard, 18 per cent; sugar, 16 per cent; hens, 15 per cent;
flour, 14 per cent; fresh milk, 13 per cent; bacon, 12 per cent; sirloin
steak and rib roast, 11 per cent each; round steak, rice, tea, and raisins,
9 per cent; lamb and salmon, 8 per cent each; chuck roast, 7 per cent;
plate beef, 3 per cent. Navy beans decreased 33 per cent and com
meal 11 per cent. There was no change in the price of bread or corn
meal.

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Effort is made by the bureau to secure quotations on similar
grades of commodities in the different cities. There are, however,
some local customs which must be considered when any comparison
is made of the prices in the different cities. The method of cutting
sirloin steak in Boston, Mass.; Manchester, N. H.; Philadelphia,
Pa.; Providence, R. I.; and Portland, Me., differs from that in other
cities. The cut known as “ sirloin” in these five cities would be in
other cities known as “ porterhouse.” There is in these cities, owing
to the methods of dividing the round from the loin, no cut that
corresponds to that of “ sirloin” in other cities. There is also a
greater amount of trimming demanded by the retail trade in these
cities than in others. This is particularly true of Providence, R. I.
These, together with the fact that almost all the cattle sold are
corn fed, are the main reasons why the retail prices of meats in
these cities are higher than in others.


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AVERAGE RETA IL PRICES AND P E R CENT OF INCREASE OR DECREASE IN T H E
UNITED STATES MAY 15,1919, COMPARED W ITH MAY 15, 191S, AND A PR . 15, 1919.
Per cent of in­
crease ( + ) or
decrease (—)
May 15, 1919,
co m p ared
with—

Average retail price.
Article.

Sirloin s te a k ....................................................
Round steak......................................................
Rib roast.................................................
Chuck roast......................................................
Plate beef......................................................
Pork chops........................... .......................
Bacon.. 5 .......................................................
H am ..................................................
Lam b.....................
Hens...........................................
Salmon, canned.........................................
Milk, fresh................................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened)....................
B u tter......................................................
Oleomargarine „...........................................
N u t m argarine........................................
Cheese......................................................
L ard.......................................................
Crisco.................................................
Eggs, strictly fresh...............................
Bread.........................................
F lour...............................................
Com meal............................. ........
Rolled oats....................................
Corn flakes...................................
Cream of W heat....................
Rice...................................................
Maearoni......................................
Beans, n av y .....................................
Potatoes...................................................
Onions........................................
Cabbage..............................................
Beans, baked................................
Cora, canned........................
Peas, canned...........................................
Tomatoes, canned........................
Sugar, granulated........................
T ea....................................
Coilee................................................
Prunes...................................
Raisins....................................
Bananas..............................
Oranges............................
22 weighted articles combined__

Unit.

.. do.
do

. .do
(2)
Pound___
...d o .......

Pound 4_..

May 15,
191S.

Anr. 15,
1919.

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

40.0
38.0
31.8
27.8
21.9
36.7
50.5
45.6
36.8

43.7
40.5
34.6
29.4
22.6
41.4
57.2
52.9
43.0
32.2
15.0
15.0

29.6
13.2
51.0

39.2
35.2
41.9
35.3
33.4
49.3

33.4
32.9
42 4
9.8
7.0

Pound. . . .
do
do

6.0
14.0
25.0

12.3
17. 8
2.2
5.6

12.1
3.1
6.9
9.1
17.7
19.2
19.0
15.9
19.6
69.7
38.5
21.9
18.3
37.6
55.5

9.1
63.8
30.1
16.5
15.1

May 15, May 15, Apr. 15,
1919.
1918.
1919.
C e n ts .

44. 4
41.6
35.2
20.7
22.5
43.0

+ 11
+ 9
+ 11
+ 3
+ 17
+ 12
+ 20
+ 8
+ 15
+ 8
+ 13

54.6
39.6
43.5
31.9
14.9
15.1
67.9
40.4
35.3
43.2
38. 8
33.9
53.1
9.8
7.5
6.2
8.4

+ 3
-1+

1
1
1
1

+ 3
+ 26
+25
(?)
+14
-11

25.1
13.4
19.0
12.0

+ 9

10.7
9.6

+ 91

+ 1
+ I
+ 8
«
+ 3
+ 1
(*)
(»)
- 1

io li
19.0
15.8

+55
+ 5
- i
0)

69.8
40.5
23.2

+ 9
+35
+ 41
+ 9

33.8
51.1

1

1 Decrease of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.
2 13-15 ounce can.
s Increase of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.

+ 3
+ 2
+ 1
(!)

+ 17

V/
(*)
+ 6

+ 2

Baked weight.
5 No change in price.

*

For the six-year period, May 15, 1913, to May 15, 1919, the increase
for food as a whole was 91 per cent. Nine articles show an increase
of over 100 per cent, namely, lard, 146 per cent; flour, 127 per cent;
bacon, 110 per cent; corn meal, 107 per cent; pork chops and
potatoes, 106 per cent each; ham and lamb, 104 per cent each; and
eggs, 102 per cent.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[35]

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

36

. Other articles increased
each; butter, 89 per cent;
per cent; chuck roast, 84
75 per cent; sirloin, 73 per

as follows: Sugar and hens, 96 per cent
round steak, 87 per cent; plate beef, 86
per cent; rib roast, 77 per cent; bread,
cent; and milk, 69 per cent.

A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R IC E S A N D P E R C E N T O F I N C R E A S E O R D E C R E A S E I N T H E
U N I T E D S T A T E S M A Y 15 O F E A C H S P E C I F I E D Y E A R C O M P A R E D W I T H M A Y 15, 1913.

Per cent of increase (+ ) or de=
crease (—) May 15 of each
specified year compared,
with May 15, 1913.

Average retail prices, May 15Article.

Unit.

1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919
C ts .

C ts .

Sirloin steak.................. Pound. . 2 5 .7
Round steak................. ...d o ....... 22.3
19.9
16.1
12.1

25.9
23.3
20.1
17.0
12.5

25.7
23.0
19.9
16.3
12.3

27.8
25.0
21.6
17.5
13.1

32.2
29.6
25.7
21.8
16.6

40.0
38.0
31.8
27.8
21.9

44.4
41.6
35.2
29.7
22.5

Pork chops.................... . ..do....... 20.9
27.0
26.8
19.4
22.2

22.2
26.7
26.8
19.8
22.7

20.9
26.4
25.6
21.7
21.5

22.9
28.4
31.8
23.2
24.1

30.6
41.6
38.8
29.7
29.3

36.7
50.5
45.6
36.8
37.9

43.0
56.7
54.6
39.6
43.5

8.8

8.9

C ts .

Milk, fresh..................... Q u art...

C ts .

(2)

Cts.

C ts .

C ts .

+
+
+
+
+

1
4
1
6
3

C1)

+ 3
(i)
+ 1
+ 2

+ 8+
+ 12 +
+ 9+
+ 9+
+ 8+

25 +
33 +
29 +
35 +
37 +

56 ■+* 73
70 + 87
60 + 77
73 + 84
81 + 86

+ 10 + 46 + 76 +106
8/ +110
G) - 5 + 19 + 45 + 70 +104
+ 2 + 12 +20 + 53 + 90 +104
+ 2 - 3 + 9 + 32 + 71 + 96

+ 6 0)

- 1 - 2 + 5 + 54

19.8 20.0 25.7 29.6 31.9
8.7 8.8 10.5 13.2 14.9 *+* 1 - 1 C1) + 19 + 50 + 69
15.1

B u tter............................ Pound.. 35.9 32.7 34.7 37.0 46.5 51.0 67.9 - 9 - 3 + 3 + 30 + 42 + 89
40.4
35.3
23.5 24.8 33.8 33.4 42.2
32.9
38.8 - 1 - 4 +27 + 76 + 108 + 146
20.1
27.8
15.8 15.6 15.1
33.9
42.4
53.1
28.1
39.8
26.3
+ 1 (*) + 7 + 51 + 61 + 102
E g g s, strictly fresh....... Dozen... 26.3 26.6
Bread.............................. Pound 3.
Flour.............................. Pound..

5.6

6.2

3.3

3.3

3.0

3.1

7.2
4.5

7.0
3.9

3.3

3.3

9.6
8.7
5.4

c4)
(5)

9.1
1.6

1.9

7.6
1.6
4.3

Sugar, granulated......... Pound..
Coffee

.

5.4

5.0

9.8
6.6
7.0

9.8 + 11 +29 +25 + 71 + 75 + 75
7.5 C ) + 36 + 18 + 164 + 100 + 127
6.2 + 3 + 10 +10 + 80 + 133 + 107
8.4
14.1

25.1
9.1 10.5 12.3 13.4
19.0
9.4 19.1 17.8 12.0
2.5 6.1 2.2 3.3 + 19 (0
5.1

8.6

+56 +281 + 38 + 106

5.6 10.7
9.6
17.5
19.1
19.0

15.8
6.8 8.5 10.0 9.1 10.6 - 7 +26 +57 + 85 + 69 + 96
54.6 54.6 55.7 63. 8 69.8
27.9 29.9 30.2 30.1 40.5
13.7 13.3 15.3 16.5 23.2
12.5 12.6 14.4 15.1 16.5
38.8
54.1

+ 1 +

All articles combined...
1 N o c h a n g e in pric e .
2 15-16 o u n ce ca n .


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

8 B a k e d w e ig h t.
package.

* 8-ounce

[36]

3

+ 13 + 56 + 64 +

8 28-ounce p a ck a g e .

91

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

37

R ELA TIV E R E T A IL PRICES OF FOOD IN TH E UNITED STATES ON APR. 15 AND MAY 15
1919, AND MAY 15, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, AND 1918.
’
[The relative price is the per cent th at the average price on the 15th of each month is of the average
price for the year 1913.]
1919
Article.

May 15—

Unit.
Apr. 15. May 15.

Sirloin steak..................... P ound__

B utter............................. . P ound___
Milk..................................
B read............................... P ound___
Flour.................................
.do......
All articles combined......


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

172
182

1913

1914

1915

1916

1917

1918

184
188

175
187
178
186
188

101
100
101
101
101

102
105
102
103
104

101
103
101
101
102

109
112
110
109
108

127
133
130
134
136

157
170
161
174
183

197
212
197
223
202

205
210
203
246
204

100
100
99
100
104

106
99
99
98
106

99
98
95
96
101

109
105
118
127
113

146
155
144
176
138

175
187
170
?08
178

143
186
169
172

154
177
167
172

76
94
99
100

77
85
100
110

76
91
99
128

82
97
99
124

116
122
117
170

123
133
148
174

218
200
182
193

227
207
194
193

101
98
91
97

99
103
112
91

139
109
89
124

119
108
140
156

266
178
352
183

200
233
129
165

182

185

97

98

100

109

151

158

[37]

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

38

AVERAGE R E T A IL PRICES OF THE PR IN C IPA L ARTICLES OF FOOD ON
(The prices shown in the tables following are computed from reports sent m onthly to the bureau by retail
Baltimore, Md.

Atlanta, Ga.
Article.

Unit.

May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

1919
Apr. May.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ls .

C ts .

S irlo in s t e a k .................................
R o u n d s t e a k ................................
R ib ro a s t........................................
C h u c k ro a s t.................................. ... i
P la te b e ef............................ ..............'

23.3
22.0
18.7
15.7
12.8

24.4
22.4
18.0
15.6
13.1

32.6
30.2
24.6
22.0
18.2

40.9
40.2
32.7
28.1
22.7

46.1
44.7
36.6
31.7
25.7

45.8
41.3
36.5
31.0
24.3

P o r k c h o n s ........................................
B aco n , s lic e d ....................................
H a m , s lic e d .......................................
L a m b . . ..............................................
H e n s .................... ................................

18.3
23.3
31.0
18.0
22.6

19.6
23.8
30.0
18.8
21.8

29.0
37.8
42.5
31.3
29.8

38.6
46.2
49.1
38.8
39.8

40.7
50.2
57.2
42.1
46.7

42.1
51.4
58.2
42.7
47.0

S a lm o n , c a n n e d ...............................
M ilk , fr e s h ........................................
M ilk , e v a p o ra te d (u n sw ee te n e d )
B u t t e r .................................................
O le o m a rg a rin e ................._•.............

21.3 26.0 29.0
8.7 11.0 13.0 14.3
14.8
38.6 34.9 48.9 54.3 74.7
..... ..... ..... ..... 37.0
»
34.5
35.0 34.6 42.1
14.3 14.4 26.5 32.1 33.7
31.8
22.4 23.4 38.4 41.0 47.9

28.8
14.0
14.9
73.5
38.0

8.8

N u t m a rg a rin e ................................
C h eese.................................................
L a r d ...... .............................................
C risco..................................................
E g g s, s tr ic tly fr e s h ...................... .

5.4
12.7
2.4

B r e a d ..............................................
F l o u r ...................................................
C orn m e a l.......... ...............................
R o lle d o a ts ........................................
C o m fla k e s........................................
C ream of W h e a t . ............................
M acaro n i............................................
R ic e .....................................................
B e a n s , n a v y .....................................
P o ta to e s .............................................

1.9

5.6
3.2
2.5

8.8
8.6
5.4

4.3

C3

OC

4.5

9.6 10.0
7.3 7.7
5.4 5.5
7.3
13.1 13.1

23.2 23.7
16.5
10.0 12.0 13.1 13.1
18.4 18.1 12.6 12.6
1.9 6.4 2.1 3.0 3.5

O n io n s ................................................
C ab b ag e..............................................
B e a n s , b a k e d ...................................
C orn, c a n n e d ....................................
P e a s , c a n n e d ....................................
T o m a to e s , c a n n e d ..........................
S u g a r, g r a n u la te d ..........................
T e a .......................................................
Coffee...................................................

9.7
6.7
6.5

35.0
42.7
37.5
33.2
51.4

4.7

6.3
10.5
15.9
18.8
18.3

11.0
9.6
15.1
18.9
18.5

14.5 14.6
9.1 8.5 10.1 10.1
55.0 66.3 72.5 72.8
23.5 28.5 36.5 37.9
14.5 16.6 21.9 24.1
14.3 15.1 16.0 16.3
30.0 31.7
56.4 58.0

P r u n e s ................................................
R a is in s ................................................
B a n a n a s .............................................
O ran g es..............................................

1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is known as “ porterhouse” in most of the cities included
in this report, b ut in this city it is called “ sirloin” steak.
215-16-ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[38]

39

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
MAY 15, 1913, 1914, 1917, 1918, 1919, AND A PR . 15, 1919, FOR 19 CITIES.

dealers. As some dealers occasionally fail to report, the num ber of quotations varies from month to m onth.]
Birmingham, Ala.

May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Boston, Mass
1919

Apr. May.

May, May, Mav, Mav,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Buffalo N. Y.
1919
Apr. May.

May, May, May, Mav,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

1919
Apr. May.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

29.0
23.5
21.0
17.5
13.0

C ts .

C ts .

33.0
30.5
26.5
22.9
18.2

42.1
39.3
32.1
27.5
19.7

44.3
41.5
35.6
31.0
23.9

45.4 137.0 134.7
42.7 34.0 34.3
36.6 24.4 24.7
31.3 17.0 16.8
23.5

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

26.8
22.5
19.9
16.8
10.5

C ls .

C ts .

C ts .

149.2
50.5
34.2
30.2

‘60.1
57.5
41.6
31.5

C ts .

m .5
40.9
29.3
24.8

22.3
19.3
17.5
15.3
11.8

22.8
19.8
17.2
15.6
12.5

30.5
28.2
24.2
21.4
16.3

C ts .

102.7
59.4
42.1
33.1

37.3
35.1
29.9
27.3
21.1

39.4
36.9
32.1
28.4
21.9

20.8
33.1
30.0
21.7
18.0

23.4
34.0
33.0
22.0
19.5

30.6
45.0
42.0
31.0
22.6

34.5
53.8
45.6
35.0
32.8

39.9
62.6
53.7
46.4
38.6

41.2
62.4
55.4
44.5
37.9

23.4
25.4
31.8
23.5
25.6

31.7
40.8
42.5
31.4
32.0

36.0
47.2
46.9
36.9
41.1

42.8
51.0
56.4
41.3
43.7

44.7
52.9
56.7
41.7
45.4

19.8 22.2 31.9 38.0 42.1
22.0 ■21.2 41.5 47.5 47.7
25.7 26.3 39.3 46.3 51.3
18.7 18.0 28.1 33.9 36.1
22.5 22.4 31.0 39.2 43.6

44.5
49.0
53.7
34.7
42.4

28.0 31.0 32.3
8.9 11.0 14.5 15.5
15.4
33.3 47.5 51.0 72.3
40.1

31.3
15.5
15.6
68.4
40.8

24.1 28.1 28.7
8.0 11.0 13.0 14.0
14.5
31.0 44.6 50.6 70.9
39.2

28 7
15.0
14 5
66.2
39 3

34.6
33.3 33.1 42.8
15.6 27.9 33.1 36.4
33.4
32.5 48.7 52.4 60.6

35.9
42.1
40.0
33.8
66.8

25.4

33.4
32.1 31.8 40.0
13.9 26.8 31.2 34.2
31.1
26.0 40.9 43.4 49.4

33 4
40 5
38.9
31 9
53.9

9.5
8.1
6.8

5.6
3.0
2.5

9.5
6.6
5.5

9.7
7.3
5.5
70
12.9

10.3
41.0

15.8
23.8

C ts .

25.0 26.4 32.6 33.0
10.0 12.8 15.5 20.0 20.0
16.8 16.5
37.5 50.8 53.3 76.7 73.9
41.2 43.5
40.0
34.2 33.4 42.9
15.8 27.7 31.8 35.0
33.1
25.0 36.7 38.3 46.3

39.0
42.6
39.4
33.8
48.8

5.3
3.8
2.2

5.6 10.9 10.0
3.7 8.5 7.0
2.5 4.9 5.5

1.9

25.3 25.3
22.0
10.0 12.0 13.1 13.2
18.0 18.4 14.0 13.6
2.3 6.7 2.5 4.1 4.3
10.0

5.2

5.1

9.7
7.4
5.2

9.7
7.7
5.4
10.6
14.7 14.7

8.8
9.4
20.1
20.2
21.8

10.5
9.3
19.5
19.6
21.2

14.0
5.0 11.4 9.2 11.1
71.0 77.3 86.2
31.7 33.1 40.5

14.2
11.0
86.3
42.7

15.0 15.3 22.5
14.7 16.9 17.7
40.6
54.7

24.8
17.6
39.2
56.7

C ts .

8.9
36.0

16.0
32.1

C ts .

23.0
25.0
30.0
22.7
25.8

8.0
34.1

14.3

5.9
3.7
3.6

5.9
3.8
3.5

13.7 13.8

12.7
24.0

1.8

24.8 24.8
20.4
11.0 12.5 13.8 13.8
19.1 17.9 11.7 11.8
2.0 6.1 2.5 3.0 3.7

9.1
9.3
6.5

8.6

5.2

4.9

9.1
6.8
7.8

5.6

9.2
7.6
6.6

6.9
11. 7
18.6
21.4
21.7

16. 4 17.2 23.5
14.6 15.1 15. 8
43. 0
55.9

1.4

5.0
3.0
2.8

6 7
85
13.9
18. 4
17.5

10 9
10 1
13.9
18. 2
17.3

8.5

5.3

40.2
37.7
33.1
28.9
22 0

24 0
20.2
13 0
10 9
3.1

4.7

24.1
16 0
45.8
59.1
5 28-ounce package.
6 No. 2 can.

[39]

9.6 10.2
8.8 6.2
5.7 7.2

C ts .

10 1 12 3 13 0
19 1 17. 9 10 9
1.8 6.6 2.1 2.7

12.8
10 7
18.3
22.1
21.6

17.3 17 4
9.5 9.3 10.4 10.5
63.4 64. 8 67 4 66 2
34.0 34.2 45.1 45.5

s Baked weight.
4 8-ounce package.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

C ts .

4.8

15 2
9.8 9.0 10.3
51 0 57 6 64 8
28 7 2Q 9 36 5
14 5 17 2 22 2
13.1 14.0 14 8
41 9
57.4

15 9
10.4
66 n

39 5
9.4 3

14 9
42.6
58.6

40

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
A V E R A G E R E T A I L P R I C E S O F T IL E P R I N C I P A L A R T I C L E S O F F O O D O N

Chicago, 111.
Article.

Unit.

Cleveland, Ohio.
1919

May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

1919
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..

C ts .

C ls.

C ls .

C ls .

22.6
19.1
19.1
15.2
11.3

C ls .

24.7
21.5
20.4
10.2
12.2

29.3
25.7
24.4
20.9
16.1

35.6
32.0
30.1
26.5
20.3

39.7
35.7
34.2
29.2
21.4

39.5
36.0
34.1
28.7
21.0

25.2
22.0
20.0
17.2
12.1

Pork chops.................................... L b ..
Bacon, sliced................................. L b ..
Lb.
Lamb............................................. L b ..
Hens.......................... ................... L b ..

18.0
31.4
32.5
20.3
21.2

20.8
31.6
31 7
20.9
21.2

27.4
42.7
40 3
31.1
28.5

33.1
53.3
43.3
35.0
33.9

37.9
58.2
54 6
38.3
40.3

38.6
59.7
56 6
38.4
41.2

21.0 22.9 32.5 35.4 43.3 44.3
27.1 27.8 42.7 48.9 55.5 56.3

Sirloin steak ..................................
Round steak.................................
Rib roast.......................................
Chuck roast...................................
Plate beef......................................

Salmon, canned............................
Milk, fresh....................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened).
B u tter...........................................
Oleomargarine..............................

C ts .

C ls .

C ts .

C ts .

C ls .

26.1
22.9
19.7
17.4
11.7

C ls .

31.5
29.3
25.0
22.7
16.0

37.5
35.7
30.1
27.1
21.0

39.9
37.5
32.2
29.0
22.0

C ls .

41.4
3S.1
32.8
29.7
21.7

2L 0 20.7 30.6 34.9 39,6 38.1
22.9 23.1 31.4 39.8 45.8 45.5

L b ..
27.4 30.0 32.5 32.2
9R 5
Q t.. 8.0 8.0 10.0 11.9 13.0 13.0 S.O 8.0 10.0 13.0 13.0 13.0
(!)
14.0 14.4
16 1 16 9
L b .. 32.5 29.9 43.1 47.5 67.1 62.4 36.8 34.2 47.2 50.8 72.0 67.7
L b ..
36.8 38.9

N ut m argarine.............................
Cheese............................................
L ard................... ..........................
Crisco..........................................
Eggs, strictly fresh.......................

L b ..
33.4 33.8
L b ..
33. 4 34 3 40 5
L b .. 14.7 15.1 26.3 32.2 34.0 37.6 16.5 16.2 29.7 31.9 36.4 41.0
32.9 33.3
Doz. 23.7 23.5 39.2 39.6 46.6 51.2 25.6 25.3 43.7 42.4 51.0 54.8
Bread............................................. Lb.2 6.1 6.1 9.6 10.2 10.0 10.0 5.5 5.6 10.1 10.0 9.7 9.7
I lorn............................................. L b .. 2.8 2.9 8.2 6.4 6.8 7.4 3.2 3.2 9.2 6.7 7.3 7.8
Corn meal...................................... L b .. 2.9 2.8 5.7 7.1 5.8 5.8 2.7 2.9 5.3 7.1 5.9 5.8
Rolled cats.................................. L b ..
6.5
Corn flakes.................................... (3)
12.6 12.5

Cream cf W heat...........................
Macaroni......................................
Rico...............................................
Beans, navy..................................
Potatoes........................................

(4)
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b .. 1.3

Onions........................................... L b ..
Cabbage......................................... L b ..
Beans, baked................................ (5)
Corn, canned......................
(5)
Peas, canned................................. (5)
Tomatoes, canned........................ (6)
Sugar, granulated........................ L b .. 4.9
T ea................................................
Coffee............................................. L b ..
Prunes.......................................... L b ..
Raisins........................................... L b ..
Bananas........................................ Doz.
Oranges.........................................

23.9 23.9
18.8
10.2 12.6 13.3 13.6
19.6 17.7 11.2 11.3
1.6 5.6 1.8 2.5 2.8
50
9.0
16.4
17.7
17.3

10 8
9.1
16.3
17.8
17.5

16.4
9.9 8.7 9.9
53.7 58.4 12 0
28.9 29.1 35.7

16.1
10.0
69 8
36.9

7.0

4.9

3.7

24.9
1.5

1.9

5.1

7.1

2.0

7.8

4.6

5.0 10.2

15.5 16 7 22 3 94 5
14.7 14.9 16.7 16 6
35.1 35.8
49.9 51.4


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

2Baked weight.

[40]

3.2

9.0 10.8 10.8

13.9 14.2
1

115-16 ounce can.

3.1

38-ounce package.

ZO. J
55.2 54.0


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

42

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW,
AVERAGE R E TA IL PRICES OP THE PRIN CIPA L ARTICLES OF FOOD ON
"
Article.

Milwaukee, Wis.

New Orleans, La.
1919

Unit.
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

1919
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

Sirloin steak..................................
Round steak.................................
Rib roast.......................................
Chuck roast...................................
Plate beef......................................

22.0
20.5
18.5
16.5
11.5

29.6
27.4
24.2
22.4
16.0

C ts .

C ts .

35.6
34.0
29.1
26.9
20.8

39.3
37.1
32.8
29.7
22.5

40.1
37.7
33.4
30.1
22.4

C ts .

23.3
21.3
18.5
16.3
11.8

22.0
19.0
20.0
15.5
11.1

C ts.

28.7
24.6
21.7
19.1
15.6

34.1
30.9
30.2
24.1
18.9

C ts .

23.5
20.4
21.1
15.4
12.4

37.6
34.2
32.9
26.2
22.2

36.5
33.5
32.7
26.8
21.4

P ork chops....................................
Bacon, sliced.................................
Ham, sliced...................................
Lam b.............................................
Hens..............................................

L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..

19.5
26.8
27.3
20.0
22.0

21.0
27.3
27.7
19.2
22.4

28.8
41.8
38.2
32.3
30.8

33.5
49.6
45.6
37.6
35.1

38.3
55.7
53.2
39.7
42.7

40.1
57.1
54.3
39.7
42.9

22.5
29. S
26.0
20.1
21.1

23.9
30.3
26.0
21.4
22.3

30.8
48.1
38.5
30.4
28.7

37.5
50.8
43.4
38.6
35.7

44.3
60.3
50.4
43.8
44.1

43.9
62.0
51.8
43.4
42.4

Salmon, canned............................
Milk, fresh....................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened).
B u tte r. . ?............ '.....................1.
Oleomargarine..............................

L b ..
25.4 27.9 33.0 33.1
26.8 31.1 34. a 36 2
Q t.. 7.0 7.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 12.0 10.0 9.7 9.6 14.3 16.0 16.5
(2). .
15.8 15.7
14.9 15 0
L b .. 33.5 30.6 44.1 47.9 69.1 64.2 35.0 32.0 45.7 50.9 72.6 68.7
L b ..
.39.6 42 4
38.3 40.3

N u t m argarine.............................
C h e e s e . ......................................
L ard...............................................
Crisco.............................................
Eggs, strictly fresh......................

L b ..
33.4 33.2
35 6 36 1
L b ..
,34. 5 31.9 41 Q
31.6 29.8 39.2 40.0
L b .. 15.5 15.9 28.3 32.6 35.8 40.0 14.9 14.8 26.7 32.6 34.3 37.9
L b ..
.34 7
33.5 34.0
Doz. 21.3 22.0 37.7 38.4 45.2 49.3 23.6 23.4 36.8 37.1 44.6 45.9

B read.............................................
Flour................................. ...........
Corn m eal......................................
Rolled oats....................................
Corn flakes....................................

(3) -- 5 . 5
L b .. 3.1
L b .. 3.0
L b ..
(4). .

Cream of W h eat.......................... (5 ). .
Macaroni........................................ L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
Potatoes..."................................... L b .. 1.1
Onions...........................................
Cabbage.........................................
Beans, baked................................
Corn, canned.................................
Peas^ canned.................................

L b ..
L b ..
(«)..
(»). .
(«)..

Tomatoes, canned........................ («)..
Sugar, granulated........................ L b .. 5.3
L b ..
Coffee............................................. L b ..
P runes........................................... L b ..
Raisins.......................................... L b ..
Bananas........................................
Oranges......................................... Doz.

5.9
3.1
3.3

8.7
9.0
6.5

9.2
6.6
7.3

9.2
7.7
5.8
7.4
13.9 14.1
9.2
7.0
5.7

5.2
3.8
2.6

24.6 24.9
19.1
TO 7 T2 6 14 6 14 6
20.8 18.1 11.2 11 1
1.6 6.1 1.7 2.7 3.0 1.9
8.6

3.7

5 7
10.0
16.7
18.7
18.1

22 8
16.7
38.6
54.8

9.1
8.7
5.3

9.5
7.2
6.2

9.1
7.5
5.1

9.2
7.6
5.2

14

14 1

24.8 24 7
11 Q
2.3

10.5
10.6
16.5
18.4
17.9

16.2 16.7
4.9 10.2 8.9 10.6 10.6 5.1
56 5 58 4 66 7 66 0
28.3 26.5 35.8 38. .3
16.0 16.0 21.6
15.0 14.9 16.3
37.5
57.9

4.8
3.7
2.8

4.7

T8 9. 16 3 111
6.4 2. Ö 3.7

4.5

6.7 8 ?
5 .3
18 1
17 6
18 6 IQ 0

6.8

2.4

9.9

14J) 14 Q
8.8 10.3 10.3

26 4
15 1 16 2 21 3
14.8 15.3
56.0 60. 1
1

1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is known as “ porterhouse” in most of the cities included
in this report, but in this city it is called “ sirloin” steak.
215-16-ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[42]

43

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW
MAY 15, 1913, 1914, 1917, 1918, 1919, AND A PR. 15, 1919, FOR 19 CITIES—Continued.
New York, N. Y.
1919
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Pittsburg, Pa.

Philadelphia, Pa.

Apr. May.
C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C t s . C ts .

32.1
32.4
27.5
22.0
19.7

C ts .

26.3
25.7
21.9
16.8
15.1

40.0
40.6
35.1
27.8
25.7

45.3
47.0
41.3
32.0
28.0

45.6 130.0 130.0 136.8 147.4 ’•53.6 1*4.3
46.9 25.6 26.3 33.1 44.3 49.1 49.4
40.9 22.3 22.4 27.6 36.0 41.0 41.2
32.1 17.6 17.8 23.9 31.9 33.7 33.9
28.1 11.8 12.1 15.8 21.7 23.0 22.4

21.8
25.3
29i0
17.6
22.2

23.0
25.6
30.0
17.0
22.0

32.2
40.4
43.4
27.2
30.3

38.2
47.0
48.8
33.6
39.7

43.7
51.7
57.0
34.7
41.7

45.0
52.7
58.1
33.9
42.6

29.2 33.9 37.1
9.0 10.9 13.0 15.5
13.7
3Ì.9 45.7 51.8 72.9
37.5

36 6
15.7
14.2
67.2
39J5

33.5
34.0 33.8 42.7
15.5 27.1 32.6 36.0
32.3
32.6 45.0 48.0 56.9

33.5
43 1
38.7 15.3
32 4
59.6 26.1

9.8 10.0 10.0
9.2 7.1 7.3
6.5 8.0 7.0

4.8
3.1
2.7

4.8
3.1
2.7

2.3

24.1 24.2
20.7
10.2 13.0 14.4 14.3
18.0 17.7 11.7 11.8
2.7 7.2 2.6 3.9 4.1

9.0
35.4

15.7
30.8
6.0
3.2
3.4

6.1
3.2
3.5

2.5

23.9 24.0
19.7
10.0 12.1 13.3 13.2
18.9 17.9 12.7 12.4
2.6 7.5 2.8 4.2 4.3

8.8
7.8
6.9
7.5
12.0 12.0

8.5

4.8

4.4

7.0
11.7
16.0
19.3
18.3

40.3

44.9
55.1
57.8
43.4
44.6

47.2
56.2
59.9
43.1
46.5

23.4 26.6 28.5
9.0 12.0 13.0
14.7
38.0 52.5 58.0 77.9
40.8

29.0
13.0
14.8
73.3
42.3

36.3
36.1 37.0 46.5
15.3 27.6 32.9 34.5
31.2
27.3 41.3 44.4 49.8

36.5
46.8
38.1
31.8
54.7

31.8
40.6
44.6
30.7
31.1

8.9
8.8
4.6

26.9
15.9
36.4
57.6

4.2

9.5
7.1
7.2

11.6
10.5
14.3
18.4
18.4

13.6
8.9 8.7 10.0
57.1 59.1 60.9
27.4 27.2 34.3

14.3
10.0
61.5
36.2

14.9 16.8 22.6
13.4 14.3 15.0
35.5
58.3

24.2
14.9
36.0
55.3

5.3

May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

[43]

Apr. May.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

27.7
24.5
21.3
17.0
12.8

34.3
30.9
26.1
23.5
16.4

C ts .

27.0
23.3
21.8
16.5
11.9

44.5
41.3
34.0
30.7
22.7

48.1
44.0
37.7
32.5
23.4

48.9
44.9
38.4
32.9
23.4

22.0
28.8
29.4
21.2
27.3

23.3
29.1
30.5
22.3
27.6

32.3
42.1
43.6
33.0
35.3

38.5
51.5
50.0
39.5
43.3

43.8
57.0
59.3
41.7
49.9

44.8
59.1
62.0
42.2
48.1

25.2 31.2 32.4
9.2 10.3 12.5 14.0
14.5
33.8 47.1 52.4 73.1
38.8

32 0
14.3
14.8
68.6
40.5

35.9
33.1 33.9 41.5
15.5 27.5 33.4 35.3
33.2
25.2 40.9 43.7 49.4

34.8
41.7
39.4
33.6
54.3

8.6
37.2

15.5
24.1
5.4
3.1
2.7

5.3 10.4
3.2 8.9
3.0 5.8

9.8 10.0
6.7 7.1
7.5 6.1
13.7
25.0

1.6

10.1 12.4 14.0
20.1 18.4 11.9
1.8 6.7 2.3 3.0
8.6

5.5

5.4

10.0
7.6
6.2
88
13.4
25 1
18.0
14.1
11.9
3.2

6.8
10.9
17.1
19.2
18.5

12.6
11.3
17.3
19.1
18.3

15.1
5.5 10.7 9.6 10.7
64.6 72.7 80.3
28.4 29.4 37.7

15.0
10.6
78.0
40.6

14.9 17.4 23.4
14.6 14.1 16.0
41.1
59.3

24.7
15.9
42.5

6 2S-ounce package.
6 No. 2 can.

a Baked weight.
48-ounce package.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

9.4
7.5
5.3
7.7
12.3 12.3
9.4
7.1
5.6

6.5
11.7
14.2
19.3
18.1

7.7

4.9

40.0
50.0
51.7
38.1
42.4

8.0

11.6
9.4
15.7
19 6
18.1

15.1 14.7
9.1 8.8 10.0 9.9
49.2 54.6 54.1 55.0
26.3 27.3 35.0 36.7
15.7 17.1 23.3
13.9 14.8 15.6
35.7
54.7

8.0

23.0
26.4
30.1
20.4
24.2

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

20.8
25.6
30.8
21.4
23.0

C ts .

Apr. May.

26.3
25.0
22.3
16.3
14.5

C ts .

1919

1919
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

44

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
AVERAGE R E T A IL PRICES OF T H E PR IN C IPA L ARTICLES OF FOOD ON

San Francisco, Calif.

St. Louis, Mo.
Article.

1919

Unit.
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

1919
May, May, May, May,
1913. 1914. 1917. 1918.

Apr. May.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

Sirloin steak..................................
Round steak.................................
Rib roast.......................................
Chuck roast...................................
Plate beef......................................

Lb.
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ,.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

26.8
24.2
20.2
15.7
13.9

31.2
29.5
24.7
20.5
15.7

37.0
36.1
30.3
25.5
20.9

41.5
41.0
33.8
27.9
22.9

C ts .

23.3
21.1
18.0
13.7
11.0

C ts .

41.3
41.1
33.9
27.7
23.1

20.3
19.0
20.7
14.6
13.3

20.7
19.7
21.7
15.5
15.0

23.2
22.9
22.4
15.9
15.1

33.1
32.9
30.5
24.2
22.4

32.6
31.7
30.8
24.0
22.0

32.3
31.3
30.4
23.1
21.4

Pork chops....................................
Bacon, sliced.................................
Ham sliced...................................
Lam b.............................................
Hens..............................................

L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..

19.5
25.3
26.7
19.0
18.5

20.2
25.0
27.5
19.3
19.4

29.0
40.0
37.8
31.4
26.8

33.2
47.9
47.0
37.9
33.0

39.6
54.3
56.2
41.7
41.7

40.4
56.0
59.1
39.9
40.5

24.0
32.8
30.0
16.7
25.2

24.7
33.7
32.0
18.0
24.8

29.3
43.2
40.5
23.2
26.3

39.8
56.5
50.4
33.6
40.6

44.2
61.0
56.1
33.9
51.9

45.5
62.8
58.1
33.4
51.2

Salmon, canned............................
Milk, fresh .....................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened).
B u tter. .T.................................. .
Oleomargarine..............................

Lb
22. 7 29. 4
Q t .. 8.0 8.0 10.0 12.0
(')
L b .. 33.3 31.3 46.5 51.0
L b ..

30.6
13.0
14.4
72.3
37.1

23 3 25 8
30. 4
13.3 10.0 10.0 10.0 12.1
14.6
67.3 33.6 31.4 43.4 47.1
37.7

27 8
14.0
13.0
62.9
36.0

27 7
15.2
13.1
66.3
35.9

N ut margarine.............................
Cheese..“ ......................................
L ard..............................................
Crisco.............................................
Eggs, strictly fresh.......................

L b ..
34.6 34.5
36.5
L b ..
31.7 31.1 40.5 40.6
30.1 31.3 40.0
L b .. 13.7 i i è 25.4 29.3 34.1 38.6 18.3 17.4 28.2 34.0 34.4
L b ..
37.3 33.3 33. 7
34. 6
Doz. 20.0 21.1 37.8
45.7 48.9 24.5 30.0 39.5 43.0 51.7

34.5
41. 2
36.2
.35 5
56.3

Bread.............................................
F lour.............................................
Corn m eal.....................................
Rolled oats....................................
Corn flakes....................................

L b 2. 5.5
L b .. 3.0
L b .. 2.1
L b ..
(3)

5.6 9.9 10.20 10.0 10.0
2.9 .7.8 6.2 6.9 7.2
2.6 4.7 6.4 5.0 5.2
6.0
14.0 14.0

Cream of W heat...........................
Macaroni........................................
Rice...............................................
Beans, n av y ..................................
Potatoes. . I...................................

(4)
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b .. 1.3

24.3 24.1
14.0
9. 2 12. 2 13 2 13 3
19.7 17.7 11.6 11.1
1.7 5.8 2.0 2.9 3.0

Onions........................................... L b ..
Cabbage......................................... L b ..
Beans, baked................................ (6)
Corn, canned................................. 0)
Peas, earned................................. (5)
Tomatoes, canned........................ (6)
Sugar, granulated. ................... L b .. 5.2
T ea................................................. L b ..
Coflee............................................. L b ..
Prunes...................................... .
L b ..
Raisins.......................................... L b ..
Bananas.......................................
Oranges.........................................
115-16 ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

64
8.1
16.1
16.3
16.2

10 0
7. 7
16.0
16.1
16.2

14.0
9.8 S.6 10.4
53.3 67.6 72 4
22.7 27.6 35.7

14.3
10.4
72 3
37.7

14.9 16.6 22.0
14.5 16. 7 16.4
31.2
49.5

24.3
16.3
32.6
45.8

8.8

4.6

4.4

2Baked weight.

[44]

5.9
3.3
3.4

5.9
3.4
3.5

9.3 10.0 10.0 10.0
8.1 6.6 7.1 7.4
6.5 7.6 6.2 6.5
7.8
14.0 14.2
24.7 24.8

1.4

2.2

IQ 0 16 2 10 0 Q Q
5.4 2.2 3.2 3.2
2.3

5.3

4.9

53
10 0
IQ Q
IQ 2
18.1

5.6
IQ .3
IQ 2
18 2

14 .3 14 0
8.7 8.6 10.4 10.3
51 3 53 6 56 Q 56 O
30 O 30 2
13 Q 13 7
13.8 13.6

2 8-ounce package.

.38 Q
53.0 53.6

45

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.
MAY 15, 1913, 1914, 1917, 1918, 1919, A N D A P R . 15, 1919, F O R 19 C I T I E S —C o n clu d ed .
Seattle, Wash.

Washington, D. C.
1919

M ay,
1913.

M ay,
1914.

M ay,
1917.

1919

M ay,
1918.

M ay,
1913.
A p r.

M ay,
1914.

M ay,
1917.

M ay,
1918.

M ay.

A p r.

M ay.

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

23. 8
21.5
19.6
16. 8
12.9

23.4
21.0
18.8
15.4
12.4

27.6
26.0
24.6
20.6
15.6

39.1
37.5
32.0
28.1
23.2

39.9
37.5
33.3
27.8
23.1

40.5
37.8
33.8
27.4
23.1

27.5
23.6
21.9
17.6
12.1

28.0
24.3
21.6
17.6
13.1

33.7
31.4
27.5
23.8
17.8

49.2
46.6
36.5
31.5
23.1

51.8
48.6
40.9
35.0
24.2

52.0
48.7
41.5
35.5
23.2

24.6
31.7
30.8
20.8
24.5

24.0
33.0
30.0
18.8
24.4

33.6
48.0
40.6
28.0
28.8

40.0
54.8
49.5
38.9
39.6

47.7
61.7
58.3
40.4
46.5

48.6
63.6
58.8
40.3
46.6

21.1
26.5
28.0
20.9
22.4

23.0
24.9
29.6
21.5
24.1

32.6
40.9
42.0
32.5
30.9

43.9
50.3
49.4
43.3
42.0

46.9
53.0
59.6
48.5
47.7

47.8
55.0
58.7
47.7
48.0

8.5

8.6

25.0
10.5

29.0
12.5

8.0

24.3
10.0

29.0
14.0

31.1

43.8

49.4

31.3
12.0
13.7
65.0
40.5

8.0

35.0

31.8
12.0
13.3
66.3
40.8

38.7

35.0

48.3

55.2

33.6
16.0
15.7
76.7
38.4

32.2
14.0
15.7
74.3
39.5

17.6

15.9

31.8
27.9

31.0
33.3

14.3

34.3
27.5

35.5
34.0

25.4

39.1

45.2

36.2
43.6
37.7
35.7
54.8

14.8

25.0

36.8
43.2
34.2
35.6
52.0

23.9

24.7

39.9

43.3

35.8
42.9
35.3
33.3
49.4

35.6
43.5
38.3
34.5
53.3

5 .5
3 .0
3 .0

6 .0
2.9
3.1

9 .9
7.3
5.6

10.5
5.8
7.7

9.8
6.6
6.9

10.4
6.8
7.0
8.0
14.9

5.6
3.7
2.4

5.5
3.7
2.5

9.8
8.8
4.9

9 .2
6.7
6.3

9.9
7.3
5.4

10.0
7.6
5.4
9.6
14.0

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

14.5
27.2

1.0

5.9

1.3

5.3

C ts .

9.7
20.3
4.6

12.9
17.6
1.7

14.3
11.1
2.4

27.1
16.3
14.2
10.8
2.6

8.9

3.3

6. 4
8.0
22.7
21.3
20.4

7.2
8.9
22.4
20.6
19.6

9.3
50.0
32.6

9.1
58.3
32.2

18.5
10.8
63.3
39.3

17.5
10.8
62.8
40.0

13.4
13.1

15.2
14.2

19.7
16.7
49.1
58.1

20.2
17.2
50.0
59.6

1
.............. 1...............

C ts .

14.0

10.5
20.0
7.1

12.7
19.2
2.3

14.4
13.5
2 .9

24.5
21.0
14.6
13.2
3 .2

8.4

5.6

7.1
12.7
15.9
19.5
19.9

12.8
10.8
15.5
20.1
20.0

9.4
57.6
28.8

8.9
67.1
29.6

17.5
10.2
77.1
37.7

16.2
10.2
79.1
39.4

15.8
13.4

17.6
15.3

23.1
15.6
41.8
59.4

23.3
15.8
43.5
61.2

24.5

2.1

4.9

1.8

4.7

6 N o. 2 can .

4 28-ounce package.


122778°—19- 4
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

C Is .

[451

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

46

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OE
Butte,
Mont.

Bridgeport,
Conn.
Article.

Charleston, Cincinnati, Columbus,
S. C.
Ohio.
Ohio.

Unit.
Apr., Mav, Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May,
1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919.
C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

C ts .

Sirloin steak...................................
Round steak................. .................
Rib roast........ ........................... . ..
Chuck roast..............................— J
Plate beef...................................—

L b..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..
L b..

52.0 52.1
50.0 49.8
39.8 39.6
33.1 32.7
21.0 20.5

38.3
35.7
31.4
26.3
19.7

39.5
36,. 8
32.3
26.5
19.7

40.7
40.7
34.3
28.7
22.7

40.8
40.3
34.9
28.8
22.2

38.3
37.1
33.1
26.9
23.7

39.0
37.7
33.7
26.7
24.0

40.6
38.8
35. 6
30.6
23.7

Pork chops..... ................................
Bacon, sliced..................................
Ham . sliced...................................i
Lam b...................................... ........
Hens........................ .......................

L b..
L b..
L b ..
L b ..
L b ..

42.2
57.6
60.9
40. 5
43.5

43. S
58.2
61.2
40.1
44.9

40.6
58.6
54.6
35.0
41.0

41.0
63.1
58.7
37.4
42.9

42.4
55.9
53.8
43.2
48.5

44.7
58.1
55.0
40.8
48.8

40.2
52.6
53.9
37.1
45.4

40.7
53.0
54.3
38.0
44.7

39.0 40.3
53.3 54.7
56.2 56.6
43. 3 37.5
40.6 41.7

Salmon, canned.............................
Milk, fresh......................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened)..
B u tter.............................................
Oleomargarine. ................... ..........

L b ..
Q t..
(a)
L b ..
L b ..

37.6
15.0
15.4
70.9
38.2

35.2
15.0
15.5
67.9
39.4

30.4
20.3
15.1
72.2
41.5

29.2
14.0
14.2
71.4
38.2

28.5 30.0
14.0 13.7
14.5 14.4
64. 8 70.4
40.6 37.7

Cheese.............................................
L ard......................................... ......
Crisco........................................... ..
Eggs, strictly fresh........................

L b ..
L b..
L b..
L b..
Hoz.

35.8
42.8
35.6
33.2
59.4

34.3
43.4
39.0
33.7
62.6

40.8 42.8 30.1
15. 5 15.5 20.3
15.1 15.0 .15.0
71.3 65.4 74.1
45.0 ......... 41.0
42.. 0
50.6
41.5 41.6 43.6
36.4 38.4 34.6
36.3 37.1 33.5
52.0 52.3 49.9

41.0
42.7
38.4
33.7
52.7

35.1
40.6
33.6
32.0
44.4

35.1
42.6
37.5
31.9
47.9

B read.............................................. Lb.3 10.0
F lo u r............................................... id).. 7.1
Corn meal.................................. .... L b.. 6.8
L b ..
13.9
Corn Hakes...................................... ( 4)

10.0
7.5
8.3
9.2
13.8

10.0
7.6
7.6
8.7
14.6

9.9
7.2
6.0

14.9

10.7
7.7
5.0
9.2
14.9

9.8
7.6
5.0
6.7
13.8

Cream of W heat...................... ...... («0 24.1
Rice................................................. L b .. 14.0
L b..
Beans, n av y ______________ ___ L b.. 12.4
Potatoes......... ......................... ...... L b.. 3.2

24.1 29.7
Í3 8 113.2
22.9
12.2 11.7
3.7
1.8

30 0 25.0
12.9 12.0
192
11.6 14 i
4.0
22

25.0
11.9
21.4
13.9
4.1

24.9
13.4

25.2
13.3
17.1
11.0 11.1
3.2
3.4

25.0
12.8
10.5
2.8

25.0
12:8
18.8
10.5
3.2

Onions........................ ............. ...... L b.. 6.7
Cabbage........................................... L b.. 12.3
16:8
Beans, baked................................. (0)
Com, canned................................. (a) 21.0
Peas, canned.......................... ........ (6) 20.7

12.3
10.2
16.7
21.5
20.9

5.0
6.2
23.9
19.3
18-5

5.9
8.3
22.9
18.5
17.9

8.7 12.5
7.2
9.4
15. 6 15.3
21.5 21.2
21.3 21.3

5.8
9.4
15.7
17.6
17.1

9.9
10.1
15.3
17.1
17.2

8.3
9.5
16.4
16.0
16.7

11.4
11.3
16.4
15.8
16.1

Tomatoes, canned.......................... (0
Sugar, granulated.......................... L b..
T ea........................................... ...... L b ..
Coffee............................................... L b ..

16.0
10.2
64.4
39.3

18.3
12.0
76.3
49.3

17.5
12.0
76.8
50.8

15.9
10.6
75.5
38.9

15.9
10.4
78.4
41.2

14.7
10.3
74.8
36.5

14.7
10.4
75.8
37.6

14.2
10.6
81.4
39.5

13.4
10.6
81.5
40.8

24.5 25.3
16.4 16.2
3S.9 37.7
57. 3 56.6

20.3
16.6
48.9
52.2

21.6
17.3
49.0
53.7

23.2
16.4
40.0
57.2

24.9
15.9
41.8
61.0

21.8
16.6
34.7
52.3

22.7
17.1
35.4
45.4

21.5
15.7
38.2
54.5

22.3
15.7
38.0
52.2

Prunes.............................................
Raisins...........................................
Bananas..........................................
Oranges...................... ....................

L b ..
L b..
Doz.
Doz.

18.6
10.2
63.3
38.5

C ts .

9.9
7.0
7.4
14.6

10.0
7.5
5.0

C ts .

13.8

C ts .

C ts .

42.5
40.8
36.2
31.2
24.6

29.2
14.0
14.6
65.8
40.9

34.9 35.0
40.8 41.2
34. 3 37.7
32.7 32.9
42.8 47.2
9.6
6.8
5.7
14.2

9.8
7.4
5.9
8.2
14.0

! The steak for which prices are here quoted is known as “sirloin” in most of the cities included in this
report, but in this city it is called “rump” steak,
215-16-ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[46]

47

M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW,
FOOD FOR 31 CITIES ON APR. 15 AND MAY 15, 1919.
Dallas, Tex.
Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Cts.

Apr.,
1919.

Cts.

Jacksonville,
Fla.

Kansas City,
Mo.

Houston, Tex.

Indianapolis,
Ind.

May,
1919.-

Apr.,
1919.

May>
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919,

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Fall River,
Mass.

40.0
39.7
32.0
28.7
24.8

38.7
38.7
32.5
29.5
26.1

39.8
39.4
29.7
27.9
22.2

41.2
40.6
29.7
28.6
23.1

42.7
39.3
33.2
28.1
22.1

43.0
40.0
34.1
28.1
22.4

40.2
37.8
30.4
25.9
20.8

40.8
38.1
30.8
26.3
21.0

42.2
40.8
35.0
31.8
26.4

1 58.9
48.8
36.2
30.3

1 60.3
50.6
37.6
30.9

41.0
62.1
56.4
46.7
37.7

41.7
62.1
59.0
43.9
37.8

40.1
51.7
53.9
40.5
44.3

41.6
51.8
54.1
39.1
45.8

39.0
65.5
51.7
38.8
43.5

40.5
61.0
50.6
40.0
43.3

40.7
54.5
57.4
44.6
38.0

42.4
54.9
58.4
45.8
39.0

39.7
56.2
55.3
37.2
40.9

42.3
56.7
55.9
38.6
41.0

38.1
58.7
54.1
35.2
40.0

39.3
58.8
56.2
34.3
39.0

31.8
18.0
15.7
68.2
36.5

31.6
18.0
16.0
62.3
35.9

30.2
15.3
15.3
71.3
39.7

29.9
15.0
15.7
68.7
39.5

29.6
18.4
15.5
68.7
39.9

31.4
17.5
15.7
67.0
39.8

26.9
12.5
14.9
68.8
38.9

26.7
12.7
15.4
63.8
41.5

32.8
18.0
15.4
76.4
40.9

31.7
18.0
15.3
71.5
40.6

31.9
15.0
15.3
69.2
37.1

32.9
15.0
15.3
66.6
38.2

36.3
42.4
36.0
33.3
44.5

36.4
42.8
37.3
33.6
44.0

36.7
42.4
35.6
32.7
60.5

36.9
42.7
39.4
33.9
63.5

37.4
40.7
32.1
34.9
44,3

37.5
40.8
35.0
34.1
44.1

34.9
42.5
35.5
33.8
44.0

35.4
41.9
39.8
34.4
48.4

37.6
42.6
34.9
32.6
48.4

35.8
42.2
37.4
33.4
49.1

34.9
42.2
37.6
35.6
45.6

35.4
42.9
40.8
35.9
49.7

10.0
7.3
6.5

10.0
7.4
6.7
9. 7
14.6

10.0
7.4
8.4

10.0
7.9
8.4
9. 5
14.2

8.9
7.4
5.8

8.9
7.8
6.0
7.3
14.2

9.5
7.1
5.2

9. 5
7.6
5.3
8.0
14.5

10.0
7.3
5.1

10.0
7.7
5.4
10.4
14.4

10.0
6.8
6.5

25.5
13.4

13.2
3.6

25.5
12.9
19. 4
12.7
3.8

7.7
7.7
20.3
19.8
20.0

42.2
41.6
35.0
31.8
27.3

14.9

14.2

13.9

' 24.6
13.0

13.4
4.3

25.3
12.9
21.8
13.3
4.6

13.0
2.9

11.1
9.9
17.8
18.2
17.8

8.8
5.9
18. 2
21.3
20.1

9.4
5.9
18.2
20.4
20.2

9.2
9.6
16.4
17.3
18.3

11.4
9.4
16.7
16.8
17.5

15.8
11.0
83.3
39.3

15.5
11.0
83.3
•42.3

14.9
10. 6
83.2
42 7

14.6
10.6
85.4
44.3

16.1
11. 1
80.5
39.0

16.4
11.1
81.4
40.6

22.7
18.3
29.0
48.9

24.1
18.9
30.4
48.6

22.2
17.7
37.9
55.8

23.0
18. 1
38.6
63.3

19.6
17.8
41.7
57.3

21.5
18.2
42.9
56.1

14.5

25.5
12.6

11.2
2.9

8.4
5.9
18.6
16.9
17.9

6.9
10. 1
18.2
18.3
18.1

12.8
10.8
61.3
34.1

12.6
10.8
64.2
36.9

21.8
16.4
33.0
52.0

23.0
16.3
34.3
52.4

25.6
13.6

12.0
3.5

12.3
11.9
17.3
19.9
19.7

8.0
6.0
18.3
17.7
18.8

15.6
10.6
59.2
38.2

15.1
10.7
57.6
41.2

20.9
16.3
37.7
55.0

21.9
16.6
40. 2
53.5

24.7
11.8

12.2
3.0

9.2
7.6
19.8
19.4
20.0

7.3
13.1
17.2
20.1
19.6

15.1
11.3
81.4
42.0

14.7
11.3
78.4
45.5

22. 1
16.8
36.3
51.6

22.7
16.6
39. 2
49.6

62 8 -0 unee package,
s No. 2 can.

3Baked weight.
48-ounce package.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

14.6

26.2
13.7
20.0
11.6
2.9

24.7
11.8
15.3
11.9
3.8

25.2
13.4
22. 2
12.3
3.8

25.4
12.7

10.0
7.0
6.7
10.1
15.0
24.6
13.3
18.5
13.1
3,2

[47]

15.0

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

48

AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OE THE PRINCIPAL ARTICLES OF FOOD
Little Rock, Louisville, Manchester, Memphis,
Tenn.
N.H.
Ark.
Ky.
Article.

Minneap­
olis,
Minn.

Unit.
Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May,
1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919.

Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts. Cts.
38.5 39.3 155.3 156.0 42.5 42.3 37.2 38.9

Sirloin steak......................... Lb.. 43.1 41.1
Round steak......................... Lb.. 39.6 39.4
Rib roast............................. Lb.. 35.8 35. 6
Lb.. 29.4 2S.3
Lb.. 24.8 24.0

27.2
32.1
28.5
23.8

38.1 51.0 51.1 39.6 40.5
32.2 34.8 34.7 33.8 33.3
28.8 31.1 31.2 29.1 29.4
24.1
24.5 21.0

34.4
31.2
26.0
19.9

36.7
32.4
26.8
20.4

Pork chops...........................
Bacon, sliced........................
Liam, sliced..........................
Lamb.................................
Hens..................................

Lb .
Lb..
Lb..
Lb..
Lb..

42.1
59.6
53.1
43.8
36.9

41.6
59.4
55.3
40.9
37.5

38.8
56.2
55. 7
40.0
42.6

40.1
57.6
57.5
40.8
43.7

40.3
52.2
52.7
40.9
44.6

42.3
52.8
52.9
39.4
45.8

39.8
60.0
55.4
42.5
38.5

40.7
60.0
56.2
42.5
39.0

38.1
58.8
56.3
35.3
36.6

40.1
58.8
56.6
33.8
38.4

Salmon, canned.....................
Milk, fresh...........................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened)..
Butter................................
Oleomargarine......................

Lb.. 30.8
Qt.. 16.0
15.8
m
Lb.. 70.8
Lb.. 39.9

32.6
16.0
16.2
67.3
41.0

29.3
15.0
14.7
73.4
39.7

29.3
15.0
14.9
66.3
41.6

31.5
15. 0
16.2
75.2
38.2

31.3
15.0
16.5
73.3
38.8

33.7
18.0
16.0
73.9
41.8

33.7
18.0
16.2
70.6
42.4

36.7
13.0
15.3
66.2
37.3

36.9
12.0
15.5
62.0
39.0

Nut margarine......................
Cheese................................
I.ard..................................
Crisco.................................
Eggs, strictly fresh.................

Lb..
Lb..
Lb..
Lb..
Doz.

38.1
42.1
37.6
34.5
46.5

35. 6
40.5
34.9
33.5
43.3

35.0
41.4
39.2
34.1
48.4

34.8
40.2
35.5
33.5
59.6

34.0
40.5
39.5
34.8
60.8

39.8
40.8
36.3
33.2
44.8

40.6
41.9
40.2
32.9
48.5

31.9
39.4
35.8
33.4
45.0

31.6
39.6
38.9
33.5
48.2

39.0
43.1
35.0
34.4
42.9

10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 9.3 9.3 10.0 10.0 9.2 9.2
7.3 7.5 7.4 7.6 7.2 7.8 7.4 7.8 6.9 7.2
5.5 5.8 5.3 5.2 7.1 7.1 5.4 5.3 5.7 6.1
6.2
7.4
8. 7
9.3
10. 8
14.8 14. 7 13.4 13.7 15.0 14.8 14.3 14.4 14.2 14.3
Creamof Wheat..................... (5) 25.0 24.9 25.3 25.2 24.9 24.9 24.5 24.5 25.2 25.2
Rice................................... Lb 12.5 12.7 13.2 13.3 13.1 13.2 12.2 12.3 13.6 13.5
20.4
18. 0
20. 2
18.6
23. 4
Lb
Beans, navy......................... i_Lb.. 13.2 13.3 12.1 12.0 11.7 11.8 12.9 12.9 9.8 10.0
Potatoes.............................. Lb.. 3.4 3.6 2.5 3.1 2.8 3.7 3.2 3.4 2.6 2.7

Bread................................. Lb..
Flour................................. Lb.3.
Corn meal... ........................ Lb..
Lb
Corn flakes_....................... 0 )

Onions................................ Lb.. 9.1 11.4 8.0
Cabbage.............................. Lb.. 9.1 9.8 9.2
Beans, baked........................ (6) 18.3 17.5 16.0
Corn, canned........................ (6) 18.2 17.6 17.6
Peas, canned......................... 0 0
18.8 18.5 18.1

11.0 6.7 10.8 7.9 9.5 6.1 10.9
9.7 8.2 12.3 8.1 8.5 6.7 9.8
16.8 19.0 19.1 18.6 18.9 19.1 18.8
18.0 22.1 21.8 18.5 18.3 16.7 16.7
18.8 20.4 20.5 18.0 18.0 16.9 17.6

Tomatoes, canned.................. 00 15.0
Sugar, granulated.................. Lb.. ' 11.1
Tea.................................... Lb.. 85.0
Coffee................................. Lb.. 44.8
Prunes................................
Raisins...............................
Bananas..............................
Oranges...............................

Lb..
Lb..
Doz.
Doz.

19.6
18.0
37.5
56.4

15.4
11.2
86.0
43.9

15.4
10.7
V7. 6
37.8

14.9
10.7
78.9
42.0

20.0
10.6
60.7
41.5

15.1
10.6
60.4
42.6

15.5
10.9
85.3
39.2

15.2
10.9
84.9
41.2

16.3
10.9
63.1
39.4

16.6
10.7
61.1
41.7

21.3
18.5
40.0
57.2

22.3
16.5
37.3
50.9

21.4
17.0
37.9
47.9

21.7
16.6
35.8
55.3

22.4
16.8
37.5
55.5

24.0
17.4
36.5
54.9

25.2
17.2
39.6
53.5

22.6
15.8
40.6
57.8

25.3
16.1
43.9
58.1

i The steak for which prices are here quoted is known as “porterhouse’' in most of the cities included
in this report, but in this city it is called “sirloin” steak.
215-16-ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[48]

49

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
FOB 31 CITIES ON APB. 15 AND MAY 15, 1919—Continued.

Newark, N. J.

Mobile, Ala.

New Haven, Conn.

Norfolk, Va.

Omaha Nebr.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

Cts.

37. 9
36.9
32.5
27.9
24. 6

48.2
48.6
39.8
33.1
23. 6

55 6
50.5
39.8
35. 5

56.2
50.8
40.9
35.7

48.0
42.4
38.0
31.9
24.0

48 5
43.2
37.1
31.9
22.0

43.0
40.4
32 6
28.3
20.0

43.6
40.9
32.9
28.3
21.0

38.3
38.3
32. 5
27.9
24.0

48. 1
48.8
- 39.3
33.2
23. 6

45.0
63.0
55.4
37.9
44.0

47.3
61.4
54.6
40.0
44.2

43.0
48.9
55.0
41.8
43.3

44.7
50.4
55.0
41.2
44.4

40.4
56.4
59.3
41.7
44.6

42.3
57,4
60.3
42.1
45.7

40.8
52.8
50.0
• 46.1
47.4

41.7
54.1
49.4
47.0
47.1

38.5
60.0
58.9
40.0
40.3

39.4
59.7
58.1
40.5
39.4

31.0
18.3
15.8
74.1
42.1

31.2
17.5
16.5
71.9
41.8

33.9
15.7
13.9
74.1
39.1

34.2
15.5
14.4
68.1
40.2

33.5
14.4
15. 1
72.3
40.4

33.0
14.8
15.0
68.5
41.3

32.1
22.7
15.2
75.4
43.5

30.5
22.5
15.3
74.1
43.8

32.2
13.5
16. 1
70.6
40.4

31.9
13.5
15.9
65.9
41.4

37.0
41.8
35.4
34.3
47.7

39.1
41.6
38.3
33.1
50.4

34.7
43. 8
35.2
31.1
57.3

34.6
43.9
39.0
31.9
60.2

35.8
41.9
35.7
33.3
58.9

36.2
42.3
39.8
34.1
61.0

39.0
43.3
36.5
34.3
48.7

38.3
42.3
36.8
33.9
53.3

36.2
41.2
37.2
33.9
45.3

35. C
40.8
40. 3
34.9
49.6

9.6
7.4
5.7

9.7
7.6
5.9
10. 7
14.7

9.8
7.3
7.1

9.8
7.8
7.2
8.1
12.5

10.0
7. 1
7.2

10.0
7.6
7.5
8. 8
13.8

9.9
7.2
5.9

9.9
7.8
6.2
10. 1
14.5

10.0
6.8
5.8

10.0
7.2
6.1
8.2
14.9

24.4
13.8

25.7
14.0
12.9
2.7
7.3

25.2
14.1
15.4
12.5
3.0
12.3

14.6

12.5

14.6

14.9

25.7
14. 8

13.6
3.1
7.1

12.7
3.3
8.5

25.3
14.5
21.3
12.5
3.7
11.6

10.8
15.4
20.4
18.6
14.5

11.6
18.2
21.6
21. 1
16.5

11.3
18.5
21.8
21.7
20.0

10.2
15.1
21.8
22.5
15.6

8.9
14. 5
21.5
22.0
15.5

8.2
21.1
17.4
17.9
17.5

8.3
20.6
17.0
17.8
17.1

10.0
56.4
35.1
23.2

10.1
55.8
38.2
25.1

10.2
63.8
38.8
23.9

10.2
61.2
41.5
26.1

10.4
83.9
40.3
22.5

10.4
82.6
41. 8
23.0

10.8
76.8
40.6
22.5

10.9
77.2
44.6
24.4

15.4
40.5
59.8

15.3
39.2
60.6

16.0
35.0
56.9

16.5
36.2
57.3

17.1
39. 1
60.5

16.7
38.9
50.2

17.1
40.0
56.8

18.0
42.5
50.3

23.4
13.7

13.7
4. 1
7.4

12. 6
3.6
7.1

23.4
13. 8
19.9
12.6
3.8
12.8

7.0
18.6
19.3
19.5
15.3

7.0
17.6
19.3
19.6
15.1

11.3
15.2
20. 1
18.6
14.8

10.9
77.1
36.7
21.1

10.9
76.8
37.3
21.7

18.0
29.4
55.0

18.3
31.2
56.8

3Baked weight.
48-ounce package.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

13.8

24.6
13.7
20.9
12.9
3.9
13.4

26.3
12.7
19. 5
13.5
4.2
11.3

25.3
12.5

628-ounce package.
6No. 2can.

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,
AVERAGE R E T A IL PRICES OF TH E PR IN C IPA L ARTICLES OP FOOD

Peoria,
111.
Article.

Portland,
Me.

Portland,
Oreg.

Providence,
R. I.

Unit.
Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May, Apr., May,
1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919. 1919.
C e n ts.

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts.

C e n ts .

39.0
58.9
56.9
39.4
40.2

41. 1 4-3.3
52.4 52.3
54.7 -54.8
39.5 39.2
45.5 46.5

43.4
58.5
54.7
38.7
45.0

44.7
59.3
56.8
37.0
44.0

42.4
52.7
60.0
44.5
45.1

45.2
54.0
62.0
44.4
46.6

30.7
11.9
15.3
68.4
39.9

30.6
11.9
15.6
64.2
41.9

29.3
15.3
15.4
73.6
39.5

29.4
13.6
15.9
72.4
41.6

36.4
14.6
15.0
65.8
38.8

35.2
14.6
15.0
64.7
40.0

34.6
15.5
15.4
73.0
36.8

34.9
15.5
15.6
70.1
37.5

Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Doz..

36.1
42.7
36.0
34.4
44.2

36.1
43.2
39.0
35.0
48.6

35.6
43.7
37.2
34.2
55.9

35.7
43.4
40.6
34.2
60.4

35.4
43.9
35.2
34.6
50.1

35.3
44.2
37.0
34.7
49.6

33.5
42.1
36.0
32.8
59.0

33.8
43.2
39.7
34.1
64.1

Bread...................................... Lb.3..
Flour...................................... Lb...
Corn meal............................ .... Lb...
Lb...
Corn flakes................................

10.0
7.4
6.2

10.0
8.0
6.1
8.7
14.9

10.0
7.2
6.4

10.0
7.7
6.5
7.5
14.2

9.9
6.3
7.3

9.9
6.5
7.3
8.2
14.6

10.0
7.6
5.9

10.0
8.2
5.8
8.6
13.9

C e n ts .

C e n ts.

Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Lb...

38.5
58.1
56.5
40.3
39.8

Salmon, canned..........................
Milk, fresh................................
Milk, evaporated (unsweetened)......
Butter.....................................
Oleomargarine...........................

Lb...
Q.t...
(*)-- Lb...
Lb...

Nut margarine...........................
Cheese.....................................
Lard.......................................
Crisco......................................
Eggs, strictly fresh......................

Sirloinsteak..............................
Roundsteak.............................
Rih roast..................................
Chuck roast...............................

Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Lb...
Lb...

Pork chops...............................
Bacon, sliced.............................
Ham, sliced...............................
Lamb......................................
Hens.......................................

Cream of Wheat.........................
Rice........................................ Lb...
Lb...
Beans, navy.............................. Lb...
Potatoes................................... Lb...

38.6
37.6
30.1
26.7
21.3

C e n ts .

38.7 i 64.0 i 63.0
38.4 53.7 54.7
29.6 35.2 36.7
27.2 30.5 30.4
21.3

14.9
26.5
14.2
12.4
2.7

26.8
14.2
15.1
12.1
2.9

14.1

35.2
33.7
31.7
26.6
21.3

14.7

13.7

10.9
2.2

28.3
13.8
17.6
10.6
2.3

11.8
3.0

24.7
13.4
20.6
11.8
3.9

28.2
13.6

11.8
2.9

24.9
13. 9
23. i
12.5
3.4

24.6
13.6

34.9 i 66.7 i 66.8
33.3 54.1 54.7
31.4 43.5 43.9
25.9 37.8 38.0
20.5

24.5
13.3

Onions.....................................
Cabbage...................................
Beans, baked.............................
Corn, canned.............................
Peas, canned.............................

Lb...
Lb...
(8)--(«).-.
(6 )...

8.0
9.6
20.0
17.2
18.7

12.4
9.9
19.2
16.6
18.8

7.1
5.9
22.3
21.3
20.7

11.8
9.9
19.3
21.2
20.5

4.9
6.4
23.8
21.0
21.6

5.5
8.4
23.8
21.7
21.1

6.6
10.8
16.8
20.0
20.1

10.7
11.1
17.1
20.3
20.1

Tomatoes, canned.......................
Sugar, granulated.......................
Tea.........................................
Coffee......................................

(6)--Lb...
Lb...
Lb...

16.0
11.0
70.0
37.0

16.3
11.1
70.8
39.0

20.3
10.3
63.8
39.7

19.3
10.3
62.8
42.0

18.7
10.8
61.0
41.0

18.6
10.6
60.5
42.5

15.9
10.5
61.7
43.9

16.4
10.5
61.9
45.3

Prunes.....................................
Raisins....................................
Bananas..................................
Oranges...................................

Lb...
Lb...
Doz..
Doz..

25.3
16.5
10.1
57.4

26.1
16.8
10.2
53.3

20.8
15.1
38.5
64.3

21.8
15.1
37.5
62.9

16.0
15.2
42.1
59.6

17.1
15.5
43.8
58.3

23.9
15.4
43.3
62.2

24.6
15.6
43.8
62.2

1 The steak for which prices are here quoted is known as “ porterhouse” in most of the cities included in
this report, hut in this city it is called “ sirloin” steak.
215-16 ounce can.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[50]

51

M O N TH LY LABOE KEVIEW.
LOR 31 CITIES ON A PR. 15 AND MAY 15, 1919—Concluded.

Richmond,
Va.

St. Paul,
Minn.

Rochester,
N. Y.

Salt hake City,
Utah.

Scranton,
Pa.

Springfield,
111.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

Apr.,
1919.

May,
1919.

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

41.6
39.9
34.0
31.1
23.5

40.3
35.5
3^.2
29.6
20.6

40.6
36.7
34.9
29.2
20.5

36.5
33.9
28.8
25.4
20.5

36.0
33.3
28.1
25.3
20.0

48.2
43.5
38.9
32.7
22.4

. 48.6
44.1
38.6
32.9
22.8

37.3
37.3
30.4
27.2
22.2

40.4
47.3
52.6
41.3
46.0

44.1
48.1
53.5
39.0
45.1

39.0
56.1
54.7
37:2
37.3

39.9
56.4
55.9
36.5
37.5

40.4
58.8
53.8
33.0
37.5

42.8
60.6
55.7
34.4
38.3

43.9
58.6
56.7
45.7
45.1

46.3
60.7
58.8
44.9
46.5

39.1
53-2
51.7
39.7
38.5

40.1
54.4
53.4
39.5
38.0

26.6
15.5
15.8
76.0
40.3

30.7
13.0
15.2
72.2
39.9

30.8
13.5
15.2
67.7
41.1

31.2
12.0
15.0
67.3
38.2

31.5
11.7
15.1
63.2
38.1

32.1
12.5
14.8
69.1
40.0

32.8
12.5
13.4
65.1
40.0

34.2
13.0
14.8
70.5
39.4

34.6
13.0
15.1
68.3
41.3

31.5
14.3
16.5
71.5
40.7

32.1
14.3
16.8
65.6
43.4

36.8
42.3
34.3
34.5
46.2

37.4
43.1
37.8
34.7
51.5

33.3
41.1
33.6
32.2
48.1

33.6
41.1
38.4
32.8
52.4

33.2
38.4
35.6
34.6
45.7

34.0
39.0
38.8
34.9
48.5

40.0
39.1
37.2
37.7
45.8

39.2
40.4
39.3
37.9
46.6

36.8
42.3
35.8
33.7
50.8

35.8
42.2
39.4
34.4
54.2

36.1
42.8
36.3
35.3
43.7

36.6
42.3
39.4
36.1
49.2

10.0
7.2
5.7

10.4
7.7
5.9
10.2
14.5

9.9
7.1
6.4

10.0
7.5
6.3
6.7
13.6

8.8
6.9
5.9

9.0
7.2
6.0
6.8
14.5

10.0
5.8
7.7

10.2
6.2
7.3
8.8
14.7

10.0
7.4
7.9

10.0
7.9
8.4
10.1
14.1

10.0
7.2
6.3

10.0
7.5
6.6
9.7
15.0

44.1
41.8
36.7
32.3
24.8

45.4
42.7
36.9
31.7
25.4

40.4
38.6
33.5
30.7
23.3

41.7
49.2
50.6
43.8
46.4

43.4
51.8
51.8
41.4
46.2

25.8
15.7
15.7
76.6
40.3

14.6

13.6
24.7
13.4

Ì3.8
2.8

25.2
14.4
18.6
13.1
3.3

7.5
11.0
15.2
18.9
21.5

25.2
14.7

14.5

14.5

13.9
2.6

12.3
2.8

26.9
13.5
15.4
12.5
2.9

13.6
9.2
16.9
17.9
17.5

6.8
9.6
16.9
19.9
18.8

10.1
10.5
16.«
20.1
18.9

6.8
9.5
19.7
16.3
17.0

10.4
9.5
19.3
17.2
17.3

16.6
11.1
68.9
46.1

16.8
11.0
68.5
47.4

16.8
10.4
65.3
38.0

17.3
10.3
65.3
40.9

16.7
11.0
80.9
38.6

16.5
11.0
80.0
39.1

18.7
15.4
44.2
55.4

18.2
15.6
43.8
52.5

19.8
14.8
35.0
53.9

22.2
14.9
35.6
56.2

19.8
17.9
37.5
55.8

22.9
19.1
39.2
55.7

Ì2.7
2.1

8.5
10.4
19.8
17.5
16.5

6.7
7.2
17.5
18.0
18.3

16.4
11.1
60.7
38.3

16.3
10.9
62.0
41.5

21.6
15.7
50.0
54.1

23.4
16.3
60.0
56.6

Ü.5
2.6

11.1
9.6
15.0
18.4
21.8

5.9
5.2
15.2
19.9
18.8

17.1
10.9
81.8
38.3

17.9
10.9
83.2
39.8

22.1
16.0
40.9
56.3

22.5
16.4
42.1
53.8

26.3
13.0

10.0
2.3

25.7
13.6
16.9
10.3
2.6

12.5
10.9
15.3
19.6
19.0

4.9
8.3
1918
17.2
16.1

15.9
10.2
60.8
35.5

16.7
10.3
59.8
37.7

21.6
15.0
40.5
55.6

22.4
15.3
40.2
58.3

3 Baked weight.
? 8-ounce package.

8 28-ounce package.
« No. 2 can.

[51]

14.9

25.4
13.3
21.3
13.9
3.1

24.9
13.3

25.3
13.6


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

13-8

25.6
12.7
16.3
12.0
2.3

24.6
13.5
18.9
11.8
3.2

38.8
37.6
30.9
27.4
23,0

26.5
13,8

52

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

Retail Prices of Dry Goods in the United States.
HE following table gives the average retail prices of 10 articles
of dry goods for May 15 and October 15; 1918, and for February
T
15 and May 15, 1919. The averages given are based on the retail
prices of standard brands only.
AVERAGE R ETA IL PRICES OF 10 ARTICLES OF DRY GOODS ON MAY 15 AND OCT. 15,
1918, AND ON FE B . 15 AND MAY 15, 1919, IN 50 CITIES.
A tlan ta, Ga.
Article.

Unit.

1918

1919

B altim ore, Md.
1918

1919

Birmingham, Ala.
1918

1919

May Oct. Feb. May May Oct. F eh May May Oct. Feb. May
15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15.

Calico, 21 to 25 inch.....................
Percale..........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in ch . . .
Gingham, dress, 27-mch.............
Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 8-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 in ch.......
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch__
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80..........

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.
Yard.
P air..

8
«
$
1
8
$
8
8
8
8
8
8
0.200 0.25C
0.235 0.35C 0.215 0.150 0. 210 0.210 0.177 0.150
.299 . 40C Ò.384 0. ¿79 .316 . 406 .361 . 315 .305 .370 .310 .317
.267 .326 .274 .233 .276 .292 .253 .240 .258 .279 .260 .213
.306 .383 .369 .343 . 290 .394 .323 .347 .287 .413 .358 .326
.521 .543 .525
.521 .472 .531
.503 .518 .532
.321 .338 .280 .272 .345 .384 .289 .273 .250 .331 .263 .270
. 73C .788 .744 .724 .798 .890 .809 .793 .639 .698 .672 .640
1.964 2.004 1.935 1.846 2.077 2.268 1.899 1.929 1.584 1.838 1.742 1.716
.306 .377 .337 .293 .300 .392 .298 .346 .287 .349 .355 .293
.P 45 1 inn
.750
.925
.990
4.792 5.490 4.987
5.938 5.175 5.900
5.310 5.475 6.560

1

Boston, Mass.

Calico, 24 to 25 inch.....................
Percale..........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in c h ..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 in c h __
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch__
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80.........

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Y ard.
Each.
Yard.
Yard.
Pair..

Muslin, bleached..................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..........
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90.......
Outing flannel, 27 to 28inch__
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch...
Blankets, cotton, 66by 80.......


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.

Buffalo , N. Y.

S
S
8
*
$
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
0.197 0.220 0.190 0.190 0.147 0.190 0.190 0.150 0.193 0.263 0. 218 0.178
.325 .397 .346 .279 .250 .395 .338 .295 .316 .384 .363 .308
.305 .301 . 275 .250 .260 .290 .260 .245 .277 .307 .268 .230
.310 .368 .289 .267 .350 .377 .325 .304 .328 .360 .355 .319
.504 .516
.544 .529 .501
.579 .578 . 583
.309 .378 .302 .291 .290 .357 .280 .275 .328 .346 .288 .289
. 751 .834 .798 .752 .723 .870 .797 .768 .784 .854 .793 .766
1.950 2.164 2.026 1.909 1. 668 2.155 1.990 1. 887 1.925 2.108 1.993 1.860
.391 .368 .311 .312 .235 .338 .320 .289 . 355 .377 .343 .283
1.125 1.000 1.117
.917 . 886 .882
.760
5.650 5.783 4.750
6.124 6.194 6.298
6.950 4.063
B utte, Mont.

Calico, 24 to 25 in c h ....................
Percale..........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in c h ..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Gingham, dress, 32-inch.............

B ridgeport, Conn.

C harleston, S. C.

Chicago, 111.

$
8
$
$
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
0.150.0.168 0.174 0.150 0.2200.253 0.159 0.158 0.183 0.246 0.195 0.1S1
.300 .329 .330 .330 . 338 .388 . 356 .316 . 355 .350 .310 .348
.250 .250 .250 .220 . 258 .286 .228 .197 .250 .268 .212 .222
.317 .363 .310 .328 .326 .350 .333 .308 .343 .363 .323 .330
.533 .400 .448
014
.413 .428 .432,

Yard. .333 .363 .313 .259 .303 .312 .275 .244 .307 .343 .300 .294
Yard. .725 .839 .808 .836 .670 .831 . 745 .729 .822 .801 .762 .765
Each. 2.0002.2422. 2002.133 1.7962.0162.0321.801 2. 0402.1401.932 1.831
Yard. .250 .349 .317 .314 .318 .368 .294 .280 .349 .364 .353 .288
Yard.l
.850 .925 .920
.650
.900
Pair..
5.160
5.9905.S17 5.800
5.433 5.433 5.304
1
1

[52]

53

M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW,

AVERAGE R E TA IL PRICES OF 10 ARTICLES OF DRY GOODS ON MAY 15 AND OCT. 15,
1918, AND ON F E B . 15 AND MAY 15, 1919, IN 50 C IT IE S—Continued.
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Article.

1918

Unit.

1919

Cleveland, Ohio.
♦1918

1919

Columbus, Ohio.
1918

1919

May Oct. Feb. May May Oct. Feb. May May Oct. Feb. May
15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15.

Calico, 24 to 25 inch.....................
Percale..........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 inch..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 b y SO..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 in ch___

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard
Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.

8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
s
8
8
0.233 0.238 0.194 0.160 0.201 0.233 0.155 0.150 0.196 0.230 0.180 0.176
.283 .319 .295 .290 .320 .387 .315 .339 .336 .383 .348 .343
.253 .270 .254 .230 .267 .307 .227 .250 .250 .307 .285 .212
.290 .314 .298 .275 .300 .352 .297 .329 .350 . 371 .368 .354
.592
.545 .430 .515
,588
.588 .589 .562
.269 .303 .268 . 256 .338 .358 .253 .290 .309 . 348 .267 .263
.726 .798 .702 .701 .776 .829 .733 .758 .769 .806 .781 .726
1.743 1.999 1.901 1.830 1.965 2.124 1.650 1.777 1.006 2.047 1.919 1.877
.343 .388 .337 .300 .360 .362 .304 .298 .361 .424 .341 .329
.900
1.175
1.125
.650 .875
6.567 6.370 5.980
5.938 5.475 6.542
6.400 6.375
Dallas, Tex.

Calico, 24 to 25 inch....................
Percale.........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 inch..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.

Musiin, bleached........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90.........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 inch----

Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.

Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80......... Pair..

-1

S

$

S

$

Calico, 24 to 25 inch..................... Yard. 0.190 0.190 0.170 0. 170
. 363 . 373 .357 . 30.8
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in ch .. Yard. .266 .290 .277 .223
Gingham, dress, 27-inch............. Yard. .310 .316 .284 .293
.520 .510 .476
. 304 .350 .301 .260

Yard. .727 .835 .863 .795
Each. 1.6902. 0801.8831. 824
Yard. .240 .373 . 303 .297
Yard.
1.057
5. 980
5. 4135
Pair..
Jackonsville, Fla.

Calico, 24to 25 inch....................
Percale.............................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28inch..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.........
Muslin, bleached..................
Sheeting, bleached, 9 4..........
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90.......
Outing flannel, 27 to 28inch--Blankets, cotton, 66by 80.......


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

D etroit, Mich.

8
8
$
8
$
8
8
$
$
$
8
$
0. 210 0. 202 0.227 0.164
0.198 0.217 0.183 0.186 0.229 0. 238 0.158
.330 .358 .338 .330 . 450 . 490 .467 Ò. 360 .326 .392 .336 .337
.225 . 250 .233 . 197 .300 .342 .250 .250 .268 .287 .257 .241
.310 .325 .330 .320 .350 .360 .389 .332 .275 .326 .332 .317
.540 .510 .489
.538 .549 .527
.638 .717 .671
.282 .291 .263 .254 .361 .370 .309 .287 .345 .366 .291 .291
.672 .756 .704 .658 .939 .953 . 955 . 839 .771 .840 .793 .760
1.6281.925 1.866 1. 656 2. 397 2. 359 2. 377 2. 082 2. 083 2.188 2. 019 1.908
.276 .340 .404 .274 .390 .396 .408 .356 .320 .361 .336 .293
.788 . 788
.979 1.067 1.025
.995
1.025
4.696 5.000 5.238
....... 6.483 5. 920 5.667
5. 950 5. 958 6.057
Fall River, Mass.

Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..........
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90.......
Outing flannel, 27 to 28inch--Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch...
Blankets, cotton, 66by 80.......

Denver , Colo.

H ouston, Tex.

Indianapolis, Ind.

$
8
$
8
8
8
8
0. 203 0.188 0.150 0. 200 0. 257 0.142 0.164
. 350 . 400 .348 .314 .368 .328 .313
.268 .270 .225 .245 .304 .228 .263
.329 .360 .297 .277 .349 .305 .320
. 508 .439 .468
517 .625 .553
.301 .285 .259 .302 .326 .289 .292

.755 .713 .608 .752 .829 .767 .780
1.8831.695 1.577 1.6882.0541.951 1.897
. 360 . 275 .265 .326 .378 .328 .293
.835 .923 .895
.615 .670 .722
5.9885.8935.495
7.4676.125 6. 433
.....

K ansas City, Mo.

L ittle Rock, Ark.

8
8
8
$
$
8- $
8
8
$
8
$
Yard. 0.1930.2540.1800.2250.2350.2470.1900.1840.2290. 2010.1690.188
.322
.322
.361
.442
.4
4
5
.436
.438
.
3
7
3
.317
.351
.427
Yard. .320
Yard. .300 .314 .290 .263 .295 .316 .273 .250 .238 .280 .248 .225
.316
.28
5
.325
.291
.370
.326
.3
9
0
.38
6
.36
9
.368
.3
50
Yard. . 343
.495 .468 .432
.588 .562 . 61C
.524 .445 .52£
Yard. .338 .348 .307 .330 .319 . 359 .311 .324 .284 .309 .249 .269
Yard. . 74C .831 .775 .850 .791 .894 .818 .828 .700 .806 .788 .729
Each. 2. 0032.035 2 . oor 2.117 1.76C 2.221 1.915 1.9101. 70S1.915 1.759 1.819
Yard. .317 . 351 .330 .288 .311 .401 .370 .351 .291 .336 .270 .281
.650
1.125 .76- 1.000
. 775
. S91
1. 9104.531 5.000
Pair..
5. 9956.5006.5001..... 6.1086. 4806.000
!

[53]

54

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

AVERAGE R E T A IL PRICES OF 10 ARTICLES OF DRY GOODS ON MAY 15 AND OCT. 15,
1918, AND ON F E B . 15 AND MAY 15, 1919, IN 50 CITIES—Continued.
Louisville, I -y-

Los Angeles, Calif
Article.

1918

Unit.

1919

1918

M anchester, N. H.

1919

1918

1919

May Oct. Feb May May Oct Feb May May Oct. Feb. May
15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15.
Calico, 24to 25Inch...............
Percale.............................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28inch ..
Gingham, dress, 27-ineh.........
Gingham, dress, 32-inch.........

Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 8!. by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 in ch___
Flannel, white, wool, 27-ineh. . .
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80..........

s
% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 8 $
Yard.
0.2550.2070.1880. Î8C0.241 0.1600.1900.2230. 2790.161 0.215
Yard. 0. 329 .439 .439 .379 .325 .410 .348 .340 .305 .398 .358 .277
Yard. . 2SC . 35C .263 .263 .263 .299 .218 .202 .300 .284 .261 .220
Yard. .297 .401 .371 .361 .322 .403 .401 .325 .353 . 353 .318 .281
.541 . 538 .600
.583 .559 .564
.513 . 492 .408

Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.

.339 .360 .317 .275 .292 .341 .263 .286 .334 .355 .275 .283
.741 .812 . 761 .755 .689 .778 .739 .730 .777 .834 .734 .699
1.941 2. 066 1. 968 1. S53 1. 818 1.961 2.061 1.967 2.101 1. 958 1.774 1,688
.351 .397 .392 .361 .377 .403 .374 .377 .283 .388 .275 .277
1.100 1.350 .900
1. 285
5.969 6. 417 6. 494
5.960 6.125
4.926 4. 77Q 5 . 49.fi
Memphis, Tenn.

Calico, 24 to 25 inch.....................
Percale.........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 inch..
Gingham, dress, 27-ineh.............
Gingham, dress, 32-inch.............
Muslin bleaehecL.......................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4......... .
Sheets, bleached, 81 bv 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 inch__
Flannel, white, woo], 27-inch..
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80..........

Yard.
Yard.
Y^ard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.
Yard.
P air..

Milwaukee, Wis.

$
8
8
$
$
8
S
$
$
$
$
S
0. 235 0.259 0.221 0.184 0.18C 0.209 0.17C 0.153 0.183 0.226 0.156 0.150
.333 .424 .380 .356 .316 .430 .335 .341 .313 .387 .357 .366
.280 .293 .263 .230 .258 .278 .246 .226 .220 .273 .256 .237
.333 .352 .330 .288 .280 .345 .323 .33C .306 .346 . 336 .329
.546 .553 . 563
.549 .542 .510
.606 . 610 . 531
.322 .348 .285 .284 .313 .335 .301 .295 .313 .340 .285 .278
.786 .854 .788 .738 .752 .825 .814 .739 . 750 .812 .741 .698
1.981 2.164 1.978 2.024 2.248 2.133 1.981 1.887 1.998 2.163 1.950 1.896
.288 .360 .331 .290 .320 .331 .313 .329 .328 .408 .319 .313
1.350
.850 .600 .825
.800
1.000
6.033 5.777 5. 921
6.079 6.520 5.904
5.762 5.497 5.732
Mobile, Ala.

Calico, 24 to 25 inch.....................
Percale.................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in c h ..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Gingham, dress' 32-inch.............
Muslin, bleached....................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 inch__
Flannel, white, wool, 27-ineh...
Blankets, cotton, 66 fey 80.......


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Newark, 17. J.

New H aven, Conn.

8
8
%
$
$
S
$
$
$
S
•8
0.246 0.190 0.154 0.200 0.280 0.173 0.177 0.190 0.233 0.240 ___
290
.373 . 362 . 311 . 350 . 430 325
.280 .243 . 193 .260 .270 .230 . 203 .290 293
.358 .295 .301 .328 . 373 .284 .290 .296 333
.531 .500 .477
. 537 . 523 505
.553 . 516 . 533
.341 .275 .258 .293 . 330 .291
331
.806 .698 .595 .776 .849 .761 .771 .773 . 778 .699 .670
2. 071 2.000 1.620 1.877 2.072 1.849 1.916 1.878 1.975 1.763 1.696
.353 .221 .276 .354 .372 .307 .272 .295 .342 .296 .243
.650
1.650 1.450 1.250
1.013 . 925 . 383
6.107 6.740
5.750 4.750 4.958
4.688 4.495 4.796

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Y"ard.
P air..

•

Calico, 24 to 25 inch....................
Percale.........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 men ..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Gingham, dress, 32-inch...........
Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 inch . ..
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch. . .
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80..........

Minneapolis, Minn.

New Orleans, La.
\

%

%

8

%

$

%

Norfolk, Va.

Y.

%

8

8

Î

1

9.250 3.150 3.150 0.265 0.264 0. 210 0. 205 0.159 0.250 0.220 0.250
.375 .320 .350 . 357 .424 .371 .343 .335 .434 .360 .314
.267 .250 .250 .281 .281 .247 .212 .290 .295 .270 .250
.336 .283 .287 .315 .368 .347 .335 .317 .365 .336 .357
.45.9 .520 . 508
.552 .7 7 7 .616
.572 5"V7 . 503
.267 .317 .238 .227 .343 .366 .288 .288 .301 .354 .292 .257
.660 .760 .750 .620 .809 .923 .797 .757 .718 .782 .791 .819
1.667 1. 888 1.898 1 788 2.055 2.189 1.909 1. 878 1.752 2.062 1.916 1.760
.300 .339 .350 .300 .366 .388 .324 .307 .288 .352 .311 .343
1. 022 .911 1.029
1. 000 .875 1. 000
P air..
7.000 1.540 5.980
5.750 5.686 5.524
6.796 5.183 5.990

Yard.
YaTd.
Yard.
Y’ard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yrard.
Each.
Yard.

0.200
.400
.288
.313

New Y ork, N

[54]

OD

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

AVERAGE R E T A IL PRICES OP 10 ARTICLES OF D R Y G O O D S ON MAY 15 AND OCT. 15,
1918, AND ON FE B . 15 AND MAY 15, 1919, IN 50 C ITIES—Continued.
O m aha

A rtic le .

U n it.

1918

1919

P h ila d e lp h ia , P a .

P e o r ia , 111.

N eb r.

1918

1919

1918

1919

M ay O ct. F e b . M ay M ay O ct. F o b . M ay M ay O ct. F e b . M ay
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.
15.

Calico, 24 to 25 in c h ........................ Y a rd .
P e r c a le ................................................ Y a rd .
G in g h am , a p ro n , 27 to 28 i n c h . . Y a rd .
G in g h a m , dress, 27-inch............... Y a rd .
M u slin , b le ach er!.............................
S h eetin g , b le a c h e d , 9-4
...........
S h eets, b le a c h e d , 81 b y 90............
O u tin g fla n n e l, 27 to 28 i n c h ___
F la n n e l, w h ite , w ool, 27 -in c h . . .
B la n k et's, c o tto n , 66 b v 80 ...........

Y a rd .
Y a rd .
E ach.
\ a rd .
P a i r ..

$
0.237
.389
.287
.367
.60S
.292 .362
.732 .776
1.956 2.071
.330 .371
1.163
6.667

$
0.209
.328
.250
.294

St
?5
$
0.169 0.162 0.138
.377 .348 .315
.270 .232 .230
.345 .337 .287
.595 .596
.317 .289 .279
.726 .726 . 705
1.853 2.013 1.773
.346 .328 .316
1.125 1.1.50
6.133 6.381

P itts b u rg , P a .

P e r c a le ................................................
G in g h am , a p ro n , 27 to 28 i n c h . .
G in g h am , d ress, 2 7 -inch ...............
M u slin , b le a c h e d .............................
S h eetin g , b le ach ed , 9 -4 .................
S h eets, b le ach ed , 81 b y 90............
O u tin g flan n el, 27 to 28' i n c h . . . . .
F la n n e l, w h ite , w ool, 27-inch___

Y a rd
Y a rd .
Y a rd .
Y a rd .
Y a rd
Y a rd .
Y a rd .
Each.
Y a rd .
Y ard

S
0. 204
.320
.253
.301
.278
.721
1.821
.278

Calico, 24 to 25 in c h ........................ Y a rd .
P e r c a le ................................................ Y a rd .
G in g h am , a p ro n , 27 to 28 i n c h . . . Y a rd .
G in g h am , dress, 2 7 -inch ............... Y ard.
Y ard
M u slin , b le a c h e d ............................. Y a rd .
S h eetin g , b le ach ed , 9 -4 ................. Y a rd .
S h eets, b le ach ed , 81 b y 9 0 ........... E a c h .
O u tin g flannel, 27 to 28 i n c h ___
Y a rd
B la n k e ts , co tto n , 66 b y 80........... P a i r ..

St
0.211
.376
.289
.367
.521
.303 .329
.715 .866
1.780 2.047
.330 .391
1.022
6.125 5.883 5.700
4.836

P o r t l a n d , M e.

$
$
$
$
0. 276 0.209 0.167 0.250
.361 .326 .310 .323
.2.86 .241 .192 .310
.339 .305 .309 .315
.554 .526 .541
.338 .281 .267 .298
.857 .785 .727 .688
2.090 1.788 1.707 1.780
.352 . 324 .302 .238
.800 .760 .785
6.536
5. 750

P r o v id e n c e , R . I.

$
St
St
0.207 0.213 0.180
. 343 .330 .336
. 223 . 250 .230
.307 .335 .328
.513 .530 .581
.350 .307 .277
.705 .877 .824
2.208 2.126 2.148
.340 .379 .353

S

St

St

0.398
.310
.390
. 535
.33S
. 775
1.976
. 373
1.122

0.330
.270
.330
.513
.279
. 688
1.7S3
.345
1.240
5.417

0.330
.250
.330
.503
.268
. 645
1.658
.330

St
0. 225
.338
.290
.330

«
St
0.159 0.207
.307 .304
. 239 .203
.290 .320
.534 .537
.283 .288
.761 . 754
1.856 1.813
.308 .285
.938'1.070
5 . 153'5.472
i

P o r t l a n d , O r eg .

S
$
$
0. 239 0.142 0.148
.370 . cOO .358
.280 .200 .200
. 366 .340 . 338
.480 . 450 .663
.290 .325 .258 .277
.732 .769 .700 .700
1.693 1.960 1.600 1.889
. 360 .347 .333 . 335
.983
1.100
5.625
6.003

R ic h m o n d , V a .

St
0.179
.300
.250
.263

R o c h e ste r, N

Y.

S
3
8
$
»
St
$
1
$
S
$
0.274 0.186 0.190 0.203 0.238 0.188 0.164 0.185 0.198 0.138 0.128
.372 . 32CH .300 .297 .409 .348 .318 .325 .372 .285 . 277
.297 .240 .214 . 263 . 294 .247 .206 .227 .248 .238 .194
.370 .306 . 316 .305 .342 .320 . 290 .246 .337 .309 .276
.522 .562 .501
.523 .474 .495
.471 .457 . 436
.313 .352 . 263 . 257 .320 . 365 .293 .273 . 269 .309 .266 .246
.727 .823 .724 . 676 .851 .844 .787 .742 .688 .775 . 696 .712
1.853 2. 230 2. 078 1.734 2.000 2. 075 1.906 1.849 1.830 2.075 1.934 1.783
.390 .323
.290 .353
.303 .284 .355 .30! . 282
. 590 1.375
.914 .971 . 852
.990 .990
6.018 5.995 6.058
6.237 5.618 5. 678 ........ 5.988 6. 493 5.500
!

$
0.196
.300
.278
.282

S t. L o u is , M o.

S t. P a u l, M in n .

S a l t L a k e , U ta h .

*
Calico, 24 to 25 in c h ........................
P e r c a le ................................................
G in g h am , a p ro n , 27 to 28 in c h . . .
G in g h am , d ress, 27 -in c h ...............
M u slin , b le a c h e d .............................
S h eetin g , b le a c h e d , 9 -4 .................
S heets, b le a c h e d , 81 b y 90............
O u tin g flan n el, 27 to 28 i n c h ___
B lan k et's, c o tto n , 66 b y 80 ...........


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$
S
$
$
Y a rd . 0.192 0. 250 0.208 0.195
Y a rd . . 350 .430 .370 .320
Y a rd . .250 .290 . 255 .220
Y a rd . .313 .372 .334 .289
. 651 .585 .594
Y a rd . .298 .361 .275 .249
Y a rd . .725 .810 .712 . 6S6
E a c h . 1.871 1.9S7 1.891 1.90C
Y a rd . .333 .388 .328 .351
.875
Y a rd
.933
P a i r ..
6. 750 6.690 6.500

[55 ]

$
0.156
. 296
.220
.309
.484
.277
.733
1.861
.278
.980
5.542 5.971 5.698

$
$
$
0.202 0.214 0.157
.330 . 361 .308
. 255 .284 .249
.314 .349 .315
.538 .541
.353 .344 .324
.788 .867 .809
2.147 2. 227 2.128
.316 .359 .316

3
0.183
.335
.250
.331
.304
.757
2.233
.311

$
0.204
.424
.294
.366
. 656
.329
.826
2.082
.388
1.573
6.306

$
0.169
.395
.235
.349
.716
.311
.793
2.027
.382
1.350
5. 675

1
0.158
.351
.245
.329
.635
.294
.762
1.971
319
1.258
6.980

56

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

AVERAGE R E TA IL PRICES OF 10 ARTICLES OF DRY GOODS ON MAY 15 AND OCT. 15,
1918, AND ON F E B . 15 AND MAY 15, 1919, IN 50 CITIES—Concluded.

Article.

Unit.

San Francisco,
Calif.

Scranton, P a.

Seattle W ash.

1918

1918

1918

1919

1919

1919

Ma}’ Oct. Feb. May May Oct. Feb. May May Oct. Feb. May
15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15. 15.
Calico, 24 to 25 inch.....................
Percale.........................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 in c h ..
Gingham, dress, 27-inch.............
Gingham, dress, 32-inch.............
Muslin, bleached.........................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4..............
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 90..........
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 in ch___
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch. . .
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 80.........

Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Yard.
Each.
Yard.
Yard.
P air..

3
S
$
$
S
$
$
$
55
8
$
7 “
0 230 0 225 0 1RS 0 187
0.392 0.460 0.400 0.417 .350 .337 .350 .285 .342 .456 .389 .357
.283 .300 .317 .288 .268 .287 .260 .220 .250 .300 .250 .240
.306 .350 .336 .333 .301 .344 .320 .291 .338 .383 .306 .328
. 553 .517 . 493
.545 .550 .500
.328 .336 .210 .286 .324 .352 .284 .282 .353 .344 .300 .253
.838 .854 • SOO .771 .711 .799 .777 .752 . 850 .900
.767
2.090 2.077 1.934 1.905 1.988 2.013 1.954 1.902 2.167 2.319 2.200 1.929
.356 .418 .381 .359 .308 .371 .322 .312 .335 .390 .362 .338
1.200 .750 .750
.688 .790 .980
1.083 .875 .875
5.762 6.379 5.943
5.842 5.993 6.288
5.890 6.050 5.675
Springfield, 111.

Article.

Unit.

1918

W ashington, D. C.

1919

1918

1919

May 15. Oct. 15. Feb. 15. May 15. May 15. Oct. 15 Feb. 15. May 15.
Calico, 24 to 25 inch................
Percale....................................
Gingham, apron, 27 to 28 inch
Gingham, dress, 27-inch........
Gingham, dress, 32-inch........
Muslin, bleached....................
Sheeting, bleached, 9-4.........
Sheets, bleached, 81 by 9 0 ...
Outing flannel, 27 to 28 inch..
Flannel, white, wool, 27-inch.
Blankets, cotton, 66 by 8 0 ...


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Yard.. $0.207
Yard..
.299
Yard..
.256
Yard ..
.319
Yard..
Y ard..
.314
Yard..
.719
E ach.. 1.664
Yard..
.286
Y ard..
Pair.

30.233
.400
.283
.368
.529
.316
.778
1.803
.341

30.168
.314
.250
.321
.571
.266
.698
1.780
.292

5.483

4.000

[56]

30.160
.335
.240
.320
.499
.262
.737
1.967
.284
. 875
4.650

.350
.831
2.081
.400

30.198
.420
.281
.390
.510
.346
.813
2.144
.398
1.195
5.556

30.200
.348 30.338
.244
.243
.353
.381
.559
.534
.268
.278
.801
.740
1.880
1.876
.315
.304
1.380 ............
6.500
7.500

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

57

Trend in Retail Prices of Food in 39 Cities,
1913 to May, 1819.
By E lma B. Carr.

HPHE following table shows the average family expenditure for 22
articles of food/ combined, for the years 1913 to 1918, inclusive,
and for the first five months of 1919 for each of the 39 cities from
which prices have been secured by the Bureau since 1913. These
figures are based on the actual retail prices sent to the Bureau each
month by retail merchants and on the average family consumption
of these articles in each city. To obtain a combined effect of all in­
creases and decreases, it is necessary to recognize the relative im­
portance of each of the articles in accordance with the quantities
consumed, and for the purpose of showing the movement in retail
prices, it is assumed that this relative importance remained the same
throughout the whole period, 1913 to May, 1919.
By using as a base for each city its average family expenditure in
the year 1913, percentages of increase or decrease have been, com­
puted which show the trend in the weighted cost of these 22 articles
of food combined for each successive period as compared with the
year 1913. The percentage of increase or decrease is also shown for
each year 1914 to 1918, based on the preceding year, and for the
months of January to May, 1919, based on the preceding month.
January, 1919, is, of course, based on December, 1918.
Every effort is made to secure quotations on similar grades of
commodities in all cities. There are, however, slight differences.
The greatest difference is in the method of cutting sirloin steak in
Boston, Mass.; Manchester, N. H.; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Provi­
dence, R. I. The cut known as “ sirloin” in these four cities would
be known in other cities as “ porterhouse.” • There is in these cities,
owing to the method of dividing the round from the loin, no cut that
corresponds to that of “ sirloin” in other cities. There is also a
greater amount of trimming demanded by the trade in these cities
than in others. This is particularly true of Providence, R. I.
These, together with the fact that the beef sold in these cities is of
the best grade, appear to be the main reasons why the retail prices
of meats in these cities are higher than in others.
The average number of persons in the family varies according to
the cities, and these 22 articles represent a varying proportion of the
entire food budgets according to locality. Hence, no attempt should
be made in this table to compare one city with another. The table
is intended to show merely the trend in the retail price of these 22
food articles since 1913 for each individual city.
1 Sirloin steak, round steak, rib roast, chuck roast, plate boiling beef, pork chops, bacon, ham, lard,
hens, flour, corn meal, eggs, butter, milk, bread, potatoes, sugar, cheese, rice, coffee, and tea.

https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[57]

58

M O N TH LY LABOE EEVIEW,

COMPARISON OF FAMILY E X PE N D IT U R E S FOR 22 FOOD ARTICLES, COMBINED, IN
39 CITIES, BY YEARS, 1913 TO 1918, AND BY MONTHS, JANUARY TO MAY, 1919.
Baltim ore, Md.

A tlan ta, Ga.
Percentage
increase
over—

Year and month.
Expend­
iture.

1913........................................
1914.........................................
1915.........................................
1916........................................
1917.........................................
1918........................................
1919, January.........................
February.......................
March............................
A pril........................ .
May...............................

$361.00
387. 31
355.75
391.59
515.68
611.27
3 683. 04
2 631. 03
2 637. 78
2 650.33
3 663.14

Preced­
ing
1913 year
or
month.

2
i1
8
43
69
89
75
77
80
84

2
13
10
32
19
1
i8
1
2
2

B ost on, Mass.
1913.........................................
1914.........................................
1915.........................................
1916.........................................
1917.........................................
1918........................................
1919, January.........................
February.......................
March............................
April..............................
May................................

$388.16
394. 94
391. 23
432. 93
552.64
636.38
2 692.87
2 643. 46
2 662. 25
2 680. 46
2 703.09

2
1
12
42
64
79
66
71
75
81

$336.48
344.65
345. 00
382.73
496.81
559.52
2 614.75 .
2 563. 59
2 581. 35
2 602.73
2 613.31

2
3
14
48
66
83
68
73
79
82

Percentage
increase
over—
Expend­
iture.

$335.15
341.99
338. 21
378.10
509.36
016. 99
2 679.48
2 628. 29
2 625. 29
2 647. 42
2662.28

Preced­
ing
1913 year
or
month.

2
1
13
52
84
103
87
87
93
98

2
il
12
35
21
(3)
18
(3)
4
2

Percentage
increase
over—
Expend­
iture.

$377.53
401.94
394.33
438.99
574.64
651.53
2 732.08
2 669. 47
2 694.83
2 718.69
2 735.30

Buffalo, IT Y.

2
il
11
28
15
i2
17
3
3
3

Chicago, 111.
1913.........................................
1914.........................................
1915.........................................
1916.........................................
1917.........................................
1918........................................
19i 9, January.........................
February.......................
March............................
A pril..............................
May...............................

Birmingham, Ala.

$318.15
321.27
321.65
365. 07
491.18
562. 96
2 623.35
2 560.76
2 577. 00
2 587.33
2 607.05

1
1
15
54
77
96
76
81
85
91

(4)
11
30
13
(3i
i8
3
4
2

$338.26
342. 86
333.38
379. 53
502.37
563.33
2 620. 02
2 573.63
2 594.17
2 623.01
2 628.71

1
11
12
49
67
83
70
76
84
86

6
4
16
52
73
94
77
84
90
95

6
.12
11
31
13
(*)
19
4
3
2

Charleston, S. C.

1
(4)
13
35
15
i
110
3
2
3

$348.60
358.18
347.98
377.60
504.70
615. 25
2 692. 50
2640. 04
2 645. 26
2665.70
2 680. 76

Cincinnati, Ohio.

2

Preced­
ing
1913 year
or
month.

3

3

13

(3)
8
45
76
99
84
85
91
95

9
34
22
2
18
1
3
2

Cleveland, Ohio.

1
13
14
32
12
1

17

4
5
1

$354. 01
361.99
2
354.99 (4)
403. 06
14
530. 87
50
67
590.11
2653. 59
85
2 599. 86
69
2 616. 84
74
2 640. 83
81
2652.08
84

2
12
14
32
11
(4)

18
3
4
2
í»

Dallas, Tex.
1913........................................
1914........................................
1916........................................
1917.........................................
1918.........................................
1919, January.........................
February.......................
March............................
A pril..............................
May................................

$395. 41
405.96
402. 20
439. 96
572. 22
650. 54
2 739. 01
2 688.91
2 703.92
2 712.45
2 717.11

3
2
11
45
65
87
74
78
80
81

Denver, Colo.

3
il
9
30
14
2
17
2
1
1

1Decrease.

$247.36
249.13
253. 80
276.23
356. 55
412.78
2 461.63
2 419.33
2 439.61
2 456.41
2 459.89

1
3
12
44
67
87
70
78
85
86

D etroit, Mich.

1
2
9
29
16
2

19

5
4
1

$334 OS
345.26337. 87
382.86
510.14
580,73
2 635.69
2 572.61
2 592.00
2 624.70
2643.31

2 Cost of year’s supply at prices charged in specifled month.
3 Decrease of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.
4 Increase of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[582

3
1
14
52
73
90
71.
77
86
92

3

12

13
33
14
1
1 10
3
6

M ONTHLY

LABOR

59

R E V IE W ,

COMPARISON OF FAMILY EXPENDITURES FOR 22 FOOD ARTICLES, COMBINED, IN 39
CITIES, BY YEARS, 1913 TO 1918, AND BY MONTHS, JANUARY TO MAY, 1919—Continued.
Indianapolis Ind.

F all River, Mass.

P e rc e n ta g e
in crease
o v er—

P e rc e n ta g e
increase
over—

Y e a r a n d m o n th .
Expend­
itu r e .

,1375.51
382.16
380.59
421.83
534.83
624.66
4681. 49
F e b ru a ry ............................ 4646.05
4650. 89
M arch ..................................
April............................... 4661. 79
M a y ...................................... 4680.17

1914..........................................
1915.................................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ........ ......................

P reced ­
1913 y eina rg o r
'm onth.

2
1
12

2

C)

11

42

27
17
32
85

66

81
72
73
76
81

1
2

3

K ansas City Mo.
1913___
.. .
1914..........................................
1915..........................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y . . . . .......................
F e b r u a r y ...........................
M arch ..................................
A p ril....................................
M a y ............................

$340.12
348.57
348.64
389.00
509.99
570. 82
4637.37
4548.23
4597. 52
4623. 87
4636. 51

2

2

(2)

87
61
76
83
87

(l314
)

12

31

12

9
4
1

Louisville, Ky.
1913................................ .
1914..................................... .
1915.....................................
1910..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ..............................
F e b r u a r y ...........................
M arch ..................................

April...............................
M a y ......................................

$363. 85
394.58
357,39
400. 57
546. 06
623.09
4687. 88
4634. 53
4648.31
4671.41
4692.32

(2)

12
10

50
71
89
74
78
85
90

F e b r u a r y ............................
M arch .............................

April...............................

M ay ......................................

$327.25
336.68
331.94
376. 63
502. 50
552. 87
4621. 10
4562. 04
4584. 95
4607. 61
4622. 94

3
1

15
54
69
90
72
79

86

90

$345.23
352.19
345, 33
392.85
515. 32
563.69
4629.45
4573.37
4591.32
4614.37
4627. 84

P re c e d ­
1913 y eing
ar or
m o n th .

2
(2)

14
49
63
82

66

71
78
82

2

32
14
31
9
1

89
3
4
2

$390.14
396. 82
393. 70
429.92
562.06
649.47
4707.97
4666.99
4677. 28
4694.90
4701.48

2
1
10

44

66

81
71
74
78
80

Expend­
itu r e .

(2)

12
12

36
14
(2)

38
2

4
3

$366.01
375.10
373.37
413.06
531. 63
623. 51
4680.18
4622.32
4632. 87
4656. 66
4672.76

2
2

13
45
70

86

70
73
79
84

m o n th .

$377.10
381. 66
377.80
408.31
521. 53
613. 06
4696.00
4634.41
4636.32
4659.87
4669.73

3

13
33

10
1
3 10

4
4
3

$319. 98
328.34
323.73
363.51
473. 72
524. 03
4573.60
4536.43
4587.01
4596.91
4607.15

3
1

14
48
64
79

68

77
87
90

2
81

9
31
16
(2)

36
2

3
1

284.84
288.37
271.46
290.51
355.95
423.44
4470.14
4447.19
4449.85
4459.12
4471.12

[59]

1

3,

8

8

38
63
85

28
IS
37
39

68

69
75
78

(2)

4
1

C1)

1
35
2

1
36

7
23
19

25
49
65
57
58
61
65

0)

35

i

2

3

Memphis, Tenn.

2

11

29
17
si
39
2

4

2

375. 75
368. 09
408. 81
540.33
631. 80
4703. 83
4651. 53
4669.44
4698.49
4712.15

2

2

32

C)

11

47
71
81
77
82
90
93

11

Cl

32
17
37

3
4

2

Newark, N. J.

3

31
12

30

11
31
36
6

5

2

$364. 92
371.21
370. 97
403.28
521.98
610. 03
4673.03
4639.71
4635.95
4645. 87
4651.47

1 D ecrease of less th a n fiv e -te n th s of 1 p e r c e n t.
2 In crea se of less th a n fiv e -te n th s of 1 p e r ce n t.
8 D ecrease.
4 C ost of y e a r’s s u p h ly a t p ric e s c h a rg e d in sp ecified m o n th .


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1

(2)

Los Angeles, Calif,

Minneapolis, Minn.

31

P rec e d ­

1913 y eina rg o r

M anchester, N. II.

Milwaukee, Wis.
1913......... y ............................
1914..........................................
1915..........................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ..............................

Expend­
itu re .

P e rc e n ta g e
in crease
o v er—

L ittle Rock, Ark.

3
14
50

68

Jacksonville, Fla.

2
2
11

43
67
82
74
72
75
77

2

C)

9
29
17

31
35
31
2
1

60

M ONTHLY

LABOR

R E V IE W ,

COMPARISON OF'FAMILY EXPENDITURES FOR 22 FOOD ARTICLES, COMBINED, IN 39
CITIES, BY YEARS, 1913 TO 1918, AND BY MONTHS, JANUARY TO MAY, 1919—Concluded.
New Haven, Conn.

Y e a r a n d m o n th .

1913 ....................................
1914..........................................
1915..........................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ....................... - . .
F e b r u a r y ...........................
M a rc h .................................
A p r il...................................
M a y .....................................

New Orleans, La.

P e rc e n ta g e
in crease
o v er —
Expend­
itu r e .

$376.96
384.53
381. 89
433.88
551.08
644.61
3701.09
3649.61
3649.56
s666.60
3684.20

P rec e d ­
1913 y eing
ar or
m o n th .

2
1
15
46
71
86
72
. 72
77
82

2

11

14
27
17
11
17
(4)
3
3

F e b r u a r y ...........................
M a rc h .................................
A p r il...................................
M a y .....................................

$334.52
346. 77
342.15
383.£8
501.51
563.67
3625.54
3570. 30
3594.98
3626.01
3637.25

4
11
12

4
2
15
50
69
87
70
78
87
91

31
12
1
19

4
5
2

P o rtlan d , Oreg.
1913.....................................
1914..........................................
1915..........................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ..............................
F e b r u a r y ...........................
M a rc h ...............................
A p r il...........................
M a y ...................................

$266,03
266.'00
259.73
276.41
350. 99
418.64
3463.26
3432. 71
3447.56
a451.65
3451.36

(«)
12
. 4
32
57
74
63
68
70
70

F e b r u a r y ........................
M a rc h ...........................
A p r il.............................
M a y .....................................

$326.36
338.55
330.98
371. 54
499.87
565.05
3623.76
3576.16
3596.93
3621.24
3629.48

(4)

12

6
27
19
1
17

3
1

0)

4

1

14
53
73
91

77
83
90
93

F e b r u a r y ..........................
M a rc h ...............................

April........................

M a y .....................................

$335.98
338. 88
334. 91
377. 51
492.19
570. 06
s655. 88
3605. 80
3605.29
3625.12
3642.51

1
(O
12
46
70
90
75

75
81

86

2
2
12
48
68
91
74
77
84
88

2
(2)
10
32
14
2
19
2
4
2

$352.19
359.06
355. 92
397. 82
515.11
603. 91
3666.89
3629.48
3620. 54
3642. 77
3653.46

2
1
13
46
71
89
79
76
83
86

$380. 85
392.36
385.78
433.79
562.76
658.28
3716.73
3671. 89
3673.74
3092.33
3713.12

3
1
14
48
73
88
76

77

82

2

11

12
29
17
(2)
16
11

4
2

4

12

12
35
13
(4)
18

4
4

1

$261.87
268.19
268. 92
291. 34
369. 39
408. 07
3448.88
8416.81'
3436.13
3441.21
3441.37

3

12
30
17
11
16
(2)

3
3

2

3
11

41
56
71
59
67
68
69

2
(2)

8
27
10
(4)
17

5
1

(2)

1

13
30
16
( 4)
18

(4)

3
3

$265. 35
265. 85
263. 07
278. 56
358. 02
430. 21
3477.05
»452.12
3456.28
3458.90
3465.71

(2)
11

5

35
62
80
70
72
73
76

P reced ­

1913 y eina rg o r
m o n th .

$355.36
360.29
358.53
397.37
520.19
593.95
3666.48
3621.38
3628.69
3640.40
3651.61

1
1
12
46
67
88
75
77
80
83

1
11
11
31
14
12
17
1
2
(2)

$350.35
359.16
350.93
391.82
518.40
597. 09
3668.46
3607.35
3615.59
3635.19
3646.93

3
(2i

3

12

12

12
32
15
2
19
1
3
2

48
70
91
73
76
81
85

$346.40
345. 58
348.18
384.83
509.42
610. 74
3683.84
3623. 48
3623. 92
3644.51
3667.98

(')

1
11
47
76
97
80
80
86
93

(4)

(2)

[ 60 ]

3

4

San Francisco, Calif.
$271.48
274. 39
274. 99
286.39
352. 03
423.36
3467.25
3448.10
3448.13
3451. 46
3462.78

1

1
5
30
56
72
65
65
66
70

1
(2)

4

23
20

11
14

(2)

1

3

(2)

11

6
29
20
(2)
15

1
1
1

$354.82
361.40
357.88
396.16
528.39
636.13
3699.23
8650. 07
3655.54
3679. 53
3687.89

2
1
12
49
79
97

83
85
92
94

2

11

11
33
20

(4)

1 Decrease.
3 Cost of year’s supply at price in specified month.
2Increase of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent. *Decrease of less than five-tenths of 1 per cent.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1
11
32
20
1
19

W ashington, D. C.

S eattle, W ash.

11

E xpend­
itu r e .

Richmond, V a .

12

87

P erc e n ta g e
in crease
o v er—

P ittsburg, Pa.

S alt Lake City, U tah.

Scranton, P a.
1913........................................
1914........................................
1915..........................................
1916........................................
1917........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y .............................

$369.29
376.56
377.38
414.73
546.78
621.97
37O0. 09
3644.05
3654.90
3679.02
3693.14

P rec e d ­
in g
1913 y e a r o r
m o n th .

Providence, R. I.

St. Louis, Mo.
1913...................................
1914........................................
1915........................................
1916....................................
1917........................................
1918........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ...........................

E xpend­
itu r e .

Philadelphia, P a.

Omaha, Nebr.
1913 .........
i o n .............. : .........................
1915..........................................
1916..........................................
1917..........................................
1918..........................................
1919, J a n u a r y ..............................

New York, N. Y.

P e rc e n ta g e
increase
o v er—

17

1
4
1

M ONTHLY

LABOR

R E V IE W .

61

Index Numbers of Wholesale Prices in the
United States, 1913 to May, 1919.
HOLESALE prices in the United States showed another decided
increase in May, the bureau’s weighted index number stand­
ing at 206 as compared with 203 for April. Noticeable increases
occurred in the three groups of farm products, food, etc., and cloths
and clothing, the index numbers for these groups rising from 233 to
238, from 207 to 211, and from 214 to 225, respectively. Smaller
increases took place in the lumber and building materials and chem­
icals and drugs groups. The index numbers for the groups of fuel
and lighting, metals and metal products, and house-furnisliing goods
remained unchanged, while that for the group of miscellaneous com­
modities dropped from 216 to 213.
Among the important articles whose wholesale prices averaged
higher in May than in April were cotton, flaxseed, barley, corn,
oats, wheat, hay, hides, hops, hogs, peanuts, cheese, coffee, eggs,
wheat flour, fruits, lard, bacon, hams, oleomargarine, rice, leather,
silk, cotton and woolen goods, cement, ingot copper, bar silver,
glycerin and opium. Eye, cattle, sheep, poultry, tobacco, butter,
rye flour, fresh beef, lamb, mutton, veal, vinegar, coke, bar iron,
iron ore, acids, lubricating oil, wrapping paper, and malt averaged
lower in May than in April, while beans, canned goods, commeal,
milk, salt, sugar, tea, coal, gasoline, matches, petroleum, brick,
glass, lumber, pig iron, and cottonseed meal were practically un­
changed in price.
In the period from May, 1918, to May, 1919, the index number of
farm products increased from 212 to 238, that of food commodities
from 178 to 211, and that of fuel and lighting from 172 to 179. Dur­
ing the same time the index number of lumber and building materials
increased from 147 to 163, that of house-furnishing goods from 188
to 231, and that of miscellaneous commodities, including such
important articles as cottonseed meal, jute, malt, lubricating oil,
newsprint paper, rubber, starch, soap, plug tobacco, and wood pulp,
from 197 to 213. On the other hand the index number of cloths
and clothing dropped from 234 to 225, that of metals and metal
products from 177 to 151, and that of chemicals and drugs from 209
to 168.


12277S°—19-----5
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[61]

62

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

I N D E X N U M B E R S O F W H O L E S A L E P R IC E S I N S P E C I F I E D M O N T H S , 1913, T O M A Y , 1919,
B Y G R O U P S O F C O M M O D IT IE S .

[1913=100.]
Lum ­
M etals b e r anc
and
b
u ild ­
m e ta l
ing
p ro d ­
m a te ­
u c ts .
ria ls.

F a rm
p ro d ­
u c ts.

Food,
etc.

C loths
and
c lo th ­
in g .

Fuel
and
lig h t­
ing.

1913.
A v erag e fo r y e a r . . . .
J a n u a r y ........................
A p r il..........................
J u l y ................................
O c to b e r........................

100
97
97
101
103

100
99
96
101
102

100
100
100
100
100

100
99
99
100
100

100
107
102
98
99

100
100
101
101
98

100
101
100
99
100

100
100
100
100
100

100
100
99
102
100

100
99
98
101
101

1914.
J a n u a r y ........................
A p r il..............................
J u l y ................................
O c to b e r........................

101
103
104
103

102
95
103
107

99
100
100
98

99
98
90
87

92
91
85
83

98
99
97
96

101
101
101
109

103
103
103
103

98
99
97
95

100
98
00
99

1915.
J a n u a r y ........................
A p ril..............................
J u l y ................................
O c to b e r......................

102
107
108
105

106
105
104
104

96
98
99
103

86
84
84
90

83
91
102
100

94
94
94
93

106
102
107
121

101
101
101
101

98
97
96
99

98
99
101
101

J"li l y .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
O c to b e r........................

108
114
118
136

114
117
121
140

110
119
126
137

102
105
105
128

126
147
145
151

99
102
98
101

140
150
143
135

105
109
111
114

107
111
122
132

110
116
119
133

1917.
J a n u a r y ........................
F e b r u a r y .....................
M arch ............................
A p r il..............................
M ay ..............................
J u n e .......................
J u ly ............................
A u g u s t..........................
S e p te m b e r...................
O c to b e r........................
N o v e m b e r...................
D e c e m b e r....................

147
150
162
180
196
196
198
204
203
207
211
204

150
160
161
182
191
187
180
180
178
183
184
185

161
162
163
169
173
179
187
193
193
194
202
206

170
178
181
178
187
193
183
159
155
142
151
153

183
190
199
208
217
239
257
249
228
182
173
173

106
108
111
114
117
127
132
133
134
134
135
135

144
146
151
155
164
165
185
198
203
242
232
230

128
129
129
151
151
162
165
165
165
165
175
175

137
138
140
144

150
165
160

148
1/53

171
181
184

151
156
155
164
165
166

185
184
182
180
182
181

1918.
J a n u a r y ........................
F e b r u a r y .....................
M a rc h ............................
A p ril..............................
M a y ................................
J u n e ...............................
J u l y ...............................
A u g u s t..........................
S e p te m b e r..................
O c to b e r......................
N o v e m b e r...................
D e c e m b e r....................

205
207
211
217
212
214
221
229
236
223
219
221

188
186
178
179
178
179
185
191
199
199
203
207

209
213
220
230
234
243
249
251
251
253
253
246

169
171
171
170
172
171
178
178
179
179
182
183

173
175
175
176
177
177
183
183
183
186
186
183

136
137
142
145
147
148
152
156
158
157
163
163

216
217
217
214
209
205
202
207
206
204
201
182

188
188
188
188
188
192
192
227
233
233
233
233

178
181
184
193
197
199
192
191
195
197
207
204

185
187
187

198
202
207
204
206
206

220
215
226
233
238

204
193
200
207
211

231
220
214
214
225

181
181
180
179
179

172
167
161
151
151

160
162
164
161
163

179
173
171
167
168

233
233
233
231
231

206
207
218
216
213

202
197
200
203
206

Y e a r a n d m o n th .

1916.
J a n u a r y ........ ...............

1919.
J a n u a r y ........................
F e b r u a r y .....................
M a rc h .. 1...............
A p r il......................

May i......................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

'

1Preliminary.

£

62 ]

C hem ­ H ougeM is­
icals fu m ish
c e lla­
and
in g
n
eo u s.
d ru g s . goo d s.

A ll
co m ­
m o d i­
tie s.

1Q1

191

103

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

63

Comparison of Retail Price Changes in the
United States and Foreign Countries.
rP H E index numbers of retail prices published by several foreign
countries have been brought together with those of this bureau
in the subjoined table after having been reduced to a common base,
viz, prices for July, 1914, equal 100. This base was selected instead
of the average for the year 1913, which is used in other tables of index
numbers compiled by the bureau, because of the fact that in some
instances satisfactory information for 1913 was not available. For
Great Britain, Norway, and Sweden the index numbers are repro­
duced as published in the original sources, while those for Austria
have been rounded off to the nearest whole number from the latest
available figures, as published in the British Labor Gazette. All
these are shown on the July, 1914, base in the source from which the
information is taken. The index numbers here shown for the
remaining countries have been obtained by dividing the index for
July, 1914, as published, into the index for each month specified in
the table. As indicated in the table, some of these index numbers
are weighted and some are not, while the number of articles included
differs widely. They should not, therefore, be considered as closely
comparable one with another. In one or two instances the figures
here shown are not absolutely comparable from month to month
over the entire period, owing to slight changes in the list of com­
modities included at successive dates.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[63]

64

M O N TH LY LABOE EEVIEW,

I N D E X N U M B E R S O F R E T A I L P R I C E S IN T H E U N I T E D S T A T E S A N D C E R T A I N O T H E R
C O U N T R IE S .
[J u ly , 1914=100.]

F ra n c e : 13 a rtic le s.
Y e a r a n d m o n th .

U n ite d
A u stra lia :
A u stria :
C an ad a:
S ta te s:
22 foodstuffs; 46 foodstuffs; 18 foodstuffs; 29 foodstuffs; C ities o v er
30
to
w
n
s
.
V
ien
n
a
.
60
c itie s.
10,000 p o p u ­
45 citie s.
W e ig h te d .
W e ig h te d .
W e ig h te d . la tio n (ex ce p t
W e ig h te d .
P a ris ).
W e ig h te d .

1914.
J u ly ............................
O c to b e r....................

100
103

100
99

100
104

100
108

1915.
J a n u a r y ....................
A n r il..........................
J u ly ............................
O c to b e r.....................

101
97
98
101

107
113
131
133

121
166
179
217

107
105
105
105

1916.
J a n u a r y ....................
A p r il..........................
J u ly ............................
O c to b e r....................

105
107
109
119

129
131
130
125

222

112
112
114
125

1917.
J a n u a r y ....................
F e b r u a r y .................
M arch ........................
A p r il..........................
M ay ............................
J u n e ...........................
J u ly ............................
A u g u s t......................
S e p te m b e r...............
O c to b e r.....................
N o v e m b e r ...............
D e c e m b e r................

125
130
130
142
148
149
143
146
150
154
152
154

125
126
126
127
127
127
126
129
129
129
129
128

1918.
J a n u a r y ....................
F e b r u a r y .................
M arch ........................
A p r il..........................
M a y ............................
J u n o ...........................
J u ly ............................
A u g u s t......................
S e p te m b e r...............
O c to b e r.....................
N o v e m b e r ...............
D e c e m b e r.................

157
158
151
151
155
159
164
168
175
177
179
183

129
130
131
131
132
132
131
128
128
131
133
134

1919.
J a n u a r y ....................
F e b r u a r y .................
M arch ........................

181
169
172

140
141


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

272
275
288
312
337
315

138
141
144
145
159
160
157
157
157
InQ
163
165
167
169
170
171
172
181
179
182
182
184
186
181
176

1 Q u a rte r b e g in n in g t h a t m o n th .

[64]

1 100

P a r is o n ly .
W e ig h te d .

100

1 110

120

i 123

120
118

1 137

132

i 146

135

i 154

139

1 171

147

i 184

183

i 200

184

i 211

191

i 232

218

i 244

206

i 260

238

248

65

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

IN D E X NUMBERS OF R E TA IL PRICES IN T H E UN ITED STATES AND CERTAIN OTHER
COUNTRIES—Concluded.
Norway:
Italy:
Netherlands:
Great Britain: 7 foodstuffs; 29 articles; New Zealand: 22 foodstuffs
59
foodstuffs;
(variable);
40 cities
21
foodstuffs;
40 cities.
Year and month. 600 towns.
25 towns.
20 towns
(variable).
Not
Weighted.
(variable).
Not
Weighted.
weighted.
Weighted.
weighted.
1914.
July........................
1915.
Tilly
October.................
1916.

October.................
1917.
March....................

1918.

...................
Tirn«

1919.

100
112

100
104

1100
2 107

118
124
1321
140

108
113
120
127

114
123
131
128

145
149
161
168

133
132
132
132

135
142
150
158

187
189
192
194
198
202
204
202
206
197
206
205

144
154
161
164
167
171
172
178
188

165
165
169
170
180
184
188

206
208
207
206
207
208
210
218
216
229
233
229

191
221
247
236

197
199

100
102

267

100

100

3 107

111
113
112
112

« 129

3 113
3 121
3 124
»128

116
118
119
120

6 161
166

3 130
3 134
3 142
3 152

127
126
126
127
128
128
127
127
129»
130
130
132
133
134
134
137
139
139
139
141
141
142
144
150

239
253

Sweden:
21 articles;
44 towns.
Weighted.

160
166
170
175
175
175
177
181
187
192

183
197
214

200
212

230

221

241

227
235
247
258
261
268
280
284
310
320
330

253
264
271
279
275
270
276
275
275

339
334

145

230

......... .....

1
1 January-July.
2 August-December.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

s Quarter beginning th at month.
i November,

[65]

6 August.

66

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

Prices of Meats and Breadstuff's During the War
and the Readjustment Period.
npHAT great increases have taken place in the prices of meats and
breadstuffs since the beginning of the war in 1914 is a fact
recognized by all. The precise extent to which prices have increased,
however, is a matter of more or less speculation, owing to the difficulty
of obtaining strictly comparable information. As indicative of the
extent of price changes in these commodities during the war period
and since, there is presented herewith a series of charts and tables
showing fluctuations in the prices of four basic food materials—two
animal and two vegetable—together with certain of their derived
products, in selected markets, since January of 1913. For purpose
of comparison, all prices have been reduced to the pound basis.
Relative prices for the several articles, based on the average price
in 1913 as 100, are also shown in the tables in order that the changes
may be more easily compared.
From the chart and table for live cattle, fresh beef at wholesale,
and round steak at retail it is seen that each of these commodities
more than doubled in price in the six years from 1913 to 1919. Live
cattle show a relatively higher increase in this period than either
fresh beef at wholesale or round steak at retail, as is seen by
reference to the last three columns of the table. Fresh beef at
wholesale and round steak at retail increased in almost the same
ratio during the latter part of the period.
In the chart and table for heavy hogs, smoked hams at wholesale,
and sliced ham at retail it is shown that hogs and hams at wholesale
doubled in price in the period from 1913 to 1919, while sliced ham at
retail increased to a less extent. Measured by the price of hogs,
the retail price of sliced ham was considerably lower in the early
months of 1919 than in the corresponding months of 1913 or 1914.
The same fact is observed when the prices of sliced ham are compared
with those of smoked hams at wholesale. In all cases the sharp
increases that have taken place in the price of meats since the begin­
ning of 1917 are apparent.
The chart and table for wheat, flour, and bread show plainly the
effect of the outbreak of war late in the summer of 1914 on the
prices of these commodities. The high peak reached in the summer
of 1917, before price control became effective, is also quite evident.
In the price series for wheat flour, winter straights have been selected
instead of patents because of the fact that this quality of flour con­
forms more closely to the standard prescribed by the United States
Food Administration for the period when the ordinary grades of

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[66 ]

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

67

flour were not allowed to be marketed. The table of relative prices
shows that, measured by the average price for 1913, bread at retail
increased to a much smaller extent during the period than did wheat
or flour at wholesale. The increase in the price differential between
wheat and flour since the beginning of the war, and especially since
the entry of this country into the war, is clearly seen in the chart.
The per pound prices of corn, corn meal at wholesale, and corn
meal at retail in three separate localities are shown in the last table
and chart. It is seen from these that there was little fluctuation
in the prices until near the close of 1916, when increases in the price
of wheat were reflected in corn and meal prices. The high peak for
corn and meal at wholesale was reached in the second half of 1917,
following the peak for wheat and flour prices. Corn meal at retail
continued to advance until the spring of 1918, with a widening
differential between its price and that of corn. Since April, 1918,
prices of corn and meal have declined, the differential at the present
time being still somewhat greater than in prewar months.
While definite conclusions can not be drawn from the limited
information here presented, a study of the four tables and charts
reveals few well-defined instances of lag between wholesale and retail
prices. For meats, especially, changes in the price of basic materials
appear to have been quite promptly reflected in retail prices. For
breadstuffs, as might be expected, the response of retail prices to
changes in the wholesale price was not so prompt. An examination
of the figures leads to the conclusion, also, that so far as these com­
modities are concerned the ratio of prices of raw materials to those
of their manufactured products has varied but little during the period
under review.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

167]

68

M O N THLY

LA B O R R EV IEW ,

P R I C E S O F L I V E C A T T L E A T C H IC A G O , F R E S H B E E F A T W H O L E S A L E A T N E W Y O R K ,
A N D R O U N D S T E A K A T R E T A I L A T N E W Y O R K , J A N U A R Y , 1913, T O M A Y , 1919.
A verage p rice p e r p o u n d .
Y e a r a n d m o n th .

1913: J a n u a r y ...........................
F e b r u a ry ...........................
M arch .................................
A p r il...........................
M ay .....................................
J u n e ..................
J u l y - . . ...............................
A u g u s t..............................
S e p te m b e r........................
O c to b e r.......................
N o v e m b e r.......................
D e c e m b e r.......................
1914: J a n u a r y ...................
F e b r u a ry ......................
M a rc h .......................
A p r il...............
M ay .....................................
J u n e ..............
J u l y - . . ..............................
A u g u s t..........................
S e p te m b e r..................
O c to b e r.....................
N o v e m b e r............
D e c e m b e r___
1915: J a n u a r y ...........
1' e b r u a ry ................
M a rc h .......................
A p r il...................
M ay .......................
J u n e .........
J u ly ....................................
A u g u s t......................
S e p te m b e r........................
O c to b e r...............
N o v e m b e r___
D e c e m b e r...................
1916: J a n u a r y ...............
F e b r u a r y ........
M a rc h ...............................
A p r i l . . . ..................
M ay ...............
J u n e ................
J u l y . . ................................
A u g u s t..............................
S e n te m b e r.......................
O c to b e r.............................
N o v e m b e r.................
D e c e m b e r.........................
1917: J a n u a r y ...........................
F e b r u a ry ........................
M a rc h ...............
A p r il.................................
M ay ...............
J u n e .................
J u ly ....................................
A u g u s t..............................
S e p te m b e r.......................
O c to b e r.............................
N o v e m b e r........................
D e c e m b e r.........................
1918: January.....................

1819;

R e la tiv e price (av erag e in 1913=100).

C attle , good F re s h beef,
R ound
C attle , good F re s h beef,
R ound
to choice n a tiv e sides, s te a k , re ­
to choice n a tiv e sides, s te a k , re­
steers,
w holesale,
ta il,
steers,
w holesale,
ta il.
Chicago.
N ew Y o rk . N ew Y o rk .
Chicago.
N e w Y o rk . N e w Y o rk .

February....................
March........................
AprJ..................................
May...........................
June..........................
July...........................
August.......................
September.................
October.....................
November..................
December..................
January.....................
February...................
March........................
A p r il..................................
May...........................


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

C e n ts .

8.36
8.41
8.56
8.50
8.26
8.49
8.72
8.51
8. G7
8.65
8.51
8.45
8.76
8.64
8.66
8.71
8.73
8.80
9.22
9.52
9.73
9.43
9.41
8.62
8.53
8.18
8.23
8.63
8.59
8.96
9.21
9.23
8.95
8.88
8.85
8.49
8.67
8.47
8.97
9.12
9.46
10.26
9.99
9.85
9.80
9.91
10.35
10.29
10.53
11.13
11.87
12.31
12.48
12.55
12.56
13.18
14.99
14.68
14.39
13.24
13.11
13.08
13.23
15.18
16.42
17.18
17.63
17.83
18.41
17.86
18.16
18.36
18.41
18.47
18. 58
18.33^ —

C e n ts .

11.44
11.38
12.00
13.00
12.25
12.44
12.85
12.75
13.00
13.00
12.88
12.85
13.19
13.06
12.80
12.75
13.00
13.05
14.06
14.44
14.25
13.56
14.00
13.40
12.94
12.06
11.35
11.13
12.13
12.95
13.69
13.50
13.31
12.69
12. C5
12.13
12.38
12.33
12.88
12.81
13.13
15.00
14.25
14.00
13.88
13.00
13.25
13.25
13.65
14.63
14.84
16.31
16.25
16.75
16.85
17.06
18.19
17.25
16.88
18.50
17.90
17.25
17. 50
21.00
22.00
24.31
21.40
21.63
23.63
20.35
21. C3
22.75
23.00
22.81 ^
23. 05
22.63

[68 ]

C e n ts .

23.10
23.10
23.80
25.10
25.00
25.30
26.10
26.10
25.70
25.50
25.40
25.30
25.10
25.50
25.40
25.50
25.70
25.80
26.90
28.40
27.80
27.10
26.50
25.90
25.50
25.00
24.40
24.60
25.70
26.00
27.10
27.10
27.20
26.90
20.40
25. SO
25.50
25.40
26.30
26.40
27. SO
29.30
28.90
28.80
28. 70
27.70
27.10
26.90
27.50
29.20
29.10
31.50
32.40
32. 50
33.70
35.10
36.80
36.00
33. 50
34.20
35.20
35. CO
35.70
38.40
40. CO
45.20
46.30
46. 70
48.00
45.40
44.80
45. 40

..-4vA!l
46.90
46.80
47.00
46.90

98.3
98.9
100.6
99.9
97.1
99.8
102.5
100.0
101.9
101.7
400.0
99.3
103.0
101.6
101.8
102.4
102.6
103.4
108.4
111.9
114.4
110.9
110.6
104-8
100.3
96.2
96.7
94.4
101.0
105.3
108.3
108.5
105.2
101.4
104.0
99.8
101.9
99.6
105.4
107.2
111.2
120.6
117.4
115.8
115.2.
110.5
121.7
121.0
123.8
130.8
139.5
144.7
146.7
147. 5
147.6
154.9
176.2
172.6
169.2
155.6
154.1
153.7
155. 5
178.4
193.0
201.9
207.2
209.6
216.4
209.9
213.5
215.8
216.4
217.1
• 218.4
215.5
208.5

91.4
90.9
95.8
103.8
97.8
99.4
102.6
101.8
103.8
103.8
102.9
102.6
105.4
104.3
102.2
101.8
103.8
104.2
112.3
115.3
113.8
108.3
111.8
107.0
103.4
96.3
90.7
88.9
96.9
103.4
109.3
107.8
10C. 3
101.4
101.0
96.9
98.9
98.5
102.9
102.3
104.9
119.8
113.8
111.8
110.9
103.8
105.8
105.8
109.0
116.9
118.5
130.3
129.8
133.8
134.6
130.3
145.3
137.8
134.8
147.8
143.0
137.8
139. 8
167. 7
175.7
194.2
170.9
172.8
188.7
162. 5
172. 8
181.7
183. 7
182.2
184. 2
184.1
180. 8

92.5
92.5
95.4
100.6
100.2
101.4
104.6
104.6
103.0
102.2
101.8
101.4
100.6
102.2
101.8
102.2
103.0
103.4
107.8
113.8
111.4
108.6
ieo.
103.8
102.2
100.2
97.8
98.6
103.0
104.2
10S.6
108.6
109.0
107.8
105.8
103.4
102.2
101.8
105.4
105.8
111.4
117.4
115.8
115.4
115.0
111.0
108.6
107.8
110.2
117.0
116.6
126.2
129.8
130.2
135.0
140.6
147.4
144.2
134.2
137.0
141.0
142.6
143.0
153.8
162.7
181.1
185.5
187.1
192.3
181.9
179.5
181.9
1S9. 5
187.9
187. 5
188.3
187.9

2

1913

JAN

1914

APR JULY OCT JAN APR JULY OCT JAN

1915

1915

APR JULY OCT JAN

1917

APR JULY OCT JAN

1910

APR JU LY OCT JAN

1919

APR. JU LY OCT JAN

APR JULY

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

05
CO

70

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

PRICES OF HEAVY HOGS, SMOKED HAMS AT W HOLESALE, AND SLICED HAM AT R E ­
TAIL, CHICAGO, JANUARY, 1913, TO MAY, 1919.
Relative price (average in 1913= 100).

Average price per pound.
Year and month.

July...................................

July...................................

July...................................

June..................................

November........................

April.................................


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Hogs,
heavy,
Chicago.

Hams,
smoked,
wholesale,
Chicago.

Ham,
sliced,
retail,
Chicago.

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

7.47
8. 08
8.87
8.94
8.42
8.63
9.01
8-35
8.43
8.31
7.92
7.87
8.40
8.63
8.67
8.72
8.36
8.20
8. 77
9.04
8.76
7.81
7.59
7.19
6.99
6.76
6.76
7.25
7.55
7.46
7.28
6. 84
7.14
8.12
6.89
6. 66
7.37
8.38
9.68
9. 74
9.93
9.63
9.83
10.34
10.74
9.87
9. 99
10.25
10. 96
12.58
14.79
15.80
16.09
15.71
15.46
17.33
18.33
17.59
17.46
16.85
16.30
16.72
16.83
17.15
17.26
16.62
17.72
19.19
19.73
17.85
17. 81
17.58
17.54
17.64
18. 96
20. 50
20.76

14. 97
16.10
16. 50
16.55
16.88
17.44
17.80
17.88
17.04
16.44
16.16
15.60
15.31
15.25
15. 55
15.75
15.88
17. 69
19.03
19.05
17.19
16. 63
10.33
15.38
15.25
14.25
14.38
15.13
15.85
16 10
14.95
14.47
16.13
16.25
15.56
15.88
16.75
17. 69
18.31
18.45
18.50
19.00
19.00
19.00
19.35
20.31
19.88
19.45
21.13
22.88
24.50
26.55
25.94
23.95
24.13
26. 75
28.60
29.00
30.10
29. 50
29.84
30.28
30.75
30.25
29. 94
30. 25
32.25
32.81
33.61
35.41
36.70
34. 94
33.38
33.81
35.95
37.69
[70]

30.80
29.50
31.30
32.50
32. 50
32.40
32.30
32.20
32.20
32.00
32.30
31.80
32.00
31.00
31.20
31.70
31.70
31.90
33.00
34.60
34.10
33.90
33.10
32.80
33.30
33.00
32.20
31.70
32.30
33.20
32.80
32. 80
32.89
32.80
32.80
33.30
33.00
32.00
32.20
33.70
33.70
34.70
34.90
35.90
35.90
35.90
34. 60
34. 40
33.30
35.40
34.30
38.20
40.30
41.60
41.40
40. 70
43.90
43.90
44.50
42.90
42.80
44. 80
45.00
46.70
48.30
48.80
49.10
50.50
51.70
52.09
52.50
53.40
55. 30
52.10
50.80
54. 60
56.60

Hogs,
heavy,
Chicago.
89.3
96.0
106.0
100.9
100.6
103.2
107.7
99.8
100.7
99.4
94.7
94.1
100.4
103.2
103.6
104.2
99.9
98.0
104.8
108.0
101.7
93.3
90.7
86.0
83.6
80.8
80.8
86.7
90.3
89.2
87.0
81.8
85.4
97.1
82.4
79.6
88.0
100.1
115.7
110.4
118.7
115.1
117.5
123. 6
128.4
118. 0
119.4
122.5
131. 0
150.4
176. 8
188.8
192.3
187.8
184.8
207.2
219.1
210.3
208.7
201.4
194.9
199.9
201.2
205.0
206.3
198.7
211.8
229.4
235.8
213.4
212.9
210.1
209.7
210. 9
226.6
245.1
248.2

Hams,
smoked,
wholesale,
Chicago.
90.1
96.9
99.3
99.6
101.6
104.9
107.1
107.6
102.5
98.9
97.2
93.9
92.1
91.8
93.6
94.8
95.5
99.6
106.4
114.5
114.0
103.4
100.1
98.3
92.5
91.8
85.7
86.5
91.0
95.4
96.9
90.0
87.1
97.1
97.8
93.6
95.5
100.8
106.4
110.2
111.0
111.3
114.3
114.3
. 114.3
116.4
122.2
119. 6
117.0
127.1
137.7
147.4
159. 7
156.1
144.1
145.2
160.9
172.1
174.5
181. 5
177.5
179.5
182.2
185.0
182.0
180.1
182.0
194.0
197.4
202.2
213.1
220.8
210.2
200.8
203.4
216.3
226.8

Hams,
sliced,
retail,
Chicago.

.

96.8
92.7
98.4
102.1
102.1
101.8
101.5
101.2
101.2
100.6
101.5
99.9
100.6
97.4
98.1
99.6
99.6
100.3
103.7
108.7
107.2
106.5
104.0
103.1
104.7
103.7
101.2
99.6
101.5
104.3
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
103.1
104.7
103.7
100.6
101.2
105.9
105.9
109.1
109.7
112.8
112.8
112.8
108.7
108.1
104.7
111.3
107.8
120.1
126.7
130.7
130.1
127.9
138.0
138.0
139.9
134.8
134.5
140.8
141.4
146.8
151.8
153.4
154,3
158.7
162.5
163.4
165.0
167.8
173.8
163.8
159.6
171.6
177.9

60
SS
scr

40

tu]

35


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

30

25

20

M O N TH LY LABOE EEYIEW,

45

15

10

5
0

-er

72

MONTHLY LABOE REVIEW.

PRICES OF W HEAT, W HEAT FLO U R AT W HOLESALE, AND BREAD AT R E TA IL, KANSAS
CITY, JANUARY, 1913, TO MAY, 1919.
Relative price (average in 1913=100).

Average price per pound.

W heat flour, Bread, be­ Wheat, No. 2, W heat flour, Bread, be­
Year and m onth. Wheat, No. 2, winter
straights fore baking, hard winter, winter straights, fore baking,
hard winter,
wholesale,
retail, Kan­
wholesale,
retail, Kan­ Kansas City.
Kansas City. Kansas
sas City.
Kansas City.
City.
sas City.
C e n ts .

January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
June.............
July..............
August.........
September...
October.......
November...
D ecem ber...
1914: January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
Ju n e.............
July..............
August.........
September...
October.......
November...
December...
1915: January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
June.............
July..............
August.........
September...
October........
November...
Decem ber...
1916: January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
June.............
July..............
August.........
September....
October.......
November...
D ecem ber...
1917: January.......
F ebruary....
March..........
A pril............
May..............
June.............
July..............
August.........
S eptem ber..
October.......
Novem ber...
Decem ber...
1918: January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
Ju n e.............
July..............
August.........
Septem ber..
October.......
November...
December...
1919: January.......
February__
March..........
April............
May..............
1913:


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1.47
1.47
1.45
1.48
1.48
1.52
1.43
1.41
1.46
1.46
1.44
1.46
1.43
1.45
1.48
1.46
1.49
1.53
1.36
1.45
1.74
1.70
1.79
1.87
2.22
2.55
2.48
2.53
2.52
2.03
2.23
2.10
1.79
1.79
1.74
1.82
2.00
2.04
1.78
1.89
1.85
1.70
1.81
2.32
2.55
2.75
3.10
2.87
3.16
3.00
3.30
4.22
5.08
4.48
4.01
4.41
3.64
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.53
3.75
3.60
3.60
3.61
3.60
3.77
3.85
3.80
3.96
4.34
4.35

C e n ts .

1.94
1.95
1.91
1.94
1.99
2.05
1.96
1.95
2.03
1.96
1.94
1.94
1.94
1.94
1.94
1.94
1.94
1.91
1.71
2.10
2.53
2.38
2.39
2.55
3.14
3.56
3.46
3.47
3.43
3.03
2.89
2.79
2.51
2.51
2.52
2.61
2.79
2.50
2.50
2.56
2.47
2.33
2.45
3.33
3.61
3.99
4.45
3-98
4.50
4.27
4.75
6.08
7.37
6.55
6.10
6.33
5.48
5.36
5.26
5.11
15.15
15.23
15.26
’-5.31
15.36
15.36
15.40
15.24
15.18
15.17
15.23
15.20
14.85
i 4.86
4.97
5.73
6.01

C e n ts .

5.20
5.20
5.20
5.30
5.30
5.40
5.40
5.30
5.30
5.30
5.30
5.30
5-40
5.30
5.40
5.40
5.40
5.30
5.40
5.40
5.40
5.50
5.50
5.70
5.70
6.30
6.30
6.30
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.50
6.40
6.30
6.30
6.30
6.20
6.50
6.60
6.60
6.60
6.60
6.60
6.80
7.40
7.30
7.60
7.50
8.00
8.10
8.30
8.70
9.00
9.50
9.80
9.60
9.80
9.60
9.40
8.80
8.70
8.90
8.80
8.90
8.90
8.80
8.90
8.80
8.80
8.80
8.80
8.80
9.00
9.00
9.00
9.09
9.35

100.7
100.7
99.2
101.4
101.4
104.1
97.9
96.6
99.9
. 100-0
98.6
100.0
97.9
99.2
101.4
1C0.0
102.1
104.8
93.2
99.3
119.2
116.4
122.6
128.1
152.1
174.6
169.5
173.3
172.6
139.0
152.7
143.8
122.6
122.6
119.2
124.6
137.0
139.7
121.9
129.4
126.7
116.4
124.0
158.9
174.6
288.3
212.3
196.6
216.4
205.5
226.0
289.0
347.9
306.8
274.6
302.0
249.3
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
241.5
256.8
246.6
246.6
247.2
246.6
258.2
263.4
260.3
271.2
297.2
297.9

1 U. S. Food Administration standard flour.

[72]

99-0
99.5
97.4
99.0
101.5
104.5
100.0
99.5
103.6
100.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
99.0
97.4
87.2
107.1
129.1
121.4
121.9
130.1
160.2
181.6
176.5
177.0
175.0
154.6
147.4
142.3
128.1
128.1
128.6
133.2
142.3
127.6
127.6
130.6
123.0
118.9
125.0
169.9
184.2
203.6
227.0
203.1
229 6
217 9
242.3
310.2
376-0
334.2
311.2
323.0
279.6
273.5
268.4
260.7
262.8
266.8
268-4
270.9
273.5
273.5
275.5
267.3
264.3
263.8
266.8
265.3
247.4
248-0
253.6
292.3
306.6

98.3
98.3
98.3
100.2
100.2
102.1
102.1
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
100.2
102.1
100.2
102.1
102-1
102-1
100.2
102.1
102.1
102.1
104.0
104.0
107.7
107.7
119.1
119.1
119.1
122.9
122.9
122.9
122.9
121.0
119.1
119.1
119.1
117.2
122.9
124.8
124.8
124.8
124.8
124.8
128.5
139.8
138.0
143.6
141.7
151.2
153.1
156.9
164.4
170.1
179.5
185.2
181.4
185.2
181.4
177.7
166.3
164.4
168.2
166.3
168.2
168.2
166.3
168.2
166.3
166.3
166.3
166.3
156.3
170.1
170.1
170.1
171.8
176.7

nm
JAH

1914

APR JULY OCT JAB APR JULY OCT

1915
JAB

APR JULY OCT JAB

1916
APR JULY OCT JAB

1917

1918

APR JULY OCT JAB

1919

APR JULY OCT JAR , APR JULY

TTTTTTTTTTT"TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT"1 TTTrrTTTTTTTTTTrwttttttttttrT T T T T T T T T T T TTTTTFrp"
EALi

r

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

>1913

COER 15
RETAIL, INDIAHAPOLIS•
CORN MISALj- WHOLESALE, TEUffi HAUTE.

;

CORN? OHTRACT GRADES, CHICAGO.

®«®®®°®®*tt.®«®*» *•••**•
°

z
*—
z
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https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Co

74

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

PRICES OF CORN AT CHICAGO, CORN MEAL AT W HOLESALE AT T E R R E HAUTE,
AND CORN MEAL AT R E T A IL AT INDIA NAPOLIS, JANUARY, 1913, TO MAY, 1919.
Average price per pound.
Corn,
Year and month.
contract
grades, cash,
Chicago.
1913: January........
February . . .
M arch..........
A p ril............
M a y .............
J u ñ e .............
J u ly .............
A ugust.........
September ..
October.......
November ..
December. . .
1914: January.......
F eb ru ary __
M arch..........
A p ril............
M a y .............
J u n e ............
J u l y .............
August.........
September ..
October.......
November . .
December. . .
1915: January.......
February . . .
M arch...........
A p ril............
M ay.............
J u ñ e .............
J u ly ..............
A ugust.........
September ..
O ctober.......
November . .
December. . .
1916: January.......
February . . .
M arch..........
A pril............
M a y .............
J u ñ e ............
J u ly .............
A ugust.........
September ..
O ctober.......
November ..
December. . .
1917: January.......
F eb ru ary __
M arch..........
A p ril............
May .............
J u n e .............
J u l y .............
A ugust.........
September ..
October.......
November . .
December. . .
1918: January.......
February . . .
March...........
A p ril............
M ay .............
J u n e .............
J u l y .............
A ugust.........
September ..
October.......
November . .
December. . .
1919: January.......
February __
M arch..........
A p ril...........
M a y .............

C e n ts .


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

0.88
.90
.91
.99
1.02
1.07
1.11
1.32
1.34
1.25
1.29
1.26
1.10
1.11
1.18
1.19
1.25
1.26
1.27
1.44
1.39
1.31
1.25
1.15
1.28
1.35
1.29
1.34
1.37
1.32
1.40
1.41
1.30
1.13
1.10
1.28
1.36
1.36
1.32
1.36
1.33
1.32
1.44
1.53
1.55
1.53
1.75
1.64
1.75
1.81
2.00
2.49
2.92
3.06
3.65
3.43
3.69
3.51
3.67
3.05
3.17
3.12
3.08
2.99
2.92
2.85
2.99
3.03
2.85
2.47
2.41
2.58
2.50
2.31
2.65
2.87
a io

Corn meal,
wholesale,
Terre Haute.

Relative price (average in 1913=100).

Corn,
Corn meal,
contract
retail, In­ grades,
cash,
dianapolis.
Chicago.

Corn meal,
wholesale,
Terre Haute.

Corn meal,
retail, In­
dianapolis.

C e n ts .

C e n ts .

1.26
1.28
1.41
1.59
1.60
1.64
1.69
1.82
1.88
1.73
1.64
1.66
1.61
1.64
1.64
1.62
1.65
1.81
1.79
2.00
1.96
1.77
1.68
1.65
1.62
1.70
1.66
1.70
1.71
1.64
1.75
1.70
1.59
1.43
1.40
1.53
1.65
1.71
1.73
1.85
1.77
1.79
1.98
2.09
2.08
2.22
2.51
2.39
2.40
2.53
2.79
3.76
4.13
4.13
4.88
5.56
5.31
5.12
5.07
4.86
4.84
5.45
5.15
5.35
4.59
4.45
4.83
4.45
3.99
3.40
3.05
3.24
3.15
2.84
3.15
3.53
3.81

2.60
2.60
2.60
2.50
2.50
2.40
2.60
2.60
2.60
2. 50
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.60
2.00
2.60
2.60
2.70
2.70
2.60
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.70
2.60
2.60
2.70
2.90
3.40
3.40
3.40
3.50
3.50
3.50
4.20
5.00
5.10
5.30
5.70
5.80
5.90
6.50
6.30
6.30
6.50
6.70
6.90
6.50
6.10
6.20
6.30
6.30
6.20
5.70
5.50
5.40
5.30
5.20
5.20
5.30

[74]

79.3
81.1
82.0
89.2
91.9
96.4
100.0
118.9
120.7
112.6
116.2
113.5
99.1
100.0
106.3
107.2
112.6
113.5
114.4
129.7
125.2
118.0
112.6
103.6
115.3
121.6
116.2
120.7
123.4
118.9
126.1
127.0
117.1
101.8
104.5
115.3
122.5
122.5
118.9
122.5
119.8
118.9
129.7
137.8
139.6
137.8
157.6
147.8
-157.6
163.1
180.2
224.3
263.1
275.7
328.8
309.0
332.4
316.2
330.6
274.8
285.6
281.2
277.5
269.4
263.1
256.8
269.4
273.0
256.8
222.5
217.1
232.4
225.2
208.1
238.7
258.6
284.7

78.8
80.0
88.1
99.4
100.0
102.5
105.6
113.8
117.5
108.1
102.5
103.8
100.6
102.5
102.5
101.3
103.1
113.1
111.9
125.0
122.5
110.6
105.0
103.1
101.3
106.3
103.8
106.3
106.9
102.5
109.4
106.3
99.4
89.4
87.5
95.6
103.1
106.9
108.1
115.6
110.6
111.9
123.8
130.6
130.0
138.8
156.9
149.4
155.6
158.1
174.4
235.0
258.1
258.1
305.0
347.5
331.9
320.0
310.9
303.8
302.5
340.6
321.9
334.4
286.9
278.1
301.9
278.1
249.4
212.5
190.6
202.5
196.9
177.5
196.9
220.6
238.1

101.6
101.6
101.0
97.7
97.7
93.8
101.6
101.6
101.6
97.7
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
101.6
105.5
105.5
101.6
105.6
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
105.5
101.6
101.6
105.5
113.3
132.3
132.3
132.8
136.7
136.7
136.7
164.1
195.3
199.2
207.0
222.7
226.6
230.5
253.9
246.1
246.1
253.9
201.7
269.5
253.9
238.3
242.2
246.1
246.1
242.2
222.7
214.8
210.9
207.0
203.0
203.1
207.0

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

75

Cost of Living in the United States.
the presentation in the May and June numbers of
CONTINUING
the
of data relating to the cost of living in
L abor R

e v ie w

industrial centers, the following table shows the results of the investi­
gation in 49 localities in the Southern and Western sections of the
United States. The period covered by the investigation in these
cities varied from the year ending September 30, 1918, to the year
ending February 28, 1919.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[75]

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X P E N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FO R T H E PR IN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAM ILIES IN S P E C IF IE D INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS.

Cl

ASTORIA, OREG.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
Equiva­
fami­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Deficit.
Surplus.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
per
nor
and fur­
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

22
24
17
6
1

5

4.6
4.5
4.8
5.1
5.8
6.0

2.62
2.87
3.22
3.27
3.74
4.85

$430.18
497.40
522.15
570.46
674.93
919.80

Total......................

75

4.9

3.15

537.24

Rent.

$189.97 $143.46
247.85 1180.51
295.74 2 213,01
308.49 183.91
379.09 211.04
492.30
(3)
286.82

4 191.21

Fuel
and
light.
$59.83
i 69.60
2 72.14
71.39
79.47
(3)

$61.36 $184.26 $1,069.06
81.95 312.11 1,384.83
123.72 337.53 1,551.40
122.82 328.16 1,585.24
137,34 536.85 2,018.73
50.15 510.90 2,265.20

4
16
17
15
4
1

$83.75
108.08
182.11
360.42
440.43
464.00

1
6
7
2
2

4 70.96

107.22

1,524.96

57

224.43

18

335.99

$249.00
320.17
146.40
92.75
150.73

.........

+$17. 20
- 8.72
+ 86.30
+307.11
+243.38
+464.00

204.54 .............. +121.47

[76]

P E R CENT.

6.7
29.3
32.0
22.7
8.0
1.3

40.2
35.9
33.7
36.0
33.4
40.6

17.8
17.9
19.1
19.5
18.8
21.7

13.4
112.0
2 14.1
11.6
10.5
(3)

5.6
1 4.6
2 4.8
4.5
3.9
(3)

5.7
5.9
8.0
7.7
6.8
2.2

17.2
22.5
21.8
20.7
26.6
22.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

80.0
72.7
70.8
88.2
66.7
100.0

20.0
27.3
29.2
11.8
33.3

100.0

35.2

18.8

4 12.7

4 4 .7

7.0

22.0

100.0

76.0

24.0

ATLANTA, GA. : W hite fam ilies.
2
12
6
2
2

1

$82.50
65.15
99.61
68.85
145.96
142.65
73.27

-$ 4 3 .8 9
+ 18.67
+ 22.53
+ 77.65
+ 70.09
+ 96. 62
+ 3 5 8 .1 3

44

88.90

24

+ 44.57

U n d e r $900..........................
$900 a n d u n d e r $1,200___
$1,200 a n d u n d e r $1,500..
$1,500 a n d u n d e r $1,800..
$1,800 a n d u n d e r $2,100..
$2,100 a n d u n d e r $2,500..
$2,500 a n d o v e r ..................

9
46
48
30
15
8
4

4.0
4.3
5.3
5.2
6.1
6.1
6.3

2.30
2.72
3.37
3.39
4.46
4.93
4.62

$360.90
440.70
525.37
547.07
671.00
750.37
723.14

$125.45
165.01
230.94
294.35
402.28
479.38
551.92

$69.37
105.22
146.17
169.02
159.08
231.24
214.32

$56.05
68.20
80.91
78.26
81.13
93.71
94.33

$41.49
67.74
60.53
101.37
84.65
109.53
165.06

$150.12
192.72
286.30
337. 70
456.36
447.93
569.42

$803.39
1,039.59
1,330.22
1,527.77
1, 854.50
2,112.15
2,321.19

1
22
27
23
10
6

6
12
15
5
3
2

3

$100.00
74.57
95.39
116.25
148.92
176.37
501.93

Total.....................

160

5.1

3.34

525.77

254.45

141.53

76.36

76.52

292.48

1,367.09

92

120.03


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over..............

Clothing.

PER CENT,

122778°— 19—

5.6
28.8
30.0
18.8
9.4
5.0
2.5

44.9
42.4
39.5
35.8
36.2
35.5
31.3

15.6
15.9
17.4
19.3
21.7
22.7
23.8

8.6
10.1
11.0
11.1
8.6
10.9
9.2

7.0
6.6
6.1
5.1
4.4
4.4
4.1

5.2
6.5
4.6
6.6
4.6
5.2
7.1

18.7
18.5
21.5
22.1
24.6
21.2
24.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

11.1
47.8
56.3
76.7
66.7
75.0
75.0

66.7
26.1
31.3
16.7
20.0
25.0
25.0

22.2
26.1
12.5
6.7
13.3

................... 100.0

38.5

18.6

10.4

5.6

5.6

21.4

100.0

57.5

27.5

15.0

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

6

ATLANTA , GA. : Colored fam ilies.
2.67
3.14
3.71
5.60

$369.59
467.95
595.81
690.19

$111.99
173.85
291.74
434.62

$84.50
97.72
105.50
113.25

$55.56
59.91
67.47
95.06

$44.20
46.82
45.02
76.35

$126.62
189.08
287.20
231.54

$792.46
1,035.33
1,392.74
1,641.01

5

$42. 78
49.07
88.36

4
3

6

1

$52.34
35.63
134.17
18.25

Total...................

55

4.5

3.15

466.45

183.96

95.04

60.75

45.98

190.33

1,042.51

28

53.84

14

81.40

6

— 18.25

13

PER CENT.

2
42 8

10.7
9.4
7.6
6.9

7.0
5.8
4.8
5.8

5.6
4.5
3.2
4.7

16.0
18.3
20.6
14.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
61.9
38.5

20.0
14.3
46.2
100.0

30.0
23.8
15.4

42.1

14.1
16 8
20 9
26.5

44.7

17.6

9.1

5.8

4.4

18.3

100.0

50.9

25.5

23.6

46 6
4Ft

dim u.imt/1
..
i|)ljOuUdilli militai ©ijOvU. -

100.0

1Not including 2 families in -which rent is combined with fuel and light.
3 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

2 Not including


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

+$10.92

5 + 25.29
2 — 27.94

3 Rent is combined with fuel and light.
<Not including 6 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

+ 6.69

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

[77J

3.7
4.9
5.1
7.0

10
13

$1,500 and under $1,800..

20
21
13
1

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

OF
QQ

BAK ERSFIELD, CALIF.
NumIncome group.

Average persons
in family.

fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses
cit ( - )
surplus
Families Average Families Average
per
and fur­
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. haying. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

10
20
28
14
2
3

5.5
4.5
4.6
4.1
6.0
4.3

3.29
3.22
3.13
2.96
5.01
3.20

$487.88
489. 72
513.01
563.05
624.13
603.35

$152.64 $172.98
197.57 i 219.18
233.65 2 232.43
294. 96 262.57
180.00
314. 70
337,54 28f, 25

$51.39
1 53. 85
2 60.24
66,13
53.10
51.64

T otal......................

77

4.6

3.19

519.20

231.06 s 227.26

3 57.98

$55.92 $159.32 $1,080.13
55.30 299.32 1,310.12
83. 88 436.04 1,554.90
111.44 448.21 1, 746.36
197.02 491.00 1,859.95
112,77 1,050.20 2,436.75
81.90

392.16

6
15
18
13
2
2

$78.84
123. 76
189.32
182.81
400.20
409.06

4
5
7
1
1

48.20

1,506.75

56

173.79

18

133.81

$53.82
134.15
189.19
150.00

3

+$25:78
+ 59.28
+ 74.41
+ 159.04
+400.20
+256.64

3

+ 95.11

PER CENT.
Under 1900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over...........

13.0
26.0
36.4
18.2
2.6
3.9

45.2
37.4
33.0
32.2
33.6
24.8

16.0
1 16.8
? 14.9
15.0
9.7
11.5

4.8
14.1
2 3.9
3.8
2.9
2.1

5.2
4.2
5.4
6.4
10.6
4.6

14.7
22.8
28.0
25.7
26.4
43,1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100. Ò
100.0

60.0
75.0
64.3
92.9
100.0

40.0
25.0
25.0
7.1

66.7

33.3

T otal...................

100.0

34.5

3 15.1

3 3.8

5.4

26.0

100.0

72.7

23.4

10.7

3.9

BIR M ING H A M , ALA.: W hite fam ilies.
Under $900..........................
5900 and under $1,200___
51,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
Si,800 and upder $2,100..
S2,100 and under $2,500..
S2,500 and over...........

2
10
37
42
31
20
9

4.5
5.1
4.6
5.1
5,4
5,4
5.3

2.36
3.29
2.91
3,43
3.60
3,33
4.12

$438. 64
475.20
475. 81
598.54
675. 85
657.%
907.61

$117.57
150.46
182. 03
246.25
306.37
352. 93
436.37

$88.00
155. 96
161.06
185.12
212. 01
252.74
214,94

$67.38
59.12
65.78
65.97
84.39
84. 07
86.21

$19.95
36.65
73.87
61.33
83.43
160. 90
114,70

$124.82
252.64
263. 95
357.40
375. 02
533. 51
620. 80

$856.34
1,130.03
1,222.50
1,514.62
1,737.07
2,042.11
2,380,64

1
6
30
36
25
17

7

$44. 72
70.97
166.52
188.36
228. 93
300.17
529. 90

3
4
5
4
3

$207.84
73.88
122. 77
81.16
116.80
61.97

Total...............

151

5.1

3.34

600. 34

260.27

192.26

72.88

83.13

367.13

1,576.00

122

219.53

21

111.04


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

2

1
1
3
1

2

+$22
- 1 9 .7 7
+ 127.03
+ 146.83
+ Ì74.15
+237.63
+398,37

8 +161.92

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900.......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and.under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,590 and over................

PER CENT.
Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............
T otal..................

1.3
6.6
24.5
27.8
20.5
13.2
6.0

51.2
42.1
38.9
39.5
38.9
32.2
38.1

13.7
13.3
14.9
16.3
17.6
17.3
18.3

10.3
13.8
13.2
12.2
12.2
12.4
9.0

7.9
5.2
5.4
4.4
4.9
4.1
3.6

2.3
3.2
6.0
4.0
4.8
7.9
4.8

14.6
22.4
21.6
23.6
21.6
26.1
26.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
60.0
81.1
85.7
80.6
85.0
77.8

100.0

38.1

16.5

12.2

4.6

5-3

23.3

100.0

80.8

50.0
30.0

10.0
8.1

10.8

11.9
12.9
15.0

2.4
6.5

22.2

13.9

5.3

BIRM ING HAM , ALA.: Colored fam ilies.

9
27
11
4
3
1

4.2
5.1
5.0
6.0
8.0
9.0

2.63
3.67
3.45
4.56
5.92
6.73

$362.54
487.86
523.11
646.12
846.38
822.39

$102.65
170.65
214.89
275.09
261.19
490.24

T otal...................

55

5.2

3.70

511.55

186.72

$75.89 $53.44
92.97
54.82
122.20
65.48
70.55
133.38
121. GO 52.53
83.60
144.00
101.42

58.25

$38.45 $137.13 $770.00
33.96 186.45 1,026.71
76.44 280.23 1,282.36
62.89 290. 78 1,478.80
100.17 421. 70 1,802.97
135.82 543.52 2,219.57

7
16
6
4
1

2
6
2

$13.00
35.85
38.22

5
3

1

35.00

1

1

$25.57
67.22
65.54
170.55
286.00
45.58

224.05 1,132.74

35

76.05

11

32.05

9

50.76

PER CENT.
Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

16.4
49.1
20. 0
7.3
5.5
1.8

47.1
47.5
40.8
43. 7
46.9
37.1

13.3
16.6
16.8
18.6
14.5
22.1

9.9
9.1
9.5
9.0
6.7
6.5

6.9
5.3
5.1
4.8
2.9
3. 8

5.0
3.3
6.0
4.3
5.6
6.1

17.8
18.2
21.9
19.7
23.4
24.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

77.8
59.3
54.5
100.0
33.3
100.0

22.2
22.2
18.2

18.5
27.3

33.3

33.3

T otal...................

100.0

45.2

16.5

9.0

5.1

4.5

19.8

100.0

63.6

20.0

16.4


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

+$17.00
+ 31.87
+ 28.80
+170.55
+ 83.67
+ 45.58
+ 41.98

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW,

[793

U nder $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under$l,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2 500 and over............

1 Not including 1 family, in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including 2 families, in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
3 Not including 3 families, in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

*■ 3

CD

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRINCIPAL GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAM ILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

00

O

BISBEE, AB.IZ.

Income group.

T otal.....................

Total
Families Av.
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having surplus
yearly
neither (+ ) or
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families
surplus
deficit
Average
and fur­
per
nor
(-) for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rem.

Fuel
and
light.

1

5.0

2.60

$658.58

$42. 72

$8.55

1

$6.00

9
32
25
13

4.4
4.8
5.4
5.0

2. 73
3.06
3. 58
3.96

612.97
654. 85
720. 04
775.28

266. 59
2723 2
336.76
397. 85

218.94
232.96
285. 21
308. 35

95. 33
98.91
98. 90
133. 49

104.36
93.04
72.34
181.13

349. 30
363. 89
508. 09
674. 23

1,647. 49
1,715.98
2,021.34
2,470.35

8
29
22
10

114.87
253.39
302. 53
390, 40

1
3
3
3

107. 46
46.92
121.89
170.02

+ 90.16
+225. 24
+251.60
+265.69

80

5.0

3.33

690.13

310.88

259.60

103. 42

101.10

454.26 1,919.40

70

209.90

10

112.39

+222.11

$165.98 $204.00

$85.37 $1,165.20

+ $6.00

[80]

PER CENT.
$900 and tinder $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1*500 and under $1,800..

1.3

56.5

14. 2

17.5

3.7

0. 7

7.3

100. 0

100.0

11.3
40.0
31. 3
16.3

37. 2
38. 2
35.6
31.4

16„ 2
15. 9
16.7
16.1

13.3
13.6
14.1
12.5

5. 8
5.8
4.9
5. 4

6. 3
5.4
3.6
7. 3

21. 2
21.2
25.1
27. 3

100.0
100. 0
100. 0
100. 0

88. 9
90. 6
88. 0
76. 9

11. 1
9. 4
12. 0
23.1

T otal..................... 100.0

36.0

16.2

13.5

5.4

5.3

23.7

100.0

87.5

12. 5

$2^100 and under $2j500..

BUTTE, M ONT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

1
7
37
25
23
9


102
T otal.....................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4.0
4.3
4.8
4.4
4.4
5.3

2.70
3.13
3. 08
3. 00
2.93
3.90

$491.75
601.16
610. 33
613.86
596. 50
788.38

$133.85 $192.00 $106.40
175.55 207.86 106. 26
266.42 1 221.31 1121. 40
292.34 300. 88 122. 60
342. 27 342. 83 125.36
413.10 376. 67 136.19

$7. 85
50.42
95. 88
127. 98
122. 84
135. 49

$90. 65
351. 67
318. 26
412. 21
508. 28
632. 31

$1,022.50
1,492.92
1,634.93
1,875.87
2.038.08
2,482.14

1
21
17
20
8

65. 80
125.93
208. 62
284.65
315.06

1
6
15
8
3
1

$90. 00
139.59
148.18
175.24
82. 22
448.30

1

—$90.00
-110. 25
+ 11.40
+ 85.79
+236.80
+230. 24

4.6

3.10

622.00

295.28 1.282.78 1122.72

109.34

411.91

1,843.90

67

215.98

34

154.33

1

+ 90. 42

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under$l,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800- $1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

PER CERT,
100.0
85.7
40.5
32.0
13.0
11.1

2.7

33.3

1.0

1.0
6.9
36.3
24.5
22.5
8.8

48.1
40.3
37.3
32.7
29.3
31.8

13.1
11.8
16.3
15.6
16.8
16.6

18.8
13.9
i 13.5
16.4
16.8
15.2

10.4
7.1
17.4
6.5
6.2
5.5

0.8
3.4
5.9
6.8
6.0
5.5

8.9
23.6
19.5
22.0
24.9
25.5

100.0
100.0
100.0

T otal...................... 100.0

33.7

16.0

>15.3

16.6

5.9

22.3

100.0

65.7

$5.03 $155.96 $887.14
60.78 297. 07 1,256. 69
82.86 337. 80 1.453.33
68. 00 369.96 1.564.51
73.30 464.98 1.853.34
101.14 564. 60 2,096.11
83.35 688. 43 2.549.52

1
4
8
19
17
10
4

$13.08
37.95
81. 03
132.12
199.57
198.32
319. 42

1
5
14
6
4
• 3
1

$80.75
248.66
211. 61
168.74
249. 86
176. 42
273.15

2
1

—$33. 84
-121.28
- 96. 43
+ 57.61
+ 113.97
+ 111.84
+200.91

1,675. 59

63

158.37

34

208. 85

3

+ 28.76

17.6
23. 6
23. 2
23.6
25.1
26. 9
27.0

100.0
100. 0
100. 0
100.0
100. 0
100. 0
100.0

50.0
44. 4
33.3
73.1
81.0
76.9
80.0

50.0
55.6
58.3
23.1
19.0
23.1
20.0

8. 3
3.8

24.6

100.0

63.0

34.0

3.0

$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

100.0
100.0

14.3
56.8
68.0

87.0

100.0

CH AR LESTO N, S. C.
4.5
4.2
4.5
5.3
5.3
5.8
8.2

3.13
3.04
3.24
3. 48
3. 96
5. 40

$407. 59
469. 78
560. 61
580. 80
675. 82
712. 04
970. 53

T otal......................

100

5.2

3.45

619.00


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$129. 49 $138.00
168.94
192. 00
226. 92 170.59
281. 27 194. 00
321. 56 238.11
372. 07 243. 50
454. 80 252.85
284.02

205.72

$51. 08
68.12
74. 55
70. 50
79.57
102.76
99. 52
78.42

75.84

412. 58

PER CENT.
20

14 6
13 4
15.6
18. 0
17. 4
17. 8
17. 8

15. 6
15. 3
11. 7

5.8
5. 4
5.1

0.6
4. 8
5.7

12. 8
11. 6

4. 3
4. 9

5.0

45.9
37 4
38. 6
37.1
3fi 5
34 0
38.1

9.9

3.9

4. 0
4. 8
3.3

100.0

36. 9

17. 0

12.3

4.7

24 0
2fi 0
12 0

12.4

4.3

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

[ 81 ]

2
9
24
26
21
13
5

3.88

$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

1 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined w ith fuel and light.

00

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

00
fcO

CHARLOTTE, N . C.

Income group.

Total....................•

1
22
28
16
9
3
2
81

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families
surplus cit ( - )
Average
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.
$167.61
142. 78
222. 71
240.18
336.88
345. 02
574.33

3.0
4.9
5.7
6.2
6.2
5.7
9.0

1.95
3.13
3.75
3.81
3.69
3.91
6.33

$290.07
444.48
565.31
623.04
612,38
598.65
812.74

5.7

3.63

553.07

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

$153. 00 $75.19
1100.63 i 69.54
1143.47 i 84.40
153.93
86.72
2181. 81 2100.34
203. 72
77.27
224.00
68.93

229.67 3143.06

3 81.85

$28. 50 $255.58 $969. 95
48.31
229.88 1,027. 01
67.10 249.92 1,325.72
87.24 386.18 1,577.30
67.44 446.19 1, 728.56
168.19 500.47 1,893.32
127.10 487.99 2,295.08
70.76

308.43

9
15
8
7
3
2

$52. 71
95. 72
129.20
305.04
261.96
315.47

8
9
7
2

65.09
134.65
68.21
143.00

4
1

1,379.61

44

147.64

27

95.41

10

40.9
53.6
50.0
77.8
100.0
100.0

— 2.11
+ 8.00
+ 34.76
+205.48
+261.96
+315.47
+ 48.39

PER CENT.
Under $900............
$900 and under $1,200....
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over.........

1.2
27.2
34.6
19.8
11.1
3.7
2.5

29.9
43.3
42.6
39.5
35.4
31.6
35.4

17.3
13.9
16.8
15.2
19.5
18.2
25.0

15.8
19.7
110.9
9.8
210.3
10.8
9.8

7.8
16.7
i 6.4
5.5
2 5.7
4.1
3.0

3.9
8.9
5.5

25.8
26.4
21.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

T otal..................... 100.0

40.1

16.6

310.3

3 5.9

5.1

22.4

100. 0

54.3

$119.44 $787.64
183.84 1,087.66
287.96 1,286.52
380.29 1,512- 98
412. 63 1.667.34
307. 00 1.884.34

8
10
19
6
12
3

$46.27
56. S4
115. 09
224. 89
265.28
268.82

2
8
2
2

$201.03
123.41
78.38
112.13

58

145.94

14

126.45

2.9
4.7
5.1

26.3
22.4
18.9
24.'5

100.0
36.4
32.1
43. 8
22.2

22. 7
14.3
6.3

33.3

12.3

CORSICANA, TEX.
Under $900.......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500.,
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

11
18
23
8
12
3

4.3
5.6
5.4
5.4
5.9
8.3

2.94
3.12
3.40
3.54
4.06
4.73

$355.40
508.18
532.61
505.56
628.19
769.66

$127.53
178.46
201. 54
279.57
276.93
408. 04

$98.12
119.83
143.35
217.25
191.17
174. 00

$55.99
63.32
63.90
65.18
70.89
76. 70

$31.17
34.02
57.16
65.13
87.53
148.94

Total......................

75

5.5

3.44

522.65

213.79

147.83

64.37

57.18


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

268.81

1,274.62

2

- $2.90
- 23.27
+ 88.26
+140.64
+265.28
+268.82

3

+ 89.26

1

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over............

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

PER. CENT,
14.7
24.0
30.7
10.7
16.0
4.0

45.1
46.7
41.4
33.4
37.7
4Ò.8

16.2
Ì6.4
15.7
18.5
16.6
21-7

12.5
11.0
11,1
Ì4.4
11.5
9.2

7.1
5.8
5.0
4.3
4.3
4.1

4.0
3.1
4.4
4.3
5.2
7.9

15.2
16.9
22.4
25.1
24.7
16.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

18.2
44.4
8.7
25.0

9.1

100.0

72.7
55.6
82.6
75.0
100.0
100.0

Total...................... 100.0

41.0

16.8

11.6

5,0

4r5

21.1

100,0

77,3

18,7

4.0

$11.05 $197.10
35.28 248.88
38.78 304.13
53.59 389.48
94.76 390. 49
97.60 563.10
44.75 879.54

$853.49
1,153.35
1,326.89
1,514.04
1,675.39
1,801.70
2,511,30

1
3
26
17
8
1
1

$27. 71
87.12
97.93
145.38
279.63
599.50
249.00

5
12
5
1

$158.04
120.51
131.49
50.00

+$27.71
- 66.11
+ 28.95
+ 82.46
+243.01
+599.50
+249.00

340.88

1,415.03

57

147.23

23

127.99

+ 68.10

62.5
31.6
22.7
11.1
28,8

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200,..,
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

8.7

CRIPPLE CREEK DISTRICT, COLO.
1
8
38
22
9
1
1

3.0
4.5
4.3
4.4
4.6
4.0
7.0

2.76
3.16
3.33
3.12
3.71
2.72
5.00

$369.29
495.36
553.81
580.36
606.71
615.40
888.16

$135.55
151.77
212.03
248.25
303.55
341.35
502.35

$60.00
107.50
104.44
130.58
146.67
60.00
96.00

$80:50
114.57
113.71
111.79
133.21
124.25
100. 50

Total......................

80

4.4

3.30

563. S6

230.55

115.47

115.01

49.26

PER CENT.
Under $9Q0,
$900 and under $1,200.,..
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,iOQ and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................
Total.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

43-3
42.9
41.7
38.3
36.2
34.2
35.4

15.9
13.2
16.0
16.4
18.1
18.9
20.0

7.0
9.3
7.9
8.6
8.8
3.3
3.8

9.4
9.9
8.6
7.4
8.0
6.9
4.0

23.1
21.6
22.9
25.7
23.3
31.3
35.0

100.0

47.5
27.5
11.3
1.3
1.3

100.0
100.0
100,0
100.0

100.0
37.5
68.4
77.3
88.9
100.0
100.0

100.0

39.8

16.3

8.2

8,1

24,1

100,0

71,3

1.3
10.0

100.0
100.0

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200.,..
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
82,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

1 Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light,
2 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including o families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

OO
OO

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRINCIPAL GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

00

DALLAS, TEX.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families
surplus
cit ( - )
Average Families Average
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having— amount. having— amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

2
23
21
15
12
2

4.5
4.7
5.1
4.9
5.9
5.0

2.83
2.80
3.25
3.54
4.11
4.30

$405.27
496.44
551.66
677.98
735.60
742.41

$104.88
139.16
196.98
238.82
359.77
283.54

$130.08
148.46
178. 89
210.40
211.89
258.00

$29. 83
50.27
46.91
51.44
56.54
55.21

$55.39
60.17
67.61
67.37
135.61
129.04

$107 20
196.07
273. 85
322. 81
415.93
493.28

$832 (U
1,090.58
1,315.89
1,568.82
1,915.33
1,961.46

1
9
17
10
7
1

$17 00
61.85
75.12
141.70
152.40
586.00

11
4
4
3
1

50.53
196.32
104.49
264.25
79.45

1
2

+
. 04
4- 23.41
4- 66.61
+ 22.84
+253.28

T otal.....................

75

5.1

3.32

590.60

213.52

181.95

50.15

77.47

283.93

1,397.62

45

109.34

24

114.05

6

+ 29.11

3

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

2.7
30.7
28.0
20.0
16.0
2.7

48.7
45.5
41.9
43.2
38.4
37.8

12.6
12.8
15.0
15.2
18.8
14.5

15.6
13.6
13.6
13.4
11.1
13.2

3.6
4.6
3.6
3.3
3.0
2.8

6.7
5.5
5.1
4.3
7.1
6.6

12.9
18.0
20.8
20.6
21.7
25.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
39.1
81.0
66.7
58.3
50.0

50 0
47. 8
19.0
26 7
25 0
50.0

Total..................... 100.0

42.3

15.3

13.0

3.6

5.5

20.3

100. 0

60.0

32.0

13.0
16.7

8.0

DEN V ER , COLO.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

4
42
63
29
8
3
5

4.0
4.2
4.4
4.8
5.3
6.0
4.8

3.04
2.78
3.05
3.23
3.67
4.97
4.09

$346.01
447.67
501.53
549.39
577.34
864.52
740.15

$118.55 $111.25
166. 27 131.23
210. 59 1165. 50
236.36 2 176. 74
249.58 193. 50
446. 90 184. 00
459. 87 193. 20

$59. 90
68.80
i 73. 53
2 83. 00
77. 53
80.24
110. 06

$41.53
52.39
72. 45
89.19
76. 60
136. 93
134. 54

$216.13
207. 05
286.40
379. 70
456.21
302.55
584.45

$893.36
1,073.40
1,312.19
1,517.38
1,630.75
2,015.15
2,222.28

1
26
44
26
8
3
5

$23.67
61.98
105.12
122.01
262.33
344. 76
494. 65

2
11
18
3

$264.91
169.95
132.05
50.83

Total.....................

154

4.5

3.11

510.57

215.69 3 159.31

s 75.10

72. 81

299.32

1,334.62

113

133. 09

34

144.96


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1 —$126 54
5 — 6.14
1 + 35.69
+ 104.13
-j- 262.33
+ 344.76
+ 494.65
7 +

65.65

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

PER CENT,

$900 and under Sl,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

2.6
27.3
40.9
18.8
5.2
1.9
3.2

38.7
41.7
38.2
36.2
35.4
42.9
33.3

13.3
15.5
16.0
15.6
15.3
22.2
20.7

12.5
12.2
1 12.7
2 11.7
11.9
9.1
8.7

6.7
6.4
1 5.6
2 5.5
4.8
4.0
5.0

4.6
4.9
5.5
5.9
4.7
6.8
6.1

24.2
19.3
21.8
25.0
28.0
15.0
26.3

100.0
100.0
100. 0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

25.0
61.9
69.8
89.7
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
26.2
28.6
10.3

25.0
11.9
1.6

100.0

38.3

16.2

3 12.0

3 5.7

5.5

22.4

100.0

73.4

22.1

4.5

$10. 84 $121.49
58.33 183.76
71.29 247. 63
101.26 353.19
134.96 442.46
161.43 462.60
84.69 602.71

$820.80
1,112.64
1,269.43
1,577.16
1,735.71
2,121.23
2,409.08

2
7
21
15
17
3
2

$60.50
84.60
103.53
134.18
186.82
227.52
451.52

3
10
6
6
1
1
1

$56.37
129.54
76.98
109.16
48.55
450.00
183. 00

302.66

1,426.18

67

144.20

28

116.53

D E S M O IN E S, IOWA.
5
22
29
21
18
4
3

3.6
4.6
5.0
5.0
4.7
7.0
8.0

2.54
2.91
3.07
3.44
3.09
4.47
6.00

$374.41
471.90
506.02
572.14
551.72
828.57
754.49

Total......................

102

4.9

3.23

533.84

$97.68 $153. 80 $62.58
155.10 157.36
86.18
84.12
185. 52 174. 85
275.91
188.32
86.34
261.90 i 232.78 1111.16
389.83 167.00 111.81
593. 84 258.33 115.02
226.76 1184.72

i 90.53

86.87

5
2

7

PER CENT.
4.9
21. 6
28. 4
20 6
17 6
3. 9
2 9

45.6
42.4
39.9
36.3
31. 8
39.1
31.3

11.9
13.9
14.6
17.5
15.1
18.4
24.7

18.7
14.1
13.8
11.9
i 13.4
7.9
10.7

7.6
7.7
6.6
5.5
i 6. 4
5.3
4.8

1.3
5.2
5.6
6.4
7.8
7.6
3.5

14.8
16.5
19.5
22.4
25.5
21.8
25.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

40.0
31.8
72.4
71.4
94.4
75.0
66.7

25.0
33.3

100.0

37.4

15.9

i 13.0

i 6.4

6.1

21.2

100.0

65.7

27.4


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

60.0
20.7
28.6

22.7
6.9

— $9.62
- 31.96
+ 59.04
+ 64.66
+173.74
+ 58.14
+240.01
+ 62.73

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

[85]

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

6.9

1 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light,
s Not including 3 families in which rent is combined w ith fuel and light.

oo

Or

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

DU LUTH , M IN N .

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males
3. 39
2.98
3.46
3.17
3.37

Total....................

3.20

2.20

Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

$338. 75
467.70
481.59
515.12
563.15
664.64

$116.01
209. 90
202.18
264. 76
328. 77
262.56

$81.50
172.45
194.63
230.39
236.81
270.00

$74.80
85.11
95. 55
95.59
103.15
135.12

112.03
116.15
184.95

240.40

208. 71

95.86

87.71

$76.57
41.89
66.12

$165.78 $853.40
156.27 1,133.32
244. 81 1,284.87
296.52 1,514.40
345. 98 1,694.01
445.78 1,963.04

$39.50
45.46
126.25
164.91
277.73
321.22

[86 ]

1,403.95

72

9.4

19.4
13.8
19.1
19.6
20.4
22.7

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
45.5
73.7
74.2
92.9

100.0

6.2

19.1

100.0

73.5

268.17

164.55

25

$29.55
54.03
97.97
56.64
77.54

+ $4.98
- 3.90
+ 67.24
+ 107. 74
+252.36
+321.22

72.40

+ 102.42

PER CENT.
Under $900............ ....... .
$900 and under $1,200..'.
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

2.0

11.2

88.8

31.6
14.3
2.0

Total......................

39.7
41.3
37.5
34.0
33.2
33.9

13.6
18.5
15.7
17.5
19.4
13.4

9.6
15.2
15.1
15.2
14.0
13.8

35.8

17.1

14.9

.6.8

50.0
45.5
26.3
25.8
7.1

9.1

EL PA SO , TEX.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under$l,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

2
4
8
33
21
7
4

6.0
4.3
4.6
5.1
4.9
6.6
5.0

3.24
2.96
2.91
3.35
3.39
4.37
4.03

$618.98
536.19
458.54
583.14
643.39
718.52
747.02

$154.38 $248. 75
166.01 230.75
163.66 221.91
196.05 262.53
266.58 276. 82
380. 93 254.61
494. 83 i 356.67

$59.01
58.18
69.23
85.98
90.43
98.97
i 92.64

$3.20
36.76
27. 77
86.39
93.29
112.31
155.83

$251.32
228. 70
307. 53
384. 86
472.37
564.42
972.53

$1,335.64
1,256.59
1,248.64
1,578.95
1,842.87
2,129.77
2,815.45

2
7
25
16
5
i

$43.88
120.15
145.38
151.92
239. 75
900.00

2
2
1
8
5
2
3

$598. 86
292.93
100.00
136.15
189. 70
172.68
329.65

Total......................

79

5.1

3.42

605.36

240.45 i 263.14

i 84.76

83.48

426.31

1,704.59

56

162.37

23

228.50


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$598- Xfí
— 124.52
+ 92.63
+ 77.13
+ 70.58
+ 121,91
- 22.24
+

48.57

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Under $900.....................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having, amount having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—

PEE, CENT,
2.5
5.1
10.1
41.8
26. 6
8.9
5.1

46.3
42.7
36.7
36.9
34.9
33.7
26.5

11.6
13.2
13.1
12.4
14.5
17.9
17.6

18.6
18.4
17.8
16.6
15.0
12.0
i 13.2

4.4
4.6
5.5
5.4
4.9
4.6
i 3.4

0.2
2.9
2.2
5.5
5.1
5.3
5.5

18.8
18.2
24.6
23.1
25.6
26.5
34.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
87.5
75.8
76.2
71.4
25.0

100.0
50.0
12.5
24.2
23.8
28.6
75.0

Total...................... 100.0

35.5

14.1

i 15.6

i 5.0

4.9

25.0

100.0

70.9

29.1

$92.87
$6.35
42.81 275. 35
58.02 356.14
73.15 402.17
81.63 478. 77
52.40 603.25
70.20 1,118.91

$634.42
1,085.51
1,351.09
1,446.99
1,699.30
2,012.85
2, 741.89

1
8
18
14
13
1

$265.20
88.37
107.32
281.80
278.57
162,70

5
9
3
2

$160.50
226.70
106.83
275.00

1

231. 76

+ $265.20
7.35
3.87
1 + 213.22
+ 204.76
+ 162.70
- 231.76

62.87

1,413.41

55

193.33

20

197.25

1 +

TTnrlpr $000
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

EUREKA, CALIF.

T otal.....................

1
13
28
17
15
1
1
76

3.0
4.2
4.3
4.4
5.3
4.0
7.0
4.5

2.65 $333.65
445. 76
2.94
475.13
3.06
504.43
2. 99
560.82
3.77
3.64 » 617.25
700.59
5.40

$87.30
157.48
241.96
238.59
322.20
500.50
593.09

$98.00
115.69
161.47
167.29
187.38
181.20
192.00

$18.25
48.42
58.36
61.34
68.49
58.25
67.10

496.55

248. 58

159.86

58.91

3.20

386.65

PEE CENT.
Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............
T otal..................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1.3
17.1
36.8
22.4
19.7
1.3
1.3
100.0

52.6
41.1
35.2
34.9
33.0
30.7
25.6
35.1

13.8
14.5
17.9
16.5
19.0
24.9
21.6
17.6

15.1
10.7
12.0
11.6
11.0
9.0
7.0
11.3

2.9
4.5
4.3
4.2
4.0
2.9
2.4
4.2

1.0
3.9
4.3
5.1
4.8
2.6
2.6

14.6
25.4
26.4
27.8
28.2
30.0
40.8

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
61.5
64.3
82.4
86.7
100.0

4.4

27.4

100.0

72.4

38.5
32.1
17.6
13.3

3.6

88.00

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

100.0
26.3

1.3

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

00
—1

(-

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

00
00

EVER ETT, W ASH.

Income group.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
per
nor
and fur­
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

4.8
4.4
5.1
4.0

3.40
3.24
3.57
3.16

$442.85
493.48
541.07
460.53

$165.64
218.93
279.90
248.53

$129.56
163.52
158.96
263.53

$59.99
58.30
64.29
71.32

$48.06
70.27
64.89
63.57

1

6.0

4.82

772.80

587.40

192.00

93.30

58.20

52

4.6

3.36

499.23

232.42

163.65

61.25

65.10

T88.1

8
29
11
3

$198.83 $1,044.93
247.73 1,252.23
307.08 1,416.20
570.55 l' 678.03

5
23
11
2

$95.52
116.48
208.08
391.10

489.55

2,193.25

1

371.50

276.04

1,297.69

42

157.13

2
5

$139.50
141.94

1

27.00

8

126.96

1 +$24.83
1 + 67.91
+208.08
+251.73
+371.50
2

+107.38

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

15.4
55.8
21.2
5.8

42.4
39.4
38.2
27.4

15.9
17.5
19.8
14.8

12.4
13.1
11.2
15.7

5.7
4.7
4.5
4.3

4.6
5.6
4.6
3.8

19.0
19. 8
21.7
34.0

62.5
79.3
100.0
66.7

1.9

35.2

26.8

8.8

4.3

2.7

22.3

100.0

T otal.....................

100.0

38.5

17.9

12.6

4.7

5.0

21.3

80.8

25.0
17.2

12.5
3.4

33.3

15.4

3.8

FRED ER IC K SB U R G , VA.

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

11
12
21
7
3
4
2


Total.....................
60
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4.3
5.3
5.5
5.6
6.7
4.8
4.5

2.97
3.15
3.66
3.44
4.96
3.50
3.11

$346.61
401.26
497.59
513.57
647.31
591.84
597.77

S117.22 $94.31
$70.88
154.62 129.88
88.34
216.30
148.86 105.26
300.25
130. 43 107.98
403. 40 1 246.00 1 110.20
401.05 235.00 118.40
416.55
182.00 209.50

$33.50
54.82
77.64
161.64
37.30
84.78
49.53

$110.04
212.98
270.95
373.22
391.92
591.06
447.77

$772.55
1,041.89
1,316.59
1,587.08
1, 787.14
2,022.13
1 , 903.11

7
5
15
5
3
4
2

$50.89
48.03
112.23
89.26
217.16
295.04
894.69

4
6
6
2

$71.50
75.76
96.92
142.20

5.2

3.44

469.62

223.94 * 142.90 1 100.32

72.31

275.07

1,283.58

41

154.81

18

89.25

1 - 17.87
+ 52.48
+ 23.13
+217.16
+295. 04
+894.69
1

+ 79.01

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

Average persons
in family.
Number of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

PER CENT.
Under 8900.....................
8900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............

44.9
3$. 5
37.8
32.4
36.2
29.3
31.4

15.2
14.8
16.4
18.9
22.6
19.8
21.9

12.2
12.5
11.3
8.2
» 14.5
11.6
9.6

9.2
8.5
8.0
6.8
16.5
5.9
11.0

4.3
5.3
5.9
10.2
2.1
4.2
2.6

14.2
20.4
20.6
23.5
21.9
29.2
23.5

63.6
41.7
71.4
71.4
100.0
100.0
100.0

36.4
50.0
28.6
28.6

8.3

35.0
11.7
5.0
6.7
3.3

T otal....................

100.0

36.6

17.4

1 11.2

1 7.9

5.6

21.4

68.3

30.0

1.7

18.3
20.0

G RAND ISLAND , NEBR.

[89]

Total.............

77

2.96
2.80
2.74
3.07
3.20
3.64
4.99

$405.27
420.76
494.87
497.22
556.13
632.39
862.62

$99.72
138.89
213.00
286.18
286.74
453.97
538.69

3.05

512.70

245.02

$

111.00

172.14
169.31
179.82
219.27
236.13
196.25
181.64

$86.09
90.69
99.01
90.93
110.01

149.80
136.07
101.

$11.61
45.12

$118.69
194.63
232.68
109.11 349.63
102.04 322.27
124.40 368.92
205.22 598.26
86.86

.66

277.25

$832.38
1,062.22
1,295.73
1,512.89
1,596.47
1,965.60
2,537.11
1,407.25

59

$49.50
78.06
129.34
147.50
394.81
393.30
236.54

2
5
6
1
1

$73.85
171.54
128.92
340.00
125.00

1

424.60

198.36

16

166.78

2

2

PER CENT.
Under $900.................
$900 and under $1,200.
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over.......
Total.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

5.2
19.5
33.8
14.3
16.9
5.2
5.2

48.7
39.6
38.2
32.9
34.8
32.2
34.0

12.0
13.1
16.4
18.9
18.0
23.1
21.2

13.3
16.2
13.1
11.9
13.7
12.0
7.7

10.3
8.5
7.6
6.0
6.9
7.6
5.4

1.4
4.2
6.7
7.2
6.4
6.3
8.1

14.3
18.3
18.0
23.1
20.2
18.8
23.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
66.7
69.2
90.9
92.3
100.0
75.0

25.0

100.0

36.4

17.4

12.9

7.2

6.3

19.7

100.0

76.6

20.8

50.0
33.3
23.1
9.1
7.7

7.7

-$12.18
- 5.14
+ 59. 79
+ 103.18
+354.83
+393.30
+ 71.26
+ 117.34

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over.......

2.6

Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

OO

CO

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OP E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM POR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OP ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OP
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

CD

O

H O U ST O N , TEX .: W hite fam ilies.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies, Total. lent adult
males.

Families Av. sur­
Total
Deficit.
Surplus.
having plus (+ )
average
neither or defi­
yearly
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
nor
for
per
and fur­
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

3.0
4.3
4.7
4.8
5.3
6.2
5.5

2.90
3.12
3.36
3.17
3.54
4.04
2.97

$384.60
454.33
538.54
555.39
643.07
764.22
629.65

$62.82 $120,00
143.02
155.91
182.36 1 167.17
206.07
236.61
328.39 232.87
321.30 224.40
267.83 311.25

$50.94
53.15
1 59.12
61.60
66.09
81.81
64.54

Total.....................

98

4.9

3.33

557.75

220.14 1 191.30

i 61.13

1063

1
15
35
25
15
5
2

$11.09 $248.08
47.24 190.24
63.60 303.02
82.87 359.15
112.22 439.20
181.49 530.90
703.75
160.33
80.91

340.16

$877.53
1,043,90
1,313.20
1,501.69
182.85
2,104.10
2,137.34

12
25
23
12
4
2

$62.88
116.88
150:41
188.64
233,24
439.67

1,450.64

78

143.74

1
3
9
1
2
1

$22,53
110.85
126.98
121.85
388.24
41.00

1
1
1

-$22.53
+ 28.13
+ 50,83
+133.51
+ 99.15
+ 178.39
+439.67

17

143.37

3

+ 89.54

PER CENT.
Under $900__ , ...............
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800,.
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over__ ’........

1.0
15.3
35.7
15.3
5.1
2.0

43.8
43.5
41.0
37.0
35.3
36.3
29.5

7.2
13.7
13.9
15.8
18.0
15.3
12 5

13.7
14.9
112.8
13.7
12.8
10.7
14.6

5.8
5.1
1 4.5
4.1
3.6
3.9
3.0

1.3
4.5
4.8
5.5
6.2
8.6
7.5

28 3
18.2
23.1
23.9
24.1
25.2
32.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

80.0
71.4
92.0
80.0
80.0
100.0

100.0
20.0
25.7
4.0
13.3
20.0

2.9
4.0
6.7

Total..................... 100.0

38.4

15 2

1 13.2

1 4.2

5.6

23 4

100.0

79.6

17.3

3.1

$146.22 $858.53
177.32 1,047.38
311,37 1,290.14
295.85 1,633.46

4
14
7
2

$23.74
45.42
64.86
59.60

1
9
2

$17.20
75.17
94.77

2
6
1
1

27

48.30

12

73.60

10

H O U ST O N , TEX. : Colored fam ilies.

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..

7
29
10
3

3.6
4.7
5.0
6.3

2.74
3.48
3.41
5.13

$383,10
479.80
497.25
699.12

49

4.7

3.46

482.97

$131.27 2$129.83 2$39.40
157.53
51.43
131,83
46,10
205.08 148.90
158.00
49,66
298.67

$31.99
49.48
81.44
132.16

+$11.11
- 1.40
+ 26.45
+ 39.73

$2^500 and over..... .........
Total.....................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

172.12 2136.77

2 48. 71

58.56

207.49

1,105.83

+

8.59

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

P E R CENT,
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

14.3
59.2
20.4
6.1

44,6
45.8
38.5
42.8

15.3
15.0
15.9
18.3

2 15.0
12.6
11.5
9.7

2 4.6
4.9
3.6
3.0

3.7
4.7
6.3
8.1

17.0
16.9
24.1
18.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

57.1
48.3
70.0
66.7

14.3
31.0
20.0

28.6
20.7
10.0
33.3

T otal...................... 100.0

43.7

15.6

2 12,3

2 4.4

5.3

18.8

100.0

55.1

24.5

20.4

$24.76 $112.48
45.85 206.41
49.22 268.81
85.85 417.68
106,89 451,36
131.55 354.45

$773.54
1,030.71
1,242.56
1,554,65
1,890.21
2,119,95

5
12
18
3
2

$41.90
106. 75
158.15
137.58
43.36

4
7
5
2
2

$44.50
80.41
66.68
159.40
25.00

2
9
6
2
1
1

+$2.86
+25.65
+86.67
+ 13.42
+ 7.34

1,183.41

40

120.92

20

72.15

21

+41.90

H UNTSVILLE, ALA.

£911

Total......................

11
28
29
7
5
1

4.3
4.6
5.0
5.3
7.6
6.0

2.84
2.92
3.43
3.77
6.10
3.66

$384.90
495.68
545.10
630.22
758.30
872.90

$122.97
149.43
219.47
230.79
410.82
616.05

$62.07
70.45
91.68
113.40
82.65
52.00

$66.35
62.89
68.28
76.71
82.20
93.00

81

5.0

3.37

530.70

199.84

81.15

68.05

52,48

251.20

PER CENT.
Under $900......................

13.6
34.6
35.8
8.6
6.2
1.2

$1,800 and under $2’l00..

49.8
48.1
43.9
40.5
40.0
41.2

15.9
14.5
17. 7
14.8
21.7
29.1

8.0
6.8
7.4
7-3
4.4
2.5

8.6
6.1
5.5
4.9
4.3
4.4

3.2
4.4
4.0
5.5
5.7
6.2

14.5
20.0
21.6
26,9
23.9
16.7

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

45,5
42.9
62.1
42.9
40.0

36.4
25.0
17.2
28.6
40.0

18.2
32.1
20.7
28.6
20.0
100.0

44.8

16.9

6.9

5.8

4.4

21.2

100.0

49.4

24.7

25.9

$2^500 and over..... .........
T otal.....................

100.0 ~

...........

1

i Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500.,
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over__ ' ........

2 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

CP

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED IN D U STR IA L CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

OF

JACKSONVILLE, F L A .: W hite fam ilies.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
Equiva­
fami­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

3.0
5.7
4.3
5.0
5.1
5.7
5.0

2.05
3.15
2.61
3.23
3.30
3.66
3.00

$369.54
437.88
473.99
550.14
561.45
657.15
619.86

$156.57 $120.00
203.02
144.00
230. 78 165.08
232. 40 186.95
269.02 208.29
455.08 i 234.40
519.00 252.00

$48.30
67.53
72.70
67.46
70.50
i 83.84
83.80

Total.....................

81

4.9

3.12

538.97

260.90 i 189.76

i 70.54

1

$7.19 $148.40 $850.00
34.18 316.89 1,203.50
74.28 290.28 1,307.12
77.25 424. 98 1,539.17
113.19 489.47 1,711.92
71.95 430. 24 1,957.87
30.25 577.09 2,082.00

1
11
23
21
6
1

$36.00
86.26
155.72
266.21
295.03
426.00

2
2
4
3

$210.00
130.91
271.83
253.67

-$128. 00
5 + 38.17
1 + 89.08
+ 201.22
+ 295.03
+ 426.00

409.00

1,555.56

63

196.08

11

230.01

7 + 121.27

83.80

[92]

PER CENT.
Under $900................. .
$900 and under $1,200.
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over.......
Total.............

1.2
3.7
22.2
34.6
29.6
7.4
1.2

43.5
36.4
36.3
35.7
32.8
33.6
30.0

18.4
16.9
17.7
15.1
15.7
23.2
24.9

14.1
12.0
12.6
12.1
12.2
i 12.5
12.1

5.7
5.6
5.6
4.4
4.1
i 4.5
4.0

0.8
2.8
5.7
5.0
6.6
3.7
1.5

17.5
26.3
22.2
27.6
28.6
22.0
27.7

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

33.3
61.1
82.1
87.5
100.0
100.0

66.7
11.1
14.3
12.5

27.8
3.6

100.0

34.6

16.8

i 12.3

i 4.6

5.4

26.3

100.0

77.8

13.6

8.6

100.0

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. : Colored fam ilies.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............
Total.....................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

43

4.6

3.02
3.09
3.55
3.18

$349.39
415.72
449.86
458.87

$104.75
203.47
242. 77
351.94

$99.36
122.32
197.95
203.67

$47.78
49.62
53.91
59.84

3.19

415.98

197.72

139.71

50.86

4 2 .6 9

$180.05
199.97
236. 48
208.40

$799.70
1.031.81
1.249.82
1,429.85

203.95

1,050.91

24

$54.38
42.79
63.60
191.66

$82.50
28.57
41.75

67.66

47.74

+ $4.78
+ 22.51
+ 23.45
+ 191.66

12

+

2 9 .9 9

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

$2,500 and over...............

1
3
18
28
24
6
1

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500...
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

Total
Families Av. sur­
Deficit.
Surplus.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
per
and fur­
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—

PER CENT,

12277S0—19----- 7

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................
Total.

25.6
44.2
23.3
7.0

43.7
40.3
36.0
38.4

13.1
19.7
19.4
24.6

12.4
11.9
15.8
14.2

4.8
4.3
4.2

100.0

39.6

18.8

13.3

4.8

6.0

2.3
3.9
5.5
4.0

22.5
19.4
18.9
14.6

100.0

100.0

18.2
15.8

36.4
63.2
50.0

100.0
100.0

100.0

100.0

55.8

45.5
21.1

20.0

30.0

16.3

27.9

K A N SA S CITY, K A N S., and K A N SA S CITY, M O.
2.58
3.03
2.91
3.26
3.50
4.23
4.42

$375.65
472.13
514.08
574.59
615.42
704.62
800.05

$99.57 $117.67
141.80 1 150.47
197.12 1 178.10
231. 31 1 224.33
314.16 219.25
372.62 240.38
456.94 234.00

Total......................

224

4.5

3.12

536.48

211.59 2 189.00

$62.10

L93J

92.18
105.15
106.56

$38.98
54.90
60.95
89.23
76.62
73.30
64.33

$130.68
220.71
273. 37
337.93
394.13
556. 22
839.31

$824.64
1,106.37
1,298.44
1,549.36
1,711.76
2' 052.28
2; 501.19

2
22
59
40
19

2 79.64

68.11

302.98

1,387.95

1 66.56
1 74.60
1 91.15

1
16
27
13

3

$28.06
46.08
112.03
138.85
230.13
270.67
190.30

1

1 7 .5 0

148

128.30

58

111. 03

3

$28.00
123.50
100.59
130.96

+ $9.37
8 - 20.92
5 + 42.79
2 + 70.03
2 + 208. 21
1 + 203. 00
+ 138.35
18

PER CENT.

20.5
40.6
24.6
9.4
1.8
1.8

45.6
42.7
39.6
37.1
36.0
34.3
32.0

12.1
12.8
15.2
14.9
18.4
18.2
18.3

100.0

38.7

15.2

1.3

14.3

1 13.6
1 13.7

1 14.5
12.8
11.7
9.4

2 13.6

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

7.5

5.4
5.1
4.3

4.7
5.0
4.7
5.8
4.5
3.6
2.6

15.8
19.9
21.1
21.8
23.0
27.1
33.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

66.7
47.8
64.8
72.7
90.5
75.0
75.0

2 5.7

4.9

21.8

100.0

66.1

1 6.0
1 5.7
1 5.9

33.3

34.8
29.7
23.6
25.0
25.9

17.4
5.5
3 .6

+ 56.02

LA B O R R EV IEW ,

3.0
4.5
4.2
4.7
4.7
5.8
5.8

M O N TH LY

$2',500 and over..... .........

3
46
91
55
21
4
4

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..

9.5

25.0
8.0

2 Not including 3 families in which rent is combined w ith fuel and light.

CO
OO

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OP E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

O
^

KNOXVILLE, T E N N .

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Families Av. sur­
Total
Deficit.
Surplus.
having plus (+ )
average
neither or defi­
yearly
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
for
per
nor
and fur­
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

14
21
17
7
11
5
2

5.1
5.6
4.5
6.4
5.8
4. à
7.0

3.09
3.42
3.28
4.80
3.86
3.21
4.66

$430.50
511.14
491.32
639.15
651.07
656.58
670.45

$118. 43 $86.01
99.11
167.88
222.58' 186.86
368.86 159.36
169. 74
344.55
307.87 1 205. 50
144.94
521.00

$53.34
62. 64
75. 70
78.19
76.99
*86. 73
84.11

Total......................

77

5.4

3.54

537.31

232. 74 1138.90

i 69.19

$38.31 $196.57 $923.16
56.28 210.42 1,107.47
78.66 261.67 1,316.80
123.54 377.86 1,746.96
207. 64 432. 78 1,882.77
120. 24 567.66 2,002.87
185. 45 557.05 2,163.00

2
3
12
3
8
4
2

$17.50
67.71
119.12
192. 89
116.38
428. 26
397.85

11
18
5
3
2
1

$158.64
79.06
228.26
480.71
77.58
550.00

1,374.63

34

167. 24

40

161.41

93. 20

298.41

1 -$122.14
- 58.09
+ 16.95
1 - 123.35
1 + 70.53
+ 232. 61
+ 397.85
3 -

10.01

£94]

P E R CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1.500and under $1 ¡,800..

18.2
27.3
22.1
9.1
14.3
6.5
2.6

46.6
46.2
37.3
36.6
34.6
32 8
31.0

12.8
15.2
16.9
21.1
18.3
15.4
24.1

9.3
8.9
14.2
9.1
9.0
111.2
6. 7

5.8
5.7
5.7
4.5
4.1
1 4.7
3.9

4.2
5.1
6.0
7.1
11.0
6.0
8.6

21.3
19.0
19.9
21.6
23.0
28.3
25.8

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

14.3
14.3
70.6
42.9
72.7
80.0
100.0

78.6
85.7
29.4
42.9
18.2
20.0

T otal.....................

100.0

39 1

16 9

1 10. 2

1 5.1

6.8

21. 7

100.0

44.2

51.9

7.1
14.3
9.1

3.9

LITTLE ROCK;, ARK.
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

5
16
13
21
13
3

4.2
4.6
5.2
4.9
5.7
6.7

3.04
3.04
3.31
3.32
3.29
4.45

$463.97
522.60
601.55
632. 76
650.61
731.85

T otal.....................

71

5.1

3.28

597.79


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$158.50 $141.80
211.58 208. 46
244.54 235.68
324.12 278. 47
316.09 341.20
324.04 317.67

$46.09
63. 79
70. 72
79.03
92.92
92.77

$3S. 51
48.50
105.66
89.28
106.46
58.73

$197.92
288.90
363.87
426.50
631. 73
586.17

$1,046.79
1,343.83
1,622.02
1,830.16
2,139.02
2,111.22

3
9
10
17
7
3

$88.68
105.36
114.96
178. 91
268.34
597.15

2
6
3
4
5

47.29
124.83
383.47
228. 69
138.65

1

258.38

74.88

81.37

412.25

1,695.71

49

185.21

20

180.10

2

271.05

1

+$34. 29
+ 12.46
.07
+ 101.27
+ 91.17
+ 597.15
+ 77.09

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under 8900......................
8900 and under 81,200__
$1,200 and under 81,500..
$1,500 and under 81,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

PER CENT,

7.0
22.5
18.3
29.6
18.3
4.2

44.3
38.9
37.1
34.6
30.4
34.7

15.1
15.7
15.1
17.7
14.8
15.3

13.5
15.5
14.5
15.2
16.0
15.0

4.4
4.7
4.4
4.3
4.3
4.4

3.7
3.6
6.5
4.9
5.0
2.8

21.5
22.4
23.3
29.5
27.8

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

56.2
76.9
81.0
53.8
100.0

37.5
23.1
19.0
38.5

6.2

T otal...................... 100.0

35.3

16.0

15.2

4.4

4.8

24.3

100.0

69.0

28.2

2.8

$37.45 $152.84
50.10 240.32
57.17 345.13
98.98 459. 49
79.35 524.94
98.96 623.13
254.48 1,083.14

$790.30
1,041.14
1,269.57
1,481.11
1,785.81
1.993.24
2.752.25

4
38
58
31
17
7
1

$52.00
73.18
140.06
198. 63
219.53
267. 74
353.80

2
11
15
9
3

$19.66
126.97
150.47
149. 89
204.36

+$28.11
4 + 26.12
2 + 78.22
+ 120.21
+ 155.94
+267.74
+353.80

365.65

1,320.82

156

148.91

40

141.38

6

66.7
71.7
77.3
77.5
85.0

$900 and under $1,200.,.,
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under 12,100..
$2,100 and Under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

7.7

LO S A N G ELES, CALIF.
6
53
75
40
20
7
1

4.0
4.0
4.7
4.2
5.6
4.6
5.0

2.60
2.83
3.20
3.16
4.33
3.92
2.58

$319.65
405.90
463.38
478.61
654.16
647.41
577.18

T otal.....................

202

4.5

3.21

472.88

$114.79 $131.55
158.68
149,31
181.17 181.34
216.98 184. 72
194.41
285,33
351.72 219.00
618.70 180.00
196.32

177.18

$34.02
36.84
41.37
42.63
47.63
53.02
38.75
41.16

67.63

PER CENT.
tinder $ 9 0 0 .................
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,5o0 and over................
Total.....................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

3.0
26.2
37.1
19.8
9.9
3.5
.5
100.0

40.4
39.0
36.5
32.3
36.6
32.5
21.0
35.8

14.5
14.3
14.3
14.7
16.0
17.6
22.5

16.6
15.2
14.3
12.5
10.9
11.0
6.5

4.3
3.5
3.3
2.9
2.7
2.7
1.4

4.7
4.8
4,5
6.7
4.4
5,0
9.2

19.3
23.1
27.2
31.0
29.4
31.3
39.4

100,0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0

14.9

13.4

3.1

5.1

27.7

100.0

77.2

33.3
20.8
20.0
22.5

................................
...............
7.5
..........
2.7
............ ..................

19.8 ................

+ 87.00

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

tJnder $900......................
$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

3.0

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

CO
Cn

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OP E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OP ITEMS OF COST OP LIVING O F
FAM ILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

CD
05

M E M P H IS, T E N N .: W hite fam ilies.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
per
and fur­
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

1
12
35
28
16
6
5

5.0
4.5
4.6
4.8
5.1
4.3
6.2

2. 94
3.21
3.22
3.36
3. 74
3.42
4.88

$324.37
417.95
486. 67
573. 82
653.61
631.45
864.05

Total.....................

103

4.8

3. 43

553.46

Rent.

$59.06 $150.00
130.50 182.26
209. 71 172. 79
267.25 227. 61
289. 49 237.06
359.20 236.00
503.09 250.20
250. 00

206.00

Fuel
and
light.
$83.80
57.01
74.13
83. 46
84.97
82.65
108. 80
78. 63

$21. 21 $151.06
30.55 235.31
64.43 293. 44
67.89 384.41
85. 81 469.34
91.04 523. 61
127.42 746.50
68. 93

372.74

$789.50
1,053.57
1,301.16
1,604.44
1,820.28
1,923.95
2 , 600.06

1
8
24
19
12
6
3

$58.68
99.03
93.05
125.22
168.33
291.18
289.33

4
9
9
3

$74. 84
112.13
109.99
59. 96

1

211.80

+ 41.07
+ 34.97
+ 49.62
1 + 115. 00
4-291 IS
1 + 13L24

1,529. 76

73

138.33

26

103. 47

4

2

+ 71.92

[96]

P E R CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

1.0
11.7
34.0
27.2
15.5
5.8
4.9

41.1
39.7
37.4
35.8
35.9
32.8
33.2

7.5
12.4
16.1
16.7
15.9
18.7
19.3

19.0
17.3
13.3
14.2
13.0
12.3
9.6

10.6
5.4
5. 7
5.2
4.7
4.3
4.2

2.7
2.9
5.0
4.2
4.7
4.7
4.9

19.1
22.3
22. 6
24.0
25. 8
27.2
28. 7

100. 0
100. 0
100 0
100.0
100. 0
100. 0
100.0

100.0
66. 7
68. 6
67.9
75.0
100.0
60.0

33. 3
25. 7
32.1
18.8

fi 3

20.0

20.0

Total..................... 100.0

36.2

16.3

13.5

5.1

4.5

24.4

100.0

70.9

25.2

3.9

$28. 77 $142.43 $813.10
41.37 196. 84 1,024.08
48. 61 299. 49 1,279. 67
105.40 483.15 1,641.56
21.04 667. 30 1,893.77

2
8
7
1

$9.23
29.34
113.89
8.44

18

58.83

5 7

M E M P H IS, T E N N .: Colored fam ilies.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

18
20
9
1
1

4.6
5.2
5.3
4.0
7.0

3.19
3.43
4.09
3.90
4.81

$365.34
463.09
536.97
654.26
768.59

$127. 33
168. 66
232.24
265.10
236.94

$98.96
102.11
107.03
84.00
120.00

$50.26
52.02
55.33
49.65
79.90

Total.....................

49

5.0

3.50

450.89

168.52

101. 85

52.50


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

38. 97

211.15

1,023.88

7
8

$42.00
29.76

1

66.57

16

37.41

9
4
2

15

-115.31
.17
+ 88.58
+ 8.44
- 66.57

+

9.39

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

Clothing.

P E R CENT,
36.7
40.8
18.4
2.0
2.0

44.9
45.2
42.0
39.9
40.6

15.7
16.5
18.1
16.1
12.5

12.2
10.0
8.4
5.1
6.3

6.2
5.1
4.3
3.0
4.2

3.5
4.0
3.8
6.4
1.1

17.5
19.2
23.4
29.4
35.2

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

11.1
40.0
77.8
100.0

100.0

44.0

16.5

9.9

5.1

3.8

20.6

100.0

36.7

$9. 25 $167. 62 $766.11
29.03 258. 59 1,070. 49
55. 42 278. 91 1,312.36
70.25
382.93 1,583. 78
99. 61 497.93 1,782.17
-384. 69 379. 23 2,208.10
128. 48 981. 92 2 , 410. 85

3
8
10
8
7

$65.00
67.17
150.52
215. 95
248. 30

2

1,421.97

38

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

38.9
40.0

50.0
20.0
22.2

100.0

32.7

30.6

M ERID IAN , M ISS.
4.2
4.4
5.2
5.2
5.0
6.0
4.3

3.10
3.10
3. 32
3.83
3.16
4.54
3.32

$335. 84
455.53
530.95
590.10
629.55
, 634. 93
599. 24

$104.51
150.11
224. 31
296.15
288. 36
542. 50
456. 37

$99. 53
113. 43
151. 46
165.32
185.79
193. 80
170.87

$49. 36
63.79
71.31
79.03
80.92
72.95
73. 97

Total.....................

78

4.9

3.40

535.51

245.49

150.43

71.63

[97]

67. 85

351.07

$14.00
61.07
64.10
129. 67
212. 86
27. 90
80.00

1
2
1
3

460.00

2
4
12
9
3
1
1

174.30

32

92.3$

8

1

P E R CENT.
7.7
17.9
29. 5
25.6
12. 8
2. 6
3.8

43.8
42.6
40.5
37.3
35.3
28.8
24.9

13.6
14.0
17.1
18.7
16.2
24.6
18.9

13.0
10.6
11.5
10.4
10.4
8. 8
7.1

6.4
6.0
5.4
5.0
4.5
3.3
3.1

1.2
2.7
4.2
4.4
5.6
17.4
5.3

21.9
24.2
21.3
24.2
27.9
17.2
40.7

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
57.1
43.5
40.0
70.0
66.7

33.3
28.6
52. 2
45.0
30.0
50. 0
33.3

100. 0

37.7

17.3

10. 6

5. 0

4.8

24. 7

100. 0

48. 7

41.0


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

16.7
14.3
4.3
15.0
50.0

+$27. 83
+ 20.94
+ 32.00
+ 28.03
+ 109.95
— 13 95
+280. 00
+ 47.03

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

$2,500 and over................

6
14
23
20
10
2
3

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

10. 8

CO
-a

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR T H E PRINCIPAL GROUPS OP ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

CD
OO

MOBILE, A L A .: W hite fam ilies.

Income group.

1Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families
surplus cit ( - )
Average
Families
Average
and fur­
per
for
nor
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

2
16
41
24
19
3
3

4.0
4.4
4.5
4.9
5.4
6.0
6.7

2.59
3.08
3.08
3.20
3.78
4.33
4. 93

$35" 50
472. 70
512. 60
618. 72
635. 51
803. 27
819. 32

$145. 34
160.20
238.08
280. 71
339.59
424. 38
648. 26

$108. 00
110. 72
139.23
160. 87
184.14
152. 68
200. 00

$63.16
65.17
71.41
74.26
77. 51
97. 99
110. 77

Total......................

108

4.8

3.31

565. 62

268.73

149.20

73. 87

$43.10 $131.92 $84Q 62
38. 98 226. 51 1,074.28
58.24 295.25 1 , 314.81
71.86 335. 03 1, 541.44
84.96 409.11 1, 730. 83
83. 50 491. 84 2,053.67
31.03 643. 38 2,452.75
62. 78

326. 05 1,446.24

7
28
18
16
3
3

$10.00
78.46
126.19
208.67
254. 75
165. 00
209. 06

4
10
5
2

$100.99
151.86
139. 42
150. 50

76

171.67

21

139.08

-f- $5 00
5 + 9.08
3 + 19'.. 14
1 + 127.45
1 + 198. 68
+ 165.00
+209.06
11

+ 93.76

[98]

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,50J and under $1,800..
$1,800and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

1.9
14.8
38.0
22.2
17.6
2.8
2.8

42.1
44.0
39.0
40.1
86.7
39.1
33.4

17.1
14.9
18.1
18.2
19/6
20.7
26.4

12.7
10.3
10.6
10.4
10.6
7.4
8.2

7.4
6.1
5.4
4.8
4.5
4.8
4.5

5.1
3.6
4.4
4.7
4.9
4.1
1.3

15.5
21.1
22.5
21.7
23.6
23.9
26.2

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50 0
43. 8
68. 3
75. 0
84. 2
100.0
100.0

25. 0
24. 4
20. 8
10. 5

50 0
31. 3
7. 3
4 2
5.3

Total.....................

100.0

39.1

18.6

10.3

5.1

4.3

22.5

100.0

70.4

19.4

10.2

$115. 91 $761.30
196. 66 1,034.10
239. 88 1, 262.95
286.16 1, 584.43

3
11
7
2

$35.17
73.16
117. 54
135.13

1
12
4
1

$28. 00
42. 43
40. 69
379. 00

2
5
4

+12.92
+10.56
+44.00
-36.25

23

87.10

1$

59.94

11

+ 17.78

________

M OBILE, ALA. : Colored fam ilies.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

6
28
15
3

4.5
4.3
4.7
5.3

2.57
3.20
3. 42
3. 61

$367. 63
468. 31
561.16
699.19

$120.80
174. 86
239.15
301. 42

$82. 67
92. 04
106. 45
143.75

$52. 02
66.27
77.98
99.33

$22.28
35.96
38.34
54.58

Total......................

52

4. 5

3. 21

496. 80

194. 47

98.10

69. 91

36.14


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

204.98

1,100.39

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900.............. ......
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

PER CENT.
Under 15900.....................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
81,500 and under $1,800
#1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

11.5
53.8
28.8
5.8

Total....................

100.0

48.3
45.3
44.4
44.1

15.9
15.9
18.9
19.0

10.9
8.9
8.4
9.1

45.1 j

17.7

8.9

6.3

2.9
3.5
3.0
3.4

15. 2
19. 0
19.0
18.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
39.3
46.7
66.7

16.7
42.9
26.7
33.3

33.3
17.9
26.7

6.4

3.3

18.6

1 0 0.0

44.2

34.6

21.2

$51. 87 $146.73
51.29 220.20
67.35 272.29
104.14 327. 91
85.56 358.35
101.92 423.65
37.80 662.67

$852.40
1,149.99
1,253.46
1,428.97
1,659.29
1,801. 55
2,161.85

2
15
16
18
6
3

$118.25
135. 83
220. 38
285.38
398.02
472.53

2
2
4

$20.50
123.10
30.43

2

206.50

1,456.36

60

245.71

10

82.19

6 .8

6.4
6.2

NEW BER N , N . C.
3
5
22
16
20
6
3

5. 0
4.8
4.5
5.1
5.7
5.7
6.7

2. 69
2.83
3.01
3.01
3.80
4. 06
3.86

$366. 28
440.28
456.09
475. 20
573.53
645. 57
823. 63

$141.43
208. 49
248. 06
300. 88
257. 60
355.02
385.78

$84.67
145.75
133.34
144. 85
190.10
179. 75
148. 60

$61.43
83. 98
76. 33
75.99
94.15
95.65
103.37

75

5.2

3.31

516.70

295.70

154.13

83.55

79.95

326.33

1
1
3

—$20. 50
- 1.94
+ 87.08
+220. 38
+236.19
+398.02
+472.53

5

+185. 61

PER CENT.

$900 and under $1,200....
$1,200 and under $1,500..
81,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4. Ò
6.7
29.3
21.3
26.7
8.0
4.0

43.0
38.3
36.4
33.3
34.6
35. 8
38.1

16.6
18.1
19.8
21.1
21.6
19.7
17.8

9.9
12.7
10.6
10.1
11.5
10.0
6.9

7.2
7.3
6.1
5.3
5.7
5.3
4.8

6.1
4.5
5.4
7.3
5.2
5.7
1.7

17.2
19.1
21.7
22.9
21.6
23.5
30.7

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

40.0
68.2
100.0
90. 0
100.0
100.0

100.0

35.5

20.3

10.6

5.7

5.5

22.4

100.0

80.0

66.7
40.0
18.2

33.3
20.0
13.6

10.0

13.3

6.7

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

100

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR THE PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

NEW O RLEANS, LA.: W hite fam ilies.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families A v. sur­
Deficit.
Surplus.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

3
56
42
37
4
4
1

5.3
4.8
5.1
6.0
5.5
9.0
6.0

3. 43 $396. 89
3. 08
480.88
3. 42
538.76
3.85
607. 07
674.33
3.27
6. 34 1,035. 67
4.41
872.55

Total......................

147

5.3

3. 48

550. 49

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

$101.18
139.92
189.63
238.98
285. 23
484.56
383.75

$110. 33
136.94
158.19
171.02
212. 72
181.13
156. 00

$42. 84
53.92
60.92
70. 91
73.83
75. 99
96.50

193.25

154. 44

61.40

$46. 84 $175.02 $873.11
36. 38 205. 78 1,053. 82
46.42 280. 63 1,274. 55
71. 49 358. 05 1,517.51
71.98 462. 04 1,780.13
41.39 449. 60 2,268. 34
145.60 680.60 2 , 335.00
50.15

281. 70 1,291. 44

1
32
31
33
3
4
1

$37.00
44.84
95.19
105. 87
189.83
93.90
313.00

1
17
10
3
1

$166. 69
68. 57
124. 69
53. 08
87. 00

1
7
1
1

—$43. 23
+ 4.81
+ 40.57
+ 90.12
+ 120.62
-f 93. 90
+313.00

105

87.38

32

88.30

10

+ 43.19

[100 ]

P E R CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

2.0
38.1
28.6
25.2
2.7
2.7
0.7

45.5
45.6
42.3
40.0
37.9
45.7
37.4

11.6
13.3
14.9
15.7
16.0
21.4
16.4

12.6
13.0
12.4
11.3
11.9
8.0
6.7

4.9
5.1
4.8
4. 7
4.1
3.4
4.1

5.4
3.5
3.6
4.7
4.0
1.8
6.2

20.0
19. 5
22.0
23.6
26.0
19.8
29.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100. 0
100. 0
100.0
100. 0

33.3
57.1
73. 8
89. 2
75. 0
100. 0
100. 0

33 3
30 4
23. 8
8.1
25.0

33 3
12 5
2 4
2.7

Total...................... 100.0

42.6

15.0

12.0

4.8

3.9

21.8

100.0

71.4

21.8

6.8

NEW O RLEANS, L A .: Colored fam ilies.
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
31,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

40
51
7
4

4. 5
5.4
6.6
6.8

2.97
3.59
4.64
4.76

$401. 01
452.30
527.5?
682. 61

102

5.2

3. 47

440. 38

$87. 96 $102. 86
151. 31 113. 20
239. 22 130. 61
310.92 142.13

138. 76

111. 47

$42. 32
47.76
60. 00
56.89

$29.73
41.98
53.76
46.04

46. 82

38.14

$129. 23 $793.11
209.26 1,015.81
318. 28 1,329.39
321. 04 1,559.61

189.74

971.32

24
27
3
2

$25.32
41.32
37.83
99. 20

7
11
1
1

$50.94
65.75
50.00
16.60

9
13
3
1

56

36. 34

20

57.32

26

+$6. 28
+ 7.69
+ 9.07
+45. 45

+

8.71

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

Clothing.

PEE. C E N T .

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..

39.2
50.0
6.9
3.9

50.6
4^.5
39.7
43.8

11.1
14.9
18.0
19.9

13.0
11.1
9.8
9.1

5.3
4.7
4. 5
3.6

3.7
4.1
4.0
3.0

16.3
20.6
23.9
20.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

60.0
52.9
42.9
50.0

17.5
21.6
14.3
25.0

22.5
25.5
42.9
25.0

100.0

46.0

14.3

11.5

4.8

3.9

19.5

100.0

54.9

19.6

25.5

$35. 85 $180.75
105. 78 225.18
105.85 296.26
113.87 317. 55
116. 82 441. 81
157.67 572.17

$997.06
1,348.84
1,485.49
1,766.01
2,017.14
2,196.06

2
11
23
21
16
10

$196.50
93.30
170. 87
247.83
373.44
479.62

1
4
2
3
2

'
$32.00
148.68
101. 46
43.13
33.00

112.31

1,684.92

83

256.93

12

85.42

NO RFO LK, VA.

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

4
17
25
25
19
10

5.0
4.7
4.8
5.0
5.3
5.8

3.13
3.00
3.17
3.51
3.41
4.18

$421.73
513. 85
513. 84
637.52
645. 41
725.10

100

5.1

3.37

587.20

$138.67 $134. 63
261.74 163.22
298.83
190. 85
396.85 204. 81
465.16 244. 45
434.14 194.98
355.76

197.99

$85. 45
79.07
79.85
95.41
103.50
112.01
91.54

340.13

Pi
O
1
2

+$90.25
+ 25.39
+ 149.09
1 + 203.00
1 +311.00
+ 479. 62

5

+ 203.00

P E R CENT.

1-3
K
tr*
kJ
fi
>

CD
r-ì
W
W
LSI

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,SOO..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

4.0
17.0
25.0
25.0
19.0
10.0

42.3
38.1
34.6
36.1
32.0
33.0

13.9
19.4
20.1
22.5
23.1
19.8

13.5
12.1
12.8
11.6
12.1
8.9

8.6
5.9
5.4
5.4
5.1
5.1

3.6
7.8
7.1
6.4
5.8
7.2

18.1
16.7
19.9
18.0
21.9
26.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
64.7
92.0
84.0
84.2
100. 0

25.0
23.5
8.0
12.0
10.5

100.0

34.9

21.1

11.8

5.4

6.7

20.2

100.0

83.0

12.0

25.0 ..............
11.8 ..............

<j
H
<j
^3

4.0
5.3
5.0

I-*
O
V-1

102

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X P E N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FO R T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAM ILIES IN S P EC IFIED IND U STR IA L CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

OKLAHOM A CITY, OKLA.
Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Income group.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average
surplus
cit ( - )
Families Average
per
and fur­
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount, having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

2
13
34
26
15
9
1

4.0
4.5
4.8
4.5
4.1
6.0
5.0

2.40
2.54
3.12
3.00
2.33
3.89
3.21

$401.01
484.54
499.39
535.51
510.53
658.85
781.37

$172.88 $153.50
170.94 1180.68
210.34 200.42
263.74
292.26
245.92 1311.76
359.78 302.39
500.95 240.00

$43.93
149.69
51.48
60.81
i 65.49
72.50
80.80

$124.78
85.06
73.13
100.09
102.72
155.72
27.08

Total......................

100

4.7

2.95

523.73

240.05 2 242.14

2 56.66

94.13

$151.04 $1,047.13
246.48 1,216. 14
265.32 1,300.07
412.71 1,*-665.13
568.47 1,800.29
393.23 1,942.47
742.15 2,372.35
360.66

5
24
13
11
9
1

$56.78
126.70
164.46
283.47
329.12
321.31

7
7
13
4

180.18
131.35
274.24
209.53

1 — 75.18
3 + 62.39
54.89
+ 152.00
+ 329.12
4- 321.31

1,522.63

63

188.32

33

209.23

4

+ 49.60

[1021

P E R CENT.
Under $ 9 0 0 ,.................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................
T otal.....................

2.0

1.0

38.3
39.8
38.4
32.2
28.4
33.9
32.9

21.1

100 .0

34.4

15.8

13.0
34.0
26.0
15.0
9.0

16.5
14.1
16.2
15.8
13.7
18.5

14.7
i 14.7
15.4
17.6
i 17.6
15.6
10.1

4.2
i 4.0
4.0
3.7
1 3.7
3.7
3.4

11.9
7.0
5.6
6.0
5.7
8.0
1.1

14.4
20.3
20.4
24.8
31.6
20.2
31.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

38.5
70.6
50.0
73.3
100.0
100.0

2 16.3

3.8

6.2

23.7

100.0

63.0

$221.21 $1,101.20
279.26 1,348.35
290.97 1,524.52
397.08 1,747.92
502.63 2,244.87
533.38 2,431.92

4
25
19
12
4
4

$62.64
71.45
142. 45
248.18
207.60
348.48

2
19
4
3
1

$178.41
111.50
66.95
27.56
202.00

2
2
1

-$13.28
- 7.22
+ 101.62
+ 193.03
+ 125.68
+348.48

68

146.26

29

104.41

5

+ 67.82

100.0
53.8
20.6
50.0
26.7

7.7
8.8

33.0

4.0

OMAHA, NEBR .
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over.............

8
46
24
15
5
4

4.0
4.4
5.0
5.2
5.4
6.8

2.68
2.77
3.13
3.71
4.17
5.09

$428.10
516.59
572.74
615.25
753.80
795.27

$138.87 $166.50 $87.13
183.28 1192.41 1107.32
242.71
227.17
109.53
263.25 294.48
127.28
474,53
267.43
130.82
468.02 336.50
138.79

$59.39
69.89
81.40
50.58
115.67
159.97

T otal.....................

102

4.8

3.15

559.93

230.98 i 223.19 i 111.62

74.71


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

315.70

1,515.62

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

PER CENT.
Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

7.8
45.1
23.5
14.7
4.9
3.9

38.9
38.3
37.6
35.2
33.6
32.7

12.6
13.6
15.9
15.1
21.1
19.2

15.1
114.3
14.9
16.8
11.9
13.8

7.9
17.9
7.2
7.3
5.8
5.7

5.4
5.2
5.3
2.9
5.2
6.6

20.1
20 7
19.1
22.7
22.4
21.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
54.3
79.2
80.0
80.0
100.0

25-0
41.3
16.7
20.0
20.0

25.0
4.3
4.2

Total. . . . . . . . —

100.0

36.9

15.2

114.7

17.4

4.9

20.8

100.0

66.7

28.4

4.9

$203.80 $1,098.45
295.56 1,286.89
380.74 1,512.66.
520.30 1.733.37
624.05 2.131.19
632.82 2,320.23

14
30
34

P O R T L A N D , OREG.

[103]

38
48
27
14
5

Total......................

152

4.1
4.7
4.8
4.6
5.6

6.0

2.93
2.99
3.28
3.10
3.93
4.58

$437.05
497.09
519.92
513.31
664.77
739. 63

4.8

3.23

522.70

$166.07
191.49
251.08
255.78
391.56
448.63

1$180.56
2 168.10

s 176.83
1224.88
260.56
316.74

! $60.87
2 71.47
3 73.99
1 78.96
85.76
92.75

$50.41
62.93
105.84
140.50
104.49
89.66

245.27 4196.68

474.32

93.32

391.66

4

$88.23
146.08
220.94
386.45
315.34
511.15

1,524.45

112

232.78

20
10

6

7
13
7
4

1
1

1

$122.70
237.86
163.87
330.36
209.99
540.70

+$24.95
+ 71.91
+ 112.12
+200.61
+ 165.25
+300.78

38

216.44

2

+ 117.41

P E R CENT.
Under $900.....................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............

13.2
25.0
31.6
17.8
9.2
3.3

39 8
38.6
34.4
29.6
31.2
31.9

15.1
14.9
16.6
14.8
18.4
19.3

1 16.7
2 13.0
3 11.7
1 12.8
12.2
13.7

2 5.5
34.9
1 4..5
4.0
4.0

T otal..................... 100.0

34.3

16.1

412.8

4 4.9

1 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

15.6

4.6
4.9
7.0
8.1
4.9
3.9

18.6
23.0
25.2
30.0
29.3
27.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

70.0
78.9
70.8
74.1
71.4
80.0

30.0
18.4
27.1
25.9 ................
28.6
20.0

2.6
2.1

6.1

25.7

100.0

73.7

25.0

1.3

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

20

$900 and under $1.200__
$1,200 and under $1,500. $1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and aver............ ,.

«Not including 3 families in which rent is combined w ith fuel and light.
* Not including 7 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

O
CO

104

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FO R T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED IND U STR IA L CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

PUEBLO , COLO.

Income group.

Total....................

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Fuel Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
and
per
and fur­
nor
for
light. . nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

8
25
20
20
5
1

4.6
4.9
4.3
4.3
5.8
5.0

2.71
3.08
2.90
3.03
3.75
4.70

$479.00
514.47
551.16
545.13
644.16
728.51

79

4.6

3.05

538.85

Clothing.

Rent.

$159.65 $118.00 $78.93
206.34
178.72
86.63
222.14
199.75
88.27
301. 28 1248.00 i 104. 72
247.44 259. 20
97.49
180.00
457.25
87.96
235.42 i 199.94

191.38

$39.28
84.93
135.61
128.13
145. 40
92.50
108.00

$184.35 $1,059.21
286.03 1,357.12
349.08 1 , 546.01
394.39 1, 730.56
515.53 1,909. 21
334. 70 1 , 880.92
334.27

5
13
15
19
5
1

$ÌÒ4.36
82.09
170. 22
225.01
339. 52
634. 88

3
12
5
1

$69.85
94.92
51.61
46. 70

+ 139.03
— 2.87
+ 114.77
+211.43
+339.52
+ 634.88

1,510.89

58

185.35

21

78.73

+ 115.15

[104]

P E R CENT.
Under $900.................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2’l00..
$2,100 and under $2*500.
$2,500 and over__ .*___

10.1
31.6
25.3
25.3
6.3
1.3

45.2
37.9
35.7
31.5
33.7
38.7

15.1
15.2
14.4
17.4
13.0
24.3

11.1
13.2
12.9
1 14.3
13.6
9.6

7.5
6.4
5.7
i 6.0
5.1
4.7

3.7
6.3
8.8
7.4
7.6
4.9

17.4
21.1
22.6
22. 8
27. 0
17. 8

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100. 0
100.0

62.5
52.0
75.0
95.0
100. 0
100.0

37. 5
48.0
25.0
5.0

Total...................... 100.0

35.7

15.6

113.3

i 6.1

7.1

22.1

100. 0

73.4

26.6

$27.12 $126.13 $772.16
53.45
189.36 1,037.87
67.11 310. 06 1,310.32
55.99 337. 96 1,568. 79
92.43 406. 02 1,784.56
72.57 454. 87 2,105.12
173.97 510. 06 2,374.50

2
19
32
19
14
4
3

$36.98
82.74
92.34
117. 31
226.20
326.40
410.00

1
20
15
5
4
1

$32.33
96.53
133.63
145.09
146.75
115.00

+$13.88
10 - 7.32
3 + 19.01
1 + 60.14
+ 143.32
+ 238.12
+410. 00

93

134.75

46

117. 28

14

R IC H M O N D , VA.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

3
49
50
25
18
5
3

5.0
5.0
4.9
5.2
5.8
6.2
8.0

3.41
3.35
3.34
3.92
4. 05
4.64
6.57

$376.48
483.07
514. 98
655.87
707. 20
784.00
939. 70

$83.17
145.80
201. 92
273.38
293.20
406. 98
450.60

$109.33
102. 85
142.10
164. 01
184. 82
269. 20
195. 67

$49.92
63.34
74.14
81.58
100.90
117.50
104.51

Total......................

153

5.2

3.63

564. 80

215. 61

142. 70

76.58


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

65.39

292.30

1,357.38

+ 46.65

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200....
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over..............

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

P E R CENT,

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and imder $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and imder $2,500..

2.0
32.0
32.7
16.3
11.8
3.3
2.0

48.8
46.5
39.3
41.8
39.6
37.2
39.6

10.8
14.0
15.4
17.4
16.4
19.3
19.0

14.2
9.9
10.8
10.5
10.4
12.8
8.2

6.5
6.1
5.7
5.2
5.7
5.6
4.4

3.5
5.2
5.1
3.6
5.2
3.4
7.3

16.3
18.2
23.7
21.5
22.8
21.6
21.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

66.7
38.8
64.0
76.0
77.8
80.0
100.0

33.3
40.8
30.0
20.0
22.2
20.0

20.4
6.0
4.0

100.0

41.6

15.9

10.5

5.6

4.8

21.5

100.0

60.8

30.1

9.2

RO AN O K E, VA.
3
8
12
17
21
9
12

4.7
4.8
4.5
5.9
5.8
6.0
5.3

3.15
3. 85
3.07
3.51
3. 77
3.88
3.89

$381.02
447.48
454. 69
564. 27
637. 80
703.50
635. 82

$112.78 $152.87
204.06
124. 85
279. 02 i 182.23
267. 53 i 236.21
334. 81 347.66
375.57 293.23
460.93 268.73

$76.95
68.40
i 79.13
i 90. 95
94.22
106.09
96.76

$29.90
48.33
127.97
94.84
114.30
76.44
214.02

Total......................

82

5.4

3.63

574. 72

314.75 2 228.83

2 89.98

113.18

9
12
8
9

3

236. 84

1 -$135.10
- 53.85
3 + 173.25
1 + 2.73
+ 95.09
1 + 174.04
- 399.66

411.32

1,730.10

43

314.14

33

248.23

6

1
3

1

1
5
8
7
9

$430.30
176.75
262. 76
200. 72
217. 76

$25.00
151. 00
23.10
239. 05
329.73
174.04
611.82

$236.01
$989.53
221.82 1,114.93
367. 78 1,488. 21
373. 29 1,618.92
418. 29 1,847.08
518.31 2,073.14
586.47 2,262.73

P E R CENT.
11.4
18.3
18.7
16.5
18.1
18.1
20.4

15.4
11.2
i 12.1
i 14.3
13.4
14.1
11.9

7.8
6.1
15.3
15.5
5.1
5.1
4.3

3.0
4.3
8.6
5.9
6.2
3.7
9.5

23.9
19.9
24.7
23.1
22.6
25.0
25.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

33.3
37.5
8.3
52.9
57.1
88.9
75.0

33.3
62.5
66.7
41.2
42.9

14.6

38.5
40.1
30.6
34.9
34.5
33.9
28.1

100.0

33.2

18.2

2 13.1

2 5.2

6.5

23.8

100.0

52.4

40.2

Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

3.7
9.8
14.6
20.7
25.6

Total....................

11.0

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

25.0

33.3
25.0
5.9

+ 64.84

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and imder $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

*

11.1
7.3

s Not including 2 families in which rent is combined w ith fuel and light.

O

Cn

106

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

SACRAM ENTO, CALIF.

Income group.

11
39
37
12
5
8
107

4.2
4.3
4.8
5.0
5.6
4.7
4.6

2.61
3.03
3.30
3.58
4.44
3.74
3.23

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families
surplus
cit ( - )
Average
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

$379.59
453.81
504.79
544.09
661.88
647.22
489.08

$157.06
219. 45
255. 99
288.39
374.25
404.57
245.83

$206.29
201.05
216.54
225.46
250.80
310.00
215.06

$66.10
73.59
76.21
75.05
76.95
87.38
74.43

$39.09
69.98
90.51
90.03
112.40
150.07
80.38

$208.38 $1,056.52
281.30 1,299.17
381.60 1,525.65
576.25 1,799.26
392.14 I) 868.41
558.53 2,157.77
354.52 1,459.30

7
26
31
10
4
3
81

$70.56
127.47
174.94
160.62
534.06
751.03
187.98

4
11
6
2
1

$61.14
126.77
95.23
40.93
123.00

24

100.64

2

2

+$22.67
+ 49.22
+131.13
+ 127.03
+402.62
+751.03
+ 119.73

P E R CENT.
Under $900..........
$900 and under $1,200__ 10.3
$1,200 and under $1,500.. 36.4
$1,500 and under $l,80u.. 34,6
$1,800 and under $2.100.. 11.2
$2,100 and under $2.500..
4,7
$2,500 and Over...............
2.8
Total............. ....... 100.0

35.9
34.9
33.1
30.2
35.4
30.0
33.5

14.9
16.9
16.8
16.0
2 0 .0

18.7
16.8

19.5
15.5
14.2
12.5
13.4
14.4
14.7

6.3
5.7
5.0
4.2
4.1
4.0
5.1

3.7
5.4
5.9
5.0
6.0
7.0
5.5

19.7
21.7
25.0
32.0
21.0
25.9
24.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

63.6
66.7
83.8
83.3
80.0
100.0
75.7

36. 4
28.2
16.2
16.7
20.0

5.1

22.4

1.9

ST. LO UIS, M O ., and EAST ST. LO UIS, ILL.: W hite fam ilies.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............
Total......................


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

5
57
87
37
28
8
5
227

4.0
4.2
4.4
4.8
4.9
6-0
7.2
4.6

2.99
3.04
2.94
3.29
3.54
4.44
5.19
3.20

$398. 30
456.92
496. 99
539. 46
583.87
765.28
848.54
519.59

$93.05 $130.20
147. 74 1151.06
175. 77 178,61
244.98 190.64
257. 36 220. 39
396.38 208.88
468. 46 247.80
202.48 1180.46

$44.71
155.60
64.10
71.53
78,02
88.39
105.87
166.29

$36.98
51.52
61.75
103. 38
103. 79
111.03
208. 57
75.58

$176.04
$879.28
219.97 1,083.07
274.10 1,251.31
338.13 1,488.11
418.42 1,661.85
521. 40 2,091.35
677.93 2,557.17
304.20 1,348.48

1
33
62
32
26
6
4
164

$43.65
74.52
115.90
154.68
285. 70
238.12
258.30
149.56

3
18
15
5
2
1

$97.83
127.20
94.93
136.38
82.15
168. 51

44

114.13

1
6
10
1
1
19

—$49.97
+ 2.98
+ 66.23
+ 115.33
+ 259.42
+ 157.53
+ 206.64
+ 85.93

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900...............
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over..........
Total..................

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

PER CENT.

$900 and under 11,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

2.2
25.1
38.3
16.3
12.3
3.5
2.2

45.3
42.2
39.7
36.3
35.1
36.6
33.2

10.6
13.6
14.0
16.5
15.5
19.0
18.3

14.8
i 14.0
14.3
12.8
13.3
10.0
9-7

5.1
15.1
5.1
4.8
4.7
4.2
4.1

4.2
4.8
4.9
6.9
6.2
5.3
8.2

20.0
20.3
21.9
22.7
25.2
24.9
26.5

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

20.0
57.9
71.3
86.5
92.9
75.0
80.0

60.0
31.6
17.2
13.5
7.1
12.5

20.0
10.5
11.5

100.0

38.5

15.0

113.4

i 4.9

5.6

22.6

100.0

72.2

19.4

8.4

ST. LOUIS, M O.

i

Total......................

79

5.6

[107]

2.61
3.48
3.72
4.36
4.56
6.79
5.95

$370.08
477.89
505.53
570. 51
784.60
1,008.54
1,027.16

$86.35
142.23
202. 74
238.87
266.30
425.18
496. 70

$88.80
145. 74
172.49
169.24
298.63
180.00
220.00

$44.65
56.19
65.59
69.06
85.50
68. 40
69.60

$10.42
54.98
70.89
94.20
78.33
47.40
152.08

$155. 75
213.09
276.94
388.64
438.03
419. 74
575.00

$756.05
1,090.12
1,294.17
1,530.53
1,951.38
2,149.25
2 , 540.46

2
17
15
3
1
1
1

$134.26
34.95
88.52
1J2.21
21.50
78.00
183.00

1
14
6
1
1

$0.78
45.49
33.99
13.90
49.60

3.70

513.83

178. 75

157. 76

60.47

61.31

256.29

1,228.40

40

70.24

23

39.35

2 +$53. 55
8 - 1.09
4 + 44.95
1 + 64. 55
- 14.05
1 + 39.00
+ 183.00
16

PER CENT.
6. 3
49. 4
21 fi
6.3
25
2 fi
1.3

48.9
43.8
39.1
37.3
40.2
46.9
40.4

11.4
13.0
15.7
15.6
13.6
19.8
19.6

11.7
13.4
13.3
11.1
15.3
8. 4
8.7

5.9
5.2
5.1
4.5
4.4
3.2
2.7

1.4
5.0
5.5
6.2
4.0
2.2
6.0

20.6
19.5
21.4
25.4
22.4
19.5
22.6

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

40.0
43.6
60.0
60.0
50.0
50.0
100.0

20.0
35.9
24.0
20.0
50.0

100.0

41.8

14.6

12.8

4.9

5.0

20.9

100.0

50.6

29.1

40.0
20.5
16.0
20.0

+ 24.11

50.0
20.3

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

107


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

5
39
25
5
2
2

Colored fam ilies.

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

$2*500 and over..... . ........

3.4
5.3
6.0
6.0
8.5
9.0
7.0

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

12.5
20.0

108

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FO R T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
and fur­
per
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

18
23
28
24
9
1

4.7
5.0
4.9
5.7
5.9
8.0

2.97
3.01
3.24
3.94
4.18
5.65

$462.27
453.49
501.09
624.98
637.82
778.50

$169.20
217.30
259.09
314.96
369.95
721.30

$157.81
189.90
236.43
250.58
235.44
360.00

$76.71
84.56
91.75
101.12
105.87
134.00

$68.29
82.69
105.68
114.66
136.46
82.25

Total......................

103

5.2

3.41

527.18

261.24

216.71

91.34

98.57

$225.50 $1,159.78
305.65 1,333.58
361.91 1,555.94
382.42 1,788.72
541.11 2,026.64
851.35 2,927.40

7
12
21
18
8
1

$54.37
111.80
154.07
192.74
239.47
65.60

11
9
7
5
1

$93.41
144.12
42.31
101. 73
61.40

1,545.74

67

155.35

33

96.69

350.70

1

-$35.94
+ 1.94
+ 104.98
+ 123.36
+206. 04
+ 65.60

3

+ 70.07

2

Liosa

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2.100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

17.5
22.3
27.2
23.3
8.7
1.0

39.9
34.0
32.2
34.9
31.5
26.6

14.6
16.3
16.7
17.6
18.3
24.6

13.6
14.2
15.2
14.0
11.6
12.3

6.6
6.3
5.9
5.7
5.2
4.6

5.9
6.2
6.8
6.4
6.7
2.8

19.4
22.9
23.3
21.4
26.7
29.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

38.9
52.2
75.0
75.0
88.9
100.0

61.1
39.1
25.0
20.8
x 11.1

Total...................... 100.0

34.1

16.9

14.0

5.9

6.4

22.7

100.0

65.0

32.0

8.7
4.2

2.9

SA N FRANCISCO and OAKLAND, CALIF.
Under $900.......... , ..........
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

2
38
114
86
44
15
2

4.0
4.1
4.5
4.7
4.1
4.5
8.5

3.30
2.71
2.99
3.27
3.00
3.22
6.56

$371.08
470.94
513.97
586.89
567.23
675.25
1,192.13

$133.92 $132.00
177.19 171.60
204.01 205.27
275.11 1 220.07
280.09 242.17
313.31 252.81
634.93 385.00

$42.30
51.69
56.67
1 61.40
68.38
66.59
126.18

$26.65
50.36
47.99
69.36
85.45
69.54
69.93

$154.58
228.66
264. 43
353.72
439.98
506.05
597.53

$860.52
1,150.43
1,292.34
1,565.95
1,683.30
1,883.55
3,005.69

15
78
61
40
13
2

$66.01
126.51
167.73
267.06
442.02
190. 77

Total......................

301

4.5

3.07

548.75

239.90 i 213.70

i 59.96

60.95

324.61

1,447.73

209

181.34


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1
20
34
23
3
2

$159.50
162.80
97.28
199.21
80.21
132.96

1
3
2
2
1

—$79. 75
- 59.63
+ 57.55
+ 65.69
+237.31
+365.35
+190.77

83

142.31

9

+ 86.67

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

PEE. CENT.

12277S0— 19----- 8

50.0
7.9
1.8
2.3
2.3

50.0
52.6
29.8
26.7
6.8
13.3

Under S900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

0.7
12.6
37.9
28.6
14.6
5.0
.7

43.1
40.9
39.8
37.5
33.7
35.8
39.7

15.6
15.4
15.8
17.6
16.6
16.6
21.1

15.3
14.9
15.9
i 14.0
14.4
13.4
12.8

4.9
4.5
4.4
1 3.9
4.1
3.5
4.2

3.1
4.4
3.7
4.4
5.1
3.7
2.3

18.0
19.9
20.5
22.6
26.1
26.9
19.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

39.5
68.4
70.9
90.9
86.7
100.0

Total.................. .

100.0

37.9

16.6

i 14.8

14.1

4.2

22.4

100.0

69.4

$806.00
1 005.50
1,221.39
1.447.19
1,764.26
2 117.40
2,258.53

1
8
17
20
16
4
3

$100. 50
100. 50
135.65
233.30
188.81
252. 58
338.47

1
1
3

$25.00
150. 00
197.00

3
2

+$•50.25
+ 100.50
+ 108.62
+ 196.35
+ 127.89

1,466.96

69

187.29

5

153.20

6

+ 151.97

27.6 ................

3.0

SAVANNAH, G A .: W hite fam ilies.
3. 5

2.88

$364.80

4.4
4.8
5.8

2.88
3.08
3.68

426.95
484.96
599.97

$2,500 and over...............

3

6.3

4.07

791. 79

534.69

Total......................

80

4.9

3.19

503. 50

276.40

[109]

$77.40
fio 38
76.77
79.20
95.26

$14.83
45.90
63.72
89.39
70.01

185.00

99.23

175.55

$104.73
109. 47
257.97
324. 64
441.65
001 Qfi
472.28

188. 72

82.95

74.59

340. 82

$101. 75 $142. 50
148 72 147. 20
169.05
226.94
274. 92 194.09
343.18 214.19

1

+338.47

PEE CENT.
50.0

Under $900...................
$900 and under $1,200..
$1,200 and under $1,500
$1,500 and under $1,800
$1,800 and under $2,100
$2,100 and under $2,500
$2,500 and over............

2.5
10.0
26.3
28.8
23.8
5.0
3.8

45.3
39.7
35.0
33.5
34.0
29.1
35.1

12.6
14.8
18.6
19.0
19.5
17.8
23.7

17.7
14.6
13.8
13.4
12.1
11.8
8.2

9.6
6. 5
6.3
5.5
5.4
4.9
4.4

1.8
4.6
5.2
6.2
4.0
3.8
7.8

13.0
19.8
21.1
22.4
25.0
32.7
20.9

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
100.0
81.0
87.0
84.2
100.0
100.0

4.8
4.3
15.8

14.3
8.7

Total....................

100.0

34.3

18.8

12.9

5.7

5.1

23.2

100.0

86.3

6.3

7.5

1Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

109


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

MONTHLY LABOE KEVIEW.

2
21
23
19

$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

110

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OP E X PE N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FO R T H E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OP ITEMS OP COST OP LIVING OP
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES-AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

SAVANNAH , GA.: Colored fam ilies.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Families Av. sur­
Total
Surplus.
Deficit.
having plus ( - )
average
neither or defi­
yearly
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit (+ )
for
nor
and fur­
per
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expensas per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

4
24
15
4
3

3.5
4.4
4.3
4.8
5.3

2.85
2. 90
3. 04
3.73
3. 60

$371. 29
418. 39
495. 70
540. 64
576. 75

$113. 71
173. 03
244. 77
377. 46
395. 71

$90. 50
91.08
114. 30
161. 00
164. 00

$48.69
76.08
73.32
66.56
75.80

$21.35
44.06
87. 81
103.02
153.53

$110. 52
242. 06
285.49
271. 38
525.95

$756.05
1,044.69
1,301.38
1,520.06
1,891. 74

1
9
10
3
3

$8.00
104. 51
77. 44
152. 00
102. 06

1
6
1

$35. 00
44. 77
86.00

2
9
4
1

- $6.75
+ 28.00
+ 45. 89
+114. 00
+102.06

Total......................

50

4.4

3.05

457.09

219.52

107.97

72.28

66.65

263.94

1,187. 46

26

95. 58

8

48.71

16

+ 41.91

[ 110]

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $l'800..
$1,800 and under $2'l00..
$2,100 and unde* $2'o00..
$2,500 and over................

8.0
48.0
30.0
8.0
6. 0

49.1
40.0
38.1
35.6
30.5

15.0
16.6
18.8
24.8
20.9

12.0
8.7
8.8
10.6
8.7

T otal.....................

100.0

38.5

18.5

9.1

4.4
4.0

2. 8
4. 2
6.7
6.8
8.1

14. 6
23. 2
21.9
17.9
27.8

inn n
100.0
100.0
ioo. 0
100.0

25 0
37. 5
66.7
75.0
180.0

25 O
25. 0
6.7

5Q. 0
37.5
26.7
25.0

6.1

5.6

22.2

100.0

52.0

16.0

32.0

$234. 66
302. 83
360. 63
467. 08
679.13
728. 97

$1,133. 67
1 , 354.93
1,526. 86
1,775. 68
2,045.16
2,296.22

8
37
57
31
7
5

$50.15
115.33
176. 72
207. 88
348.82
489.02

3
22
16
7
3

$180. 28
175. 93
144.25
244. 51
235.16

382. 04 1,546.37

145

179. 81

51

179.14

6.4
7.3

SEATTLE, W ASH.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1.500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

11
60
73
38
10
5

4. 2
4.5
4.3
4.3
4.9
5.8

2.78
2.98
2. 81
2.91
3. 31
3. 67

$435. 82
498. 27
512. 54
564. 30
555. 80
629. 47

T otal.....................

197

4.4

2.92

518. 45


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

$169. 67
198. 08
250. 37
294. 69
275.29
459.29

1$'62.05 1 $56.00
2 211. 27 2 76. 28
3 238.25 s 83. 36
2275. 08 2 96. 41
* 279.16
* 99. 20
i 293. 05 1 104.70

245. 06 6 235. 70

6 83. 31

$70.14
67.05
78.71
81.19
150. 48
110. 25
79.60

1

1

$12 70
+ 6.61
+ 108.37
+ 124.54
+ 173.63
+489.02
+ 85.97

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW,

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

PER CENT,
Under $900.....................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............

5.6
30.5
37.1
19.3
5.1
2.5

38.4
36.6
33.6
31.8
27.2
27.4

15.0
14.6
16.4
16.6
13.5

1 14.5
2 15.8
3 15.7
2 15.6
<13.0

20.0

T otal....................

100.0

33.5

15.8

6.2
4.9
5.2
4.6
7.4
4.8

20.7
22.4
23.6
26.3
33.2
31.7

72.7
61.7
78.1
81.6
70.0

100.0

27.3
36.7
21.9
18.4
30.0

i 12.0

1 5.0
2 5.7
3 5.5
2 5.5
<4.6
1 4.3

6 15.4

6 5.4

5.1

24.7

73.6

25.8

1.7

e.5

SPO K A N E, W ASH.

[lili

T otal.

14
42
28
11
6

5.0
3.4
4.3
4.6
4.5
4.5

3.20
2. 73
3.07
3.14
3.35
.3.28

$386. 85
454.98
487.82
507. 52
592.66
556. 37

$140. 65 $125. 50
179. 90 139. 68
208. 72 <160.15
242. 22 164. 64
285.61 165. 47
348.26 169. 33

$74.78
81.32
<83.86
90.82
99. 60
106. 58

103

4.3

3.09

501.94

228.93 <158.99

<88. 32

2

$909.63
1,328.10
1,321. 21
1,558. 89
1,643.53
2,131. 85

1
4
28
21
11
5

$50.00
60.63
117.77
203. 01
305.16
331.17

1
10
12
7

$272. 00
349.77
121. 89
232.58

1

640. 00

-$111.00
— 232.51
2 + 43.69
4- 94.11
+ 305.16
+ 169.31

396. 63 1,460. 41

70

183. 80

31

241. 95

2 4- 52.09

$35. 83 $146.03
54.84 417.38
83.82 294. 52
83.26 470. 45
107.43 392.75
142.20 809.10
84.72

PER CENT.
Under $900.....................
$900 and under $1,200...
$1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............
T otal.

1.9
IS. 6
40.8
27.2
10.7
5.8

42.5
34.3
36.9
32.6
36.1
26.1

15.5
13.5
15.8
15.5
17.4
16.3

100.0

34.4

15.7

10.6
10.1

7.9

i 6. 4
5.8
6.1
5.0

3.9
4.1
6.3
5.3
6.5
6.7

< 10.1

<6.0

5.8

13.8
10.5
< 12.2

1 N ot including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including 3 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light,

8.2

6.1

16.1
31.4
22.3
30.2
23.9
38.0

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
28.6
66.7
75.0
100.0
83.3

50.0
71.4
28.6
25.0

27.2

100.0

68.0

30.1

4.8

16.7

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Under $900.....................
$900 and under $1,200.. $1,200 and under $1,500.
$1,500 and under $1,800.
$1,800 and under $2,100.
$2,100 and under $2,500.
$2,500 and over..............

1.9

<Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light,
s Not including 15 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

s Not including 5 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

Ill


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

112

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OF E X P E N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRINCIPAL GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAM ILIES IN SPEC IFIED IN D U STR IA L CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Continued.

TR IN ID A D , COLO.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
fami­
Equiva­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Total
Families Av. sur­
Surplus.
Deficit.
average
having plus (+ )
yearly
neither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
per
and fur­
nor
for
nishings. laneous. family. having. amount. having. amount. deficit. group.

Average yearly expenses per family for—
Food.

Clothing.

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

4.5
5.1
4.3
5.1
5.2
5.5
6.3

2.76
2,99
2. 98
3. 70
2.86
3.75
4.76

$376. 78
478. 72
498.55
579. 08
607. 67
739. 84
928. 76

$146. 31 $126.00
187.27 143.32
208. 25 1177. 56
278. 21 191.95
264. 68 2 211.50
431.41
208. 09
411. 88 194. 00

$51.10
72.69
i 70. 59
75.80
2 88. 74
81.29
95. 89

Total.....................

78

5.0

3.25

679. 30

269. 33 3 183. 27

3 75.67

T Z l Tl

2
9
25
21
6
11
4

$37.28 $235. 54 $972.99
36.56 201. 04 1,119.6Ò
65. 77 257.05 1,275.99
72. 42 367. 93 1,565.40
94.40 459. 58 1,733.54
153. 24 475. 73 2,089.60
144.55 669. 35 2,444.42
82.04

347.45

5
20
12
5
8
3

$61.22
110.67
199. 95
224.09
324.04
386.21

2
4
5
9
1
3
1

$125 22
135. 84
143.14
121.54
205. 38
169.01
320.00

1,537.95

53

184.72

25

145.43

$125 22
- 26.36
+ 59.91
+ 62.17
+ 152.51
+ 189.57
+ 209.66
+

78.90

PER CENT.
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............
Total.....................

2.6
11.5
32.1
26.9
7.7
14.1
5.1

38.7
42.8
39.1
37.0
35.1
35.4
38.0

15.0
16.7
16.3
17.8
15.3
20.6
16.8

12.9
12.8
113.9
12.3
2 12.0
10.0
7.9

5.3
6.5
1 5. 5
4.8
2 5.0
3.9
3.9

3.8
3.3
5.2
4.6
5.4
7.3
5.9

24.2
18.0
20.1
23.5
26.5
22.8
27.4

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

55.6
80.0
57.1
83.3
72.7
75.0

100.0
44.4
20.0
42.9
16.7
27.3
25.0

100.0

37.7

17.5

311.9

3 4. 9

5.3

22.6

100.0

67.9

32.1

VIRGINIA, M INN .
Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

1
1
18
25
17
8
1

6.0
5.0
4.6
5.4
5.7
5.5
10.0

3. 95
2.19
3.14
3.36
3.68
3.98
5.82

$420.64
280. 24
503. 76
556. 84
675. 90
651. 91
979.15

$122. 29 $84. 00
153.04
150.00
241.18
168.21
279. 01 1195. 79
297. 39 195. 53
394.13 181. 00
627. 20 102. 00

$106. 36
57. 42
83.37
i 90.91
109.47
115. 48
105.04

$27.68 $118. 78 $879.75
52. 68 250. 50
943.88
76. 66 214. 48 1,287.67
114. 52 282. 59 1,515.13
92. 57 381. 40 1,752.26
145.42 626. 30 2,114.23
51.35 335. 96 2,200. 70

1
1
14
20
15
7
1

$20.00
40.52
116. 90
163.16
220. 45
265. 49
334.19

4
5
2
1

$156.90
121.59
269. 89
358.00

+ 40.52
+ 56.05
+ 106.21
+ 162. 77
+ 187.55
+334.19

Total.....................

71

5.4

3.48

582. 74

287. 71 1183. 36

i 96.23

100.17

59

177. 28

12

177.77

+117.27


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

325. 70 1,574.41

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

Under $900......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over...............

w

m

m

PER CENT.

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..

1.4
1.4
25.4
35.2
23.9
11.3
1.4

47.8
29.7
39.1
36.8
38.6
30.8
44.5

13.9
16.2
IS. 7
18.4
17.0
18.6
28.5

9.5
15.9
13.1
i 12.9
11.2
8.6
4.6

12.1
6. 1
6.5
16.0
6.2
5.5
4.8

3.1
5.6
6.0
7.6
5.3
6.9
2.3

13.5
26.5
16.7
18.7
21.8
29.6
15.3

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

100.0
100.0
77.8
80.0
88.2
87.5
100.0

22.2
20.0
11.8
12.5

100.0

37.0

18.3

i 11.6

16.1

6.4

20.7

100.0

83.1

16.9

$8.05 $133.16
$897.51
74.44 254. 80 1,143.48
78. 41 265. 55 1,318.91
61.79 394. 89 1,554.12
112. 89 432. 62 1,749.01
97. 38 459.13 2,020.28
46.18 563.62 2 , 327. 83

3
17
11
8
3
2

$58.70
136. 02
238. 77
295. 57
306.17
229. 00

7
11
4
3

$147.48
175. 40
204. 34
187.70

1,464.65

44

201.27

25

173.69

WICHITA, H ANS.

$2*500 and over................

1
11
29
17
12
3
2

5.0
4.1
4.9
4.7
4.9
7. 3
7.0

3.20
3.00
3.06
3.43
3.14
5. 31
6.09

$455.55
464.59
494.16
552.13
590. 77
677. 34
953. 88

Total......................

75

4.9

3.32

537.49

$900 and under $1,200—
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..

$117.45 $120.00
15S. 98 146.61
214.12 203. 31
242. 60 238. 48
270.14 257. 85
433. 58 279. 67
494.33
199. 00
236.42

213. 52

$63.30
44.05
63.36
64. 22
84. 74
73.17
70. 83
64. 74

78. 54

333.95

1
1 —$77. 84
1 + 13.21
2 + 106.42
1 + 150.12
+ 306.17
+229.00
6

gO
H
K
Kl

+ 60.18

PER CENT.
1.3
14.7
38.7
22.7
16.0
4.0
2.7

50.8
40.6
37.5
35.5
33. 8
33.5
41.0

13.1
13.9
16.2
15.6
15.4
21.5
21.2

13.4
12.8
15.4
15.3
14.7
13.8
8.5

7.1
3.9
4.8
4.1
4.8
3.6
3.0

0.9
6.5
5.9
4.0
6.5
4.8
2.0

14.8
22.3
20.1
25.4
24.7
22.7
24.2

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

27.3
58.6
64.7
66.7
100.0
100.0

63.6
37.9
23.5
25.0

100.0
9.1
3.4
11.8
8.3

Total...................... 100.0

36.7

16.1

14.6

4.4

5.4

22.8

100.0

58.7

33.3

8.0

Under $900.......................
$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

K

$

1 Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
2 Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.
3 Not including 3 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

CO

114

AVERAGE AMOUNT AND P E R CENT OP E X P E N D IT U R E P E R ANNUM FOR TH E PRIN CIPA L GROUPS OF ITEMS OF COST OF LIVING OF
FAMILIES IN SPEC IFIED INDUSTRIAL CENTERS, BY CITIES AND BY INCOME GROUPS—Concluded.

W IN STO N-SALEM , N. C.

Income group.

Average persons
in family.
Num­
ber of
Equiva­
fami­
lies. Total. lent adult
males.

Clothing,

Rent.

Fuel
and
light.

2
20
20
23
8
8
1

4. 5
4. 8
5.7
5.1
6.4
6.1
7.0

2.32
2.95
3.53
3. 50
4.34
4.17
5.41

$388.98
453.04
502. 76
572. 09
639. 60
691.41
659.64

$78.89 $92. 50
167.28 1133. 96
189.30 159. 53
285.39 1 175. 58
378.64
193. 48
436. 09 223.38
413.30 176. 80

$53. 60
1 73. 50
73. 91
1 80.51
100. 69
94.16
72.03

$11.52
61.91
87.88
111.15
148.76
144. 83
191. 21

82

5.4

3.51

540. 97

253.47 2 166.19

2 79. 80

98.97

ÜPIT7

Total................

Food.

$105.15 $730. 63
222.94 1,109.03
240. 35 1,253.73
305.34 1,524.33
420.30 1,881.46
486.15 2,076.01
311. 04 1,824.02

1
7
17
19
5
7
1

$5.46
56. 57
94. 50
148.36
136. 70
227.94
691. 25

12
2
4
3
1

$129.30
133. 00
148.34
107.96
242.40

1,430.00

57

136. 79

22

135.33

293.43

1
1
1

+ $2.73
- 57.78
+ 67.03
+ 96. 76
-1- 44.95
+169.15
+691.25

3

+ 58.78

P E R CENT.
Under $900

3.9

1.6
5.6
7.0
7.3
7.9
7.0
10.5

14.4
20.1
19.2
20.0
22.3
23. 4
17.1

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0

50.0
35.0
85.0
82.6
62.5
87.5
100.0

60.0
10.0
17.4
37.5
12.5

2 5.6

6.9

20.5

100.0

69.5

26.8

2. 4
24. 4
24. 4
28 0
9. 8
9. 8
12

53.2
40. 8
40.1
37 5
34.0
33.3
36.2

10.8
15.1
15.1
18. 7
20.1
21. 0
22.7

12.7
l 12.1
12.7
111.5
10.3
10. 8
9.7

7.3
1 6. 6
5.9
1 5.3
5.4

100.0

37.8

17.7

2 11.6

i Not including 1 family in which rent is combined with fuel and light.


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

50.0
5.0
5.0

3.7

2 Not including 2 families in which rent is combined with fuel and light.

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

$900 and under $1,200__
$1,200 and under $1,500..
$1,500 and under $1,800..
$1,800 and under $2,100..
$2,100 and under $2,500..
$2,500 and over................

Families Av. sur­
Total
Deficit.
Surplus.
having plus ( + )
average
yearlyneither or defi­
Furniture Miscel­ expenses Families Average Families Average surplus cit ( - )
for
per
nor
and fur­
having. amount. having. amount. deficit.
group.
nishings. laneous. family.

Average yearly expenses per family for—

115

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

Cost of Living for a Workingman’s Family in
Argentina.
HE National Labor Department at Buenos Aires, Argentina,
has prepared a table showing the minimum monthly expendi­
T
ture that is required for a workingman and his family consisting of
wife and two small children, the prices being based on the average
costs ruling in 1918. This table has been transmitted to this bureau
through the State Department, under date of June 5, 1919. It is
noted that the circumstances and needs of such families vary consid­
erably, but the prices and expense list given are believed to apply in
most respects to the circumstances of the great majority of married
workingmen with the number of children mentioned. The report
states that the figures are based on articles of food of inferior rather
than first or second class quality.
M ONTHLY COST OF LIVING OF A W ORKINGMAN’S FAMILY IN ARG ENTINA , 1918.

Item.

Milk

" ......................................................

Children’s clothing......................................

Expendi­
ture.
$12. 74
2.12
10. 62
4. 25
2.12
2.12
1.27
1. 27

Item.

Expendi­
ture.

Bedclothes and other sundry expenses.
Footwear...................................................
Headgear...................................................
R ent..........................................................
Incidentals................................................
Total per m onth.

$1.27
2.12

.42
9.34
4. 25
53. 91

The expenditures given in the table have been analyzed as follows:
Market purchases:
Meat, 66 pounds............................................................................................... $7. 64
Vegetables........................................................................................................ 5. 10
Total.............................................................................................................. 12- 74
Groceries:
Sugar, 11 pounds.............................................................................................. 1- 36
Olive oil, 5.5 pounds........................................................................................ 2.12
Coffee, 2.2 pounds................................................................................................... 51
Beans, 16.5 pounds........................................................................................... 1-62
Fat, 2.2 pounds........................................................................................................42
Kerosene, 1 t in ................................................................................................ 2.12
Soap, 4.4 pounds............................................................................................ .
• 42
Vegetables, dried, 6.6 pounds.................................................................................64
Other requirements, such as salt, pepper, cheese, vinegar, matches, e tc ... 2. 00
Total..............................................................................................................


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

tH 5 ]

61

116

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Man’s clothing (per year):
Undershirts, 2 .................................................................................................. 1. 70
Shirts, 2 ............................................................................................................ 1 . 7 0
Drawers, 2 pairs............................................................................................... 1. 70
Socks, 6 pairs.................................................................................................... 2. 12
Ties, 2 ...................................................................................................................... 42
Collars, 4 ..........................
85
Suit, 1 ................................................................................................................ 16.98
Total.............................................................................................................. 25.47
Average per month....................................................................................... 2. 12
Woman’s clothing (per year):
House dress, 1.................................................. ...............................................
Chemises, 2.......................................................................................................
Outdoor dresses, 2............................................................................................
Miscellaneous...................................................................................................

1. 27
2.55
6. 37
5. 10

Total.............................................................................................................. 15.20
Average per month...................................................................................... 1. 27
Children’s clothing (per year):
Suits, 4 .............................................................................................................
Hats, etc...........................................................................................................

6. 80
8.49

Total.............................................................................................................. 15.29
Average per month....................................................................................... 1. 27
General expenses:
Car fares............................................................................................................ 1. 70
Education.................................................................................................................85
Medicines and doctor’s hills................................................................................... 85
Miscellaneous...........................................................................................................85
Total..............................................................................................................

4. 25

Rise in Cost of Living in New Zealand in 1918.
American consul general at Auckland, New Zealand, has
transmitted through the State Department, under date of
February 27, 1919, a table showing the wholesale prices of certain
commodities at the end of 1918 as compared with the end of 1917.
In this connection it is remarked that the increase in the cost of
living is more pronounced when it is noted that the value of the
pound sterling ($4.87) decreased from $3.55 in 1917 to $3.23 in 1918,
so that 20s. ($4.87) would buy in 1918 no more than 13s. 3.5d. ($3.23)
would buy in 1914, “ which very greatly affected the workmen’s
budgets.” The following is the table, the percentage of increase not
being included in the original table:
he

T


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[ 116]

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

117

W H O L ESA L E PRICES OF CERTAIN COMMODITIES IN NEW ZEALAND AT T H E END
OE 1918 AS COMPARED W ITH TH E END OE 1917.

Unit.

Commodity.

60-pound case.
Bushel. . . . __
Long ton.........
....... do..............
.......do..............
Gallon.............
Short to n ........
Bushel............
Long ton.........
Salt

’

....... do..............
....................................................... ....... do..............
1 Decrease.

1917

1918

$2.43
1.82
1.70
374.72
218.99
81.16
2.92
63.46
1.13
116.80
68.33
34.06
72.98
107.66

$6.08
1.62
2.12
364.99
301.72
81.51
2.67
63.26
1.62
170.32
77.86
51.09
73.00
110.10

Per cent
of
increase.
150.2
i 11.0
24.7
i 2.6
37.8
.4
18.6
i .3
43.4
45.8
13.9
50.0
(2)
2.3

2 Less than one-tenth of 1 per cent.

I t should be stated that the 1918 price for apples was the price in
November, which is the off season, and that the 1917-18 crop in
I general was poor. During the Christmas holidays apples retailed at
30 cents per pound; they were sold at wholesale for $2.19 per case
at the end of February, 1919. The following table gives the average
cost of food commodities in October and November, 1918, as com­
pared with July, 1914, as published by the New Zealand Government.
The percentages of increase do not appear in the original table.
AVERAGE COST OE FOOD COMMODITIES IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1918, AS
COMPARED W ITH JULY, 1914.

Unit.

Commodity.

7 2-lb.
loaves.
3 lbs----lb...........
J i b .......
l b .......
3 lb s---2 lb s___
J i b .......
14 lb s ...
................................................................. 7 p ints..
3 lb s---\ l b .......
lb ..........
3 lb s---2 lb s---lb ..........
2 lbs___
3 lb s___
2 lbs___
i

Milk


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[117]

July,
1914.

$0.535
.09
.04
.045
.19
.105
.12
.23
.055
.20
.295
.87
.045
.23
.42
.235
.105
.185
.345
.19
.26

Per cent
of increase,
October, Novem­ Novem­
ber, 1918. ber, 1918,
1918.
over July,
1914.
$0,755

$0.755

41.1

.14
.09
.065
.235
.135
.185
.305
.08
.46
.37
1.195
.005
.35
.545
.315
.155
.22
.50
.28
.345

.145
.09
.005
.23
.14
.185
.31
.08
.52
.37
1.195
.065
.36
.55
.315
.155
.22
.50
.275
.345

61.1
125.0
44.4
21.1
33.3
54.2
34.8
45.5
160.0
25.4
37.4
44.4
56.5
31.0
34.0
47.6
18.9
44.9
44.7
32.7

118

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

Retail Food Prices in Christiania, Norway, in !
April, 1919.
VIDENCE of the high prices for staple food commodities prevailing
in Christiania, Norway, is presented in a brief report submitted
E
by the United States trade commissioner at that place. The follow­
ing list gives the prices for April 10, 1919. All quantities and prices
have been converted to the American standards of weight and value
to facilitate comparison with prices in the United States.
RETA IL

PRICES OF STAPLE

Article.

FOOD COMMODITIES IN
A P R IL 10, 1919.

Unit.

Flour:

Rolled oats (bulk) — ....... d o .............
Meat:
Mutton, Iceland (front ....... do..............
and ribs).
Mutton, Iceland (rear ....... do..............
quarter).
P o rk............................
Corned beef, Ameri- 6-pound can...
can.
Corned beef (b u lk )... P ound............
Miscellaneous:
Margarine (highest
quality).
Cheese (goat and other
high grades).
Royal B aking Powder.
Do.........................
Starch..........................
Condensed milk (unsweetened)...............
C o n d e n s e d m ilk
(sweetened).............


https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Price.

$0.11
.10
.06
.09
.38
.41
.56

.51
.30
3.22
.59

.15

....... do..............

.39

....... do----- . . . .

.57

2-oz. package..
4-oz. package..

.20
.35

.40
.24
.28

CHRISTIANIA,

Article.
Miscellaneous—Coneld.
Sugar, granulated__
Sugar, lum p..............
Sirup, extra light___
Sirup, light........ ......
Canned goods:
Cherries......................
Cranberries................
Plums........................
Peaches......................
Grapes.......................
Apples.......................
Apricots.....................
Pears..........................
Blackberries..............
Pineapple..................
Tomatoes...................
Green peas................
Sauerkraut................
Com...........................
Lima beans...............
Pum pkin...................
Squash.......................
Carrots.......................
Dried fruits:
Prunes.......................
Apricots.....................
Raisins.......................
Apples.......................

[118]

NORWAY,

Unit.

Price.

P ound............
.......do..............
.......do..............

SO. 14
.17
.17
.13

llb.15oz.pkg.
llb .6 o z . pkg..
lib . 14 oz. pkg.
.......d o ............
21b. 1 oz. pkg..
.......do..............
lib . 4 oz.pkg..
.......do..............
10 oz. pkg.......
.......do..............
21b.6 oz.pkg..
l i b . 4 oz.pkg..
.......do..............
.......do..............
.......do..............
21b. 1 oz.pkg..
.......do..............
lib . 4 os. pk g ..

1.21

Pound.............
.......do..............
.......do..............
.......do..............

.45
. 56
.44
.46

.....do..........

1.08
1.00

.94
.94
.80
.67
.54
.46
.46

1.21

.SI
.48
.45
.45
.40
.27

COOPERATION AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRE­
SENTATION.
Cooperation in Three Countries.
T the National Conference of Social Work, held in Atlantic City,
June 1-8, it had been the intention of the committee on indus­
trial and economic problems to have five papers on cooperation pre­
sented, three dealing with the situation in the United States and two
with phases of cooperation in England and Russia. Unfortunately,
Dr. DuBois, who was to have spoken on cooperative industry among
Negroes, and Mr. Dalton T. Clarke, president of the National Coopera­
tive Wholesale, who was to have discussed cooperation in the United
States, were unable to be present, and their papers were not read.
Mrs. Eleanor Barton, of the Woman’s Cooperative Guild, England,
before taking up her announced subject, “ Women in the cooperative
movement in England,” spoke briefly on the remarkable growth of the
cooperative movement in England. She stated that beginning
with distributive cooperation, the benefits were found k> be so pro­
nounced that production was undertaken, along which line rapid
advances are being made. The establishment of cooperative banks
was a natural development from the big business of the coopera­
tive wholesale societies, but it was hastened by a real dread of the
growing concentration of capital into a few hands. Within the last
two years there has been an amalgamation of banks in England,
which, undertaken as a war measure, presents rather alarming pos­
sibilities because the control of credit is thus placed in the hands
of a very small group. While this power may never be used for
harm, the cooperators feel safer to make themselves reasonably in­
dependent of it.
The Woman’s Cooperative Guild is an organization for applying
cooperative methods to social and educational as well as to economic
problems. Individually these cooperators are members of coopera­
tive societies, but as guild members their activities relate to ques­
tions which concern the home and women—which, as Mrs. Barton
pointed out, cover most fields of human enterprise. They have de­
voted much attention to education, their general attitude being that
full training should be given every child, and that each child should
have a right to choose any occupation for which it is suited, regardless

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[119]

119

120

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

of whether this is generally looked upon as a boy’s or a girl’s pursuit.
Hence they have fought the conventional program, by which for the
first few years boys and girls are given the same training, after
which the boys are given real manual and later vocational and
technical training, while the girls are put into sewing and cooking
classes regardless of their tastes or wishes. On the same principle the
guild has demanded absolute sex equality in the cooperative move­
ment, although complete success does not seem as yet to have been
reached along this line. As members of the cooperative societies,
the right of women to vote is fully admitted, but they have not yet
secured fair representation on the boards of directors nor on the
staffs of their cooperative papers. On this point progress was re­
ported, and the guild looks forward confidently to full sucecss. The
guild stands for fair wages, and years ago established a m i n i m um
wage for all cooperative employees, which was higher than the minima
later established by the various trade boards set up before the war.
A recent development has been the decision to take part in politics,
and as a result of this the guild is seeking to work out a combination
between the trade-unions and the cooperative societies. At present
the plan is not to unite the two organizations, but simply to work
together where they can help each other and especially to avoid
hindering each other in political matters. For example, although the
political programs of the two organizations differ somewhat, they do
not propose to run opposing candidates, but to agree upon which
one shall be represented in a given district, and to unite in support­
ing the nominee agreed upon.
Mrs. Barton emphasized the fact that the Woman’s Cooperative
Guild values cooperation as much for its social and international
as for its economic effects. Through nation-wide cooperation it is
hoped to put an end to the competitive system which is responsible
for sweated industry and most other ills of our present industrial
order, and through international cooperation it is hoped to do away
with the economic rivalries which are the underlying causes of most
modern wars.

Cooperation in the United States.
Mr. James P. Warbasse, president of the Cooperative League of
America, spoke briefly on the progress of cooperation in the United
States. This has been very marked within the last two or three
years. Usually the first step has been the formation of a retail dis­
tributive society, which, as it succeeds, becomes interested in what
other societies of the same kind are doing, and a federation of retail
societies is likely to result. Then the demand for goods naturally
leads to the formation of a wholesale cooperative society, which in

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[1201

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

121

its turn is likely to federate with others, and to join in a demand
for cooperative production. Cooperative credit agencies generally
come last. This order is by no means invariable. Local circum­
stances may lead to the starting of a cooperative creamery or shingle
mill or laundry or other enterprise, from which the cooperators work
on to the other forms and to the federations. So far, the practice in
the United States has been for cooperative enterprises to return to
their members in the form of a dividend the profits made; in Europe
these profits, or some part of them, are often retained and used for
some enterprise promoting the general good.
Reference was made to the rapid growth of the cooperative move­
ment in the United States, which growth makes it difficult to keep
the data concerning it up to date. A few months ago, there were
known to be about 2,000 cooperative societies of one kind or an­
other; the latest reports show nearly 3,000. They are scattered
throughout the Union, and many of them are united in State or
interstate federations. There is a strong group in the Northwest,
and another in Illinois, while others are scattered through the cen­
tral and eastern States. Different racial groups have their own
cooperatives, featuring special lines of work. One interesting ex­
ample is an attempt by Finnish cooperators of New York City to
cope with the housing problem. They have bought ground and put
up houses in which apartments may be secured by members of the
society for from $22 to $27 a month which normally in New York
would rent at from $35 to $60.
The Cooperative League of America is an organization for unify­
ing the cooperative societies, and providing a center for common
activities. Its first convention was held last September.
The cooperative movement is reaching out beyond national to
international cooperation. There is already an international alli­
ance composed of 24 national bodies. Its last conference was held
at Glasgow in 1913. During the war this international body has
maintained its being, refusing to be severed by the hostilities which
tore asunder most other bodies. I t has not been possible to hold
conferences, but its monthly bulletin has been issued regularly, and
what is far more, has been distributed, the censor allowing it to
pass freely. Now that the war is over, the Russian and English
cooperatives are working out plans of international trade, and they
cherish visions of cooperatively owned vessels carrying the coopera­
tively produced raw materials of Russia to England and returning
laden with the cooperatively manufactured English products which
Russia needs.


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Cooperation in Russia.
Mr. A. J. Zelenko, managing director of the American committee
of the Russian Cooperative Unions, dwelt on the effectiveness of the
Russian cooperative movement as a means for realizing social ideals.
The individual, he pointed out, must necessarily be concerned chiefly
with the present; the State is necessarily hampered by the past, since
it inherits the burden of former mistakes, which its energy must be
directed to rectifying. But financial interests are concerned with the
future, and the cooperative movement, dealing largely with finance,
shares this forward looking attitude. Again, the realization of any
social ideal involves the use of money, which, in the United States,
must be secured either from the public-spirited individual or from
the State. In Russia securing the money gives no concern, because
the people already have it in the form of cooperative funds.
There are three kinds of cooperative societies in Russia. First,
there are consumers’ unions of the kind we are familiar with in this
country, which conduct stores, distributing the profits among the
members at the end of each year. Always, however, some part of
the profits is set aside, either for reserve capital, or for the further­
ance of some social enterprise the society wishes to undertake. Such
cooperative societies have 12,000,000 members, and as only heads of
families are allowed to become members, they probably represent a
population of 60,000,000. Next come the credit societies, which
conduct banks for the savings of the poor, loaning their funds to the
consumers’ societies when the latter wish credit. These societies
have about 4,000,000 members. Third, there are the producers’
unions, in which the producers are organized to market their products,
and these have about 4,000,000 members. I t is estimated th at about
two-thirds of the Russian population is represented in these various
societies.
The cooperative societies of Russia are a tremendous social as well
as economic force. Beginning with one society in 1865, by 1917
Russia had nearly 40,000 societies of varying strength. Production,
distribution, credit, transportation, education, amusement—there is
hardly a feature of industrial or social life with which they are not
busied. Each local society is composed of shareholders, heads of
families, who pay an initial fee, and assume responsibility for an
amount considerably larger.
By way of showing the extent to which these societies entered into
the everyday life of the people, Mr. Zelenko spoke of a trip he
had made in Siberia a year ago. Arriving hot and dusty a t a
small town a hundred miles from the nearest railroad station, he was
taken to the cooperative store to get something to drink. (In paren­

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123

thesis he explained that the cooperative societies never sell or handle
alcoholic drinks.) The store was well stocked with goods received
from cooperative societies scattered over Russia, from the Black Sea
to the Arctic Ocean and from the Prussian border to Vladivostok.
From the store they adjourned to a cooperative tea house, where
there were rooms for reading, games, etc., as well as for social discus­
sion while drinking tea. Later, they went to a cooperative theater,
where some new films he had brought with him from the cooperative
film producing companies were displayed, the light being furnished
by the cooperative electrical company of the village. The residents
were greatly exercised because some books ordered from the coopera­
tive printing presses in Moscow had not been received, and Mr.
Zelenko was compelled to admit that the war between the different
Russian parties had interfered sadly with transportation from Moscow ;
however, he called their attention to the fact th at they were still
receiving regularly their cooperative papers, and expressed the hope
of the cooperatives as a whole that normal conditions might soon be
restored.
The cooperative societies in Russia hold themselves strictly aloof
from politics, and have carried on their activities with remarkably
little interruption, all things considered, from the war. In 1918, in
spite of the hindrances connected with the blockade and the disturbed
state of the country generally, their total turnover was 8,000,000,000
rubles, or about $1,600,000,000. In that year they operated over
500 industrial plants, and had a total of over 50,000 employees. The
importance of the cooperative societies as a means of restoring
normal conditions in Russia, and of reestablishing trade relations
with the outside world, can hardly be overestimated.

Application of Industrial Council Plan to Admin­
istrative Departments of British Government.
DRAFT scheme for the application of the Whitley industrial
council plan to all departments of the British Government having
industrial establishments was approved by the War Cabinet, and a
brief summary of its provisions was given in the M o n t h l y L abo r
R e v ie w for May, 1919 (pp. 114-116). A similar scheme was drafted
by a subcommittee of the interdepartmental committee to which the
matter was referred, by which the Whitley proposals are to be
applied also to the administrative departments of the civil service.
The report1 of this subcommittee, dated March 7, 1919, was also
i RubeonrmiUee of the interdepartm ental committee on the application of the W hitley report to Govern­
ment establishments. Report. London. 1919. Cmd. 9. Price, 2d net.


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

approved by the War Cabinet, and was considered on April 8 at a
conference of representatives of associations covering practically
the whole of the administrative, clerical, manipulative, and manual
civil services and officials of the Government departments concerned.
A resolution was adopted at this conference accepting that portion
of the report (in par. 45) which proposes to set up a national joint
committee to consider a Whitley scheme for the clerical and ad­
ministrative branches of the civil service, and remitting the whole
report (and any other reports dealing with the matter) to such joint
committee, which, it was stipulated, should consist of 30 members
representing in equal numbers the Government departments and the
civil service associations. This committee was subsequently ap­
pointed.
The report of the subcommittee to which reference is here made
points out the differences between private and public employment
which “ must necessarily modify the application to Government
departments of proposals intended and designed for private industry.”
These differences are—
1. The fact that the State is the ultimate employer of Government servants through
the heads of departments, who consequently have not the freedom of decision in regard
to wages and conditions enjoyed by the private employer.
2. The absence of the check imposed by considerations of profit and losses and its
replacement by Treasury control which, so far as questions of remuneration are con­
cerned, is now subject to an appeal to the conciliation and arbitration board for Govern­
ment employees.
3. The fact that an employee in a Government office is not merely a private individ­
ual in public employment but is in a very real sense a servant of the public and as
such has assumed obligations which, to some extent, necessarily limit his ordinary
rights as a private citizen.

Emphasis is laid on the fact that since public departments should
be administered for the benefit of the public, the minister in charge
being responsible to Parliament for its being so administered, “ the
control of the minister must remain unimpaired” and “ he must
continue as in the past to exercise his powers unfettered by any
restrictions other than those incidental to ultimate parliamentary
control.” For this reason the committee suggests that joint bodies
for the administrative departments should be consultative and
should have no executive powers.

Conclusions and Recommendations of the Committee.
The following summary of the conclusions and recommendations
of the subcommittee are quoted from the report:
1.
Tbe main objects of establishing joint bodies for the administrative departments
are to secure greater cooperation between the State, as employer, and the general body
of civil servants so as to promote increased efficiency in the public service and the
well-being of those employed, to provide machinery for the ventilation of grievances,

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125

and,to enable all grades and classes to contribute their views and experience on many
technical and difficult problems.
2. In view of the essential differences between public and private employment and
the need for maintaining ministerial responsibility and parliamentary control, the
joint bodies must be consultative and must not be invested with any executive func­
tions.
3. The scheme must be sufficiently elastic to embrace the various kinds of depart­
ments and to cover all grades and classes of civil servants engaged on administrative,
clerical, routine and manipulative duties, but it is not necessary to follow the precedent
of industrial councils and to set up one set of bodies, organized on a trade basis, to deal
with questions of collective bargaining and another set of bodies, organized on an
industrial basis, to deal with other questions.
4. As the Treasury will be brought into close touch with the actual views and
outlook of representative employees, and will be in a position to contribute valuable
experience and knowledge of civil service conditions and practices, it is desirable
that Treasury representation should be secured on the more important joint bodies.
5. Subject to certain modifications rendered necessary by the considerations
indicated in (3) above, we recommend the adoption for the civil service of the recom­
mendations of the Whitley report and the establishment of the following kinds of
joint bodies:
(a) A national council for the whole of the administrative departments.
(b ) One or more departmental joint committees for each department.
(c) District or local office joint committees in suitable cases.
(d) Sectional committees of the departmental committee.
6. The membership of each side of a joint body need not be equal, and the authori­
ties nominating the respective sides of the joint bodies may vary some of their repre­
sentatives according to the subject matters under discussion. As a rule associations
should be represented by civil servants, but there is no objection to an association
restricted to civil servants being represented by an official who is not a civil servant.
The joint bodies should have written constitutions and careful attention should be
paid to the nature of the publicity given to their proceedings. Only statements
issued under the authority of a joint body should be published, but these should
be as full and informative as possible. The expenses of joint bodies should be
defrayed in the manner indicated * * *.
7. The aggregate membership of the national council should not exceed 50; the
official representatives should be chosen by Government, a substantial majority
being permanent heads of departments, or officials of high rank nominated by them;
the Treasury and the Ministry of Labor should have permanent representation on
this council; the staff representatives should be nominated by staff associations or
groups of associations, every effort being made to secure that the staff side is broadly
representative of the civil service as a whole.
8. The national council will be a consultative and advisory body and will be
concerned with broad and important questions affecting the civil service as a whole,
such as organization, recruitment, conditions of service, etc. Questions of remunera­
tion affecting a class common to the service will only be discussed at this council,
and will be referred to subcommittees consisting of members of the class concerned
and selected members of the employer’s side of the council nominated by the Treasury.
In paragraph 27 we suggest a basis for the constitution of the national council founded
on the recommendations contained in paragraph 16 of the WTiitley report.
9. The employer’s side of departmental committees will be appointed by the
minister or head of the department from among the higher departmental officials;
the staff representatives should be nominated By staff associations, care being taken
to cover the whole field, and the distribution of places should be settled by nego122778°—19-0

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

tiation and should not merely depend on the membership strength of the associations
concerned.
10. The departmental committee will be mainly concerned with matters affecting
-the department in which it is formed, and in all cases it will submit any conclusions
reached to the head of the department for consideration. It may be desirable, par­
ticularly in the larger departments, to set up separate committees to discuss the pay
and special conditions of service of the higher grades of supervising and controlling
officers.
11. In the larger departments there may be branches, separate and distinct from
the rest of the department in function, organization and personnel and in which the
staff is represented by different associations. In such cases it may be convenient
to set up separate departmental, district, and office committees.
12. District or local office joint committees may have to be formed in the case of
departments whose work is distributed throughout the country, and distinct sections
of departments staffed by grades recruited for and peculiar to those sections may call
for sectional committees of the departmental committees.
13. Broad questions of administration and policy should be wholly excluded from
the purview of civil service joint bodies and only the general aspects of questions
of promotion, superannuation, and discipline should be considered, discussion or
criticism of individual cases being excluded.

In paragraph 8 of the recommendations of the subcommittee
reference is made to paragraph 27 of the report. This paragraph
contains the following sketch of the functions of the national council:
1. Provision of the best means for utilizing the ideas and experience of the staff.
2. Means for securing to the staff a greater share in and responsibility for the deter­
mination and observance of the conditions under which their duties are carried out.
3. Consideration of the general principles governing conditions of service, e. g.,
recruitment, hours, promotion, salary, and superannuation.
4. The encouragement of further education of civil servants and their training in
higher administration and business organization.
5. Improvement of office machinery and organization and the provision of oppor­
tunities for the full consideration of suggestions by the staff on this subject.
6. Proposed legislation so far as it has a bearing upon the position of the civil service.

Collective Agreements in Sweden.
HE widespread extent of collective agreements in Sweden and
the familiarity therewith of workers and employers working
thereunder is clearly brought out in a recent report by the labor
office of that country.1
At the beginning of the year 1918 there were 265,517 workers under
collective agreements. During the year 1917 there had been con­
cluded 518 agreements covering 78,057 workers. Most of the agree­
ments, 508 as against 10, were concluded between employers and
organized workers. The majority of the agreements, i. e., 314, affect­
ing 35,874 workers, were between workers and individual employers.
There were four national agreements, affecting 29,211 employees.
1 Sweden. Socialstyrelsen. Kollektivavtal i Sverige Är 1917. Stockholm, 1919. vi, 46 pp. (Sveriges
Officiella Statistik, Socialstatistik.)


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Time rates of wages were applicable to 10,214 workers and piece
rates or time rates and piece rates combined covered the remaining
67,843 workers. Agreements affecting 66,674 workers prescribed the
hours of labor. The hours fixed were as follows:
W E EK L Y HOURS OF LABOR F IX ED BY COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AFFECTING
66,674 W ORKERS.
Workers affected.
Hours per week.
Number. Percent.

Over 60 hours..............................................

713
3,255
1,632
6,709
44,269
966
4,272
2,931
1,927

1.1
4.8
2.6
10.0
66.4
1.4
6.5
4.4
2.8

T otal......................................................

66,674

100.0

48 hours and less.........................................
49 to 53 hours...............................................
55 to 56 hours...............................................

In 344 agreements affecting 57,745 employees, provisions were
included relative to insurance against accident. A smaller number
of agreements and a smaller number of workers were affected by pro­
visions for sickness relief, namely, 243 agreements covering 55,413
workers.
The various agreements concluded between employers and workers
in 1917 were distributed among the different industries as follows:
NUM BER OF COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND OF PERSONS AFFECTED, IN 1917, BY
INDUSTRY GROUPS.
Persons affected.
Number
of agree­
ments.

Industry groups.

Total...........................................................................................................


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Em ­
ployers. Workers.

71
18
106
32
50
41
28
19
62
27
25
28
2
9

269
32
344
57
194
291
487
19
270
29
63
201
8
302

32,922
2,022
13,658
5,978
2,362
3,328
l ' 748
3,621
3,275
3,145
789
4,271
'275
663

518

2,566

78, 057

128

M O N TH LY LABOE KEVIEW.

State-Aided Cooperative Societies
Africa.

in South

HE following statement obtained from the Land and Agricultural
Bank of South Africa, at Pretoria, by a United States trade
T
commissioner and forwarded to this bureau by the Department of
Commerce, indicates the number of cooperative societies in the Union
of South Africa, the membership of these societies, and the extent to
which that bank has granted loans. The. statement gives the figures
as of January 1, 1914, and December 31, 1918, for the Transvaal
and Orange Free State; as of January 1, 1917, and December 31,
1918, for Natal; and as of December 31, 1918, only, for Cape Colony.
It is explained that not until 1916 was the bank empowered to
assist cooperative societies with unlimited liabilities in the Natal
and Cape Provinces, and that prior to the formation of the Union,
the Natal Government did not assist agricultural cooperation, while in
the Cape Colony a general cooperative movement was embarked upon
in 1905. Under the act of 1905, it is stated, loans not to exceed
£150,000 ($729,975) were authorized. Tire report adds that “ the
hopes entertained of these various cooperative societies have on the
whole been disappointed.” The following are the figures supplied
by the bank:
STATEMENT OF LOANS GRANTED COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES AT SPEC IFIED DATES
BY LAND AND AGRICULTURAL BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Transvaal.
Item.

Number of societies..
Total m embership...

Jan. 1,
1914.

Dee. 31,
1918.

Orange Free State.
J a n .1,
1914.

Dec. 31,
1918.

Natal.
J a n .1,
1917.

Dee. 31,
1918.

Cape
Colony,
Dec. 31,
1918.

15
16
1
2
15
7
1
6,720
8,434
359
40
1,246
124
17
$1,340,720.75 $2,319,373.90 $97,330.00 $1,015,151.90 $38,932.00 $118,255. 95 $12,106.25

Amount owing in re­
spect of loans (in­
cluding interest)... 1,238,621.58 1,668,654.72 97,330.00


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580,510.19 20,230.04

79,703.54 12,205.18

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION.
Enrollment in Vocational Courses Under Federal
Vocational Education Act, 1917-18.
HE Vocational Summary, published by the Federal Board for
Vocational Education, contains in the May, 1919, issue a report
of the total enrollment in vocational courses for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1918, which is the first year of the operation of the
Federal Vocational Education Act. This report is accompanied by
several diagrams showing the enrollments, by States, in vocational
agricultural courses per 100,000 of rural population in 1910, and
in home economic and vocational trade or industrial courses per
100,000 urban population in 1910. Two other diagrams show,
respectively, the number of students reported enrolled in vocational
courses by sex and by type of course, and the regional distribution of
these enrollments. I t appears from this report that per 100,000
rural population Utah reported the largest enrollment (352) of pupils
in agricultural courses, Massachusetts the second largest (210), and
Connecticut the third largest (188); and that Michigan reported the
largest actual enrollment of pupils in agricultural courses (1,874),
and an enrollment per 100,000 rural population of 112.
It further appears that per 100,000 urban population, Arizona re­
ported the largest enrollment in home economics courses (341), but
it is explained that as Arizona’s total urban population in 1910 was
less than 100,000, the actual enrollment in home economics courses
(216) was considerably less than the proportional number per 100,000.
Vermont, also with a small enrollment of pupils in home economics
courses (446), reported a large enrollment per 100,000 urban popula­
tion (264). New Jersey’s enrollment of 3,680 home economics
pupils gives the third largest enrollment in such courses per 100,000
urban population (245). Massachusetts reported the largest actual
enrollment of home economics pupils (7,589) and the fourth largest
enrollment per 100,000 urban population (243).
The report shows that there were much larger enrollments, actual
and proportional, in trade or industrial courses than in agricultural
or home economics courses. Nevada’s large enrollment in trade and
industrial courses per 100,000 urban population (1,788) relates to a
very small urban population (13,367), the actual enrollment in such

T


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

courses being only 239. Pennsylvania reported 50,107 pupils and
an enrollment per 100,000 urban population of 1,082. Connecticut
reported 5,934 pupils and an enrollment per 100,000 of 593.
Referring to sex classification, the report states that for agricul­
tural and trade or industrial all-day and evening courses, enrollments
generally were predominantly male; and that for home economics
only 29 males were reported in a total of 30,693 pupils. Of the
53,005 pupils enrolled in part-time courses 32,605 were male and
20,400 were female.
The following table shows the number and distribution of enroll­
ments by courses:
NUMBER ENROLLED IN VOCATIONAL COURSES IN EACH GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISION,
BY T Y PE OF COURSE.
Type, of course.

North
East
South
Atlantic. Atlantic. Central.

West
Central.

Pacific.

Total.

Agricultural...................................................
Trade and industrial....................................
Home economics..........................................
Teacher training............ ..............................

3,649
81,911
19,456
1,014

4,648
2,802
2,023
1,597

4,681
24,911
7,553
2,082

1,187
2,568
911
1,316

1,288
5,739
853
580

15,453
117,931
30,799
6,589

T otal....................................................

106,030

11,070

39,227

5,985

8,460

170,772

Plan of Cooperation Between Federal Board for
Vocational Education and Navy Yards.1
A PLAN has been developed by the Federal Board for Vocational
Education, with the cooperation of the commandant of the
navy yard and the commanding officer of the naval hospital at
Norfolk, Va., for the establishment of a curative workshop and
subsequent vocational apprenticeship system which may be used
as a standard for all navy yards. Certain features of the plan
may be modified to meet special conditions at any particular station,
but commandants of navy yards are urged, as far as possible, to
follow this plan in its provisions for the treatment and training of
disabled sailors and marines.
The general features of the plan, as outlined by the board, are as
follows:
Ambulant, convalescent patients may be given therapeutic training through appro­
priate operations and exercises in the shops of the navy yard, but under conditions
which duplicate actual productive shop conditions. A surgeon from the medical
staff of the hospital has been placed in charge of the therapeutic work, and one ward
of the hospital has been set aside for patients who desire such training. The Federal
board’s representative advises with the men and with the surgeon in charge. These
two men decide upon appropriate work; that is to say, the surgeon writes a prescrip­
tion, the vocational adviser decides upon the appropriate exercises, which are then
1 D ata taken from Vocational Summary for May, 1919, Federal Board for Vocational Education,
Washington.


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131

approved by the surgeon. In the office of the yard is another representative of the
board, a coordinator, who receives the prescription and arranges for training under a
competent mechanic who has also been trained as an instructor by the Federal board.
During this period of therapeutic training the men are under the continuous observa­
tion of the surgeon in charge of this work. Arrangements have been concluded to
the satisfaction of the naval authorities whereby men having completed their period
of hospital training and therapeutic training may continue to receive vocational
training in a wide variety of navy yard occupations. Neither in the therapeutic
phase nor in the vocational phase is it assumed that men will necessarily eventually
become employees of the navy yard.

The work is carried on at the expense of the Federal board, with
the cooperation of the navy yard authorities. Mechanics in those
trades which seem suitable for disabled men are specially trained
by the board to act as instructors. With the approval of the navy
yard officials these instructors may be taken from their usual employ­
ment in the yard as the need for instruction demands, returning to
productive work in the shops when there is no longer the necessity
for instruction to be given.
The advantages of the plan are summarized in this way:
(a) The primary aim is training adapted to the therapeutic needs
of individuals. Production is a secondary aim.
(b) Its flexibility permits any and all kinds of work which the
man should have to fit his particular case.
(c) I t throws no additional burden of work, management, or
organization upon the navy yard officials.
(d) I t does not add to the navy yard expense or pay roll.
(e) I t has the approval and hearty cooperation of representatives
of the navy yard officials and representatives of the employees’
organizations.
(f) Its purpose, organization, and methods of operation are such
that no surplus of navy yard workmen will be created.
(g) I t requires no modification of existing civil-service regulations.


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EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT.
Employment Conditions in the United States
March 8 to June 21, 1919.
N the March number of the
summaries were
given showing the fluctuations in employment in important cities
Ithroughout
the country over approximately a three-month period.
L a b o r R e v ie w

These tables were compiled from weekly telegraphic reports, the
information for which is secured by the United States Employment
Service of the Department of Labor and published by the Industrial
Conditions Section of the War Trade Board. The same source has
been used in the following table showing employment conditions in
certain selected cities over a period of practically four months.
During the three-month period previously noted the number of
cities reporting was approximately the same, making possible a com­
parison of the relative shortage or surplus in the labor market.
Following the closing of many of the employment offices early in
March, however, the number of cities reporting on employment
conditions fell, on March 15, from 122 to 66. This number was
further reduced on April 12 to 58, but the Employment Service has
been able to make arrangements for obtaining returns, so that since
that time there has been a steady increase in the number of cities
reporting. Because of the variation, therefore, in the number of
cities from which reports were received the table showing the con­
ditions of employment in important cities in the United States is
omitted.
The table following shows the changes in labor conditions in certain
selected cities, chosen because they are large industrial centers and
therefore can be assumed to reflect fairly accurately conditions
throughout the country. While the amount of unemployment
increased for short periods in several cases, in nearly every instance
there has been a fairly decided general decline in the oversupply of
labor.
132


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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.
selected

133

c it i e s r e p o r t i n g l a b o r s u r p l u s o r s h o r t a g e e a c h w e e k , m a r .

8 TO JU NE 21,1919.1
New
England.

Middle
Atlantic.

South
Atlantic.

East
Central.

West
Central.

Moun­
tain.

Pacific.

Week ending—
&
O
Mar. 8:
Surplus..
Shortage.
Mar. 15:
Surplus..,
Shortage.
Mar. 22:
Surplus..,
Shortage.
Mar. 29:
Surplus...
Shortage.
Apr. 5:
Surplus...
Shortage.,
Apr. 12:
Surplus...
Shortage.,
Apr. 19:
Surplus...
Shortage..
Apr. 26:
Surplus...
Shortage..
May 3:
Surplus...
Shortage..
May 10:
Surplus...
Shortage..
May 17:
Surplus...
Shortage..
May 24:
Surplus...
ShortageMay 31:
Surplus...
Shortage..
June 7:
Surplus...
Shortage..
June 14:
Surplus...
Shortage..
June 21:
Surplus...
Shortage..

5,585

8,000

&

1.500 4,900 60,000 2,200 7.000 12,000

5.000 19.000
2 1,700 (3)

,200

9,000

5,685 8,000 5.000 19.000
2 1,500 " ( 3 )

1.500 9.000 60,000 2,200 7.500 10,000 12.300 10,000

5,385 8,000 4.800 17.000

1.500 9.000 60,000 2,200 7.500 10,000 12.300 10,000

2 1,000

(0
(0

8,000 4.500

(9

8,000

0)

"ijèòo

1,200 9.000

(9

2.500

8

8,000 12.300

12,000

(9
(9

2.400

3

8,000 12.300 7.000

(9
<9

12,000

(9
(9

2.400

(9
(9

4,000 6,000

(3)
(3)

3
8

(9
(9

(9
(9

2.500

(9
(9

(9
(9

4.500

(3)
(3)

8
3

4.000

(3)

3.500

2.000

(9

"Ì,65Ó

5.000

(9
(9

Ì,8ÒÒ

(9
(9

0)
0)

8,000 3.500

(9
(9

i ’àòó

3
8
8

8,000 3.500

8
8

0)

6,000 3.500

4.000 3.000

(9
(9

(0
(0

4.000 3.000 20.000

0)
(0

4.000 3.000 20,000

5.000 4.000 3.000

(4
(4

8,500 2,500 3.000 19.000
9.000 2.000 2.800 17,500

(9

R 800

i j 200

(9

ì ;òóó <9
ì ; òòó

i ’ÒòÒ
ì ; òóò

“ 800

i'òòo

12,000 2,000 2.000 15.000

13.000 (9

2,200 5.000

12,500

1,900 3.000

(9

(9
(9

3.000 (9

1,200 16,000 30.000 1.500

(9
(9

2.000

1,000 10,000 30.000 1.500

(9
(9

1,800 (9

1,250 9.000 (9

(9
(9

1,000 1,250

(9
(9

1,000 2,000
1,000 1,000

1,000 3.000
ì

(9

8
8

(9
(9

(4)

(4)

(9
(9

(4)
(4)

(9
(9

(9
(9

(9

1,300 6.000 (9
1,000 4.000

1.500

6 700

1,200 16.000 30.000 1,600

ì ; óóó

15,000

(9
(9

(9
(9

; òòo

(9
(9
(9

(9

500

1 Owing to the closing in March of employment offices in many locations a num ber of cities did not
report during the readjustm ent period.
2 Miners.
s No estimate.
* Not reported.
6 Farm laborers.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[133]

134

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Employment in Selected Industries in May, 1919.
HE Bureau of Labor Statistics received and tabulated reports
T
concerning the volume of employment in May, 1919, from rep­
resentative manufacturing establishments in 13 industries. The
figures for May of this year, when compared with those from identical
establishments for May, 1918, show increases in the number of
people employed in 4 industries and decreases in 9. Automobile
manufacturing shows the largest increase, 15.8 per cent. Iron and
steel, woolen, and men’s ready-made clothing show percentage
decreases of 18.3, 17.7, and 15.5, respectively.
Six of the industries show an increase in the total amount of the
pay roll for May, 1919, as compared with May, 1918. The largest
increase, 31.4 per cent, appears in automobile manufacturing, while
silk shows an increase of 23.7 percent. Decreases of 17.4 and 12.8
per cent are showm in iron and steel and woolen, respectively.
COMPARISON OF EMPLOYMENT IN IDENTICAL ESTABLISHM ENTS IN MAY, 1918, AND
MAY, 1919.

Industry.

Automobile m anufacturing...
Boots and shoes.......................
Car building and repairing...
Cigar manufacturing...............
Men’s ready-made clothing...
Cotton finishing.......................
Cotton manufacturing........ .
Hosiery and underwear..........
Iron and steel..........................
Leather manufacturing..........
Paper making..........................
Silk...........................................
W oolen.....................................

Estab­
lish­
ments
report­
ing for
May,
both
years.
42
68
42
56
31
16
51
56
114
32
51
37
50

Number on pay
roll in May—
Period
of pay
roll.

1918

1 w eek.. 92,136
.. .do....... 55,222
1 month. 50,669
1 w eek.. 17,492
...d o ....... 23,207
...d o ....... 14,019
...d o ....... 46,306
...d o ....... 29,895
| month. 215,376
1 week.. 13,783
...d o ....... 28,093
2 weeks. 16,433
1 w eek.. 46,880

1919

106,725
53,925
44,023
16,912
19,617
12,816
47,607
25,870
175,970
14,311
24,603
16,877
38,574

Per
cent
of in­
crease
(+ ) or
de­
crease
(-)•

Amount of pay roll
in May—'

1918

1919

+15.8 82,433,548 83,197,207
- 2.3
961,501 1,102,654
-13.1 2,419,980 2,402,469
- 3.3
237,835
274,713
-1 5 .5
445,637
436,684
- 8.6
251,344
248,545
+ 2.8
674,735
745,108
-1 3 .5
413,683
383,465
-1 8 .3 12,851,528 10,614,879
+ 3.8
276,229
320,681
-12.4
530,531
505,016
+ 2.7
495,920
613,227
-17.7
849,219
740,528

Per
cent
of increase
(+ ) or
de­
crease
(-).
+31.4
+ 14.7
- .7
+15.5
- 2.0
- 1.1
+10.4
- 7.3
-17.4
+ 16.1
- 4.8
+23.7
-12.8

The following table shows the number of persons actually working
on the last full day of the reported pay period in May, 1918, and
May, 1919. The number of establishments reporting on this question
is small, and this fact should be taken into consideration when
studying these figures.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[134]

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

135

COMPARISON OF EM PLOYM ENT IN IDENTICAL ESTABLISHM ENTS ON THE LAST FU LL
D AY’S OPER A TIO N IN MAY, 1918, AND MAY, 1919.

Establish­
ments
reporting
for May,
both years.

Industry.

Silk................................: ................................

£1
21
89
17
6
11
33
19
92
17
15
22
41

Number actually work­
ing on last full day
of reported pay pe­ Per cent of
increase
riod in May—
(+ ) or de­
crease (—).
1919
1918

Period of
pay roll.

1 week___
. . .do.........
£ m onth...
1 week___
.. .do..........
...d o ..........
. ..d o .........
. . .do.........
i m onth...
1 week___
. . .do.........
2 weeks. . .
1 week___

59; 978
12,068
43,469
3,457
10,577
9,144
21,611
12,305
173,022
9,927
9,398
12,039
39,325

78,718
10,340
38,493
3,952
9,802
8,773
22,198
11,360
135,628
10,355
7,571
12,635
31,563

+31.2
-14.3
-11.4
+ 14.3
- 7.3
- 4.1
+ 2.7
- 7.7
-21.6
+ 4.3
-19.4
+ 5.0
-19.7

In comparing the reports of the same industries for May, 1919,
with those for April, 1919, 9 show an increase in the number of per­
sons on the pay roll and 4 a decrease. The largest increases, 12.7
and 12.2 per cent, are shown in woolen and cotton manufacturing,
respectively, while the largest decreases, 5.8 and 4.6 per cent, appear
in paper making and iron and steel.
Ten of the 13 industries reporting show increases and 3 decreases
in the total amount of the pay roll in May, 1919, when compared
with April, 1919. The largest increases are 18.3 per cent in cotton
manufacturing; 16.5 per cent in woolen; and 14.6 per cent in cotton
finishing. Iron and steel and paper making show percentage de­
creases of 8.4 and 5.5, respectively.
COMPARISON OF EM PLOYM ENT IN ID EN T IC A L ESTABLISHM EN TS IN A P R IL AND
MAY, 1919.

Industry.

Automobile manufacturing...
Car building and repairing...
Cigar m anufacturing..............
Men’s ready-made clothing...
Cotton finishing......................
Hosiery and underwear.........
Leather m anufacturing..........
Silk....... -..................................
Woolen....................................


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Estab­
lish­
ments
report­
ing for
April
and
May.
39
68
40
57
42
16
47
55
115
29
51
37
50

Number on pay
roll in—
Period
of pay
roll.

1 week..
.. .do......
J-month.
1 week..
...d o ......
...d o . ...
.. .do......
j month.
1 week..
. . .do......
2 weeks.
1 w eek..

April,
1919.

May,
1919.

96,355
53,140
43,001
17,133
20,903
11,809
39,371
23,695
186,525
13,739
26,111
16,554
34,224

100,676
53,925
42,689
17,004
21,231
12,816
44,173
24,350
178,022
14,088
24,603
16,877
38,574

[135]

Per
cent
of in­
crease
(+ ) or
de­
crease
(-).

Amount of pay roll
in—

April,
1919.

May,
1919.

+ 4.5 82,829,255 83,015,604
+ 1.5 1,053,007 1,102,654
- .7 2,351,900 2,322,872
277,026
261,339
- .8
468,151
450,389
+ 1.6
216,971
248,545
+ 8.5
686,722
580,254
+ 12.2
363,144
324,416
+ 2.8
- 4.6 11,734,362 10,744,379
315,921
301,608
+ 2.5
534,587
505,016
- 5.8
613,227
575,108
+ 2.0
740,528
635,395
+12.7

Per
cent
of in­
crease
(+ ) or
de­
crease
(-).
+ 6.6
+ 4.7
- 1.2
+ 6.0
+ 3.9
+ 14.6
+ 18.3
+ 11.9
— 8.4
+ 4.7
— 5.5
+ 6.6
+ 16.5

’MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

136

A comparatively small number of establishments reported as to
the number of persons working on the last full day of the reported
pay periods. The following table gives in comparable form the
figures for April and May, 1919:
COMPARISON OF EM PLOYM ENT IN IDENTICAL ESTABLISHM ENTS ON TH E LAST
FU LL DAY’S OPERATION IN A P R IL AND MAY, 1919.

Establish­
ments re­
porting for
April and
May.

Industry.

Automobile manufacturing..........................
Boots and shoes.............................................
Car building and repairing...........................
Cigar manufacturing............................. .......
Men’s ready-made clothing..........................
Cotton finishing.............................................
Cotton m anufacturing...................................
Hosiery and underwear................................
Iron and steel.................................................
Leather manufacturing.................................
Paper making............................... ................
Silk.............................................................
Woolen........................................................

24
29
39
19
7
13
27
18
95
16
18
24
46

Period of
pay roll.

N u m b er a c tu a lly
working on last full
day of reported pay
period in—

Per cent
of increase"
(+ ) or de­
crease (—).

April, 1919. May, 1919.
1 week___
...d o ..........
J m onth...
1 week__
...d o ..........
. ..d o ..........
. ..d o ..........
.. .do..........
i m onth...
1 week__
...d o ..........
2 w eeks...
1 week__

74,073
13,832
37,884
4,321
9,661
8,667
17,978
9,707
147,859
10,319
10,162
13,235
28,855

78,307
13,151
38,599
4,314
9,820
9,598
18,452
9,856
137,629
10,679
10,161
13,508
32,907

+ 5.7
- 4.9
+ 1.9
— .2
+ 1.6
+ 10.7
+ 2.6
+ 1.5
- 6.9
+ 3.5
(9
+ 2.1
+14.0

1 Decrease of less than one-tenth of 1 per cent.

Changes in Wage Rates.
During the period April 15 to May 15, 1919, there were establish­
ments in 8 of the 13 industries which reported increases in wage
rates, and in 2, boots and shoes and iron and steel, decreases. , Of
the establishments reporting, many did not answer the inquiry rela­
tive to this item, but in such cases it is not likely that changes were
made.
Automobile manufacturing.—An average increase of 14 per cent
was granted to 92 per cent of the employees in one establishment.
The whole force in one plant received an increase of 10 per cent, and
50 per cent of the force in another plant were given a 5 per cent in­
crease. One firm reported increases of $3.07 per week to one man,
5 cents per hour to about 3 per cent of the force, and 2\ cents per
hour to approximately 5 per cent of the employees. The average
hourly rate in one establishment was increased 0.039 cent. One con­
cern reported an increase but failed to give any further information.
I Boots and shoes.—One establishment granted an increase of 5 per
cent to 34 per cent of the force. All of the employees in one ¡haut
w~ere decreased 2 per cent.
Cigar manufacturing.—An increase of 12 J per cent to all productive
workers was given in one factory.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[136]

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

137

Men’s ready-made clothing.—An increase of 15 per cent was granted
by one establishment and an increase was reported by another estab­
lishment, but both failed to give any further information.
Cotton finishing.—An increase of 2 per cent was reported by one
establishment, but no data were given as to the number of employees
receiving the increase.
Hosiery and underwear.—One establishment granted a general in­
crease of 221 per cent. A slight increase, which covered only a small
portion of the pieceworkers, was reported by another establishment.
Iron and steel.—A number of decreases were reported in iron and
steel, many of which were in accordance with the rules of the Amal­
gamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. The entire force in
two plants was decreased 25 per cent. The rolling mill piecework
rates in one plant were reduced 18 per cent. About one-third of the
employees in one plant and 15 per cent of the force in another plant
were decreased 171 per cent. The 65 per cent bonus, affecting all of
the employees in one mill with the exception of the bar mill piece­
workers, was reduced to 40 per cent. A decrease of approximately
14 per cent, affecting about 50 per cent of the employees, was reported
by one plant. About 45 per cent of the employees in one plant
received a decrease of about 12 per cent; and a reduction in rates,
averaging 11 per cent and affecting 40 per cent of the men, was made
by another plant; while a third plant reported a decrease of about 11
per cent, affecting approximately 50 per cent of the employees. A
10 per cent decrease, which affected three-eighths of the employees,
was made by one concern, and about 1 per cent of the force in one
plant were decreased approximately 9 per cent. Three plants
reported percentage decreases of 6, 5, and 3, affecting one-third of the
employees, 10 per cent of the force, and about 50 per cent of the
employees, respectively.
Payer making.—All of the employees in one mill received an
increase of 10 per cent.
Silk.—Two plants granted a 10 per cent increase, affecting the
entire force in one and the weavers in the second. The second plant
also granted a 5 per cent increase to warpers, packers and other day
workers. Eighty per cent of the employees in one establishment
received an increase of 5 per cent. All of the employees in three
mills received an increase of 4 per cent.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[137]

138

MONTHLY LABOE BEVIEW,

Report of Employment Exchanges in the United
Kingdom, March 7 to April 11, 1919.
S reported by the British Labor Gazette for May, 1919, the total
A
number of workpeople remaining on the registers of the 412
British employment offices on April 11, 1919, was 1,166,913, as
compared with 1,009,562 on March 7, 1919. These figures include
workers in professional, commercial, and clerical as well as industrial
occupations, but exclude casual occupations.
The operations of the employment exchanges for the five weeks
are summarized as follows:
OPERATIONS OF B R IT ISH EM PLOYM ENT EXCHANGES DURING FIV E W EEKS
EN D IN G APR. 11, 1919.
Item..

Men.

W omen.

On registers Mar. 7, 1919...............................................
Number of individuals registered during period.........

418,174
450,997

519,827
281,616

35,023
37,380

36,538
35,574

1,009,562
805,567

Total.......................................................................

869,171

801,443

72,403

72,112

1,815,12)

Reregistrations during period........................................
On registers Apr. 11, 1919...............................................
Vacancies notified during period...................................
Vacancies filled during period.....................................
Applicants placed in other districts.............................

4,638
571,849
106,926
74,118
• 7,667

10,952
524,313
93,515
51,956
4,593

724
33,176
15,639
11,504
1,419

794
37,575
17,255
11,029
1,544

17,108
1,166,913
233,335
148,607
15,223

Boys.

Girls.

Total.

The average daily number of registrations, of vacancies notified,
and of vacancies filled, during the month was 27,423, 7,778, and 4,954,
respectively.
AVERAGE DAILY REGISTRATIONS AND VACANCIES N O T IFIED AND F IL L E D , BY
SEX OF APPLICANTS, DURING FIV E W EEK S ENDING APR. 11, 1919.
Average daily registrations.

Sex. of applicants.

Men.............................
W omen.......................
Bovs.........................
Girls.............................

Average daily vacan­
cies notified.

Average daily vacan­
cies filled.

Increase (+ ) or
Increase (+ ) or
Increase (+ ) or
decrease (—)as
decrease (—)as
decrease (—) as
Five
Five
Five
compared
compared
weeks compared w ith a— weeks
weeks
with a—
with a—
ending
ending
ending
Apr.
Apr.
Apr.
11,1919. Month
Year
11,1919. Month. Year 11,1919. Month Year
ago.
ago.
ago.
ago.
ago.
ago.
15,188
9,753
1.270
1,212

+1,871
+ 999
71
+ 77

+11,150
+ 5,245
H" 39o
+
430

3,564
3,117
522
575

Total....................... 27,423

+2,867

+ 17,220

7,778

. +207 +
+ 57
+ 42 +
- 2 +

339
66
146

2,471
1,732
383
368

+ 87
+182
+ 32
+ 20

+130
- 32
- 6
+ 43

+304 +1,408

4,954

+321

H~135

Compared with the jirevious month, the daily average of registra­
tions, vacancies notified, and vacancies filled, showed percentage
increases of 11.7, 4.1 and 6.9, respectively.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[138]

M O N T H L Y -LA B O R

139

R EV IEW ,

The table following shows, by occupational groups, the number of
individuals registered, the vacancies notified, and the vacancies filled,
indicating the extent of unemployment in Great Britain during the
five weeks ending April 11, 1919 :
INDIVIDUALS REG ISTERED , VACANCIES N O TIFIED , AND VACANCIES FIL L ED
DURING F IV E W EEK S ENDING A PR . 11, 1919.1
Adults.

Occupation groups.

Individuals
registered
during
period.
Men.

Wo­
men.

Vacancies
notified
during
period.

Juveniles.
Vacancies
filled dur­
ing period.

Vacancies
notified
during
period.

Vacancies
filled dur­
ing period.

Wo­ Men. Wo­ Boys. Girls. Boys. Girls.
Men. men.
men.

A . I n s u r e d tra d e s .

149
798
179 17,282
555 24,382
Building................................................ 46,197
2
7 7,277
5
4
8.472
95 245
738 '966
in
628
Sawmilling............................................ 4,374
22 305
ShiDbuilding......................................... 15, 413
23 5,104
85 7,257
Engineering........................................... 79, 709 11,088 19,179 2,479 14,541 2,132 3,193
31
174
Construction of vehicles....................... 2,661
299 1,432
37 788
794 1,344
459 460 271 215
Cabinet making, etc.......... .................. 1,855
783 645
Miscellaneous m etal trades.................. 12,367 4,842 2. 791 1,118 2,070
161 203
823
257 300 120
Precious metals, e tc............................. 1,545
35
40
631
645
61 262
826
Bricks and cem ent...............................
240
120
839
260
725
971
Chemicals, etc....................................... 1,911
24
281
463 259 400
901 1,203
Rubber and waterproof goods............
78
786 357 721 342
1.054 1,883
322 470 213 398 167
Leather, excluding boots and shoes.. 1,706 lj 774

15 597
4
66 166
3 256
760 2,674
145
19
78 153
428
619
141
305
18
15
234 101
122
20
72
82
172 105

15
38
2
558
12
55
430
148
10
212
106
80
129

Total, insured trades................. 178,991 25,707 67,744 6,322 49,026 5,061 6,211 2,490 4,880 1,795
B.

U n in s u r e d tr a d e s .

Wood, furniture, fittings, etc..............
Domestic.................................. ..............
Commercial and clerical......................
Conveyance of men, goods, etc...........
Agriculture............................................
Mining and quarrving.........................
Brashes and brooms............................
Pottery and glass.................................
Paper, prints, books, and stationery . .
Textile...................................................
Dress......................................................
Boots and sh o es..................................
Food, tobacco, drink, and lodging__
General lab orers....................................

371
15,903
26,881
66,385
7,083
11,946
226
1,597
5,968
31, 799
3,197
3,688
5,898
67,513
9,141
Government, defense, and professional 11,944
All others.............................................. 2,466

366
67,315
18,808
5,972
1,833
475
459
1,723
5,839
76,188
17,544
805
12,928
27,903
13,905
3,016
830

180
70
4,139 52,433
3,615 5,115
734
8,110
4,843 1,033
2,326
18
32 114
337 454
408 1,120
1-, 553 6,540
1,120 10,837
884 644
858 4,186
8,595 1,462
552 1,341
1,002 ' 732
628 354

44
77
39
25
57
46
2,282 23,590
609 2,048
935 4,779
765 1,348
2,939 4,529 1,006 1,550
576 3,928 1,594 2,641 1,062
5,519
541 296
161
1,706
77
55
4
36
1,203
37
3
3
18
69
70
9
7
54
82 111
202 359
119 179
260 731 257 555
187 346
1,224 4,818 285 839
216 647
128 1,810
346 5,567
58 1,070
587 374 200
158
136
99
444 3,156 342 1,098
262
876
8:0
879
734
6, 836 1,304 1,085
723 303 892
330
165
537
676 369 416 229 371
187
34
22
453 141
11
25

Total, uninsured trades............. 272,006 255,909 39,182 87,193 25,092 46,895 9,428 14,765 6,624 9,234
Grand total—all above tra d e s.. 450,997 281,616 106,926 93,515 74,118 51,956 15,639 17,255 11,504 11.029
!
i
Persona are now registered at employment exchanges according to their normal occupation, or, where
there is no normal occupation, according to the work for which they are suitable. This has resulted in
a considerable reclassification, especially as regards those who were drawn into special industries during
the war.

In the insured trades 204,698 adults registered for work during the
period—178,991 men and 25,707 women. There were 82,767 vacan­
cies reported—67,744 men, 6,322 women, 6,211 boys, and 2,490
girls. The number of positions filled was 60,762—49,026 men, 5,061
women, 4,880 boys, and 1,795 girls. The occupational groups in

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LA B O R R EV IEW .

which there were the largest number of positions filled by adults were:
Building, 17.431, and engineering, 10,673.
In the uninsured trades there were 527,915 adults registered—272,006 men and 255,909 women. The number of vacancies reported
was 150,568—39,182 men, 87,193 women, 9,428 boys, and 14,765
girls. The total number of positions filled was 87,845—25,092 men,
46,895 women, 6,624 boys, and 9,234 girls. The occupational group
in the uninsured trade in which there were the largest number of
positions filled by adults was: Domestic, 25,872.
The total number of positions filled by adults in both the insured
and uninsured trades during the five weeks ending April 11, 1919, as
compared with the preceding month, shows an increase of 33.5 per
cent. The increase in the number of positions filled by men was
29.5 percent; by women, 39.7 percent. The largest number of adults
found employment in the domestic trades.

Volume of Employment in the United Kingdom
in April, 1919.
UIE following figures as to the condition of employment in Great
Britain and Ireland in April, 1919, as compared with March,
1919, and April, 1918, have been compiled from figures appearing in
t h e British Labor Gazette for May, 1919.
Similar information for
January was published in t h e April L a b o r R e v i e w .
In comparing April, 1919, with March, 1919, relative to the number
of employees, respective increases of 8.9, 7.9, 5.7, and 5 per cent are
shown in cement, brick, printing, and corset, trades. The largest
decreases—4.3 and 3 per cent—appear in seamen and in the linen
trade.
The aggregate earnings of employees in April, 1919, as compared
with March, 1919, show increases of 15.4, 12.4, and 10.9 per cent in
brick, cement, and the carpet trades, respectively. A decrease of 8.7
per cent is shown in the linen trade.
In April, 1919, as compared with April, 1918, as to the number of
persons employed, the cement trade shows an increase of 36.7 per
cent; dock and riverside labor, an increase of 26.8 per cent; and the
printing trade, an increase of 22.9 per cent. The largest decreases—10.2 and 10.1 per cent—appear in the linen trade and building and
construction.
Comparing April, 1919, with April, 1918, on the question of earnings
of employees, more important changes are shown. All except one are
increases. Increases of 58.6 and 58.2 per cent are shown in the
cement trade and printing, respectively. Seventeen trades show in
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L A B O R R EV IEW ,

creases ranging from 16.1 to 41.3 per cent, while the lace trade shows
an increase of 5.9 per cent. The linen trade shows a decrease of 7.2
per cent.
VOLUME OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE UN ITED KINGDOM (GREAT BRITAIN AND
IRELA N D ) IN A P R IL , 1919, AS COMPARED W ITH MARCH, 1919, AND A PR IL , 1918.
[Compiled from figures in the Labour Gazette, London, May, 1919.]
Per cent of
increase (+ ) or
decrease (—) in
April, 1919, as
compared
with—

Industries, and basis of
comparison.

Coal mining: Average number of
days worked................................
Iron mining: Average number of
days worked................................
Quarrying: Average number of
days worked................................
Pig iron: Number of furnaces in
blast..............................................
Iron and steel works:
Number of employees.............
Number of shifts worked........
Tinplate, steel, and galvanized
sheet trades: Number of mills
in operation.................................
Cotton trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Woolen trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Worsted trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Hosiery trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Jute trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Linen trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Silk trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Carpet trade:
. Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Lace trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Bleaching, printing, dyeing, and
finishing:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Boot and shoe trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Leather trades: Number of em­
ployees 2.......................................
Tailoring trades:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Shirt and collar trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Other clothing trades:
Dressmaking and millinery—
Number of employees......

12277S0—19-

April,
1918.

— 1.1

— 2.4

C1)

— 2.5

+17.9

— 1.2

+

.7

- 9.4

+

.5
.7

- 2.7
- 4.6

+ 5.8

+38.3

+ 3.9
(i)

+ •4
+41.0

+ 2.1
+ 4.1

+ 1.5
+33.3

+ 1.8
+ 3.8

+35.8

+ 1-4
+ 5.2

+16.3

- .8
- 1.9

- 2.9
+21.4

- 3.0
- 8.7

-10.2
- 7.2

+ 2.1
+ 1.8

+23.2

+ 2.4
+10.9

+ 7.9
+39.3

+ 2.9
+ 6.0

- 5.0
+ 5.9

+ 1.2
+ 1.2

- 2.5
+18.4

+ 3.7
+ 6.9

+ 6.3
+27.2

+

-

-2

.1

+ 4.0
+ 9.7

- 1.9
+18.5

+ 2.2
+ 2.9

+ 1.6
+20.0

+' 4.0

+ 9.6

Industries, and basis of
comparison.

March, April,
1918.
1919.
Other clothing trades—Con.
Wholesale mantle, costume,
blouses,etc.—
Number of employees—
London.......................
Manchester.................
Glasgow.......................
Corset trade: Number of employees..................................
Building and construction of
works: Number of employees2. .
Woodworking and furnishing
trades: Number of employees2..
Brick trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Cement trade:
Number of employees.............
Earnings of employees............
Paper, printing, and bookbinding trades:
Paper trades—
Number of employees
reported by tradeunions2...........................
Number cf employees
reported by employers.
Earnings of employees reported by employers—
Printing trades—
Number of employees
reported by tradeunions2...........................
Number of employees
reported by employers.
Earnings of employees
reported by employers.
Bookbinding trades—
Number of employees
reported by tradeunions2...........................
Number of employees
reported by employers.
Earnings of employees
reported by employers..
Pottery trade:
Number of employees.............

-10

+ 2.5
+ 1.1
+ 1-7

- 1.4
- 3.5
- .9

+ 5.0

+ 1.1

+

-1

-10.1

+

.4

+ 7.9
+15.4

(3)
+16.5
+41.3

+ 8.9
+12.4

+36.7
+58.6

(3)

(3)

- 2.0

- 2.5

-

.9

+16.9

+

.7

- 2.0

+ 5.7

+22.9

+ 8.7

+58.2

— .7

— 3.4

+ 3.9

+10.0

+ 3.9

+32.5

+ 1.7
+10.0

+ 1.6
+27.2

+ 4.5
- .1

+ 2.4
+16.1

+ 4.5
Earnings of employees............ + • 5
Dock and riverside labor: Num+ 4.5
Seamen: Number of employees.. - 4.3

+19.2
+39.7

Glass trades:
Earnings of employees............
Food preparation trades:

2 Based on unemployment returns.

i No change.


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March,
1919.

Per cent of
increase (+ ) or
decrease (—) iri
April, 1919, as
compared
with—

[141]

3 No report.

+26. 8
+ 4.8

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Demobilization and Employment in France.1
LTHOUGH during tlie war publicists, among both workers and
employers, and public authorities gave some attention to the
problem of reconstructing industry and employment after the war, it
does not appear that any study was carried very far, or that any
definite measure was taken.
On November 13, 1917, the Minister of Labor asked a mixed com­
mission in each Department “ to consider methods of demobilization
most favorable to the resumption of economic life/’ The reports of
these commissions appeared a few days before the armistice was
signed.2 Five of them favored a thorough investigation of the coun­
try ’s needs and resources in labor, equipment, and raw materials, and
a systematic demobilization based on strictly economic principles.
The rest declared for a simple demobilization either by army classes—
i. e., according to the age of the men, as in mobilizing—or by pro­
fessional and trade categories.
In the first six months of 1918 there were at least three plans pro­
posed to secure definite and complete information as a basis for plan­
ning for the industrial period after the war. The National Assembly
at one time and the Ministry of Commerce at another proposed an in­
dustrial census, an inventory of economic needs and resources.
Likewise the Ministry of Munitions designed a questionnaire to elicit
full information as to personnel, equipment, and stock in war indus­
tries. But for different reasons all these measures failed to produce
satisfactory results. The Ministry of War decided that information
as to the civil status, domicile, occupation, etc., should be obtained
from every soldier; but, as the distribution of questionnaires for this
purpose did not start until November 15, 1918, after the armistice,
it is doubtful whether the results can be classified in time to be of
much service.3

Demobilization.
Immediately the armistice was signed, the Government faced the
great economic problem of replacing several million men in normal
productive life. The difficulties were increased by the return of
prisoners and the necessity of converting to normal purposes the
personnel of munitions factories. Should demobilization be by army
classes or by professional and trade categories? Partisans of the
1 La Démobilisation et le Marché du Travail, Bulletin No. 21, Jan. 31,1919, of the Association Française
pour la L utte contre le Chômage et pour l’Organisation du Marché du Travail.
2 Travaux des Commissions mixtes départementales pour le maintien du travail national. Vol. V,
1918.
3 In England a similar investigation was started in March, 1916, and continuously kept up to date.


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143

army class method claimed that the former was the only absolutely
fair way; supporters of the trade category plan maintained that the
only one that promised success was a systematic demobilization
according to the professional or trade capacity of each man. By
December the Government had committed itself to the army class
system—that is, to demobilize practically as it had mobilized. In
some respects, nevertheless, the system proved too rigid, and many
suggestions were made, two of which were apparently adopted.
One was to advance a soldier one class for each of his children—for
instance, a soldier of the class of 1912, having one child, would be
demobilized with the class ahead of his; the other, following England’s
example, was to discharge before their class certain business men,1
who by reopening and rebuilding their business could furnish work
to other demobilized or unemployed men.

Employment.
By Government decree of November 26 the Ministry of Munitions
became the Ministry of Industrial Reconstitution. 2 The minister
outlined plans for avoiding unemployment, such as facilitating the
return of war workers whose homes were in previously invaded
regions; transferring men mobilized in war factories to the Service of
Public Works; granting unlimited leave to farmers working in powder
mills; discharging foreign workmen, enemy prisoners, and wives of
demobilized soldiers, working in munitions factories. Pie declared
his intention of opening all his resources to labor, of prolonging war
work, of obtaining orders from other branches of Government for
new articles to be made in war factories, of furnishing raw material
to manufacturers not executing war work, and of cooperating with
employment bureaus.
The conversion of war factories to peace purposes, although
designed to absorb a large part of idle labor or to prevent labor
from becoming idle, at first aggravated the crisis of unemployment.
Although overtime and night work were stopped and the hours of
work cut down, dismissals from employment had commenced by
December 1. Women were affected the most, large numbers being
discharged. The Ministry of Industrial Reconstitution encouraged
employers to retain women workers, even on five-hour days, five and
a half days a week, with corresponding reduction in pay. This was
done in Government establishments.
To encourage the women to quit voluntarily the Government
offered a fixed sum, calculated on the length of service, to those who
left positions in Government factories before a certain date, set at
1 Called “ pivotalm en” in England.
2 See Monthly L abor R eview for February,, 1919 (p. 257).


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December 15 and subsequently extended to January 5, 1919. Pri­
vate concerns were urged to follow this example. While the measure
induced many women to quit, it drew a vigorous protest from some
elements of organized labor, notably, the Federation of Metal
Workers.
When at the beginning of 1919 numbers of men also were out of
work, protest meetings of unemployed became common, and con­
ferences were held between the labor delegates and Government
officials. On January 18 the Minister of Industrial Reconstitution
made an agreement with these delegates that all men and women
quitting work in war factories, provided they had entered service
at least one month before the armistice, should receive a discharge
bonus equal to 20 days’ pay, two-thirds payable at once by the
Government, and the rest by the employer. In addition, unemployed
persons were to receive for a certain period allowances for dependents.
With a view to extending the provisions of the Labor Code relative
to labor contracts,1 a special law was passed specifying that “ every
management, office, or enterprise, public or private, must guarantee
its mobilized personnel, when possible, the employment held at the
time of mobilization.” I t also provides that the discharged soldier,
if still able and capable, must be reinstated at current wages, and if
incapable of performing the work of his original position, or in case
that position no longer exists, he must be given an analogous or
equivalent one; labor contracts will be resumed and will extend
through the time unexpired at the time of mobilization; the dis­
charged soldier may, within one month after demobilization, refuse
to continue a prewar labor contract; the employer may not annul
such a contract by showing another contract with a man replacing
the soldier, the older contract, suspended by the fact of mobilization,
always taking precedence. The law provides that seniority shall not
be affected by absence from work by reason of mobilization.
The soldiers’ automatic return to their old jobs, however, seems
not to have worked out successfully, due probably to the complete
disappearance of so many enterprises and the inability of others to
resume operations on a prewar scale. Moreover, the “ when pos­
sible” phrase offered a loophole, and there was nothing to prevent
rehiring a man and then, a few days later, the law having been com­
plied with, discharging him.
The resumption of work on public works throughout the country
was not sufficient to solve the whole unemployment problem. On
the other hand, private business was timid. Manufacturers protested
against the competition of Government factories which were kept
going and the orders given to new firms—-“ war babies”—that had

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1 Le Code du Travail, arts. 20—25.

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145

sprung up, which, never having produced anything except through
Government aid, were now flooding the market with overproduction.
The public employment offices, prepared by the experience of three
very busy years and aided by the labor inspectors, labor unions and
employers’ organizations, together with the unemployment benefit
funds, did the most to meet the situation.
In January the Ministry of Labor increased the rates of unemploy­
ment benefits and encouraged all Departments and communes,
which had not already done so, to establish local employment
offices to handle unemployment funds and secure positions for those
out of work. The Government aided in defraying the expenses of
such offices as follows:
Twenty per cent for bureaus securing positions for 20 to 50 persons per month.
Twenty-five per cent for bureaus securing positions for 51 to 100 persons per month.
Thirty per cent for bureaus securing positions for 101 to 200 persons per month.
Thirty-five per cent for bureaus securing positions for 201 to 500 persons per month.
Forty per cent for bureaus securing positions for more than 500 persons per month.

While the country is regaining its economic balance, the Govern­
ment will continue the allowances and benefits for the families of
discharged soldiers which it instituted some time ago.
All hopes of regulating the labor market are centered in the public
employment bureaus. The Minister of Labor thinks 1 that it is in
magnitude only that the present unemployment problems differ from
those which the employment offices have had to solve and that former
methods should be applied in the present crisis.
The task of France is “ to organize the labor market so as to help
as soon as possible the men, who must not become loafers after hav­
ing been the liberators of civilization.” 2
1 Circular of Nov. 18,1918.
2 Sous-Secrétaire d ’E ta t à l’administration militaire, in the Chamber of Deputies Nov. 22,1918.


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[145]

WAGES AND HOURS OF LABOR.
Industrial Survey Conducted by United States
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Early in 1919, at the request of the War Industries Board; the
Bureau of Labor Statistics began an industrial survey to obtain a
definite and reliable body of information concerning the actual wages
and hours of labor and other conditions of employment in the more
important industries of the country distributed throughout 41
States and the District of Columbia, the selection being based largely
upon the number of wage earners. The information was gathered
by agents of the bureau, who visited establishments and copied the
data directly from the pay rolls. The industries covered include
the following:
Automobile.
Brick and tile.
Cars.
Chemicals.
Cigar.
Clothing, men’s.
Clothing, women’s.
Coal, anthracite.
Coal, bituminous.
Confectionery.

Electrical apparatus.
Foundry.
Furniture.
Glass.
Hosiery and knit goods.
Hotels and restaurants.
Iron and steel.
Leather.
Lumber.

Machine shop:
Engine, etc.
Machine tool.
Mill work.
Overall.
Paper and wood pulp.
Paper box.
Rubber.
Silk.
Typewriter.

The preliminary report of the results of this survey has been
sent to the printer. I t represents the basic facts concerning the
hours worked and the earnings received by the employees in different
occupations. -In later reports, each covering a single industry, the
additional information collected in the schedules will be more sys­
tematically and extensively worked over, and such conclusions as
may be drawn from them concerning piece work and time work,
male and female employees, day and night work, the amount of
overtime and the pay for it, and other similar questions will bo
pointed out.
Vo such extensive, and at the same time reliable, body of informa­
tion bearing upon the economic well-being of the wage earners of the
United States has before been presented in a single report.

146

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L A B O R R EV IEW ,

Earnings in Manufacturing Industries in New
York State in March, 1915 to 1919, Inclusive.
bureau of statistics and information of the New York State
THEIndustrial
Commission has recently published very compre­

hensive data regarding the average weekly earnings of labor in
the factories of the State for March of each year, 1915 to 1919,
inclusive, and also comparative index numbers of average weekly
earnings and of retail prices of food in the United States at the same
date.1 The figures are reproduced in the following tables, the first
table showing the average weekly earnings in specified industries for
the State as a whole, with a separate statement of average weekly
earnings in factories in New York City and in factories outside of
New York City. In the second table are shown index numbers of
average weekly earnings in New York State factories and of retail
prices of food in the United States, June, 1914, being taken as the
base, or 100.
AVERAGE W E EK L Y EARNINGS IN MARCH, 1915
STA TE .2

to

1919, IN FACTORIES OF NEW Y ORK
Average weekly earnings in March—

Industry.

1915

Cooking,"heating, and ventilating ap paratus___

Pianos, organs, and other musical instrum ents...

Printing and book m aking.....................................

i The Labor Market Bulletin, March, 1919. Albany.

$13.10
16.98
12.54
11.34
13.19
14.57
14.26
14.09
15.37
14.52
13.15
14.65
14.36
13.89
18.00
14.24
18.75
14.06
12.38
12.39
13.08
13.21
10.65
11.73
10.59
11.34
12.38
11.66
11.29
9.59
13.56
13.12
14.85
12.96
14.22
13.30
14.61
10.69
12.07
16.22

1916
$13.76
15.75
13.26
12.01
13.72
16.00
15.85
14.09
18.93
16.29
13.28
16.35
15.29
15.80
17.08
16.47
22.19
15.16
13.12
13.21
13.21
14.93
11.10
12.89
12.03
13.66
13.72
11.97
12.10
10.49
14.04
„ 13.89
14.68
13.81
14.40
14.64
15.71
11.11

12.38
17.33

1917

1918

$16.49
18.96
16.41
13.49
16.19
18.07
18.11
16.79
23.53
19.39
14.94
17.22
18.18
17.43
19.54
18.74
20.97
16.04
14.80
14.48
14.86
16.78
12.80
14.88
14.93
17.27
15.48
13. 47
14.42
12.44
16.19
15.61
15.28
16.39
16.68
15.74
16.47
12.12
13.16
18.04

$18.79
20.25
19.65
16.85
18.13
21.74
19.68
19.23
27.95
21.25
17.93
21.73
22.47
21.05
23.01
23.57
24.37
18.15
16.77
16.48
17.51
17.26
15.58
17.13
17.07
21.87
17.63
15.81
16.34
14.58
18.60
17.13
17.72
19.61
18.46
19.69
18.67
13.64
14.74
20.46

1919
$24.45
25.03
25.96
21.58
24.63
25.43
24.71
22.53
33.52
30.96
21.36
21.74
26.57
24.52
25.74
26.96
31.76
21.58
19.52
20.24
20.21
18.92
18.69
20.75
20.09
28.09
21.46
18. 61
19.52
17.53
21.82
19.56
20.85
23.43
21.89
24.09
23.03
16.91
17.95
25.23

a Includes all employees in both office and shop. I t is commonly the case that office salaries are higher
th an the average weekly earnings of shop employees. However, the office employees form such a sm all'
percentage of the total num ber of workers th a t their effect, in the computation of the average wage, is
negligible.
3 Factories manufacturing airplane engines only are classified with “ m achinery.”

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LA B O R R EV IEW ,

AVERAGE W E EK L Y EARNINGS IN MARCH, 1915 to 1919, IN FACTORIES OF NEW YORK
STATE—Concluded.
Average weekly earnings in March—
1916

1915

1917

1918

1919

Textiles............................................................................
Silk and silk goods...................................................
Wool manufactures..................................................
Cotton goods........................................................... .
Cotton and woolen hosiery and k nit goods...........
Other textiles an d allied products.........................
Clothing, millinery, laundering, e tc.............................
Men’s clothing..........................................................
Men’s shirts and furnishings...................................
Women’s clothing....................................................
Women’s underwear and furnishings....................
Women’s headwear..................................................
Miscellaneous sewing..................... .........................
Laundering, eclaning, dyeing, etc..........................
Food, liquors, and tobacco............................................
Flour, feed, and other cereal products..................
F ruit and vegetable canning and preserving........
Groceries not elsewhere classified...........................
Slaughtering, m eat packing, and dairy products.
Bread and other bakery products...........................
Confectionery and ice cream ...................................
Beverages..................................................................
Cigars and other tobacco products.........................
W ater, light, and power...................................... .........

9.69
9.47
10.26
9.96
9.19
9.81
11.11
11.12
8.69
16.32
9.36
12.40
8.68
9.15
11.77
15.04
10.06
12.88
13.72
11.58
9.74
18.80
8.53
15.20

Total, all factories in State...................................
Per cent of increase over 1915, all factories in

12.65

13.96

15.79

18.71

22.20

Factories in New York C ity................................
Factories outside New York C ity .....................

12.99
12.43

10.36
14.20
13.82

24.82
15.68
15.85

47.90
17.91
19.14

75.49
22.48
22.03

10.58
10.34
11.12
10.64
9.98
11.04
12.48
12. 65
9.91
17.25
10.07
13.46
9.14
9.45
12.70
15.56
11.49
14.29
15.13
12.31
9.82
19.24
9.58
17.11

12.13
11.37
12.77
12.80
11.38
12.80
14.02
14.60
11.27
19.44
11.26
15.91
9.35
10.56
14.16
17.33
12.50
16.00
16.08
13.44
10.85
20.01
11.54
18.28

14.60
12.83
15.67
15.34
14.07
15.64
16.01
16.60
12.50
22.37
12.72
19.99
9.98
12.31
15.87
20.42
15.05
18.21
19.57
15.02
11.23
22.04
13.12
20.41

15.86
15.05
17.46
14.56
14.27
17.83
19.02
19.22
12.78
28.15
15.45
22.97
13.15
15.20
19.90
23.87
17.88
22.76
25.14
19.91
14.90
26.35
15.68
26.30

COMPARATIVE IN D E X NUMBERS OF AVERAGE W E EK L Y EARNINGS IN N EW YORKSTATE FACTORIES AND OF R E T A IL FOOD PRICES IN T H E U N ITED STATES.
[The figures are indexes, with June, 1914, as 100. Those for prices are derived from the relative prices pub­
lished by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.]

Month.

1914

1915

1916

Aver­
age
weekly Retail
earn- food
ings, prices,
New United
York States.
fac­
tories.

Aver­
age
weekly Retail
earn­ food
ings, prices,
New United
York States.
fac­
tories.

Aver­
age
weekly Retail
earn- food
ings, prices,
New United
York States.
fac­
tories.

January............
February..........
March. ..........
April.................
May..................
Ju n e..................
Ju ly ..................
A ugust.............
September.......
October............
November........
December.........

100
99
99
98
97
97
99

Average for
year........

98

1917

1918

Aver­
Aver­
Aver­
age
age
age
weekly Retail weekly Retail weekly Retail
earn­ food earn- food earn­ food
ings, prices, ings, prices, ings, prices,
New United New United New United
York States. York States. York States.
fac­
fac­
fac­
tories.
tories.
tories.

100
103
108
108
106
106
106

98
98
100
99
100
101
100
102
101
105
106
106

104
102
99
100
101
101
101
101
102
104
105
106

107
108
110
111
112
113
111
114
117
118
119
122

108
107
108
110
110
113
112
114
119
122
.127
127

120
121
124
122
127
128
127
129
134
136
139
139

129
134
134
140
153
154
147
151
155
159
157
159

1 132
139
147
152
157
161
164
167
176
176
2 170
183

105

101

102

114

115

129

147

ICO

1 Drop due to Fuel Adm inistrator’s closing order.
2 Drop due to closing of factories on Nov. 11 (Armistice day).


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1919

102
103
150
150
160
164
169
173
180
183
185
189

181
174
175

170 ..........

187
174
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M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW.

149

Comparison of Wage Payment Methods.
HE methods of wage payment as related to production and their
effect upon the worker is discussed in a recent issue of Indus­
T
trial Management.1 The different methods considered by the author
are: Hourly rate, yearly salary, premium, task and bonus, piece­
work, and profit sharing.
It is stated that the hourly rate is the most pernicious of all and
the least productive of friendly feelings between employer and
employee. I t is also by far the most used. It implies, if it does
not prove, that the employer confesses that he does not know how
much work a man ought to do, but prefers to take a chance rather
than to set a definite task or to agree to a definite price. In other
words, he bets that his employees know less about it than he does.
A yearly salary is justifiable only when the employee is engaged
in originating something—-ideas, usually. A man who is really on
the job 24 hours a day deserves a salary. Any man who would work
at the same job without a salary if he could, deserves a salary. In
fact, in any case where the worker has his heart in his work he should
have a salary. It is, however, a most unbusinesslike thing to accept
a salary, for the recipient throws away one of the greatest incentives
to his growth when he accepts it. When a man is working at piece
rates his income automatically increases as he grows more expert and
capable, whether it is feeding punch presses or selling them; but when
he accepts a salary he places himself where his employer can only
guess his value by reason of the offers which he gets to go elsewhere.
He no longer has a gauge by which to discover whether he is growing
or shrinking, and he becomes the victim of opinion—opinion as
formed by impressions which the employer receives from fellow
workers and others who come in contact with both.
The premium system confesses immediately to a doubt as to what
a workman can or should do. I t virtually says to the man, “ You
know that I am human and that I would not let you earn over $5 a
day at piece rates, but here is a scheme by which I will only take
away from you one-half of what you earn in excess of your daily
rate.” After a while workmen come to see it in this light; therefore
its use is not broadspread.
The task and bonus system recognizes the fact that we have talked
hourly rates so long that everybody makes comparisons by that method.
Therefore it pays men by the hour, but if they do more than a given
“ stint” it pays them an extra bonus which may or may not be in
1 “ The principles of employing labor,” by E. H. Fish, in Industrial Management for May, 1919, pp. 373377. GEast Thirty-ninth Street, New York,


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proportion to production. As a half-way measure toward the right
thing both premium and task and bonus systems have great merit.
Piecework has been abused so much and in such a spirit of open
meanness, that while it has all the virtues that we can require, it is
very hard to reestablish in many places which need it. Its two
faults are, or have been, the setting of rates while in complete igno­
rance of how much work could be done in a day or a year, and the cut­
ting of rates when this ignorance proved costly. Really the first was
the only fault, the second came through self-preservation.
A piece rate based on past performance under an hourly rate has
no scientific value. That method of setting rates has made the stop
watch something despised by workmen and a laughing stock for
the few who have endeavored to get at a true rate. Almost every
repetitive job in a manufacturing establishment can be divided into
the actual work done, which it is easy to calculate from the .drawing,
and the time spent and wasted in looking for the tools, rigging, etc.,
with which to do it, and in making necessary adjustments. When­
ever piecework rates are set and the workmen really believe that
the firm will maintain them, no matter how much the workmen may
earn, there is an immediate demand for tools and equipment which
will allow them to make big money. It will surprise almost any shop
superintendent to take any single job in his shop and discover how
.large a proportion of the time of his so-called producer is spent in
hunting for things which should be at his elbow. One shop which
has a most excellent name for efficiency discovered that its 20'gangs
of erectors had only one tap wrench of a size which all needed. At
least one man was spending all his time hunting for or waiting for
that wrench. Small tools disappear as mysteriously as gold coin
when a shortage is imagined, and for the same reason. Everyone
wants to be sure that he has something with which to work so he
takes what he can get and hides it.
Successful use of piece rates can be expected only when the rates
are set after definite experiment has shown how long it actually takes
to do the operation under consideration, the wasted time being reduced
to a reasonable and computable limit, and when assurance is given
and lived up to that the rate, once set, will be maintained, no mat­
ter if the workman in question makes more than his boss.
It is, however, an admission of ignorance or incompetence on the
part of the management to be in such a position that routine work
can not be put on a satisfactory piece-rate basis. It has been neces­
sary in almost every place where scientific piece rates have been
installed to take away from the foreman the function of leadership,
and reduce him to the standing of a disciplinarian. The great


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

151

majority of present-day foremen do not know how to originate ways
of doing work adaptable to the machinery and tools available for the
job. They can only do what they did in ££the old shop.” It has
been found necessary to institute a planning department, for which
old foremen have seldom been found suited. In fact, it seems as
though the problem of what to do with the foremen who are obstruct­
ing production in our shops to-day is going to be one of the great
problems which must be solved before the simple and rational
straight piece rate is a complete success.
Another possibility in the distribution of financial rewards is profit
sharing. There is very little of this done. There are numerous
plants which hand their employees a check or pay envelope at the
end of the year which is marked ££Share of profits,” but it does not
mean anything to the recipient except that a part of his rightful
wage has been held up. He can not see his part in it, and neither can
his employer, for he has no part in it. In order for profit sharing
to be true to name the recipient must be able to see from time to time
that he has or has not added to the profits which he will share. More
than that, he must have such tenure that he can be assured of some
income from the profits which he helps to make and which are turned
into surplus or building and equipment, If he leaves the company
he should have something in the nature of stock which has a market
value, and which he can take or sell. Most firms which sell stock to
employees sell something which it is agreed shall be turned back at a
price less than what its market value is hoped to he.
The only true profit sharing consists in sale of stock to employees
on easy terms without any brokerage charge. The sale should be
outright with no strings. The man should be as truly a stockholder
as any other man. He should almost be compelled to attend stock­
holders’ meetings to be sure that he understands the financial state­
ments which are made. When he leaves the employ of the company
he should not be compelled to surrender his stock, nor should the
company be bound to buy it. He should, however, be obliged to
offer it to the company at the market price if he wishes to sell at all,
and the company should be willing to buy in its own stock even
though no agreement exists.
No scheme of this kind should be started which, on its face, indi­
cates that employees can never control enough of the stock to become
a factor in the control. In fact, it is doubtful if any great enthusiasm
can be expected unless the possibility of becoming a strong and recog­
nized minority is not present. Why own stock in the concern for
which one works, if ownership means nothing but dividends ? Why
not leave the money in a savings bank ?

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Any concern which doubts the ability of anyone except the present
owners to carry on the business successfully should not try profit
sharing, for the only kind that it will consider will not be accepted
by most of its employees.

Wages and Labor Conditions in Gold Mining.
TN the April, 1919, issue of the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v ie w (pages 177,
"*■ 178), there appeared a table showing wages in various occupations
in gold mining. The source of the information, as noted in the
article in question, was a report on the gold situation by the Depart­
ment of the Interior. The immediate authority for the table was stated
to be the engineer of the California Metal Producers’ Association.
Among the companies whose wage rates were quoted was the
Phelps-Dodge Corporation, of Bisbee, Ariz. That corporation now
informs this bureau that some of the rates quoted as applicable
within that corporation were incorrect. The bureau, therefore, takes
this opportunity to give the corrected figures for the Phelps-Dodge
Corporation.
WAGE RATES PAID BY PHELPS-DODGE CORPORATION, BISBEE, ARIZ.

Date and occupation.

September, 1913:
Machine men.......................................................
Muckers.....................................................
September, 1914:
Machine m en...................................................
Muckers........................................................
September, 1915:
Machine men............................................
Muckers..............................................
September, 1916:
Machine men................................................
Muckers..............................................
September, 1917:
Machine men...................................................
Muckers.................................................
September, 1918:
Machine men................................................
JMuckers........................................................

Quoted
rate per
day.

Corrected
rate per
day.

$4.00
3.75
4.00
4.10
O. 00
5.32
5.07
5.60
5.35
5.50
5.25

Wages Paid to Certain Classes of Labor in British
Columbia.
nPH E annual report of the British Columbia (Canada) Department
“““ of Labor for the year ending December 31, 1918,1gives tables of
wage rates of many groups of industries in the Province, the figures
being corrected to July 31, 1918. The tabulations are based on
1 British Columbia. Department of Labor. Annual report for the year ending Dec. 31,1918
1919. 76 pp.


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Victoria,

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

returns from more than 1,000 firms. There is a summary table from
which the following compilation is made, the figures covering the
week of employment of the greatest number of wage earners :
NUM BER OF WAGE EARN ERS RECEIVING EACH SPEC IFIED W E E K L Y WAGE RATE.
Females.

Males.
AVage group.

18 years Under 18 18 years Under 18
and over. years. and over. years.

$7 to $8.99.. ..
.........................................................................
$9 to $11 99 .....................................................................................
$12 to $15 99
................................................................
$16 to $19 99........................................................................................
$20 to $24 99 .....................................................................................
$25 to $29.99........................................................................................
$30 to $49.99........................................................................................

38
59
172
2,124
5,176
11,657
8,677
16,492
'825

157
197
246
263
150
104
52
15
2

48
128
416
326
86
67
11
8

82
123
118
45

T otal.........................................................................................

45, 220

1,186

1,090

374

2
2
1
1

Of 40,952 men recorded, the group working from 48 to 54 hours
per week, July 31, 1918, had the largest proportion, the number being
9,752, or 23.8 per cent. Approximately 44 per cent were working
48 or less hours per week.
The report notes briefly the work of the free employment bureau
at Vancouver, the strikes that occurred during 1918, and the report
of the Minimum Wage Board giving the text of the first three decrees
entered by the board, affecting the wages of females over 18 years of
age, of those under 18 years, and of apprentices in the mercantile
industry. These decrees were noted in the June, 1919, M o n th ly
L a b o r R e v ie w (pp. 207 and 208). Rates of wages paid to females in
the mercantile, laundry, and cleaning and dyeing industries are given,
based on returns from 174, 17, and 13 employers, respectively. The
following table is a summary of these returns:
W E E K L Y RATES OF WAGES PAID TO FEM ALES IN T H E M ERCANTILE, LAUNDRY AND
CLEANING AND DYEING IN D U STR IES IN BR IT ISH COLUMBIA IN 1918.
Number receiving wage rates of—
Number
of em­
ployees.

Industry.

Under
$8.

$8 and
under
$

11.

$11 and
under
$15.

Over $15.

Mercantile.........................................................................
L aundry...........................................................................

2,043
476
29

290
27

790
237
2

586
172
13

377
40
14

T otal.......................................................................
Per cent..................................................................

2,548

317
12.4

1,029
40.4

771
30.3

431
16.9


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100. 0

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

The Rise in Rates of Wages in Great Britain
During the War.
N article in the British Labor Gazette for May, 1919, (pp. 172A
174) outlines the general wage conditions at the beginning of
the war and gives the amounts of the advances in wages in the
different trades from the close of 1914 to the end of April, 1919.
While there had been a general rise in wages in England for the
three years previous to the war, there had also been a tendency
toward reduction in the first part of 1914. By the end of that year,
however, the rise in the cost of food and the increased demand for
labor had checked this tendency so that in the early part of 1915
both war bonuses and wage increases were granted to railway and
shipyard employees and to large numbers in the engineering trades.
These increases spread to other trades and by the middle of 1916
practically all the important industries had granted them. These
original increases have been generally augmented following the con­
tinued rise in the cost of living though there has been considerable
variation in the amounts. In general, the munition, transport, and
other essential industries, such as coal mining, have been the first
ones each time to give the additional wages—shortage of labor being
an important factor in the granting of increases.

Building Trades .1
Local conditions have affected the wage increases in the building
trades, so there has been considerable variation in the amounts, but
in the large towns the total increases range between 7§d. and 10§d.
(15 and 21 cents) an hour. A table covering cities with populations
of more than 100,000 gives the per cent of increases in these trades
as ranging between 88 and 129 per cent, the lowest being for brick­
layers and the highest for builders7laborers. These figures, combined
on the basis of the number of men employed in the different occupa­
tions, give an average increase of 8|-d. (17| cents) an hour, which is
nearly 110 per cent of prewar wages. In some cases the hours of work
have been reduced to 47 or 44 per week, with a corresponding increase
in hourly rates in order to maintain the weekly wages at the same
level. Taking into account, therefore, all the reductions in normal
weekly hours during the war, the advance in wages in these trades
for a full normal week is about 100 per cent.
‘ Cf. article in the Monthly L abor R eview for June, 1919, pp. 177-180.


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155

Mining.
In coal mining the increases up to 1917 were mainly on a per­
centage basis, the wages ranging in the summer of that year, in differ­
ent areas, from 28 to 47 per cent higher than those paid in August,
1914. In September, 1917, however, the controller of mines ordered
additional flat-rate increases which have twice been raised, so that
at the present time miners are receiving a bonus of 5s. ($1,22) a day.
Special arrangements for certain classes of workers in different
localities have resulted in raising these averages and in some places
the standard rates have been raised. As there is wide variation in
the standard rates it was difficult to determine the average increase,
but it is believed that wages are probably from 110 to 120 per cent
greater than the prewar average for all classes of workers at coal mines.
Wages, including bonuses, have more than doubled in iron mines and
open works.

Metal, Engineering, and Shipbuilding Trades.
In iron and steel manufacture percentage additions to the standard
rates have been made and cost of living bonuses awarded. These
advances in rates range for different occupations from 51 to 150 per
cent, with bonuses of from 2s. lOd. (69 cents) to 3s. 9d. (91 cents)
per shift. Iron and steel millmen and iron puddlers in the principal
districts have had their wages increased from 113 to 117J per cent.
In the engineering and shipbuilding trades a general minimum war
wage advance of 28s. 6d. ($6.93) per week over prewar rates has been
granted for men employed at time rates and of 10 per cent on prewar
rates, plus 21s. 6d. ($5.23), for men working at piece rates. A bonus
of 12J per cent on earnings for time workers and 7 | per cent for
pieceworkers was given to men over 21 years of age engaged on muni­
tions work and has been extended generally to private work. Other
advances, ranging from 10 to 35 per cent, have been given to special
workers engaged in shipbuilding and repair work.
The following table shows the average amount of increase (inclusive
of the 12 J per cent bonus) granted from August 4, 1914, to April 30,
1919, on the district time rates for men in certain representative occu­
pations in a number of the principal engineering and shipbuilding
centers, and the percentage increases over prewar rates:


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AVERAGE AMOUNT OF INCREASE AND RATE OP INCREASE P E R W E EK IN PRINCIPAL
OCCUPATIONS IN THE ENG IN EER IN G AND SHIPBUILDING TRADES DURING THE
WAR PERIOD .

Average (unweighted) increase
in weekly time rates (includ­
ing the bonus of 12J per cent)
in the principal centers, from
Aug. 4, 1914, to end of April,
1919.
Occupation.
Percentage
increase
Amount of increase over
prewar
per week.
rates per
week.
Engineering:
Fitters and turners.....................................................................
Ironmolders..........................................................
Laborers..........................................................
Shipbuilding:
Flaters........................................................................
R iveters.......................................................
Shipwrights.........................................................
Laborers...................................................................

37s. lid . ($9.23)
38s. 2d. ($9.29)
35s. 5d. ($8.62)

98
92
156

37s.
37s.
37s.
35s.

93
98
91
154

4d.
Od.
7d.
2d.

($9.08)
($9.00)
($9.14)
($8.56)

Hours have been reduced from 53 or 54 to 47 without reduction in
weekly time rates.
Minimum rates for women and girls in these trades have been in­
creased to 38s. ($9.25) per week for those not doing men’s work, while
higher rates are paid to women engaged on men’s work or on special
work.
In most of the other metal trades increases have been granted ap­
proximating those in the engineering and shipbuilding trades, while
in the principal districts manufacturing gold, silver, and electroplate
articles an advance of 75 per cent has been given. In the tin-plate
industry in South Wales bonuses varying from 50 per cent for the
highest paid workers to 115 per cent for those receiving the* lowest
rates have been paid. Advances for women and girls in these trades
vary greatly. In the electroplate industry there was an advance of
75 per cent, while in some other trades the minimum hourly rate was
raised.
The average increase on prewar wages in the metal engineering and
shipbuilding trades is estimated to he between 100 and 120 per cent.

Textile Trades.
In the cotton trade increases granted to the end of April, 1919,
amount to 105 per cent of the prewar rates, while certain classes, as
strippers, grinders, and spinners, received additional allowances. In
Yorkshire in the woolen and worsted trade the percentage increases
vary considerably. Time workers in the spinning and weaving sec­
tions and pieceworkers in the worsted spinning section received an
increase of 107 per cent with a maximum weekly wage of 32s. Id.

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($7.81). In other branches of the industry the increases vary from
64J per cent to 125^ per cent and flat-rate increases of 31s. Id. ($7.56)
for men and 20s. 4d. ($4.95) for women were given in the woolcombing industry in one locality. A reduction in hours from 55J to
48 was followed by a general advance in hourly rates and piece rates
in order to maintain the same weekly earnings.
In the textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, and finishing industries
sliding-scale agreements between employers’ and workmen’s organi­
zations have resulted in adjustments according to cost of living
changes, which have averaged practically the same increases in these
trades as those given in the woolen and worsted trades. In other
branches of textile manufacturing both flat-rate and percentage
advances have been made. It is estimated that for the textile
trades as a whole the general rise in rates of wages has been 100 to
110 per cent though this is somewhat offset by the fact that in the
cotton, linen, and jute industries short-time and unemployment have
reduced actual earnings.

Clothing Trades.
In the boot and shoe manufacturing industry rates have been
raised from 87 to 93 per cent for skilled men and a minimum of 30s.
($7.30) established for women. Advances in other clothing trades
have varied in different localities, but general statistics are not
available.

Transport Trades.
Flat-rate wage advances for railway employees in the traffic
sections have amounted to 33s. ($8.03) per week for men and half
of that for boys, while in the shops advances have been the same as
for the engineering trades. Dock laborers have received advances
amounting to from 6s. to 8s. ($1.46 to $1.95) a day, while seamen’s
wages have been raised about 100 per cent with an additional war
bonus of £3 ($14.60) per month for those on monthly articles or
trading within the war zone. This bonus has been extended for the
period covered by the wages act. A shorter week, of 44 hours for
dock laborers and 48 hours in transportation enterprises, has been
adopted without a reduction in wages.

Agriculture.
Minimum rates of wages for farm laborers have been fixed at from
30s. to 38s. ($7.30 to $9.25) a week (increased May 19, 1919, by
6s. 6d. ($1.58) for all except one district) including the value of
certain allowances, such as milk, house, board, and lodging. For
12277S0—19---- 11

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stockmen and special classes higher minimum rates have been fixed.
Increases in rates for all classes vary from 83 to 103 per cent with an
average of 88 per cent exclusive of the recent general raise.

Other Trades.
Increases in wages granted in the principal industrial centers in
the printing and bookbinding trades are from 29s. to 35s. (87.06 to
88.52) per week; furniture manufacture, 8d. to lOd. (16.2 to 20.3
cents) per hour; pottery (North Staffordshire), 71 per cent; glassbottle manufacture, 64 per cent; chemical manufacture, 28s. 6d.
(86.93) per week, plus 12J per cent on earnings; baking and con­
fectionery, 27s. to 33s. (86.57 to $8.03) per week, and gas and elec­
tricity, 28s. 6d. (86.93) per week, plus 124 per cent on earnings.

Summary.
It is evident from the instances cited that the amounts of bonuses
and increases in rates of wages show a wide variation both in the
amounts of the money totals and the percentage increases, the latter
ranging from 60 to over 150 per cent. Flat-rate increases have
resulted generally in a higher percentage increase for the unskilled
workers, while the money equivalent is generally higher for skilled
men when the percentage increase has been given.
While it was impossible to fix an accurate average for all classes, it
is considered that for manual workers generally wages have more
than doubled and the general average increase is considered to lie
between 100 and 120 per cent aside from advances of hourly and
piece rates, which have been largely offset by reductions in the weekly
hours of labor.

Wages of Masters of Vessels in Great Britain.
HE American consul general at London, under date of April 28,
1919, reports the following scale of minimum rates of pay for
masters, to be paid by managers of vessels belonging to or in posses­
sion of the British Ministry of Shipping:


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.
MINIMUM WAGES OP MASTERS OF VESSELS IN GREAT BRITAIN.

Cargo liners and general trade vessels on m onthly articles:
Per month.
Tonnage (gross tons).

1,000 to 2,000..................................................
2,001 to 3^000 ................................................
3-001 to ö'OGO
...................
5,001 to 7,000
........................................
7’001 to 000 ...............................................
9,001 to 12,000................................................
Over 12,000................. ...................................

First
year.

After 1
year.

After 2
years.

After 3
years. *

After 5
years.

$165. 46
175.19
184. 93
194. 66
204.39
218. 99
243. 33

$175.19
184. 93
194. 66
204.39
214.13
228. 73
253.06

$184.93
194.66

$194. 66
204.39

$204.39
218.99

214.13
223. 86
238. 46
262. 79

223. 86
233. 59
248.19
272.52

233.59
243.33
257.92
282. 26

After 6
years.

0)

Coasting cargo steamers on weekly articles: Per week.
201 to 500. . .. .
.................................
501 to 1,000
......................................
1,001 to'2,000 .
2'001 to 3'000..................................................

$41. 37
46.23
46.23
48.67

$43.80
(2)
48.67
51.10

$46.23
48.67
51.10
53.53

$48. 67
51.10
53.53
55. 96

$51.10
53. ,53
58.40

O

1 At manager’s discretion after 6 years.
2 The report does not state whether or not the rate for the first year applies also to the second year.

In explanation of the table, the consul general furnishes the fol­
lowing notes:
N o t e 1.— A master’s pay under the new scale will be determined as regards service
by the period he has held his present post in the same employment as at December
21, 1918.
N o t e 2.—Masters will be entitled to back pay at the rate established by Note 1 for
any period of service on articles or continuous employment with the same managers,
irrespective of articles, from October 6,1917, or from the date of appointment as master
if subsequent thereto.
N o t e 3.— Special war-risk bonus of $14.60 per month or $2.43 per week, payable
from October 7, 1918, is not included in the above rates, and is payable to masters in
addition thereto.
N o t e 4.—Masters serving in oil tank vessels will receive in addition 12J per cent.

------- ------- ----

Six-Hour Day in Soap-Manufacturing Industry
in Great Britain.
N account of the plan proposed by an English soap manufacturer
A
to reduce the working day to six hours and to pay the workers
the same wages as they now receive for 8 or 10 hours’ work was given
in the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v ie w for April (pp. 168-173) in a review
of Lord Leverhulme’s book on The Six-Hour Day and other indus­
trial questions, by Prof. Wm. F. Ogburn, formerly of the University
of Washington. The proposal to inaugurate the six-hour working
day in the soap manufacturing industry of England was further
outlined by Lord Leverhulme at a general meeting of Lever Bros.,

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

of which he is president, held on March 27, 1919, in the following
words: 1
Now, I come to mention some new developments. The first in importance is the
proposed adoption of a six-hour working day. We had intended to do this 12 months
ago, but the cutting down of our raw material supplies rendered it impossible. But
we have now worked out our scheme, and I may tell you that all the trade unions con­
sulted are most anxious to make the scheme workable and satisfactory, and that the
Government, as far as the state of the law will permit, are equally anxious. It is
anticipated that the consent of the Home Office will be given to the draft proposals
which have now been submitted to them. The general features of the scheme are,
first, with regard to day workers and pieceworkers, that we shall work in two shifts—
six hours each shift. The morning shift will commence at 7 o’clock, and, after a break
of a quarter of an hour from 8.45 for some light refreshment, they will continue to wrork
until 1.15 p. m. At 1.15 the morning-shift work for the day will be over. They will
not return to their work until 7 o’clock the next morning. This makes a total of six
working hours per day, with 15 minutes break for a meal, for six days in the week,
Monday to Saturday included. When we come to consider the afternoon shift, there
is a strong feeling and desire to retain the Saturday afternoon half holiday; and to
meet this wish the afternoon shift will only work five afternoons, the average being
seven hours 12 minutes each afternoon, instead of six afternoons of six hours. There­
fore, the afternoon shift will commence at a quarter past 1 (there will be a break of
half an hour for refreshment from 4.45 to 5.15 p. m.) and will stop at 9 p. m., but on
Friday work will stop a quarter of an hour earlier at 8.45, so that the weekly average
is 36 hours. With regard to the shift workers—that is, continuous workers—to divide
the 24 hours into four shifts of six hours each instead of three shifts of eight hours
each, which is our present working day, would create a difficulty with the night shift.
Home life must be considered, and home life requires that a mam on the night shift
should leave home somewhere about 9.30 or 9.45, so that the household can be closed
and all go peacefully to bed at 10 o’clock; and he should not return until 6.15 or
6.30 in the morning, when the household would be up. To insure this will mean a
little irregularity in the working. It means that on the night shift a man will work
eight hours as at present, starting at 10 p. m. and finishing at 6 a. m.; but this will
be balanced by the days when he is only working 5 hours and 20 minutes, and this in
a month will give exactly six hours a day, so that one week out of the four a man will
be working eight hours at night and the other three weeks he will be working only 5
hours and 20 minutes a day. Of course, the shifts will be changed weekly.
Now, with regard to the light meals. We propose to provide these at the firm’s
expense, free to the workers. We feel that it will save enormously in timekeeping and
actual running, and will simplify the catering. The light refreshments will be tea,
coffee, cocoa, bread and butter, and sandwiches, entirely free, at counters adjacent
to where the men are working. Neither men, boys, nor girls will require to walk
further than is represented by getting out of a railway train and going to the refresh­
ment room. I have tested what you can take at a refreshment room in a quarter of an
hour, and I find if I tried I could eat more than is good for me. So that there is ample
time for refreshment. The rate of wages will be exactly the same for a 36-hour week
as for a 48-hour week. This is obviously essential, but-it is equally certain that the
staff can accomplish the work without adding any expense to the company by so
organizing the carrying on of the work that no increased expenditure will fall on the
company. The staff freely recognized in all our discussions that to add to the cost of
making soap would be to handicap us not only with firms in the United Kingdom, but
1
Excerpt from Report on British trade and commerce, by Robert P. Skinner, American consul general
at London, furnished this bureau by the State Department.


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

161

with firms all over the world whom we meet in competition in the export markets, so
that the determination of all of us is that the same wages will be paid and increased
leisure obtained without adding to the cost of the article or making prohibitive the
expense on the business. As to payment of wages, we want to introduce a different
method. Instead of our men crowding around the wage office and waiting their turn,
each man should have a little private banking account in a bank near his own house—
not the firm’s bank, but one of his own selection. We would advise our bank to credit
each man from the pay sheet with the amount of money he is entitled to receive for
his wages. Under this system a man will draw out of his bank what he wants for his
household expenses, and what he does not need will rest in the bank. The amount
left as deposit with the bank will be supplemented by an addition from the firm—we
are favorably considering this—and this will give a man 5 per cent on his money left
in the bank; so that, instead of the money lying at home earning no interest, by adopt­
ing this system it will earn interest. Further than that, the tendency will be always to
leave a little more each week in the bank; and I feel confident that if we can get this
system universally adopted it will not only raise the workingman’s position, but add to
his dignity, because, instead of crowding around a little pay office, he will be led to
become a saver, having money to invest in the business he is engaged in or other
businesses.

Wages and Labor Conditions in Argentina.
Shipyards . 1
T the end of 1918 the Department of Labor completed an investi­
gation of wages and hours of labor in the shipyards of Buenos
Aires. I t was found that this industry had largely increased as a
result of the war. The work was mainly in the repair of old ships;
but notwithstanding the difficulties presented it has been possible
to construct new ships of 1,000 tons burden.
This prosperity has been reflected in an increase in wages. The
average daily wages in 12 shipyards, not including extra earnings for
overtime, holiday, night, and Sunday work for 2,022 persons employed
was $6.22 Argentina money.2 In all but one yard eight hours constituted, a day’s work. In the yard excepted work was paid for by
the hour, and a day’s work was fixed at nine hours. Sunday work
and overtime was paid at the rate of double time.
The report states that the increase in wages since the war began is
equal to 70 per cent. The usual working hours are from 7 to 11 a. m.
and 1 to 5 p. m. There has been no unemployment reported in this
branch of industry.
The Federation of Naval Construction Workers, organized April 20,
1917, consists of six unions, as follows: Boiler makers, scrapers,
naval metal workers, painters and shipyard laborers, calkers, and
carpenters and sailmakers.
1 Cronica Mensual del Departamento Nacional del Trabajo, Buenos Aires, January, 1919.
2 All money values herein quoted are in Argentina money; the report does not state whether nacional

(currency) or oro (gold).


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

The average daily wages of skilled and ordinary laborers in these
various branches are reported as follows:
AVERAGE WAGES OF SHIPYARD EM PLOYEES, BUENOS AIRES, 1918.
Average daily wage of—
Occupation.

F itters........................
Masons........................
Sawyers......................
Calkers........................
Boiler makers 2..........
Carpenters..................
Coppersmiths............
Forgers.......................
Holders......................

Average daily wage of—
Occupation.

Partly Ordi­ ApSkilled skilled
nary pren­
labor. labor. labor.
tices.
$7.12
5.89
8.00
9.00
7.78
8.09
8.36
7.57
7.23

i Helpers.

$6.25 $5.50
5.00
4.50
M.50
6.48 5.64
5.15 4.83
6.00 4. 97
6.50 5.78
5.87 4. 86

2 Helpers, $5.23.

$1.50
3.00
1.00
2.50
2.30
(3>

Partly Ordi­ Ap­
Skilled skilled
nary pren­
labor. labor. labor.
tices.

Blacksmiths...............

$5.93
6. 08
6.00
Machinists.................. <8.15
Painters......................
6.01
Plum bers...................
8.00
Autogenous welders.. 11.00
Turners, wood...........
8.00
6.40
3 Helpers, $5.30.

$5.57
6.50 $4. 88
i 3.00
i 5.50
i 5.50
7.00

* Helpers,

$2.00
1.90

$5.75.

The average wages of supervisors vary from $17.67 per day for
boiler makers and $12.75 for machinists to $7 for painters. Among
the 2,022 employees for whom the average wages have been deter­
mined there were 615 persons classed as ordinary laborers and 72 as
apprentices. Sailmakers earned $5.94 per day, pattern makers
$7.83, and common shipyard laborers $5.38.
In 15 other classes of establishments in Buenos Aires the number of
employees increased from 50,094 in 1917 to 53,724 in February, 1918,
while the number of persons employed on tramways decreased from
5,521 to 5,437 during this period.1

Wages of Municipal Employees.
The budget for the Federal capital provides:2 “ All municipal
employees, whether males or females, over 17 years of age, who
receive no other remuneration, rent or food, and have no other paid
occupation, shall be paid from January 1 , 1919, a minimum wage of
$4 per day or $100 per month. ”
Further data relative to wages in 1917 collected by the department
show that the average wTages of all employees (53,546) in the various
industries in Buenos Aires were as follows: Men (32,583), $3.70
per day; men (9,809), $101.56 per month; women (7,638), $2.26 per
day; women (3,516), $70.44 per month; and the average hours worked
per day 8 hours and 46 minutes.3
1 Cronica Mensual del DepartamentQ National del Trabajo, Buenos Aires, December, 1918.
2 Idem, January, 1919.
3 Idem, February, 1919.


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

183

Employment of Minors.1
The employment of minors under 16 years of age was greater in
1918 than in any other period since the regulating of such employ­
ment became effective. There were 5,586 minors under 16 employed
in 1914; 4,093 in 1915; 5,215 in 1916; 6,625 in 1917; and 9,767 in 1918.
The report says the increase shown may he due to an improved
inspection service, a greater degree of employment of minors, and the
premature closing of the schools in 1918 as a result of the epidemic of
influenza. The employment of minors reached its maximum during
the months in which the schools were closed. In November, 1918,
1,263 minors obtained permits to work; and in December, 1,931 per­
mits v/ere issued. During the other months the number varied from
515 in June to 818 in January.

Strikes and Labor Disputes .1
The effects of the maritime strike became so serious that the
executive department issued a decree on February 22, 1919, which
authorized the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Marine
to supply through the general office of hydraulic works and the pre­
fecture of ports, to all interested parties who may demand them,
laborers necessary to man coastwise ships, launches, and tugboats,
and laborers for ballasting and handling cargoes.
Wages, salaries, hours, and extra remunerations for all classes of
laborers so furnished are to be the same as is paid like labor by the
hydraulic department and the port administration.
All efforts of the national department of labor to have the dispute
submitted to arbitration have been fruitless.
This strike followed a demand for an increase of wages; an eighthour day, both at sea and in port; better hygienic conditions; extra
pay for overtime and all recognized holidays; monthly pay days
between the first and tenth of the month, and, in port, payment at
least 48 hours before the vessel’s departure, of wages due at the time;
and that no member of the crew shall be required to do any work
other than that for which he was specifically employed.2

Industrial Accidents . 3
During the year 1918 there was deposited in the national accident
fund $807,024.88 as compensation for industrial accidents, excluding
temporary accident compensation paid directly to the injured
employee. Of this total, $20,068.94 was for 7 cases of total permanent
incapacity, $371,516.55 for 541 cases of partial permanent inca­
pacity, and $415,439.39 for accidents resulting in the death of 123
employees.
1 Cronica Mensual del Departamento Nacional del Trabajo, Buenos Aires, February, 1919.
2 Idem, December, 1919.
3 Idem, February, 1919.


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

The average compensation in cases of death was $3,377, for total
permanent incapacity $2,867, and for partial permanent incapacity
$ 686 .

The amounts deposited with the fund for the three years of the
operation of the law, 1916, 1917, and 1918, were $282,771, $416,339,
and $807,024, respectively; and the total number of accidents re­
ported in the respective years were 103, 246 and 671.
--------------------

Eight-hour day in Metal and Mining Industries
in France.1
i

R

EPRESENTATIVES of the metallurgical, mining, mechanical
construction, electrical and manufacturing employers’ union,
and of the F ederation of Metal W orkers of F ranee have agreed upon the
following articles : There shall be an eight-hour day in all of these indus­
tries. The employees will adapt themselves to the modem develop­
ment in machinery and to reasonable methods of work in order that
production may early resume its former status and attain the propor­
tions necessary to the general welfare. The employers recognize
that in order to maintain and develop production it is expedient to
establish piece rates, premiums, and bonuses, and they agree to
guarantee a wage based upon production under normal conditions;
and if, by reason of the activity and efforts of the employees, pro­
duction exceeds this base, the employees are assured that their in­
tensified production shall not be considered as a reason for a reduc­
tion of wages. The reduction of the hours of labor to eight per day
shall not work a decrease in wages. Employees working by the hour
shall have compensating increase of hour rates, but changes in piece
rates shall be demanded only when such rates, without change in
equipment, do not afford, with normal effort, an opportunity to earn
the usual wages. Foreign workmen having equal occupational
skill as French workmen may be employed when industrial condi­
tions demand it and shall receive equal wages and remunerations.
The provision regarding the eight-hour day becomes effective June
1, 1919, in mechanical construction, metallurgy, naval, electrical,
and manufacturing establishments. In establishments where opera­
tion is continuous, however, and in which special difficulties are en­
countered in increasing the personnel and in changing machinery,
the eight-hour day shall not be established until six months after the
signing of the peace treaty. In order to meet these conditions the
two organizations agree to make in common the necessary investiga­
tions relative to improvement in machinery, recruiting of labor, and
needed changes in methods and operations.

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1 La République Française, Paris, Apr. 19,1919.
1164]

MINIMUM WAGE.
Minimum Wage in the Printing Trades in the
District of Columbia.
N the May,
issue of the
(pp.
IWage
219), an account was given of the formation of the Minimum
Board of the District of Columbia, its creation of a conference
1919,

M o n t h l y L abo r R e v ie w

216-

to consider wages for women in the printing trades, and the recom­
mendation of this conference that $15.50 per week should be accepted
as the minimum for women experienced in the work, with lower rates
for learners. As required by law, the Minimum Wage Board an­
nounced a public hearing upon this recommendation, at which any­
one wishing to protest would have full opportunity. The hearing
was held June 13, 1919, and on the whole, very little opposition to
the rate was manifested. Several employers urged, however, that
temporary exceptions ought to be made in the case of firms working
on contracts which had been figured on the basis of the wages hitherto
prevailing. “ One company was cited as very likely to lose $20,000
on its contract, which has two years yet to run, to print a magazine
for a well-known national society.”
The members of the board were unwilling to make exceptions, be­
cause of the confusion which would be thus created, and the conse­
quent difficulty of enforcing the law. They suggested that the
holders of such contracts would undoubtedly consent to a modifica­
tion of terms in view of the different situation brought about by
the wage award. After full discussion the recommendations of the
conference were confirmed without making any exceptions, in the
following order, dated June 13, 1919:1
T o ivhom i t m a y concern:
T a k e N o t ic e .—That

pursuant to and by virtue of the authority vested in it by
act of Congress (Public, No. 215, 65th Cong.) and after public hearing duly held in
Washington, D. C., on Friday, June 13, 1919,
The Minimum Wage Board of the District of Columbia does hereby order that—
1.
No person, firm, association, or corporation shall employ an experienced female,
irrespective of age, in the printing, publishing, or allied industries at a weekly wage
of less than $15.50, any lesser wage being hereby declared inadequate to supply the
necessary cost of living to female workers in such industries and to maintain them
in health and to protect their morals.

1M. W. B. Order No. 2, Printing, publishing, and allied industries.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

2. The term “ experienced female,” as used in this order, means one who has been
employed in these industries one year or more.
3. The weekly wage for learners may be less than the wage for experienced workers
provided that:
(a) Learners shall he paid a weekly wage of not less than $8 for the first three months
of employment, of not less than $9 for the second three months of employment, of
not less than $11 for the third three months of employment, of not less than $12 for
the following three months of employment, and thereafter shall be considered experi­
enced workers, and shall be paid not less than the minimum wage prescribed for
experienced workers.
(b ) All learners shall be registered with the board not later than three days from
the date their employment begins and it shall be the duty of the employer to require
a certificate of such registration and the learner shall apply in person to the board for
such certificate. Pending the receipt of this certificate the learner shall be paid not
less than the minimum rate for the wage group in which she belongs.
4. The total number of female learners in any establishment shall not exceed one
to every four experienced females employed, provided that in establishments where
less than four females are employed one learner’s certificate of Registration shall be
valid. It is further provided that if, after making reasonable efforts, an employer
is unable to secure all the experienced workers needed, he may, after first notifying
the Minimum Wage Board, employ such inexperienced females as may be necessary,
provided that within two days thereafter he file with the board a written statement
showing the efforts made by him to obtain experienced workers, the reasons for his
inability to do so and a record giving the name, residence, length of experience in
this kind of work and wage of each inexperienced female so employed.
5. All females now employed in the printing, publishing, and allied industries
shall be rated and paid in accordance with their period of employment at not less
than the rates specified for such period in section 3a.
6. A license may be issued by the board to a woman whose earning capacity has
been impaired by age or otherwise authorizing her employment at a rate less than
the minimum, such special rate to be fixed by the board.
7. The board shall have jurisdiction over all questions arising as to the adminis­
tration and interpretation of this order.
8. The term “ printing, publishing, and allied industries” shall include printing,
publishing, bookbinding, engraving, lithographing, multigraphing, duplicating,
addressographing, and similar processes connected with these industries.
This order shall become effective 60 days from date hereof, to wit, August 13, 1919.
In accordance with sections 12 and 18 of the District of Columbia minimum wage
law (Public, No. 215, 65th Cong.) after this order becomes effective it shall be unlawful
for any employer affected hereby to fail to observe and comply herewith, and any
person who violates this order shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100,
or by imprisonment for not less than 10 days nor more than three months, or by both
such fine and imprisonment.
Minimum Wage B oard

op the

D istrict

op

Columbia.

N otice.— Your attention is respectfully called to section 12, Public, No. 215, Sixtyfifth Congress, which provides that every employer affected by this order shall
keep a copy posted in a conspicuous place in each room in his establishment in which
female workers are employed.

To facilitate the enforcement of the law, the Minimum Wage
Board prescribes the keeping of certain records, as set forth in the
following order, dated June 13, 1919:1

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1M. W. B. Order No. 1, employer’s record.
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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.
T o w h o m i t m a y concern:
T a k e N o t ic e .—That

pursuant to the authority in it vested by act of Congress
(Public, No. 215, 65th Cong.) and in accordance with the determination by it to-day
duly made and rendered,
The Minimum Wage Board of the District of Columbia does hereby order that—
Every person, firm, association, or corporation who employs women or minors
within the District of Columbia shall keep a record containing the following infor­
mation concerning each such employee:
1. Name (in full, with designation Miss or Mrs.).
2. Address.
3. Age: Adult or minor (if minor, give exact age).
4. Date at which employed.
5. Wage at which first employed.
6. Hours worked per day and per week.
7. Length of experience in present kind of work.
This order shall become effective August 1, 1919.
In accordance with sections 12 and 18 of the District of Columbia minimum wage
law (Public, No. 215, 65th Cong.) after this order becomes effective, it shall be unlawful
for any employer affected hereby to fail to observe and comply herewith, and any
person who violates this order shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon
conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100,
or by imprisonment for not less than 10 days nor more than 3 months, or by both
such fine and imprisonment.
M in im u m W a g e B o a r d

op t h e

D is t r ic t

of

C o l u m b ia .

N o t ic e .—The term “ woman” includes only a woman of 18 years of age or over;
the term “ m in o rm e a n s a person of either sex under the age of 18 years (sec. 1,
Public, No. 215, 65th Cong.).

At present a conference appointed by the Minimum Wage Board
is working upon the question of a minimum wage for women in
retail stores. Its report, with recommendations, is expected within
a few weeks. Apart from this, the board is carrying on an investi­
gation into wages in hotels and restaurants, with a view to appoint­
ing a committee to determine a minimum wage for such work should
prevailing rates be found low.


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[167]

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY.
Model Contract of Employment for Domestic
Service in Berlin.
NE of the first legislative acts of the new Government in Germany
O
was the abrogation of the existing oppressive laws regulating
domestic service. The abolition of these special laws has made it
necessary to find something to fill the gap. In Berlin, in connection
with the municipal employment exchange, a board (Euratorium) has
been established, consisting of representatives of housewives’ and
domestic servants’ associations. This board has drawn up a model
form of domestic service contract to be signed by both parties before
an engagement is concluded.1 The following are the chief points in
the model:
It states exactly the kind of work to be done, the number of per­
sons in the household, the number of rooms, and the number of floors
in the house, and provides that remuneration will include lodging,
adequate board, and a monthly wage of ----- - marks, to be paid on
the last day of each month. (For a beginner a minimum wage of
15 marks ($3.57) per month plus 5 marks ($1.19) high-cost-of-living
bonus is proposed. The domestic servant must be registered with
the proper local sick fund and the legal deductions must be made
from the pay for invalidity and sickness insurance.)
The contract specifies in detail whether washing, carpet beating,
coal carrying, window washing, floor polishing, etc., is to be done.
Information as to the servant’s household experience and education
and training is asked.
The door of the room assigned to the servant must be provided
with a lock and key, and the room must have a bed for his or her
exclusive use, a window opening into the outer air, a wardrobe,
washing appliances, and a towel. There must also be means for
heating the room. Where heat can not be provided during the
present period of transition, another heated room must be available
for the servant during his or her spare time.
Where there is a bathroom in the house, the servants must be per­
mitted to use it or else they must be granted time and money to have
one bath per week outside.
i Soziale Praxis und Archiv für Volkswohlfahrt, vol. 28, No. 20. Berlin, Feb. 13, 1919, pp. 330 ff.

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The daily period during which, the servant must be at call shall be
as a rule 13 hours, of which 2 hours shall be free for meals and other
purposes. After 7 p. m. the servant shall only be liable to perform
current work such as getting supper, preparing bedrooms, opening
the door, etc. Washing, ironing, scouring, etc., are not to be under­
taken after that time. Any work done after 8 p. ni. on account of
visitors or parties must be paid for extra, the overtime rate to be
50 pfennigs (11.9 cents) an hour for work done up to 10 p. m., and
75 pfennigs (17.9 cents) per hour for work done after 10 p. m.
In case of sudden cases of illness of a noninfectious nature in the
household the servant must be ready to perform work outside of the
regular working hours. The servant may, however, decline to care
for and attend a person afflicted with an infectious disease and to
clean the utensils required for his care.
The servant shall be given leave every other Sunday after 3 p. m.,
and each week one free afternoon of at least 4 hours after 4 p. m.
shall be allowed.
The servant shall not leave the house without notifying the em­
ployer. Girls under 18 years of age must return on week days not
later than 10 p. m. and Sundays on which they have leave at a time
to be agreed on. For adults, the hours of return on week days is
left to agreement with the employer.
No deductions shall be made for household utensils accidentally
broken.
After one year’s service the servant shall be entitled to at least
one week’s leave with full pay and suitable allowance for board.
This leave is to increase by one week for every two years’ additional
service up to a maximum of three weeks.
Two weeks’ notice shall be given on leaving the service or on
discharge.
Instead of the service pass book hitherto prescribed testimonials are
to be produced by the servant if required to do so. These shall be
returned when the servant begins work.
If disputes arise while the contract is in force, they are to be settled
by an arbitration board consisting of an equal number of representa­
tives of housewives and servants.


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INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND HYGIENE.
Occupational Diseases in Pennsylvania.1
By

A l ic e H

a m il t o n ,

M. D.

ENNSYLVANIA is probably the most important industrial State
in the Union. Certainly to the student of occupational diseases it
P
is much the most important, for no other State has so wide a variety of
those industrial processes which carry with them danger to the
workers either because of poison in the form of fumes, liquids, or dusts,
or because of mechanically irritating dusts which injure the throat
and lungs.
I t would be impossible to describe in detail all the dangerous
trades of Pennsylvania, impossible to more than mention those
which are not classed as dangerous but which are known to have a
sickness rate higher than the average for industry. Lead poisoning
usually comes first in order, since it is considered by far the most
important of the industrial poisons.

Lead Poisoning.
A great deal of lead work is done in Pennsylvania. In the Pitts­
burg region much molten lead is used in making machine parts and
castings, plumbers’goods, in tempering steel, and in manufacturing lead
pipe, sheet lead, and wire; lead compounds are used in enameling
sanitary ware and in grinding paint; white lead is corroded and
oxides are roasted. The Philadelphia region has large white-lead
works and oxide roasters, and paint factories. Lead oxides are
used in large quantities in the manufacture of storage batteries in
Philadelphia, and the shipyards use great quantities of white lead
and red lead paint. In several parts of the State tile works use a
lead glaze, and there are many brass foundries and factories in which
lead poisoning occurs because of the presence of lead as an impurity
in the brass. There are also factories in which molten lead is used—
type metal, solder, babbitt. Rubber works use lead salts in com­
pounding, and small refineries work up lead scrap, dross, and lead
refuse of all kinds.
No figures are available in Pennsylvania, or for that matter in
any State, to show how much lead poisoning occurs in any of these
industries. Studies made for the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics
1F rom the report of the Health Insurance Commission of the General Assembly of th e Common­
wealth ot Pennsylvania, January, 1919. 317 typewritten pages.

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have provided us with information concerning the chief lead indus­
tries throughout the country, and at the time the studies were made the
Pennsylvania plants did not differ in any important respect from
those in the other States included in the investigations, nor was
there any reason to suppose that there was less lead poisoning in
them than in those of other States. The publications of the bureau
show that in 1910-11 the white-lead industry had a rate of about
18 per cent yearly of lead poisoning. In enameling sanitary ware
the yearly rate in 1911 was 21.4 per cent, and in glazing tiles the
rate during the same year was 13.9 per cent. In the smelting and
refining of lead there was a little over 22 per cent of lead poisoning
in 1912. Making storage batteries caused lead poisoning in almost
18 per cent of all those employed in 1913.
Since these figures were compiled certain of the lead industries in
Pennsylvania, notably the making of white lead and of lead oxides
and the making of storage batteries, have improved greatly and
now undoubtedly have a much lower rate of poisoning. Not so
much improvement has taken place in other lead trades; indeed it
is doubtful whether there is much less plumbism in the smaller
refineries and in the establishments using solder and casting lead
than there was before general attention was called to this kind of
danger to workmen. The notoriously dangerous lead trades have
been made much safer, the less dangerous ones have hardly changed
at all, and hospital records that used to carry many cases from
white-lead works and storage-battery works get the greater number
of their cases from among solderers, lead burners, type founders, and
makers of tin cans.
Printers and painters are too numerous for any complete investi­
gation concerning their rate of lead poisoning. Both are notoriously
unhealthy lead trades, the latter much more so than the former.
The printing trade has always had more than its share of ill health,
but it is impossible to be sure just how much is due to the presence
of lead and how much to the fact that it is an indoor trade involving
little muscular effort and much nervous strain. In the course of an
investigation made for the Bureau of Labor Statistics it was found
that out of 200 working printers,, 100 in Chicago and 100 in Boston
had 18 or 19 per cent lead poisoning. It is not clearly defined lead
poisoning, however, that causes most of the ill health among printers,
rather the lead acts in lowering the resistance to tuberculosis and in
encouraging the progress of the so-called “ old age” or degenerative
diseases, Bright’s, heart disease, and general arteriosclerosis. Of late
years the printers have succeeded in lowering their tuberculosis rate
and in adding to the average duration of life, but an increasingly large
number are now suffering from old-age diseases during the middle
years of life.

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The most severe and crippling forms of lead poisoning are found
among painters, for this is a skilled industry and men do not drop it
easily even if they know it is ruining their health. The examination
of 100 painters in Chicago in 1913 showed that not fewer than 59 of
them were suffering from some form of plumbism. If the same pro­
portion holds good among the 14,000 journeymen painters in the
State of Pennsylvania, there must be some 8,000 whose health is
somewhat impaired as a result of their work. Lead-poisoned painters
often have very serious forms of plumbism. Among 100 lead-poisoned
painters in Chicago' there were 42 cases of palsy, 9 cases of brain
disease, 11 cases of impaired sight, and 11 of general hardening of
the arteries. Painters are exposed to other injurious substances
besides lead, to the benzine or naphtha in quick-drying paints, to
benzol in coal-tar paints, to turpentine, wood alcohol, carbon tetra­
chloride and to carbon monoxide gas which rises from the charcoal
stoves placed in new buildings to dry out the walls.
Painting in factories may be either much less dangerous than
house and ship painting or rather more so. Instances of the safe
branches are the painting of machinery and vehicles with leadless
paints by dipping them into vats of paint. Instances of the dangerous
forms are the painting and sandpapering of wheels and bodies of
automobiles and carriages where a paint rich in lead is used. The
most dangerous work for the journeyman painters is interior deco­
rating of houses, requiring many coats of white lead paint which
must be sanded down, and ship painting where great quantities of
white and red lead paints are used. Ship painting employs a large
number of painters in Pennsylvania.
From records of hospitals in Philadelphia and Pittsburg the
following industries were shown to have caused lead poisoning severe
enough to require hospital treatment. The well-known lead indus­
tries are not included here.
Grinding lead enamel for sanitary ware.
Sanitary ware enameling.
Lead tempering.
Lead casting.
Sweeping up scrap and dross from lead casting.
Unloading lead bullion from cars.
Plumbing trade.
Making lead stoppers and perforated filters for wasbstands.
Pouring brass.
Polishing brass.
Making tinware.
Soldering tincans.
Chipping off old red lead paint.


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Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is probably the closest rival of lead as an occu­
pational poison. Carbon monoxide poisoning is yearly on the
increase as the use of producer gas for heat and power increases and
as the automobile industry increases. All incomplete combustion
of gas is accompanied by the production of carbon monoxide, but
the gas is found more especially in the steel foundries, in smelters,
brick kilns, enameling furnaces, bakeries, laundries, and in coke
by-products works. In testing automobiles many cases of carbon
monoxide poisoning have occurred through the escape of exhaust
gases, which are composed largely of this compound. Acute carbon
monoxide poisoning is far from rare in the great steel mills of the
Pittsburg region. It causes dizziness, weakness, confusion, or rapid
loss of consciousness, which may end in death in a very short time.
If the man recovers from an attack there may be a more or less
permanent loss of memory and mental powers, or pneumonia may
develop, which is very likely to be fatal. Cases of chronic carbon
monoxide poisoning is found among steel workers and also among
pressers in tailor shops and among tailors who work in the same room
with them, among printers working in shops where gas is used to
keep lead melted and there are no pipes to carry off the fumes, among
bakers who are exposed to gas fumes, and among solderers of cans who
use the heat of naked gas jets. This chronic poisoning causes an
increasing anemia, with all its consequences, loss of nutrition, loss of
strength, nervousness, indigestion, and a tendency to infectious
disease, especially tuberculosis.

Brass.
The metallic poisons which are used in Pennsylvania industries are
brass (an alloy of copper and zinc), mercury, arsenic, and antimony.
Brass poisoning as often described is really lead poisoning, for brass
polishers and buffers do not become poisoned by the solid brass; if
they are poisoned it is from the lead so often present in the alloy.
Keal brass poisoning is met with in brass founding or pouring, when
the thick white fumes given off are allowed to escape and contaminate
the air of the room. The sublimed zinc oxide is the element in these
fumes that gives trouble, not any form of copper, and zinc smelters
suffer from the same kind of symptoms as do zinc welders. Brass
founders’ ague, as it is called, is not considered a serious affection by
either physicians or the workmen themselves. I t resembles a short
attack of chills and fever, but clears up rapidly. Nevertheless, brass
workers do not have as good health as the average of men employed
in manual work. Probably this is the result of exposure not only
122778°— 19----- 12

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to brass but to lead and sometimes arsenic, to heat, abrupt changes
of temperature, heavy work, and to carbon monoxide from the
furnaces.

Mercury.
Mercury is used chiefly in the making of felt hats, a fairly large
industry in this State. The rabbit fur used for felting is treated with
nitrate of mercury and all who handle it after this preliminary
“ carrotting” are liable to mercurial poisoning.
The felt hat industry
is notoriously unhealthful all over the civilized world. In addition
to the presence of so powerful a poison as mercury there is the
irritating effect on the lungs of the particles of fur in the air, the
atmosphere of steam in certain departments, and the wood alcohol
used in shellacking the felt. This industry has more cases of
industrial wood alcohol poisoning than has any other trade.

Arsenic.
Arsenic is present as an impurity in much iron, zinc, and lead ore
and also in much of the muriatic and sulphuric acid used in industry.
When such an acid is brought in contact with such a metal, arsenic in
the form of arseniureted hydrogen is given off and poisons the work­
man. Lead burners become poisoned by the hydrogen which they use
for their oxyhydrogen flame and which they make from muriatic
acid and zinc and makers of toy balloons by the hydrogen used to
fill the balloons. Such cases are seldom rightly diagnosed, for there
is nothing in the industry to suggest arsenic to the physician. The
making of arsenical insecticides is not carried on in Pennsylvania.

Various Industrial Gases.
Gaseous poisons less important than carbon monoxide are sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen oxides, chlorine, ammonia, and ether. Sulphur
dioxide is believed by many practical men to be devoid of real danger,
yet it was one of the poisons that Germans selected for experiment
when they inaugurated gas warfare. I t is given off chiefly in the
making of sulphuric acid and in the making of carbolic acid, both of
them carried on in this State. Chlorine is given off during the early
stages of nitric acid manufacture. It is the gas that was used almost
exclusively during the first year of gas warfare. Ammonia gas may
cause so much irritation of the respiratory tract as to set up a fatal
pneumonia. It is used in refrigerating plants and in the making of
artificial ice, and to a less extent in making ammonium nitrate for
the explosive industry.
Nitrogen oxides are a danger wherever nitric acid is made or used.
The manufacture of nitric acid has increased enormously since the

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i

|
;
j
i

175

war and so has its use in the making of explosives, all of which are
nitrated products. There is nothing in the making or use of nitric
acid that requires the escape of nitrous fumes. On the contrary,
every effort should be made to prevent their escape in the interests of
economy as well as to protect the workmen. Of recent years the
handling of this dangerous acid has greatly improved and there is
much less “ fume poisoning” in nitric acid works and in the making
of picric acid, nitro-cotton, trinitrotoluol, and celluloid than there
was three years ago. Nevertheless it is impossible to prevent
altogether the leaking of pipes or vats, for strong nitric acid is very
corrosive, and there is still some poisoning from this gas among
workers in Pennsylvania acid plants and in explosives manufacture.

Coal Tar Products.
Since the beginning of the war, when supplies from Germany were
shut off, there has been a great increase in Pennsylvania of industries
involving exposure to coal tar products. Formerly a certain amount
of benzol was imported from Germany but it was costly and did not
find extensive use. The petroleum derivatives, naphtha and benzine,
were cheaper and more abundant and they were used largely in rubber
manufacture, in making quick-drying paints, paint removers, varnishes,
shellacs, and so on. Benzol is said to be a better solvent than naph­
tha, but it was too expensive. Since the war benzol has been manu­
factured on a large scale in this country and some of the largest plants
are in Pennsylvania. This benzol is used not only for its solvent
properties but as a starting point for the manufacture of anilin.
The latter is then used to make anilin dyes and also in compounding
rubber, making type roller cleaners, shoe polishes, and one of the
high explosives, tetryl.
Closely related to benzol is toluol, extracted from illuminating gas
and latterly used in large quantities to make the charge for highexplosive shells—trinitrotoluol, commonly called TNT. Pennsyl­
vania has not only important plants for the nitration of toluol and
the purification of crude TNT, but also at least one large shell-loading
plant where the TNT is made into charges and loaded into shells,
and also one in which detonators are made from TNT and tetrjd.
Benzol and toluol and their derivatives are all poisons to the blood
and to the nervous system, being absorbed largely through the skin.
Benzol is the one most rapidly poisonous, a short exposure to heavy
fumes being frequently fatal. Anilin is volatile and has a rapid
effect but is not so serious a poison as TNT, which is more slowly
absorbed, and for that very reason has a more profound effect,
because it does not give prompt warning of danger as does anilin.
Tetryl is, so far as is known, only slightly poisonous, producing an

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eruption on the skin which is distressing but not dangerous. Toluol
is like benzol in its effects. The extraction of benzol from coal tar
in Pennsylvania has been followed by several fatal cases of benzol
poisoning.
The substitution of benzol for naphtha and benzine means that
work in rubber manufacture, in making and using shellacs and var­
nishes, using varnish removers and paint removers, using rubber
cement for sealing cans, and dry cleaning and dyeing, are probably
more dangerous occupations now than they used to be. Benzol is
also used in another new industry, the manufacture of carbolic acid.
Chronic benzol poisoning is not as yet very eas}r to recognize, but
investigations now being made on the blood of benzol workers will
probably make it easier to discover whether the ill health, the
anemia, loss of strength, nervous symptoms, and sometimes gastric
symptoms, found among those who work with benzol, are caused by
the benzol or by other factors.

Disease Caused by Physical Agents.
There is a fairly full list of occupational poisons used in Pennsyl­
vania, but though they cause a good deal of industrial sickness they
are not by any means so important as are certain other disease-pro­
ducing factors in the industry in this State. One of the most im­
portant, if not the most important industry in Pennsylvania, is the
manufacture of steel. No thorough study has ever been made of
the occupational diseases of Pennsylvania steel workers, but we
know that there are many things about the making of steel which
are harmful to health. Steel workers are exposed to poisoning not
only by carbon monoxide but sometimes also by lead, arsenic,
sulphureted hydrogen, and the cyanides. They must use great
physical strength, and if the strain is too great for the heart there
may be an acute dilatation which may be slow in recovery or may
be permanent. Steel workers are also exposed to metallic dust and
to sand, to great heat, to sudden changes of temperature, resulting
in rheumatism, lumbago, or bronchitis; and to light of such character
and intensity as to injure the eyes if they are not protected. To
all these injurious features must be added the fatigue of the long
workday and the seven-day week.

Textile Industry.
Another very important industry in Pennsylvania is the textile,
which is regarded as unhealthful in all civilized countries. The bad
features in the textiles trades are, first, the light fluffy dust of cotton,
or wool, more rarely flax; the fatigue caused by the noise, jarring, and

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monotonous work which yet demands constant attention; the heat
and humidity. These, together with a rather low wage scale, are all
factors that go to bring about an abnormally high rate of tuberculosis
in the textile trades. The more immature the workers, the more
tuberculosis, and the more fatiguing the work, the more tuberculosis.
Many girls between the ages of 16 and 24 are employed in the mills
in and around Philadelphia and it is just in this age group that the
incidence of industrial tuberculosis is heaviest.

Coal Mining.
Another important industry in Pennsylvania is coal mining. Coal
miners have a high accident rate and that fact affects their sickness
rate. Accidents usually kill off or incapacitate men in the earlier age
groups, the very groups in which tuberculosis is usually most preva­
lent. It is well known that coal miners do not have as much pul­
monary tuberculosis as does the population at large and because
of this fact is a general impression that the coal mining industry is
unusually healthful. Coal miners more than make up for their low
tuberculosis rate by their high rate of deaths from other respiratory
diseases. This is shown by a recent analysis made of the mortality
of the two coal-mining cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre compared
with the mortality for the whole State of Pennsylvania. The
reason for the excessively high death rate from nontuberculous
respiratory diseases is usually given as follows: Coal dust is not
very irritating and does not cause the sort of injury to the lung
tissue which is caused by steel or stone dust and which prepares the
way for a tuberculous inflammation. The effect of coal dust is to
cause a very slow hardening of the lung, which may produce no
symptoms or may cause asthma. If, however, the miner contracts
pneumonia, the hardened state of his lungs diminishes very much
his chance of recovery.
COMPARATIVE MORTALITY IN PENNSYLVANIA, 1911 TO 1915.


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[Rate per 100,000 population.]

Scranton.

Cause of death.

79.9
16.0
261.2
153.5

11771

Wilkes- Remain­
der of
Barre.
State.
74.9
19.4
212.5
179.7

110.5
16.4
184.2
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Anthrax.
Pennsylvania, having an important port of entry at Philadel­
phia, has had a comparatively large number of cases of that
rather unusual industrial disease, anthrax or malignant pustule.
Anthrax is caused by a very resistant bacillus which sets up a fatal
disease in cattle. I t is especially in hides that are shipped to this
country from abroad that this infection is found. Even careful
disinfection before shipping is not always enough to kill the germ
of anthrax, which may retain its vitality and weeks later infect the
man who unloads the hides or sorts them or carries them through
the processes of washing and tanning.
Between January 1, 1913, and January 1, 1916, there were 49 cases
of anthrax in Pennsylvania, eight of them women. Seven of the 27
cases reported during the first half of this period are known to have
been fatal. Out of 132 deaths from anthrax reported throughout
the registration area of the United States in a period of five years,
1910-1915, 13 occurred in Pennsylvania.
The women who contracted anthrax were sorting hair and twisting
hair or were working in tanneries; the men had occupations of great
variety. They were hide and skin workers, wool and hair workers,
longshoremen unloading hides, laborers in tanneries, and there was
one representative of each of the following occupations: Inspecting
raw stock, sorting raw hides, fixing a haircloth loom, handling dirty
rags for shoddy, handling hoofs in a glue factory, examining haircloth,
making brushes, working in a livery stable. In addition there were
two babies, one the child of a tanner, the other the child of a coal
miner, apparently infected from some unknown source.

Conclusions.
There is no compensation for occupational disease in Pennsylvania.
In this respect some States are more fortunate, but it would be a greatmistake to think that the passage of the law providing compensation
for occupational diseases would do away with the poverty th at is
really attributable to sickness set up by or increased by the workers’
occupation. I t is true that we are learning each year more about the
action of various poisons on the human body and also about such
indirect factors in the cause of disease as fatigue, heat, and
humidity. Nevertheless we can connect occupational disease only in
a small number of cases with that degree of positiveness that would
be required under the law. I t is only when the disease is caused by
a poison whose symptoms are unmistakable or by acute infection with
a germ that can be identified, or when it is caused by some physical
agent, such as excessive heat or the pressure of air in a caisson, that
we can actually prove the occupation to be responsible.

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Nobody has any difficulty in deciding that lead colic or lead con­
vulsions in a white-lead worker should be charged up to his occupa­
tion, but it is a very different thing to prove that a general hardening
of the arteries, with Bright’s disease and perhaps softening of the
brain, in a lead caster who has never had lead colic, is caused by his
occupation. Always there is far more doubt about the occupational
actor when the poisoning is chronic than when it is acute, and yet
industrial poisoning is typically chronic, exceptionally acute. There
have been some very startling cases of acute benzol poisoning in
Pennsylvania that attracted attention, were investigated by the State
authorities, and were made the ground for orders tending to prevent
such accidents in the future. But for every case of that kind there
are probably twenty or more of slow, chronic poisoning with benzol
in rubber works, in canneries, in straw hat manufacture, when rosin
in benzol is used for sealing cans, and in cleaning and drying. In the
great rolling mills around Pittsburg, every now and then a foundryman is overcome with the fumes of carbon monoxide, rendered un­
conscious, perhaps, and on recovery of his senses he is confused and
mentally unsound for some time, or he contracts pneumonia within a
short time. Such a case is undoubtedly occupational, and nobody
thinks of questioning it. But for every case of so-called “ gassing”
in the mills there are probably a hundred cases of anemia and mal­
nutrition and neurasthenic troubles among pressers in tailor shops,
bakers, metal casters, linotypists, and electrotypers, all of whom work
day after day in air slightly contaminated by the fumes of carbon
monoxide from naked gas burners. So, also, a case of anthrax in a
tannery worker, which develops into fatal blood poisoning, is recog­
nized as occupational, but tuberculosis developing slowly in a sand­
blaster of sanitary ware is not so recognized.
Many other instances could be cited to show that while acute
industrial poisoning can be readily recognized, chronic poisoning
constitutes a much harder problem, but even more difficult is the
problem when we try to trace the connection between occupation and
disease in those trades where dust is the danger, dust that is not
poisonous or perhaps only slightly so. Felt hat makers have a high
tuberculosis rate, and the injurious effect of the fine particles of fur in
the air they breathe is doubtless increased by the presence of the
mercurial salt with which the fur has been treated, but if a hat
maker shows no symptom of mercurial poisoning, only of con­
sumption, it is not easy to prove that he contracted the disease in the
course of his work. The same difficulty is seen in occupations where
metallic lead dust is present. We know that lead poisoning and
tuberculosis go hand in hand, and that a lead trade in which men
remain for many years always has a high tuberculosis rate, but if a

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consumptive printer does not give a history of lead colic, how are we
to prove that his occupation has brought on his disease.
The dusty trades, undoubtedly responsible for more disease than
any other class of occupations, because they employ so many more
people than do the notoriously dangerous trades, are not adequately
covered in any State by the laws designed to prevent disease or to
compensate workmen suffering from disease contracted in the line of
his work, for the reason that it is extremely difficult to prove the
responsibility of the occupation. The dust that causes the harm is
not the coarse, heavy dust that is easily seen and that the factory
inspector can insist on having done away with. Such dust can not
reach the lungs and injure them. I t is the fine, almost invisible
particles that do the real harm, because they pass in with the breath
and are carried down to the lungs. The commonest form of injury
caused by dust is a slowly developing fibrous change in the lungs,
which may become the seat of tuberculosis if anything happens to
lower the worker’s vitality, or which may prevent his recovery if
he contracts pneumonia. Obviously, no matter how positive we
may feel that such results can follow long exposure to fine atmos­
pheric dust, we shall always find it difficult to prove that any
individual case of consumption or of death from pneumonia was
caused by a dusty occupation. This means that no law, no matter
how wide its application, will ever cover all cases of occupational
disease.

Government Regulations to Prevent Danger of
Anthrax.
NE of the chief dangers to workmen in the handling of hides,
skins, hair, wool, etc., is anthrax infection which may result
O
from contact with any one of these animal by-products. Anthrax
has been recognized as an occupational disease which in recent
years has claimed a goodly number of victims in this country.
To be inoculated with the anthrax infection does not necessarily
mean death, but the consequences of such inoculation are so serious
that protective measures have come to be regarded as highly desirable.
To this end a study was made by a special departmental committee in
England to determine the extent of the anthrax menace and to
devise some effective method of disinfection that would render the
hides and other animal by-products free from the deadly spores.
The committee recommended a method of disinfection which was
noted in the M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v ie w for August, 1918 (pp. 205-208).
In our own country the Department of Agriculture and the Treas­
ury Department have given attention to the matter, and on October

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15, 1917, issued a joint order (No. 2), effective January 1, 1918,
giving regulations governing the sanitary handling and control of
hides, sheepskins, goatskins and parts thereof, hair, wool, and other
animal by-products offered for entry into the United States. Regula­
tions I, II, and V, relating to hides and skins, and wool and hair, are
as follows:

Regulation I.

Rides and skins.
S e c t io n 1. All hides of neat cattle, calfskins, buffalo hides, sheepskins, goatskins,
and deerskins offered for entry into the United States (except abattoir and hard,
sun-dried hides and skins as hereinafter provided for), may be imported from any
country maintaining an efficient veterinary inspection system, when accompanied
by a certificate signed by an official veterinary inspector of such country, or, in the
absence of such official veterinary inspector, by a United States consular officer,
stating that anthrax is not prevalent and that neither foot-and-mouth disease nor
rinderpest exists in the locality in which the hides or skins originated. Those articles
may also be imported from any country which does not maintain an official veterinary
inspection system when accompanied by a United States consular certificate stating
that anthrax is not prevalent, and that neither foot-and-mouth disease nor rinderpest
exists in the locality in which the hides or skins originated. In lieu of a certificate
showing the nonprevalence of anthrax and the nonexistence of foot-and-mouth dis­
ease and rinderpest, a certificate signed by one of the aforementioned officials stating
that the hides of skins have been disinfected under his supervision by any of the
methods approved or which may hereafter be approved by the Chief of the Bureau
of Animal Industry, will be accepted.
S e c . 2. All hides or skins offered for entry into the United States (except abattoir
and hard, sun-dried hides and skins as hereinafter provided for) which are not accom­
panied by any of the certificates prescribed in section 1 of this regulation, or which
are accompanied by certificates which do not comply with the requirements or pur­
poses of these regulations, may be imported from any country upon the conditions
that they will be consigned from port of entry to an establishment having proper
facilities for their sanitary control and disinfection; that they will move from port
of entry to the establishment in cars or approved containers, sealed either with cus­
toms seals or seals of the Department of Agriculture; that they will be handled at
port of entry and en route to such establishment in accordance with, the provisions
of these regulations, and that they will be disinfected by one of the methods ap­
proved, or which may hereafter be approved, by the Chief of the Bureau of Animal
Industry. Seals of the Department of Agriculture shall be affixed to said cars and
containers only by inspectors of the Bureau of Animal Industry, or by customs officers,
and may be broken only by inspectors of the Bureau of Animal Industry, by customs
officers, or by other persons authorized so to do by the Bureau of Animal Industry.
Customs seals shall in no case be broken except by customs officers.

Regulation II.
Hard, sun-dried hides and skins, and abattoir hides and skins.
S e c t io n 1. Hard, sun-dried hides and skins may be imported without disinfection
if certified as required in section 1 of Regulation I to be from a locality where anthrax
is not prevalent, if the bales or hides are distinctly marked for identification, each
shipment showing invoice number, names and addresses of consignee and consignor,


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as such hard, sun-dried hides and skins so certified showing freedom from anthrax
can he considered as having heen disinfected by the process of curing and need not
be submitted to any further treatment. Hard, sun-dried hides or skins may be im­
ported without being certified to be from a locality where anthrax is not prevalent,
upon the conditions prescribed in section 2, Regulation I, for the importation of
uncertified hides and skins.
S e c . 2. Abattoir hides and skins taken from animals slaughtered in Sweden, Nor­
way, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil,
and Venezuela when accompanied by a certificate of an official veterinarian of the
country where such animals were slaughtered, showing that such hides or skins were
taken from animals free from disease at the time of slaughter, may be imported into
the United States without disinfection. Abattoir hides and. skins from the countries
specified which are uncertified, and abattoir hides and skins from countries other
than those specified, may be imported subject to the requirements of Regulation I.

Regulation Y,
Wool and Hair.
S e c t io n 1 . Raw wool or hair clipped from healthy live animals, scoured wool and
hair, and noils of wool and hair which have been properly scoured may be imported
without disinfection or certification.
S e c . 2. Picked or pulled wool or hair, when accompanied by an affidavit of the
exporter designating the bales or packages thereof by their markings, indicating the
consignor, consignee, and number of the invoice, and stating that all the wool or
hair contained in the bales or packages came from animals free from anthrax, may be
imported upon the conditions that the consignee or owner of the wool or hair, or his
agent, files a satisfactory bond or agreement assuring proper facilities of disinfection
at the establishment to which the shipment is consigned and that such wool or hair
will be disinfected by proper exposure to a temperature of not less than 165° F. prior
to any transfer or reshipment from such establishment. If such wool or hair is unac­
companied by the above-mentioned affidavit it may be imported upon condition
that the consignee or owner thereof or his agent files a satisfactory bond or agreement
assuring proper facilities for disinfection at the establishment to which the shipment
is consigned and that all of such wool or hair will be disinfected by proper exposure
to a temperature of not less than 200° F. for at least 15 minutes prior to any transfer
or reshipment from such establishment.
S e c . 3. Importation of abattoir pulled wool will be permitted without restrictions
from any country maintaining an efficient veterinary inspection system, when accom­
panied by a certificate signed by an official veterinary inspector of such country, or,
in the absence of such official veterinary inspector, by a certificate of a United States
consular officer of the locality from which shipped to the effect that said wool was
procured from sheep slaughtered therein and passed under Government inspection,
and that in the process of wet pulling and drying it has been subjected to a tempera­
ture of not less than 165° F. Such certificate shall indicate the number of bales,
marks, names, and addresses of consignor and consignee, locality of origin, date of
shipment, invoice number, and transporting vessel, and shall also show that the con­
signment consists of abattoir pulled wool which, in the process of wet pulling and
drying, has been subjected to a temperature of 165° F.
S e c . 4. Wool or hair not otherwise provided for in these regulations, or not com­
plying with the provisions thereof, may be imported upon the conditions that such
articles be shipped from port of entry to destination in cars or satisfactory containers,
sealed in the manner prescribed in section 2 of Regulation I; that the destination be


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183

a factory or establishment having satisfactory facilities for disinfecting the same, and
that they will there be disinfected by proper exposure to a temperature of not less
than 200° F. for at least 15 minutes, or in such manner as may be directed by the
Chief of the Bureau of Animal Industry, prior to any transfer or reshipment there­
from. Such wool or hair may be stored in bond at the port of entry, subject to ship­
ment and disinfection, as herein provided, on being released from bond. The con­
signee, owner, or his agent will be required to fde a satisfactory bond or agreement to
fulfdl all requirements as to shipment and disinfection.

Under Regulation X the articles required to be disinfected shall
be subjected to disinfection by methods found satisfactory and
approved from time to time by the Chief of the Bureau of Animal
Industry of the Department of Agriculture. Such methods were
prescribed in Order No. 256, issued by the bureau on December 14,
1917, effective January 1, 1918. So much of this order as refers to
the disinfection of hides and skins is quoted in full:
7. Disinfection of Hides and Skins prior to Shipment.
Hides and skins disinfected prior to shipment as provided by Regulation I, section
1 of said joint order No. 2, must be disinfected by one of the following methods:
(a) By immersion for not less than 24 hours in a 1 to 1,000 bichlorid of mercury
solution.
(b) By immersion for not less than 20 hours in a solution containing 2 per cent
absolute hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chlorid) and 10 per cent sodium chlorid.
(c) By immersion for not less than 40 hours in a solution containing 1 per cent
absolute hydrochlorid acid (hydrogen chlorid) and 10 per cent sodium chlorid.
(d) By immersion for not less than 24 hours in a solution containing 1 per cent
formic acid and mercuric chlorid in the proportion of 1 part to 2,500 parts of the solu­
tion. Hides or skins treated by this process shall be held for two weeks following
the treatment before neutralization.
(e)
_By dehairing and pickling in a solution of salt containing a definite percentage
of mineral acid and packing in barrels or casks while still wet with such solution,
provided the hides or skins are not neutralized within 30 days after being so packed.

II. Disinfection of Hides and Skins After Arrival in the
United States.
Hides and skins required by regulation I, section 2, and regulation II of said Joint
Order No. 2 to be disinfected on arrival at a United States port of entry shall be moved
to an approved warehouse at such port or in sealed cars or containers to an establish­
ment having proper facilities for their sanitary control and disinfection. They shall
be stored and handled prior to disinfection in compartments set aside for that purpose,
and all hides and skins stored or handled in such compartments shall be treated in
accordance with the following rules:
1. All dust, litter, or waste arising from sorting, cutting, handling, or moving said
hides or skins prior to soaking shall be burned or disinfected by exposure to a tempera­
ture of not less than 100° C. (212° F.) moist heat for not less than 15 minutes.
2. The hides and skins shall be subjected to disinfection by one of the following
methods:
(a) By immersion for not less than 20 hours in a solution containing 2 per cent abso­
lute hydrochloric acid (hydrogen chlorid) and 10 per cent sodium chlorid.
(b) By immersion for not less than 40 hours in a solution containing 1 per cent
absolute hydrochloric acid (hyrogen chlorid) and 10 per cent sodium chlorid.
(c) By immersion for not less than 24 hours in a solution containing 1 per cent formic
acid and mercuric chlorid in the proportion of 1 part to 2,500 parts of the solution.

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Hides or skins treated by this process shall be held for two weeks following the treat­
ment before neutralization.
(d)
By immersion for not less than 48 hours in a 1 to 1,000 bichlorid of mercury
solution.
. (e) By immersion for not less than 0 days in a 1 to 5,000 bichlorid of mercury solu­
tion, plus not less than 5 days in lime of the usual strength for dehairing.
Or, in lieu of disinfection by one of the foregoing mentioned processes, the effluent
shall be subjected to treatment by one of the following methods:
(/) Heat the effluent from soak vats, mill drums, breaking machines or other
similar equipment to a temperature of 100° C. (212° F.) and maintain at that tempera­
ture for at least one minute.
. (i/) Treat the effluent from soak vats, mill drums, breaking machines, and other
similar equipment with chlorin in such manner and in such amount (not less than 250
parts per million) as to secure efficient disinfection.
. (ty Subject the effluent from soak vats, mill drums, breaking machines, and other
similar equipment to filtration, the effluent from the filters to be treated with chlorin
m sufficient amount and in such manner as to secure efficient disinfection: P rovided,
how ever, That in this method of treatment the sludge which collects on the filters shall
be subjected to disinfection by heating at a temperature of not less than 100° C. (212°
F.) for not less than 15 minutes.
. (0 Treat the effluent from soak vats, mill drums, breaking machines, and other
similar equipment with 50 parts of chlorin per million parts of effluent and heat at
not less than 80° C. (176° F.) for not less than 30 minutes.
(j) I11 the case of sheepskins and goatskins, until further notice, by immersion for
not less than 12 hours in a solution of milk of lime containing the equivalent of 5 per
cent of calcium oxxd (CaO).

Wisconsin Industrial Accident Rates, 1915-1917,
Classified by Industry.
"FN the October, 1918, issue o f the M o n t h l y L a b o r K e v i e w there
were published data showing frequency and severity rates of in­
dustrial accidents in Wisconsin for the three-year period, 1915-1917,
classified by cause of accident and nature of disability. These rates
were based upon the estimated number of employees under the work­
men’s compensation act. The State industrial commission has re­
cently issued another table showing frequency and severity rates for
these same accidents per $100,000 of pay roll, classified by industry
and nature of disability. The following table is a summary of the
one issued by the Wisconsin commission. The original table con­
tains 200 industrial classifications and also shows the pay-roll exposuie and the number of days lost for each industry. The severity
rating schedule formulated by the committee on statistics and com­
pensation insurance cost of the International Association of Indus­
trial Accident Boards and Commissions was used in computing the
time lost for fatal and permanent disability accidents.


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185

WISCONSIN ACCIDENT RATES P E R $100,000 PAY ROLL FOR TH R E E-Y EA R PER IO D ,
1915 TO 1917, CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRY.
Number of compensable accidents.
Industry.

Tempo­
Perma­ rary dis­
nent dis­ ability
ability. (over 1
week).

Death.

22

6
11
6
46
10
112
8

Total.

Rates per $100,000
pay roll.

Fre­
quency.

70

361
1,158
404
530
10,591
1,649
7,935
L058
373
310
2,607
419
2,573
'188
59
15
4,773
2 , 0G5
'486
3,306

8.9
16.3
15.0
7.8
7.8

227
59
23
139

333
1,099
353
488
9,830
1,508
7' 268
'960
347
281
2,498
402
2,427
165
54
13
4,453
l ' 979
458
3,157

497

i 2,410

38,073

40,980

6.9

33

26
40
36
715
131

90
23
24
142
16
117

3
5
27

1
1
3
1

29

22
2
1

93
27

Severity
(days
lost).

1,560
3'730
4,380
l ' 200
'720
620
2,180
'500
980
930
1,450
130
905
340

6.0
12.6
4.4
7.8
5.5

11.6
2.1
7.4
2.4
2.7
7.2

1,000

3' 100
2 ,400

12.0
1.6
4.1
6.8

220

550
1,350
995

1 Includes 22 permanent total disability cases.

One important fact brought out in the above table is the relatively
high rates for agriculture, ranking sixth both as regards frequency
and severity. Under the circumstances the almost universal exclu­
sion of agricultural labor on the ground of the nonhazardous char­
acter of the work would hardly seem to be justifiable.
The industrial commission also issued a table showing the healing
period of permanent injuries sustained during the year ending June
30, 1918. A summary of this table follows:
nE A L IN G PER IO D OF PERM ANENT IN JU R IE S RESULTING IN DISMEMBERMENT OR
TOTAL LOSS OF VISION, IN WISCONSIN, JU LY 1, 1917, TO JU NE 30, 1918.

Nature of injury.

Loss of—
Eye (sight)...............................

Oases
with
All
healing
cases. period
re­
ported.

22
2

37

Two or more toes.....................

9
9
53
410
164
17
4
15
13
15

Total......................................

770

T hum b.....................................
One finger.................................
Two or more fingers................


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20
2
1

Aver­
age
healing
period
re­
ported 1-30.
(days).

5
49
375
143
7

55
82
75
98
64
45
34
52
300

15
13
14

59
42
63

27

671

[185]

8
6
1

24
223
42

6

Days lost.

31-60. 61-90. 91-120. 121-160. Over
160.

7

8
2

16
113
64

6

5
4

5
7

319

228

3
5

2
1

4
27
17

2
2
2
1
66

3

1
1
2

9
9

1
26

1
1
1
2

1

4

2
1

7

4
5

1

i

13

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

Occupational Diseases Compensable in Connecti­
cut and Wisconsin.
HE States of Connecticut and Wisconsin have amended the
scope of their workmen’s compensation laws this year to include
occupational diseases. The Wisconsin law, which is patterned after
the British act, enumerates 20 specific occupational diseases. These
include lead poisoning, anthrax, mercury poisoning, phosphorus
poisoning, arsenic poisoning, ankylostomiasis, nystagmus, glanders,
compressed air illness, several miners’ diseases, and a number of
diseases due to poisonous dusts, gases, and fumes.
The Connecticut law includes all industrial diseases which are due
to “ causes peculiar to the occupation and which are not of a con­
tagious, communicable, or mental nature.” Another section of the
law states also that “ If an injury arises out of and in the course of
the employment it shall be no bar to a claim for compensation that
it can not be traced to a definite occurrence which may be located in
point of time and place.” Under the original Connecticut act the
compensation commissioners had awarded compensation for occu­
pational diseases, but had been overruled by the courts.
The compensation laws of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massa­
chusetts, Wisconsin, and the United States Government now include
occupational diseases.


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WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION.
What the Term “ Medical Service” in Work­
men’s Compensation Laws Includes.
By Martin C. F rincke, Jr.

SIDE from compensation for disability or death, most States
that now have workmen’s compensation laws make addi­
tional provisions for the furnishing, free of charge to the injured
employee, of medical, surgical, and hospital service. At common
law an employer was not liable as such to an injured employee for
medical services incurred by the latter in effecting a cure of his dis­
ability. Therefore, the courts and commissions in construing the
meaning of the provisions for furnishing medical aid are bound by
the express provisions of the statutes, interpreted in the light of the
intention of the legislatures and the underlying principles upon which
the compensation laws are founded.
The compensation laws of some States make quite explicit and
detailed provisions as to just what service is to be included within
the terms of the law, while others leave much to the discretion of the
administrative bodies, merely requiring that such service shall be
rendered as may be 1‘reasonable or necessary.” Questions as to the
inclusiveness of the terms employed in the statutes have arisen, both
in States making explicit provisions and in those making only general
provisions. I t is the purpose of this article to show, as nearly as
possible, what service may be had as “medical service” under the
expressed provisions of the statutes, and under those provisions as
interpreted by the courts and administrative bodies. The courts
and compensation commissions have generally, in construing the
provisions of workmen’s compensation laws, tended toward liberality,
and, so far as medical provisions are concerned, have been guided
by the real purpose of these provisions, expressed in a Connecticut
case 1 as being ‘‘to restore the injured employee to a place in our indus­
trial life as soon as possible by the use of all medical, surgical, and
hospital service which ordinary usages of the modern science of medi­
cine and surgery furnish. Humanity and economic necessity in
1
Olmstead v . Lamphier, 104 Atlantic 489, reviewed in the forthcoming Bulletin No. 258 of the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, Decisions of Courts and Opinions Affecting Labor, 1918.


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

this instance are in harmony in working for the accomplishment of
the individual and public welfare.”
Before passing to the interpretation of the courts and commissions
as to the inclusiveness of the “ medical aid” terms, a brief review of
these provisions of the laws is presented, preceded by a discussion of
the amount and the period of such service as controlled by these
laws.

Amount and Period of Service.
On January 1, 1919, there were 42 workmen’s compensation laws
in effect in the United States. With the exception of Wyoming, all
of these laws make provision, to a greater or less degree, for the
furnishing of medical, surgical, and hospital service to injured
employees free of charge to them. Arizona and New Hampshire,
and by inference Alaska, make provision only for the supplying of
medical service in the last sickness to an injured employee whose
injuries result in death.
With regard to the provisions as to the period of service and the
amount to be expended for such service, the laws providing for medi­
cal service may be roughly divided into three classes: First, those
which make no provision for medical aid, except in the last sickness
in fatal cases; second, those which make no restrictions except
“ reasonableness and necessity;” third, those which provide time and
money limitations. The States included in the first class have already
been mentioned above. Included in the second class are the United
States, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Porto Eico, and Wash­
ington. In Washington, however, the employees contribute onehalf the cost of the service. In the Philippine Islands there is
a law closely resembling compensation laws which would come under
this class.
The third class is by far the largest, and the laws falling in it may
be conveniently divided into three subdivisions: First, those which
make restrictions as to the amount of money to be expended for
medical service, but not as to the period of the service; second, those
limiting the period of service, but not the amount to be expended
for such service; and third, those which make restrictions both as
to the period and the amount. Seven jurisdictions whose laws make
limitations ranging from $150 to $300, come in the first subdivision.
The second subdivision includes 10 States placing limitations upon
the period of medical service ranging from 2 weeks to 90 days. The
third subdivision includes 15 States.
The following table shows clearly and quickly the classification of
the States from the point of view of money value and period of
service provided for:

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CLASSIFICATION OF STATES SHOWING PROVISIONS MADE FOR THE SUPPLYING OF
MEDICAL AID, BY TIME AND MONEY LIMITATIONS.

No medi­
cal aid
provided.

Unlim­
ited as to
time or
money.

Alaskal
ArizJ
N. I I !
Wyo.

U. S.
Calif.
Conn.
Idaho.
P. I.
P. R .
W ash!

Limited as to
money only.
State.

Amount.

#150
Hawaii .
150
L a.........
150
Md........
200
Ohio2. . .
250
Oreg___
200
U tah__
W. V a .. #150-300-

Limited as to time only.
Period.

State.
In d ........
Mass.2...
Mich__
Nev.2. ..
N. Y A ..
Okla__
R . I .......
Tex.6__
V a.........
Wis.......

30 days.
2 weeks.
3 weeks.
90 days.
60 days.
15 days.
4 weeks.
2 weeks.
30 days.
90 days.

Limited as to both time and money.

Period.

State.
Colo.......
D el........
Ill..........
Iowa__
Kans—
Ky-3. . . .
Me.5.......
Minn! ..
Mont__
Nebr.8...
N. J .......
N.Mex.3
Pa.5.......
S. D a k ..
V t.........

Amount.

30 days............
14 days............
8weeks...........
2 weeks...........
50 days............
90 days............
2 weeks...........
90 days............
2 weeks...........
21 days............
2 weeks...........
3 weeks...........
14 days............
4 weeks...........
14 days............

#100
25
200
100
150
100
30
100
50
200
50
50
25
100
100

1 Medical fees for last sickness allowed in fatal cases.
2 Board or commission may extend period; and in Ohio the amount.
3 Increased for hernia operation: Kentucky to #200; New Mexico, #50 additional.
* During disability until payment of compensation (employees pay half).
e increase allowed for a major operation; Maine fixed by board; Pennsylvania, #25 additional,
e Time m ay be extended 2 weeks in hospital cases on recommendation of physician.
i Court m ay increase to #200.
« Time extened for major surgical operation and dismemberment cases.

Extension of Service.
In some States, as noted in the preceding table, the extent of the
medical service provided for under the compensation law may, in cer­
tain instances, be increased. It is recognized that particularly serious
or exceptional cases require the expenditure of greater sums of money
and longer periods of treatment in order to effect a cure of the injury or
decrease the extent of the disability than do less serious cases. Thus,
in Massachusetts the two-week period, and in Ohio the $200 limit may,
in the discretion of the commission, he increased or extended “ in
unusual cases.” So far as can be determined, there has been no
court decision or commission ruling expressly defining the meaning
of this phrase. However, Dr. F. D. Donaghue, medical advisor of
the Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board, in analyzing the inter­
pretations of that board said: “ In a general wray, the board has
interpreted this section to mean: In unusually serious cases that
require treatment in a hospital; in unusually serious cases where
the compensation was not sufficient to care for the injured workman
and for his family or his dependents if he had them; and in a third
group of cases, in cases where special or unusual treatment might
materially reduce the period of disability and materially minimize
the consequences of the injury.”1 The law of West Virginia expressly
provides that the limitation of $150 may be extended to $300 when by
Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, May 23,1918, p. 694.

13
122778°—19
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doing so the disability may be decreased, and in New York the
industrial commission is permitted to extend the period during which
medical service must he furnished in cases where the nature of the
injury or the process of recovery requires it. With the same purpose
in view, the commission of Nevada is given discretionary power to
extend the 90-day period to one year. Texas makes a similar pro­
vision in hospital cases, two extensions of one week each being
authorized where convincing evidence of the necessity therefor is
presented by the attending physician, and in Minnesota the court is
given discretionary power to increase the amount from SI00 to S200
upon the necessity being shown.
Extensions of the medical service in cases where the injured work­
man is required to undergo a “ major surgical operation” are also
allowed in Maine, where the $30 limit may be increased to any
amount considered reasonable by the commission; in Nebraska,
where the time limit of 21 days may be extended in the discretion of
the commission; and in Pennsylvania, where the $25 limit may be
extended to $50. In Kentucky the limit of $100 may be increased to
$200, and in New Mexico the $50 limit may be increased to $100 in
cases where it is necessary to operate for the cure of hernia. Tire
question arises, however: What is a “ major operation” within the
meaning of the workmen's compensation acts? This question has
been quite definitely decided for Pennsylvania by the workmen’s
compensation board of that State, which defined a “ major opera­
tion” as follows:
1. A major operation is a surgical procedure which entails immediate serious con­
sequences to the patient.
2. It is a surgical procedure which requires skill and training to perform.
3. All operative procedure other than finger and toe amputations, cleaning and
draining wounds, evacuating pus by incision, the manipulation and reduction of
uncomplicated dislocations, the treatment of uncomplicated fractured ribs, the
removal of superficial foreign bodies, should be regarded as major operations.1

Concerning this definition Dr. W. L. Estes, chairman of the com­
mittee on workmen’s compensation of the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society, said: “ This is an explanation. The term major
operation would include the setting of fractures of long bones and
reducing subluxations, providing accuracy and efficiency of reduc­
tion and retention be demonstrated by X-ray taken before and after
surgical treatment.”
An operation for the cure of hernia is known as a “ radical opera­
tion” and falls within the scope of this definition.
1 Monthly Bulletin, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, February, 1917, p. 49.


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Commencement of the Medical Period.
The States that impose limitations upon the period of medical
service do not all clearly indicate nor do the courts agree when the
period is to commence. Of 25 State laws which fix the period during
which medical service must be furnished, six 1provide that the period
shall begin with the date of disability, and 162 that it shall begin with
the date of injury. In 3 States (Illinois, Kansas, and South Dakota)
no time for the commencement of the medical aid period is indi­
cated in the law.
In those jurisdictions where the statute fixes the date of disability
as the beginning of the period, little room for dispute arises. In
Pennsylvania, one of these States, where the period is limited to 14
days, the question arose 3 as to whether the employer was liable for
medical attention and if so between what dates. On January 20,
1916, a workman ran a splinter into his finger, but, pulling it out,
continued with his work. The wound became infected, and on
February 4, 1916, the man became disabled and reported for and
received medical attention. I t was held by the commission that
the employer's obligation to furnish medical attendance began on
February 4, 1916, the date of disability, and continued for 14 days.
This question was considered by Nebraska, another of these States, in
two cases which came before the State supreme court. In the first
case4 it was held that, where an accident which at first appeared to be
trivial later resulted in a diseased condition, destroying the sight of
an eye, the “ injury,” within the meaning of the statute, occurred
when the diseased condition culminated, there being no apparent
“ violence to the physical structure of the body” at the time the
accident occurred. In the second case5 an employee was disabled by
an injury. He received medical attention for three weeks and then
returned to work, but was later compelled to stop and seek addi­
tional medical treatment because blood poisoning had set in. In
this case the injury was apparent at the time of the accident, and it
was held that recovery could not be had for the treatment of the
blood poisoning, since the treatment was not rendered “ during the
first 21 days after the disability began.”
The greatest number of conflicts of construction arise in those
States where the period of medical service is fixed to commence at the
date of the injury. In Indiana, for instance, where the law provides
1 Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Delaware.
2 Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia.
8 Bechtel v . Bodenstein & Kummerle (Inc.), Pennsylvania Workmen’s Compensation Decisions, 1916,
p. 19.
* Johnson v. Union Stockyards Co., 99 Nebr. 328, 156 N. W. 511.
s Epsten v . Hancock-Epsten Co., 163 N. W. 767.


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that medical service shall be,furnished “ during the 30 days after an
injury,” the appellate court of the State held 1 that the industrial
board had no authority to order that an attending physician be fur­
nished the employee at the expense of the employer after the expira­
tion of the 30 days. In construing these provisions of the compensa­
tion laws the courts tend toward liberality. Thus, the same court
held in another case 2 that, where an employer sent an injured em­
ployee to a hospital, directing the physician to “ do the best you can
for him,” this was sufficient to warrant the inference that the physi­
cian was authorized to continue his treatment beyond the limited
period at the expense of the employer. And again it was held by
this court that, under a correct construction of the law, medical
service might be required to be rendered beyond the 30-day period
in the case of an emergency. In this case 3 the employee had injured
his foot and was sent by his employer to a hospital, where his foot
was amputated. The wound did not heal and gangrene set in, neces­
sitating another amputation. The 30-day period was about to expire,
and the second amputation could not be performed until a day or two
after the expiration, of that period. The court regarded this as an
emergency and required the employer to pay for medical services
beyond the 30-day period. In Maine the law requires that the
medical service shall be rendered during the first two weeks after the
injury. The industrial commission of that State, in its administra­
tion of the law, made a rule requiring the employer to provide medical
service for two weeks after the employee’s disability occurred. The
Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, in a case4 disputing an award by the
industrial commission based upon this rule, held that the rule was
inconsistent with the law and that the period during which medical
service must be furnished commenced with the date of the injury.
The Michigan law states that medical service shall be furnished
“ during the first three weeks after the injury.” In interpreting this
clause the industrial accident board held 5 that the words “ accident”
and “ injury” must be distinguished, and that where an accident
occurs, later resulting in an injury, the period of medical service shall
commence at the time the injury manifests itself. The supreme court
of the State overruled this opinion, however, in two subsequent
cases,6 holding that the accident and the injury are concurrent in
time and that an employer can not be held liable for such, service
beyond the 3-week period from the date of the accident even where he
1 Born & Co. v . Durr, 116 N. E. 428.
2 In re Myers, 116 N. E. 314.
3 In re Henderson, 116 N. E. 315.
* In re McKenna, 103 A tlantic 69.
3 In re Hart, Michigan Workmen’s Compensation Cases, 1916, p. 338.
3 Cook v. Holland Furnace Co., 166 N. W. 1013 and McMullin v. Gavette Construction Co., 166 N. W. 1019.


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has failed to furnish proper medical service during the said period.
In Wisconsin, where the law provides that the employer must render
medical service “ for 90 days immediately following the accident” an
award 1 was refused for such service where the injured employee re­
ceived treatment about five months subsequent to the injury.
As already stated, in Illinois, Kansas, and South Dakota, the time
for the commencement of the period of service is not specifically
mentioned in the law. In construing this provision of the South
Dakota statute, which was in this respect patterned after the Illinois
law, and may therefore serve as a construction of that law also, the
attorney general of South Dakota in reply to an inquiry of the
industrial commission said:
Under the language of our statute, however, it is my opinion that the question of
whether the injury is the proximate cause, or merely a remote cause, of the subse­
quent necessity for medical, surgical, or hospital services is wholly a question of fact
to be determined from the evidence in each particular case, and that if the evidence
shows that the injury was the proximate cause of the necessity for such services, the
same may be performed within any four-week period within a reasonable time after
the injury, and the employer is liable to the employee for compensation therefor.2

This same construction was adopted by the Supreme Court of
Illinois in a case 3 where an employee was injured in the eye and
fifteen months later a cataract caused complete blindness; the court
held that the employee must submit to an operation and the employer
must pay all the surgical and hospital expenses.

Kind of Medical Service.
The medical aid provisions of the workmen’s compensation laws
of some States are more inclusive and explicit than those of others.
Some laws simply require, in general terms, that the employer shall
supply the injured employee with such medical, surgical, and hos­
pital aid as may be reasonable and necessary, while in others the
attempt is made to enumerate the various kinds of service that the
employer must provide to the injured employee. Both these classes
of laws have been found by the courts and commissions to be inade­
quate in expressing exactly what service might be included within
them. In order to understand the interpretations of these laws
better, it may be advisable to survey and analyze briefly the medical
service provisions of these statutes.
The following table shows the various specific provisions found in
the laws of the different jurisdictions, classified by kind of service:
1 Fifth Annual Report on Workmen’s Compensation, 1915-16, Wisconsin, p. 20.
2 First Annual Report of the South Dakota Industrial Commission, 1918, p. 25.
3 Joliet Motor Co. v. Industrial Board, 117 N. E. 423.


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CLASSIFICATION OF STATES BY KIND OF SERVICE FOR WHICH PROVISION IS MADE.
Medical,
surgical,
and hos­
pital
service.
Calif.
Colo.
Conn.
Del.
Hawaii.
Idaho.
111.
Ind.
Iowa.
Kans.
Ky.
La.
Me.
Mass.
Md.
Mich.
Minn.
Mont.
Nebr.
Nev.
N. J.
N. Mex.
N. Y.
Ohio.
Okla.
Oreg.
Pa.
p . i.
P. R.
R. I.
S. Dak.
Tex.
Utah.
Vt.
Va.
Wash.
W. Va.
Wis.

u. s.

Medical and Attend­
surgical ing phy­
supplies.
sician.

Calif.
Colo.

Artificial Crutches.
Medicines. members.

Trans­
Apparatus. portation.

Calif.

Calif.

Calif.
Colo.

Calif.
Colo.

Idaho.

Idaho.

Idaho.

Idaho.

Kans.

Kans.

Kans.
Ky.

Calif.

Conn.

Hawaii.
Ind.
Iowa.
Kans.
Ky.

Nursing.

Ind.
Kans.
Ky.
Md.

Minn.
Nev.

Nev.

N. Y.
Ohio.
Okla.
Pa.

La.
Me.
Mass.
Md.
Mich.
Minn.
Mont.
Nebr.
Nev.
N. J.
N. Mex.
N. Y.
Ohio.
Okla

Nev.

Md.

Md.

Minn.

Minn.

Nev.

Nev.

N. Y.

N. Y.

Okla.

Okla.

Pa.

Utah.

Oreg.
P. I.

P. R.

v t.
Va.

Nev.

Tex.
Utah.

Va.
Wash.

Wis.

Wis.

u. s.

Wis.

Wis.

Wis.

U. S.

* In the following sections are considered the interpretations and
rulings of the various courts and administrative bodies as to the
inclusiveness of the terms used in the different laws.
Hospital Service.
All the States providing medical aid expressly include hospital
service within the terms of the laws, and when the nature of the case
requires it such service can always be had. The following cases are
illustrative:
The appellate division of the Supreme Court of New York held th a t1
where the servant was injured and taken to a hospital, and the master
offered upon his complaint to take him to another hospital, but the
servant refused and went to still another hospital, the master could
not be charged with failing to provide proper medical and hospital
care.
In Louisiana, an employee was injured by having her hair caught
in some machinery and her scalp torn off. In an action for damages
i Junk


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she alleged that her employer had not furnished her with the medical
aid required by the statute, but the court held 1 that inasmuch as
the employer had removed her from the Charity Hospital to the Touro
Infirmary and had her cared for there for 25 days, sufficient medical
and hospital aid had been rendered.
Where a man who had broken his arm was sent from a remote
locality where the accident had occurred to the nearest town which
had no hospital and was there lodged, boarded, and nursed by a
boarding-house keeper, it was held2 by the California commission that
the services of the boarding-house keeper could be properly charged
as hospital services. In another case which came before the Cali­
fornia commission a man was injured and, instead of being sent to a
hospital where he could get the nursing needed, he was placed in an
unsanitary and unclean room in a hotel and no nursing service was
provided. Gangrene set in and the patient nearly died. I t was held 3
that such service as was rendered was “ wholly inadequate and too
long endured.”
I t seems to be the general rule that a patient may be treated in a
private ward in a hospital (1) if the nature of his injuries require it
and (2) if his mode of living is such that if he were paying the bills
himself he would have a private ward. In discussing the reason­
ableness of supplying private ward service the Connecticut commis­
sion said: 4
The subjects of inquiry embrace the circumstances and mode of life of the claimant,
the personality of the injured man, and also the character of his injuries. One who
is used to luxuries and whose nature is delicately attuned, and who would if he paid
the bills himself, go into a private ward, may require different treatment from one
differently circumstanced and with different habits of life.

In this case it was decided that in view of the fact that the injured
employee was a workingman whose mode of life was plain and simple
the requirements of the statute were sufficiently complied with in
placing him. in a public ward.
On the other hand, it was held5 by the same commission to be
“ unquestionably necessary” to put in a private ward an injured
laundry worker who had had her hand caught and partially cooked
in a mangle, so that her fingers and a part of her thumb had to be
amputated. And again 6 this commission decided that it was reason1 Boyer v . Crescent Paper Box Factory, 78 Southern 596.
2Byrne v . Inyo Development Co., California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1919, vol. 5, p.
224.
3Campbell & Latva v . W hite Lumber Co., California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1916,
vol. 3, p. 33.
* Kelly v . W hitaker, Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, Vol. II, p. 363.
s Jolly v . Howe, Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, Vol. II, p. 112.
o
Duirene v. Risdon Tool & Machine Co., Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, Vol. I,
p . 411.


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able and proper that an injured machinist who was to be operated
upon for the cure of hernia should be placed in a semiprivate ward.
In discussing this question the Ohio commission recognized the fact
that a hospital would sometimes place an injured man in a private
ward and although it did not express any objections it called atten­
tion to the fact that the amount that can be recovered for such service
is limited by the Ohio statute.1 The commission declared, however,
that it was “ very necessary that these patients (industrial) be treated
as private patients and not as charity patients.’1
Nursing Service.
The laws of 10 States2 specifically require the employer to furnish
nursing service. In addition to these Connecticut and Wisconsin
have by construction also included such service. It may be stated
as a general rule that nursing service may be included in the terms
“ medical and surgical service” and is usually understood to be a part
of hospital service. Nursing by nonprofessional nurses and members
of the injured man’s family may in some cases be included, the usual
requirements being, in the case of a nonprofessional nurse, that no
better service was available or that the nurse has given up other
employment for the purpose, and in the case of a member of the
family, that the nurse be a professional. These rules are, however,
subject to exception.
In California, nursing service can not be included in the charges for
‘‘medical service” if the nursing was done by a member of the
injured employee’s family unless such person is a professional nurse;3
exception was made, however, in the case of a son who had given up
lucrative employment in order to nurse his father.4 It was also
decided that a sister who nursed her injured brother who boarded with
her could not be considered as a nurse within the meaning of the
statute, especially as the case was a nonhospital case.5 Again, a
mother who nursed her injured son without the express direction of
the physician was not permitted to charge for her services.6 On
the other hand, a woman who kept a boarding house and wdio gave
up her work to nurse an injured man was regarded as giving charge­
able medical service,7 as was also a landlord of a hotel who nursed
a baker who had been burned.8
1 Bulletin of the Industrial Commission of Ohio, October, 1914, p. 34.
2 California, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.
3 Wyman v. Huff, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1914, vol. 1, p. 20.
4 Kelly v . Manley, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1915, vol. 2, p. 355.
3 Jolley v. O’Shea, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1915, vol. 2, p. 546.
6 Forbes v. County of Humbolt, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions. 1915, vol. 2, p. 882.
2
Dexter v . People’s Cloak and Shit Co., California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1915
vol. 2, p. 542.
8 Woolf & Thompson v . Joy, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, 1915, vol. 2, p.948.


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Under the construction placed upon the statute by the Ohio com­
mission, nursing performed by members of the injured man’s family
is not chargeable medical service although nursing service may be
had and charged for where in the opinion of the attending physician
such service is needed, and in such case the nurse need not be a pro­
fessional.1
The Connecticut commission, however, has not set up any such rule
but has merely considered the reasonableness and necessity of such
service, and accordingly has allowed an award for services rendered
by a boarding-house keeper,2 and also in another case, for services
rendered by the injured man’s wife. An award was also granted by
this commission for nursing services rendered by an injured boy’s
sister who was a professional nurse and gave up profitable employ­
ment in order to treat him.3
A very careful and complete discussion of the subject of nursing
service was made by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin in a leading case4
where the injured employee was nursed by a relative and the award
made for her services was disputed. I t was said by the court that—
It has become so common for a physician or surgeon to have a nurse as his assistant,
in cases requiring attention at shorter intervals than he can well he present, that the
major service can well be regarded as including the minor attention, in all cases where
the nurse is employed by the physician or surgeon, or by his direction, and the services
are an incident of the treatment; and that would obtain whether the medical attendant
was engaged by the employer or the employee.

The only provision in the law of Wisconsin at that time (October,
1913) was that when nursing service was necessary the compensation
was to be 100 per cent of the wage instead of 65 per cent. In the case
in question, the service was voluntary and, in refusing to allow an
award for nursing service, the court said:
Good administration would require, it seems, that the necessity for the services of a
nurse should be certified to by the attending physician or surgeon, as a prerequisite to
its allowance either as an incident to the medical or surgical treatment or greater
allowance for disability indemnity.

This decision was referred to by the district court of Itasca County,
Minnesota, where an award for the nursing services of the wife of
the injured man was refused.5
The United States Employees’ Compensation Commission has al­
lowed an award for nursing services rendered by a mother who gave
up employment to act as a nurse.6 And in Utah, nursing services
1 B u lle tin of th e I n d u s tr ia l C om m ission of O hio, O c to b e r, 1914, p . 36.
2 S a d d le m ire v. A m e ric a n B rid g e Co., C o n n e c tic u t C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n D ecisio n s, vol. 2, p . 666.
3 S w a n v. N . Y ., N . H. & H. R . R . Co., C o n n e c tic u t C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n D ecisio n s, v o l. 2, p . 451.
* C ity of M ilw au k e e v. M iller, 144 N . W ., 188.
e Danielson v. P e te rs o n , B u lle tin N o . 14, D e p a rtm e n t of L a b o r a n d I n d u s tr ie s , 1917, p . 34.
s S eco n d A n n u a l R e p o rt, U n ite d S ta te s E m p lo y e e s ’ C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n , p . 229.


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rendered to a man by his wife were regarded as reasonably chargeable
as medical services by the commission which allowed an award.1
Dental Work.
None of the compensation jurisdictions specifically state in their
laws that dental services must be furnished to injured employees.
Such service has been held by some commissions to be included, as a
matter of course, in the general medical, surgical, and hospital pro­
visions.
A case arose in California where a workman had been injured in the
jaw and mouth so that he lost several incisor teeth. The employer
provided all the required surgical service but did not provide any
dental service and the insurance carrier contested an award requiring
such service to be rendered. The commission granted the award
saying: “ This injured man was entitled by law to dental surgery
with the view of repairing, as far as may be, damage done by injury.”2
Although this commission included dental work within the term
“medical and surgical aid” it refused to allow an award for the repair
of a plate of false teeth which was damaged in an accident. I t was
here held that: “ Repair of damage to false teeth is not medical or
surgical treatment required to be furnished by the employer, though
the furnishing of false teeth where such is rendered necessary by an
injury is so required.”3 There was a strong dissenting opinion as to
this conclusion by Commissioner French.
The Ohio commission in construing the statute of that State has
decided that dental work may be included within the provisions of the
compensation law where such work is made necessary as a direct
result of an accident.4 Dental work has also been included within
the terms medical and surgical treatment by the Massachusetts com­
mission,5 and the commission of Minnesota has allowed bills for fees
for such service.6 The Pennsylvania commission has held that: “ An
employee who receives an injury in the course of his employment
which requires the services of a dentist is entitled to such services at
the expense of his employer.”7
The attorney general of Iowa rendered the opinion that although
the law would not permit the allowance of any disability payments
for injury to teeth the treatment might properly be allowed under the
1 F o w le r v . U ta h F ir e C lay Co., U ta h C om m ission D ecisions.
2 G a rd n e r v . S ie rra N e v a d a W ood & L u m b e r Co., C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n D ecisio n s,
1916, v o l. 3, p . 259.
3 D e W i tt v . C alifornia H ig h w a y C om m ission, C alifornia In d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m ission D ecisio n s, 1918,
v o l. 5, p . 140.
4 B u lle tin of th e I n d u s tr ia l C om m ission of O hio, O cto b er, 1914, p . 35.
5 M cG ue v. G eorge L a w le y & S on, M a s sa c h u s e tts In d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t B o a rd D ecisions.
6 B u lle tin N o. 11, M in n e so ta D e p a rtm e n t of L a b o r a n d In d u s trie s , A u g u st, 1915, p . 25.
7 R u d d ic k v . J o n e s & L a u g h lin S te e l Co., P e n n s y lv a n ia C o m p e n sa tio n B o a rd , 1916, p . 18.


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head of medical and surgical treatment.1 In West Virginia it has
been held, however, that the act does not permit the allowance of
awards for dental work.2
Artificial Members.
California, Nevada, and Wisconsin are the only States that make
specific provision in their laws for the supplying of artificial limbs to
injured workmen as a part of the medical service to be furnished by
the employer. Some of the other States, however, have construed
the medical and surgical aid provisions to include such services, par­
ticularly in cases where the artificial limb will help to restore the earn­
ing capacity of the injured workman.
There are several factors which have been taken into consideration
in determining whether artificial members or other appliances are
properly to be included as medical service. In the first place the
provisions and purpose of the statute should be considered. Under
most State laws a certain definite amount of compensation is awarded
for the. loss of a member irrespective of the injured worker’s loss of
earning capacity or future disability. In such States artificial limbs
would be less likely to be construed as ‘‘medical service,” unless such
appliances were specifically mentioned in the law or unless the medical
treatment required were such as “ to cure and relieve from the effect
of the injury.” On the other hand, under the Federal act the amount
of compensation for permanent partial disabilities is dependent solely
upon the subsequent loss of earning power. Any expenditure, there­
fore, which would restore the injured worker’s earning capacity
would be good policy, and this is the position taken by the United
States Employees’ Compensation Commission.
A second factor to be considered is whether the artificial member
or appliance is an integral and nonremovable part of the person or
body, such as a tooth, or whether it is detachable, such as a crutch
or an artificial hand. Some commissions have held that the former
should be included as medical service, while the latter should not.
A third point, already touched upon, is whether the artificial mem­
ber serves a useful or industrial purpose, such as an artificial leg, or
whether it is merely ornamental, such as a glass eye. Artificial
members are more likely to be furnished in the former case than in
the latter.
Another question in this connection is whether an injury to or
loss of an artificial limb should be compensated for. I t was held by
the United States commission that where a man having an artificial
leg was employed and the leg was broken, that he had sustained
1 Io w a W o rk m e n ’s C o m p e n sa tio n —L e g al O p in io n s b y H . E . S a m p so n (1916), p . 38.
2 H o w ie v. C h arlesto n E le c tric Co., N o v . 19, 1914, C om m ission D ecisions.


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no injury within the act and was not entitled to an award.1 In
another case where a fire fighter was struck in his glass eye and
it was broken, it was held that, as there was no compensable injury,
and as the original eye was not lost while in the Government service,
no award could be had for a new glass eye.2 But where a Govern­
ment employee sustained an injury which resulted in the shortening
of his leg and necessitated the use of a leg extension, any subsequent
injury to such extension might be compensated for where the failure
to do so would result in a loss of earning capacity.3
The Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut, in upholding an award
of $115 for an artificial leg, said in part: 4
Our act contemplates the furnishing of all medical and surgical aid that is reason­
able and necessary. The purpose of this provision is to restore the injured employee
to a place in our industrial life as soon as possible by the use of all medical and surgical
and hospital service which the ordinary usages of the modern science of medicine and
surgery furnish.

After commenting on the fact that it is commonly conceded that sur­
gical aid includes the furnishing of splints, bandages, apparatus, and
crutches, the court continued:
There is no difference between supplying these and the artificial limb. That per­
tains to surgery and is used in surgery. The only difference between the crutch and
an artificial limb is that the latter costs more than the former.

This decision was followed by the commission in a subsequent
case,5 where an award of $114 was allowed for an artificial leg. Both
these decisions overrule and reverse a prior decision 6 of the com­
mission.
Specialists, Assistants, X-Ray, etc.
When a law requires that all the treatment must be given an injured
employee as may be “ reasonably required,” can it be said that
specialists, advisers, and assistants could be included thereunder?
The Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors has held 7 that the services
of an assistant physician in an operation for the cure of hernia could
be properly charged for as a part of the medical service. In Cali­
fornia it was held 8 that the services of a surgeon specialist called by
the employer’s doctor at the request of the employee’s family could
1 N a th a n K le in , U n ite d S ta te s E m p lo y e e s ’ C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n , seco n d a n n u a l re p o r t, p . 232
(J a n . 30,1918).
2 C. W . H o n o ld , U n ite d S ta te s E m p lo y e e s ’ C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n , seco n d a n n u a l re p o rt, p . 232
(F e b . 8, 1918).
3 A . N . B ab c o ck , U n ite d S ta te s E m p lo y e e s ’ C o m p e n sa tio n C om m issio n , seco n d a n n u a l re p o rt, p . 234
(A u g . 30,1918).
4 O lm ste ad v. L a m p h ie r, 104 A tla n tic 488.
e S ad d le m ire v. A m e ric a n B rid g e Co., C o n n e c tic u t C o m p e n sa tio n D ecisio n s, vol. 2, p. 666.
« P e d ro n i v. B la k eslee & S ons, C o n n e c tic u t C o m p e n sa tio n D ecisio n s, v o l. 1, p . 670.
7 M ahoney v. G am b le-D e sm o n d Co., 90 C onn. 255, 96 A tla n tic 1025.
3
S w ain v. P acific T e lep h o n e & T e le g ra p h Co., C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n D ecisions,
1915, vol. 2, p . 402.


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reasonably be included. The commission of this State also hold 1
in another case that where the treatment the employee was receiving
did not improve his condition, the injured man could call in a spe­
cialist in the kind of injury he had received and have his services
charged against the employer.
In a case considered by the California commission the employer was
required to pay for treatment which an employee was required to go
to San Francisco to obtain where it appeared that the treatment
which he received in the place where he was injured was inadequate,
the injury having been sustained in a small town and the treatment
supplied having been all that was there available. The commission
said :2
The compensation act contemplates that adequate treatment be provided by the
employer. The most important treatment at the time of the injury is to ascertain
the nature and extent of the injury, and where a fracture is involved this seldom can
be done without adequate appliances, such as facilities for taking X-ray photographs,
and an employee is justified in going at once to where a correct diagnosis of his case
can be made.

The rules of the Ohio commission make express provision for the
allowance of X-ray service within the terms of the compensation act.3
Transportation.
It often happens that an accident occurs in a place where there is no
hospital or medical or surgical aid available and it becomes necessary
to transport the injured workman to the nearest place where proper
treatment may be had. Nevada, Oregon, the Philippine Islands,
Washington, and the United States have, by express provisions in
their acts, included such service as a part of the medical treatment.
The other jurisdictions have, as yet, taken no legislative action,
although some have included such service by construction.
A Connecticut commissioner in allowing an award for transporta­
tion said: 4
I have allowed an award for transportation from the home of the claimant to the
physician employed by the respondent. It is the duty of the respondent to furnish
surgical aid at the place of the claimant and not somewhere else. If, as a reasonable
method of discharging this duty, the respondent employs a physician at a place con­
venient to the claimant and has the claimant see the physician at his office, the trans­
portation comes fairly under the head of “ surgical aid ” as used in the act.

In reply to an inquiry, the Industrial Accident Board of Texas ren­
dered the opinion that if an injury occurred in a rural district and it
becomes necessary to transport the injured man to a hospital, railroad
1 G ra n t v. C ity a n d C o u n ty of S an F ra n c isc o , C alifornia In d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n D ecisions,
1916, v o l. 3, p . 376.
2 M iller v. A e tn a S p rin g s Co., C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C om m issio n D ecisio n s, 1915, vol. 2, p . 534.
3 B u lle tin of th e O hio In d u s tr ia l C om m ission, O cto b er, 1914, p. 33.
4 S w a n so n v. S arg en t & Co., C o n n e c tic u t C o m p e n sa tio n C om m ission D ecisio n s, v o l. 1, p . 433.


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fare might be included as an item of the expense incurred for medical
aid.
The California commission has regarded transportation as a part of
the medical aid service without question when the transportation is
reasonable and necessary in any particular case. It has, however,
refused to allow awards for such service in two cases. One 1 was
where the injured man, who made a trip for which he asked an
award, intended to make the trip regardless of the taking of the
treatment which he received at the destination, and the other 2 was
where a man who had lost his eyesight made a useless and unneces­
sary trip to consult a specialist concerning the possible saving of his
eyesight.

Cure and Relief from Effects of Injury.
The inclusiveness of a particular medical provision is dependent
also upon the expressed purpose of this provision. Thus the phrase
in the California act which states that such medical, surgical, and
hospital treatment as may be reasonably required “ to cure and relieve
from the effects of the injury” has the effect of increasing the scope
of the medical service. In a case 3 which came before the California
commission the employee was so badly injured as to require not only
surgical treatment but other service as well. The insurer provided
only the surgical service but provided that beyond the 90-day period
required at that time. The commission held that all necessary treat­
ment to effect a cure must be given, and that giving one kind of treat­
ment beyond the limited period did not excuse the failure to give the
other kind of treatment.
The purpose of these provisions, as already stated, is to overcome
the disability resulting from the injury. With this in mind the same
commission held4 that where an injured workman had received
medical treatment up to the point where further medical service
would not effect a cure or produce further improvement, the injured
man was not entitled to further treatment at the employer’s expense.
However, where an employee is treated by the employer’s phy­
sician, who discharges the injured man as cured when, in fact, the
disability has not been overcome, it was held 5 that the employer was
liable for such further necessary treatment as the employee obtained
elsewhere.
1 J a m e s v. F o re m a n , C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C om m issio n D ecisio n s, v o l. 3, p . 246.
2 G a la n te v. M a m m o th C o p p er M in in g Co., C alifornia In d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n D ecisio n s, v o l. 2,
p . 723.
3 G a rd n e r v. S ie rra W o o d & L u m b e r Co., C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n D ecisio n s, v o l. 3,
p . 259.
4 E m p lo y e rs ’ L ia b ility A ssu ra n c e C o rp o ra tio n v. E lm o re , C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C o m m issio n
D ecisions, v o l. 4, p . 359.
6 D o u glas v. J . & J . D ru g C o., C alifornia I n d u s tr ia l A c c id e n t C om m issio n D ecisio n s, 1915, v o l. 2, p . 181.


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Qualifications of Persons Rendering Medical Service.
Questions have arisen in various States as to what kind of medical
service is contemplated by the medical provisions of the compensa­
tion laws from the point of view of the qualifications of the person
rendering such medical service. In the following sections the atti­
tude taken by the various commissions on this subject will he pre­
sented.
Osteopaths.
Is treatment by an osteopath medical and surgical treatment within
the meaning of the compensation statutes? In California an award
was made for a bill for medical services rendered by an osteopath
without raising the question as to the propriety of such service.1
The Iowa Industrial Commission decided, however, that “ an osteo­
path does not furnish medical or surgical service within the meaning
of the Iowa compensation act, and an employer is not required to
pay for treatment of that character, it being service other than that
required by law.” The Connecticut commission made a similar
ruling on this subject.2
Bonesetters.
Connecticut and Ohio are the only States, so far as could be deter­
mined, where the question of whether or not an award should be
allowed for the services of “ bonesetters” was ever considered. In
the Connecticut case 3 an award was granted for such services, but
here the parties agreed to such service, and this case can not, therefore,
serve as a definite guide as to what action would be taken by the
commission in case a dispute arose; but in the Ohio case 4 “ the opin­
ion of the commissioner construes section 42 [of the compensation act]
to mean that money shall not be paid out of the State insurance fund
on account of medical and surgical services rendered by persons who
have not been regularly admitted to the practice of medicine.” This
definition would, in most cases, also exclude osteopaths, chiropractors,
and Christian Science practitioners.
Chiropractors.
The services of chiropractors have been held, in two instances, not
to be included in the medical service contemplated by the compensa­
tion acts. I t was held by the Connecticut commission that where
an employer provided an injured employee with no medical service
other than that of a chiropractor, the employer had failed in his duty
1 Leadbettor v. Industrial Accident Commission, 177 Pae. 449.
2 Spain v . Metropolitan Furniture Co., Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, July, 1917.
2 Hodge v. Hoffman, Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, vol. 1, p. 322.
4 Howat v. Youngstown Iron & Steel Co., Bulletin of the Ohio Industrial Commission, vol. 1, No. 7, p. 155.


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to provide medical aid, the commission saying, in part, that although
it was “ not without the limits of possibility that some persons or
group of persons” might “ discover a new and better method than
that generally practiced and taught” for the cure of human ailments,
such a contingency was “ highly improbable.” 1
The commission of Wisconsin refused to allow a bill for $55 for the
services of a chiropractor, holding that although such treatment
might be beneficial it could not properly be included in or regarded as
“ medical and surgical treatment.” 2 An award was also refused by
the United States Employees’ Compensation Commission for services
rendered by a chiropractor, on the ground that such a person was
“ not a licensed physician” within the meaning of the statute.3
Christian Science Practitioners.
At the present time no State in its compensation law recognizes
the service of a Christian Science practitioner as “ medical service,”
although a bill has recently been presented in the senate of the
Wisconsin Legislature proposing to amend the compensation law
of that State so as to permit such services to be included.
In two cases in California it has been held that such services do not
constitute “ medical treatment.” One 4 was “ where an employee
sustained a muscular strain and consulted a healer who made no
diagnosis and used no drugs or mechanical appliances in healing,
but who healed by prayer and the laying on of hands and who was
not licensed by the State Medical Board to practice medicine.” The
other case 5 was one where the ailments of the injured employee
indicated the necessity of surgical treatment; for two months however
she relied largely upon treatment by a Christian Science practitioner.
Here the commission said: “ Whatever may be said in favor of treat­
ment at the hands of Christian Science practitioners regarding
other ailments resulting in or occasioned by industrial accidents, this
commission can not hold that such treatment is such as, 'm ay
reasonably be required to cure and relieve,’ where surgical treatment
is indicated by the symptoms.”
Chinese Herb Doctors.
As already noted, in Connecticut the commission allowed an
award for the services of a bonesetter where both employer
and employee acquiesced in such treatment. The California com1 Reed v . Orient Music Co., Connecticut Compensation Commission Decisions, vol. 1, p. 37.
2 Jones v . Severhill, Wisconsin Commission Decisions, reported by the Weekly Underwriter.
3 J. G. Hauston, United States Employees’ Compensation Commission, second annual report, p. 229.
4 Miller v . Boos Brothers Cafeteria, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, vol. 4, 1917,
p. 388.
s Ash v. Barker, California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions, vol. 2, p. 40.


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mission, however, refused to take such a view with regard to
Chinese herb doctors. Thus, in a case where the employer refused
or failed to supply medical treatment and the employee went
to a Chinese herb doctor and so notified his employer and the
employer raised no objection, it was held that “ treatment by a
Chinese herb practitioner, not a duly licensed physician or sur­
geon, is not medical and surgical treatment within the meaning
of that term as used in the workmen’s compensation act, and an
injured employee is not entitled to reimbursement for the expense
of such treatment.” 1
i Knock v. Reliance Gas Regulator, etc., Co., California Industrial Accident Commission Decisions,
vol. 4, p. 181.

122778°— 19----- 14

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Provision for Second Injuries Under Workmen’s
Compensation Laws.
By Carl H ookstadt.

consequence of workmen’s compensation laws, possibly
ONEunforeseen
at the time of their enactment, is the adverse effect
of such laws upon the employment of physically defective workers.
When a one-eyed workman loses the second eye in an industrial
accident he will be totally disabled for life. If the employer is re­
quired, under the law, to pay compensation for permanent total
disability in such cases he will feel considerable apprehension about
employing such men. On the other hand, if the employee is to
receive compensation for the loss of one eye only, regardless of the
resulting disability and loss of earning capacity, he will be inade­
quately compensated and the purpose of the compensation act will
be partially defeated.
Industrial discrimination against crippled workers, accentuated by
the return of disabled soldiers, presents a serious and complex prob­
lem. Many factors contribute to this discrimination, one of which
is the fear that the employment of crippled workers will greatly
increase the cost of accident compensation. A few of the States
have enacted remedial legislation on the subject, but most of the
States have thus far done nothing to meet this problem. The statu­
tory provisions relative to second injuries, as interpreted by the
courts and commissions in the 44 States having workmen’s compensa­
tion laws at the present time, are as follows:
In 13 States 1compensation is granted only for the disability caused
by that particular injury without reference to previous injuries. In
these States the factor of increased compensation costs as a con­
tributory cause of discrimination has of course been eliminated, but,
on the other hand, the employee receives grossly inadequate compen­
sation. In this connection the experience of the Montana Industrial
Accident Board is illuminating. The Montana law makes no specific
provision covering second injuries. The board, however, held that
an employer should not be penalized for his generosity in hiring a
crippled workman. One of • the principal employers of the State,
having a hundred or more crippled workers on his payroll, requested
a ruling as to the extent of his liability in case of a subsequent accident
to any of these crippled men, stating that if he was to be liable for
1 California, Colorado, Delaware, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Penn­
sylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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the total disability he would immediately discharge them. The
board promptly ruled that the employer would be liable only for the
subsequent injury without reference to the resulting disability. It
is stated that as a result of this ruling over 400 cripples in the State
retained their positions as watchmen, doorkeepers, etc., whereas if
the board had held the employer liable for the entire disability these
crippled men would all have been discharged and would of necessity
in the majority of instances have become a charge upon society.
The board does not defend its interpretation of the law but pleads
necessity and expediency and its desire to protect the cripple. Similar
to Montana’s experience has been that of California. The California
act at one time provided for full compensation, or life pension, in
case of a worker who loses the sight of his second eye. The com­
mission took into consideration the social need and unfortunate
condition of such a man and deemed it wise to give him a life pension.
However, the act was amended at the request of the disabled men
themselves, who stated that they found it difficult to obtain em­
ployment.
In 14 States 1 compensation is granted for the entire disability
caused by the combined injuries. In case of the loss of a second eye,
therefore, compensation would be awarded for permanent total dis­
ability. This places a heavy burden upon the employer, who under
the circumstances feels himself justified in refusing to employ crippled
men. New York early met the problem by relieving the employer of
the extra liability. An amendment to the New York law, enacted in
1916, provides that in case of a second major disability the employer
shall be held liable only for the second injury, but the injured em­
ployee shall be compensated for the disability resulting from the
combined injuries. The additional compensation is paid out of a
special fund. This fund is created by requiring the employer to
contribute $100 for each fatal accident in which there are no persons
entitled to compensation. The States of Minnesota, North Dakota,
Ohio, and Utah have recently followed the example set by New York
and enacted similar provisions. This plan of taking care of the extra
compensation liability through a special fund insures substantial
justice to both employer and employee and removes one potent
factor of discrimination.
In six States 2 compensation for second injuries is determined by
subtracting the disability caused bythe prior injury from the whole
disability caused by the subsequent injury. The Virginia law also has
this provision, limited, however, to cases in which both injuries occur
1 Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, N orth Dakota, Ohio, Oregon,
Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
2 Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming.


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within the same employment; in other cases the employer is liable
only for the disability caused by the second injury.
Eleven States 1 make no specific provision regarding second in­
juries. It is probable that in some of these States the administrative
commissions* or courts have ruled upon the question in cases coming
before them for adjudication, but no report of any of these rulings
has come to the attention of the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
Three States 2grant a greater award for the loss of a second member
than for the loss of a first. The objection to this plan is that it does
not solve the problem of discrimination. On the contrary, increased
compensation benefits for second injuries increase the probability of
discrimination against crippled men.
Connecticut attempted to meet this problem by permitting phys­
ically defective employees to enter into an employment contract
whereby they might waive their right to compensation for injuries
due directly to their physical defect. Ohio also recognizes this
waiver principle, but only in case of blind employees. Undoubtedly
under this scheme many defective workmen are given employment
which would be denied them if the employer were to assume the
liability resulting from a second injury. Such a plan, however,
leaves the handicapped workman unprotected in case of a subse­
quent accident. As far as he is concerned, the compensation law is
to a great extent a dead letter, and in case of injury he will be thrown
upon public charity or the generosity of his employer. Some scheme
should be adopted which would relieve the employer of the extrahazardous risk involved and at the same tune compensate the
crippled workman in proportion to his loss of earning capacity. The
special-fund plan already in operation in several States answers this
dual purpose.
This plan, limited, however, to disabled soldiers and sailors, has
been adopted in France and recommended for adoption in England
by a committee of the British Home Office.3 Under the French law,
enacted November 25, 1916,4 if a soldier or sailor suffering from a
serious disability, due to war service, meets with an industrial acci­
dent causing death or permanent disability, part of the compensation
will be paid from the State fund. The court is required to ascertain
(1) whether the accident is exclusively due to the war disability,
and if not, (2) whether the permanent reduction in earning capacity
resulting from the accident has been increased by the war disability,
1 Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Porto Rico,
Tennessee, and Vermont.
2 Colorado, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
3 For a summary of the British report, see Monthly L abor R e v i e w for June, 1919, pp. 70 to 73.
*

S e e p . 218 o f t h i s is s u e o f t h e M o n t h l y L a b o r . R e v i e w .


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209

and if so, in what proportion. In the first case the employer is
relieved altogether and in the second case he is relieved of a propor­
tion of the compensation payable. This proportion of the compen­
sation is paid out of a special fund created for this purpose and
maintained by contributions from employers in the same manner as
under the general compensation act.
Another method aiming at the prevention of industrial discrimina­
tion against, cripples is to prohibit insurance companies from charg­
ing employers higher premiums in case they employ disabled men.
Minnesota recently enacted a law embodying such a provision. The
weakness of this scheme is that it does not cover self-insured em­
ployers, who, because of the direct relationship between accidents
and compensation costs, would be more inclined to practice discrim­
ination than insured employers. The British committee rejected the
plan for this reason.

Provisions for Military Cripples Sustaining Industrial
Accidents.
The various schemes enumerated above are concerned chiefly with
industrial cripples and are applicable only to States having compensa­
tion laws and then only to the employments covered by these laws.
But seven States 1 and the District of Columbia have no workmen’s
compensation laws. Furthermore only one or two State laws cover
agriculture and domestic service and one-third do not include the
professions, trade, and other nonhazardous employments. Our sol­
diers and sailors, however, are drawn from every State in the Union
and from every walk of life, and this fact must be taken into account
in the formulation of an adequate and just compensation system.
Two plans for the prevention of discrimination against the employ­
ment of military cripples have been suggested. The first plan pro­
vides for a division of costs between the Federal Government and the
States, the latter bearing the cost of compensation for that part
of the disability due strictly to the occupational injury, and the
United States the cost of any disability due to a previous injury
sustained in the military or naval service. The second plan provides
for the payment by the Federal Government of the entire cost of
compensation—not only for the injuries sustained in the line of duty
in the military service but for the injuries subsequently sustained in
civil life.
The former plan seems to be the more equitable of the two. It was
thoroughly discussed at conferences called in 1918 by the War Bisk
Insurance Bureau and by the Federal Board for Vocational Educai North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.


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tion. A committee appointed, as a result of the war-risk conference,
after an intensive study of the subject disapproved the plan for
division of costs as being impracticable. Despite the equity of the
plan it involved insuperable administrative difficulties and further­
more was dependent upon amendatory State legislation before it
could be put into operation. Some of the difficulties and complica­
tions involved in this plan are: Absence of compensation laws in
several States; many employments not covered even in the com­
pensation States; variations in the compensation benefits under the
several State laws; variations in the provisions for second injuries;
difficulties in determining the respective percentages of disability
caused by the first and second injuries; and necessity of amendatory
State legislation.
The committee recommended, therefore, as the most practicable
method of dealing with the problem, that the War-Risk Insurance Act
be amended to provide that any person handicapped by an injury or
disease contracted in the military or naval service shall, in case of a
subsequent injury in civil employment, be compensated therefor in
full by the Federal Government. The weakness of this plan is that
payment for injuries by the United States in such cases would not
relieve the employer from liability under the State compensation and
liability laws. Even if the Federal Government did meet the extra
or entire liability the injured employee would still be entitled to
receive compensation benefits under a State compensation act and
to sue for damages under a State liability act. Apparently the only
way in which to relieve the employer of the extra liability without
waiting for amendments to State laws is to provide some plan whereby
the employers or State funds or the compensation commissions are
reimbursed by the United States Government. I t would not be
necessary, however, to include all compensable injuries in such a
plan. Its purpose wmuld be to prevent discrimination due to the
fear of greatly increased compensation costs. This increased cost is
chiefly due to fatal and permanent disability injuries. Therefore
relieve the employer of the costs due to such injuries and the incentive
for discrimination will disappear. The employer would still be liable
for compensation for temporary disabilities and for medical service.
The chief reason for not including temporary disabilities is to curtail
administrative difficulties and expenses. If the employer is relieved
of liability for major disabilities such a plan will have accomplished
its purpose. Under the French plan, also, State compensation benefits
are limited to injuries resulting in death or permanent disability.
It would probably be desirable to compensate for all fatal and
permanent disability injuries irrespective of the cause of the accident.
It may seem unreasonable for the Federal Government to reimburse
an employer for an injury which was in no way connected with the

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workman’s prior disability. For example, a one-armed ex-soldier
may have been killed, with other employees, by a boiler explosion.
On the other hand, if an inquiry into the cause of every accident is to
be made in order to determine to what extent the previous disability
was a contributory factor it will result in very great administrative
difficulties, the cost of which may more than outweigh the amount
saved. In France, in order to protect the fund from unwarranted
claims of employers and insurance carriers, it has been found neces­
sary to appoint an expert to investigate wffether the accident was
exclusively due to a preexisting disability and to what extent the
final disability was due to the second accident.
It might be added that the total number of such second injuries in
proportion to the total number of all injuries would be infinitesimally
small. A computation recently made by the United States Bureau
of Labor Statistics 1 would seem to show that of all the employees
under the compensation act in the State of Wisconsin who had lost a
hand, arm, foot, leg, or eye, only one would sustain a second major
permanent disability in any given year. Application of the Wiscon­
sin rate to the 41 State compensation laws in effect January 1, 1919,
would give a grand total of 39 second major permanent disabilities
for all industries covered by the compensation acts of these States.
The increased cost of second injuries would therefore be negligible.
Assuming that all second major permanent disabilities would result
in permanent total disability, the increased compensation cost of such
accidents would in a,ll probability not exceed three-tenths of 1 per
cent of the total compensation costs for all accidents under the
compensation act.

Reports of Workmen’s Compensation Commis­
sions in United States and Canada.
* West Virginia .2
the year ending June 30, 1918, 3,076 employers having
DURING
180,834 employees, full-tim ebasis, paid premiums into the West

Virginia State compensation insurance fund. During the same
year there were reported to the State fund 23,557 personal injuries,
of which 531 were fatal, 10 permanent total, 296 permanent partial,
and 22,720 temporary disability. In addition 25 employers having
11,727 employees, full-time basis, carried their own risk. These
self-insured employers reported 2,061 accidents, of which 1,971 were
i
“ Probability of an industrial cripple sustaining a second injury,” in M o n t h l y L a b o r R e v i e w for
March, 1919, pp. 79 to 84.
2 Condensed Statement of the W est Virginia State Compensation Commissioner as of June 30,1918.


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temporary disabilities, 39 permanent partial disabilities, 3 permanent
total disabilities, and 48 fatal.
The estimated cost of accidents, present value basis, during the
year to the State fund aggregated $2,232,138.62, being $1.20 per
hundred dollars of wages, and 85 per cent of the premium income,
distributed as follows:
Medical expense.................................................................... $168,293.40
Funeral expense....................................................................
33, 878. 83
Temporary disabilities.....................................................j ..
376, 572. 38
Permanent partial injuries....................................................
276,102. 0 1
Permanent total injuries.......................................................
6 8 , 992. 0 0
Fatal injuries.......................................................................... 1,308,300.00

Nova Scotia .1
rn H E amount of compensation, actual and estimated, under the
-L Nova Scotia compensation act for the year 1918 was $953,917.17.
There were reported 7,665 accidents, of which 181 were fatal, 4,382
resulted in temporary disability, and 167 in permanent disability.
The large number of fatal accidents (27 per cent increase over 1917)
was due to two bad disasters. A coal-mine explosion at Stellarton
resulted in 88 deaths and a lumber-camp fire was responsible for 17
deaths.
The report also contains an analysis of the accidents occurring in
1917. The following table shows the number of temporary-disability
accidents, classified by nature of injuries:
N u m b e r o f tem p o ra ry-d isa b ility accidents i n 1917, classified by n a tu re o f in ju ry..

Bruises, contusions, and abrasions.................................................... i 283
Cuts and lacerations.......................................................................... 1 026
Fractures....................
333
Crushes...............................................................................................
537
612
Sprains, strains, twistings, and wrenchings.....................................
Burns and scalds......................................................
237
Punctures...........................................................................................
94
Eye injuries...........................................................................................
gg
Hernias.................................................. .....................'......................
27
Internal injuries.....................................................................................
32
Concussions (brain, spine, etc.)............................................................
10
Dislocations........................................................................................
g0
All other injuries...................................................................................
13
Industrial diseases............................................................................. • 1
Total.....................................................................................

2

4, 504

1 Report of W orkmen’s Compensation Board for the year 1918. Halifax, 1919. 33 pp.
* Seventy-four of these cases developed sepsis.


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Ontario .1
HE total number of accidents reported to the Ontario Workmen’s
Compensation Board during the year 1918 was 47,848. The
T
total number of accidents in which compensation for medical aid was
paid was 40,930, of which 382 were fatal, 2,549 were permanent, 25,446
were temporary, and 12,553 were cases requiring medical aid only.
The total amount of compensation awarded during the year was
$3,514,648.47. In addition, $369,346.37 was paid for medical aid,
not including, however, those industries (Schedule I) in which
medical service is furnished by the employer without intervention
of the board.
The report also contains a detailed analysis of the accident data
under Schedule I for the year 1917. For this class of industries there
were reported 25,265 accidents, distributed as follows: Death, 233j:
permanent disability, 2,297; temporary disability (compensable),,
18,468; temporary disability (medical aid only), 4,267.
Of the 18,468 temporary-disability accidents, in 6,964, or 37.7 per
cent, of the cases, the disability terminated in from one to two weeks,
after the accident; in 4,416, or 23.9 per cent, of the cases, the dis­
ability terminated in from two to three weeks; in 2,356, or 12.8 per
cent, of the cases, in from three to four weeks; in 16 cases the dis­
ability exceeded one year.
The number of cases in which the seriousness of the accident was
due to blood poisoning was 1,293. This was 6.2 per cent of the
total cases.
The number of temporary-disability accidents, classified by nature
of injury, is shown in the following table:
T em p o ra ry-d isa b ility accidents i n 1917, classified by n a tu re o f in ju r y .

Bruises, contusions, and abrasions....................................................
Cuts and lacerations and punctures.................................................
Fractures........................................................ - .................................
Crushes..............................................................................................
Sprains, strains, twistings, and wrenchings.....................................
Burns and scalds................................................................................
Eye injuries........................................................................................
Hernias...............................................................................................
Internal injuries.................................................................................
Concussions (brain, spine,etc.)........................................................
Dislocations........................................................................................
All other injuries...............................................................................
Industrial diseases (schedule 3)........................................................

1Report of the Ontario Workmen’s Compensation Board for the year 1918.


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3, 924
6, 610
b 883
2,341
1, 236
1,348
740
32
11
35
137
154
17

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The following tabular statement shows the accident frequency rate
per 100 full-time workers for each of the three years 1915, 1916, and
1917, medical-aid cases being excluded:
Accident frequency rate (per 100
full-time workers).
Year.

1915............................
1916............................
1917............................

Tempo­ Perma­
rary dis­ nent dis­
ability. ability.
3.63
4.99
5.78

0.58
.79
.72

Death.

Total.

0.12
.10

4.32
5.88
6.57

.07

Thus, accidents have been increasing, 1916 showing an increase
of 36.1 per cent over 1915, and 1917 an increase of 11.7 over 1916.
The death rate, however, has shown a steady decline and the fre­
quency of permanent disabilities for 1917 is less than the correspond­
ing frequency for 1916. The coming into effect of the medical aid
provisions on July 1, 1917, added to the number of accidents to be
paid for, and even apart from this there are no doubt fewer compen­
sable accidents for which compensation is not claimed than in the
early history of the act.

Problem of the Military Cripple in France.
to objections offered by employers to the employment
OWING
or reemployment of wounded soldiers, or in anticipation of
such action, two important problems were early presented to the
French National Assembly and Labor Office for solution: (1) The
reeducation and réadaptation of military cripples, and (2) the in­
dustrial status of such cripples.
Among the many objections made by employers were (1) that the
reduced physical ability, through wounds or loss of parts, rendered
these workmen undesirable for certain classes of labor because of
diminished productive efficiency, and (2) that in the employment of
a person already partially incapacitated, the employer or insurance
carrier would assume extraordinary accident risks.
The unwillingness of insurance funds to assume risks of this char­
acter, the objections of certain labor unions, and beneficial, mutual,
and cooperative associations to receiving invalided and crippled
soldiers as members, led to the adoption of certain remedial legisla­
tive measures.
The importance of providing for the reemployment of these
wounded soldiers is brought out in a report made public on December

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215

26, 1918,1 by the under secretary of war, who stated that besides the
76.000 pensioned and definitely retired there were 113,000 of class 1,
374.000 of class 2, and 131,000 of class 3. These figures are exclusive
of colonial troops of French birth, Africans and Asiatics, and the
8,300 officers and 438,000 troops reported as being prisoners.
Class 1 includes those permanently incapacitated for future mili­
tary service and whose incapacity is due to events of the war or an
injury arising out of similar compulsory service or to military fatigues
or dangers; class 2 includes those similarly incapacitated, but whose
incapacity is not due to such service, fatigue, or dangers; and class
3 includes those temporarily furloughed or those whose injuries, by
their nature, are considered susceptible of a complete cure and do
not of themselves render the persons incapable of future service.
Furloughs of this class are valid for one year, while the first two
classes are entitled to a permanent pension.2
If this vast army of wounded and crippled men are to remain
unemployed the economic loss will be incalculable. It is but reason­
able to assume that, since their pensions are based solely on the degree
of incapacity and are insufficient for maintenance, many of those not
absolutely precluded by the severity of their injuries from performing
industrial labor will seek employment.
Such employment is a reciprocal necessity. Industry needs these
workers, and they demand employment.

Establishment of Special Labor Exchanges.
As an expedient a ministerial circular, dated February 10, 1916,3
directs that existing labor, exchanges put forth extra efforts in secur­
ing remunerative positions for invalided soldiers. In regard to the
establishment of special labor exchanges the circular says:
The great danger in the proposed new organization of this kind Would be the
tendency to produce abnormal wage conditions and possibly to invite conflicts between
normal and crippled Workmen because of the lower wages paid the latter class. I t is
also feared that such a course might concentrate the cripples in certain localities in
specific occupations or establishments and thus introduce an element of discord
between competing establishments, some of which by employing a larger proportion
of normal workmen would be placed at a disadvantage as compared with others employ­
ing principally crippled workers at Wages below the normal.

Ill view of the actual or probable discrimination by labor unions,
mutual associations, and similar societies, and the propaganda for
the establishment of such bodies exclusively for cripples, “ existing
bodies are urgently requested to accept such persons as members.
1La Republique Française, Dec. 27 and 28,1918.
2Law of April 11, 1831, as amended July 23, 1887. La Droit Pendant la Guerre. Guide Juridique et
Practique. 1916. p. 116.
3Dalloz. Guerre de 1914, Vol. IX, p. 201.

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The organization of separate unions should be looked upon with
disfavor, but should impossible conditions preclude the affiliation of
the persons partially incapacitated with organizations now existing,
and separate organizations become a necessity, their members should
be permitted to work with normal workmen and under conditions as
nearly normal as possible.”
Apparently the circulars failed, to some extent at least, to have
the desired effect. A Government order was published February
29, 1916,1 creating in Paris a national labor exchange bureau
exclusively for the benefit of crippled and invalided soldiers. This
bureau was charged with the duties usually devolving on labor
exchanges and in addition “ to investigate methods for the better
utilization of those whose capacity for labor has been largely dimin­
ished by reason of injuries.”
The establishment of this exchange caused a great influx of the
wounded and incapacitated in Paris, and the order was soon 2 sup­
plemented by one establishing a subsidiary exchange in each dis­
trict. It was hoped by this to effect a decentralization, and that
through the operation of these local exchanges employment for
incapacitated workmen could be obtained in their home districts or
in neighboring Departments in which there was a demand for labor.
Exchanges were directed to maintain a close and const apt communi­
cation with one another. The order was suspended five days later.

Preferential Employment of Military Cripples.
Civil service.—As early as April, 1916,3 the Government adopted
the policy of reserving for the injured and invalided since August 1,
1914, a certain portion of positions in the civil service as vacancies
occurred, subject, however, to civil-service regulations as to examina­
tion, educational qualifications, and physical ability to perform the
labor required.
These reservations were amplified by a law of April 17, 1916,4 and
made applicable to invalided class 1. Reservations were made in
favor of all such persons, whatever their military grade or length of
service, preference being given to heads of families, and the maximum
age limit was removed. The law applies to grades of employment not
requiring full physical ability. These positions are to be filled by
others only when the number of applicants of this class is insufficient.
A ministerial circular of later date 5 states th at it is undesirable
to limit the employment of these persons to these civil-service posi1 Dalloz. Guerre de 1914, Vol. X, p. 72.
2Idem, Vol. X, p. 234.
3Idem, Vol. XI, p. 93.


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<Idem, Vol. X I, p. 112.
6 Idem , Vol. XIV, p. 191.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

217

tions, and a more extended range of employment is provided for in
many auxiliary positions.
One-half of all clerical vacancies are reserved for these applicants,
but one-fifth of these are further reserved for persons having per­
formed definite military or naval services.
Industrial enterprises.—All industrial enterprises holding a con­
cession, monopoly, or in receipt of a subsidy granted by the State,
Department, or commune are required to reserve to the same class of
applicants a certain proportion of positions. All persons employed
at the date of their mobilization in any position in the reserved
classes of employment shall be reinstated in their former positions
or other positions, reserved or not, provided their physical ability
permits. This law is to remain in force five years after the date of
cessation of hostilities.
The fact that an applicant is in receipt of a pension shall not be
considered in fixing the salary.1 An employee under authority shall,
in so far as it is possible, be employed in the same class of work as
that performed by him before the war and be paid a wage correspond­
ing to his capacity and the character of work to which he is assigned
and not less than that paid like employees. Medical examination
is required to determine the physical ability and the exact status in
case of industrial accident.
Other reserved employment.—In addition to the positions reserved
in the civil service and subsidized enterprises, similar provisions have
been made by the city of Paris and the Department of the Seine;
the electric light company and the Industrial Association of Paris;
several transportation companies; other public utilities; several gov­
ernmental bureaus; and tramways and railroads.

Reeducation and Vocational Training.
On January 2, 1918,2 a law was enacted establishing a “ National
Bureau for Crippled and Invalided” under the supervision of the
Minister of Labor. Its purpose is to provide for the occupational
reeducation and réadaptation of crippled and invalided soldiers and
marines. In an effort to encourage and facilitate this work the
bureau is to ally itself closely with all public administrative
departments.
A fund is appropriated by the State, which may be augmented by
other subsidies. Should the bureau be discontinued its funds are to
be-distributed and its duties transferred to other public bureaus.
The law provides that during the period of a soldier’s vocational
training his family shall be paid by the Government an allowance
equal to that formerly paid him while in the service, or if in receipt
1Dalloz.

Guerre de 1914, Vol. XIV, p. 191.


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2 Le Bulletin Legislatif. Dalloz. No. 1, p. 3.

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

of a pension it, or an increased allowance, shall be continued. In
addition to the national bureau, others may be established in the
various Departments.
So far the character of legislation considered in this article has
been based almost, if not entirely, upon the necessity of main­
taining a just industrial status for maimed and partially inca­
pacitated war victims and in assisting them to secure positions pro­
viding them with the material necessities of life.

Legislation Preventing Discrimination.
Legislative action, however, has been taken tending to relieve the
employer of extra burdens assumed by him in the employment of
those who presumably, by reason of preexisting injuries, lesions,
and incapacities, inherently increase accident risks in regard to them­
selves and who also become a potential element of risk to those
working in their immediate vicinity or even in the same establish­
ment. Industrial and other enterprises, whether subject to the acci­
dent compensation laws or to proceedings under the civil law in
the recovery for injuries due to accidents in the course of employ­
ment, hesitated in assuming these “ extraordinary” risks.
Recognizing the importance of this problem, both from a humani­
tarian and an economic standpoint, the French National Assembly on
November 25, 1916,1 passed a law providing that the burden of com­
pensation for industrial accident to any person having previously served
in the army or navy or in any similar service during the present war,
whose physical capacity for labor has been diminished by reason of
wounds received or sickness contracted or aggravated by exposure
or fatigue in such compulsory service, and who is subsequently
injured by reason of an accident due to employment in any of the
occupations specified in the industrial compensation laws in effect,
shall be determined as follows: The order of the juridical body, oper­
ating under the compensation law, in determining the amount of com­
pensation payable on account of the death or permanent reduction of
capacity to perform labor by reason of industrial accidents shall ex­
plicitly indicate: (1) If the accident under consideration was due exclu­
sively to the preexisting incapacity resulting from military o r sim i l a r
service, or (2) if the resulting permanent incapacity has been aggra­
vated by the fact of the preexisting incapacity, and if so in what
proportion.
In the first case the employer, by virtue of the order or judgment
of the court, shall be entirely relieved from the payment of compensa­
tion due the victim. In the second case he shall be relieved from the


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1Dalloz.

Guerre de 1914, Vol. xv, p. 41.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

219

payment of that portion corresponding to the proportion of incapacity
due to preexisting disability.
The general compensation law as amended applies to all workmen
and salaried employees in the building trades, factories, workshops,
shipyards, transportation by land and water, public warehouses,
mining and quarrying, the manufacture and handling of explosives,
agricultural and other work in which mechanical power is used, and
mercantile establishments. It also applies to State, Departmental,
and communal establishments engaged in any of the industries enu­
merated above,1 and by law of July 15, 1914, is extended to forestry.2
Separate compensation fu n d .—Provision is made for the establish­
ment of a separate fund for the payment of compensation in cases of
second injuries adjudged to be due or partially due to the primary
incapacity.
Guaranty fund.—A reserve fund is provided for, which shall be
paid into the national old-age retirement fund. It is maintained by
means of a surtax, as in the general compensation law, on industrial
and commercial establishments subject to the accident compensation
law.3
The law is enacted so as to cover “ every person suffering from
serious or permanent incapacity” due to service or exposure.
A decree dated January 2, 1917,4 designated the solicitor of the
comptroller of private insurance as the representative of this fund in
all courts having competent jurisdiction and authorized him to per­
form all necessary legal acts.
124th Annual Report of the U. S. Commissioner of Labor, Washington, 1909, vol. 1, p. 685.
2Bulletin du Ministère du Travail, 1914, p. 569.
8See 24th Annual Report of the U. .§. Commissioner of Labor, Washington, 1909, vol. 1, p. 693.
*

Dalloz. Guerre de 1914, Vol. XVI, p. 7.


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SOCIAL INSURANCE.
Report of Pennsylvania Health Insurance Com­
mission.
HE Health Insurance Commission of Pennsylvania, appointed
under act of July 25, 1917, has made its report.1 The com­
T
mission was directed to investigate (1) the extent, loss, and causes of
sickness and accidents of employees and their families not covered by
the workmen’s compensation act; (2) the adequacy of the present
methods of treatment and care of such sickness or injury; (3) the
adequacy of the present methods of meeting the losses caused by
sickness or injury, either through insurance or otherwise; '(d) the
influence of working conditions on the health of employees; and (5)
methods of sickness prevention—all with a view to recommending
ways and means for the improvement of the health of employees
and for their protection against sickness and accident.
Because of its limited appropriation ($5,000) the commission was
not able to make a comprehensive investigation of its own. Nor did
it find time thoroughly to examine the sickness-insurance systems in
force in foreign countries or to consider the numerous modifications
of these systems which have been proposed in this country. Its
efforts were devoted chiefly to collating facts already gathered by
public and private agencies. The report presents much valuable
data on sickness and its consequences in Pennsylvania, and includes
the results of several intensive sickness and industrial surveys made
by private organizations.
Although the commission found the problem of sickness among
wage workers a serious one, no definite health-insurance measures
were recommended at this time. Instead, it was recommended that
a new commission be appointed to continue the investigation and
particularly to study the proposed and existing systems of health
insurance in this and other countries with a view to formulating
remedial legislation. The commission, however, believed that “ the
best way to close this sickness high road to poverty and dependency
is to make available immediate and adequate medical care for sick­
ness cases and to prevent the financial burden of sickness from falling
entirely on the person least able to bear it—the sick wage worker. In
1Report of the H ealth Insurance Commission of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania, January, 1919. 317 typew ritten pages.
220


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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

221

some way this burden should be distributed among all wage workers,
or shared by industry and by the community as a whole.” How this
distribution should be accomplished, whether by an extension of
existing voluntary insurance agencies or by a system based on some
modification of the British or other European plans, the commission
was not at present prepared to say.

Excerpt of Findings of the Commission.
The investigations of the commission covered the following sub­
jects: Nature and extent of sickness in Pennsylvania; losses on
account of sickness sustained by employees, by employers, and by
the State; adequacy of present methods of care as regards medical,
hospital, and health-insurance facilities; influence of working con­
ditions on health, including a comprehensive study of occupational
diseases; and a study of sickness prevention.
Extent of Sickness Among Employees.
There are constantly more than 385,000 employees in the State of
Pennsylvania suffering from illness. Of these approximately 140,000
are cases of severe sickness, and 245,000 are cases of less serious
illness. The average loss of working time among employees in the
State is at least six days each year because of sickness. Pennsyl­
vania stood highest of any State in the Union in the percentage of
men rejected for physical reasons in the draft of April, 1917. Of her
young men between 21 and 31 years of age, 46.67 per cent were re­
jected. The average for the country as a whole was 29.11 per cent.
Death rates in Pennsylvania are higher than those for the registra­
tion area of the country as a whole. The infant death rate—“ that
most sensitive index to sanitary conditions”—is highly excessive
in many parts of the State. I t was higher in 1917 in Philadelphia
than in New York, Brooklyn, Boston, or Chicago. Pittsburg
ranked second among cities of its size, having an infant death rate of
116 per 1,000. The State as a whole had an infant death rate in 1916
of 114 per 1,000, while that for the whole registration area was 101.
Losses Due to Sickness of Employees.
Losses to employees.—The losses to employees consist of (a) loss of
wages, (b) cost of care, and (c) reduced earning power and standards
of living. At the nominal rate of $2 a day the wage loss to employees
of Pennsylvania every year because of illness is at least $33,000,000.
The amount spent for needed medical care varies directly with the
income of the family. As the family income increases, the amount
spent on medical care increases. The average cost of medical care
for every employee’s family is between $30 and $50 a year. In a
122778°—19-----15

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

study made by the Visiting Nurse Society of Philadelphia this average
was found to be $47. Medical charity given in many instances can
not be considered as in any way an ultimate solution of the illness
problem in a country claiming democratic ideals. Because most
wage earners can not afford to lose time when ill, many develop
chronic illness and thus greatly reduce their future earning capacity.
This reacts upon society by a direct loss of productive power and
prevents the growth of a vigorous citizenship by making it impossible
to maintain family standards which permit proper nourishment, care,
and opportunity for the children.
Losses to employers.—The losses to employers consist of (a) de­
crease in production due to the absence of sick wage earners or to the
lessened efficiency of half-sick workers, and (b) cost of labor turnover.
Employees in the State lose at least 16,800,000 days’ work annually
because of sickness, and large numbers of actually sick men and
women are at work every day. These facts, while not an exact
measure of the loss to industry, give an indication of the extent to
which production suffers. During the influenza epidemic anthracite
coal production dropped behind 500,000 tons in a few days. There is
constant limitation of production because of constant illness, not
spectacular and therefore not seriously considered.
Four large industrial establishments state that it costs on an
average $30 to $50 to hire and train a new workman. The greater the
labor turnover the greater the cost of production; the greater the
amount of sickness, the greater the labor turnover. Progressive
employers are engaging industrial physicians and nurses, opening
dispensaries, and establishing sick benefit funds for practical reasons.
I t pays to see to it that sick workmen receive care.
Losses to the community.—The losses to the community consist of
(a) money loss, and (&) social loss. The State spends over $6,000,000
every year directly for the treatment of sickness. In addition,
$4,000,000 is spent for the maintenance of institutions for the care
of defectives, a large part of which expenditure is undoubtedly made
necessary by the neglect of sickness and its consequences. Besides
the 10 State hospitals for miners, 175 other hospitals reported to the
State board of charities in 1916 that 57 per cent of their in-patients
had been treated free and 40 per cent of their hospital days had been
free days. Illness is not less a burden upon private funds. Aside
from the multitude of dispensaries, hospitals, convalescent homes,
visiting nurse societies, and other charitable and semicharitable
agencies especially for the care of the sick, organized relief societies
invariably report illness to be the most frequent disability in the
families coming to them for aid.

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

223

The loss from illness to the community is not only in money and
in reduced efficiency of the employees themselves, but involves the
citizenship of the future. Growing children, forced to endure a
period of undernourishment because of straitened family resources
when the breadwinner is ill; mothers who receive no care during preg­
nancy, working until the last minute before confinement and as soon
thereafter as they can stand on their feet; babies who are not given
a fair start in life—all these mean not only a present problem, but a
serious and unjust handicap for the generations to come. There is
no more important problem to-day than safeguarding the health of
the wage-earning woman; not only for her own sake, but for the sake
of her children whose task it will be to make real the ideals for which
our men have been laying down their lives.
Present Prophylactic Methods.
Facilities for medical care among wage earners are not satisfactory,
whether considered from the standpoint of extent, cost, or proportion
of persons receiving care in time of sickness. Hospital accommoda­
tions in the State average little more than one-half the standard
minimum of five beds per 1,000 of population. Even if good medical
care were available and adequate most employees could not afford
to pay for it. Fees are not large, but wages have not kept pace with
the soaring cost of living, save in a few groups. Most employees are
unable to save for emergencies. The result is that many of them fail
to receive medical care of any sort, and that many more do not receive
care until the illness has passed the stage when it-could be quickly
remedied. Approximately one-fourth of those actually disabled by
illness never receive medical care, and a larger percentage of those ill
but still trying to work are without attention. The startling number
of long chronic illnesses found among the 12,000 people in one Phila­
delphia survey (53.5 per cent lasting more than one year), together
with the low proportion of those ill who are receiving treatment,
makes obvious the fact that neglected sick men often become chron­
ically disabled, and that half-sick men are struggling to keep at work
because they can not afford to be ill.
Insurance protection against sickness is found among approxi­
mately 30 per cent of employees, but seemingly least often among
those who need it most. Illness is a thing of chance and most em­
ployees take the chance of escaping it. When sickness does come
they are stranded, after savings and credit have been exhausted.
The lower the wage group the less likely the insurance protection.
Nor does the existing insurance in most cases meet the real need. It
seldom provides good medical care and cash benefits and is limited
by many restrictive rules. From one-half to three-fourths of existing

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sickness insurance is carried through the sick benefit funds of lodges
or fraternal societies. In most of these organizations sickness insur­
ance is subordinate to life insurance. As a rule, no medical benefits
are given and the cash benefit is but $5 a week for 13 weeks
in any single year, payable only after a man has been ill for more than
two weeks. Trade-union funds rarely afford better protection, while
commercial health insurance is costly and subject to many restrictions.
Establishment funds usually afford better protection, but are rela­
tively few in number and exist only among the most progressive em­
ployers, in whose establishments health hazards are usually reduced
to the minimum.
Influence of Working Conditions on Health.
Industry is clearly responsible for a large proportion of the illness
among employees. Investigations of the industries of Pennsylvania
have shown that no other State has so wide a variety of those indus­
trial processes which carry with them danger to the workers either
because of poison in the form of fumes, liquids, or dusts, or because
of mechanically irritating dusts which injure the throat and lungs.
Seventy-nine per cent of all the deaths of persons of working age in
1916 were from diseases whose connection with important Pennsyl­
vania industries has been established. Death rates among persons
of working age in Pennsylvania from degenerative diseases due in
large measure to certain kinds of occupations are steadily increasing.
A special report on the occupational disease hazards in the State,
printed elsewherS in this issue of the L a b o r R e v i e w , (pp. 170 to
180), was made by Dr. Alice Hamilton.
Sickness Prevention.
Fully one-half of existing sickness could be eliminated if proper
preventive measures were taken. At present from 70 to 75 per cent
of the school children in Pennsylvania are physically defective and
for the most part the defects are correctible if treated in time. A
large number of communities in the State have no active health
work, much less an adequate appropriation for health activities.
Nothing so stimulates preventive effort as definite responsibility for
the losses entailed. Preventive measures proved inadequate to meet
the problem of industrial accidents until stimulated by the enactment
of workmen’s compensation laws.
Conclusions,
The responsibility for illness rests upon three groups: The com­
munity, industry, and the individuals. At present these three groups
are meeting the losses from illness in wholly unequal shares; the

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M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

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burden on the individual is often disastrous and out of proportion to
his individual responsibility. Some means of a just distribution of
this burden should be found. There is in Pennsylvania to-day urgent
need for a program of health measures which will (a) provide for the
efficient care of employees and their families when actually ill, and
(b) provide preventive measures which will, in so far as it is possible,
prevent illness and increase the opportunity for health and vigor in
the citizenship of the State.

Special Investigations and Surveys.
The following special investigations and surveys, the results of
which were incorporated in the commission’s report, were made for
or by the commission.
(1) Kensington sickness survey.—A sickness survey was made by
the students of the Pennsylvania School of Social Service in Phila­
delphia, in May and June, 1918. This was a house-to-house canvass
of 743 families, consisting of 3,198 persons, in a census enumeration
district in Kensington (Philadelphia), carefully selected to insure its
representative character. The primary purpose was to get the illness
history of these families for the year ending April 1 , 1918, but the
cases of sickness existing at the time of the survey were also noticed.
(2) Sickness and dependency.—A study of 1,500 families, in which
illness was a problem, under the care of the charity organization
societies of 10 cities in the State during 1917. This study was made
by the societies and tabulated by the commission and by the students
of the Carnegie Institute of Technology.
(3) Sickness history of working girls.—A study of 502 members of
Y. W. C. A. industrial clubs in 17 cities of the State. This covered
the illness histories of these working girls for the period June, 1917,
to June, 1918. Wage figures and occupations for 1914, before the
war, were obtained for comparative purposes. This study was made
by the association secretaries and tabulated by the commission.
(4) Sickness history of wage earners’families.—-A study of 500 fam­
ilies given nursing service in July, 1918, by the Philadelphia Visiting
Nurse Society. The families were not limited to a particular group,
but were chosen consecutively. The illness at the time of the visit
was disregarded, but the sickness history of the preceding year was
obtained. This study was made by the nurses of the society and
tabulated by the commission.
(5) Sickness history of wage earners.—A study of the fatal illnesses
of the fathers of families now under the care of the mothers’ assistance
fund in Lancaster and Lackawanna Counties. This study was made
by the agents of the fund and tabulated in the office of the State
supervisor, Harrisburg.

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(6) Philadelphia sickness survey.—A sickness survey of Philadelphia
and vicinity was made in 1917 by nurses from the city bureau of health,
under the direction of the chief of the bureau of vital statistics. The
study included 12,019 individuals in 2,655 different families, and cov­
ered all sickness existing at the time of the survey, and duration to
date. The investigation was painstakingly made and in view of the
precautions taken it is assumed that the sickness rate is reasonably
accurate, although the time of the year, August and September, was
one in which sickness is at a minimum.
(7) Western Pennsylvania sickness survey.—A study of sickness con­
ditions in the principal cities of central and western Pennsylvania,
including Pittsburg, was carried on in 1917 among industrial policy
holders of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The enumerators
were the regular agents of the company, who gathered the survey
facts in the course of their door-to-door collections. The study was
made in March, a time of the year when physical disability on account
of disease is probably at its maximum, and covered 328,051 persons,
a much larger number than was reached by the Philadelphia survey,
but only serious cases of sickness existing at the time of the survey
were noted.
(8) Health hazards in industry.—A study of occupational diseases
in Pennsylvania prepared in November, 1918, especially for the com­
mission, by Dr. Alice Hamilton, of the United States Bureau of
Labor Statistics. Also a study of 100 factories in the Pittsburg
district made during the summer and fall of 1918 by the women in
industry division of the council of national defense of Allegheny
County.
(9) Existing insurance facilities.—A special study of the sick benefit
funds of the Pennsylvania Railroad and several large industrial es­
tablishments in Pennsylvania, made by the commission in coopera­
tion with the Ohio Health and Old Age Insurance Commission. Also
a brief study of existing commercial insurance companies and tradeunion and fraternal sick benefit funds in Pennsylvania, made by the
commission.


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Cost of Health Supervision in Industrial Estab­
lishments.
HE following table summarizes the experience of 99 industrial
T
establishments in the United States as regards the cost of
health supervision in 1916 d
COST OF H E A LT H SU PER V ISIO N IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES IN 1916.

Industry.

Metal trades.............................................
Smelting and refining.............................
Transportation........................................
Chemicals................................................
Food.........................................................
Textiles............................... ....................
P aint..................................................
Publishing.............................................

Number Total average
of estab­ number of
Total cases
lishments employees
of all kinds.
repre­
supervised.
sented.

47
7

294,646
49;317
1,2~0
24,921
35,795
10,572
13,650
27,462
8,939
4,023
3,026
3,358
2,454
2,500

1

' 7
5

6

5
5
4

2
2
2
1
1
1

Miscellaneous.........5 .............................

3

Total..............................................

99

1,988,991
358,574
2,832
49,046
81,591
78,744

2,611

234,069
67,380
10,255
9,440
6,742
2,842
62,126
131,898
11,019

495,544

3,165,114

11,000

Average an­
nual cost
Total medi­ of
medical
cal
surgical
and surgical and
supervision
cost.
per em­
ployee.

3,473:
4,637
35,590
130,000
6,126

$1.84
2. 78
5. 46
3. 72
1.95
3.29
2.92
2. 77
2.70
7. 37
2. 02
1.03
1.89
1 14. 24
1 11. 82
2.35

1,238,485

22.50

$541,771
137,047
6,932
92,601
69,633
34; 797
39,875
76,089
24,177
29;635

6,102

1Cost includes treatm ent for sickness of employees and their families when requested.
2The average annual cost per employee, excluding plants for which the cost includes sickness treatm ent
of employees and their families at home, was $2.21.
The purpose of this compilation was to inform employers of the
actual cost of health supervision of employees in different industries.
To this end the data were secured from plants engaged in many in­
dustries, in light, medium, and heavy work, in comparatively safe as
well as hazardous operations, and in shops of various sizes and char­
acter, located in various parts of the United States. Some are situ­
ated in cities where hospitals and specialists are available, some in
small places where such service can be secured only with difficulty.
While the average cost per person, as indicated in the summary, is
$2.50, it is not representative, as the total cost on which the average
is based includes that of four plants which render unusual service,
giving both medical and surgical attention to their employees at the
plant and in their homes as well, besides assuming the medical care
of employees’ families. Omitting these four plants from considera­
tion, the average cost for the 479,634 employees in the other 95 plants
was $2.21.
1“ Cost of health supervision in industry,” by Magnus W. Alexander, in Modern Hospital for May, 1919,
pp. 376,377. Chicago.


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Where the average cost appears to be unusually high or low, the
reason is in many cases indicated in the table itself. The size and
character of the medical staff is usually the determining factor. In
some cases, the cost is influenced greatly by the number of injuries
treated in private or public hospitals, in others by the amount of care
given to all injuries, serious or slight, or by extension of the service to
include physical examination of all employees, treatment of sickness
of employees a t the plant and at home, and even by medical care of
employees' families, or by a combination of these features.
The cost is also influenced, of course, by the kind of work done in
particular plants and by the character of the industry. Shops doing
very light work, with little hazard exposure, naturally have fewer
and less serious accidents than those doing heavy work, particularly
where many men work in elevated positions, as in the power and
light industry. The cost in plants manufacturing chemicals and
paints reflects the great care exercised to safeguard the health of
workers in those industries.
A total of 3,165,114 cases was reported, an average of more than
six cases per person employed, at an average cost of 39 cents per case.
The number of cases reported, however, does not include all of the
service rendered. In many plants, no record is kept of slight injuries,
of injuries redressed, of medical cases treated, of home visits made,
or of physical examinations. In others, even the most trivial cases
are counted. Furthermore, as “ cases” are so varied in gravity and
in the time required for treatment, any comparisons of costs per
case are not of much value.
The “ total medical and surgical cost” includes salaries of physi­
cians and nurses, cost of outside medical and surgical service and
cost of medical and surgical supplies, whether or not paid for by
insurance companies as a part of the insurance contract; it excludes
compensation for injuries, overhead expenses, and wages paid to
employees while off duty to have their injuries treated.


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LABOR LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
Labor Legislation in Canada, 1919.
HE April number of the Canadian Labor Gazette reproduces a
T
portion of the recent labor legislation of the Provinces from
which the following digests are made.

Industrial Conditions Act of Manitoba.
Of special interest is the Industrial Conditions Act of Manitoba,
assented to March 14, 1919, and put in operation on the 29th of the
same month. The act goes beyond the well-known Industrial Disputes
Investigation Act for the Dominion in its provision for the adjustment
of industrial disputes, creating a joint council, subject to statutory
control. This council is a provincial agency, and consists of two
representatives of employers, two of employees, and one of the public,
who shall be the chairman. Appointments are to be made by the
lieutenant governor in council on nomination by organizations of
employers and employees, as far as representatives of the respective
groups are concerned. Appointees are to hold office during the
pleasure of the lieutenant governor, and shall receive such remuner­
ation as he may decide. The council is to maintain an office, but
may hold its meetings at any place which it may deem advisable.
It is the duty of the council, either on complaint or on its own
motion, to investigate existing or threatened industrial disputes and
to make a public report thereon; but no decision shall be published
until after a duly advertised public hearing at which the parties
interested and the public shall be free to appear. The council may
also investigate from time to time the cost of living, and may publish
monthly reports thereon. If any necessary commodity or service
appears to cost more than is fair and reasonable a special investiga­
tion and report may be made; also where there is reason to believe
that unfair profits are being made by any employer or group of
employers by the maintenance of an unduly low rate of wages.
Housing, sanitation, educational and recreational opportunities,
labor supply, the shifting of employment, and apprenticeship are
among the subjects named as within the purview of the council.
It is also charged to encourage the organization of workers and have
regard to their interests in general. Breaches of contract, oppressive
or discriminatory acts of employers, and violations of labor laws are
other subjects upon which it may act.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

The council has the powers, rights, and privileges of a court, in­
cluding the compulsory attendance of witnesses and punishing con­
tempts.

Minimum Wages Acts of Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Quebec and Saskatchewan follow Manitoba in the establishment
of boards for the fixing of wages of female employees. Alberta also
has a limited statutory determination of wage rates in factories, shops,
and offices.
The Quebec board or commission consists of the deputy minister
of labor or other representative of the minister of public works and
labor, and two appointed members, one of whom may be a woman.
Appointments are made by the lieutenant governor and may termi­
nate at his pleasure. No compensation is provided for service, but
a secretary may be employed and necessary expenses met. The
commission may investigate the conditions of employment of women
in industrial establishments, with power to examine books and pay
rolls and hear witnesses. Conferences in which employers and em­
ployees are equally represented, together with disinterested persons,
and a member of the commission, who shall preside, may be called
to fix a minimum in any industry in which it appears that the wages
are inadequate. If the commission approves, the wage becomes
effective after 60 days from its publication unless delayed by order
of the commission.
Special rates may be fixed for substandard workers and for girls
under 18 years of age. The payment of wages less than the minimum
gives grounds for suits for balances as well as fines.
The law was assented to March 17, 1919, to come into effect the
same day.
The board in Saskatchewan consists of five persons, two of whom
shall be women, appointed by the lieutenant governor in council for
such terms and at such compensation as he may determine. Its
powers extend to wages and hours of labor for females employed in
shops and factories in any city of the Province, or to such area out­
side a city as it may determine. Its investigative powers are the
same as for the Quebec commission, and it may also punish for con­
tempt. The bureau of labor is directed to cooperate with the board
in securing desired information. Orders are made by the board
without a conference, and go into effect 30 days after publication.
The provisions for learners and substandard workers and for the
recovery of unpaid balances are the same as in Quebec, with an
added provision for the protection of employees giving testimony
before the board.
The law was assented to on February 5, 1919, to come into effect
May 1, 1919.


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Labor Legislation in Porto Rico, 1917.1
appendix to Volume II of the Laws of Porto Rico, 1917, conA N. tains
the acts and resolutions of the first session of the ninth
legislature. One of these acts, No. 91, promulgated on March 31,
1919, relates to the payment of wages. It provides that wages must
be paid in United States money, and that any stipulation for payment
other than in such money is void. When wages are paid in advance
discounts may be made. Contracts naming a place or prescribing
the manner in which wages are to be expended, or requiring the em­
ployee to live on the employer’s property, are null. Employees may
not be discharged for having spent their wages in any determined
place or manner, or with any determined person. Wages are pay­
able weekly. Employees quitting or discharged during the week are
to be paid the following Saturday. In actions for recovery of wages,
the defendant may not file any counterclaim or set-off for mer­
chandise furnished. Judicial action for the collection of bills for
merchandise delivered to employees by employers “ on account or
for the amount of their wages” and “ deductions for any reason”
other than advances in legal tender are prohibited.
Act No. 92, also promulgated on March 31, 1919, relates to the
protection of new industries, and defines such industries as “ those
which on a small or large scale are absolutely new because none other
manufacturing products of the same class, whether or not the raw
material is produced in Porto Rico, such as cement, cotton fabrics,
wool, silk, hemp, sisal, sansevaeria, rope, majigua, oils, paper, china,
crystal, glass and other similar factories, including container and
package factories not existing in Porto Rico, has been established or
exists in Porto Rico.” The act provides that “ such industries,
factories or mills shall be exempt from all taxes for a period not
exceeding ten years, as the public service commission may determine.”

Accident Compensation Laws in Mexico.2
EVEN States of Mexico have enacted laws concerning accidents to
laborers, namely: Nuevo León, Sonora, Vera Cruz, Zacatecas,
S
Hidalgo, Chiapas, and Yucatan. The law of Nuevo León dates from
November 2, 1906, of Hidalgo from 1915, of Zacatecas from 1916, of
Yucatan from 1917, and those of Sonora, Vera Cruz, and Chiapas
from 1918. Among other benefits, the law of Nuevo León establishes
i P o r to R ico. A c ts a n d re s o lu tio n s of t h e firs t session o f th e n i n t h le g islatu re. A p p e n d ix to V ol. I I
of th e L a w s of P o r to R ic o , 1917. [iSan J u a n ], 1919. 38 p p .
2 R e p r in te d fro m B u lle tin of t h e P a n A m e ric a n U n io n , M arch, 1919, p . 347. W a sh in g to n .


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

the following: For death, the payment of the entire wage for 2 years,
18 months, 1 year, or 10 months, according to the amount of debt
left by the deceased; for total incapacity, the payment of the entire
wage for 2 years; for partial incapacity, either temporal or per­
manent, the payment of from 20 to 40 per cent of the wage for 2
years, 1 year, or 6 months. The law of the State of Hidalgo estab­
lishes in case of death the payment to the heirs of 50 per cent of the
salary or wage for 3, 2, or 1 year, according to the debts the deceased
may have contracted; in case of perpetual incapacity a sum equal to
the salary or wage for 1 year and work of which the injured man is
capable must be supplied. According to the law of Vera Cruz in
case of death the sum of 1 or 2 years’ wage must be paid to the
heirs; in case of permanent incapacity an amount equal to the wage
for 4 years or a life pension equal to half the wage earned by the
laborer at the time of the accident must be supplied; in case of partial
incapacity a sum equal to 2 years’ wage or a life pension equal to a
quarter of his wage is obligatory. The ruling in Yucatan is that in
the first and second cases cited payment shall be made of a sum equal
to the salary of 2 years; and in the third event labor must be provided
for which the victim is capable or his full wage of 1 year be paid.
The law of Chiapas concedes to laborers and their employers the
right of agreeing upon the amount of the indemnities and the terms
of payment. In Sonora the general manner of the payment of
indemnities in case of deaths or total or partial incapacity is estab­
lished as well as the penalty for minor accidents, such as the loss of
a finger, in cases where the injury was the direct result of the work
in which the victim was engaged or was caused by lack of proper pre­
cautions and safeguards on the part of the employer.

Laws for Maintenance of Industrial Activity
During Demobilization in France.
AWS and official documents relative to the maintenance of
industrial activity during demobilization is the title of a col­
L
lection of laws, decrees, and other measures taken by the French
Government between November, 1918, and January 26, 1919, rela­
tive to discharge of employees in the service of the Government, and
to securing employment for the demobilized.1
These measures are presented under the following heads: (1) Con­
tracts of labor (valid after the war) ; (2) securing labor for male persons
after their discharge; (3) census of unemployment, and qualification
i T ra n c e . M in istè re d u T ra v a il e t d e l à P ré v o y a n c e S ociale. D ire c tio n d u T ra v a il. A c te s e t D o c u m e n ts
O fficiels. M esures te n d a n t à m a in te n ir l ’a c tiv ité n a tio n a le p e n d a n t la d em o b ilisa tio n . P a ris , 1919. 72 p p .


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of persons about to be discharged; (4) female labor; and (5) municipal
and Departmental unemployment funds.
The length and number of these measures preclude anything but
the briefest review here.
The law of November 22, 1918, guaranteeing the validity of labor
contracts after the war, provides that “ contracts for labor for a deter­
mined period are valid for that portion of the time contracted for and
remaining at the time of mobilization/’ and that “ all contracts,
whatever may be the term agreed upon, made during the war, in
which a mobilized person was replaced, expire at the time the former
employee is reinstated. In reinstatements preference is given to the
oldest contract.” The act is applicable to men mobilized for naval
or army service and to communal and Departmental officials and
employees in public establishments.
In a circular of November 13, 1918, measures are recommended
for the prevention of a too rapid demobilization of workers in fac­
tories under Government control, and for the early release of farm
labor. Other circulars provide for the release of persons working in
such factories, upon proof that work is assured them in other estab­
lishments, and advising the immediate discharge of all persons over
65 years of age temporarily employed.
The Government advises the establishment of commune funds for
the purpose of giving aid to the unemployed during the necessary
delay in securing employment, and agrees to share the expense so
incurred to the extent of 33 per cent. This rate was subsequently
increased so that from January 15 to November 15, 1919, the State
will bear 75 per cent of the expense.
As to the women employed in industrial war work, administrative
officers were directed to proceed as slowly as possible in all cases of
discharge, and in dismissing workers to give preference in retaining in
employment to (1) those who have dependent families, and especially
to widows whose former residence was in the occupied districts and
who have dependent children under 16 years of age, wounded mem­
bers of the family, and dependent ascendants, and in case of there
being an equality as to dependents preference is to be given to
widows and orphans of soldiers, and (2) by seniority of service.
Each female employee in the administrative service is granted at
the time of her discharge a bonus equal to 25 days’ or a month’s pay
according to whether employed by the day or month, provided she
had been in the service 6 months on November 11, 1918. Female
employees who had been in the service less than 6 months but 3
months or more are granted one-half this bonus. Those who had
served more than 6 months are entitled to 2 days’ extra bonus for
each 3 months’ service over 6. The bonuses are payable at the time

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of discharge, provided the employee agrees not to enter any other
public service. Those who fail to make this agreement are not paid
the bonuses until the expiration of the period to which they corre­
spond, and then only for that portion of the period during which they
were unemployed.
In State industrial establishments the bonus is equal to 30 days’
wages to those employed at least 3 months before the armistice was
signed, increased by 1 day’s work for each 4 months of service in
excess of 3.
In factories engaged in the manufacture of munitions of war a dis­
charge bonus and traveling expenses for herself and her children to
the place she elects is granted to each female employee resigning
from the service before December 5, 1918, later extended to Decem­
ber 15, 1918, and in meritorious cases to January 15, 1919. Circulars
dated November 25 and 26 declare that, owing to the impossibility of
securing employment in other factories and shops, and to the desire
to reduce the manufacture of materials in State establishments pre­
paring explosives, it has been decided to reduce the hours of work to
five per day with a corresponding decrease in wages, and a readjust­
ment of cost-of-living bonuses. The taking on of new employees in
the office of the Secretary of War was abandoned December 17, 1918,
and in case additional labor becomes necessary, it is to be recruited
from persons discharged from establishments engaged in the manu­
facture of explosives.
A circular issued by the Minister of Reconstitution, dated Decem­
ber 28, 1918, provides that when certain industrial establishments
allow discharge bonuses the State will reimburse the establishment,
within certain limits, as follows: The State will pay one-third of such
bonuses paid to the first one-third of the employees discharged, onehalf of the bonuses paid to the second third discharged, and two-thirds
of the bonuses paid to the last third discharged. A subsequent cir­
cular, in noting that some émployers were discharging employees
without granting any discharge bonus, directs that the State assume
the charge of paying in such cases an indemnity amounting to 140
francs ($27.02) to all persons over 18 years of age. This provision
was somewhat modified by a later order providing that in all cases
where an establishment in the Paris district allows a bonus of 200
francs ($38.60) the State will assume the payment of one-half the
amount, and also extending the bonus to persons under 18 years of
age who may be considered heads of families, or who have depen­
dent brothers or sisters, or certain other dependents.


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Proposed Codification of German Labor Laws.

A

CCOKDING to the Soziale Praxis1 Herr Landsberg, the German
minister of justice, on March 1, 1919, announced to the National
Assembly the intention of the Government of preparing a German
labor code. In making this announcement the minister said:
Some time ago the cabinet resolved to have the ministries interested prepare a labor
code. I t is intended that this code shall fulfill all those demands on which the workers
of all trade-union movements have come to an agreement. The code will be governed
by a social and liberal spirit, and shall demonstrate that German democracy will be
active not only politically but also socially. The code shall in the first place create a
right of combination (K o a litio n s r e c h t). Hitherto Germany has not possessed the right
of combination, at least not positively. From now on this most valuable right of the
worker shall not be contained in a negative sentence. The code shall, moreover, do
away with the legal incompetence of trade unions. I t does not seem right that trade
unions which have a membership of millions and own property worth millions are
not able to bring suit in the courts. The proposed codification will also improve the
law on conciliation and arbitration, and develop a system of shop councils (B etrieb s­
räte) which shall exercise considerable influence on the process of production, but only
on that and not on the financial management of the establishments. These shop
councils shall become the constitutional organs of the worker. In preparing this labor
code the Federal Government will of course consult workers of all trade-union move­
ments as well as employers, and it expresses the hope that the German workmen will
bring good will and zest to the collaboration, so that the proposed code may become the
Magna Charta of German labor.

New Regulation of Agricultural Labor in
Germany.
P to November, 1918, the labor contract of German agricultural
U
workers was governed by the various State laws regulating domesticservice. In November 1918, the Provisional Government abrogated
all these oppressive laws without enacting substitutes for them.
Thus, for the time being, the employment of agricultural labor was
subject only to the antiquated regulations of the Civil Code (arts. 611
to 630.) In order to remedy this situation the largest agricultural
employers’ and workers’ organizations on January 24, 1919, agreed
upon a provisional agricultural labor ordinance, which was given legal
character by a decree issued by the people’s commissioners and by the
minister of labor.2 The most important provisions of this lengthy
ordinance are the following:
In establishments directly or indirectly connected with agriculture
or forestry, in which a collective agreement is not in force, labor
1Soziale Praxis und Archiv für Volkswohlfahrt, vol. 28, No. 23. Berlin, Mar. 6, 1919.
2 Soziale Praxis und Archiv für Volkswohlfahrt, vol. 28, No. 19, pp. 309 if, Berlin, Feb. 6,1919, and Köl­
nische Zeitung, Cologne, Feb. 1, 1919, morning edition.


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contracts for a period exceeding six months must be concluded in
writing if any of the remuneration agreed upon is to be given in kind.
The maximum daily hours of labor are to average 8 for four months,
10 for four months, and 11 for the remaining four months. Overtime
must be specially paid for. The time spent in going to and coming
from work is to be included in the working hours, but neither rest
periods nor the time occupied in feeding teams of draft animals.
During the six summer months a daily rest period of at least two hours
must be granted.
That part of the wages which is payable in cash must as a rule
be paid weekly. Unless a different local custom prevails, wages
payable in kind must be delivered quarterly in goods of medium
quality or the worker must be compensated for them in cash at the
official market value. The labor contract must state the cash value
of the right of the worker to housing, the use of land and of other
grants in kind. Disputes relating to remuneration are to be decided
by an arbitration board. In case of unlawful termination of the
labor contract the employer may not retain wages in excess of 45
times the customary local daily wage. Labor contracts for a year
are to be calculated for the various seasons on a wage scale by which
the winter wage is not strikingly disproportionate to the work done in
that season and the wages paid for the whole year.
Remuneration for each hour of overtime must amount to at least
one-tenth of the customary local daily wage plus 50 per cent bonus.
The time spent in feeding and looking after animals is to be paid for
as overtime in the case of workers for whom such work is not included
in the general stipulations of their labor contract. Urgent work on
Sundays or holidays is to be paid at double the customary local daily
rate of wages.
In establishments in which a workers’ committee exists, working
regulations must, after consultation with the committee, be issued
and posted in a conspicuous place. These regulations shall fix the
hours of labor, possible fines, and the use of such fines for the
benefit of the workers.
Women workers who have a household to look after must be released
from work at least one hour before dinner time. On the day pre­
ceding Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost they are to be excused from
work. Women with large houses to look after, and especially those
who board lodgers, are, save in cases of emergency, to be com pelled
to work only so far as their household duties allow.
The workers are to be supplied with housing accommodations cor­
responding to moral and hygienic requirements and to the size of the
families housed.

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Assault, gross insults, immoral demands, refusal or gross neglect of
service, unpunctual payment of wages, and continued bad board or
unhygienic housing shall be considered valid reasons for the immediate
termination of the labor contract. Participation in political or tradeunion activities shall not be considered a reason for discharge.
In case the labor contract of a worker with a household is terminated
prematurely without his fault he shall for three further weeks be en­
titled to the free use of the housing accommodations granted to
him. If the worker was at fault he is entitled to only two weeks’ use
of the housing accommodations and shall pay rent for them.
In case of premature termination of the labor contract the worker
is to be given a share of the crop on the land granted to him by
the employer equivalent to the work done by him on the land and
based on its average yield. Disputes over premature termination
of the labor contract shall be decided by an arbitration board.
Pensions of any kind, especially pensions for soldiers disabled in
the war or survivors’ pensions, are not to be deducted from the wages
of workers. Whether disabled workers are receiving a wage cor­
responding to their earning capacity is to be decided by the arbitra­
tion board.
The worker is to enjoy the benefit of any statutory labor conditions
more favorable to him than those provided in his eontract.
The decree of December 23, 1918, relating to collective agreements,
arbitration boards, and workers’ committees shall also be applicable
to agricultural workers coming under the present ordinance.
The above provisional ordinance is to be legally valid until the issue
of final labor regulations for agricultural workers by the National
Assembly.

122778°— 19— — 16

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HOUSING.
Housing and Community Problems at National
Conference of Social Work.
HE fact that housing was upon the program of only two of the
ten sections meeting at the Forty-sixth Annual Conference of
Social Work convened at Atlantic City, N. J., June 1-8, by no means
adequately registers the interest of the convention in the problems
of housing. There was a general understanding of the acuteness of
the actual shortage in houses, coupled with a widespread belief that
there was danger of a setback in the quality of housing by reason of
this quantity shortage.

Community Problems.
The larger emphasis of the conference was, however, upon matters
of community interest, particularly the extension of the war-time
community service into the period of reconstruction and afterward.
Some very interesting experiments showing the need and value of
community recreation have been undertaken during the war. The
beneficial effect of the work upon war morale, its influence upon
health and general happiness, were strikingly brought out in various
talks and discussions. Mr. L. A. Halbert, of Community Service, Inc.,
and others, who touched upon the subject, emphasized the desirability
of continuing the work as a peace-time instrument of social reform.
The uplifting effect of good standards of health, housing, and recrea­
tion was strongly dwelt upon by Mrs. Eva White of the United States
Department of Labor. In describing the details of community
service organization in Chester, Pa., Mr. Charles F. Weller, executive
secretary of that organization, termed its effort as one of “social
salvage/’ and continued: “Community service is uncovering rich
hidden streams of human power; discovering and coordinating great
groups of worth-while people who have previously been unregarded
and unenlisted; organizing into joyous helpful community relation­
ships large numbers of men and women whom their neighbors are
surprised but glad to recognize as richly individual, public-spirited,
worthy comrades.”
Mr. Gibney, director of community recreation centers, Board of
Education, New York City, told how the school system of New York
City is reaching the neighborhood through local community organiza238


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239

tions. The method is as informal as possible; responsibility is given
to the locality, but the uniformity is maintained through the grant­
ing of a prescribed form of charter by the Board of Education to each
local group desiring to organize. One of the principal difficulties
connected with operating the local community organization is one of
parliamentary tactics, so to speak, connected with securing a pro­
portionate voice of the minority in the conduct of the meetings.
Mr. John Collier, associate secretary National Committee for Con­
structive Immigration Legislation and director of Training School for
Community Workers, New York City, analyzed the philosophy and
purpose of the community councils which have developed in New
York City. He termed them extragovernmental bodies in which the
members of a locality meet to discuss economic and political prob­
lems of immediate concern to them. While these councils partake
very much of the character of the New England town meeting, they
differ in the respect that each is autonomous. They combine sociabil­
ity and familiarity of the members one with another as did the New
England town meeting, but in their demonstration they require
greater technical and objective knowledge than did the informal
New England town meeting. The community councils are distinctly
middle-class institutions and have captured the support of the labor­
ing men as a whole. In their discussions they are tackling economic
problems primarily—the cost of living, rent profiteering, and the like.
The community councils come together in a sort of a community
parliament in the municipal building and discuss problems of common
interest to them. The councils are supported by dues and enter­
tainments of various sorts, and require an annual income of $50,000
for overhead expenses arising from voluntary gifts. This latter
expense, it is hoped, will be later on absorbed by the borough
governments, contributing pro rata.
The question of maintaining and supporting the various types
of recreational community activities was one which probably raised
more discussion than any other. Can this work be done without
subsidies, philanthropies, or government aid? Mr. James Ford, of
the United States Housing Corporation (Department of Labor),
and professor of social ethics at Harvard University, contributed
the principal address to the discussion of this point. He showed
how education and recreation should be and as a matter of fact have
been combined in self-governing and self-supporting community
houses. He instanced the cooperative methods in Europe as doing
this very thing, and at various points in this country this is also
the case—e. g., the labor schools in New York City, Boston, and other
places. He emphasized the value of the cooperative movement in
the provision of educational and recreational facilities, as implying

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equal distribution of responsibility and as being more responsive to
the various needs of the members, giving greater opportunities for
choice of the form of amusement or education. The cooperative
method gives valuable experience in operating business enterprises,
amounting as it does to the exercise of considerable judgment.

Housing.
The housing experience during the war, as outlined by Mr. John
Ihlder, secretary of the Pennsylvania Housing and Town Planning
Association, pointed to the danger arising from bringing into use
unfit, insanitary dwellings to meet the shortage in accommodations.
On the other hand, there stood out the fact that the housing'shortage
was beginning to affect comparatively well-to-do persons. As a
result of this, the country is being roused from its conservatism and
lack of knowledge of the housing problem. This arousing of interest
in the problem is a hopeful sign that the anticipated increase in
sickness and other social problems from the use of insanitary
dwellings may not take place. Thus the housing problem has ceased
to be a class problem peculiar to the workingman, and has become
a universal one.
The indications of interest in housing on the part of other classes
are rent strikes and suggestions as to the control of speculation and
land values and as to forms of taxation. Some cities, in fact, are
beginning to propose municipal ownership.
Future developments in housing require that there be kept in
mind two important phases: Intelligent management and mainte­
nance of minimum standards. Maintenance of minimum standards
or the provision of good houses means to the tenant a relatively better
house for his money and to the owner reduced charges for upkeep and
the like.
Mr. Lawrence Veiller contributed a special paper to the discussion
of minimum standards. He outlined briefly the standards set up by
the Federal Government and recounted the past struggle to get
recognition for the fixing of housing standards by law. He particu­
larly scored the architects for their failure to recognize the meaning
and purposes of standards, insisting that they were still in the days of
winding stairways and oblivious to the need of erecting houses into
which standard furniture will fit and in which household equipment
can be used to the best advantage. Thus far, the women, he pointed
out, have not taken a hand in the matter.
Discussions of the above papers threw light on what was occurring
in England, particularly the part which women were playing in secur­
ing the raising of housing standards in that country. The chief
difficulty there, it was pointed out, was that the women had

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not become articulate in such matters. This brought the asser­
tion that workingmen in this country, either in their organized or
unorganized capacity, were not taking nor had they taken any par­
ticular interest in the housing problem. I t was also asserted by
another speaker that people in the better apartment houses were less
careful in insisting on rooms in apartment houses being properly
lighted and ventilated than were the poorer classes of tenants who
sought rooms in tenements of the lower grade. The speaker felt
that there was need for educating all women in respect to housing, not
merely those at the bottom of the ladder but also those at the top.
In treating the subject of how to manage industrial villages, Mr.
F. C. Feld, rental manager of Yorkship Village, the Emergency Fleet
Corporation town near Camden, N. J., distinguished between the
village belonging to a company or industrial establishment and one
not connected with such an enterprise. In the latter case the element
of competition enters in. This frequently tends to lower the standard
of living, as tenants invariably move into the cheaper though less
sanitary dwellings. In this case also the question of recreation is
not one of importance.
On the other hand, the company town, being isolated, must take
into consideration matters of recreation. This is true even in the
case of Yorkship Village, which, although a portion of Camden because
of its location between two branches of Newton Creek, is to a certain
extent a separate community. I t is expected to organize the com­
munity center work with a large degree of cooperation on the part
of the tenants.
The successful operation of the community depends primarily
upon continued occupancy of the houses, and secondarily upon
maintenance. Perhaps the two features are of equal importance.
The speaker was of the opinion that particular care should be exer­
cised in the selection of tenants and in weeding out the undesirables
after effort has been made to secure their cooperation in proper living.
The evils of improper maintenance arise principally from the fact that
discontented tenants fall into habits of carelessness and lose interest
in the upkeep of their houses.
It is recommended that rents should be collected at the home
rather than by payments at the office. This gives opportunity for
cultivation of the confidence of the family and also, without seeming
to interfere with the rights of the tenant, for making suggestions
toward the maintenance of proper living conditions. Special periodic
inspections are thus obviated and also the undesirable feeling on the
part of the tenant of being inspected. I t is highly undesirable to
deduct the rent from wages, as it tends to make the tenant dependent
and to destroy his sense of responsibility. It is also believed that

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women should be employed as rent collectors, as being most liable
to secure the goodwill of the housewives with whom they must deal.
The success of women rent collectors is clearly brought out in the
experience of the Octavia Hill Association of Philadelphia.
Before the section on health, Dr. James Ford, of the United States
Housing Corporation, contributed a paper in which he discussed the
structural arrangement of the house as contributing to ill health,
treating such matters as light, ventilation, excessive crowding and
personal contact, imperfect equipment, general situation of the
house, the effect of uncongenial environment upon the individual
and his consequent inability to resist the invasion of disease. This
paper is printed in full, immediately following this article.
Mr. Thomas Adams, housing and town-planning adviser to the
Canadian Government, outlined the reconstruction housing program
of the Canadian Government. His address appears on pages 248 to
255 of this issue of the L a b o r R e v ie w .


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Bad Housing and 111 Health.1
By D r .

J a m e s F o r d , U n it e d S t a t e s H

o u sin g

C o r p o r a t io n .

WRING the two years of our participation in the war attention
has been called more than ever before to the subject of housing.
This was due primarily to the fact that during the war there were not
houses enough in our industrial centers to accommodate the indus­
trial workers brought in to manufacture munitions, build ships, or
engage in other essential industries. This shortage was met only in
part by the relatively meager appropriations of the Federal Gov­
ernment to provide housing for war needs. Houses were built by
the Government in very few cities, and private capital did not engage
largely in the construction of dwelling houses because of the diffi­
culty of securing credit, labor, and materials. A shortage of dwellings
is, therefore, practically universal throughout the United States.
New building to meet this shortage should be guided by high stand­
ards of planning, construction, sanitation, and equipment so that we
will not repeat the mistakes which have been made in the older
buildings erected for the use of the industrial classes prior to the war.
Not only is the quantity of houses important but quality also
matters. Not only must we have houses, but we must have good
houses. There is increasing recognition <3n the part of employers of
labor that poor housing leads either to a heavy labor turnover (for
labor will not come to a plant, or at least will not stay, unless decent
living conditions can be provided) or to poor health, and thereby to
inefficiency. The public at large is also beginning to recognize the
close association of bad housing and the growing discontent. Pro­
hibition of the liquor traffic, by removing the poor man’s only means
of forgetting his misery, is going to increase the volume of such dis­
content. I t is, therefore, urgent that we recognize the correlation
of bad housing and ill health and adopt policies which will remove
the sources of ill health and of injustice—or to put it positively,
adopt policies which will provide wholesome houses for all.
Any ill, to be fought effectively, must be understood. When, for
example, malaria was believed to be produced by night air and win­
dows of sleeping rooms were kept tightly closed, not only was
malaria not stopped, but other ills were induced. When, however, it
was discovered that malaria was borne to its victims by the mosquito,
which bred in stagnant pools, windows could be kept open, if properly
1Address delivered before the National Conference of Social Work, Atlantic City, N. J., Saturday,
June 7,1919.

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screened, and malaria could be fought at its source by draining
stagnant water or pouring oil on the surface. To remove the forms
of ill health which are produced by housing conditions we must,
therefore, discover the specific cause of each house disease and
remove that cause. This is not easy because many of the suggested
correlations are still under dispute. But pending final agreement on
the part of specialists we must act, as in all other matters of human
policy, upon tentative conclusions which may be accepted as
reasonable.
Our problem may first be considered with reference to the type
of houses which have been or may be constructed. Men may live
in detached, semidetached, or row houses, or they may live in
flats—detached, semidetached, or in rows—or in block dwellings,
tenements, apartments, hotels, or lodging houses. Of these types
mentioned unquestionably the worst, under usual conditions, are the
multiple dwellings, and although these, if properly planned within,
and properly placed on the lot, can be rendered tolerably wholesome,
they inevitably contain at best features which render them far from
ideal as places of permanent residence.
Let us take, for example, the prevailing type of multiple dwelling
as found in our American cities. This is a structure four, five, or six
stories high, or perhaps higher, built largely of wood, but with brick
exterior, three or four rooms deep, sharing party walls with similar
buildings to right and left, sharing with its neighbors a narrow court
or shaft at the sides and at the rear an ugly yard (with board fences)
filled with clothes lines and drying clothes, outbuildings, and prob­
ably ash, garbage, and refuse cans, and in the front sharing with
its neighbors an ugly, monotonous, treeless, dusty-paved street. The
picture above given, which describes the urban home of the middle
classes, does not describe the homes of our wage earners who con­
stitute the major part of our urban population, for to it must be
added the inevitable dark hallway, the common toilet, often located
in hall, cellar, or yard, the disrepair, and the stench from unclean
cellars, halls, and yards, from cooking and washing, from unsanitary
plumbing, and from years of careless usage.

Disadvantages of Multiple Dwellings.
Such dwellings as have just been described may contribute to
ill health on the part of their occupants (even though these tene­
ments or apartments are newly constructed) in the following way:
1.
Through improper location by building on wet and imperfectly
drained land; the buildings, especially the lower stories, may be
damp and dampness tends to lower resistance to disease. Or by
placing the building in a highly exposed position, proper heating in

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winter season may be impossible for many rooms and such exposure
may reduce resistance.
2. Through the characteristic use of wood for interior if not
exterior construction tenants are exposed to a continuous fire risk.
Few tenements or apartment houses have more than one fireproof
means of egress, if any is provided, so each family is continuously
exposed to fire by the carelessness of all the other families in the
building. A tenement house fire may mean not only the possibility
of death from burning, but also the greater probability of suffocation
or accident; but perhaps the form of ill health which is most lasting
in its effects is occasioned by fright, which may cause sleeplessness
or even permanent nervous impairment.
3. Through defective structure or bad repair there may be con­
tinuous danger to life and limb from accident. Winding stairs take
their annual toll in broken limbs; rotten flooring, insecure railings of
stairs and piazzas, or fire escapes insecurely attached are the cause
of many of the diseases technically classified as traumatic.
4. Through defective orientation, with reference both to the points
of the compass and to neighboring buildings, tenants may be deprived
of sunshine and even of adequate light. Many of our cities have
planned, and continue to plan, streets running due east and west. If
the apartments are built up to their side lot lines approximately half
of their rooms are sunless. The absence of sunshine generally means
dampness, cheerlessness, and for those thousands of fiats which have
no sunlighted room a reduced resistance and an increased exposure
to disease, for sunshine is an effective germicide as well as a promoter
of improved metabolism. The sunless room or apartment facing the
north or facing a narrow court or yard shadowed by neighboring
buildings is a favorable medium for the transmission of certain
respiratory diseases.
5. Through excessive height, for high buildings may contribute to
ill health, not only through increasing the fire risk and shutting out
sunshine as above mentioned, but also through stair climbing, which
is a hardship to the aged and a limitation to the play activities of
the very young, and often a source of pain, if not positive danger, to
women who are about to become mothers. Tenement houses have
no elevators, and hence those families living above the second floor,
to avoid stair climbing, will do without out-of-door exercise, which
is essential to their health.
6. Through the crowding of many families in the same building,
sharing the same halls and perhaps the same toilets, the chances of
exposure to certain infectious and contagious diseases are increased.
The common stair railing, touched by all who go in or out, is a fomes
by which common colds or other diseases of the respiratory system

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may be transmitted via the hands of the infected person to the hands
of the new victim. The unwashed hand may soon be carried to the
mouth and the infection accomplished. Though this mode of
transmission is perhaps less serious than the common hand towel or
drinking glass, it is not negligible, especially where halls are dark,
for the railing is more used in such halls and sunlight does not exercise
its germicidal action.
7. Through crowding of population within the tenement, block,
or district, for, whether among rich or poor, density of population
further adds to ill health by the nervous wear and tear which it
entails. It is difficult to secure relief from the noises made by jmur
neighbor, who insists upon moving around his furniture late at night,
or walks the floor with his crying baby, dr plays his pianola, Yictrola,
or cornet during the hours when you wish to concentrate upon your
work or to sleep. Moreover, where there is large population there
must be considerable traffic of persons returning home or delivering
goods or making visits, and such traffic means noise, which in turn
means nervous fatigue and sleeplessness. As sleep is essential to
the repair of the body after the fatigue and wear and tear of the day’s
activities, the sleeplessness entailed by crowded living must be
considered one of the most serious of the sources of reduced resistance
or ill health on the part of the tenement dweller.
8. Through crowding of rooms. Crowding may be caused by short­
age of housing, poverty, or ignorant racial habit. It almost inevi­
tably means increased opportunities for communication of disease,
either by direct contact, fomites, or droplet infection. Where there
is crowding of lodgers in the same apartment with the family there
are reduced opportunities for privacy and perhaps for the accepted
decencies of life, which may be an occasion in conjunction with other
causes for immorality with its train of sexual diseases, or for exces­
sive sexual stimulation, especially on the part of the adolescent, result­
ing in perversions or neuresthenic tendencies.
9. Through inadequate plumbing or the uses of undesirable or de­
fective fixtures which may mean reduced cleanliness and in various
ways increased opportunity for transmission of diseases. Lack of
water supply within an apartment makes personal cleanliness and
house cleaning difficult. Broken or imperfectly trapped fixtures
mean that the occupants must continually breathe sewer gas.
Though sewer gas has been determined to be free of bacteria, its
presence in an apartment leads to discomfort, reduced appetite, and
imperfect nutrition, and in extreme cases to nausea. Where fixtures
must be shared by several families there is danger of transmission
of venereal diseases and of body parasites.

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10. Through poor ventilation. The habitual use of windowless
rooms, of rooms on narrow closed courts, or even of rooms having
only one window, where for reasons of privacy the door must be
kept closed, means at least discomfort from hot, humid, stale air,
and probably reduced resistance to disease.
11. Through poor lighting. Dark rooms cause ill health in a va­
riety of ways. In the first place a room which is dark is likely to be
dirty, because the dirt can not be seen. Such dirt may contain
disease germs, and may contaminate hands or throat and lungs.
Families living and working in imperfectly lighted rooms are likely
also to suffer from eye strain. When members of the family do
housework, sew, or read in such rooms for long periods there may
result permanent impairment of the vision, of which chronic head­
aches are the usual symptom. Careful experiments by the Boston
Board of Health have demonstrated that the germs of tuberculosis
can retain their virulence in such rooms for a period of more than
two months. As one-tenth of the deaths in America are from tuber­
culosis and as there are at least three living cases in our population
for each death, and as also the tenement-house population changes
residence frequently the chances of transmission of this disease from
one family to another should not be considered negligible, though
other methods of transmission of this disease are more common. If,
as is frequently the case, all of the rooms of a tenement are gloomy,
the resistance of those members of the family who are forced to pass
their days in the home is almost certain to be reduced, for human
beings, like plants, need sunshine for vigorous growth. Experiments
seem to indicate that living in gloomy quarters, especially where ac­
companied by lack of exercise, results in a reduction of the phago­
cytic power of the blood, that is, the power to destroy germ organisms^
and an anemic condition may also result .
12. Through improper equipment. Defective or imperfect equip­
ment may injure health in a variety of ways. A sink which is set
too low means back strain for the housekeeper. A leaky stove may
endanger the lives of the tenants from carbon monoxide. Defective
gas fixtures may cause poisoning, and defective electric wiring may
cause danger to life from fire. Careless insertion of plumbing or
heating fixtures may make it possible for vermin and insect pests,
which are disease carriers, to pass from the"apartments of careless
tenants to those of careful housekeepers. Lack of screens or defective
screening may expose to mosquitoes, which are bearers of malaria,
or to flies, which may be carriers of typhoid fever in cities where
modern plumbing is not universal or of the intestinal infections of
infants.


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13.
Finally, the proximity of the tenement to the factory may
mean poisoning of the air by chemical gases, mineral dust, or soot,
causing throat irritation and reduced resistance to respiratory dis­
eases, as well as increased work for the overburdened housewife in
keeping her curtains clean and her home free from dust.
The effects of the discomfort of an uncongenial environment are
cumulative and produce irritability, anemia, and lassitude, or what
is popularly called “ slum disease/’
Some of the undesirable features in house construction which have
been mentioned are actually reducing resistance or causing disease
to the vast majority of the persons now living in multiple dwell­
ings, and are inherent in that type of dwelling. In comparison with
the multiple dwelling the detached house is far more conducive
to high resistance and good health. With a little attention to
planning it can be made structurally safe and every room can be
well lighted, well ventilated and equipped for the comfort and con­
venience of its occupants. For families with children it is the ideal
place of residence as it makes possible not only good health, but
opportunities for protection from undesirable associates. I t also
makes possible supervised play activities, and through the household
garden offers the children opportunity for familiarity with plants
and flowers—an essential part of every child’s education.

Housing Development as a Post-War Problem
in Canada.1
By

T

homas

A

da m s,

H

o u s in g

and

G

T

ow n

-P

overnm ent

l a n n in g

A

d v is e r

to

C a n a d ia n

.

N Canada no attempt was made to carry out any Government
housing during the war. That was Canada’s misfortune in one
Irespect,
since it prevented using the energy ‘and restlessness that
comes during the periods of war as a means of creating some bold
experiment in model housing.
On the other hand, it is our good fortune that our present position
is not prejudiced by the carrying out of any extravagant and hurried
scheme during the war,'meaning by extravagant, of course, the neces­
sary extravagance created by war conditions.
Since the war ceased Canada has commenced to deal with housing
as a national affair and as a problem of reconstruction. In my
opinion the Canadian policy in this matter is based on the soundest
principles that can be applied under a federal constitution in a
1 A d d ress d e liv e re d before th e N a tio n a l C onference of Social W o rk , A tla n tic C ity , N . J ., S a tu rd a y ,
J u n e 7,1919.


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democratic country. Of course, it is not in any sense final. It is a
beginning, and I am certain that if proper administration is applied
it will be a beginning of very great things.
In the inauguration of an entirely new policy, involving almost
revolutionary changes in sentiment and practice, it is better to begin
cautiously and with moderate expectations, only making sure that
the principles are sound and that whatever is done is a contribution
toward the complete administrative whole it is sought to attain. It
is desirable also to use public enterprise as a stimulus and aid to
good private enterprise and not as an alternative to anything but
bad private enterprise.

The Canadian National Housing Project.
The armistice was signed on November 11. Immediately after­
ward representatives of the Federal and Provincial Governments of
Canada met, and, among other subjects, discussed the desirability of
creating better housing conditions. I t was observed that there had
been a practical cessation of building operations during the war and
a scarcity of housing accommodations. The Privy Council reported
on the matter on December 2, and on the following day, December 3,
an order in council was issued granting a loan of $25,000,000. On
December 12, a committee of five members of the cabinet was ap­
pointed to administer the loan. Prior to the taking of this action
by the Dominion Government, the Provincial Government of Ontario
had decided to appropriate $2,000,000 for housing in Ontario as an
addition to any Federal loan that might be given.
The Federal loan of $25,000,000 will be distributed among the
nine .Provinces of Canada pro rata to the population. I t is hoped
that each Province will add a contribution of its own so as to make the
available total much larger. The money will be lent to the Provinces
at 5 per cent and will be repayable by them, in most cases, in six
equal monthly installments of principal and interest.
Administrative Machinery.
The Federal Government, the Provincial Governments and the
municipalities, are all involved in the machinery that has to be set
up to carry out housing schemes.
Under the constitution of Canada the duty of providing houses
and controlling land development is a Provincial and municipal and
not a Federal matter. Many have urged that the Federal Govern­
ment should itself carry out housing schemes, but this would inter­
fere with the autonomy of both the Provinces and the municipalities.
For the sake of the future development of Government housing and
its successful administration, it is essential to pay full regard to this

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ract. In the working out of the administrative machinery great care
has been taken to avoid anything that would have the appearance
of interfering with the local government. At the same time it is
obviously essential that the Federal Government should take some
responsibility with regard to the way in which its money is to be
used. It certainly should give some leadership and guidance on the
subject and afford an opportunity for coordinating the work of the
various Provinces.
Before securing the loan, each Province has to submit a general
provincial scheme of housing for the approval of the Federal Govern­
ment. Some kind of Federal organization is necessary to examine
these schemes, to report on them, and subsequently to exercise
some oversight to see that they are carried out. All this must be
done with great care and tact as a means of assisting the Provincial
Governments, rather than as a means of criticizing anything they do.
Once each provincial scheme is approved by the Federal Govern­
ment, the jurisdiction in respect of all local schemes will rest with the
provincial authorities. In the same way it is expected that as a
rule the provincial authorities will show a similar confidence in the
municipalities and that once the municipal scheme of housing is
settled the municipality will be left comparatively free to administer
it and to obtain such loans as it requires to be spent in conformity
with the scheme. To put it briefly, the machinery represents com­
plete cooperation between the Federal, Provincial, and municipal
governments with the responsibility divided as follows:
Federal.—Responsibility for approval of general schemes of each
Province dealing with the standards and conditions to be imposed
by the Province in making loans to municipalities; carrying out of
advisory work in connection with provincial legislation, forms of
scheme, and preparation of plans and specifications, and reporting
on questions relating to standardization, comparative data collected
from different Provinces and the like.
Provincial.—Responsibility to repay loan of Federal Government
and to administer the general scheme it has prepared and to secure
from each municipality borrowing money a general municipal scheme
for its own area.
Municipal.—Responsibility for repaying loan to the Province and
supervising and carrying out all housing schemes in accordance with
its principles and standards included in the municipal scheme which
is part of, or connected with, the general provincial scheme.
The result of the procedure is that the real work and the real
responsibility rests with the municipality, although in many cases
commissions appointed in municipalities have to, or in some cases
may be, appointed. At any rate the responsibility is local. It is

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near to the neople. Close observation of the working out of details
will be best attained by this means. It is likely that the municipal­
ities will be slow to accept the responsibility. This has proved to
be a stumbling block to housing progress in most countries where
national housing has been carried out. It is also probable that some
people will fear that the municipal administrations are not com­
petent to undertake such additional responsibilities.
Undoubtedly there are defects in the municipal councils and forms
of government and good reasons can always be found for withholding
the giving of any added duties or powers to municipal administrators,
but the statement may be hazarded that the longer we continue to
do that the longer we shall have to wait to get local bodies in whom
we can have confidence. My own opinion is that we should pile up
responsibility on the municipal authority for all matters of local
administration; that we should not attempt to supersede them more
than is necessary for purposes of coordination and general progress
and that even if this does produce mistakes these mistakes will,
on the whole, be less than if we attempted to centralize the machinery
of the Government too much and to create new forms of bureaucracy.
The actual progress made up to the present is that a Federal
office has been opened in which there are town planners, engineers,
and architects engaged in collecting data, preparing reports on dif­
ferent aspects of housing and town planning; preparing model plans
for distribution to the Provinces and municipalities; acting as a
clearing house for information on all phases of the housing question;
inquiring into questions of shortage of houses, etc. This office is in
direct communication with the administrative departments of each
of the Provinces. The order in council setting out the Dominion
scheme was not completed and issued until each Province had an
opportunity of raising objections, the result being that the Federal
scheme was practically agreed to by all the Provinces before it was
made public.
Since the Federal scheme was issued, on February 20, the Provinces
of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Ontario,
Quebec, Manitoba, and British Columbia have passed acts of Parlia­
ment to take advantage of the loan and to outline the procedure
necessary for that purpose, leaving only two Provinces which have
so far not joined in the Government scheme for reasons that are
local and not because they object to the scheme in any principle.
In four out of these seven Provinces general schemes of housing
have been prepared, and in the other three schemes are in course of
preparation.
In Quebec and Ontario directors of housing have been appointed,
and steps to create special officials are also being taken in the other
Provinces.

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It is not possible to enter into many details regarding the progress
made, but a quotation from the latest report of the director of hous­
ing of the Province of Ontario may suffice:
The following 47 municipalities have passed the necessary by-laws bringing them
under the provisions of the Ontario Housing Act, 1919.
C ities. —Windsor, Fort William, Galt, St. Catharines, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa,
Sarnia, Woodstock, London, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Brantford.
T o w n s . —Sudbury, Sandwuck, Hespeler, Intersoll, Oshawa, Ford City, Cochrane,
Trenton, Sturgeon Falls, Leamington, Palmerston, Perth, Whitby, Listowel, Bridgeburg, Thorold, Mimico, Walkerville, Midland, Arthur, Port Coiborne.
V illa g es a n d to w n s h ip s .—Port Dalhousie, Madoc, Port Credit, New Toronto, Nimitra,
Point Edward, Richmond Hill, Fergus, Port McNicoll, Milverton, Neebing, Brant­
ford, West Oxford, Gloucester.
About 500 plans have been approved by the director of the Bureau of Municipal
Affairs, and in a considerable number of the above-mentioned municipalities houses
are under construction.
The director estimates that the loans required by these municipalities wall aggre­
gate nearly $10,000,000.
About 20 municipalities are considering plans for acquiring land and erecting houses
on a large scale. Some of them have already purchased land.

The largest city in the Province (Toronto) is not included in the
above list. I t is preparing a scheme of its own under special powers
and purposes to carry it out by means of municipal bonds raised for
the purpose.1
The progress already made within the short period of time from
December, 1918, to the present shows that the process of joint
cooperation of the three sets of Government has not led to any
serious delay in administration.
Standards and General Principles of Schemes.
In the order in council of February 20 the standards and prin­
ciples of the Federal scheme were set forth. The general objects
were stated to be as follows:
To promote the erection of dwelling houses of modern character to relieve con­
gestion of population in cities and towns.
To put within the reach of all workingmen, particularly returned soldiers, the
opportunity of acquiring their own homes at actual cost of the building and land
acquired at a fair value, thus eliminating the profits of the speculator.
To contribute to the general health and well-being of the community by encour­
aging suitable town planning and housing schemes.

Four conditions were attached to the proposed loan, namely:
1. The general housing scheme had to be approved as already
stated. It was required that the general scheme should include a
i For further information concerning Toronto, see Report of the Ontario Housing Committee, Toronto,
1919. 187 pp. A summary of this report appears in the June num ber of the Monthly L abor R eview ,
pp. 294 to 297.


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schedule of minimum standards for purposes of health, comfort, and
convenience.
2. Loans were restricted to $3,500 for frame or veneered dwelling
and $4,500 for dwellings of more durable construction as specified.
3. Money could be loaned only to the Provinces and municipalities,
to housing societies or companies with dividends limited to 6 per
cent, and to owners of lots for erecting houses for their own occupancy.
4. The period fixed was 20 years for local improvements, such as
pavements and frame or veneered buildings, and 30 years for land
and more permanent buildings. Due regard is paid to the life of
improvements with a view to encouraging more permanent con­
struction. Thus, a loan of $3,000 for a frame dwelling for 20 years
would cost about the same per month as a loan for a better house
costing $4,000 for 30 years.
Aside from the above four conditions a number of recommenda­
tions with regard to standards are attached to the Government
project. Some of the Provinces are adopting these recommendations
merely as suggestions to be made by them to the municipalities.
Others are adopting them and making them compulsory, and others
are going further in some respects and not so far in others.
Recommendations of Federal Government as to Standards.
The standards set forth are very general and do not enter into
much detail. The object was to secure the things which are essential
and which are usually overlooked in municipal by-laws. The Gov­
ernment recommends that land be acquired by a speedy method at
the lowest cost; that sites be properly planned and that local im­
provements, sewers, and water supply be provided in advance of the
building of houses; that one-tenth of all areas for housing schemes
be reserved for open spaces; that not more than one-tenth and in no
case more than one-eighth of the gross cost per dwelling be spent on
land; that certain standards be applied to the sizes of rooms, dis­
tances between buildings, and sanitary conditions. For instance,
every house should have a bathroom.
Proportion of Cost of Land to Cost of House.
With regard to the suggestion that the cost of land should be fixed
in proportion to the cost of the dwelling, the reference is to the land
in an unimproved condition, and if pavements, sewers, and water
mains are constructed, it would mean that the proportion of the site
of the dwelling might be a fourth or a fifth instead of an eighth or
a tenth.
So far as the bare land is concerned, as already noted, no work­
man’s house should be erected on land which, in an unimproved con
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dition, costs more than one-eighth or a tenth of the complete dwell­
ing. One of the curious facts is that the Provinces where land is
most plentiful, in relation to population, are finding it most difficult
to comply with this suggestion. In one of the old towns of Ontario
land is being obtained for building houses at $20 a lot, which will rep­
resent about one one-hundred-and-fiftieth of the completed building.
The effect of this will be that the purchaser will he able to spend an
extra $200 on his house above what he could have done on land cost­
ing the ordinary price in a small town. This $200 will go to supply
those improved sanitary facilities which are usually left out through
lack of means caused by too much money having been spent on
the site.

Canadian Scheme Suitable for United States Conditions.
The Canadian scheme is one that may well be followed in the
United States. There should be in the United States Government
an office of housing and town planning, a coordinating and advisory
bureau. The war has been won by organization, as well as by the
valor of our men. If it had gone on a few months longer, you would
have wasted more than you now need to spend in solving your hous­
ing problem. The Federal Government should offer a sum of money
which will be equivalent to the Canadian appropriation—that is,
about $300,000,000—to assist the States to carry out housing and
town planning schemes. This money should be lent at 4 per cent,
to be equivalent to our 5 per cent. I t should be lent to the State
Governments, after consulting with them, and after settlement with
them of the principles that would govern the spending of the money
on housmg schemes. Each State would prepare its own housing
scheme, and one main condition of any Federal scheme should be
that such a State scheme be prepared and approved before any loan
is granted. Under State control, the municipalities or housing com­
missions would work out the problem locally and would build houses
where needed.
To make housing improvement more effective, however, it will be
necessary to have better and more general town planning legisla­
tion in the States and to unite the administration of housing and
town planning together in a State department.
It seems difficult to believe that the American people, with all
their resourcefulness, their love of freedom and humanity, and their
unequaled opportunities will let their program of reconstruction
continue to have the defect that it does not deal adequately with the
most pressing social problem of our time. Everyone realizes what
the housing problem is to-day in the big cities. In New York and
Montreal it is getting beyond control—by any means within our

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power. Let us ask ourselves what the problem will he 20 years
hence, when the slum population has multiplied more rapidly than
other classes of population, when the slum areas have grown propor­
tionately greater than the healthful areas, and when the great cities
are spread over double their present territory. There is hardly
another social question to which it is more important that we should
apply our energies, and there are few other social problems that can
be effectively dealt with, without at the same time dealing with the
problem of improving housing conditions.

Pennsylvania Housing and Town Planning Asso­
ciation Conference.
HREE points of interest in housing in Pennsylvania formed the
themes of discussion before the annual conference of the
T
Pennsylvania Housing and Town Planning Association which con­
vened at Philadelphia on June 9 and 10. The matters under dis­
cussion were: (1) The Government villages and housing develop­
ments in and surrounding Philadelphia and the disposition of such
Government projects; (2) questions affecting the financing of the
wage earners’ houses; and (3) aspects of the housing situation in
the State of Pennsylvania.
The descriptions of the Government villages and developments
surrounding Philadelphia were supplemented by visits of the dele­
gates to Yorkship Village near Camden, the Oregon Avenue project in
South Philadelphia, and to Sun Ship Village and Buckman Village
near Chester.
The Government housing projects were looked upon as the be­
ginning of a new régime in the relation of capital and the worker,
as the beginning of higher ideals in the provision of houses and in
community development, and as forecasting the importance of the
architect and town planner in the progress of industrial housing.
In spite of the fact that abnormal war-time prices exaggerated
the cost of producing workmens’ homes, it was felt that in ordinary
times it would cost no more to make beautiful houses than ugly
ones. As yet the war-time housing projects have not demonstrated
their success from the point of view of maintenance. While models
from an architectural and town-planning point of view, it was gen­
erally agreed that those questions relating to community develop­
ment, to house management, to rental and the like were still
matters on which no light was thrown by Government expe­
rience. Yorkship Village, for instance, is still very incomplete, there

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being few or no streets paved, few sidewalks, and yards and open
spaces unfinished. Very few tenants are as yet in the houses.
Yorkship Village is operated by the Fairview Realty Co., the small
capital stock of which is furnished by the New York Shipbuilding
Co., whose employees will be the principal beneficiaries of the village.
The capital and cost of the village have been furnished almost
wholly by the Emergency Fleet Corporation, which by the rigorous
terms of its loan practically controls the operations of the realty
company. The realty company must limit its dividends to 6 per
cent.
The public improvements of Yorkship Village, its utilities, its
schools, and its police are part of the municipal administration of
the city of Camden, N. J. While this is true, the city as laid out is
essentially a unit by itself and approaches very closely to the ideals
and principles of the garden suburb of England. It is not a garden
city, that is, an independent municipal unit with its own distinct
industries and social and economic life.
The Oregon Avenue development in South Philadelphia, described
by the engineer of the Emergency Fleet Corporation, meets the
needs of the navy yard employees in that district. This was built
on filled-in land within the city of Philadelphia where there were
no modern improvements of any kind whatever. For the site the
Government paid nearly $13,000 per acre or about 29 cents per
square foot. In laying out the site, provision was made for four
parks, one of which is now set aside for the school area.
Some 656 dwellings and 14 stores are provided. The houses are
built in rows, 6 to 12 dwellings in a row. Each has a cellar with
hot-air furnace and all modern and sanitary improvements in kitchen
and bathroom. One speaker pointed out that these houses were
more attractive than those of most wage earners and that the devel­
opment as a whole provided practically the amenities of a garden
city. At the same time it was felt that the bedroom provided in
each house was of the minimum size and it was noted that only
one bedroom was provided in each dwelling. Also the storeroom
in the roof of the house, large enough to be a separate room, but
without a window, may in time, it is feared, be used as a bedroom.
While Yorkship Village was distinctly along the lines of the Eng­
lish garden city, the village of Buckman, built by the Chester Emer­
gency Housing Corporation, the capital of which is supplied by the
Chester Shipbuilding Co., and the money for the building of which
was almost wholly furnished by the Emergency Fleet Corporation,
is more in the nature of an American-planned village.
Buckman Vdlage is now 80 per cent occupied, provision being made
for about 500 families. Dwellings range from 4 to 6 rooms with a

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bath and with furnace heat. The rent ranges from $6.75 per week
for four-room to $9 per week for six-room houses.
The men wbo o c c u p y these houses are skilled shipyard and other
workers. Of 5,000 skilled shipyard employees, 2,400 average $35
a week in their earnings. The remaining 2,600 earn over $35 a
week. Unskilled workers, who are not housed in the community,
earn 40 to 58 cents an hour.
The gross number of families per acre, i. e., including area built
upon and open spaces, is 12, and the net number, i. e., per built-up
block, is 20 families. The cost of the village will be approximately
$3,107,000.
While the village is built primarily for the shipyard workers of the
Chester Shipbuilding Corporation, it is occupied by workers of
neighboring industries, the population of the two groups being about
equal. This fact of occupancy by employees other than those of the
company controlling the village will, it was observed, prevent the
community from becoming a distinctively company town.
There have been protests against the rents, tenants’ meetings
having been held. In spite of such protests, however, it has been
decided not to reduce rents for the present. I t is not clear as yet
what will be the future policy of the controlling company in the
management of the village.

Disposition of Government Housing Projects.
Mr. Joseph I). Leland, 3d, former vice president of the United
States Housing Corporation (Department of Labor), wdio discussed
the matter of the disposition of the Government war housing devel­
opments, pointed out the lack of unity which had characterized the
Federal housing policy during the wrar and suggested as a preliminary
step the bringing together, under one administration, of the projects
of the Department of Labor and the Emergency Fleet Corporation,
and then to dispose of these under a single policy through some
cabinet officer. He urged that the Government should “ get out
of the housing business at once.” In disposing of the various pro­
jects, each locality should be taken by itself and a committee of five
persons appointed in the community representing: (1) Local indus­
try; (2) national board of real estate; (3) labor; (4) the community
(consisting of two representatives). In some cases it might be well to
try the cooperative form of control and management. In other
instances it might be w7ell to sell the houses to the individual on easy
terms, say, 10 years at 5 per cent interest.
Most of the speakers in discussing the disposition of the Govern­
ment housing projects assumed that it would be necessary for the

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Government to assume a considerable loss on its bousing projects
and charge it to the legitimate cost of the war. Whether the Gov­
ernment stands to lose on its housing projects depends upon two con­
siderations: (1) Whether the houses in question are temporary or
permanent; (2) into whose hands the houses are to go. As regards
the first point there is scarcely any question but that the Govern­
ment must lose practically all the money it has put into temporary
housing. In the case of permanent projects, by retaining title and
administration and renting the property there is no reason why the
Government may not ultimately regain its principal capital invest­
ment, and secure current maintenance expenses from rentals charged.
If, however, the Government were to dispose of its property to private
individuals or companies immediately, it would have to do so at a
cost that should enable those companies or individuals to begin
immediately to realize a profit on their investment. Those individ­
uals or companies would buy these projects with a view to the
possibility of profit contained in them, whereas the Government
would retain them merely with a view to securing maintenance
charges and sufficient to regain its principal and perhaps an addi­
tional sum for a certain amount of interest. The private dealer or
company has in mind the taking of as many future profits as possible
out of his investment, while the Government as a continuing holder
would have no such point of view. I t could take only one return
and secure that gradually over a long term of years. To recapitu­
late: That present rents will not pay interest and maintenance
charges is admitted. Future returns will, however, tend to make
up the present deficiency. Thus the immediate losses will be pro­
rated over a long period of years—the life of permanently built and
well maintained houses—and greater opportunity will be given to
make up present deficiencies.

Financing the Wage Earners’ Houses.
The question of how to finance the wage earners’ houses was dis­
cussed by various speakers. Mr. K. Y. Haymaker, of the Informa­
tion and Education Service of the Department of Labor, discussed the
methods and possibilities of the building and loan association and
the proposal for a Federal home loan bank. Mr. H. F. Blunt, real
estate manager for the company housing scheme of the New Jersey
Zinc Co., Palmerton, Pa., described the plan of selling in practice by
that company. Representatives of the operative builders, also, as
well as a proponent of copartnership housing, were heard. While the
methods of operative builders and of the building and loan associa­
tions had their place, thus far very few of them were reaching the

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low-paid wage earner or helping him in owning a home. I t was
generally agreed that the laborer was more and more becoming a
renter of houses put up by speculative builders. The building and
loan associations reach the middle class and higher-paid employees,
as do also the operative builders. Company housing likewise reaches
mainly the skilled and better-paid workers. Copartnership housing
or cooperative methods have not yet been practiced in this country,
but at the same time they offer to the wage earner the advantages
of home ownership coupled with the freedom of movement of the
renter. Under the cooperative plan the wage earner who desires a
home becomes a stockholder in a limited dividend corporation and a
tenant of the houses which this corporation builds.

Housing Problems in Pennsylvania.
The principal housing problem now affecting Pennsylvania consists
in the securing of minimum standards in housing construction ill
cities below the first and second class in the State. Philadelphia
and Pittsburg, as independent municipalities of the first and second
class, have authority to formulate their own housing codes. A
zoning commission, whose secretary, Mr. William C. Stanton, spoke,
is at work in Philadelphia and will present an ordinance to the
council providing for the division of the'city into sections governed
by rigid building restrictions. The height of buildings will be
governed by rules applicable to each zone, of which there will be
five. Buildings within the various zones will range from a maxi­
mum of 40 feet in the first zone to 150 feet in the fifth zone. From
the point of view of use four zones will be established: (1) Residen­
tial; (2) commercial; (3) industrial; (4) unrestricted. All public
garages will be excluded from residential districts.
New York’s experience in zoning was discussed by Mr. Lawson
Purdy, a member of the New York districting commission, and
Pittsburg’s graded tax law was outlined by Mr. Wm. N. McNair.
This law provides for the reduction of taxes on improvements equal
to 10 per cent every third year, until they reach a maximum of 50
per cent of the present assessment, and for the gradual increase of the
taxes on land. While one speaker insisted that in Philadelphia
such a tax would bring into use various estates held by parties who,
having other sources of income, did not find it necessary to dispose
of them, still another speaker was of the opinion that such a system
of taxation was undesirable because it would bring into use pieces
of ground within the crowded centers of the city held unused and
therefore tend to fill up with buildings areas in the city which now
furnish open breathing spaces.

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The need of a State housing law was set forth by John Molitor,
chief of the Pennsylvania bureau of health and housing. The speaker
emphasized the fact that in order to hold labor in the period of recon­
struction it would be necessary to improve housing standards. He
pointed out how employers who had safe and sanitary houses for their
workmen were able to retain these employees during the period of the
war when the great shifting to and fro of labor began under the pres­
sure of mounting wages. It will be necessary for the State of Penn­
sylvania to assist in this work of improved housing, to establish a
central bureau and a State model housing law which will serve to
create and maintain housing standards and to unify all efforts in that
direction.
Mr. John Ihlder, secretary of the Housing and Town Planning
Association of the State, briefly reviewed the efforts of the association
in trying to secure a State-wide housing law from the legislature. Ap­
parently the association, in acting upon the republican theory of
government and approaching the duly authorized representatives of
the people for securing a housing law, had made a mistake, in that its
effort had proved a complete failure. He suggested that it was time
to apply the democratic theory of government and organization by
beginning at the bottom among the people and securing an under­
standing of the needs of housing and thus bringing ultimate pressure
to bear upon the people’s representatives. Pie also pointed out the
seriousness of the defeat for a model housing law in Pennsylvania at
this time because of the prospect of a building boom which may give
rise to low standard housing and insanitary building. The demo­
cratic method of education and pressure from below must now be
pressed with particular vigor if quality in housing is to be retained.

Housing Conditions of Workers in War Indus­
tries in Cleveland, Ohio.
ACTING in cooperation with the Homes Registration Service
of the United States Housing Corporation, the Cleveland
Chamber of Commerce, through a committee on housing and sani­
tation, made a first-hand field survey of housing conditions in
Cleveland, particularly as respects workers in the war industries.
The investigation was begun in June, 1918, and the report issued in
October, 19IS.1 The report is based upon schedules representing
i An investigation of housing conditions of war workers in Cleveland, made by the committee on
housing and sanitation of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and by the United States Homes Registra­
tion Service. Financed by the m ayor’s advisory war committee. 46 pp.


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80,000 persons, or approximately 10 per cent of the population.
These schedules were procured from three sources—a house-to-house
investigation, a lodging-house investigation, and from schedules
distributed to employers and employees in factories.
The summary and conclusions of the committee are brief and are
reproduced below:
We believe that this investigation has established the following outstanding facts:
First. The type of industrial housing in Cleveland is not as high as the standard
set by the Government for industrial war workers and not as high as we had heretofore
believed the Cleveland standard to be. The standard of property maintenance, both
as to repair and cleanliness, is not good, and sanitary equipment is inadequate and
much of it is of antiquated type. There is unnecessary lot overcrowding, the medium
percentage of lot occupied being 77 per cent, and the result is high fire hazard.
Second. There is a rapidly increasing tendency on the part of our industrial workers
to live in tenements, 27.1 per cent, or more than one-fourth of them, living in tene­
ments or under tenement conditions. There is also distinct room overcrowding, 50
per cent of the families having less than one room per person. Tenement conditions
and overcrowding are two housing evils that a city which has every possibility of
expansion both in territory and transportation facilities might and should avoid.
Third. Rents are not high in terms of percentage of earnings spent in rent, but high
in terms of value received as so many of the houses and suites within the range of price
that workmen can afford are old and in a poor state of repair and sanitation.
Fourth. Home owning among industrial workers is on the decrease, 35 per cent of
the families in Cleveland owning their homes in 1910 and 13.8 per cent of the wage
earners owning their homes in 1918.
Fifth. The Negro industrial worker is not overcrowding more than the whites.
He is, however, paying a much higher rent and is getting in return much poorer
accommodations.
Sixth. Thirty-four and one-tenth per cent of the wage earners are lodgers. Thirtyfive and three-tenths per cent of the lodgers are married. The number of workers
who are lodgers is increasing much more rapidly than the number of Workers who are
members of families. The lodgers have been at present places of employment a much
less time than have the members of families, showing that labor turnover is greater
among the lodgers. Wage rates are the same for members of families and lodgers, but
weekly earnings for members of families show that they work about one-half day per
week more and about two days a month more than do lodgers, thus showing that there
is more absenteeism among lodgers. An alarming lodger problem, a problem that
affects the family by destroying the family unit, that complicates the social order by
failure to establish homes, that lowers sanitary standards by overcrowding, and that
decreases industrial production by contributing to absenteeism and turnover, is de­
veloping.
Seventh. There is an acute housing shortage, both in houses that the worker can
afford to rent or purchase, and in rooms and suites that are available to provide even
temporary quarters for the ever-increasing industrial army that is pouring into our
city. We need houses for at least 12,000 families, and we need improved, modern
lodging houses to take the place of the 14 miserable, insanitary, overcrowded lodg­
ing houses that now house about 2,000 casual workers and transients in the down­
town districts and for the many more of the foreign-speaking workers in the so-called
foreign lodging houses and bunk houses.
We are forced to the conclusion that the housing problem can not be solved by
private building enterprises under existing financial conditions, that the securing

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of adequate housing for Workmen is one of the fundamental problems upon which
should be exerted all the social and economic forces of the community. If work­
men are to come to our city to man our industries, it is apparent that they must
be housed by other means than those to which we have hitherto resorted. Either
the community or the Government must come to the rescue and provide houses that
are within the range of price that the worker can rent or purchase, or through some
control of resources make it possible to provide comfortable living accommodations
for himself and family.

Garden Cities for the Suburbs of Paris.
HE problem of garden cities—which is still a new one for France—«
is discussed in detail in a recent publication1 by the Public Office
T
of Low-cost Dwellings of the Department of the Seine. The first part
of this volume is devoted to a report by Henri Sellier on plans for
the construction of garden cities under the regulations of the law
of 1912 creating the Public Office of Low-cost Dwellings and appro­
priating 10,000,000 francs ($1,930,000) for the purpose of acquiring
land to serve as sites for such villages in the suburbs of Paris. The
report is based largely upon the preliminary views of a number of
architects wffio have been appointed by the office to examine and
report upon the problem of garden cities for the Department of the
Seine.
While it is expected that the work of these architects will carry
the impress of their own personalities, it is recognized as a funda­
mental necessity that certain^ general principles will have to be
adopted at the outset to which all specific plans must conform in
order to give consistency to the whole.
The general principles to which the office is committed are summed
up under the following three statements of purpose and method:
(1) To build on land acquired in the suburbs, villages which will be
unquestionably esthetic and hygienic, and which will afford the maxi­
mum of comfort for their inhabitants with a minimum investment;
(2) to apply rules which will guarantee to the community all unearned
increment, eliminate all kinds of individual speculation, and safe­
guard the esthetic and hygienic principles which are the basis of
these plans; (3) to limit, as far as consistent with economic neces­
sities and social needs, the erection of multiple dwellings of small
capacity, building by preference one-family houses, detached or
grouped, according to the different types of local architecture.
The preliminary plans submitted by the architects have taken into
consideration topography, the normal direction of traffic, and districti L ’Office des habitations à bon marché du Département de la Seine. La constitution de l’Office des
habitations à bon marché du Département de la Seine; son action et ses travaux du 10 juillet 1916 au 31
décembre 1918. Paris, 1919. 195 pp.


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mg, as well as the different classes of people who will constitute the
inhabitants of these future suburbs.
The report reviews various methods under consideration for regu­
lating the ownership of property in these garden cities, but does not
commit itself to definite decision in favor of any of them, stating
that choice will be made from these various plans at a later time.
It says, however, that “ a matter of prime necessity in planning the
garden cities is that of securing them from all possible speculation,
and one of the first problems which the office will have to determine
is how it will be possible to do this. Whether the houses will ulti­
mately be constructed by the office itself, by cooperative building
societies, or by the individual owners, the building will have to be
strictly according to rules, and the architects charged with the
making of the plans should most rigorously control construction and
supervise the application of the rules imposed by the office.”
Preference is expressed in general for one-family houses arranged in
groups (terrace or row houses), rather than for detached houses or
apartment houses. It is, however, foreseen that a limited number
of detached houses will probably be built for the more prosperous
class of inhabitants. In the matter of the grouping of houses, the
convenience of various types of inhabitants, such as clerical and
manual workers, families with and without children, is given prime
consideration. Provision is made for playgrounds, access to schools,
and general recreation.

Housing Conditions in the Cities of Norway.
QUITE definite picture of present housing conditions in the prin­
A
cipal cities of Norway may be visualized from a recent report of
the Statistical Office of the Kingdom.1 The material was collected
in January, 1917, except for Christiania and Bergen, where the data
apply as of February, 1916. The number of dwellings canvassed in
Christiania—a dwelling meaning a unit occupied by a family—was
54,702; in Bergen, 20,530; Stavanger, 10,125; Skien, 3,546; Porsgrund, 1,179; Eis0r, 796; Gj0vik,833; Fredriksstad,3,480; Aalesund,
3,233; Notodden, 1,167.
One and two family houses predominate in the smaller cities.
Christiania, the capital, on the other hand, is a city of multiple
dwellings, where 62 per cent of the houses contain 4 or more dwellings
or apartments to the house, and where over three-fifths of the houses
are three or more stories high. Very few houses in the other princii Statistiske Centralbyraa. Beboelses-statistik for enkelte norske byer for 1917 (1916). (Statistique
d ’habitation pour quelques Hiles norvégiennes en 1917 (1916). Christiania, 1918. 3 p. 1. 65 pp. (Norges
officielle statistik, VI: 131.)


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pal cities contain over six dwellings to the building. The largest per­
centage of single-family houses in any city is 66 per cent. The sea­
ports of Bergen and Stavanger contain, respectively, 19 and 28 per
cent of single dwellings.
The average number of persons per dwelling in Christiania is 4.49;
in Bergen, 4.31; in Stavanger, 4.29; inSkien, 4.49; in Porsgrund, 4.11;
in Bisor, 3.72; Gj0vik, 4.58; Fredriksstad, 4.16. The average number
of persons per dwelling appears to range, therefore, from 4.1 to 4.5.
The average number of persons per room was as follows : Gjpvik, 1.30;
Bergen, 1.29; Christiania, 1.27; Stavanger, 1.27; Skien, 1.19; Porsgrund, 1.01; Bis0r, 0.91.
On the assumption that two or more dwellers per room constitute
overcrowding, it appears that over one-fifth of the dwellings in
Christiania were overcrowded, and that considerably over one-third
of the persons in the dwellings in that city were living under condi­
tions of overcrowding. The details for Christiania and other cities
are contained in the table following, whicli applies only to dwellings
of one to three rooms, including kitchen.
N U M B E R A N D P E R C E N T O F D W E L L IN G S A N D P E R S O N S O C C U P Y IN G D W E L L I N G S
H A V IN G A N A V E R A G E O F T W O O R M O R E P E R S O N S P E R R O O M .

D w ellings.

O ccu p an ts.

C ities.
N u m b e r.
C h ris tia n ia .................................................................
B erg e n .................................
S ta v a n g e r..............................................
S k ie n ...............................
P o r s g r u n d .....................................
R is ^ r ............................
G j^ v ik ............................................
N o to d d e n ......................................

8 743
3' 41-4
1, G20
3S3
64
34
148
303

P e rc e n t.

N u m b e r.

21.14
20.37
20.53
13.81
7.87
6.44
23.02
26.00

61,958
23,498
10,167
2,895

P e r ce n t.

3L 27

Id. 2d

1,020

Instances of excessive crowding are noticed, in that 5.82 per cent
of the dwellings in Christiania contain over three persons per room;
6.13 per cent in Bergen, and 6.88 per cent in Stavanger. The cor­
responding percentages for those cities as respects the number of
persons affected—that is, those living in rooms where the number
per room is over three persons—are 11.47, 11.47, and 11.88.
As to ownership of dwellings, no information is available for
Christiania and Bergen, the two largest cities. For the smaller
cities it appears that the highest percentage of ownership is 56 per
cent, namely, in Bis0r. In other cities the percentage of owned
houses is as follows: Stavanger, 36 per cent; Skien, 44 per cent;
Porsgrund, 53 per cent; Gj0vik, 20 per cent.
The investigation disclosed 285 cellar and attic dwellings in Chris­
tiania occupied by 975 persons; 621 in Bergen, occupied by 2,074

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dwellers; and 375 in Stavanger with 1,351 occupants. These do not
form a large percentage of the total number of dwellings covered
except in Bergen, where the percentage of such dwellings was 3 per
cent, and in Stavanger, where it was almost 4 per cent. Cellar and
attic dwellings were rarely encountered in other cities.
There were practically no dwellings vacant in the three largest
cities, Christiania, Bergen, and Stavanger. Those that were reported
as unoccupied at the time of the census were so by reason of under­
going repairs and were merely temporarily awaiting occupancy. The
largest percentage (6.57) of unoccupied dwellings was in the small
town of Rispr.
The rents are the highest in Christiania, Bergen, and Stavanger.
The yearly rentals in some of the cities for indicated accommodations
are as follows:
A C C O M M O D A T IO N S A N D R E N T A L C H A R G E S P E R A N N U M I N C E R T A I N C I T I E S I N
SW EDEN.

C hris­
tia n ia .

A c c o m m o d a tio n s .

1 ro o m w ith o u t k itc h e n .....................................
1 ro o m w ith k it c h e n ............................................
2 ro o m s w ith k itc h e n s h a r e d ...........................
2 ro o m s a n d k itc h e n ............................................
3 ro o m s a n d k it c h e n ............................................
4 ro o m s a n d k it c h e n ............................................
5 ro o m s a n d k itch en .............................................
6 ro o m s a n d k itc h e n ............................................
7 ro o m s a n d k it c h e n ............................................

B erg en .

S ta v a n ­
ger.

$29.48
36.45
46. 36
62.71
74. 77
114.17
161.34
227. 00
319. 72
376. 27

$26. 80
32.16
34.57
53. 87
59.50
92.19
119. 53
157.58
175. 81
205.29

S 3 5 .ll
39. 40
57. 35
67.00
91.92
134. 80
201. 27
283. 01
369. 04
457. 74

P o rsg ru n d .

S k icn .

$28.14
29.75
38.32
45.56
58. 98
88.17
117. 92
152. 76
196.18
233.70

$38. 86
28.94
33. 50
47. 97
53.60
78. 26
110. 42
150. 35
212. 79
172. 86

G j^v ik .

$18.76
33.23
48.24
51.99
77.72
103.45
144.18
164.02
225.12

Between the years 1910 and 1917 rents of small dwellings in
Christiania increased 40 per cent. Increases have been less in the
other cities. Rent increases on the whole have been relatively greater
in the case of larger dwellings.
For the various cities the percentage increases between 1907 and
1917 have been as follows:
PER

C E N T O F IN C R E A S E I N


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R E N T S O P D W E L L I N G S , 1917 O V E R 1907, I N C E R T A I N
C IT IE S IN S W E D E N .
P e r c e n t of in c rease.
C ity .
S m all
d w ellin g s.
40
30
30 to 35
30
40 to 45
20 to 30

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L arge
d w ellin g s.
45
40 to
45 to
25 to
50 to
30 to

50
50
30
60
50

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MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

With the exception of a single community there is a general shortage
of housing in the cities of Norway, a shortage which is very acute in
the cities of Christiania, Bergen, and Stavanger. In several of the
towns not included in the survey in question there is reported a
considerable dearth of housing. This lack of housing accommoda­
tion, the mvestigators report, reveals its effects principally in over­
crowding, although overcrowding is undoubtedly the result of other
economic forces. For overcrowding exists in normal times, a factor
to be considered in all efforts to improve housing conditions.


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LABOR ORGANIZATIONS.
Seventh Biennial Convention of National Wom­
en's Trade-Union League of America.
HE Seventh Biennial Convention of the National Women’s
Trade-Union League of America was held in Philadelphia, Pa.,
T
June 2-7, 1919. About 125 delegates were in attendance, repre­
senting commercial telegraphers, boot and shoe workers, garment
workers, culinary workers, Federal employees, telephone operators,
waitresses, postal employees, grocery and provision clerks, typographi­
cal unions, bindery women, cloak and skirt finishers, waist and dress
makers, car workers, coach cleaners, woolen and carpet yarn weavers,
office employees, librarians, white goods workers, glove workers,
ladies’ auxiliary of the switchmen’s union, high-school teachers,
railroad telegraphers, meat cutters and butchers, neckwear workers,
textile workers, American Federation of Teachers, elevator construc­
tors, lace operators, waist makers, and street railway employees.
Representatives from the various local leagues were present, as
well as fraternal delegates from the Cooperative League of America,
the National Consumers’ League, the Commission on Church and
Social Service, the Women’s Union, the American Association for
Labor Legislation, and other organizations.
Mrs. Raymond Robins, the president of the league, stated the pur­
poses of the convention to be as follows:
. To organize all working women into trade unions.
2.
To make possible for women an equality with men in industrial and professional
opportunity.
3. To make equal pay for equal work a fact, and not simply a theory.
4.
To translate the Nation’s war-work standards for women into legislative action,
so as to assure for women in peace times the same protection industrially that was
given them during the war.
1

The following recommendations were made by President Robins:
The appointment of a committee on international relations.
The calling of an international conference of working women by the National
Women’s Trade-Union League of America, the British Women’s Trade-Union League,
the National Federation of Women Workers of Great Britain, and the women tradeunionists of France, to be held in Washington, D. C., in October, 1919.
The continuance, on a permanent basis, of the Woman in Industry Service of the
United States Department of Labor.


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The appointment of a permanent committee to devise methods for a closer coopera­
tion between the National Women’s Trade Union League and the cooperative move­
ment in America and to help in formulating plans for the furtherance of that move­
ment.
The appointment of a Federal commission to study seasonal occupations.
The continuance of the Federal Employment Service of the Department of Labor.
The appointment of a committee by the National Women’s Trade-Union League
to study and work out plans to meet the needs of the colored working woman.
The establishment of an educational department for the purpose of further develop­
ing the School for Active Workers in the Labor Movement; the promotion of educa­
tional councils consisting of delegates from central labor bodies and local women’s
trade-union leagues and committees; the provision, for women, of equal opportunity
with men in trade and technical training in schools and colleges.
The appointment of a secretary for the development of interstate conferences of
woman trade-unionists.
The provision for the appointment of special field representatives of the National
Women’s Trade-Union League.

Mrs. William Hubert, representing tbe Women’s Land Army, gave
a brief talk on the work of that organization during and since the
war. She said that during the war 15,000 women joined this army
in order to fill the places of farm workers who had left to go into the
service or into industries. Many of the women enjoyed the outdoor
work and will continue in it, and many others will forsake the shops
and factories to go on the land. Agricultural work was regarded by
her as particularly suitable for women' employed in the seasonal
trades, as it adds to their income and also improves their health.
She stated that 273,000 women own farms in the United States, and
that many of the Land Army hope to become farm owners.
A mass meeting was held on the evening of June 2 at which Mr.
James H. Maurer, president of the Pennsylvania Federation of Labor,
was one of the principal speakers. He spoke of the fight for labor
legislation in Pennsylvania, stating that it takes years and years of
struggle to get labor laws, and that after they are obtained it is diffi­
cult to keep such legislation from “ becoming mutilated by amend­
ments.” The speaker considered it imperative that labor should
“ psychologize the people,” and advocated a daily labor paper with
an open forum.
Miss Mary MacArthur, the English labor leader, secretary of the
British Women’s Trade-Union League, told of the labor unrest that
is sweeping her country from one end to the other. The employing
classes, she said, are ready to go a very long way to get the coopera­
tion of labor. Some think that such cooperation might be obtained
through welfare methods. She said that in England, however, there
is no more unpopular word than “ welfare.” “ Reconstruction is too
mild a word for us. We are talking of rebuilding from the very
foundations of society.” In discussing the aspiration for industrial
democracy, Miss MacArthur said that “ the worker desires self
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269

control of the interest in the industry of which he is a part. He wants
to be a man with a man’s interest.” She added that “ the women
are standing side by side with the men.” The conditions under
which woman munition workers were first employed in England she
characterized as “ infamous,” and described how some employers of
munition workers had deducted wages for the time lost during an
airplane raid.
We can have a tremendous revolution in England without the shedding of a
single drop of blood. I think it is possible to bring about these changes in a consti­
tutional way. I believe our Labor Party and the ideals behind it are bound to
succeed.

Miss Rose Schneiderman, president of the New York Women’s
Trade-Union League and a member of the commission sent to the
Paris Peace Conference by the National Women’s Trade-Union
League, told of the growth of the women’s trade-union movement in
Franco. There are 20,000 organized women in the metal trades
alone. Of 140,000 teachers 120,000 are organized. She also spoke
of the stimulating effect the league’s commission had had upon
the French working women and of their desire to get together. She
declared that it was “ up to the workers to stop begging and organize
politically,” and emphasized the need of the educational movement
among them.
Miss Mary McDowell, of the Chicago Women’s Trade-Union League,
spoke of the munition plants in Bourges, France, and said she had
been struck by the new values women were setting on themselves
and on their work.
A brief statement was made by Miss Mildred Rankin in regard to
southern women’s attitude toward unionism. According to her,
there are in Norfolk, Va., a very few groups of trade-union men who
appreciate the necessity of organizing woman workers. The woman
workers have just begun to go into unions. These unionists are
chiefly railway clerks, teachers, and telephone operators. Few of
these women take an active part in the union. They do not care to
go out at night and their parents object to it; Sunday meetings are
next to impossible. The organization of colored women is another
problem. She stated that to the best of her knowledge there are no
organized colored factory workers, but in Norfolk and Portsmouth
there are colored day workers organized by localities and not by
trades.

Report of Special Commission to Peace Conference.
The report of the National Women’s Trade-Union League’s special
commission to the Peace Conference in Paris was read at the after­
noon session, June 3. The members of this commission were Miss
-1S
122778°— 19
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Mary Anderson, assistant director of the Woman in Industry Service,
and Miss Rose Sclmeiderman, president of the New York Women’s
Trade-Union League.
A part of the report of this commission is given below:
The report of the [International] labor commiesion provides for only one representa­
tive of labor as a delegate to the Washington conference from each of the countries to be
represented, and it can not be hoped that such a representative from the United States
could be a woman, but, as the Government of each country participating has the right
to two representatives of the four delegates, it is quite reasonable to expect that one
of such two representatives should be a woman. * * * We have the President’s
word that when the time comes for making the appointments in question he will
give earnest and thoughtful consideration to our request.
We are glad to be able to add that similar action has been taken by the French
working women and the working women of the United Kingdom.
We recommend that the National Women’s Trade-Union League urge the creation
of a women’s department in the permanent labor office to be established at the seat
of the League of Nations, and that such women’s department have a woman chief.
We recommend that the National Women’s Trade-Union League appoint women
experts to prepare practical and detailed information concerning those questions
on the Washington Conference agenda which directly affect the well-being of women
industrially, such as maternity benefits, night work for women, child labor, or em­
ployment of women in unhealthy industries, such information to be presented to
the preliminary international organizing committee of seven.
We further recommend that one of such women experts be commissioned to proceed
as soon as practicable to where this committee of seven is to hold its sittings, there
to work in cooperation with the women representatives of other nations in safeguarding
the interests of women workers in all international laws and regulations which may
be proposed.
«
In view of the importance of this first international labor conference provided for
in the report of the labor commission, we feel that a great impetus would be given
to the consideration of the questions concerning women by the holding of an inter­
national conference of working women in Washington a week or so in advance of the
labor conference. We therefore recommend that such a conference be called in
cooperation with the working women of France and Great Britain, and can not place
too much emphasis on the important and valuable results likely to accrue from the
holding of such a conference at the time suggested.

Miss Margaret Bondfield, president of the National Federation of
M omen Workers of Great Britain, the woman member of the par­
liamentary committee of the British Trade-Union Congress, and
fraternal delegate to represent that Congress in the American Fed­
eration of Labor Convention, 1919, talked on English labor con­
ditions. A part of her discussion dealt with domestic workers. She
told how these workers were being encouraged to go back into their
former occupation with the idea of “ turning domestic service upside
down,” making it a regularized industry, and converting the domestic
servant into a self-respecting worker and not a slave. She said they
were very hopeful in England of placing this kind of work on a new
basis. Effort is being made to secure a regular workday, with proper
breaks; Sunday off; time off during the week; and a minimum wage.

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271

Meetings of mistresses who welcome the idea are also being held.
Miss Bondfield declared that “ unionism is so rampant that even
the college bed makers have been organized.” She said some of
these college bed makers are 60 years old.
In Miss Bondfield’s opinion there is a finer and nobler conception
of the purpose of trade-unionism at present than there was before
the war. More and more matters are being referred to the rank and
file instead of to central committees. In this connection Miss Bondfield cited the important part that woman shop stewards are playing
in handling grievances, and spoke of the cooperation between men
and women in trade-unions.
The opening address of the morning session of June 4 was given
by Mr. L. V. Lampson, representing the American Federation of
Teachers. Mr. Lampson said, in conclusion, “ The union movement
among the teachers of the Nation is going to spread to the propor­
tions of a tidal wave. Those proportions have not been reached,
but I believe in the next year they will be reached. In 1916 we had
8 locals; at the end of last year we had 34; to-day we have 90; and
we are organizing teachers at the rate of nearly one local every
other day. The movement is becoming nation wide, and repre­
sents a protective and a business and an educational organization
of the teachers of the country.”
Miss May Matthews, of Boston, told the story of the strike of 4,000
New England telephone operators, 3,700 of whom secured an increase
of $3 a week. Back pay from January 1, 1919, was obtained. Senior­
ity rights and the right to bargain collectively were again secured.
At the afternoon session of June 5 Miss Mary MacArthur spoke of
the work done during the war by the British Women’s Trade-Union
League and the National Federation of Women Workers. She said:
In England we no longer talk about equal pay for equal output or equal pay for
equal work. We found that the employers could drive a coach and four through these
formulas. It was found that the work was never regarded as equal by the man who was
to pay the wages. No longer shall we say “ Equal pay for equal work.” We say,
“ The same rate for the same job without regard to sex.” * * * The great block
of the men were willing to help the women to organize. We owe a debt of gratitude
to them. Their objection was to cheap labor, not to women’s labor. The existence
of a large army of underpaid labor is a constant menace to the general standard of
men’s wages. * * * Whether or not we can maintain the standard of wages is
going to depend upon the maintenance of organization.

At different sessions Mrs. Eleanor Barton, representing the Wo­
men’s Guild of Sheffield, England, and Mrs. Agnes D. Warbasse,
fraternal delegate from the Cooperative League of America, dealt
with the cooperative movement in their respective countries. Both
speakers regarded trade-unionism and the cooperative movement as
the solution of the economic problems of to-day.

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[271]

272

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Convention resolutions of special interest that were adopted are
those favoring a 44-hour week, an international league of workers,
State compulsory health insurance, the standardization of domestic
work, and the organization of domestic workers.
The recommendation of Mrs. Raymond Robins for the appointment
of a Federal commission to study seasonal occupations was amended
to read “ the appointment by the Department of Labor of a commis­
sion, representing both employer and employee, to study seasonal
occupations in nation-wide distribution and to make definite recom­
mendations within a given period for the control of seasonal employ­
ment.”
The later sessions were devoted in part to business matters of the
league, including the nomination and election of the national presi­
dent, vice president, and secretary-treasurer, the members of the
executive board, and delegates to the annual meeting of the American
Federation of Labor and the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress.
Mrs. Raymond Robins, of Chicago, is again to serve as president, and
Miss Emma Steghagen, of Chicago, as secretary-treasurer. The new
vice president is Miss Rose Schneiderman, of New York.
The next biennial convention will be held in Chicago the first week
in June, 1921.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION
Conciliation Work of the Department of Labor,
May 16, 1919, to June 15, 1919.
NDER the organic act of the department, which gives the Secre­
tary of Labor the authority to mediate in labor disputes through
U
the appointment, in his discretion, of commissioners of conciliation,
the Secretary exercised his good offices between May 16, 1919, and
June 15, 1919, in 105 labor disputes. The companies involved, the
number of employees affected, and the results secured, so far as
information is available, were as follows:
STATEMENT SHOWING TH E NUM BER OF LABOR DISPU TES HANDLED BY THE
DEPARTM ENT OF LABOR THROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION, MAY
16 TO JU NE 15, 1919.
Workmen
affected.
Result.

Name.
Di­
Indi­
rectly. rectly.
Controversy, shoe workers, Bradley-Metcalfo
Shoe Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
Lockout, firemen, Central Power Co., Newark,
Ohio.
Strike, ore and chemical workers and refinery
workers, Mineral Refining & Chemical Corp.,
St. Louis, Mo.
Strike, polishers, electrical workers, and ma­
chinists, Hamilton-Beach Manufacturing Co.,
Racine, Wis.
Strike, building trades employed by contractors,
Sharon, Pa.
Strike, carpenters employed by individual con­
tractors, New Castle, Pa.
Strike, shoe workers, Salem and vicinity, Mass..
Lockout, union employees, Dodson Saddlery
Co., Dallas, Tex.

Strike, pulp and paper workers, International
Paper Co., Fort Edward, N. Y.
Strike, pulp and paper workers, Minnesota &
Ontario Paper Co., International Falls, Minn.,
and Fort Francis Pulp & Paper Co., Fort
Francis, Canada.
Strike, inside wire workers, Los Angeles, Calif.:
F. E. Newberry Electric Co., San Pedro---Electric Co.. Greene Electric Co., Brownell
& Gleum, A. B. Smiley.
Thos. Foikes & Sons, Electric Lighting &
Supply Co., Southern California Electric
Co., Renard & Starry, Golden State Elec­
tric Co.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Adjusted.

1
15

250
450
300

50 A ttitude of management is antagonistic
toward unionism. Company refused
to reemploy men discharged on May
12, claiming it has secured other men
in their places.
10 Adjusted.
470 Pending.
' 700

Adjusted.
Do.

300

5,000

1,500

Do.
Company has not agreed to meet views
of men and it is understood the inter­
national union does not approve of
the controversy. Some of the men
have obtained work elsewhere, and
the commissioner will endeavor to
got the balance reemployed by the
company.
Pending.

675

1,000

Adjusted.

58

100

1688

5,000
25

Do.
Unable to adjust.

[273]

273

274

M O N T H L Y LABOR REVIEW.

STATEMENT- SHOWING T H E NUM BER OP LABOR D ISPU TES H ANDLED BY TH E
D EPA RTM EN T OF LABOR TH ROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION, MAY
16 TO JU N E 15, 1919—Continued.
Workmen
affected.
Name.

Result.
Di­
Indi­
rectly. rectly.

Controversy, Retail Shoe Salesmen’s Association
300
v . Retail Shoe Dealers’ Association, Los
Angeles, Calif.
Controversy, waiters, Chinese restaurants,
40
Cleveland, Ohio.
Strike, millmen, Burge Manufacturing Co.,
27
Houston, Tex.
Lockout, electricians, Public Utilities Service
5
Corp. of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Okla.
Strike, all crafts, Wiliys-Overland Co., Toledo, 12,000
Ohio.
Strike, building trades, Lawrence, Mass.............
600
Strike, molders, T. L. Smith Co., Milwaukee,
29
Wis.
Strike, painters, decorators, and paperhangers,
350
Dayton, Ohio.
Controversy, carpenters, Dayton, Ohio..............
750
Lockout, all crafts, Carpenter Steel Co., Reading,
650
Strike, laborers, Ed ward A. Wehr, Tyrone, P a..

10

Controversy, bricklayers, Johnstown, P a ...........

200

Threatened strike, Indiana Coke & Gas Co.,
Terre Haute, Ind.
Strike, street car employees, Pittsburgh, P a ...
Threatened strike, electrical workers, Cleveland,
Ohio.
Controversy, carpenters, Cleveland, O hio... .
Strike, boilermakers, McDermott Boiler Works,
Allentown, Pa.
Strike, boilermakers, Allentown Boiler Works,
Allentown, Pa.
Threatened strike, Atlantic refinery, Brunswick,

1,400

Strike, phosphate miners, 14 mines, Mulberry,

3,000

Controversy, bakers, Brightstein & Brown,
Richmond, Va.
Controversy, Northwestern Barbed Wire Co.,
Sterling, 111.
Controversy, yardmen, scalemen, and laborers,
Cleveland Union Stockyards Co., Cleveland,
Ohio.
Threatened strike, electrical workers, Municipal
lig h t & Power Plant, Riverside, Calif.
Controversy, boilermakers, Quartermasters’
Construction Division, Greenwich Point,
Philadelphia, Pa.
Strike, plasterers on construction of Treasury
Annex, Washington, D. C.
Controversy, Crescent Forge & Shovel Co. and
Havana Metal Wheel Co., Havana, 111.
Lockout, machinists and helpers, rubber gar­
ment and rubber tire workers, Gillett Rub­
ber Co., Eau Claire, Wis.
Strike, building trades, Sioux City, Iow a...........

5

Lockout, Moline Malleable Iron Works, St.
Charles, 111.
Strike, Century Rubber Works, Chicago, 111__
Strike, machinists, Dundore Machine Co.,
Reading, Pa.
Strike, dock laborers, Crosby Transfer Co.,
Milwaukee, Wis.
Controversy, shoe fitters, Nunn, Busch & Wel­
don Shoe Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
Strike, molders, Elizabeth, N. J ..........................


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14

Pending.
Do.
Adjusted.
120
1,500
232
200

Do.
Pending.
Adjusted.
Men employed elsewhere.
Adjusted.
Do.
Unable to adjust.

240

86

Employer willing to pay established
wage for similar work in the district.
Men would consider nothing less than
40 cents per hour, which did not ap­
pear to be justified by a comparison
of wages paid at Tyrone.
Matter had practically settled itself
before commissioner’s arrival, and
the wages asked were generally being
paid. No mediation necessary.
Unable to adjust.

3,000
1,000

Adjusted.
Do.

7,000
5

Do
Unable to adjust.

2

Do.
Pending.
Do.
3 Adjusted.

240

Do.

C

70

12

20

9

Do.
Pending.
Adjusted. .
Pending.

150

Adjusted.

445

Pending.
Adjusted prior to commissioner’s ar­
rival.
Pending.

180

30

145
20

40 Adjusted.
14 Unable to adjust.

35

64

2

90

250

[274]

Adjusted.
Do.

100 Unable to adjust.

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW,

275

STATEMENT SHOWING TH E NUM BER OF LABOR D ISPU TES HANDLED BY TH E
DEPA RTM EN T OF LABOR TH ROUGH ITS COMMISSIONERS OF CONCILIATION, MAY
16 TO JU N E 15, 1919—Continued.
Workmen
affected.
Name.

Result.
Di­
Indi­
rectly. rectly.

Controversy, Nortac Manufacturing Co., Nortac,M ass.
Strike, textile workers, Lawrence, Mass............. 15,000
Strike, electrical fixture workers, Cleveland,
75
Ohio.
Controversy, carpenters employed by contrac­
750
tors, Reading, Pa.
Strike, painters and paperhangers, Reading, Pa.
Strike,electricians, Reading, P a ..........................
Strike, Alt H at Co., Reading, P a ........................
Strike, bricklayers, Reading, P a..........................
Controversy, Choctaw Lumber Co., Broken
Bow, Okla.
Strike, metal polishers and buffers, Rome Man­
ufacturing Co., Rome, N. Y.
Controversy, furnace men, crane operators, and
31
laborers, Cleveland Furnace Co., Cleveland,
Ohio.
Strike, H unt, Helm, Ferris & Co., Harvard, 111.
225
Strike, stationary engineers in hotels, Atlantic
108
City, N. J.
Strike, shoe workers, Thos. G. Plant factory,
1,600
Boston. Mass.
Strike, silk workers, Eagle Co., Treverton,
2,800
Kulpmont, and Shamokin, Pa.
Controversy, plumbers, F ort Wayne, Ind..........
100
Controversy, machinists, toolmakers, and oth­
6
ers, Rutenber Motor Co., Marion, Ind.
Threatened strike, bricklayers and others, Cos12
den refineries, Tulsa, Okla.
Strike, American Hide & Leather Co. and
700
Badger State Tannery, Sheboygan, Wis.
Strike, bakers, Lonerigan Bakery, York, P a __
8
Strike, pulp and paper makers, Stevens Point
54
Pulp & Paper Mills, Stevens Point, Wis.
Strike, Liberty Laundry, F o rt W orth, Tex.......
18
Strike, bookbinders, pressmen, and assistants,
200
Commercial print shops, Louisville, R y.
Strike, car builders, blacksmiths, machinists,
490
and foundrymen, American Car & Foundry
Co. (car department), Chicago, 111.
Threatened strike, flour mill workers, New Ulm
Roller Mill Co., New Ulm, Minn.

Strike, ironworkers, concrete laborers, and hoist­
ing engineers, Jersey City, N. J.
Strike, bricklayers and stone masons, Cleveland,
Ohio.
Strike, stockyard handlers, Wiehita, Kans.........
Threatened strike, bakery employees, Bromm
Baking Co., Richmond, Ya.
Controversy, carpenters, Bucyrus, Ohio.............
Controversy, Texas Producing Department,
Electra, Tex.
Strike, piano workers, Cable Piano Co., St.
Charles, 111.
Lockout, paper makers, Rock Falls Box Board
Co., Rock Falls, 111.
Threatened strike, machinists, Schroeder Head­
light & Generator Co., Evansville, Ind.
Strike, flour mill workers, Marshall Milling Co.,
Marshall, Minn.
Strike, bakers, Seattle, W ash...............................
Strike, Haskell & Barker Co., Michigan City, In d .
Threatened strike, Seattle Gas Co., Seattle,
Wash.
Strike, electrical workers and crane operators,
Mesta Machine Co., Homestead, Pa.
Controversy, P. Burns Saddlery Co. and Hotze
& Sons Saddlery Co., St. Louis, Mo.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

700

75
20,000

Adjusted.
Do.
Do.
Pending.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.
Do.

1,000

Do.

320

Do.

25
2,000

Adjusted.
Unable to adjust.
Pending.
Do.
Do.

’’’¿¿o’ Unable to adjust.
1,200

Adjusted.
Pending.
Adjusted.
Do.
Pending.
All suggestions and offers of commis­
sioner were rejected.
Pending.

16

2,000

Company insists it is not involved in
controversy with its employees. W ill
not recognize union, or treat with a
committee, and insists that no de­
mands have been made by any of its
employees. Refused to take up m at­
ter with commissioner.
Adjusted.
Do.

1,400
25

Pending.
Do.

34

500

Do.
Do.

240

40

Do.

145

20

Do.

33

150

Do.

70

20

2,800

12

Do.
Adjusted.
Pending.

120

Do.

2,000

D o.

Da

[275]

276

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW.

S T A T E M E N T S H O W IN G T H E N U M B E R O F L A B O R D I S P U T E S H A N D L E D B Y T H E
D E P A R T M E N T O F L A B O R T H R O U G H I T S C O M M IS S IO N E R S O F C O N C IL IA T I O N , M A Y
16 T O J U N E 15, 1916—C o n clu d ed .

W o rk m e n
affected.
N a m e.

R e s u lt.
D ire c tly .

T h re a te n e d s trik e , s h irt m a k e rs, S im o n M iller,
P h ila d e lp h ia , P a .
C o n tro v e rsy , boss b u tc h e rs , K a n s a s C ity , M o . . .
C o n tro v e rsy , m in in g d is tric t, C ouer D ’A lene,
Id a h o .
C o n tro v e rsy , e le c tric a l w o rk e rs, W a te r U sers
A sso c ia tio n , P h o e n ix , A riz.
C o n tro v e rsy , M ississippi P e a rl B u tto n Co. a n d
B u r lin g to n W illo w W a r e s h o p s, B u rlin g to n ,
Io w a .
T h r e a te n e d s trik e , lu m b e r w o rk ers, T a tu m
L u m b e r Co., B o n h o m ie , M iss.
C o n tro v e rsy , m a c h in ists , R o ck fo rd , 111..................
C o n tro v e rsy , p a tte r n m a k e rs, A m e ric a n R a d i­
a to r C o., B u ffa lo , N . Y .
T h r e a te n e d s trik e , b u tte r in e w o rk e rs, J . F .
J e lk e C o., C hicago, 111.
C o n tro v e rsy , H y d e -W in d la ss Co., B a th , M e ___
S trik e s, m a c h in ists a n d sp ec ia lists (to o l d e p a r t­
m e n t), A m e ric a n C ar & F o u n d r y Co., C hicago,

I n d i­
re c tly .
P e n d in g .
D o.
D o.
D o.
D o.

60

300

A d ju s te d .

18 ..........

P e n d in g .
A d ju s te d .

480

100

850

135

P e n d in g .
Do.
Do.

111.
C o n tro v e rsy , b u ild in g tra d e s , S y racu se, N . Y . . .
C o n tro v e rsy , le a th e r w o rk e rs, B e n ja m in N .
M oore & Sons C o., P e a b o d y , M ass.
T h r e a te n e d s trik e , flo u r m ill w o rk e rs, E a g le
R o lle r M ill C o., N ew U lm , M in n .
S tr ik e , c a rp e n te rs , p a in te rs , s h ee t m e ta l w o rk ­
ers, p lu m b e rs , c em en t fin ish ers, a n d s tr u c tu r a l
ir o n w o rk e rs, P it ts b u r g , P a .
C o n tro v e rs y , ta ilo rs , Q u a rte rm a s te r’s D e p a r t­
m e n t of S c h u y lk ill A rsen a l, P h ila d e lp h ia , P a .
L o c k o u t, M ead & J o h n so n Co., E v a n s v ille , I n d .
S trik e , R a c in e , W is .......................................................
C o n tro v e rsy , la u n d r y w o rk e rs, N a sh v ille , T e n n .

150
175
4,200

Do.
A d ju s te d .
100

Do.
P e n d in g .
D o.
D o.
D o.
D o.

The following cases, noted as pending in the June statement, have
been disposed of:
Strike, Cleveland National Machine Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
Controversy, Drummond Packing Co., Eau Claire, Wis.
Strike, building trades, Youngstown, Ohio.
Threatened strike, Keystone Steel & Wire Co., Peoria, 111.
Controversy, Kingston Shipbuilding Co., Kingston, N. Y.
Strike, Dells Paper & Pulp Co., Eau Claire, Wis.
Controversy, McGuire-Cummings Manufacturing Co., Paris, 111.
Strike, bakers, Chicago, 111.
Threatened strike, iron and bridge shop employees, St. Louis and vicinity, Mo.
Controversy, laundry trade, Fargo, N. Dak.
Controversy, Hy-Grade Lamp Co., Salem, Mass.
Controversy, Dubuque Boat & Boiler Works, Dubuque, Iowa.
Threatened strike, employees in highway department, Scranton, Pa.
Threatened strike, Bell Telephone Co., Jacksonville, Fla.
Controversy, American Hide & Leather Co., Chicago, 111.
Controversy, American Steel & Wire Co., Waukegan, 111.
Strike, Rath Packing Co., Waterloo, Iowa.
Strike, Porto Rico Leaf Tobacco Co., Comerio, P. R.
Controversy, Constantin & Co., Tulsa, Okla.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[276]

MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW,

277

Controversy, Illinois Milk Dealers, Chicago, 111.
Strike, bakery drivers, Chicago, 111.
Strike, Mathews Bros. Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
Strike, cigar makers, Trenton, N. J.
Strike, hod carriers, Dayton, Ohio.

Compulsory Arbitration in Norway.
3 noted in the Monthly R eview for September, 1916 (pp. 78, 79),
Norway has recognized the principle of compulsory arbitration
in the settlement of industrial disputes. The law in question, enacted
June 9, 1916, and applicable to the war period in Europe, was reen­
acted April 4, 1919, to continue until April 1, 1920.
The compulsory investigation of labor disputes, incorporation or
registration of associations of employees or employers, and the legal
recognition of the collective agreement had already been secured by
the arbitration act of August 6, 1915 (M o n t h l y R e v ie w , Novem­
ber, 1915, pp. 81-85). Under the new law an award of the court
of arbitration has the binding effect of a judicial decision. Pend­
ing reference to arbitration, conditions of work, hours, and wages
continue unchanged except in so far as the parties themselves may
agree otherwise. It is illegal to strike in order to determine the
application or intent of an award. No award is to continue in force
longer than two years unless both parties stipulate otherwise. The
former act on compulsory arbitration fixed the term at three years.
For infractions of the award fines ranging from 5 crowns (SI.34)
up to as high as 25,000 crowns ($6,700) are assessed against an
employer or workman who takes part in or assists in unlawful labor
- disputes; also against the members of the administration of a tradeunion or of an employers’ association who take part in or assist in
unlawful disputes.
The court of arbitration consists of a chairman and four additional
members. The chairman and two members are appointed by the
Crown. The National Federation of Trade-Unions and the Norwegian
Employers’ Association each appoint one member and an alternate.
Under the former law the Crown appointed the chairman only, while
the four members were appointed by the associations representing,
respectively, the workmen and the employers. If the parties in
interest fail to appoint their representatives the Crown may act.
The usual court processes are observed by the arbitration body,
witnesses are summoned, and documents called for in the usual
manner. If requested by either party, the proceedings may be behind
closed doors.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[277]

PROFIT SHARING.
New Profit-Sharing Plan Adopted by British
Shipbuilding Firm.1
discussion has been caused by the announce­
CONSIDERABLE
ment that Messrs. William Gray & Co. (Ltd.), a large ship­

building firm of West Hartlepool (England), has adopted a system
of copartnership with its workers. The plan is to set aside 20 per
cent of the total profits of the firm for division among the workers,
the amount to which each employee is entitled to be based upon the
earnings, exclusive of overtime, to be dependent upon his having
attained the age of 21 years, having been in the employment of the
company for not less than 12 months and, most important from the
point of view of the firm, having lost, through his own fault, not
more than 12 days’ time in the year the profits of which are being
divided. There are provisions for determining what is really lost
time, so that no worker may be penalized for circumstances for which
he could not be held responsible.
About nine years ago, Messrs. Furness Wilthy & Co. adopted in
their yards at West Hartlepool a scheme whereby the workers were
made shareholding partners and guaranteed a dividend of 4 per cent.
Deductions were made from the workmen’s pay in order to purchase
shares in the company for them. This ambitious plan failed because
of opposition from the labor unions based upon the irregularity of
work, which had reduced earnings and made the lower-paid opera­
tives desirous of keeping all their wages instead of contributing
their proportion to the copartnership funds, upon the fact that the
workers could not go to other yards without losing their dividends,
and upon the belief that partnership would tie their hands as tradeunionists in disputes with their employers.
Sir William Gray has provided a system of profit sharing without
making the workers shareholders in the firms, and so without reduc­
ing their current earnings. The provision with regard to strikes
states that time lost by reason of a general or district strike, whether
authorized by trade-unions or not, will not be considered time
willfully lost, while there is no reference in the scheme to strikes
in breach of an agreement with employers generally. I t would
seem therefore that men may strike in defiance of their own unions,
and in breach of an agreement, and still qualify for a share in the
profits which the firm may be able to make in spite of their action.
Whether these inducements will be sufficiently powerful to secure
continuous and energetic labor in the yards and whether they will be
acceptable to trade-unions remains to be seen.
1 Excerpt from Report on British Trade and Commerce, by Consul General Robert P. Skinner, London
furnished by the State Department under date of May 24, 1919.

278


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[2781

IMMIGRATION,
Immigration in April, 1919.
The following tables, prepared by tbe Bureau of Immigration of
the Department of Labor, show the total number of immigrant aliens
admitted into the United States in each month from January, 1913,
to April, 1919, and the numbers admitted in each fiscal year, 1915
to 1918, and in April, 1919, by nationality. The total departures
of emigrant aliens in April, 1919, numbered 17,203.
IMMIGRANT A LIENS ADM ITTED INTO T H E UN ITED STATES IN SPEC IFIED MONTHS
JANUARY, 1913, TO A P R IL , 1919.
1919
Month.

1913

46,441
59,156
96', 958
136,371
137, 262
176; 261
138', 244
126', 180
136,247
134,440
104,671
95,387


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

1914

44,708
46,873
92,621
119,885
107,796
71,728
60,377
37,706
29,143
30,416
26,298
20,944

1915

1916

15,481
13,873
19', 263
24; 532
26,069
22', 598
21,504
21,949
24; 513
25,450
24,545
18,901

17,293
24,710
27,586
30,560
31,021
30;764
25,035
29,975
36,398
37,056
34,437
30,902

1917

24,745
19,238
15,512
20,523
10,487
11,095
9,367
10,047
9,228
9,284
6,446
6,987

Number.

Per cent
increase
over
preceding
month.

9,852
10,586
14,105
16,860

i 8.3
7.5
33.2
19.5

1918

6,356
7,388
6,510
9,541
15,217
14,247
7,780
7,862
9,997
11,771
8,499
10,748

i Decrease.

[2791

279

280

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW

Classified by nationality, the number of immigrant aliens admitted
into the United States during specified periods and in April, 1919,
was as follows:
IMMIGRANT ALIENS ADM ITTED INTO T H E UNITED STATES DURING SPEC IFIED
PER IO D S AND IN A PR IL, 1919, BY NATIONALITY.
Year ending June 30Nationality.
1915

1916

1917

1918

African (black)...............................
.
Arm enian.................................
Bohemian and Moravian................................
Bulgarian, Serbian, Montenegrin...............................
Chinese.....................................
Croatian and Slovenian.................................. .
Cuban....................................
Dalmatian, Bosnian, Herzegovinian. . . .
Dutch and Flem ish..............................
East Indian........................................
English................................................
Finnish.........................................
French.................................
German......................................................
Greek...........................
Hebrew.........................
Irish...........................
Italian (north)....................................
Italian (south)................................
Japanese.........................
Korean...............................................
Lithuanian.............................................
Magyar..................................
Mexican....................................
Pacific Islander........................................
Polish.............................
Portuguese..........................................
Roumanian.......................................
Russian.................................
Ruthenian (Russniak).............................
Scandinavian.....................................
Scotch.......................................
Slovak....................................
Spanish.................................
Spanish-American..............
S yrian...............................
Turkish............................
Welsh............................
West Indian (except Cuban)....................
Other peoples................................................

5,660
932
1,651
3,506
2,469
1,912
3,402
305
6,675
82
38,662
3,472
12,636
20, 729
15,187
26,497
23,503
10,660
46,557
8,609
146
2,638
3,604
10,993
6
9,065
4,376
1,200
4,459
2,933
24,263
14,310
2,069
5,705
1,667
1,767
273
1,390
823
1,877

4,576
964
642
3,146
2,239
791
3,442
114
6,433
80
36,168
5,649
19,518
11,555
26,792
15,108
20,636
4,905
33,909
8,711
154
599
981
17,198
5
4,502
12,208
953
4,858
1,365
19,172
13,515
577
9,259
1,881
676
216
983
948
.3,388

7,971
1,221
'327
1,134
1, 843
305
3,428
94
5,393
69
32,246
5,900
24,405
9,682
25,919
17.342
17,462
3,796
35,154
8,925
194
479
434
16,438
10
3,109
10,194
522
3,711
i; 211
19,596
13,350
244
15,019
2,587
976
454793'
1,369
2,097

5,706
221
74
150
1,576
33
1,179
15
2,200
61
12,980
1.867
6,840
1,992
2,002
3,672
4,657
1,074
5; 234
10,168
149
135
32
17,602
17
668
2,319
155
1,513
49
8,741
5,204
35
7,909
2,231
210

Total.....................................................................

326,700

298,826


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295,403

April,
1919.

521
12
20
13
74
1
155
291
3
3,890
102
1,649
'254
116
317
1,075
130
217
507
2

21

14
3,126
101
456
3
184
9
1,146
1,483
2
388
279
17

278
732
314

111
153
18

110,618

16,860

BOOK REVIEWS.
Commons , J ohn
I n c ., 1919.

II. In d u s tr ia l goodw ill.
213 p p .

N ew

Y o r k , M cG raw -JIill B o o k C o m p a n y ,

Beginning with an explanation of the “ commodity” theory of labor (that labor can
be bought and sold and that demand and supply determine wages, a law that can not
be overcome), and of the “ machinery ” theory (that not labor, but the product of labor,
is bought and sold), the author declares that both of these theories are incomplete and
that the law of supply and. demand may be modified by industrial good will, which is
“ the spirit of brotherhood, the solidarity of free personalities.” “ It is knowledge of
alternatives and freedom to choose them without penalty or sacrifice. ” The goodwill
of a firm is a competitive advantage in keeping desirable customers or workers away
from rivals.
Group insurance is advocated. By group insurance may be provided not only life
insurance but the old-age pension and invalidity benefits. Group insurance is
believed to be followed by reduction in the number of strikes, reduction in labor
turnover, and reduction in the power of organized labor to attract employees away
from their allegiance to their employer. In the author’s opinion, the objection that
group insurance promotes the laborer’s welfare at the cost of his liberty can be met
by making group insurance compulsory on all employers.
Health insurance is also favored. This kind of insurance, the prime object of which
is the prevention of illness, is also a factor in industrial good will. The author believes
in compulsory health insurance, and in the establishment by the State of certain
minimum standards. Cash benefits should be eliminated from the scheme, and
should be left entirely to voluntary schemes. “ If cash benefits are required by law,
then the thought and energies of employers, employees, and State officials are diverted
away from the prime object of health insurance, which is sickness prevention with its
medical and hospital care and early diagnosis. If cash benefits are required by law,
then innumerable disputes arise as to the amount of benefits; the dangerous menace
of malingering is forced into the problem; suspicion and invidious investigations of
individuals are fomented by law. But with cash benefits eliminated from the require­
ments of the law, all of the funds and all of the energies of all parties, so far as legisla­
tion is concerned, are directed to the single purpose of adequate care for sickness,
adequate hospital and medical equipment, and adequate measures of prevention.”
Admission of labor into the councils and authority of the company through the
recognition of “ shop committees” representing the workers is another way of obtain­
ing industrial good will. This is a great forward step, inasmuch as the shop conditions,
in the opinion of the author, are very important, because “ it is the shop after all that
constitutes the real unit of organization. ”
He believes that “ American industry needs schools for apprentices. These schools
must be in the shops and the apprentices must get a living wage while learning.”
Through an examination of these various related problems in industry the author
develops his theory of industrial good will as the soul of the economic peace toward
which constructive thought and action are moving more or less gropingly but hope­
fully. And his concept of this good will finds its fullest expression in the chapter on
personality. It is in personality that the author is forced to anchor all reasonable
hopes for the normal life and development of this industrial good 'will which is to solve

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M O N TH LY LABOE REVIEW.

labor problems and to still labor unrest. He believes in the education of the workers,
the protection of the workers, and the joint control of work by the workers. He also
believes in the modern corporation, and says “ The modern corporation has more
chances for personality than ever were known before in industry. And it succeeds
for that reason. If it has no monopoly it succeeds because it has a soil. Good will is
the soul and good will is a multiple of all the different personalities that keep the
business agoing.” The modern corporation specializes in personality, and the result
of this specialization is the personnel department. The reason why this personnel
department is attaining this high recognition is because the labor problem has ceased
to be a problem merely of the demand and supply of labor. The personnel depart­
ment is not the employment department. It is not the department, of hiring and firing.
It is the department that deals with every human relation within and without the
establishment. It is the department of industrial good will. ” In the chapter on“ The
world,” he says, “ We and all the nations perceive, as never before, that the next
stage in industrial progress is not that economic revolution which Karl Marx pre­
dicted, it is not even development in machinery and tools, but it is the increased
production and increased wealth of the world which are now dependent upon the
health, intelligence, good will of labor. That nation which is foremost in giving heed
to the health and housing, the vocational education, security, and wages of its working
people will be the nation which will survive even in time of peace.”
S l i g h t e r , S u m n e r H.
1919. 4 60,18 p p .

T he tu rn o v er o ffa c to r y labor.

'New Y o r k , D . A p p le to n & Co.,

This book provides the first comprehensive and systematic treatment of the subject
of labor turnover so far published in the United States. The author makes the turn­
over of labor his central theme, but treats the subject very broadly and presents a
systematic discussion of method and practice in handling men. The work, in other
words, is a study of employment management as well as of labor turnover, the author’s
central thesis being “ the neglected truism that a definite plan and specific responsi­
bility for creating and executing the plan are as necessary in dealing with labor as in
controlling manufacturing operations.” The study of turnover “ embraces the study
of the causes and effects of every termination of employment and the means of pre­
venting such terminations of employment as are socially undesirable.”
The data on which the work is based were collected for the most part prior to 1916,
and the book is therefore primarily a study of establishment labor stability in normal
peace times. The illustrative material has been largely restricted to pre-war years,
and it is discussed and interpreted from the standpoint of the relatively undisturbed
pre-war period. The four main sections of the book are devoted to a general analysis
of turnover, its cost, its causes, and the methods of reducing it. In the section devoted
to analysis Mr. Slitcher considers the volume or rate of turnover, the effect upon the
turnover rate of such factors as time, locality, and occupation, and the relative
numerical importance among employees leaving, of resignations, lay-offs, discharges,
etc.
The statistical analysis which makes up the bulk of Part I is based primarily upon
figures collected by the author for the United States Commission on Industrial Rela­
tions. These figures were secured from 105 factories and mines in all the important
industries and in practically all parts of the country. Sixty-seven of the establish­
ment reports were for 1914, 20 for 1913, 8 for 1912, and the others for various 12-month
periods in the years 1909 and 1912 to 1915. The author defines labor turnover as
“ all terminations of employment in the force regardless of cause.” He goes on to say
that ‘ ‘ every worker who leaves the employ of a given establishment for whatever reason
constitutes a part of the turnover of that establishment.” Consistently with this in­
terpretation he expresses the rate of turnover as “ the percentage of the number of

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

283

terminations of employment to the average force on the pay roll during a given period. ’’
This formula is slightly modified, however, in presenting the returns from the 105
concerns which form th e hack-bone of his statistical analysis. The difficulty of obtain­
ing figures showing the average working force made it necessary to resort instead to
the average between the “ maximum and minimum number of employees on the pay
roll at any time during the year.” This average Mr. Slichter uses as a base in calcu­
lating the turnover.
The turnover rate varies, of course, with time and place. It is the opinion of the
author of the book that the average turnover, in a normally prosperous year, is about
100 per cent. Among his 105 establishments he finds that 5 had a turnover of less
than 20 per cent, 29 between 20 and 60 per cent, 30 between 60 and 100 per cent, 30
between 100 and 200 per cent, and 11, 200 per cent or over. The aggregate averages
of minimum and maximum forces of the 105 plants amounted to 226,038, and the grand
total of separations from them 225,942.
The effect of prosperity is reflected in relatively low stability; that is to say, high
turnover; industrial depression shows itself in relatively high stability, the turnover
frequently being almost uniformly higher in prosperous years like 1913 and 1916 than
in years of depression, such as 1914 and 1915. The figures presented by occupations
indicate a considerably higher turnover rate, in industry generally, among semiskilled
and unskilled than among skilled laborers. As to the immediate circumstances under
which employees leave, which this writer includes among causes of turnover, it appears
that of more than 28,000 terminations, 78 per cent were due to resignations, 12 per cent
to discharges, 1 0 per cent to lay-offs, and less than 1 per cent to “ miscellaneous
reasons.”
The subj ect of the cost of turnover is examined from the point of view of the em­
ployer on the one hand and of the workman on the other. Fragmentary estimates of
money costs to the employer are compiled by the author. They range from Magnus
W. Alexander’s estimate of $8.50 for laborers to a street railway official’s estimate of
$370.43 for street railway trainmen. The following items are presented of loss to the
workmen: (1 ) Loss of earnings during unemployment; (2 ) expense of obtaining a new
job; (3) deficiency in earnings while learning new job; (4) increased exposure to
accident while learning new job; (5) possible cost of moving involved; (6 ) impair­
ment of developed skill by interruption of employment; and (7) demoralization from
idleness.
In a chapter devoted to a “ survey of the causes of turnover” the multitude of con­
ditions resulting in termination of employment are classified in eight principal groups,
as follows:
1 . Reduction in the quantity of work.
2 . Causes pertaining to the job.
3. Causes pertaining to the methods of handling men.
4. Causes pertaining to fellow workmen.
5. Causes pertaining to the worker himself.
6 . More attractive opportunities elsewhere.
7. Causes pertaining to the attractiveness of the community as a place of residence.
8 . Changes due to the family of the worker.
An important distinction is made between separations due to better opportunities
elsewhere and resignations due to dissatisfaction and figures are presented which
show that “ where conditions are attractive not only do fewer men resign, but those
who do, resign not because of dissatisfaction but because of still more favorable
opportunities elsewhere.” “ Unadaptability,” “shiftlessness,” and “ positive mis­
conduct” appear to cause the greater number of discharges, so far as may be judged
from the fragmentary statistical evidence available.

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M O N TH LY LABOE BEVIEW .

Nearly half of the volume is taken up by the section devoted to methods of reducing
turnover. The first part of this section describes in detail the achievements in
turnover reduction of a number of selected establishments and explains the methods
severally used by them in effecting this reduction. The most important features
of a job to a workman are, it is stated, the wages, its steadiness, its physical and
nervous demands upon him, and the hours. These, then, are what the author
describes as “ the fundamental prerequisites for the reduction of turnover.” That
the author considers the character and practical administration of the establishment’s
employment machinery to be important factors in turnover reduction is sufficiently
indicated by the fact that he follows up the discussion of these prerequisites by
detailed chapters on procedure in hiring, breaking in the new worker, and the han­
dling of men. A comprehensive discussion of the functions of the establishment
“ supervisor of labor” and of the relation of such a supervisor to the conflict between
capital and labor completes the volume.


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PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO LABOR.
Official—United States.
California .— In d u s tr ia l A ccid en t C o m m issio n .
1919.

V o l. 3, N o . 4-

15 p p -

S a fe ty N ew s.

S a n F rancisco, A p r il,

Illu s tr a te d .

Principally devoted to an article giving safety recommendations relating to the
removal of dust, gases and fumes in factories.
Colorado .— In d u s tr ia l C o m m issio n .
D enver, 1919.

S e co n d report.

Dec. 1, 1917, to D ec. 1, 1918.

128 p p .

Contains a brief statistical statement of workmen’s compensation experience; is
largely devoted to a record of appealed cases and decisions of the commission. Premi­
ums to the amount of $375,429.56 were paid into the State compensation insurance
fund, aM compensation and medical services were paid to the amount of $51,391.68.
The fund showed a balance of $566,050.86 on December 31, 1918, with liabilities
amounting to $431,265.77, leaving a net surplus of $134,785.09. There was a 92
per cent increase in the premium income over the preceding year; and a 130 per
cent increase in the net surplus.
----- S ta te in sp ecto r o f coal m in e s. S i x t h a n n u a l report, 1918. D en ver, 1919. 104 p p .
Reports a coal production in 1918 of 12,658,055 tons from 249 mines. The total
number of men employed in and about the mines was 14,374, of which number
7,517 were miners, 3,833 other underground employees, and 3,024 surface employees.
There were 566 men employed at coke ovens. There were 71 fatalities, a reduction
of 117 when compared with 1917, when 121 were killed as the result of one explosion.
Of the killed, 69 were underground and 2 surface employees. There was one fatality
to every 177,578 tons of coal produced, representing a fatality rate of 4.9 per 1,000
men employed. There were 1,227 nonfatal accidents, a decrease of 236 compared
with 1917. The accident rate was 85.5 per 1,000 men employed, and 10,275.5 tons
of coal were produced for each nonfatal accident.
Connecticut .— B o a rd o f com m issio n ers f o r the p r o m o tio n o f u n ifo r m ity o f leg isla tio n
i n the U n ited S ta te s .

R e p o r t.

H a rtfo rd , 1919.

■
----- D e p a rtm e n t

o f L a b o r a n d F a cto ry In s p e c tio n .
earners i n the S ta te . H a rtfo rd , 1918. 144 PP-

8 pp.
R e p o r t o n the c o n d itio n s o f wage

A discussion of conditions prevailing among industrial workers in the State during
the years 1917-18. Deals with such subjects as the increased employment of
women during the war period, effects of the influenza epidemic, safety precautions,
welfare work, Americanization, housing, young mothers in industry, lunch rooms
in factories, etc. The report concludes with 1 2 recommendations, covering the re­
quirements of certain standards of sanitation, safety, and health in factories, the
establishment of prevocational and vocational courses in grade and grammar schools,
the extension of physical culture exercises to all schools for both boys and girls, and
the passage of a law preventing the employment of young mothers in both textile
and metal industries.
F lorida . — S ta te L a b o r In sp e cto r. F o u r th a n d f i f t h a n n u a l reports. [1917-18.] T a lla ­
hassee, 1919.

I llinois

66 p p .

(Chicago ). — D e p a rtm e n t

o f P u b lic W elfare. B u re a u o f S u r v e y s . The
I ta lia n i n Chicago. A s tu d y , by F r a n k O rm a n B eck. Chicago, F eb ru a ry, 1919.
32 p p . B u ll e ti n . V ol. 11, N o . 3. D e p a rtm e n t S e r ia l N o . 8.
122778°— 19-----19


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

M assach usetts .— Teachers' R e tire m e n t B o a rd .
in g Dec. 81, 1918.

B o s to n , 1919.

17 p p .

F if t h a n n u a l report f o r the year end­
P u b lic D o c u m e n t N o . 109.

Notes that the enrollments in 1918 were 1,902 compulsory and 80 voluntary, the
compulsory enrollments being 243 more than in any previous year in that class.
The total membership in active service at December 31, 1918, was 10,839; 65 retired
on allowances during the year; and 338 represented the number on the retired list
at the end of the year. A total of $113,843.14 was paid in the form of annuities and
pensions, the latter amounting to $111,058.04. The number of. deaths was 83, almost
double those of any previous year. The influenza epidemic is given as the reason
for the unusually high death rate among teachers. A total of $12,839.28 has been
paid on account of deaths since the establishment of the fund, July 1 , 1914.
Misso u r i (S t . L o u is ).— City P la n C o m m is sio n .
1918.

S t . L o u is a fter the w ar.

S t. L o u is ,

31 p p .

This pamphlet gives, besides other matter, a plan of specific public works needed
in St. Louis, including river front improvements, waterworks extension, public
buildings and public group plan, park and playground system, public sewers, street
openings, housing, and other matters, and recommends the passage of necessary laws
which would permit the accomplishment of the work outlined. There is an intro­
duction by Winston Churchill.
N ew Y ork .— In d u s tr ia l C o m m issio n .

P roceedings o f the T h ir d In d u s tr ia l S a fe ty
Congress o f N e w Y o r k S ta te held a t S y ra c u se, D ecem ber 2 -5 , 1918. A lb a n y , 1919.
225 p p .

Oh

— F ood A d m in is tr a tio n . A b rie f h isto ry o f j h e a c tiv ities o f the U n ited S ta te s F o o d
A d m in is tr a tio n i n O hio. C o lu m b u s, 1919. 91 p p .

io

Outlines the various measures which were taken to encourage food production
and food conservation during the period of the war. A section on farm labor gives a
record of placements and notes the achievements accomplished in food production
with the assistance of boy labor.
P orto R ico .

L a w s, sta tu te s, etc. A c ts a n d re so lu tio n s o f the f ir s t session o f the n in th
leg isla tu re o f P o rto R ic o . [S a n J u a n ], 1919. 88 p p . ( A p p e n d ix to V ol. I I o f
L a w s o f P o rto R ic o , 1917.)

This pamphlet contains “ certified transcripts of the originals of certain laws and
resolutions promulgated and published in virtue of a decision of the Supreme Court
of Poito Rico, dated the 1 1 th of March, 1919.” A more extended reference appears
on p. 231 of this issue of the R e v ie w .
U ta h .

I n d u s tr ia l C o m m issio n . R e p o r t. J u ly 1, 1917 to J u n e SO, 1918 in c lu d in g
f o u r t h b ie n n ia l rep o rt o f the bureau o f im m ig r a tio n , labor a n d sta tistics, 1917-18
S a l t L a k e [1919]. 237 p p .

W a sh ingto n .— B u r e a u

of

L abor.

Labor

lalvs.

128 p p .

W est V ir g in ia .— S ta te c o m p en sa tio n co m m issio n er.
30, 1918.

C harleston [1918].

E d itio n

1919.

O ly m p ia ,

1919.

C ondensed sta tem en t as o f J u n e

15 p p .

T his report is noted on pages 211 and 212 of th is issu e of th e R e v ie w .
U nited S tates .

Congress. S en a te. C om m ittee o n E d u c a tio n a n d L a b o r. M in im u m
wages. H e a rin g before su b co m m ittee o f the com m ittee o n ed u ca tio n a n d labor o n
H . R . 152, a b ill to f i x the c o m p en sa tio n o f certain em ployees o f the U n ited S ta te s.
2 p a rts.
W a sh in g to n , 1919. 129 p p .
C o u n c il o f N a tio n a l D efense. _ G eneral m edical board, co m m ittee o n n u r s in g ;
co m m ittee o n hyg iene a n d s a n ita tio n , su b c o m m ittee o n p u b lic health n u r s in g ;
co m m ittee o n labor, sectio n o n w e lfa re ; co m m ittee o n hom e n u r s in q . R e p o r ts
W a sh in g to n , A p r i l, 1, 1919. 31 p p .
D epartm .ent o f the In te r io r . B u re a u o f E d u c a tio n . A g r ic u ltu r a l education,
1 9 16-1918, by C. I I . L a n e . B u lle tin , 1918, N o . 44. W a sh in g to n , 1919. 40 p p .

----- .------------ R ecen t
in g to n , 1919.

progress i n N egro education, by Thom,as Jesse J o n es.
16 p p . B u ll e ti n N o . 27.


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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

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U n it e d S t a t e s . —D e p a r tm e n t o f the In te r io r . B u r e a u o f E d u c a tio n .
T he U nited
S ta te s S ch o o l G arden A r m y , by J . H . F ra n c is, director. W a sh in g to n , 1919. 6 p p .
B u ll e ti n N o . 26.

i The work of this organization is an expansion of that undertaken by the Bureau of
Education in 1914, which consisted in enlisting boys and girls between the ages of
9 or 10 and 14 or 15 in systematic garden work for food production on such plats of
ground as could be had for this purpose near their homes, on back yards, side yards,
and vacant lots, and then providing teacher-directors for them at the rate of one
teacher-director for each group of from 100 to 150 garden workers. In March, 1918,
$50,000 was appropriated from the National Security and Defense fund to promote
school and school-supervised home gardening among the school children of America
residing in cities, towns, and villages. The present plan was adopted shortly after­
wards, and suggestions on plans of organization were sent out to school superintend­
ents and garden teachers and supervisors. A partial report made in July, 1918,
showed, among other results, that 1,500,000 boys and girls were enlisted in the
United States School Garden Army; that 20,000 acres of unproductive home and
vacant lots had been converted into productive land; that 50,000 teachers had
received valuable instruction in gardening through the garden leaflets distributed
through the office of the School Garden Army; and that boards of education and other
civic organizations had been influenced to give financial and moral support to the
school and home garden movement and to pay extra salaries for supervision and
teaching. Under this organization the School Garden Army is working during the
present season.
•------------B u re a u o f M in es. I l li n o i s m in in g sta tu tes a n n o ta ted , by J . W . T h o m p so n .
I n c lu d in g a ll I l li n o i s m i n in g law s.
L a w S e r ia l 15.

—

W a sh in g to n , 1919.

594 PP-

B u ll e ti n 169,

D e p a rtm e n t o f L a b o r. C h ild ren 's B u re a u . M in im u m standards f o r child w elfare.
S u b m itte d by the W a sh in g to n C h ild W elfare Conference, M a y 5 -8 , 1919. W ash­
in g to n , 1919. 16 p p .

Contains the text of the minimum standards for children entering employment,
the minimum standards for public protection of the health of mothers and children,
and the minimum standards for the protection of children in need of special care,
submitted by the conference. The former were printed in the June issue of the
M onthly L abor R ev iew , pp. 219 and 220.
—— ---- -

S u g g e stio n s f o r o w n -y o u r-o w n -h o m e

—— -----

W a sh in g to n , 1919.

In fo r m a tio n a n d E d u c a tio n Service.
ca m p a ig n s. W a sh in g to n , 1919. 46 p p .
IS

T r a in in g S ervice. E ffic ie n t tr a in in g i n a large p la n t.
p p . T r a in in g b u lle tin N o . 11.

---------— ——

1lo w tra in in g d ep a rtm en ts have bettered p ro d u c tio n . A s y m p o s iu m o f
experiences i n 17 A m e ric a n fa c to r y tr a in in g d e p a rtm en ts, together w ith va lu a b le
su g g estio n s as to how to carry o n in s tr u c tio n . W a sh in g to n , 1919. 24 p p . T r a in in g
b u lle tin N o . 12.

---------— —•—- I n d u s tr ia l

tra in in g i n representative in d u stries. A su rvey o f practical
v a lu e to the m a n w ho w a n ts to k n o w how tr a in in g d ep a rtm en ts operate. W a sh in g to n ,
1919. 15 p p .
T r a in in g b u lle tin N o . 13.

------ ——-

W o rk in g C o n d itio n s Service. H o w to give illu stra te d lectures o n accident pre­
v e n tio n to w o rk m e n . W a sh in g to n , 1919. W a sh in g to n , 1919. 13 p p .

From this pamphlet it appears that the most effective way to promote accident
prevention is through the use of short talks about 30 or 40 minutes long, illustrated
with slides and moving pictures showing the results of accidents rather than how to
avoid them; that these lectures and pictures, where there is a large percentage of
foreigners, should be held at the noon hour in the dining room of the men, or, in the
case of evening meetings, at 7.30 or 8 o’clock. It is suggested that the evening meet­
ing should be held in some central location and should be made a family affair.

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

U nited States.— D e p a r tm e n t

o f L a b o r.
W o rk in g C o n d itio n s S e rv ic e.
in to derm atic effect a n d in fe c tive character o f a lu b rica tin g co m p o u n d .
1919. 8 p p .

In v e stig a tio n
W a sh in g to n ,

This investigation, made to determine the cause of an epidemic of furunculosis
among the employees of a steel plant, showed that while the lubricant, which con­
sists of almost equal parts of pale paraffin oil and petrolatum, does not afford a favor­
able nutrient medium for bacterial growth, it still is not germicidal, so that after
becoming contaminated by being handled by an employee having a pus infection
present upon his hands or arms, it may, through the interchange of “ waste” and
wiping rags, easily carry infection. It is recommended, among other things, that
the interchange of wiping rags be advised against and that instruction in personal
hygiene be given the men.
——• ——■----- P re lim in a ry
'

trades.

report o f co m m ittee o n m o r ta lity f r o m tuberculosis i n d u sty
W a sh in g to n , 1919. 27 p p .

This report was submitted to the executive committee of the National Tubercu­
losis Association at its meeting in Pittsburg, December 5, 1918.
------------- —-—•

T rea tm en t o f in d u s tr ia l p ro b lem s by con stru ctive m ethods.

1919. 15 pp.

W a sh in g to n ,

This pamphlet is a description of the organization of the Working Conditions Service
of the Department of Labor—a service created to supply industries with information
which will assist them in developing a stable, efficient working force through the
adoption of proved methods of industrial health and safety, and of principles that
promote good relationship between employers and employed. There are three
divisions in the Working Conditions Service: (1 ) Industrial hygiene and medicine,
(2) safety engineering, and (3) labor administration.
-----

F ederal B o a rd f o r V o ca tio n a l E d u c a tio n . E v e n in g a n d p a rt-tim e schools i n the
textile in d u s tr y o f the so u th e rn S ta te s. B u ll e ti n N o . 30, W a sh in g to n , 1919. 106 p p .
Trade a n d in d u s tr ia l series N o . 5.

This report is based upon the results of an investigation made in 13 Southern States
to determine the needs and possibilities of training for the textile industry. It ex­
plains the application of the Federal vocational education law to the textile industry
and the possible types of instruction under the law, outlines short-unit courses in
evening and part-time classes for textile workers, and presents an analysis of textile
occupations as a basis of recommending courses of instruction.
•—■
--------- H o m e

econom ics ed u cation. O rg a n iza tio n a n d a d m in istra tio n . W a sh in g to n ,
F eb ru a ry, 1919. 64 p p . B u ll e ti n N o . 28. H o m e econom ics series N o . 2.

■
--------—-

O p p o r tu n itie s f o r e m p lo y m e n t i n the jew e lry trade: D e sig n in g , m o d e lin g ,
e n g ra v in g , sto n e c u ttin g , m e ltin g a n d r o llin g , p ressin g a n d sta m p in g , die m a k in g .
W a sh in g to n , M arch, 1919. 8 p p . O p p o r tu n ity m o n o g ra p h , V ocational rehabilita­
tio n series N o . 32.

----- ——
1919.

P h o to g ra p h y, p h o to -en g ra vin g a n d three-color w ork. W a sh in g to n , M arch,
7 p p . O p p o r tu n ity m o n o g ra p h , V o cational re h a b ilita tio n series N o . 31.

—--------- Technical

a g ricu ltu re as a vocation. W a sh in g to n , M arch, 1919.
O p p o r tu n ity m o n o g ra p h , V o cational reh a b ilita tio n series N o . 33.

—— ----1919.

——

20 p p .

The practice o f o p to m etry a n d the tr a in in g i t requires. W a sh in g to n , A p r il,
7 p p . O p p o r tu n ity m o n o g ra p h , V ocational re h a b ilita tio n series N o . 34.

S h ip p in g B o a rd . W orld s h ip p in g data. R e p o r t o n E u r o p e a n m iss io n , by E d w a rd
N . H u r le y , ch a irm a n .
W ashington, M arch 1, 1919. 32 p p .

Presents statistics showing the losses of tonnage and the output of shipyards during
the war, the present situation of the merchant marine of the leading countries, and
an estimate of the prospects of these countries for developing their shipping. Sec­
tions are devoted to a discussion of the labor situation, the future of American seamen,
shipbuilding costs, and operating costs.
[2S8]

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

289

Official—Foreign Countries.
A r g en tin a .— D ep a rta m e n to N a c io n a l del
B u e n o s A ires, 1919.

T rabajo.

B o le tín

No.

4-1, A p r i l,

1919.

129 p p .

This bulletin is the third study of the development of labor organization in Argen­
tina, the first two studies having appeared in the previous two numbers of this series.
The study has been prepared by an inspector under the supervision of the department
of labor. The author says “ the first organization was formed in 1890 ” and that at the
present date “ there are two great confederations, with 23 syndicates in the federal
capital and 41 in other portions of the Republic, and a membership of 63,149.”
The second chapter of the present bulletin is a history of labor disputes between
November 30, 1916, and the present date. Chapter III is devoted to measures,
declarations, and demands emanating from recent conventions of the federations.
A u stralia .— D e p a rtm e n t o f the T reasury.
the 12 m o n th s ended 30th J u n e , 1918.
12699. P rice, 6d.

I n v a lid a n d old-age p e n sio n s.
M elbourne, 1918. 10 p p .

S ta te m e n t f o r
N o . 115. —F .

At June 30,1918, there were 95,387 old-age pensions and 29,912 invalid pensions cur­
rent, an increase over tlie preceding year of 1,715 and 3,131, respectively. The total
liability for the year is given as £2,993,354 ($14,567,157.24) for old-age pensions, and
£954,304 ($4,644,120.42) for invalid pensions. It is stated that 85.43 per cent of the
old-age pensioners and 93.16 per cent of the invalid pensioners were receiving the
maximum of £32 1 0 s ($158.16) per annum. On June 30, 1918, there were 193 old-age
pensioners and 61 invalid pensioners to each 1 0 , 0 0 0 of population.
•—--------- M a tern ity

allow ances. S ta te m e n t shouting n u m b e r o f cla im s g ra nted a n d
rejected, e xp en d itu re, a n d cost o f a d m in istra tio n d u rin g the 12 m o n th s ended 30th
J u n e , 1918. M elbourne, 1918. 3 p p . C. 12696.

Shows a total of 126,885 claims paid and 404 rejected. The amount of benefits paid
was £634,425 ($3,087,429.26). The number of claims paid was a decrease of 5,522
from the preceding year, and the amount of benefits paid was $134,364.07 less than in
1916-17.
—---- —— W ar p e n sio n s. S ta te m e n t f o r the 12 m o n th s ended 30th J u n e , 1918.
M elbourne, 1919.

8 pp.

C. 2251.

Shows a total of 110,174 war pensioners at June 30, 1918, of which number 40,702,
or 36.9 per cent, were incapacitated members of the forces, and 69,472, or 63.1 per cent,
dependents of incapacitated or of deceased members of the forces. The average fort­
nightly rate of pensions is given as £1 16s 5.Id ($8 .8 6 ) for members of the forces, and
£1 Is 3.32d ($5.18) for dependents. The total expenditure for war pensions in the
year ending June 30, 1918, was £2,772,077 ($13,490,312.72). The cost of administra­
tion is given as £61,146 ($297,567.01), or £1 11s 9d ($7.73) for each £100 ($486.65) of
pensions paid.
B elgium .— M in istè re de V In d u strie , d u T ra va il et d u R a v ita ille m e n t.

Office d u T ra va ilS ta tis tiq u e des accidents d u tra v a il élaborée p a r l ’Office d u T r a v a il d ’a p rès les docu­
m e n ts fo u r n i s en e xé cu tio n de la lo i d u 24 décembre 1903 su r la rê p a ra tio n des do m ­
m ages r é s u lta n t des accidents d u tra va il. A n n é e 1907. B ru ssels, 1919. 417 p p .

Statistics of labor accidents for 1907. Gives tables by industries of accidents causing
a temporary incapacity of at least 29 days; accidents causing permanent incapacity;
accidents resulting in death; accidents by age of the victims; and other related infor­
mation.
Ca n a d a .— C o m m issio n o f C o n servation.
O ttaw a, J a n u a ry 18, 19, 1916.
J a n u a ry 16, 17, 1917. 344 PP27, 28, 1917. 282 p p . O ttaiva,


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

R ep o rts. S e v e n th a n n u a l m e etin g held at
E ig h th a n n u a l m e etin g held a t O ttaw a,
N i n th a n n u a l m e etin g held a t O ttaw a, N ovem ber
1916-18. 3 vo ls. Illu s tr a te d .

283 p p .

[289]

290

M O N TH LY LABOE EE VIEW .

Ca n a d a (A lberta ). — W o rk m e n 's C o m p e n sa tio n B o a rd .

F ir s t A n n u a l R e p o r t, 1918.

19 p p .

A summary of this report will be published in the August issue of the M onthly
L abor R e v ie w .
------

(B ritish Columbia ). —D e p a rtm e n t o f L ab o r.
e n d in g D ecem ber 31, 1918.

V ictoria, 1919.

Annual

report f o r

the year

76 p p .

Data as to wages taken from this report appear on pages 152 and 153-of this issue
of the R e v ie w .
------ (N ova S cotia). — W o rk m e n 's co m p en sa tio n board. R e p o r t f o r 1918. H a lifa x ,
1919.

33 p p .

This report is noted on page 212 of th is issue of the M onthly L abor R e v ie w .
------ (O ntario ). — W o rk m e n ’s C o m p e n sa tio n B o a rd . R e p o r t f o r 1918. T o ro n to , 1919.
72 p p .

This report is noted on pages 213 and 214 of this issue of the R e v ie w .
F r an c e .— M in is tè re de la G uerre.

B u ll e ti n Officiel. Tables C hronologique et A lp h a ­
b étiq u e des R ecu eils des D o c u m e n ts In s é r é s a u B u ll e ti n Officiel, et spécialem ent
a p p lica b les p e n d a n t la du rée des h o stilité s. P a r is [1918}. 329 p p .

This volume consists of alphabetical and chronological indexes of documents pub­
lished in the Official Bulletin, volumes 1 to 6 and supplement, inclusive.
----- M in istère d u T r a v a il et de la P révoyance S o ciale. A ctes et d o cu m en ts Officiels.
M esures ten d a n t à m a in te n ir l'a ctivité n a tio n a le p e n d a n t la d em o b ilisa tio n .
1919. 72 p p .

This report is noted on pages 232 to 234 of this issue of the R e v ie w .
— N o tice à V Usage des A ssu rés de la lo i des R etra ites ouvrières et
T ro isièm e e d itio n .

P a ris, 1917.

P a ris,

P a ysa n n es.

60 p p .

Handbook of information relative to obligatory insurance.
----- (D épartem ent de la S e in e ).— L 'O ffice des H a b ita tio n s

a B o n M arché L a
C o n s titu tio n ; s o n a ction et.ses tra v a u x d u 10 j u i l l e t 1916 a u 31 décembre 1918. P a ris
1919. 195 p p . Illu s tr a te d .

Text of the constitution and laws governing the office of low-cost dwellings of the
Department of the Seine and an account of the work of this office from July 10, 1916,
to December 31, 1918. The first part of the volume, which is devoted to a report by
Henri Sellier on plans for garden cities, is summarized on pages 262 and 263 of this
issue of the M onthly L abor R e v ie w .
G reat B r ita in .— A g r ic u ltu r a l W ages B oard.

R e p o r t o f the co m m ittee a p p o in te d by
the A g r ic u ltu r a l W ages B o a rd to in q u ir e in to the fin a n c ia l re su lts o f the o c cu p a tio n o f
a g ric u ltu ra l la n d a n d the cost o f liv in g o f ru r a l w orkers. L o n d o n , 1919. 73 p p
C m d. 76.
’

-----

H o m e Office. F e n c in g a n d safety p re ca u tio n s f o r tra n sm issio n m achinery i n fa cto rie s.
L o n d o n , 1919. 16 p p . Illu s tr a te d . S a fe ty p a m p h le t N o . 1.

----- L a w s ,

sta tu tes, etc. M a n u a ls o f em ergency legisla tio n .
W ar m a teria l s u p p lie s
m a n u a l [3d ed itio n ], revised to D ecem ber 31, 1918. L o n d o n , 1918. 576 p p . P rice
5s. n e t.

-----

L o ca l G o v ern m e n t B o a rd .
C o m m ittee o n B u ild in g B ye la w s. B u il d i n g byelaw s.
M in u te s o f evidence, w ith in d ex . L o n d o n , 1918. 335 p p . C m d. 9214. P rice.
3s. n e t.

------------ H o u s in g .
4 pp.

C m d. 8 9.

F in a n c ia l assistance to p u b lic u t il i ty societies.
P rice, I d . n et.

L o n d o n , 1919.

----------- H o u s in g .
ities.

S chem es s u b m itte d to the L o c a l G o vern m en t B o a rd by local a u thor­
L o n d o n , 1919. 20 p p . C m d. 115. P rice, 2d. n e t.

This presents in tabular form the details of the housing schemes submitted for the
approval of the Local Government Board. It is estimated that the 658 schemes
submitted provide for considerably over 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 houses.
1919.

H o u s in g by p u b lic u t il i ty societies.
16 p p . P rice, I d . net.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[290]

The G o vern m e n t p ro p o sa ls.

London,

291

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

Great B ritain.— L o c a l G o v e r n m e n t B o a rd . H o u s in g , to w n p la n n in g , etc., b ill; f i n a n ­
cia l assistance to p u b lic u t il i ty societies a n d h o u sin g tru sts: I . D r a ft r e g u la tio n s f o r
p u b lic u t il i ty societies. I I . D r a ft re g u la tio n s f o r h o u sin g tru sts. I I I . D r a ft m odel
ru les f o r p u b lic u t il i ty societies. L o n d o n , 1919. 12 p p . C m d. 128. P rice, l a . n e t.

— -------- M a n u a l
74 p p .

o n the p re p a ra tio n o f S ta te -a id ed h o u sin g schemes.
P rice, 2 s. 6 d .n e t. Illu s tr a te d .

L o n d o n , 1919.

------------ M e m o ra n d u m

o n the p ro v isio n s o f the m in is tr y o f health b ill, 1919, as to the
w o rk o f the m edical research co m m ittee. ( C lause 8 (1), p ro v iso (i ). L o n d o n , 1919.
6 p p . C m d. 69. P rice, I d . n et.

-----

M in is tr y o f R ec o n stru c tio n . H o u s in g ( F in a n c ia l A ssista n c e ) C om m ittee.
rep o rt. L o n d o n , 1919. 19 p p .
Cd. 9288. P rice, 3d. n et.

F in a l

This committee published an interim report which outlined the advantages of
housing under the direction of public utility societies and the propriety of granting
them State subsidies and loans on favorable terms. (See M onthly L a bor R e v ie w ,
June, 1919, p. 361.) The committee now presents its recommendation as respects
other housing agencies. It is proposed to grant subsidies to special housing, and
charitable trusts. Such organizations as the cooperative societies, both building
and otherwise, are given a preferential position as respects loans for housing, but are
not so liberally treated as the public utility societies and trusts. Amendments are
suggested to the small dwellings acquisition act, 1899, increasing the limits of loan
value on account of increasing costs and prices of building materials, and empowering
local authorities to make advances to persons or bodies not otherwise within the
limits of the act named. Municipal housing banks are recommended for the larger
municipalities to attract the savings of the working classes and to provide funds for
housing. The setting up of a State housing bank is considered unnecessary. It is
not considered practicable to offer subsidies to private builders, but at the same
time small builders may be assisted by local authorities and may agree to purchase
houses erected by such builders under approved scheme.
I t is the opinion of the committee that on the whole the building of working-class
houses by private enterprise is unlikely unless subsidies are forthcoming.
Among those to whom it is considered impracticable to offer subsidies are: (1 ) Land
owners building for the equipment of their farms and estates; (2 ) employers building
to house their employees; (3) cooperative societies not falling within the definition
of public utility societies; (4) companies and bodies formed for the purpose of build­
ing improved dwellings for the working classes. It is, however, open to any of these
bodies to organize in the form of public utility societies.
If landowners or employers insist upon the houses belonging to them, and being
“ tied houses,” then we think they must bear the full cost, and must regard the houses
as part of their “ machinery of production.” * * * We do not propose to recom­
mend that subsidies should be given to ordinary investors in house property.
------------- R ec o n stru c tio n p ro b lem s 17. A r t a n d in d u s tr y . L o n d o n , 1919. 20 p p .
P rice, 2 d. n et.

----- ------

R e c o n stru c tio n p roblem s 18. In d u s tr ia l
L o n d o n , 1919. 16 p p . P rice, 2d. n et.

•-----16

R e c o n stru c tio n p ro b lem s 19.
p p . P rice, 2d. n et.

----- ------

R ec o n stru c tio n
P rice, 2d. n et.

p roblem s

20.

councils:

T he

W h itle y

scheme.

S ta te re g u la tio n o f w ages.

London,

Land

1919.

settlem en t.

London,

16

1919
pp.

------------ - R ec o n stru c tio n p ro b lem s 21.
1919. 20 p p . P rice, 2d. net.

The classics i n B r itis h ed u cation.

London,

----- ——- R ec o n stru c tio n

D o m estic

16 p p .

p ro b lem s

22.

service.

London,

1919.

P rice, 2d. n et.

----- •——

R ec o n stru c tio n p ro b lem s 23. P u b lic health. I . —-A survey. 32 p p . I I .- — The
p re se n t p ro b le m a n d the m in is tr y o f h e a lth . 16 p p . L o n d o n , 1919. P rice, 2d. m e t each.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

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M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

G r e a t B r i t a i n . —[P a rlia m en t.] H ouse o f C o m m o n s. S ta n d in g C om m ittee A o n the
M in is tr y o f H ea lth B il l . R e p o r t, w ith the proceedings o f the com m ittee. L o n d o n ,
1919. 21 p p . P rice, 3d. n et.

-----

T reasury. E stim a te s f o r c iv il services f o r the year en d in g 31 M arch, 1920.
classified services. L o n d o n , 1919. 55 p p . P rice, 6d. net.

-----

W ar C abinet C o m m ittee on W o m en
341 p p . Cm d. 135. P rice, I s . 6d. net.

in

In d u s tr y .

R e p o r t.

London.

U n­
1919.

Gives review of history of women in industry, discusses the scale of pay hitherto
prevailing, and advises a minimum subsistence wage based on cost of support of a
single woman with no dependents. Above this minimum wages should be fixed on
the general principle that the employer should give equal pay for equal value as
between the sexes. Contains also a minority report, strongly urging an occupational
rate to be paid the worker, regardless of sex, and a brief discussion of the health of
women industrially employed.
-----

( I r e l a n d ). —D e p a rtm e n t o f A g ric u ltu re a n d T echnical I n s tr u c tio n . E ig h te en th
a n n u a l general report, 1917-18. D u b lin , 1919. 250 p p . C m d. 106. P ric e .
I s . n et.

The reports on technical instruction include technical schools and classes, central
institutions, the training of teachers, and scholarships.
J a p a n .-— B u re a u de la S ta tis tiq u e Générale. M o u v e m e n t de la p o p u la tio n de l'E m p ir e
d u J a p o n p e n d a n t V a n I V de T a ish o —1915. T o k io , 1918. 347 p p .

Statistics of births, deaths, marraiges, and divorces in Japan during 1915.
N e w Z e a l a n d .— G o v ern m e n t S ta tis tic ia n . S ta tis tic s f o r the year 1917. I n f o u r v o lu m es.
V o lu m e I I I : P r o d u c tio n , fin a n c e , p o sta l a n d telegraph. W e llin g to n , 1918. 232 p p .

Contains statements regarding Government railways’ superannuation fund ; Teach­
ers’ superannuation fund; Public service superannuation fund; Government life insur­
ance department; also regarding land settled under various specially arranged condi­
tions, operations of friendly societies, and other data of interest to labor.
N o r w a y .— S ta tis tis k e C entralbyraa. B eb o elses-statistik f o r enkelte norslce byer f o r 1917
(1916). (S ta tis tiq u e d 'h a b ita tio n p o u r q uelques v ille s norvég ien n es e n 1917 (1916).)
C h ristia n ia , 1918. 65 p p . (N orges officielle sta tis tik , V I: 131).
For a summaiy of this report see pages 263 to 266 of this number of t h e L a b o r
R e v ie w .

SwEden .—S o d a Is tyrelsen.
b ru k âr 1917.
s ta tis tik .)

A rb e ta r tillg â n g , a rb etstid och arbetslon in o m sveriges jordS to c k h o lm , 1919. 51 p p . S veriges O jficiella S ta tis tik , S o c ia l-

Sets forth conditions of labor, wages, and hours in agriculture in Sweden during the
year 1917. Since 1911 the hours of labor have declined only very slightly, i. e., 10.5
per day to 10.1 in 1917. These are net hours in summer and do not include rest
periods. Hours are shorter in the winter time. The net annual earnings with account
being taken of board and lodging, of farmers’ hands was 1,146 crowns ($307.13) in 1917,
as against 906 crowns ($242.81) in 1916. Female domestics earned 818 crowns ($219.22)
in 1917, as compared with 6o5 crowns ($175.54) in 1916. Among the workmen em­
ployed by the day in summer the average wages were 5 crowns ($1.34), and in winter
4.02 crowns ($1.08), or, with food, 3.43 crowns ($0.92) in summer, and 2.63 crowns
($0. / 0 j in winter. Women thus employed, a great number of whom work as assistants
in the culture of beets and potatoes and in the harvesting of hay and wheat, receive an
average of 2.60 crowns ($0.70) a day in summer, or about 1.74 crowns ($0.47) with food;
or sometimes as much as 2.95 crowns ($0.79), or 1.93 crowns ($0.52) with food.
------------ Kollektivatal i Sverige

âr 1917.
O jficiella S ta tis tik , S o c ia ls ta tis tik .)

Stockholm,

1919.

This report on collective agreements in Sweden is noted
this issue of the R e v i e w .

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Sw

293

. —S o c ia lsty re lsen .
S ta te n s fo r lik n in g s m a n s f o r m e d lin g i arbetstvister verhsam het
dr 1917. S to c k - h o lm , 1919. 121 p p .

ed en

Report of operations under the Swedish conciliation act of December 31, 1906, as
amended October 18,1912. The number of disputes settled by mediation and concilia­
tion in 1917 was 172 as against an average of 73 for the preceding years, 1907 to 1916.
Only 115 were completely disposed of at the end of the year. The negotiations affected
1,291 employers and 41,837 workers. Over three-fourths of the disputes disposed of
during the year meant stoppage of works. Over four-fifths of the negotiations were
effective.

Unofficial.
A m a r , J u l e s . The p h y sio lo g y o f in d u s tr ia l o rg a n iza tio n a n d the re e m p lo ym e n t o f the
disabled. T ra n sla ted by B ern a rd M ia ll. E d ite d w ith n o tes a n d a n in tr o d u c tio n by
A . F . S ta n le y K e n t. L o n d o n , The L ib ra r y P ress { L td .), 1918. 371 p p . I l l u s ­
trated.

The purpose of this book is, as the author states in his preface, “ To assist in the
work of organizing labor according to rational laws; to assign to each man his true
function in the social machine; to enable the hale man and the war-cripple to col­
laborate in the economic tasks of to-morrow; to formulate concisely the doctrine of
the maximum utilization of the physical and psychical energies, without losing sight
of the moral factor.” The book is addressed to the general public and deals with
ordinary avocations. Starting with the history and doctrines concerning human
labor, the author considers The organic functions of man, Human psycho-physi­
ology, Work and fatigue, The factors of labor, The art of labor, Apprenticeship,
and The reeducation of war cripples—functional and vocational.
A m e r ic a n A c a d e m y o f P o l it ic a l a n d S o c ia l S c i e n c e . T he A n n a ls .
V o lu m e 83,
w hole N o . 172. I n te r n a tio n a l econom ics. P h ila d e lp h ia , T h irty -six th S tre et and
W oo d la n d A v e n u e , M a y, 1919. 327 p p .

One section is devoted to International labor and includes articles on The inter­
national labor question, by W. Jett Lauck, and Hours of labor in foreign countries,
by Leifur Magnusson, of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An article on Economic
internationalism by E. M. Patterson concludes with a consideration of the industrial
unrest, as a result of which the author thinks “ the workers are to be given a larger
share than before in the operation and control of their industries,” and that “ any
extension of the idea of industrial instead of geographical representation in legislative
bodies will make for internationalism.”
A r m y E d u c a t io n a l C o m m is s io n . D e p a rtm e n t o f c itize n sh ip . B u r e a u o f econom ic
rela tio n s. L a b o r p ro b lem s a n d labor leg isla tio n . N ew Y o rk, T he C heltenham
P ress, 1919. 138 p p .

The object of the pamphlets published by this commission is to present funda­
mental principles and to stimulate intelligent study of the problems of citizenship
by the members of the American expeditionary forcdS, the Army Educational Com­
mission now being in charge of continuing the educational work of the American
expeditionary forces which had formerly been carried on by the Y . M. C. A. These
pamphlets present the point of view of eminent publicists and leaders of public
opinion of various groups without committing the commission to any particular views
on subjects of possible controversy. The present pamphlet deals with the subjects
of Employment, Wages, Hours, Safety, Health, Self-government in industry, Social
insurance, and Enforcement of laws.
B e s t , H a r r y . The b lin d . T h eir c o n d itio n a n d the w ork being done f o r them i n the
U nited S ta te s. N ew Y ork, M a c m illa n , 1919. 763 p p .

The author’s object is to consider the blind, as respects the United States, “ from the
point of view of the social economist.” As most of the 60,000 blind persons in the
United States are adults, the subject of chief concern is not the education of blind

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children, for that is already well provided for, but the retraining of those adults, who,
losing their sight in later life, are thus incapacitated for earning a livelihood in their
accustomed manner, and must learn a new trade or be dependent upon relatives or
charity. The solution of the problem of provision for the adult blind, according to
the author, lies largely along the lines adopted by the Federal Government in its
Federal Board for Vocational Education, and it may be hoped that in the near future
“ provision will be made along similar lines for the treatment of persons blinded in
industry or in other walks of common life.”
C a b o t , R ic h a r d C. S o c ia l w ork. E ssa y s o n the m e etin g -g ro u n d o f doctor a n d social
w orker. B o sto n , H o u g h to n M ifflin Co., 1919. 188 p p .

In two parts, the first being devoted to Medical-social diagnosis, and the second
to Social treatment. Chapters of special interest deal with The social worker’s investi­
gation of fatigue, rest, and industrial disease, and The motive of social work.
C a n a d ia n N a t io n a l R e c o n s t r u c t io n G r o u p s . T he p ro b lem s o f n a tio n a l recon­
stru c tio n . A su m m a ry by the S ta n d in g C o m m ittee o n P la n s a n d P ro p a g a n d a .
M o n trea l, October, 1918. 71 p p . P rice, 85 cents.

The organization of these groups was begun a year ago for the purpose of studying
the problems which have developed by reason of the war, in connection with the
returned soldier, unemployment, the relations of capital and labor, industrial and
agricultural development, and general social well-being, the plan being to create
throughout the Dominion numerous small groups of from 10 to 15 persons, representing
different phases of national activity and opinion, for the purpose of studying the
problems and of making suggestions for their solution. This volume is made up of
the collected opinions and suggestions of many writers in abbreviated form, arranged
by the standing Committee on Plans and Propaganda, for the purpose of giving the
groups some concrete material to work upon. Subjects covered are The problems of
reconstruction; Demobilization, military and civil; Employment; Trade and indus­
try; The employer; Labor; The political and industrial status of women; Industrial
councils; Scientific management; Soldiers and vocational training; Education;
Scientific and industrial research; Land and agriculture; Health and housing; The
State in its relation to industry; Taxation and finance; Aliens and naturalization;
Constitutional problems.
C l e v e l a n d .— C ham ber o f Commerce. C om m ittee o n h o u sin g a n d s a n ita tio n . A n in v e s­
tig a tio n o f h o u sin g c o n d itio n s o f w a r w orkers i n C leveland. F in a n c e d by the m a y o r ’s
a d visory w ar co m m ittee. [1918.~\ 46 p p .
This report is summarized on pages 260 to 262 of this issue of the M o n t h l y L abor
R e v ie w .
Co h e n , J u l iu s H e n r y .
1919. 110 p p .

An American labor policy.

New York, MacMillan Co

Thj.s little volume contains a succinct and impartial presentation of the best modern
thought upon the industrial situation which America is facing and will have to face
in the immediate future. The^uthor in his introduction states his conviction “ that
the present state of industrial organization can not last, that it ought not to last;
moreover, that it will not be permitted to last. Some change must come about.
How shall it come about? What is the next step? How extensive is the change
to be? ’ Admitting the leanings of his training as a lawyer, he then examines differ­
ent phases of the industrial situation, giving special attention to the subjects of The
philosophy of violence; The necessity for leadership and organization in industry;
Morale in industry; Hiring and firing; and Individual and collective bargaining.
He concludes with a consideration of “ What is the next step?” He sums up Ms
idea of an American labor policy in a platform upon which he believes that “ That
branch of organized labor which does not believe in the overthrow of society, but
believes in the steady and orderly improvement of the conditions of labor, can join
hands with organized capital. The platform contains these planks:
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1. Agreements voluntarily come to between organizations of employers and organ­
izations of workpeople shall be validated by law and shall receive support in their
enforcement from all the legal agencies of Government.
2. Machinery shall be set up by which either party may secure redress in the
enforcement of such agreements.
3. Free opportunity shall be accorded organized labor and organized capital to
come to such agreements, and they shall be encouraged in the process by the knowl­
edge that such agreements, when made, will be legally enforceable, and if not made
the arbitrary part will be rigorously dealt with by the community.
4. Those who break their contracts will be as those who break their treaties—the
enemies of organized society, to be dealt with through the combined power of the
Nation.
5. Thus only can we destroy arbitrary power anywhere capable “ separately,
secretly, and of its single choice” to disturb the industrial peace. Thus shall we
afford, opportunity for the gradual ending of industrial clashes.
C o l v in , F r e d H. L a b o r tu rn o ver, lo ya lty, a n d o u tp u t. A co nsideration o f the trend
o f the tim es as sh o w n by the re su lts o f w a r a c tiv ities i n the m achine sh o p s a n d elseivhere. F ir s t e d itio n . N e w Y o rk, M c G ra w -H ill B o o k Co. ( I n c .) , 1919. 152 p p .

This book endeavors to point out some of the methods by which men and women
may be induced to take an interest in their work, these being based to a considerable
extent upon the experience of Robert B. Wolf in his handling of paper and pulp
mills under various conditions. It also takes up some of the broader problems of
shop government and the relation between the employer and his employees which
are being presented. Special chapters deal with Lack of interest and labor turnover;
Forgetting the human element; Securing 'interest by instruction; Nonfinancial in­
centives; The employment manager; and Collective bargaining.
C o m s t o c k , L. K. P ro p o sed system o f wage a d ju stm e n ts . [N eiv Y o rk, 1918]. 32 p p .
6 charts.

A paper read before the southeastern section of the National Electric Light Asso­
ciation, Atlanta, Ga., June 19, 1918. The author discusses the fundamental impor­
tance of a fair method of fixing wages, and especially of adjusting them to variations
in the cost of living. Such a system, he thinks, can be attained by fixing a basic
wage, and varying this periodically in accordance with changes in the index price
of wholesale commodities. The method of fixing a basic wage he considers rather
unimportant; the main point is to start somewhere. Prevailing rates of wages in
as many different localities as desired might be taken, or a base might be obtained
by the method used by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics to obtain a base
for its index number, which is secured by averaging prices for the period 1909-1909.
Whatever the base selected, three-fourths of it should be regarded as spent for food,
clothing, and other things included among the commodities on which index figures
are based; therefore, at each periodic revision, three-fourths of the basic wage should
be increased or diminished by the percentage of change in the index figure since
the last adjustment, the other fourth remaining unchanged.
The advantages of this method, the author points out, are that it would do away
with a large number of labor disputes, taking the question of wages out of the field
of controversy; that it is' simple and easily understood and that its justice must
appeal to employer and employee alike; that it requires no legislation and no elabo­
rate machinery to set it in motion; and that it protects the weaker workers, while
preventing the strongly organized from taking undue advantage of their strength.
The pamphlet contains a table giving index figures from 1890 to 1917, adjusted to a
common base for comparison, four charts showing the course of commodity prices
from 1890 to 1917, one chart showing the course of commodity prices from 1890 to
1916 according to the figures of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a sixth showing
both the actual course of wages of the New York Electrical Workers’ Union from 1900
to 1917, and what would have been their course had the plan described in the text
been adopted.

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An all-American basis for industry. 1109 Finance
Building, Philadelphia, 1919. 16 pp.
A reprint of a series of four articles appearing in the Philadelphia Public Ledger
of April 14, 15, 16, and 17, 1919, printed in pamphlet form “in the hope that they
may be of some value in the further discussion of a national industrial program.’'
“ Democracy in industry can only be reached through collective action and collec­
tive responsibility. Increased production, brought about by science and team
work, justifies high wages and short hours. A steady job for every worker spells
economy and efficiency.”
F arbman , Michael S. Russia and the struggle for peace. London, George Allen and
Unwin (Ltd.), 1918. 188 pp.
Part II of this volume, which is in five parts, is devoted to the disorganization of
industry and contains chapters on The economic isolation of Russia; The exhaustion
of Russia; The mobilization of industry; The revolution and the exhaustion of indus­
try; The disorganization of agriculture; and Speculation and profiteering.
F riedman, E lisha M. Labor and reconstruction in Europe. New York E P
Dutton & Co., 1919. 216 pp.
’
As a guide to the United States in matters of reconstruction the author presents,
largely through quotations from foreign sources, the reconstruction programs of
European countries. The commissions appointed in the different countries to pro­
mote reconstruction measures are noted and the general problems of reconstruction
in foreign countries outlined. Chapters III and IV deal in detail with various
aspects of the labor problem in Germany and England respectively, including the
programs of the labor and socialist parties, and the work of the Whitley councils.
There is presented a list of commissions and committees set up in the various minis­
tries dealing with demobilization, trade, employment, education, and other perti­
nent subjects, together with a summary of their duties. The volume includes a
list of American, British, and French publications on reconstruction.
I nternational Harvester C ompany. Annual report. December 31 1918 Chicaao
1919. 24 pp.
’
y
’
Sections are devoted to the industrial accident fund, pension fund, employees’
savings plan, and to the employees’ benefit association.
I oteyko, J osefa. The science of labor and its organization. New York E P Dutton
and Co., 1919. 199 pp.
’
A collection of a series of essays published in 1916 and 1917 in the Revue Philoso­
phique, the Revue Scientifique, and the Revue Générale des Sciences, revised, to
which have been added the substances of some of the author’s lectures on Fatigue,
delivered at the Collège de France. The leading idea running through the collec­
tion is the necessity for throwing light on certain points in industrial psycho-phy­
siology. The book is divided into a consideration of four problems: The human
motor the question of apprenticeship, the manner of the economic working of the
body, and the limits of industrial fatigue; Taylor’s system; Aptitude for work of the
right hand and of the left hand; and the Belgian methods of technical education.
J ournal of I ndustrial Hygiene . Vol. 1, Nos. 1 and 2. New York, The Mac­
millan Co., May, 1919. HO pp.
’
The first and second numbers of what promises to be a valuable addition to the
cuirent literature of industrial hygiene. The editors of the magazine are Dr. David
L. Edsall, representing the United States, and Dr. A. F. Stanley Kent, representing
Great Britain. The Journal presents a scientific treatment of selected subjects in
special articles, followed by book reviews and a department devoted to abstracts of
the literature of industrial hygiene, domestic and foreign. The articles in the first
issue are on Industrial medicine and surgery—a résumé of its development and scope,
by Harry E. Mock; Lead poisoning in American industry, by Alice Hamilton; The
Cooke, Morris L lewellyn .


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problem of fatigue, by Reynold A. Spaeth; and Telephone operating: A study of its
medical aspects with statistics of sickness disability reports, by Anna G. Richardson.
Those in the second issue are on Use of Army gas masks in industries, by A. C. Fieldner
and B. B. Folger; Human health and the American engineer, by George Chandler
Whipple; Chip fractures of terminal phalanges, by William R. Hurley; Inorganic
poisons, other than lead, in American industries, by Alice Hamilton; and Medical
inspection of factory employees, by Maynard A. Austin.
K

ellogg,

P a u l U . a n d G l e a s o n , A r t h u r . B r itis h labor a n d the w ar. R eco n ­
stru cto rs f o r a new w orld. N e w Y o r k , B o n i a n d L iv erig h t, 1919. 504 PP-

Characterizing the British labor movement as the “ expression at a hundred points
of great tidal impulses at work in the common life,” the authors of this volume have
pointed out international, political, and industrial features of it which they feel will
fundamentally influence future social adjustments. The course of British labor is
traced in all its deviations and developments during the Avar period.
Among the 14 appendixes, which consist of reprints of official and unofficial docu­
ments concerning labor, is a statement of labor’s war aims adopted by British organi­
zations in December, 1917, Avhich has since become an international program for
labor groups. The British Labor Party’s report on “ Labor and the neAV social order”
appears in appendix IV.
From a contemplation of the whole subject, hoAA'ever, the authors express the opinion
that “ The spokesmen and programs of British labor do not voice class hatred. It
shares with the government and Avith enlightened employers in creating constitu­
tionalism in industry: A new spirit and a new machinery * * * A community
of spirit holds British labor together. Back of its machinery of action there is a
profound belief * * * in the worth of the individual. And this belief leads to
a desire for founding a society Avhere the common man will be at home.”
K n o e p p e l , C. E. The race between the high cost o f liv in g a n d the cost o f liv in g h,gh.
A
p erso n a l ta lk to w orkers. N e w Y o r k , C. E . K n o e p p e l & Co. ( I n c .) , 6 E a s t T h irty n in th S tre et, 1919. 5 p p .
K n o e p p e l , C. E., a n d B e r n d t , I r v in g A. E co n o m ic p ro d u c tio n p l u s in d u s tr ia l democ­
racy: T h e answ er to o u r in d u s tr ia l p ro b le m s. N e w Y o rk, C. E . K n o e p p e l & Co.
( I n c .) , 6 E a s t T h ir ty -n in th Street, 1919. 35 p p .

Two papers, one on Organizing industries for economic production, by C. E. Knoep­
pel, and one on Industrial relations, by Irving A. Berndt, read before the National
Conference of the Society of Industrial Engineers on "Industrial reconstruction
problems,” held in New York City, March 18-21, 1919. They are concerned largely
with the purchasing poAver of money, the authors believing that greater production
and higher Avages are to form the solution to the present problem of high prices and that
there is no possibility of overproduction. In the first paper, the author says: ‘ ‘Pro­
duction creates buying power. Products are wealth. There is no limit to human
desires. The only limit on ability to acquire wealth is the ability to produce it. We
have only more riches by producing more goods or buying power. The quicker capital
and labor get together and make goods, labor giving full equivalency and capital the
highest possible wages, the quicker Avill be the end of the condition which makes for
high prices and industrial unrest.”
L a b o r U n r e s t . The debate i n the House o f Lords, February and March, 1919. London,
W . H . Smith & Son, 1919. 84 p p . *
It is stated that the object of the reprinting of these debates and speeches in a con­
densed form is to remove, or at least to modify, the distrust both of the future and of
the men given the task of shaping that future which is said to exist among the people.
The foreword states that ‘ ‘never before, perhaps, in British industrial history have the
relations betAveen employers and employed assumed a character more challenging
to national progress and social stability.”

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L abor Y ear B ook , 1919.

Iss u e d u n d er the auspices o f the P a rlia m e n ta ry C o m m ittee o f
the Trades U n io n Congress, the E xe c u tiv e C om m ittee o f the L a b o r P a r ty , the L abor
Research D e p a rtm e n t, 33, E ccleston S q u a re , NIL 1., L o n d o n . 463 p p . P rices:
C loth, 5s. n et; p a p er, 3s. 6d. n e t; postage, 6d.

This edition of the Yearbook deals mainly with war and post-war problems relating
to labor. During the past year the attitude of labor has become more clearly defined,
both toward the sort of World peace that is wanted, and toward the numerous prob­
lems that will have to be faced immediately on the conclusion of peace, so that the
Yearbook is now able to give abetter idea of the exact position of labor as compared
with the other parties and interests in the nation than has been possible earlier. Re­
garding matters concerned with labor, but not connected with the issues of war or
reconstruction, an introductory note refers readers to the 1916 edition of the Yearbook,
which is practically unchanged, owing to the practical cessation of statistics. The
data in this book are presented under the following nine general heads: The labor
movement; Finance and pensions; Munitions; Military service and the defense of the
realm; The state in industry; After the war; Education; Statistics; and Directories.
L assalle , C ommandant . D r o its des m o b ilises et de leurs fa m ille s .

M a n u e l p ra tiq u e
re n ferm a n t les d isp o sitio n s m ilita ire s & civiles q u i les concernent p e n d a n t la m o b ili­
s a tio n et p o u r V après-guerre. P a ris, Im p r im e r ie -L ib ra irie M ilita ire U niverselle,
L . F o u rn ie r , 1919. 256 p p .

A manual containing military and civil regulations concerning the rights of mobilized
men and their families during the period of mobilization and during the period follow­
ing the war.
M cMu r t r ie , D ouglas C. E xp erien ce i n the reeducation o f disabled soldiers i n G reat
B r ita in .

[N ew Y o rk, 1919.}

40 p p .

——

H o m e teaching f o r s h u t-in c rip p le d children. N e w Y o rk, A . R . E ll i o tt P u b lis h in g
Co., 1919. 7 p p . R e p r in te d f r o m the N e w Y o r k M edical J o u r n a l f o r A p r i l 1 9 ,1 9 1 9 .

-----

L ’œ u vre d ’u n e école A m é rica in e de rééducation des m u tilé s. P a ris, Im p r im e r ie
C h a ir, 1919. 14 p p . Illu s tr a te d . E x tr a it de la R e v u e In tera lliée p o u r l ’étude des
q u e stio n s in téressa n t les m u tilé s de la guerre ( J a n v ie r , 1919).

An account of the founding and work of the Red Cross Institute for Crippled and
Disabled Men in New York City, reprinted from the Interallied Review for the study
of questions relating to wounded soldiers, January, 1919.
—-— The rela tio n o f e a rn in g p ow er to aw ard o f co m p en sa tio n f o r d isa b ility in cu rred i n
m ilita r y or n a v a l service. A m e m o r a n d u m o n the p e n sio n s practice o f other n a tio n s .
P re p a re d a t the request o f the B u r e a u o f W ar R is k In su r a n c e by the R e d Cross I n s titu te
f o r C rip p led a n d D isa b le d M en. N e w Y o r k [R ed Cross I n s titu te f o r C rip p led a n d
D isa b led M en}, 1919. 14 p p .
*

Manchester Statistical , S ociety .
chester (E n g la n d ) [1918}.

T ra n sa ctio n s, session 1917-18, a n d in d ex.

M an­

170 p p .

Papers of interest to labor are substituted labor of women, 1914-1917, by Mrs. Annot
Robinson, and Capital: Its rights and responsibilities, by Sir Hugh Bell.
M odern M ed ic in e .

The a p p lic a tio n o f m edicine a n d a p p lie d sciences to in d u s tr ia l
efficiency a n d n a tio n a l health.
V ol. 1, N o . 1. Chicago, The M odern H o s p ita l P u b ­
lish in g Co. (In c .), M ay, 1919. 152 p p .

Significant of the increasing general interest in the subject of industrial medicine and
hygiene is the appearance of the first number of this journal which is sufficiently popu­
lar in its methods to appeal to a larger class of readers than would be reached by a purely
technical publication. An introductory statement regarding its purpose and scope
says:
The new age in medicine—what is it? The answer is that we must think of medicine
to-day as including everything that will make people fit for service. To be fit for
service is to be fit to do our individual part ; to be fit as a factor physically, mentally,
and spiritually in a great nation’s progress. It means to be fit for life. In all the history,
of the world no such tremendous responsibility was ever before put upon a profession.
Are the doctors prepared? Do they hear the call? Are they ready for action?

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Articles of special interest are concerned with industrial clinics in women’s garment
trades; Prevention of tuberculosis in industry; Better housing—what it asks of the
physician; and The physician’s obligation to the public health. A department
devoted to Medicine and industry is edited by Otto P. Geier, who says: “ The profes­
sion must realize that the mobilization of man power for industrial and commercial life
actually lies with itself; that we have had relatively too much science and research
with too little organized application of our science to the great mass of the people upon
whose health and productivity finally depends the wealth of the Nation. * * * For­
tunately for industry, more fortunately for the industrial worker, happily for society
and the profession, industrial medicine has taken a strong grip on the imaginations of
all socially minded men. Social workers, economists, and constructive thinking minds
see in this new specialty the answer to some vexing medico-social problems. It is
because Modern Medicine promises to be an open forum for the frank discussion of the
economic and social values in medicine that it deserves the encouragement of all
forward-looking physicians.”
My e r s , W illiam Starr .
versity P ress, 1919.

S o c ia lism a n d A m e ric a n ideals.
89 p p .

P rin c e to n , P rin c e to n U n i­

A collection of essays which appeared in the form of articles contributed to the New
York Journal of Commerce and Commercial Bulletin.
N ational A ssociation

op C orporation S chools .
C om m ittee o n C o n tin u a tio n
S ch o o ls. R e p o r t, seventh a n n u a l co n ve n tio n , Chicago, I I I ., J u n e 8, 4, 5, 6, 1919.
Chicago, 1919. 20 p p .

The report refers to various decisions by the Federal Board for Vocational Educa­
tion, defining the provisions of the Smith-Hughes law and their practical application,
under which corporation schools, may participate in the distribution of the Federal
appropriations through the establishment of part-time schools.
The report then considers in detail the definition of part-time schools and gives the
following three types of schools or classes which come under the definition of “ part
tim e” :
1. Schools or classes for those who have entered employment giving instruction in
the trade or industrial pursuit in which they are employed. (Trade extension parttime schools or classes.) 2. Schools or classes for those who have entered employment
and who wish to fit themselves for a trade or industrial pursuit other than that in
which they are employed. (Trade preparatory part-time schools or classes.) 3.
Schools or classes giving subjects to enlarge civic and vocational intelligence, i. e., to
extend general education or to help in the choice of a vocation. (General continuation
part-time schools or classes.)
In an appendix a letter of the chairman, thanking the Federal Board for Vocational
Education for a definition of part-time schools, is quoted at length, the writer laying
emphasis upon the necessity for “ civic-intelligence training.” He says:
In all of our vocational and technical educational endeavors this prescribed formula
for civie-intelligence training has been more ornamental than useful and so narrow
that little permanent good has been effected as far as guidance in solving the problems
of the student’s daily life is concerned after leaving school. In my daily work and
contact for nearly a generation with high school and college graduates I have found
this insufficiency of education due to the absence of the one or the other of the three
principal coordinates of efficient vocational education: Lack of technical knowdedge,
arrested development of native intelligence, subnormal ethical and civic conscious­
ness. During my long life I have always found the honest and skillful product of
industry the resultant of the three coordinate factors and guiding principles: Mechani­
cal skill, versatile intelligence, civic consciousness. In other words, the purely ego­
tistic desires of the industrial worker must originate from and have as their basis some
ethical conceptions of life and of moral and civic responsibility if our standard of
civilization and of orderly government is to be maintained.
N ational Child L abor C ommittee .
N o . 1.

The A m e ric a n C hild, M ay, 1919.
105 E a s t 2 2 d S treet, N e w Y o r k . 72 p p .

V o lu m e 1,

This quarterly publication formerly appeared as The Child Labor Bulletin. Begin­
ning with the May, 1919, number the name has been changed to The American Child.

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[299]

300

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

This name was chosen because it “ seemed best to convey the present purpose of the
editors—to give its readers a journal of all-round information and discussion on every
subject concerning the welfare of American children of school age.” Among the
subjects treated in this number, of special interest in connection with labor problems,
are the relation of social insurance to child welfare, health supervision of working
children, legislative prohibitions of child labor, and why, when, and how children
leave school.
N ational I ndu stria l Co n ference B o a r d .
J u ly , 1914, to M arch , 1919.
search rep o rt N o . 17.

W a r-tim e changes i n the cost o f l iv in g ,
B o sto n , 15 B ea co n S tre et, M ay, 1919. 31 p p . R e ­

This is the third report issued by the National Industrial Conference Board on war­
time changes in the cost of living, the other two being Research reports Nos. 9 and 14,
which were noted, respectively, in the M onthly L abor R ev iew for November, 1918
(pp. 328, 329), and May, 1919 (pp. 318, 319). This report shows the changes in March,
1919, as compared with July, 1914. The table following gives for each budget item
the increase in the cost of living during the period noted and the increase in cost as
related to the total budget. For purposes of comparison similar figures from the two
preceding reports are included.
P E R CENT OF INCREASE IN THE COST OF L IV IN G , JU LY , 1914, TO MARCH, 1919, AS
R E PO R T ED BY NATIONAL IN D U STR IA L CONFERENCE BOARD.

Relative
importance
in family
budget.

Item.

Food......................................
Shelter.........................
Clothing.......................
Fuel and light...................
Sundries..................................
Total............................

43.1
17.7
13.2
5.6
20.4

Per cent of increase in cost
over 1914 a t—
June,
1918.

Novem­
ber, 1918.

62
15
77
45
■50

100.0

March,
1919.

83

75

93
55
55

81
57
55

20

22

Per cent of increase over 1914,
as related to total budget, at—
June,
1918.

168 N .

March,
1919.

26.7
2.7

35. 8
3.5
12.3
3.1

32. 3
3. 9
10. 7
3 2

52.3

65.9

61.3

10.2
2.5
10.2

11.2

Safe practices, N o . 23. Gas and electric welding.
Michigan Avenue [1919]. 16 pp. Illustrated. Price, 10 cents.

N ational S afety Council .

cago,

Novem­
ber, 1918.

11.2

Chi­

O dencrantz , L o uise C.
Y o rk C ity.

I ta li a n vjom en i n in d u s tr y . A stu d y o f c o n d itio n s i n N ew
R u s s e ll S a g e F o u n d a tio n , N ew Y o rk, 1919. 345 p p .

A study of 1,095 wage-earning Italian women in New York, carried on from Decem­
ber, 1911 to June, 1913, including also a survey of the living conditions of 544 families,
and a study of the weekly budgets of 147 women not living at home. The work
done, the wages and earnings of the women selected for study, the conditions under
which they worked and lived, their opportunities for training, and their attitude
toward the work of women are dealt with in considerable detail.
Ox o n .

R eco n stru cto rs a n d reco n stru ctio n . A p lea f o r c o m m o n sense.
B la c kw ell, 1919. 63 p p . P rice, I s . n et.

O xford , B . I I .

The first part of this pamphlet is devoted largely to a discussion of theories and
writers on industrial and social subjects, and the second part considers the scope
of an industrial Parliament, peace by negotiation, and other plans concerned with
industrial reconstruction.


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[300]

301

M O N TH LY LABOR REVIEW.

R e d Cross I nstitute for Crippled a n d D isa bled M e n . P u b lic a tio n s. Series II,
N o . 7. O p p o r tu n itie s f o r hand ica p p ed m e n i n the brush In d u stry , by Charles I f .
P a u li. P rep a red by the bureau o f vo ca tio n a l guidance, d iv is io n o f ed u cation, H arva rd
U n iv ersity , i n coo p eration w ith the R e d Cross I n s titu te f o r C rip p led a n d D isa b led
M en. N e w Y o r k , S l l F o u r th A v e n u e , M ay 1, 1919. 56 p p .
R e i d , L eonard J. The great a lternative: S a n e r p o litics or r e v o lu tio n .
L o n g m a n s , G reen a n d C o., 1918. 186 p p .

London,

The author has endeavored in this book to write “ as a man-in-the-street for menin-the-street, and not as an expert for experts, to indicate broad lines of solution for
certain great problems in the spirit of the New Liberalism—that is of practical and
far-seeing, if sweeping, reform,” and in so doing, “ never to lose sight of the bedrock
facts of the general situation.” What he means by “ new liberalism” is explained
to be a balancing force of moderate, but sturdily progressive, opinion. To call
attention to the necessity for building up this balancing force is, he says, the first
object of his book, his belief being that so far the controversy on after-war reconstruc­
tion has been practically the monopoly of specialized experts, the result being either
that the discussion is too often confined to economic or philosophic theory, without
real appreciation of human and mundane facts of daily life; or that problems which
are essentially interdependent are dealt with as if they were in water-tight com­
partments. “ We are,” he says, “ taught to study one tree from its roots to its top
branches and then to flit on to another, thereby failing all the time to see the wood
as a whole. My object in these pages is to glance at a few of the biggest trees, without
ever losing sight of the view of the wood as a whole.” Chapters deal with A new
liberalism or—chaos; The premises of ordered progress; Toward the better distribu­
tion of wealth; Individual liberty and the relations of the State to industry; Indus­
trial self-government; Profit sharing and increasing production; Cleaner politics and
independent press; Land and housing; Trade policy; Education and health; Lux E
Tenebris. An appendix treats of the Whitley report.
R e is s , R ichard .

The H o m e I W a n t.

L o n d o n , H odder a n d S to u g h to n , x i, 175 p p .

A summary of information concerning the housing question, legislation, architecture
and town planning, and social problems of housing.
S afety I nstitute

of A m erica . S a fe ty .
B u lle tin , M ay, 1919.
W est T w e n ty -fo u rth S tre e t, 1919. p p . 8 7 -1 1 2 . Illu s tr a te d .

N ew

Y o r k , 14-18

Articles of special interest in this bulletin are entitled “ A warning to locomotive
crane operators,?3 by Chester C. Rausch, and “ Suitable work garments for women
in industry,” by Adelaide Wood Guthrie.
S toddard , W illiam L eavitt . The shop committee. A handbook for employer and
employee. New York, The Macmillan Co., 1919. 105 pp.
The writer, who has had much experience in this particular field as an adminis­
trator for the National War Labor Board, reviews briefly the British experience,
dealing particularly with the Whitley report, and also the Colorado plan which is
the earliest notable example in this country of the development of a shop committee
system. The National War Labor Board plan is given in detail together with accounts
of the way in which it has worked out in various plants which have instituted it under
the supervision of members of the board. A copy of the report on works committees,
supplementary to the Whitley report, and a partial list of plants in this country in
which shop committees have been organized are appended.
U n w in , R aymond E d .

T he n a tio n ’s n ew houses; p ictu res a n d p la n s . F orew ord by
the p resid en t o f the L o c a l G overn m en t B oard. L o n d o n , “ T he D a ily N e w s ,” [1919].
31 p p . Illu s tr a te d . P rice, 6 d ., n et.

The plans in this booklet are taken from the report of the committee to consider
questions of building construction for workingmen’s houses (Cd. 9191).
122778°—19-----20


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[301]

302

M O N T H L Y LABOB EEVIEW .

W h itaker ’s A lmanack , 1919.
1919.

F ifty -fir s t a n n u a l issu e.
P rice, 6s. net.

1005 p p .

L o n d o n , 12, Warwick. L a n e,

Contains sections on Labor under war conditions, Women’s work in the war, and
After-war problems—the task of reconstruction, and other data relating to labor.
W in g , G eorge Cla ry .

edition] .

15

pp.

Applied profit sharing.

1919.

392


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

pp.

1919.

[Second

A new municipal program. New York, D. Appleton
National municipal league series.

W oodruff , Clinton R o g ers .

and Co.,

Cleveland, Ohio,

[302]

SER IES OF BULLETINS PUBLISH ED BY THE BU R EA U OF LABOR STATISTICS.
[T h e p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e a n n u a l a n d s p e c i a l r e p o r t s a n d o f t h e b i m o n t h l y b u l l e t i n w a s
d i s c o n t i n u e d in J u l y , 1912, a n d s i n c e t h a t t i m e a b u l l e t i n h a s b e e n p u b l i s h e d a t ir r e g u la r
in t e r v a l s . E a c h n u m b e r c o n t a i n s m a t t e r d e v o t e d t o o n e o f a s e r ie s o f g e n e r a l s u b j e c t s .
T h e s e b u l l e t i n s a r e n u m b e r e d c o n s e c u t i v e l y b e g i n n in g w i t h N o . 101, a n d u p t o N o . 236 t h e y
a ls o c a r r y c o n s e c u t i v e n u m b e r s u n d e r e a c h s e r ie s . B e g i n n in g w i t h N o . 237 t h e s e r ia l n u m ­
b e r in g h a s b e e n d i s c o n t i n u e d . A l i s t o f t h e s e r ie s is g iv e n b e lo w . U n d e r e a c h is g r o u p e d
a ll t h e b u l l e t i n s w h ic h c o n t a i n m a t e r i a l r e l a t i n g t o t h e s u b j e c t m a t t e r o f t h a t s e r ie s . A l i s t
o f t h e r e p o r t s a n d b u l l e t i n s o f t h e b u r e a u i s s u e d p r i o r t o J u ly 1, 1912, w i l l b e f u r n i s h e d o n
a p p l i c a t i o n .]

Wholesale Prices.

Bui. 114. Wholesale prices, 1890 to 1912.
Bui. 149. Wholesale prices, 1890 to 1913.
Bui. 173. Index numbers of wholesale prices in the United States and foreign
countries.
Bui. 181. Wholesale prices, 1890 to 1914.
Bui. 200. Wholesale prices, 1890 to 1915.
Bui. 226. Wholesale prices, 1890 to 1916.
Retail Prices and Cost of Living.

Bui. 105. Retail prices, 1890 to 1911: Part I.
Retail prices, 1890 to 1911: Part II— General tables.
Bui. 106. Retail prices, 1890 to June, 1912 : Part 1.
Retail prices, 1890 to June, 1912: Part II— General tables.
Bui. 108. Retail prices, 1890 to August. 1912.
Bui. 110. Retail prices, 1890 to October, 1912.
Bui. 113. Retail prices, 1890 to December, 1912.
Bui. 115. Retail prices, 1890 to February, 1913.
Bui. 121. Sugar prices, from refiner to consumer.
Bui. 125. Retail prices, 1890 to April, 1913.
But. 130. WTheat and flour prices, from farmer to consumer.
Bui. 132. Retail prices, 1890 to June, 1913.
Bui. 136. Retail prices, 1890 to August, 1913.
Bui. 138. Retail prices, 1890 to October, 1913.
Bui. 140. Retail prices, 1890 to December, 1913.
Bui. 156. Retail prices, 1907 to December, 1914.
Bui. 164. Butter prices, from producer to consumer.
Bui. 170. Foreign food prices as affected by the war.
Bui. 184. Retail prices, 1907 to June, 1915.
Bui. 197 Retail prices, 1907 to December, 1915.
Bui. 228. Retail prices, 1907 to December, 1916.
Wages and Hours of Labor.

Bui. 116. Hours, earnings, and duration of employment of wage-earning women in
selected industries in the District of Columbia.
Bui. 118. Ten-hour maximum working-day for women and young persons.
Bui. 119. Working hours of women in the pea canneries of Wisconsin.
Bui. 128. Wages and hours of labor in the cotton, woolen, and silk industries, 1890
to 1912.
Bui. 129. Wages and hours of labor in the lumber, millwork, and furniture indus­
tries, 1890 to 1912.
Bui. 131. Union scale of wages and hours of labor, 1907 to 1912.
Bui. 134. Wages and hours of labor in the boot and shoe and hosiery and knit goods
industries, 1890 to 1912.
Bui. 135. Wages and hours of labor in the cigar and clothing industries, 1911 and
1912.
Bui. 137. Wages and hours of labor in the building and repairing of steam railroad
cars, 1890 to 1912.
Bui. 143, Union scale of wages and hours of labor, May 15, 1913.
Bui. 146. Wages and regularity of employment in the dress and waist industry of
New York City.
Bui. 147. Wages and regularity of employment in the cloak, suit, and skirt industry,
Bui. 150. Wages and hours of labor in the cotton, woolen, and silk industries, 1907
to 1913.


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[I]

Wages and Hours of Labor—Concluded.

Bul. 151. Wages and hours of labor In the iron and steel industry in the United
States, 1907 to 1912.
B u l . 153. Wages and hours of labor in the lumber, millwork, and furniture indus­
tries, 1907 to 1913.
B u l . 1 5 4 . Wages and hours of labor in the boot and shoe and hosiery and under­
wear industries, 1907 to 1913.
B u l . 160. Hours, earnings, and conditions of labor of women in Indiana mercantile
establishments and garment factories.
B u l . 161. Wages and hours of labor in the clothing and cigar industries, 1911 to
1913.
Bul. 163. Wages and hours of labor in the building and repairing of steam railroad
cars, 1907 to 1913.
Bul. 168. Wages and hours of labor in the iron and steel industry in the United
States, 1907 to 1913.
Bul. 171.
Unionscale
of wages and hours of labor, May 1, 1914.
Bul. 177. Wagesandhours of labor in the hosiery and underwear industry, 1907
to 1914.
Bul. 178. Wagesandhours of labor in the boot and shoe industry, 1907 to 1914.
Bul. 187. Wagesandhours of labor in the men’s clothing industry, 1911 to 1914.
Bul. 190. Wagesandhours of labor in the cotton, woolen, and silk industries, 1907
to 1914.
Bul. 194. Union scale of wages and hours of labor, May 1, 1915.
Bul. 204. Street railway employment in the United States.
Bul. 214.
Unionscale
of wages and hours of
labor, May 15,
1916.
Bul. 218. Wagesandhours of labor in the iron and steel industry, 1907 to 1915.
Bul. 225. Wagesandhours of labor in the lumber, millwork, and furniture indus­
tries, 1915.
Bul. 232. Wagesandhours of labor in the boot and shoe industry, 1907 to 1916.
Bul. 238. Wagesandhours of labor in woolen and worsted goods manufacturing,
1916.
Bul. 239. Wages and hours of labor in cotton goods manufacturing and finishing,
1916.
Bul. 245. Union scale of wages and hours of labor, May 15, 1917.
Bul. 252. Wages and hours of labor in the slaughtering and meat-packing industry.
[In press.]
Bul. 259. Union scale of wages and hours of labor, May 15, 1918. [In press.]
Bul. 260. Wages and hours of labor in the boot and shoe industry, 1907 to 1918.
[In press.]
Bul. 261. Wages and hours of labor in woolen and worsted goods manufacturing, 1918.
[In press.]
Bul. 262. Wages and hours of labor in cotton goods manufacturing and finishing,
1918. [In press.]
Bul. 265. Industrial survey in selected industries in the United States^ 1919. Pre­
liminary report. [In, press.]
Employment and Unemployment.

Bul. 109. Statistics of unemployment and the work of employment offices in the
United States.
Bul. 172. Unemployment in New York City, N. Y.
Bul. 182. Unemployment among women in department and other retail stores of
Boston, Mass.
Bul. 183. Regularity of employment in the women’s ready-to-wear garment industries.
Bul. 192. Proceedings of the American Association of Public Employment Offices.
Bul. 195. Unemployment in the United States.
Bul. 196. Proceedings of the Employment Managers’ Conference held at Minneapolis,
January, 1916.
Bul. 202. Proceedings of the conference of the Employment Managers’ Association of
Boston, Mass., held May 10, 1916.
Bul. 206. The British system of labor exchanges.
Bul. 220. Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Meeting of the American Association of
Public Employment Offices, Buffalo, N. Y., July 20 and 21, 1916.
Bul. 223. Employment of women and juveniles in Great Britain during the war.
Bul. 227. Proceedings of the Employment Managers’ Conference, Philadelphia, Pa.,
April 2 and 3, 1917.
Bul. 235. Employment system of the Lake Carriers’ Association.
Bul. 241. Public employment offices in the United States.
Bul. 247. Proceedings of Employment Managers’ Conference, Rochester, N. Y., May
9-11, 1918.


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[II]

Women in Industry.

Bui. 116. Hours, earnings, and duration of employment of wage-earning women in
selected industries in the District or Columbia.
Bui. 117. Prohibition of night work of young persons.
Bui. 118. Ten-hour maximum working-day for women and young persons.
Bui. 119. Working hours of women in the pea canneries of Wisconsin.
Bui. 122. Employment of women in power laundries in Milwaukee.
Bui. 160. Hours, earnings, and conditions of labor of women in Indiana mercantile
establishments and garment factories.
Bui. 167. Minimum-wage legislation in the United States and foreign countries.
Bui. 175. Summary of the report on condition of woman and child wage earners in
the United States.
Bui. 176. Effect of minimum-wage determinations in Oregon.
Bui. 180. The boot and shoe industry in Massachusetts as a vocation for women.
Bui. 182. Unemployment among women in department and other retail stores of
Boston, Mass.
Bui. 193. Dressmaking as a trade for women in Massachusetts.
Bui. 215. Industrial experience of trade-school girls in Massachusetts.
Bui. 223. Employment of women and juveniles in Great Britain during the war.
Bui. 253. Women in the lead industry.
Workmen’s Insurance and Compensation (including laws relating thereto).

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

101. Care of tuberculous wage earners in Germany.
102. British National Insurance Act, 1911.
103. Sickness and accident insurance law of Switzerland.
107. Law relating to insurance of salaried employees in Germany.
126. Workmen’s compensation laws of
the United
States and foreigncountri
155. Compensation for accidents to employees ofthe United States.
185. Compensation legislation of 1914
and 1915.
203. Workmen’s compensation laws of
the United
States and foreigncountri
210. Proceedings of the Third Annual
Meeting of
the International Associa
of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions.
212. Proceedings of the conference on social insurance called by the Inter­
national Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions.
217. Effect of workmen’s compensation laws in diminishing the necessity of
industrial employment of women and children.
240. Comparison of workmen’s compensation laws of the United States.
243. Workmen’s compensation legislation in the United States and foreign
countries.
248. Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Meeting of the International Association
of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions.
264. Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the International Association
of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions. [In press.]

Industrial Accidents and Hygiene.

Bui. 104. Lead poisoning in potteries, tile works, and porcelain enameled sanitary
ware factories.
Bui. 120. Hygiene of the painters’ trade.
Bui. 127. Dangers to workers from dusts and fumes, and methods of protection.
Bui. 141. Lead poisoning in the smelting and refining of lead.
Bui. 157. Industrial accident statistics.
Bui. 165. Lead poisoning in the manufacture of storage batteries.
Bui. 179. Industrial poisons used in the rubber industry.
Bui. 188. Report of British departmental committee on danger in the use of lead in
the painting of buildings.
Bui. 201. Report of committee on statistics and compensation insurance cost of the
International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commis­
sions. [Limited edition.]
Bui. 205. Anthrax as an occupational disease.
Bui. 207. Causes of death by occupation.
Bui. 209. Hygiene of the printing trades.
Bui. 216. Accidents and accident prevention in machine building.
Bui. 219. Industrial poisons used or produced in the manufacture of explosives.
Bui. 221. Hours, fatigue, and health in British munition factories.
Bui. 230. Industrial efficiency and fatigue in British munition factories.
Bui. 231. Mortality from respiratory diseases in dusty trades.
Bui. 234. Safety movement in the iron and steel industry, 1907 to 1917.
Bui. 236. Effect of the air hammer on the hands of stonecutters.
Bui. 251. Preventable death in the cotton manufacturing industry. [In press.]
Bui. 256. Accidents and accident prevention in machine building. (Revised.) [In
press.]


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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

[ in ]

Conciliation and Arbitration (including strikes and lockouts).

Bui. 124. Conciliation and arbitration in the building trades of Greater New York.
Bui. 133 Report of the industrial council of the British Board of Trade on its in­
quiry into industrial agreements.
Bui. 139. Michigan copper district strike.
Bui. 144. Industrial court of the cloak, suit, and skirt industry of New York City.
Bui. 145. Conciliation, arbitration, and sanitation in the dress and waist industry of
New York City.
Bui. 191. Collective bargaining in the anthracite coal industry.
Bui. 198. Collective agreements in the men’s clothing industry.
Bui. 233. Operation of the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act of Canada.
Labor Laws of the United States (including decisions of courts relating to labor).

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

111.
112.
148.
152.
166.
169.
186.
189.
211.
213.
224.
229.
244.
246.
257.
258.

Labor legislation of 1912.
Decisions of courts and opinions affecting labor, 1912.
Labor laws of the United States, with decisions of courts relating thereto.
Decisions of courts and opinions affecting labor, 1913.
Labor legislation of 1914.
Decisions of courts affecting labor, 1914.
Labor legislation of 1915.
Decisions of courts affecting labor, 1915.
Labor laws and their administration in the Pacific States.
Labor legislation of 1916.
Decisions of courts affecting labor, 1916.
Wage-payment legislation in the United States.
Labor legislation of 1917.
Decisions of courts affecting labor, 1917.
Labor legislation of 1918. [In press.]
Decisions of courts and opinions affecting labor, 1918. [In press.]

Foreign Labor Laws.

Bui. 142. Administration of labor laws and factory inspection in certain European
countries.
Vocational Education.

Bui. 145.
New York City.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

147.
159.
162.
199.

Labor as A ffo

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

170.
219.
221.
222.
223.
230.
237. Industrial unrest in Great Britain.
249. Industrial health and efficiency. Final report of British Health of Muni­
tion Workers Committee..
Bui. 255. Joint standing industrial councils in Great Britain. [In press.]

Miscellaneous !Series.

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

117.
118.
123.
158.

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

159.
167.
170.
174.

Bui.
Bui.
Bui.
Bui.

208.
222.
242.
250.

Bui. 254.
Bui. 263.

Prohibition of night work of young persons.
Ten-hour maximum working day for women and young persons.
Employers’ welfare work.
Government aid to home owning and housing of working people in foreign
countries.
Short-unit courses for wage earners, and a factory school experiment.
Minimum-wage legislation in the United States and foreign countries.
Foreign food prices as affected by the war.
Subject index of the publications of the United States Bureau of Labor
Statistics up to May 1, 1915.
Profit sharing in the United States.
Welfare work in British munition factories.
Food situation in Central Europe, 1917.
Welfare work for employees in industrial establishments in the United
States.
International labor legislation and the society of nations. [In press.]
Housing by employers in. the United States. [In press.]


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